The Allegorical Jesus | Dr. Marcus D. Cosby

Happy Sunday, church family. I'm Happy Sunday, church family. I'm Philandrea Wilson. And I'm Amber Branch. Philandrea Wilson. And I'm Amber Branch. Philandrea Wilson. And I'm Amber Branch. And together we bring you this week's And together we bring you this week's And together we bring you this week's edition of Avenue News. >> [music] >> [music] >> Join us this week for back to school >> Join us this week for back to school >> Join us this week for back to school revival, a different world as we prepare revival, a different world as we prepare revival, a different world as we prepare students, educators, and families of all students, educators, and families of all students, educators, and families of all ages for a successful school year. The ages for a successful school year. The ages for a successful school year. The experience begins Thursday, August 6th experience begins Thursday, August 6th experience begins Thursday, August 6th with our scholarship fair from 3 to 6:00 with our scholarship fair from 3 to 6:00 with our scholarship fair from 3 to 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. Worship begins at p.m. in the gymnasium. Worship begins at p.m. in the gymnasium. Worship begins at 7 o'clock p.m. in the cathedral. and we 7 o'clock p.m. in the cathedral. and we 7 o'clock p.m. in the cathedral. and we are excited to welcome Pastor Jillian are excited to welcome Pastor Jillian are excited to welcome Pastor Jillian Lee Twigs, youth pastor of Fellowship Lee Twigs, youth pastor of Fellowship Lee Twigs, youth pastor of Fellowship Chicago as our guest preacher. Then Chicago as our guest preacher. Then Chicago as our guest preacher. Then Friday, August 7th, join us for night Friday, August 7th, join us for night Friday, August 7th, join us for night two of revival at 7:00 p.m. in the two of revival at 7:00 p.m. in the two of revival at 7:00 p.m. in the cathedral as we hear from our minister cathedral as we hear from our minister cathedral as we hear from our minister to youth and emerging adults, Reverend to youth and emerging adults, Reverend to youth and emerging adults, Reverend Jaylen Vernon. We'll shut it down with a Jaylen Vernon. We'll shut it down with a Jaylen Vernon. We'll shut it down with a food truck festival in the parking lot. food truck festival in the parking lot. food truck festival in the parking lot. So meet us August 6th through the 7th So meet us August 6th through the 7th So meet us August 6th through the 7th for an exciting time of worship and for an exciting time of worship and for an exciting time of worship and fellowship.

fellowship. fellowship. It's young adult week. It's young adult week. It's young adult week. >> Join us August 11th through the 16th. >> Join us August 11th through the 16th. >> Join us August 11th through the 16th. This year's theme is rooted and ready. This year's theme is rooted and ready. This year's theme is rooted and ready. >> What if taking care of your mental >> What if taking care of your mental >> What if taking care of your mental health felt more like a celebration than health felt more like a celebration than health felt more like a celebration than a lecture? a lecture? a lecture? >> Tell me more. >> Tell me more. >> Tell me more. >> The reset room is an interactive event >> The reset room is an interactive event >> The reset room is an interactive event where fun meets wellness. where fun meets wellness. where fun meets wellness. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Your mind matters, your wellness >> Your mind matters, your wellness >> Your mind matters, your wellness matters, and your journey can be fun. matters, and your journey can be fun. matters, and your journey can be fun. Join us Tuesday, August the 11th at the Join us Tuesday, August the 11th at the Join us Tuesday, August the 11th at the Reset [music] Room, where each activity Reset [music] Room, where each activity Reset [music] Room, where each activity is a step towards a healthier, happier is a step towards a healthier, happier is a step towards a healthier, happier you. you. you. >> I'll be there. >> I'll be there. >> I'll be there. >> Waiting isn't easy and can sometimes >> Waiting isn't easy and can sometimes >> Waiting isn't easy and can sometimes [music] feel overwhelming. Join us [music] feel overwhelming. Join us [music] feel overwhelming. Join us Wednesday, August 12th for Rooted and Wednesday, August 12th for Rooted and Wednesday, August 12th for Rooted and Unbothered. An interactive night where Unbothered. An interactive night where Unbothered. An interactive night where we will discover how God strengthens us we will discover how God strengthens us we will discover how God strengthens us and sustains us through the waiting and sustains us through the waiting and sustains us through the waiting seasons [music] through scenarios, seasons [music] through scenarios, seasons [music] through scenarios, meaningful conversations, and breakout meaningful conversations, and breakout meaningful conversations, and breakout rooms. We can't wait to see you there. rooms. We can't wait to see you there. rooms. We can't wait to see you there. We are inviting you to the sounds of the We are inviting you to the sounds of the We are inviting you to the sounds of the sanctuary. What is that? sanctuary. What is that? sanctuary. What is that? >> Listen, we're going to have this huge >> Listen, we're going to have this huge >> Listen, we're going to have this huge choir rehearsal where we'll sing music choir rehearsal where we'll sing music choir rehearsal where we'll sing music of every different [music] style. of every different [music] style. of every different [music] style. Whether that's quartet, praise and Whether that's quartet, praise and Whether that's quartet, praise and worship, my favorite, choir music.

worship, my favorite, choir music. worship, my favorite, choir music. >> We're calling all singers, musicians, >> We're calling all singers, musicians, >> We're calling all singers, musicians, and choir directors or anyone who wants and choir directors or anyone who wants and choir directors or anyone who wants to worship the Lord. [music] Come and to worship the Lord. [music] Come and to worship the Lord. [music] Come and sing with us and pull up with your sing with us and pull up with your sing with us and pull up with your tambourines ready to jam out. tambourines ready to jam out. tambourines ready to jam out. >> Also, who doesn't like giveaways? I know >> Also, who doesn't like giveaways? I know >> Also, who doesn't like giveaways? I know I do. And remember, if it's free, give I do. And remember, if it's free, give I do. And remember, if it's free, give me three. [music] This will take place me three. [music] This will take place me three. [music] This will take place Thursday, August 13th at 700 p.m. and Thursday, August 13th at 700 p.m. and Thursday, August 13th at 700 p.m. and all ages are invited. [music] Come out all ages are invited. [music] Come out all ages are invited. [music] Come out and have a great time with us. Hope to and have a great time with us. Hope to and have a great time with us. Hope to see you there. see you there. see you there. >> Are you tired of coming to service and >> Are you tired of coming to service and >> Are you tired of coming to service and having no one available that you know to having no one available that you know to having no one available that you know to save you [music] a seat? save you [music] a seat? save you [music] a seat? I'm Ashley Reed. Join us Friday, August I'm Ashley Reed. Join us Friday, August I'm Ashley Reed. Join us Friday, August 14th [music] at 6:30 p.m. here in the 14th [music] at 6:30 p.m. here in the 14th [music] at 6:30 p.m. here in the atrium to grow your community at the atrium to grow your community at the atrium to grow your community at the Rooted and Growing Flourishing in Every Rooted and Growing Flourishing in Every Rooted and Growing Flourishing in Every Season networking event. [music] We have Season networking event. [music] We have Season networking event. [music] We have people here at Wheeler that are dying to people here at Wheeler that are dying to people here at Wheeler that are dying to meet you. Whether you're transitioning meet you. Whether you're transitioning meet you. Whether you're transitioning to a new [music] career, grieving the to a new [music] career, grieving the to a new [music] career, grieving the loss of a loved one, or just looking to loss of a loved one, or just looking to loss of a loved one, or just looking to grow your community here at Wheeler, grow your community here at Wheeler, grow your community here at Wheeler, there's someone here for you. [music] there's someone here for you. [music] there's someone here for you. [music] So, join us Friday. We look forward to So, join us Friday. We look forward to So, join us Friday. We look forward to seeing you because even you can flourish seeing you because even you can flourish seeing you because even you can flourish in every season. And finally, you've in every season. And finally, you've in every season. And finally, you've made it to Saturday. [music] You've been made it to Saturday. [music] You've been made it to Saturday. [music] You've been rooted all week and now it's time to get rooted all week and now it's time to get rooted all week and now it's time to get ready. So, this year we taking it ready. So, this year we taking it ready. So, this year we taking it outside. [music] outside. [music] outside. [music] Not that kind of outside though, y'all.

Not that kind of outside though, y'all. Not that kind of outside though, y'all. We in church. But on a serious note, We in church. But on a serious note, We in church. But on a serious note, join us on Saturday, [music] August 15th join us on Saturday, [music] August 15th join us on Saturday, [music] August 15th at Adare Park for the grand finale of at Adare Park for the grand finale of at Adare Park for the grand finale of Young Adult Week. Start your evening Young Adult Week. Start your evening Young Adult Week. Start your evening with our interactive praise and prayer with our interactive praise and prayer with our interactive praise and prayer wall. Then [music] enjoy games, food, wall. Then [music] enjoy games, food, wall. Then [music] enjoy games, food, relay, popcorn, snow cones, cotton relay, popcorn, snow cones, cotton relay, popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy. Yeah, I'm still going, so you candy. Yeah, I'm still going, so you candy. Yeah, I'm still going, so you already know where you need to be. And a already know where you need to be. And a already know where you need to be. And a live DJ. As the evening winds down, live DJ. As the evening winds down, live DJ. As the evening winds down, [music] we'll transition into an outdoor [music] we'll transition into an outdoor [music] we'll transition into an outdoor showing of the forge. So bring your showing of the forge. So bring your showing of the forge. So bring your blanket or lawn chair and we got y'all blanket or lawn chair and we got y'all blanket or lawn chair and we got y'all covered on the popcorn. Tickets are covered on the popcorn. Tickets are covered on the popcorn. Tickets are [music] just $25 and that includes [music] just $25 and that includes [music] just $25 and that includes everything. So tell a friend to tell a everything. So tell a friend to tell a everything. So tell a friend to tell a friend. [music] friend. [music] friend. [music] Tasles. Tasles. Tasles. The Social Justice Ministry invites you The Social Justice Ministry invites you The Social Justice Ministry invites you to join us for crucial conversations on to join us for crucial conversations on to join us for crucial conversations on Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 a.m. With Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 a.m. With Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 a.m. With midterm elections approaching, this midterm elections approaching, this midterm elections approaching, this timely discussion will explore how faith timely discussion will explore how faith timely discussion will explore how faith should shape our civic engagement and should shape our civic engagement and should shape our civic engagement and not be manipulated by political agendas. not be manipulated by political agendas. not be manipulated by political agendas. The morning will begin with a screening The morning will begin with a screening The morning will begin with a screening of the documentary Bad Faith, [music] of the documentary Bad Faith, [music] of the documentary Bad Faith, [music] followed by a thought-provoking panel followed by a thought-provoking panel followed by a thought-provoking panel featuring Dr. Michael Emerson, Dr.

featuring Dr. Michael Emerson, Dr. featuring Dr. Michael Emerson, Dr. Frederick D. Hannes III, Ashley Etien, Frederick D. Hannes III, Ashley Etien, Frederick D. Hannes III, Ashley Etien, [music] and Dr. Cleinsley IVth. Register [music] and Dr. Cleinsley IVth. Register [music] and Dr. Cleinsley IVth. Register today on the church website and invite today on the church website and invite today on the church website and invite your family and friends as we discussed your family and friends as we discussed your family and friends as we discussed hijacked faith, power, politics, and the hijacked faith, power, politics, and the hijacked faith, power, politics, and the church. church. church. No one person has all the spiritual No one person has all the spiritual No one person has all the spiritual gifts. It is only when the people of God gifts. It is only when the people of God gifts. It is only when the people of God with diverse gifts come together that with diverse gifts come together that with diverse gifts come together that the church ministers best to one the church ministers best to one the church ministers best to one another. We invite you to visit bbc.org another. We invite you to visit bbc.org another. We invite you to visit bbc.org to complete your spiritual gifts survey. to complete your spiritual gifts survey. to complete your spiritual gifts survey. Then join us for Spiritual Gifts Then join us for Spiritual Gifts Then join us for Spiritual Gifts Discovery Find [music] Your Fit on Discovery Find [music] Your Fit on Discovery Find [music] Your Fit on Saturday, August 29th, 2026 from 9:00 Saturday, August 29th, 2026 from 9:00 Saturday, August 29th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come learn about the a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come learn about the a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come learn about the diversity of gifts and discover where diversity of gifts and discover where diversity of gifts and discover where your gifts may be used at Wheeler. Visit your gifts may be used at Wheeler. Visit your gifts may be used at Wheeler. Visit the events page for more details and the events page for more details and the events page for more details and register today. register today. register today. Are you ready to make a difference and Are you ready to make a difference and Are you ready to make a difference and grow deeper in your disciplehip journey? grow deeper in your disciplehip journey? grow deeper in your disciplehip journey? Join us in the Community Life Center Join us in the Community Life Center Join us in the Community Life Center gymnasium Sunday, August 30th. After all gymnasium Sunday, August 30th. After all gymnasium Sunday, August 30th. After all three worship services with over 80 three worship services with over 80 three worship services with over 80 dynamic ministries to explore, you'll dynamic ministries to explore, you'll dynamic ministries to explore, you'll uncover countless ways to serve for the uncover countless ways to serve for the uncover countless ways to serve for the glory of God. Whether you're called to glory of God. Whether you're called to glory of God. Whether you're called to teach, encourage, organize, create, or teach, encourage, organize, create, or teach, encourage, organize, create, or care, there's a place just for you. The care, there's a place just for you. The care, there's a place just for you. The WABC Sewing Ministry, also known as the WABC Sewing Ministry, also known as the WABC Sewing Ministry, also known as the Cutting Edge, is excited to announce Cutting Edge, is excited to announce Cutting Edge, is excited to announce beginner sewing classes. Whether you beginner sewing classes. Whether you beginner sewing classes. Whether you have never used a sewing machine or have never used a sewing machine or have never used a sewing machine or simply want to refresh your sewing simply want to refresh your sewing simply want to refresh your sewing skills, we invite you to join us for a skills, we invite you to join us for a skills, we invite you to join us for a wonderful opportunity to learn [music] a wonderful opportunity to learn [music] a wonderful opportunity to learn [music] a practical lifelong skill while practical lifelong skill while practical lifelong skill while connecting and building community with

connecting and building community with connecting and building community with others in a welcoming and encouraging others in a welcoming and encouraging others in a welcoming and encouraging environment. [music] Participants will environment. [music] Participants will environment. [music] Participants will learn fundamentals including threading a learn fundamentals including threading a learn fundamentals including threading a sewing machine, basic stitching sewing machine, basic stitching sewing machine, basic stitching techniques, [music] and completing techniques, [music] and completing techniques, [music] and completing simple projects. Classes will be offered simple projects. Classes will be offered simple projects. Classes will be offered August 8th and August 15th from 9:00 August 8th and August 15th from 9:00 August 8th and August 15th from 9:00 a.m. to noon, as well as October 3rd and a.m. to noon, as well as October 3rd and a.m. to noon, as well as October 3rd and October 10th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. October 10th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. October 10th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Come learn, create, and discover the joy Come learn, create, and discover the joy Come learn, create, and discover the joy of sewing with the cutting edge. of sewing with the cutting edge. of sewing with the cutting edge. The prayer ministry invites you to join The prayer ministry invites you to join The prayer ministry invites you to join us for our 12-hour prayer vigil on us for our 12-hour prayer vigil on us for our 12-hour prayer vigil on Tuesday, September 1st, from 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 1st, from 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 1st, from 6:00 a.m. until [music] 6:00 p.m. We are coming until [music] 6:00 p.m. We are coming until [music] 6:00 p.m. We are coming together in solidarity through prayer, together in solidarity through prayer, together in solidarity through prayer, seeking God with one heart, one voice, seeking God with one heart, one voice, seeking God with one heart, one voice, and one purpose. This powerful day of and one purpose. This powerful day of and one purpose. This powerful day of intercession will cover our church, intercession will cover our church, intercession will cover our church, leadership, ministries, community, and leadership, ministries, community, and leadership, ministries, community, and nation. As we seek God's direction for nation. As we seek God's direction for nation. As we seek God's direction for the season ahead with the virtual and the season ahead with the virtual and the season ahead with the virtual and in-person options, volunteers are asked in-person options, volunteers are asked in-person options, volunteers are asked [music] to commit to a minimum 2-hour [music] to commit to a minimum 2-hour [music] to commit to a minimum 2-hour prayer watch. Scripture reminds us prayer watch. Scripture reminds us prayer watch. Scripture reminds us [music] in Colossians 4:2, "Devote [music] in Colossians 4:2, "Devote [music] in Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and yourselves to prayer, being watchful and yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." [music] thankful." [music] thankful." [music] We encourage all church leaders, We encourage all church leaders, We encourage all church leaders, ministry partners, and members of the ministry partners, and members of the ministry partners, and members of the prayer onthe-wall team to consider prayer onthe-wall team to consider prayer onthe-wall team to consider serving during the sacred time of serving during the sacred time of serving during the sacred time of continuous prayer. For additional continuous prayer. For additional continuous prayer. For additional information and to sign up, please email information and to sign up, please email information and to sign up, please email i prayadmin at wheelerbc.org.

i prayadmin at wheelerbc.org. i prayadmin at wheelerbc.org. Let's begin the new church year covered Let's begin the new church year covered Let's begin the new church year covered in prayer and united in faith. in prayer and united in faith. in prayer and united in faith. There's so much taking place and we hope There's so much taking place and we hope There's so much taking place and we hope you stay connected. For more you stay connected. For more you stay connected. For more information, please follow us on our information, please follow us on our information, please follow us on our social media platforms. I'm Amber social media platforms. I'm Amber social media platforms. I'm Amber Branch. Branch. Branch. >> And I'm Belandrea Wilson. >> And I'm Belandrea Wilson. >> And I'm Belandrea Wilson. >> And this has been your Avenue News. And >> And this has been your Avenue News. And >> And this has been your Avenue News. And remember, we are Wheeler wherever. remember, we are Wheeler wherever. remember, we are Wheeler wherever. [music] >> Good morning. >> Good morning. [music] I refuse to let you come in here [music] I refuse to let you come in here [music] and spend two hours and stay in and spend two hours and stay in and spend two hours and stay in darkness. No. No. is too much Jesus in darkness. No. No. is too much Jesus in darkness. No. No. is too much Jesus in this room for [music] you to come in and this room for [music] you to come in and this room for [music] you to come in and leave in the darkness of your days. I leave in the darkness of your days. I leave in the darkness of your days. I need you to look at somebody, put a big need you to look at somebody, put a big need you to look at somebody, put a big brand on your face, and shout [music] brand on your face, and shout [music] brand on your face, and shout [music] good morning.

[music] [music] Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Somebody shout good morning. Somebody shout good morning. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Well, they meant >> Well, they meant [music] [music] [music] I'm so happy. Heat. Heat.

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

Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [singing] [music] [music] heat, heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

[music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. inside. inside. I know I know I know [music] [music] [music] if you if you if you brea brea brea [music] me down in the Heat. Heat.

in the Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Hey [music] [music] I Thank you [music] Jesus.

Thank you [music] Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. >> It is month [music] of new forgiddings. >> It is month [music] of new forgiddings. >> It is month [music] of new forgiddings. If you're grateful for God for how he's If you're grateful for God for how he's If you're grateful for God for how he's changed your walk, how he's changed your changed your walk, how he's changed your changed your walk, how he's changed your thoughts, how he's removed your mind day thoughts, how he's removed your mind day thoughts, how he's removed your mind day after day. This is the day that the Lord after day. This is the day that the Lord after day. This is the day that the Lord has made. We [music] come to rejoice and has made. We [music] come to rejoice and has made. We [music] come to rejoice and be glad in it. to the rising of the sun be glad in it. to the rising of the sun be glad in it. to the rising of the sun to the glory of the same. God's name is to the glory of the same. God's name is to the glory of the same. God's name is worthy to be praised. And we thank God worthy to be praised. And we thank God worthy to be praised. And we thank God for how he [music] kept us for seven for how he [music] kept us for seven for how he [music] kept us for seven months. And it is yet to appear what God months. And it is yet to appear what God months. And it is yet to appear what God shall do. He will do exceedingly. shall do. He will do exceedingly. shall do. He will do exceedingly. He will do what He will do what He will do what above [music] all he could ask or think. above [music] all he could ask or think. above [music] all he could ask or think. If there's anybody in the house today If there's anybody in the house today If there's anybody in the house today that believes call to defy what you can that believes call to defy what you can that believes call to defy what you can [music] understand, [music] understand, [music] understand, to defy what you can do with your human to defy what you can do with your human to defy what you can do with your human condition, I tell you to put [music] condition, I tell you to put [music] condition, I tell you to put [music] those hands together and open up your those hands together and open up your those hands together and open up your mouth and with the fruit of your [music] mouth and with the fruit of your [music] mouth and with the fruit of your [music] lips. Give God glory. Give God honor.

lips. Give God glory. Give God honor. lips. Give God glory. Give God honor. the price because of it change. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Are you glad that [music] you change? Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Okay. If you've been washed in the blood Okay. If you've been washed in the blood Okay. If you've been washed in the blood of the lamb, if you're thankful for of the lamb, if you're thankful for of the lamb, if you're thankful for being saved, [music] being saved, [music] being saved, [music] save save save and redeemed. If you're thank God and redeemed. If you're thank God and redeemed. If you're thank God [music] for sending his best than he [music] for sending his best than he [music] for sending his best than he could ever give, then we owe him our could ever give, then we owe him our could ever give, then we owe him our best. We owe him a thank you, Jesus. We best. We owe him a thank you, Jesus. We best. We owe him a thank you, Jesus. We owe you a hallelujah. owe you a hallelujah. owe you a hallelujah. Put those hands together, saints of God, Put those hands together, saints of God, Put those hands together, saints of God, [music] and give God glory. [music] and give God glory. [music] and give God glory. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Happy first Sunday to you. Hallelujah. Happy first Sunday to you. Hallelujah. Happy first Sunday to you. And we thank God. We thank God for And we thank God. We thank God for And we thank God. We thank God for blessing us to see you another day. You blessing us to see you another day. You blessing us to see you another day. You may be seated in the presence of the may be seated in the presence of the may be seated in the presence of the Lord if you so [music] choose. It is Lord if you so [music] choose. It is Lord if you so [music] choose. It is prayer time. You may now take your prayer time. You may now take your prayer time. You may now take your preferred posture for prayer. We have preferred posture for prayer. We have preferred posture for prayer. We have intercessors along the walls and the intercessors along the walls and the intercessors along the walls and the aisles of the church ready to pray aisles of the church ready to pray aisles of the church ready to pray [music] and to agree with you in the [music] and to agree with you in the [music] and to agree with you in the spirit.

spirit. spirit. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Would you pray with me as we go before Would you pray with me as we go before Would you pray with me as we go before the throne of grace? There are no the throne of grace? There are no the throne of grace? There are no funeral service this week. So we give funeral service this week. So we give funeral service this week. So we give God all the glory. [applause] God all the glory. [applause] God all the glory. [applause] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Please also refer to the list on the Please also refer to the list on the Please also refer to the list on the screen for Bereie families and for screen for Bereie families and for screen for Bereie families and for members with health concerns. [music] members with health concerns. [music] members with health concerns. [music] Let us pray. Let us pray. Let us pray. King of my life King of my life King of my life I crown thee now. Thou shall the glory be lest I forget Thou shall the glory be lest I forget thy thorn crown brow. Lead me to thy thorn crown brow. Lead me to thy thorn crown brow. Lead me to Calvary. Calvary. Calvary. Lest I forget Gethsemane. Lest I forget Gethsemane. Lest I forget Gethsemane. Lest I forget [music] Lest I forget [music] Lest I forget [music] thy agony. thy agony. thy agony. Lest I forget Lest I forget Lest I forget thy love for me. thy love for me. thy love for me. Lead me to Calvary. Father, in the name Lead me to Calvary. Father, in the name Lead me to Calvary. Father, in the name of Jesus, of Jesus, of Jesus, we [music] came today to thank you for we [music] came today to thank you for we [music] came today to thank you for Calvary.

Calvary. Calvary. Thank you, Lord, Thank you, Lord, Thank you, Lord, that even though we're not worthy, that even though we're not worthy, that even though we're not worthy, you got up on the cross and you looked you got up on the cross and you looked you got up on the cross and you looked through time into eternity and you saw through time into eternity and you saw through time into eternity and you saw each and every individual that's in this each and every individual that's in this each and every individual that's in this cathedral and in this sanctuary. cathedral and in this sanctuary. cathedral and in this sanctuary. You saw every heart, God, that is You saw every heart, God, that is You saw every heart, God, that is watching digitally. watching digitally. watching digitally. And God, because your love was so And God, because your love was so And God, because your love was so consuming, because you have such consuming, because you have such consuming, because you have such compassion for us, it was love that drew compassion for us, it was love that drew compassion for us, it was love that drew you to stay on the cross and to suffer. you to stay on the cross and to suffer. you to stay on the cross and to suffer. We thank you for every lash that you We thank you for every lash that you We thank you for every lash that you took for our sin. We thank you, God, for took for our sin. We thank you, God, for took for our sin. We thank you, God, for when they pierced you in the side, you when they pierced you in the side, you when they pierced you in the side, you didn't come down from the cross. the didn't come down from the cross. the didn't come down from the cross. the times that you beckon us time and time times that you beckon us time and time times that you beckon us time and time again just to spend time with you again just to spend time with you again just to spend time with you because you don't desire for us to hold because you don't desire for us to hold because you don't desire for us to hold these burdens and to carry the weight of these burdens and to carry the weight of these burdens and to carry the weight of life on our own shoulders. But we would life on our own shoulders. But we would life on our own shoulders. But we would only spend time with you, God, that we only spend time with you, God, that we only spend time with you, God, that we could leave our burdens at your feet.

could leave our burdens at your feet. could leave our burdens at your feet. Thank you for forgiving us time and time Thank you for forgiving us time and time Thank you for forgiving us time and time again and for taking our sin and for put again and for taking our sin and for put again and for taking our sin and for put throwing it into the sea of throwing it into the sea of throwing it into the sea of forgetfulness. forgetfulness. forgetfulness. Thank you, God, that there is therefore Thank you, God, that there is therefore Thank you, God, that there is therefore no condemnation in Christ [music] Jesus. no condemnation in Christ [music] Jesus. no condemnation in Christ [music] Jesus. That when you look at us, you don't have That when you look at us, you don't have That when you look at us, you don't have to look away at the fault, but you look to look away at the fault, but you look to look away at the fault, but you look through the fault and you see our need. through the fault and you see our need. through the fault and you see our need. God, we ask for forgiveness God, we ask for forgiveness God, we ask for forgiveness for feeling entitled to having that for feeling entitled to having that for feeling entitled to having that access of worship. We ask for access of worship. We ask for access of worship. We ask for forgiveness when we come into the house forgiveness when we come into the house forgiveness when we come into the house Sunday after Sunday. and we act as if Sunday after Sunday. and we act as if Sunday after Sunday. and we act as if we're doing you a favor because we put we're doing you a favor because we put we're doing you a favor because we put you on our calendar. Lord, have mercy you on our calendar. Lord, have mercy you on our calendar. Lord, have mercy upon us. Forgive us, God, that when we upon us. Forgive us, God, that when we upon us. Forgive us, God, that when we are asked to pray, God, we find so many are asked to pray, God, we find so many are asked to pray, God, we find so many other things to distract us from being other things to distract us from being other things to distract us from being in your presence and communing with you, in your presence and communing with you, in your presence and communing with you, God. That the thought that you love us God. That the thought that you love us God. That the thought that you love us so much, that you're the King of Kings, so much, that you're the King of Kings, so much, that you're the King of Kings, that you're the Lord of Lords, that that you're the Lord of Lords, that that you're the Lord of Lords, that you're the prince of peace. But even us you're the prince of peace. But even us you're the prince of peace. But even us in our unworthiness, you desire to be in in our unworthiness, you desire to be in in our unworthiness, you desire to be in relationship with us. And for that, we relationship with us. And for that, we relationship with us. And for that, we say thank you. I thank you, Lord, for say thank you. I thank you, Lord, for say thank you. I thank you, Lord, for every brother and sister that's in the every brother and sister that's in the every brother and sister that's in the house today that believes you, believes house today that believes you, believes house today that believes you, believes you for what they stand in need of. I you for what they stand in need of. I you for what they stand in need of. I thank you for my brother and my sister thank you for my brother and my sister thank you for my brother and my sister who stand in the need of healing.

who stand in the need of healing. who stand in the need of healing. [music] You were wounded for our [music] You were wounded for our [music] You were wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our transgressions and bruised for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our iniquities. The chastisement of our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon you. And with your peace was upon you. And with your peace was upon you. And with your stripes, we are healed. stripes, we are healed. stripes, we are healed. So God, that lash and the tripping of So God, that lash and the tripping of So God, that lash and the tripping of your blood, I pray that same blood that your blood, I pray that same blood that your blood, I pray that same blood that trickled on Calvary, I pray God that it trickled on Calvary, I pray God that it trickled on Calvary, I pray God that it would consume your people who stand in would consume your people who stand in would consume your people who stand in need of healing in the name of Jesus. to need of healing in the name of Jesus. to need of healing in the name of Jesus. to my brother and my sister whose body is my brother and my sister whose body is my brother and my sister whose body is racked in pain. [music] God, would you racked in pain. [music] God, would you racked in pain. [music] God, would you cause the pain to cease and desist in cause the pain to cease and desist in cause the pain to cease and desist in the name of Jesus? For my brother and my the name of Jesus? For my brother and my the name of Jesus? For my brother and my sister who is mentally tormented and sister who is mentally tormented and sister who is mentally tormented and can't seem to find peace, that every can't seem to find peace, that every can't seem to find peace, that every night is a restless night and they can't night is a restless night and they can't night is a restless night and they can't get sleep. Lord, I pray God that they get sleep. Lord, I pray God that they get sleep. Lord, I pray God that they would trust you to cast every care on would trust you to cast every care on would trust you to cast every care on you for you care for them. And whatever you for you care for them. And whatever you for you care for them. And whatever it is that is consuming their mind, I it is that is consuming their mind, I it is that is consuming their mind, I ask God that you would grab hold of it. ask God that you would grab hold of it. ask God that you would grab hold of it. I pray that they would trust you to I pray that they would trust you to I pray that they would trust you to release it to you, God. Because if you release it to you, God. Because if you release it to you, God. Because if you died on the cross and you conquered died on the cross and you conquered died on the cross and you conquered hell, death, and the grave, that surely hell, death, and the grave, that surely hell, death, and the grave, that surely you can conquer whatever it is on the you can conquer whatever it is on the you can conquer whatever it is on the minds of your children. I pray for the minds of your children. I pray for the minds of your children. I pray for the ones who are grieved and it seems like ones who are grieved and it seems like ones who are grieved and it seems like the grief and the sorrow has become the grief and the sorrow has become the grief and the sorrow has become consuming. For the ones that are deep consuming. For the ones that are deep consuming. For the ones that are deep down in the boughels of despair to the down in the boughels of despair to the down in the boughels of despair to the point that they feel like they're point that they feel like they're point that they feel like they're choking on darkness and choking on choking on darkness and choking on choking on darkness and choking on apathy and choking on numbness. God, you

apathy and choking on numbness. God, you apathy and choking on numbness. God, you said that the joy in the Lord would said that the joy in the Lord would said that the joy in the Lord would indeed be our strength. We may not indeed be our strength. We may not indeed be our strength. We may not always be happy, but we have the joy of always be happy, but we have the joy of always be happy, but we have the joy of knowing that you loved us and that you knowing that you loved us and that you knowing that you loved us and that you promised never to leave us nor forsake promised never to leave us nor forsake promised never to leave us nor forsake us. We ask God in the name of Jesus that us. We ask God in the name of Jesus that us. We ask God in the name of Jesus that you would align us with your will that you would align us with your will that you would align us with your will that we would be on one accord with what you we would be on one accord with what you we would be on one accord with what you desire to do in this worship experience. desire to do in this worship experience. desire to do in this worship experience. [music] [music] [music] We consecrate ourselves to you, Lord. We We consecrate ourselves to you, Lord. We We consecrate ourselves to you, Lord. We pray that you would sanctify this pray that you would sanctify this pray that you would sanctify this atmosphere that something supernatural atmosphere that something supernatural atmosphere that something supernatural would take place in the name of Jesus. would take place in the name of Jesus. would take place in the name of Jesus. We give you right away that whatever you We give you right away that whatever you We give you right away that whatever you desire into heavenly God that it would desire into heavenly God that it would desire into heavenly God that it would man it manifest itself in the earthly man it manifest itself in the earthly man it manifest itself in the earthly realm. We lift up our pastor before you realm. We lift up our pastor before you realm. We lift up our pastor before you now in the name of [music] Jesus. Thank now in the name of [music] Jesus. Thank now in the name of [music] Jesus. Thank you for how you speak to him. Thank you you for how you speak to him. Thank you you for how you speak to him. Thank you for how you use him. Thank you for how for how you use him. Thank you for how for how you use him. Thank you for how you breathe through him. Now God, I ask you breathe through him. Now God, I ask you breathe through him. Now God, I ask that you would begin to grab hold. I that you would begin to grab hold. I that you would begin to grab hold. I pray where his body may fatigue, we pray pray where his body may fatigue, we pray pray where his body may fatigue, we pray for renewed strength in the name of for renewed strength in the name of for renewed strength in the name of Jesus. I pray that you will make Jesus. I pray that you will make Jesus. I pray that you will make preaching easy. I pray God against any preaching easy. I pray God against any preaching easy. I pray God against any hindrance, any distraction, any force hindrance, any distraction, any force hindrance, any distraction, any force that is not like you that'll prevent that is not like you that'll prevent that is not like you that'll prevent your divine will from taking place. We your divine will from taking place. We your divine will from taking place. We pray God for the souls. The souls, the pray God for the souls. The souls, the pray God for the souls. The souls, the souls are coming. We thank you for the souls are coming. We thank you for the souls are coming. We thank you for the souls that have been added to the souls that have been added to the souls that have been added to the kingdom. But we thank you for the souls kingdom. But we thank you for the souls kingdom. But we thank you for the souls that have been backsliding. We thank you that have been backsliding. We thank you that have been backsliding. We thank you for the souls that have walked away. We

for the souls that have walked away. We for the souls that have walked away. We thank you for the souls that have been thank you for the souls that have been thank you for the souls that have been despondent. We thank you. We thank you despondent. We thank you. We thank you despondent. We thank you. We thank you for the souls that are coming back to for the souls that are coming back to for the souls that are coming back to you. Draw [music] them near to you, God. We say yes to your will and yes to your We say yes to your will and yes to your way from the bottom of our hearts to the way from the bottom of our hearts to the way from the bottom of our hearts to the depths of our soul. [music] depths of our soul. [music] depths of our soul. [music] be glorified in our worship. Be be glorified in our worship. Be be glorified in our worship. Be glorified in our sacrifice. glorified in our sacrifice. glorified in our sacrifice. Be glorified in our praise. And it's Be glorified in our praise. And it's Be glorified in our praise. And it's [music] in Jesus' name that we pray. [music] in Jesus' name that we pray. [music] in Jesus' name that we pray. It's in Jesus' name that we pray. It's It's in Jesus' name that we pray. It's It's in Jesus' name that we pray. It's in Jesus' name [music] that we pray. For in Jesus' name [music] that we pray. For in Jesus' name [music] that we pray. For we know no other name I wish to pray we know no other name I wish to pray we know no other name I wish to pray because at the name of Jesus, every knee because at the name of Jesus, every knee because at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, every tongue [music] shall shall bow, every tongue [music] shall shall bow, every tongue [music] shall confess that he is the true and the confess that he is the true and the confess that he is the true and the living God. In Jesus name we [music] living God. In Jesus name we [music] living God. In Jesus name we [music] pray. Amen. Amen. And amen. Heat Heat [music] here.

here. [music] Oh, Oh, [music] [music] [music] >> Amen. Amen. Good morning, church family.

>> Amen. Amen. Good morning, church family. >> Amen. Amen. Good morning, church family. >> If you're able, please stand for this >> If you're able, please stand for this >> If you're able, please stand for this morning's responsive reading. Our morning's responsive reading. Our morning's responsive reading. Our reading this morning comes from 1 reading this morning comes from 1 reading this morning comes from 1 Corinthians 11th chapter 23-34. Corinthians 11th chapter 23-34. Corinthians 11th chapter 23-34. You may follow along in your Bible, your You may follow along in your Bible, your You may follow along in your Bible, your apps, or the screens throughout the apps, or the screens throughout the apps, or the screens throughout the cathedral. cathedral. cathedral. For I received from the Lord what I also For I received from the Lord what I also For I received from the Lord what I also handed unto you that the Lord Jesus on handed unto you that the Lord Jesus on handed unto you that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a the night when he was betrayed took a the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread. My body is for you. Do this in remeance My body is for you. Do this in remeance of me. of me. of me. >> In the same way, he took the cup also >> In the same way, he took the cup also >> In the same way, he took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is a new after supper, saying, "This cup is a new after supper, saying, "This cup is a new covenant in my blood. Do this as often covenant in my blood. Do this as often covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me." Whoever therefore eats the bread or Whoever therefore eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an drinks the cup of the Lord in an drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for unworthy manner will be answerable for unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord.

>> For all who eat and drink without >> For all who eat and drink without discerning the body eat and drink discerning the body eat and drink discerning the body eat and drink judgment against themselves. But if we judged ourselves, we would not But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. is when you come together to eat, wait is when you come together to eat, wait for one another. for one another. for one another. If you're hungry, eat at home so that If you're hungry, eat at home so that If you're hungry, eat at home so that when you come together, it will not be when you come together, it will not be when you come together, it will not be for your condemnation. But the other for your condemnation. But the other for your condemnation. But the other things I will give you when I come. things I will give you when I come. things I will give you when I come. Please bow for a moment of meditation. Please bow for a moment of meditation. Please bow for a moment of meditation. For as often as you eat this bread and For as often as you eat this bread and For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Amen. death until he comes. Amen. death until he comes. Amen. >> Please remain standing for this >> Please remain standing for this >> Please remain standing for this morning's hymns. morning's hymns. morning's hymns. Good morning people of God. Our hymn Good morning people of God. Our hymn Good morning people of God. Our hymn this morning [music] is At the Cross. this morning [music] is At the Cross. this morning [music] is At the Cross. Anybody grateful for the cross this Anybody grateful for the cross this Anybody grateful for the cross this morning? Hallelujah.

morning? Hallelujah. morning? Hallelujah. Glory to God. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. Heat.

[singing] [singing] [music] >> [singing] >> Oh, [music] [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [singing]

Heat. [singing] [music] Yeah. Yeah. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> Heat.

>> Heat. >> Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. [music] Heat. [music] [music] >> Oh, hallelujah. Come on, give God a >> Oh, hallelujah. Come on, give God a >> Oh, hallelujah. Come on, give God a praise right now.

praise right now. praise right now. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] Well, to God be the glory. Well, to God be the glory. Well, to God be the glory. Anybody happy [music] in church this Anybody happy [music] in church this Anybody happy [music] in church this morning? morning? morning? Well, if you're happy and you know it, Well, if you're happy and you know it, Well, if you're happy and you know it, say amen. say amen. say amen. [music] If you're happy and you know it, [music] If you're happy and you know it, [music] If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. clap your hands. clap your hands. If you're happy and you know it, let the If you're happy and you know it, let the If you're happy and you know it, let the church shout hallelujah. church shout hallelujah. church shout hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. Praise the name of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord. How [music] we thank God for this day. How [music] we thank God for this day. How [music] we thank God for this day. You may be seated in the presence of the You may be seated in the presence of the You may be seated in the presence of the Lord if you choose to be seated. What a Lord if you choose to be seated. What a Lord if you choose to be seated. What a joy it is to see each of you who has joy it is to see each of you who has joy it is to see each of you who has come to worship on [music] come to worship on [music] come to worship on [music] this first Sunday of the 8th month of this first Sunday of the 8th month of this first Sunday of the 8th month of the year 2026. the year 2026. the year 2026. Anybody glad to make it to August 2nd, Anybody glad to make it to August 2nd, Anybody glad to make it to August 2nd, [music] [music] [music] 2026. What a joy it is to be together in 2026. What a joy it is to be together in 2026. What a joy it is to be together in the Lord's house. How we celebrate all the Lord's house. How we celebrate all the Lord's house. How we celebrate all you who are in the Cathedral of the Lord you who are in the Cathedral of the Lord you who are in the Cathedral of the Lord here with me and those who are in the here with me and those who are in the here with me and those who are in the sanctuary. We're grateful that the sanctuary. We're grateful that the sanctuary. We're grateful that the sanctuary is nearly completely full of sanctuary is nearly completely full of sanctuary is nearly completely full of worshippers who [music] have come to be worshippers who [music] have come to be worshippers who [music] have come to be with us. I see you people of God. I with us. I see you people of God. I with us. I see you people of God. I thank God for each one of you and I thank God for each one of you and I thank God for each one of you and I celebrate your presence [music] in this celebrate your presence [music] in this celebrate your presence [music] in this place today. And to all those who view place today. And to all those who view place today. And to all those who view us around the world, God bless you one us around the world, God bless you one us around the world, God bless you one and all. We're so grateful for your and all. We're so grateful for your and all. We're so grateful for your virtual presence with us as we together virtual presence with us as we together virtual presence with us as we together worship the Lord in this second service worship the Lord in this second service worship the Lord in this second service [music] of our worship day. It's a joy [music] of our worship day. It's a joy [music] of our worship day. It's a joy to see each of you. And every time we

to see each of you. And every time we to see each of you. And every time we gather, we have the great privilege of gather, we have the great privilege of gather, we have the great privilege of welcoming those who are firsttime welcoming those who are firsttime welcoming those who are firsttime visitors to Wheeler Avenue Baptist visitors to Wheeler Avenue Baptist visitors to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And this is our time to Church. And this is our time to Church. And this is our time to acknowledge each one of you. If you're a acknowledge each one of you. If you're a acknowledge each one of you. If you're a first-time visitor, will you please first-time visitor, will you please first-time visitor, will you please stand so that we can see you and stand so that we can see you and stand so that we can see you and celebrate your presence in this space. celebrate your presence in this space. celebrate your presence in this space. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Oh my, [music] Oh my, [music] Oh my, [music] what a blessing. What a blessing. Please what a blessing. What a blessing. Please what a blessing. What a blessing. Please remain standing for just a moment more. remain standing for just a moment more. remain standing for just a moment more. Remain standing for just a moment more. Remain standing for just a moment more. Remain standing for just a moment more. Listen, on behalf of our entire church Listen, on behalf of our entire church Listen, on behalf of our entire church family, I say to each one of you who family, I say to each one of you who family, I say to each one of you who shares with us today, welcome to Wheeler shares with us today, welcome to Wheeler shares with us today, welcome to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. We're so glad Avenue Baptist Church. We're so glad Avenue Baptist Church. We're so glad that you are here. We are honored that that you are here. We are honored that that you are here. We are honored that you would take the time to come to 3826 you would take the time to come to 3826 you would take the time to come to 3826 Wheeler in Houston, Texas, and share Wheeler in Houston, Texas, and share Wheeler in Houston, Texas, and share with us in this experience of worship. with us in this experience of worship. with us in this experience of worship. We recognize that you passed several We recognize that you passed several We recognize that you passed several places of [music] worship, several places of [music] worship, several places of [music] worship, several houses of worship as you made your way houses of worship as you made your way houses of worship as you made your way to Wheeler Avenue. And we don't take for to Wheeler Avenue. And we don't take for to Wheeler Avenue. And we don't take for granted that out of all of the places granted that out of all of the places granted that out of all of the places you could have gone, you made your way you could have gone, you made your way you could have gone, you made your way to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. So on behalf of all of us, we say to So on behalf of all of us, we say to So on behalf of all of us, we say to each one of you, welcome to the avenue.

each one of you, welcome to the avenue. each one of you, welcome to the avenue. We're glad you're here. Come on, church. We're glad you're here. Come on, church. We're glad you're here. Come on, church. Celebrate our precious people who have Celebrate our precious people who have Celebrate our precious people who have come to be with us today. Praise the come to be with us today. Praise the come to be with us today. Praise the Lord. You may be seated. I'm going to Lord. You may be seated. I'm going to Lord. You may be seated. I'm going to acknowledge a couple of special folk who acknowledge a couple of special folk who acknowledge a couple of special folk who have come to be with us. I've received have come to be with us. I've received have come to be with us. I've received some information about several some information about several some information about several individuals who have come to be with us individuals who have come to be with us individuals who have come to be with us today. Starting with the friends of today. Starting with the friends of today. Starting with the friends of Waterrest Senior Living. Where are those Waterrest Senior Living. Where are those Waterrest Senior Living. Where are those friends of Waterrest Senior Living? Are friends of Waterrest Senior Living? Are friends of Waterrest Senior Living? Are you here in the cathedral? You in the you here in the cathedral? You in the you here in the cathedral? You in the cathedral? I see you. Somebody pointing cathedral? I see you. Somebody pointing cathedral? I see you. Somebody pointing there. My seasoned saints back there. there. My seasoned saints back there. there. My seasoned saints back there. Come. Hey, sister Sarah Brown. You Come. Hey, sister Sarah Brown. You Come. Hey, sister Sarah Brown. You brought your friends with you. Thank you brought your friends with you. Thank you brought your friends with you. Thank you so much for bringing those precious so much for bringing those precious so much for bringing those precious silverhead ladies with you this morning. silverhead ladies with you this morning. silverhead ladies with you this morning. We celebrate with each one of you who We celebrate with each one of you who We celebrate with each one of you who has come to be with us in worship today. has come to be with us in worship today. has come to be with us in worship today. My beloved brother and friend, Pastor My beloved brother and friend, Pastor My beloved brother and friend, Pastor Dr. Robert Turner is here. Dr. Turner, Dr. Robert Turner is here. Dr. Turner, Dr. Robert Turner is here. Dr. Turner, will you stand? All the way from will you stand? All the way from will you stand? All the way from Columbia, Maryland and the St. John Columbia, Maryland and the St. John Columbia, Maryland and the St. John Baptist Church. Good to have you with us Baptist Church. Good to have you with us Baptist Church. Good to have you with us today. [music] today. [music] today. [music] He is playing hookie from his He is playing hookie from his He is playing hookie from his responsibilities. You know, you work responsibilities. You know, you work responsibilities. You know, you work weekends. You supposed to be at work. Uh weekends. You supposed to be at work. Uh weekends. You supposed to be at work. Uh but he had a wedding here in Houston and but he had a wedding here in Houston and but he had a wedding here in Houston and he has come to be with us. He's allowed he has come to be with us. He's allowed he has come to be with us. He's allowed me to [music] share in preaching me to [music] share in preaching me to [music] share in preaching ministry there at the St. John Church ministry there at the St. John Church ministry there at the St. John Church and I thank God for him. I'm excited and I thank God for him. I'm excited and I thank God for him. I'm excited that the class of 2006 from Jack Yates that the class of 2006 from Jack Yates that the class of 2006 from Jack Yates Senior High School is in the house Senior High School is in the house Senior High School is in the house celebrating their 20 years of uh of celebrating their 20 years of uh of celebrating their 20 years of uh of commencement. Where's the Jack Yates commencement. Where's the Jack Yates commencement. Where's the Jack Yates class of 20 2006?

class of 20 2006? class of 20 2006? There they are. Hey y'all. Good to see There they are. Hey y'all. Good to see There they are. Hey y'all. Good to see you. Praise the Lord for you. Good to you. Praise the Lord for you. Good to you. Praise the Lord for you. Good to see you. Which one of you are members? see you. Which one of you are members? see you. Which one of you are members? Which one of you are members? Are all of Which one of you are members? Are all of Which one of you are members? Are all of you are members? Thank God for you. you are members? Thank God for you. you are members? Thank God for you. [music] [music] [music] So, I'm just speaking to members. That's So, I'm just speaking to members. That's So, I'm just speaking to members. That's what you're telling me. God bless you. what you're telling me. God bless you. what you're telling me. God bless you. God bless you. I see you. Praise God for God bless you. I see you. Praise God for God bless you. I see you. Praise God for each one of you. The Terry family each one of you. The Terry family each one of you. The Terry family reunion is here with Deacon and reunion is here with Deacon and reunion is here with Deacon and Deaconist uh Richard and Francis Deaconist uh Richard and Francis Deaconist uh Richard and Francis Jackson, our charter members have a Jackson, our charter members have a Jackson, our charter members have a family reunion in town this week. Where family reunion in town this week. Where family reunion in town this week. Where are you all? Please stand so I can see are you all? Please stand so I can see are you all? Please stand so I can see you. They're back there. There's you. They're back there. There's you. They're back there. There's Deaconist Jackson, our charter member. I Deaconist Jackson, our charter member. I Deaconist Jackson, our charter member. I believe Deacon Jackson is back there. believe Deacon Jackson is back there. believe Deacon Jackson is back there. And where's the Terry family reunion? And where's the Terry family reunion? And where's the Terry family reunion? Did they come? Did they come? Did they come? Okay, just the Jackson's came. Okay, God Okay, just the Jackson's came. Okay, God Okay, just the Jackson's came. Okay, God bless you. bless you. bless you. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And here's the funny part. Deaconist >> And here's the funny part. Deaconist >> And here's the funny part. Deaconist Jackson sent a text saying, "We not Jackson sent a text saying, "We not Jackson sent a text saying, "We not coming to our regular service." They coming to our regular service." They coming to our regular service." They usually come at 7:00 every morning. We usually come at 7:00 every morning. We usually come at 7:00 every morning. We not coming to our regular service. Our not coming to our regular service. Our not coming to our regular service. Our family reunion is going to come at family reunion is going to come at family reunion is going to come at 10:00. Psych. 10:00. Psych. 10:00. Psych. [laughter] But we're glad that the Jacksons are But we're glad that the Jacksons are here. It's their first time in 10:00 here. It's their first time in 10:00 here. It's their first time in 10:00 service. Come on, let's celebrate there.

service. Come on, let's celebrate there. service. Come on, let's celebrate there. Charter members of Wheeler Avenue Charter members of Wheeler Avenue Charter members of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Deacon Richard Jackson Baptist Church. Deacon Richard Jackson Baptist Church. Deacon Richard Jackson was in the hospital two weeks ago, but was in the hospital two weeks ago, but was in the hospital two weeks ago, but he's in the house on this Sunday, and we he's in the house on this Sunday, and we he's in the house on this Sunday, and we thank God for his presence. Amen. thank God for his presence. Amen. thank God for his presence. Amen. Where's the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Where's the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Where's the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church summer bowling league? They just Church summer bowling league? They just Church summer bowling league? They just finished their bowling experience. finished their bowling experience. finished their bowling experience. Summer Bowling League, where are you Summer Bowling League, where are you Summer Bowling League, where are you all? God bless you. They got their all? God bless you. They got their all? God bless you. They got their shirts on. God bless you. There's some shirts on. God bless you. There's some shirts on. God bless you. There's some individuals who bowl. And if you want to individuals who bowl. And if you want to individuals who bowl. And if you want to be a part of the bowling league, see all be a part of the bowling league, see all be a part of the bowling league, see all these folk with pins on their shirts and these folk with pins on their shirts and these folk with pins on their shirts and they'll be glad to introduce you to the they'll be glad to introduce you to the they'll be glad to introduce you to the bowling league of our church. be bowling league of our church. be bowling league of our church. be grateful for the work that you have grateful for the work that you have grateful for the work that you have done, for the fellowship that you enjoy done, for the fellowship that you enjoy done, for the fellowship that you enjoy one with another. God bless you. You may one with another. God bless you. You may one with another. God bless you. You may be seated. I've got some friends from be seated. I've got some friends from be seated. I've got some friends from Israel who have come to be with us Israel who have come to be with us Israel who have come to be with us today. Come on, family from Israel. today. Come on, family from Israel. today. Come on, family from Israel. Please stand. But enjoy. [music] Please stand. But enjoy. [music] Please stand. But enjoy. [music] Good to see you. Good to see you. Good to see you. Good to see you. [applause] What brings Good to see you. [applause] What brings Good to see you. [applause] What brings you to Houston? What brings you to you to Houston? What brings you to you to Houston? What brings you to Houston? Houston? Houston? >> Just visiting family. Okay. Wonderful. >> Just visiting family. Okay. Wonderful. >> Just visiting family. Okay. Wonderful. Do they ever come see you? cuz there's a Do they ever come see you? cuz there's a Do they ever come see you? cuz there's a long way to come to visit family.

long way to come to visit family. long way to come to visit family. Yeah. Okay. Good to have you. How long Yeah. Okay. Good to have you. How long Yeah. Okay. Good to have you. How long you in are you in in the country? Just you in are you in in the country? Just you in are you in in the country? Just for a couple weeks. Yeah, you can do for a couple weeks. Yeah, you can do for a couple weeks. Yeah, you can do that. God bless you. Have a great time that. God bless you. Have a great time that. God bless you. Have a great time while you're here. We're glad that you while you're here. We're glad that you while you're here. We're glad that you came to be with us today. came to be with us today. came to be with us today. [applause and music] James Fortune, it's good to see you, James Fortune, it's good to see you, man. He's back with us. Distinguished man. He's back with us. Distinguished man. He's back with us. Distinguished gentleman, wonderful recording artist gentleman, wonderful recording artist gentleman, wonderful recording artist and his family. We are grateful for the and his family. We are grateful for the and his family. We are grateful for the Fortunes who are here to be with us in Fortunes who are here to be with us in Fortunes who are here to be with us in worship today. Now I got to be real worship today. Now I got to be real worship today. Now I got to be real personal cuz my childhood friend is here personal cuz my childhood friend is here personal cuz my childhood friend is here and her name is Evette and Evette is and her name is Evette and Evette is and her name is Evette and Evette is celebrating 55 years of life today and celebrating 55 years of life today and celebrating 55 years of life today and she brought all of her friends with her. she brought all of her friends with her. she brought all of her friends with her. I bet stand up sis. Says she over there I bet stand up sis. Says she over there I bet stand up sis. Says she over there dancing. All the friends who [music] dancing. All the friends who [music] dancing. All the friends who [music] came with Iette. Come on and celebrate came with Iette. Come on and celebrate came with Iette. Come on and celebrate with her. So let me see you. All of with her. So let me see you. All of with her. So let me see you. All of you's friends. Praise the Lord. That's you's friends. Praise the Lord. That's you's friends. Praise the Lord. That's wonderful. all the way from the great wonderful. all the way from the great wonderful. all the way from the great city of Chicago and all those who came city of Chicago and all those who came city of Chicago and all those who came from other places. Uh we are grateful from other places. Uh we are grateful from other places. Uh we are grateful that you are here that you've come to that you are here that you've come to that you are here that you've come to invade the Houston territory as you invade the Houston territory as you invade the Houston territory as you share with Evette. Now I got to say a share with Evette. Now I got to say a share with Evette. Now I got to say a little bit more about the Shakford little bit more about the Shakford little bit more about the Shakford family. Vet comes from a magnificent family. Vet comes from a magnificent family. Vet comes from a magnificent family. Her father and mother certainly family. Her father and mother certainly family. Her father and mother certainly blessings. Her mother was my Sunday blessings. Her mother was my Sunday blessings. Her mother was my Sunday school teacher and her father was a school teacher and her father was a school teacher and her father was a charter member of Emanuel Baptist Church charter member of Emanuel Baptist Church charter member of Emanuel Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois. Deacon Shaka, will in Chicago, Illinois. Deacon Shaka, will in Chicago, Illinois. Deacon Shaka, will you please stand so we can see you?

you please stand so we can see you? you please stand so we can see you? That's That's our guy right there, That's That's our guy right there, That's That's our guy right there, Deacon Shaq. We thank God for him. Deacon Shaq. We thank God for him. Deacon Shaq. We thank God for him. Chartered member of my home church. Chartered member of my home church. Chartered member of my home church. [music] [music] [music] Amen. That's good to see you, De. Glad Amen. That's good to see you, De. Glad Amen. That's good to see you, De. Glad you're here. He's seated right next to you're here. He's seated right next to you're here. He's seated right next to his son by the same name, Brother Milton his son by the same name, Brother Milton his son by the same name, Brother Milton Shackleford. Milton Shackleford is a Shackleford. Milton Shackleford is a Shackleford. Milton Shackleford is a member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and beat me here. He came to be a and beat me here. He came to be a and beat me here. He came to be a student at Texas Southern University student at Texas Southern University student at Texas Southern University about 600 years ago and never left. And about 600 years ago and never left. And about 600 years ago and never left. And we are so glad that he is here as we are so glad that he is here as we are so glad that he is here as [music] a part of the family of Wheeler [music] a part of the family of Wheeler [music] a part of the family of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Thank God for all Avenue Baptist Church. Thank God for all Avenue Baptist Church. Thank God for all of you precious people. I believe that's of you precious people. I believe that's of you precious people. I believe that's my whole list and I thank God for all of my whole list and I thank God for all of my whole list and I thank God for all of you. Have you spoken to the person on you. Have you spoken to the person on you. Have you spoken to the person on either side of you, in front of you, and either side of you, in front of you, and either side of you, in front of you, and and and behind you? Tell them it's good and and behind you? Tell them it's good and and behind you? Tell them it's good to be in worship with you. It's good to to be in worship with you. It's good to to be in worship with you. It's good to be in worship with you. be in worship with you. be in worship with you. God bless you. It's good to be in God bless you. It's good to be in God bless you. It's good to be in worship with you. worship with you. worship with you. Pass the peace of the Lord to the Pass the peace of the Lord to the Pass the peace of the Lord to the sisters and brothers around you. Shake sisters and brothers around you. Shake sisters and brothers around you. Shake two, three, four, five, six hands and two, three, four, five, six hands and two, three, four, five, six hands and just say, "It's good to be in worship just say, "It's good to be in worship just say, "It's good to be in worship with you. with you. with you. Glad to see you. Glad to see you. Praise Glad to see you. Glad to see you. Praise Glad to see you. Glad to see you. Praise the Lord for your presence. Amen.

the Lord for your presence. Amen. the Lord for your presence. Amen. As you do that, As you do that, As you do that, as you as you conclude the time of as you as you conclude the time of as you as you conclude the time of passing the peace, please know that passing the peace, please know that passing the peace, please know that there are several things that I want there are several things that I want there are several things that I want each of you to know as we make our way each of you to know as we make our way each of you to know as we make our way through this time. We are excited that through this time. We are excited that through this time. We are excited that as is our custom, every Wednesday, we'll as is our custom, every Wednesday, we'll as is our custom, every Wednesday, we'll be together in prayer at 6:00 a.m. be together in prayer at 6:00 a.m. be together in prayer at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning in the virtual space. Wednesday morning in the virtual space. Wednesday morning in the virtual space. And I hope that you will join us for our And I hope that you will join us for our And I hope that you will join us for our 6 a.m. prayer time from 6:00 to 6:15. 6 a.m. prayer time from 6:00 to 6:15. 6 a.m. prayer time from 6:00 to 6:15. We'll pray together and then uh Bible We'll pray together and then uh Bible We'll pray together and then uh Bible study study on the avenue takes place at study study on the avenue takes place at study study on the avenue takes place at 12:00 noon [music] and 7:00 p.m. here on 12:00 noon [music] and 7:00 p.m. here on 12:00 noon [music] and 7:00 p.m. here on the campus and the Reverend Roberts will the campus and the Reverend Roberts will the campus and the Reverend Roberts will be teaching this week I believe it is. be teaching this week I believe it is. be teaching this week I believe it is. Is that right, Re? No. Reverend Janella Is that right, Re? No. Reverend Janella Is that right, Re? No. Reverend Janella P Dr. Janella Piles will be teaching and P Dr. Janella Piles will be teaching and P Dr. Janella Piles will be teaching and we thank God for Dr. Piles and for her we thank God for Dr. Piles and for her we thank God for Dr. Piles and for her teaching gift. She will share that with teaching gift. She will share that with teaching gift. She will share that with us this coming Wednesday. And then on us this coming Wednesday. And then on us this coming Wednesday. And then on Thursday, of course, at uh 6:00 p.m. we Thursday, of course, at uh 6:00 p.m. we Thursday, of course, at uh 6:00 p.m. we have prayer in the sanctuary for 1 hour. have prayer in the sanctuary for 1 hour. have prayer in the sanctuary for 1 hour. And Dr. Quio and the prayer ministry And Dr. Quio and the prayer ministry And Dr. Quio and the prayer ministry give us leadership in that moment. And give us leadership in that moment. And give us leadership in that moment. And then Thursday and Friday, although we're then Thursday and Friday, although we're then Thursday and Friday, although we're excited about Wednesday, Thursday and excited about Wednesday, Thursday and excited about Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are the highlight of our week.

Friday are the highlight of our week. Friday are the highlight of our week. And that's because it's back to school And that's because it's back to school And that's because it's back to school revival time. And we're excited for all revival time. And we're excited for all revival time. And we're excited for all of you. I know he's excited. Amen. We're of you. I know he's excited. Amen. We're of you. I know he's excited. Amen. We're excited for back to school revival. All excited for back to school revival. All excited for back to school revival. All of our young people are invited to be of our young people are invited to be of our young people are invited to be here. [music] Every age and stage of here. [music] Every age and stage of here. [music] Every age and stage of life is encouraged and invited to be life is encouraged and invited to be life is encouraged and invited to be here. The children will give us here. The children will give us here. The children will give us leadership. The young people will give leadership. The young people will give leadership. The young people will give us leadership. But every person is us leadership. But every person is us leadership. But every person is invited not simply to come and encourage invited not simply to come and encourage invited not simply to come and encourage young people, but to be edified in young people, but to be edified in young people, but to be edified in [music] the experience of worship. It's [music] the experience of worship. It's [music] the experience of worship. It's going to be a wonderful time for every going to be a wonderful time for every going to be a wonderful time for every person who comes to church this coming person who comes to church this coming person who comes to church this coming Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. And as as Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. And as as Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. And as as usual, uh they give us [music] a dress usual, uh they give us [music] a dress usual, uh they give us [music] a dress code for each night. So you got to know code for each night. So you got to know code for each night. So you got to know the dress code. Thursday night, we are the dress code. Thursday night, we are the dress code. Thursday night, we are wearing our church gear. We're wearing our church gear. We're wearing our church gear. We're representing our church. And so, if you representing our church. And so, if you representing our church. And so, if you have some church gear, we invite you to have some church gear, we invite you to have some church gear, we invite you to wear that on Thursday evening. If you wear that on Thursday evening. If you wear that on Thursday evening. If you don't have some and you'd like to get don't have some and you'd like to get don't have some and you'd like to get some, you can pick it up in the some, you can pick it up in the some, you can pick it up in the bookstore between now and Thursday. And bookstore between now and Thursday. And bookstore between now and Thursday. And we hope that you will wear that on we hope that you will wear that on we hope that you will wear that on Thursday evening [music] as Pastor Thursday evening [music] as Pastor Thursday evening [music] as Pastor Jillian Twigs comes to be with us. She Jillian Twigs comes to be with us. She Jillian Twigs comes to be with us. She is the uh youth pastor of the Fellowship is the uh youth pastor of the Fellowship is the uh youth pastor of the Fellowship Church of Chicago. And we're excited Church of Chicago. And we're excited Church of Chicago. And we're excited that she is returning. She's a that she is returning. She's a that she is returning. She's a magnificent preacher. and I thank God magnificent preacher. and I thank God magnificent preacher. and I thank God for her gifts and then [music] and she for her gifts and then [music] and she for her gifts and then [music] and she will share those gifts with us this will share those gifts with us this will share those gifts with us this coming Thursday. And then Friday, we're coming Thursday. And then Friday, we're coming Thursday. And then Friday, we're wearing all black. It's black and glow wearing all black. It's black and glow wearing all black. It's black and glow night. They're going to have some glow night. They're going to have some glow night. They're going to have some glow sticks for us when we get here. We want sticks for us when we get here. We want sticks for us when we get here. We want everybody to wear all black. And our everybody to wear all black. And our everybody to wear all black. And our youth pastor is preaching on Friday youth pastor is preaching on Friday youth pastor is preaching on Friday night, the Reverend Jaylen Vernon.

night, the Reverend Jaylen Vernon. night, the Reverend Jaylen Vernon. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] And we're excited to hear what thus said And we're excited to hear what thus said And we're excited to hear what thus said the Lord from Mr. Cool himself, the the Lord from Mr. Cool himself, the the Lord from Mr. Cool himself, the Reverend Jaylen Vernon. And we hope that Reverend Jaylen Vernon. And we hope that Reverend Jaylen Vernon. And we hope that you will be here to be blessed by the you will be here to be blessed by the you will be here to be blessed by the word of God that he shall present. And word of God that he shall present. And word of God that he shall present. And then Saturday, it just gets better and then Saturday, it just gets better and then Saturday, it just gets better and better because Saturday is new life better because Saturday is new life better because Saturday is new life service. Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. service. Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. service. Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. And we're excited about new life And we're excited about new life And we're excited about new life service. Every month when we gather service. Every month when we gather service. Every month when we gather together on these Saturdays, we dedicate together on these Saturdays, we dedicate together on these Saturdays, we dedicate babies unto the Lord. And we baptize babies unto the Lord. And we baptize babies unto the Lord. And we baptize those who have given their lives unto those who have given their lives unto those who have given their lives unto the Lord. And this coming Saturday, the Lord. And this coming Saturday, the Lord. And this coming Saturday, we've got 13 babies to dedicate and more we've got 13 babies to dedicate and more we've got 13 babies to dedicate and more than 60 individuals going into the than 60 individuals going into the than 60 individuals going into the waters of baptism. And we're excited waters of baptism. And we're excited waters of baptism. And we're excited about that. [applause] Amen. So, we hope about that. [applause] Amen. So, we hope about that. [applause] Amen. So, we hope that you will come and share [music] that you will come and share [music] that you will come and share [music] with us as we share a new life service with us as we share a new life service with us as we share a new life service on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. All on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. All on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. All right. As much as it pains me to move right. As much as it pains me to move right. As much as it pains me to move from July into August, from July into August, from July into August, I guess I have to relent. I've got to I guess I have to relent. I've got to I guess I have to relent. I've got to give it up. My month is over. And now I give it up. My month is over. And now I give it up. My month is over. And now I have to give August babies their time to have to give August babies their time to have to give August babies their time to shine. Every August baby, please stand.

shine. Every August baby, please stand. shine. Every August baby, please stand. If you're born in the month of August, If you're born in the month of August, If you're born in the month of August, I see you, Dr. Kiana. I see you, Dr. Kiana. I see you, Dr. Kiana. Larry, come on, Larry. He playing the Larry, come on, Larry. He playing the Larry, come on, Larry. He playing the drums and standing up at the same time. drums and standing up at the same time. drums and standing up at the same time. I like it, man. I like the way you roll. I like it, man. I like the way you roll. I like it, man. I like the way you roll. Come on, hurry up. Get to him. You want Come on, hurry up. Get to him. You want Come on, hurry up. Get to him. You want to see him? You know he's short. to see him? You know he's short. to see him? You know he's short. Everybody can't see that, man. Get that. Everybody can't see that, man. Get that. Everybody can't see that, man. Get that. There he is. Come on. He's there. Praise There he is. Come on. He's there. Praise There he is. Come on. He's there. Praise the Lord. My son, where's my son? Marcus the Lord. My son, where's my son? Marcus the Lord. My son, where's my son? Marcus D. Godby the second is celebrating D. Godby the second is celebrating D. Godby the second is celebrating [music] August 26th and we celebrate [music] August 26th and we celebrate [music] August 26th and we celebrate with him. Come on everybody who's with him. Come on everybody who's with him. Come on everybody who's celebrating. We're going to ser What celebrating. We're going to ser What celebrating. We're going to ser What happened? What? What happened? I missed happened? What? What happened? I missed happened? What? What happened? I missed you. you. you. What do you do? What do you do? What do you do? He pointed. You think it's about you? He pointed. You think it's about you? He pointed. You think it's about you? No, it's not. Come on, let's sing happy No, it's not. Come on, let's sing happy No, it's not. Come on, let's sing happy birthday to all these precious people. Happy birthday. [music] Happy birthday. [music] Happy birthday. That's you. Everybody.

Happy birthday. That's you. Everybody. Happy birthday. That's you. Everybody. Come on, Cody. [music] Your daughter and [music] Your daughter and [music] I Hey, Seresa. I need to see you I Hey, Seresa. I need to see you I Hey, Seresa. I need to see you tonight. God bless you. Praise the Lord. tonight. God bless you. Praise the Lord. tonight. God bless you. Praise the Lord. That's the baby. [music] That's the baby. [music] That's the baby. [music] Look just like me. All my Chicago folk Look just like me. All my Chicago folk Look just like me. All my Chicago folk are here. It's good. Hey, Sher. I see are here. It's good. Hey, Sher. I see are here. It's good. Hey, Sher. I see you, girl. Good to see you. Oh, excuse you, girl. Good to see you. Oh, excuse you, girl. Good to see you. Oh, excuse me. I'm sorry. I'm leaving worship. me. I'm sorry. I'm leaving worship. me. I'm sorry. I'm leaving worship. [music] We praise God for all of the [music] We praise God for all of the [music] We praise God for all of the precious people who are celebrating in precious people who are celebrating in precious people who are celebrating in the month of August. Enjoy every bit of the month of August. Enjoy every bit of the month of August. Enjoy every bit of it. I understand [music] it's not as it. I understand [music] it's not as it. I understand [music] it's not as good as July, but you know, it's good. good as July, but you know, it's good. good as July, but you know, it's good. I'm just playing a little bit. Uh God I'm just playing a little bit. Uh God I'm just playing a little bit. Uh God bless you. Have [music] a fabulous bless you. Have [music] a fabulous bless you. Have [music] a fabulous month. It's offering time in the Lord's month. It's offering time in the Lord's month. It's offering time in the Lord's house. We're excited about giving. Yes. Yes. Yes. [music] Yes. Yes. Yes. [music] As we give this morning, we're grateful As we give this morning, we're grateful As we give this morning, we're grateful that our beautiful, dedicated courtesy that our beautiful, dedicated courtesy that our beautiful, dedicated courtesy core members are passing through the core members are passing through the core members are passing through the aisles now just in case someone needs an aisles now just in case someone needs an aisles now just in case someone needs an envelope into which you'll place your envelope into which you'll place your envelope into which you'll place your paper gift. If you need an envelope, paper gift. If you need an envelope, paper gift. If you need an envelope, just raise your hand. And as you keep just raise your hand. And as you keep just raise your hand. And as you keep your hand raised, they'll make their way your hand raised, they'll make their way your hand raised, they'll make their way to you. And because of their their eyes to you. And because of their their eyes to you. And because of their their eyes that are always on this congregation, that are always on this congregation, that are always on this congregation, they will find you and prepare for you.

they will find you and prepare for you. they will find you and prepare for you. provide for you an envelope into which provide for you an envelope into which provide for you an envelope into which you can place that paper gift today. you can place that paper gift today. you can place that paper gift today. Others of us are using the digital Others of us are using the digital Others of us are using the digital methods that are scrolling on the methods that are scrolling on the methods that are scrolling on the screen. Choose one and uh utilize it as screen. Choose one and uh utilize it as screen. Choose one and uh utilize it as you are led as you feel most you are led as you feel most you are led as you feel most comfortable. But all of us are honoring comfortable. But all of us are honoring comfortable. But all of us are honoring the Lord through the presentation of our the Lord through the presentation of our the Lord through the presentation of our tithes and offerings today. The tithe is tithes and offerings today. The tithe is tithes and offerings today. The tithe is the first 10% of our increase and the first 10% of our increase and the first 10% of our increase and according to scripture, it is holy unto according to scripture, it is holy unto according to scripture, it is holy unto God. [music] And so we bring that tithe God. [music] And so we bring that tithe God. [music] And so we bring that tithe into the Lord's house this Lord's day. into the Lord's house this Lord's day. into the Lord's house this Lord's day. Then we give Then we give Then we give an offering beyond the tithe that speaks an offering beyond the tithe that speaks an offering beyond the tithe that speaks to our level of commitment to to the to our level of commitment to to the to our level of commitment to to the Lord's church. And as we do that, we Lord's church. And as we do that, we Lord's church. And as we do that, we ensure that the work of God's kingdom ensure that the work of God's kingdom ensure that the work of God's kingdom does not just survive, but it thrives does not just survive, but it thrives does not just survive, but it thrives here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And then thirdly, in a tertiary way, we And then thirdly, in a tertiary way, we And then thirdly, in a tertiary way, we give to missions and mercy. We were led give to missions and mercy. We were led give to missions and mercy. We were led by a founding pastor, as I often say, to by a founding pastor, as I often say, to by a founding pastor, as I often say, to ensure that we never forget those who ensure that we never forget those who ensure that we never forget those who are the least, the left out, the lost, are the least, the left out, the lost, are the least, the left out, the lost, those who are the looked over. And so, those who are the looked over. And so, those who are the looked over. And so, in accordance with Matthew chapter 25, in accordance with Matthew chapter 25, in accordance with Matthew chapter 25, we think about the least of our sisters we think about the least of our sisters we think about the least of our sisters and brothers. And we give that missions and brothers. And we give that missions and brothers. And we give that missions and mercy offerings so that we can help and mercy offerings so that we can help and mercy offerings so that we can help those who need [music] the assistance of those who need [music] the assistance of those who need [music] the assistance of our church. All of us together now give our church. All of us together now give our church. All of us together now give and as we honor the Lord through the and as we honor the Lord through the and as we honor the Lord through the presentation of our tithes [music] and presentation of our tithes [music] and presentation of our tithes [music] and offerings, we consecrate these gifts in offerings, we consecrate these gifts in offerings, we consecrate these gifts in prayer. So, let us pray.

prayer. So, let us pray. prayer. So, let us pray. Gracious God, how we thank you for this Gracious God, how we thank you for this Gracious God, how we thank you for this moment in time and for this opportunity moment in time and for this opportunity moment in time and for this opportunity [music] to honor you through the [music] to honor you through the [music] to honor you through the presentation of these financial gifts, presentation of these financial gifts, presentation of these financial gifts, these resources that you placed into our these resources that you placed into our these resources that you placed into our hands. We recognize you as the source of hands. We recognize you as the source of hands. We recognize you as the source of all good and perfect gifts. And we thank all good and perfect gifts. And we thank all good and perfect gifts. And we thank you that as we now resource [music] them you that as we now resource [music] them you that as we now resource [music] them as we give them to the work of the as we give them to the work of the as we give them to the work of the building of the kingdom of God, I pray building of the kingdom of God, I pray building of the kingdom of God, I pray that no one will lack as a consequence that no one will lack as a consequence that no one will lack as a consequence of what we give today, that you'll of what we give today, that you'll of what we give today, that you'll continually add to the coffers of your continually add to the coffers of your continually add to the coffers of your sons and daughters so that we might sons and daughters so that we might sons and daughters so that we might testify even with the musicians [music] testify even with the musicians [music] testify even with the musicians [music] that we can't beat God giving no matter that we can't beat God giving no matter that we can't beat God giving no matter how we try. Will you bless each gift and how we try. Will you bless each gift and how we try. Will you bless each gift and each giver? And we pray, oh God, that each giver? And we pray, oh God, that each giver? And we pray, oh God, that we'll be able to testify of your we'll be able to testify of your we'll be able to testify of your goodness and your grace henceforth now goodness and your grace henceforth now goodness and your grace henceforth now [music] and forever more in the strong [music] and forever more in the strong [music] and forever more in the strong name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do we name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do we name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do we pray with great thanksgiving and [music] pray with great thanksgiving and [music] pray with great thanksgiving and [music] great expectation and God's people great expectation and God's people great expectation and God's people together said amen. Amen. Now, as is our together said amen. Amen. Now, as is our together said amen. Amen. Now, as is our custom, every now and then we'll just custom, every now and then we'll just custom, every now and then we'll just take the time and do a throwback. And take the time and do a throwback. And take the time and do a throwback. And the musicians are playing it. So, let's the musicians are playing it. So, let's the musicians are playing it. So, let's [music] sing it. You can't beat God [music] sing it. You can't beat God [music] sing it. You can't beat God giving no matter how you try. Let's sing giving no matter how you try. Let's sing giving no matter how you try. Let's sing together. you. [music] together. you. [music] together. you. [music] If you know it, sing it. Can If you know it, sing it. Can If you know it, sing it. Can be [music] be [music] be [music] God.

No matter how you try, come on. No No matter how you try, come on. No matter [music and singing] matter [music and singing] matter [music and singing] how remember it as you say, [music] just as remember it as you say, [music] just as sure as you are living. special special and you are and you are and you are as [music] you are and the Lord is in as [music] you are and the Lord is in as [music] you are and the Lord is in heaven [music] [music] on high. the more he gives to you. the more he gives to you. >> [music] >> Just keep on giving. [music] >> Just keep on giving. [music] Just keep on because it's [music] because it's [music] true. And you can't true. And you can't true. And you can't [music] God bless you. [music] God bless you. [music] As we continue to worship, will you As we continue to worship, will you As we continue to worship, will you receive the magnificent music ministry receive the magnificent music ministry receive the magnificent music ministry of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church as of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church as of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church as they prepare us for the word of God?

Yes. Yes. Yes. [music] >> Now we [music] hold the [singing] lamb, >> Now we [music] hold the [singing] lamb, the preious [music] the preious [music] the preious [music] lamb of God. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> to sin that I may live again >> to sin that I may live again >> to sin that I may live again the preious [music] lamb of [singing] the preious [music] lamb of [singing] the preious [music] lamb of [singing] God.

Now behold [music] Now behold [music] the lamb, the lamb, the lamb, the preious lamb [music] the preious lamb [music] the preious lamb [music] [singing] of God [music] to sin [singing] that I may [music] to sin [singing] that I may again again again the [music] preious lamb [singing] the [music] preious lamb [singing] the [music] preious lamb [singing] of God. Oh, he is [music] Oh, he is [music] the [singing] lamb, the [singing] lamb, the [singing] lamb, the preious lamb of God. [singing] [music] Why you love me so I shall never [music] Why you love me so I shall never know [music] know [music] know [music] the preious [singing] the preious [singing] the preious [singing] lamb of God. is [music] the lamb, is [music] the lamb, the preious lamb [singing] of God. the preious lamb [singing] of God. the preious lamb [singing] of God. [music] [music] [music] Why you love me, Lord? I shall [singing] Why you love me, Lord? I shall [singing] Why you love me, Lord? I shall [singing] never never never [music] the preious lamb of God.

[music] the preious lamb of God. [music] the preious lamb of God. [music] [music] [music] Now behold the [singing] lamb, Now behold the [singing] lamb, Now behold the [singing] lamb, [music] [music] [music] the pel in the presence [music] in the presence [music] of I Yeah. [singing] Heat. I Yeah. [singing] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [singing] I think I think I'm I'm I'm [music] [music] [music] right here.

[music] [music] I pray to be the lamb of God. from the sun. from the sun. >> [music] >> I [screaming] >> I [screaming] become [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] [screaming] [screaming] [screaming] Heat [music] [music] [screaming] up [music] here.

up [music] here. [screaming] [screaming] [screaming] [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] >> I never >> I never [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. Heat. [music] [singing] [singing] >> Heat.

[music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [screaming] Heat. [screaming] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [singing] [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

Heat. [music] Heat Heat [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Heat.

here. here. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] [screaming] [screaming] [screaming] heat, heat. >> Praise the Lord. [music] >> Praise the Lord. [music] Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. To God be the glory Praise the Lord. To God be the glory Praise the Lord. To God be the glory for these amazing singers and musicians for these amazing singers and musicians for these amazing singers and musicians under the leadership of our phenomenal under the leadership of our phenomenal under the leadership of our phenomenal ministry of music, Minister Leon ministry of music, Minister Leon ministry of music, Minister Leon Christopher Lewis. Thank God for [music] Christopher Lewis. Thank God for [music] Christopher Lewis. Thank God for [music] them for their ministry of music today. Amen.

for their ministry of music today. Amen. Let's look into the word of God today. Let's look into the word of God today. Let's look into the word of God today. And as we do, I invite your attention to And as we do, I invite your attention to And as we do, I invite your attention to the New Testament book of Luke. of the the New Testament book of Luke. of the the New Testament book of Luke. of the New Testament Gospel [music] New Testament Gospel [music] New Testament Gospel [music] as recorded by the writer Luke. For as recorded by the writer Luke. For as recorded by the writer Luke. For those who don't know, there are four those who don't know, there are four those who don't know, there are four books called the Gospels. In the New books called the Gospels. In the New books called the Gospels. In the New Testament, they begin the New Testament. Testament, they begin the New Testament. Testament, they begin the New Testament. They are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. And I invite your attention this morning And I invite your attention this morning And I invite your attention this morning to the third of those New Testament to the third of those New Testament to the third of those New Testament gospels, Luke chapter 15. For those gospels, Luke chapter 15. For those gospels, Luke chapter 15. For those who've been around the church for a who've been around the church for a who've been around the church for a while, you will probably recognize the while, you will probably recognize the while, you will probably recognize the stories of Luke chapter 15. stories of Luke chapter 15. stories of Luke chapter 15. Those of you who have not yet been Those of you who have not yet been Those of you who have not yet been around church for a while, listen around church for a while, listen around church for a while, listen closely as we hear the mind of the Lord closely as we hear the mind of the Lord closely as we hear the mind of the Lord Jesus being conveyed through these 32 Jesus being conveyed through these 32 Jesus being conveyed through these 32 verses of the third gospel and the 15th verses of the third gospel and the 15th verses of the third gospel and the 15th chapter therein, the gospel according to chapter therein, the gospel according to chapter therein, the gospel according to Luke. Luke chap 15 beginning at verse 1. Luke. Luke chap 15 beginning at verse 1. Luke. Luke chap 15 beginning at verse 1. I'll read verses 1 and two, but I'll I'll read verses 1 and two, but I'll I'll read verses 1 and two, but I'll invite you to keep your Bibles open, invite you to keep your Bibles open, invite you to keep your Bibles open, keep your apps unlocked as we look keep your apps unlocked as we look keep your apps unlocked as we look through these verses this Sunday through these verses this Sunday through these verses this Sunday morning. Hear the word of the Lord from morning. Hear the word of the Lord from morning. Hear the word of the Lord from the New International Version. Now the the New International Version. Now the the New International Version. Now the tax collectors and sinners were all tax collectors and sinners were all tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the gathering around to hear Jesus. But the gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law Pharisees and the teachers of the law Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

eats with them." eats with them." That's enough for now. Amen. Praise God That's enough for now. Amen. Praise God That's enough for now. Amen. Praise God for his holy word. You may be seated in for his holy word. You may be seated in for his holy word. You may be seated in the presence of our good and gracious the presence of our good and gracious the presence of our good and gracious God. This this he man, he welcomes God. This this he man, he welcomes God. This this he man, he welcomes sinners sinners sinners and eats with them. and eats with them. and eats with them. Stick with me for these next 40 minutes Stick with me for these next 40 minutes Stick with me for these next 40 minutes or so. I want to talk from the subject or so. I want to talk from the subject or so. I want to talk from the subject the allegorical the allegorical the allegorical Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The allegorical The allegorical The allegorical Jesus. Unfortunately, that's the mindset of the Unfortunately, that's the mindset of the Pharisees in today's text. Pharisees in today's text. Pharisees in today's text. They want everyone to fit into a nice, They want everyone to fit into a nice, They want everyone to fit into a nice, neat, law-abiding box. neat, law-abiding box. neat, law-abiding box. And they find now that Jesus is not the And they find now that Jesus is not the And they find now that Jesus is not the one who is always contained within a one who is always contained within a one who is always contained within a box. They're not like us. They don't act box. They're not like us. They don't act box. They're not like us. They don't act like us. They don't talk like us. They like us. They don't talk like us. They like us. They don't talk like us. They don't sing like us. They don't worship don't sing like us. They don't worship don't sing like us. They don't worship like us. Something's wrong with them.

like us. Something's wrong with them. like us. Something's wrong with them. Where they do that at? Where they do that at? Where they do that at? Where does Jesus get off having Where does Jesus get off having Where does Jesus get off having conversation conversation conversation communication communication communication with folk like that? with folk like that? with folk like that? >> When you open up Luke chapter 15, you're >> When you open up Luke chapter 15, you're >> When you open up Luke chapter 15, you're f first invited to notice the audience. f first invited to notice the audience. f first invited to notice the audience. The audience according to verse one are The audience according to verse one are The audience according to verse one are tax collectors and sinners. Tax tax collectors and sinners. Tax tax collectors and sinners. Tax collectors, dear friends, are the ones collectors, dear friends, are the ones collectors, dear friends, are the ones who were despised who were despised who were despised by that ancient world. I suspect it's by that ancient world. I suspect it's by that ancient world. I suspect it's not too dissimilar from this not too dissimilar from this not too dissimilar from this contemporary world. contemporary world. contemporary world. Any tax collectors in the room, I love Any tax collectors in the room, I love Any tax collectors in the room, I love you. God bless you. But there's a you. God bless you. But there's a you. God bless you. But there's a unique aversion to tax collectors. unique aversion to tax collectors. unique aversion to tax collectors. But there's this other word here that's But there's this other word here that's But there's this other word here that's sinners. It's a broad group of sinners. It's a broad group of sinners. It's a broad group of individuals who often make the wrong individuals who often make the wrong individuals who often make the wrong choice instead of the right choice. They choice instead of the right choice. They choice instead of the right choice. They often do the wrong thing instead of the often do the wrong thing instead of the often do the wrong thing instead of the right thing. They often sometimes right thing. They often sometimes right thing. They often sometimes intentionally go the wrong way instead intentionally go the wrong way instead intentionally go the wrong way instead of the right way. The Bible calls them of the right way. The Bible calls them of the right way. The Bible calls them sinners. No, no designation of what they sinners. No, no designation of what they sinners. No, no designation of what they have done. It's just a broad group of have done. It's just a broad group of have done. It's just a broad group of people that Jesus watch eats with. He people that Jesus watch eats with. He people that Jesus watch eats with. He welcomes them. I dare say he loves them.

welcomes them. I dare say he loves them. welcomes them. I dare say he loves them. >> That's the audience to whom Jesus is >> That's the audience to whom Jesus is >> That's the audience to whom Jesus is speaking. But there are some antagonists speaking. But there are some antagonists speaking. But there are some antagonists in this process as well. There's some in this process as well. There's some in this process as well. There's some antagonists and they are called the antagonists and they are called the antagonists and they are called the Pharisees Pharisees Pharisees and teachers of the law. These are they and teachers of the law. These are they and teachers of the law. These are they who have strict adherence to the who have strict adherence to the who have strict adherence to the Levitical law. those who remember what Levitical law. those who remember what Levitical law. those who remember what the word of God said in the Old the word of God said in the Old the word of God said in the Old Testament to ensure that they would have Testament to ensure that they would have Testament to ensure that they would have right standing and abiding relationship right standing and abiding relationship right standing and abiding relationship with God. These Pharisees and teachers with God. These Pharisees and teachers with God. These Pharisees and teachers of the law want everyone to have a of the law want everyone to have a of the law want everyone to have a strict adherence to the legalistic strict adherence to the legalistic strict adherence to the legalistic regimen of religious relationship. regimen of religious relationship. regimen of religious relationship. They want everybody to do exactly what They want everybody to do exactly what They want everybody to do exactly what the law says and never to move away from the law says and never to move away from the law says and never to move away from it at all. And Jesus knowing what the it at all. And Jesus knowing what the it at all. And Jesus knowing what the antagonists are thinking has the nerve antagonists are thinking has the nerve antagonists are thinking has the nerve to have audience with some brothers and to have audience with some brothers and to have audience with some brothers and sisters who are to known as tax sisters who are to known as tax sisters who are to known as tax collectors and sinners. And your Bible collectors and sinners. And your Bible collectors and sinners. And your Bible says that as a consequence of these says that as a consequence of these says that as a consequence of these Pharisees and these these religious Pharisees and these these religious Pharisees and these these religious leaders looking at uh Jesus talking to leaders looking at uh Jesus talking to leaders looking at uh Jesus talking to and eating with these tax collectors and and eating with these tax collectors and and eating with these tax collectors and sinners, your Bible says they begin to sinners, your Bible says they begin to sinners, your Bible says they begin to mutter.

mutter. mutter. >> That's the word that is used in that >> That's the word that is used in that >> That's the word that is used in that verse that they begin to mutter. I can't verse that they begin to mutter. I can't verse that they begin to mutter. I can't believe they over there sitting with believe they over there sitting with believe they over there sitting with Jesus like that. I thought he was Jesus like that. I thought he was Jesus like that. I thought he was religious. I thought he had a religious. I thought he had a religious. I thought he had a relationship with God. How dare he talk relationship with God. How dare he talk relationship with God. How dare he talk to people like that? Eat with people to people like that? Eat with people to people like that? Eat with people like that. They are muttering. It's not like that. They are muttering. It's not like that. They are muttering. It's not too dissimilar from what we sometimes do too dissimilar from what we sometimes do too dissimilar from what we sometimes do in church. I mean, it's it's talking under your I mean, it's it's talking under your breath. It's grumbling. It's showing breath. It's grumbling. It's showing breath. It's grumbling. It's showing some sign of dissatisfaction to somebody some sign of dissatisfaction to somebody some sign of dissatisfaction to somebody who's close to you. I can't believe she who's close to you. I can't believe she who's close to you. I can't believe she wore that thing in here today. How dare he come to church late every How dare he come to church late every Sunday and come all the way to the front Sunday and come all the way to the front Sunday and come all the way to the front of the church. I could have been sitting of the church. I could have been sitting of the church. I could have been sitting in that seat myself. It's muttering. in that seat myself. It's muttering. in that seat myself. It's muttering. It's muttering. It's muttering. It's muttering. Oh, there's several of us in church Oh, there's several of us in church Oh, there's several of us in church today who are guilty of it. And if today who are guilty of it. And if today who are guilty of it. And if you'll be honest, you'll testify, "Hey, you'll be honest, you'll testify, "Hey, you'll be honest, you'll testify, "Hey, man. You talking about me?" Okay, I'll man. You talking about me?" Okay, I'll man. You talking about me?" Okay, I'll be honest. I'm talking about me. I have be honest. I'm talking about me. I have be honest. I'm talking about me. I have muttered in church. Don't let these muttered in church. Don't let these muttered in church. Don't let these white robes over here fool you. We have white robes over here fool you. We have white robes over here fool you. We have a lot of talking going on while church a lot of talking going on while church a lot of talking going on while church is going on. There's a lot of muttering is going on. There's a lot of muttering is going on. There's a lot of muttering and we good with it, too. I mean, we and we good with it, too. I mean, we and we good with it, too. I mean, we don't ever have to look to either one.

don't ever have to look to either one. don't ever have to look to either one. We just start talking just like this. We just start talking just like this. We just start talking just like this. Y'all think we talking about Jesus. Y'all think we talking about Jesus. Y'all think we talking about Jesus. We're talking about y'all. [applause and cheering] [applause and cheering] If you're guilty, stand up and wave at If you're guilty, stand up and wave at If you're guilty, stand up and wave at me. Just me. Just me. Just >> [applause] >> muttering. >> muttering. It happens. It happens among the It happens. It happens among the It happens. It happens among the leaders. It happens among the followers. leaders. It happens among the followers. leaders. It happens among the followers. It happens. That's the audience and the It happens. That's the audience and the It happens. That's the audience and the antagonists. antagonists. antagonists. But now you've got to watch what happens But now you've got to watch what happens But now you've got to watch what happens when Jesus overhearing what they are when Jesus overhearing what they are when Jesus overhearing what they are saying. Jesus recognizing that they are saying. Jesus recognizing that they are saying. Jesus recognizing that they are muttering. In verse two, your Bible says muttering. In verse two, your Bible says muttering. In verse two, your Bible says they're talking about him welcoming and they're talking about him welcoming and they're talking about him welcoming and eating with sinners and tax collectors. eating with sinners and tax collectors. eating with sinners and tax collectors. They can't believe it. And so Jesus They can't believe it. And so Jesus They can't believe it. And so Jesus decides to respond to it. decides to respond to it. decides to respond to it. >> And he doesn't respond to it with a >> And he doesn't respond to it with a >> And he doesn't respond to it with a direct statement that gets in their direct statement that gets in their direct statement that gets in their faces. No. No. He gives them a picture faces. No. No. He gives them a picture faces. No. No. He gives them a picture of what he expects the kingdom of God to of what he expects the kingdom of God to of what he expects the kingdom of God to look like. He gives them allegory.

look like. He gives them allegory. look like. He gives them allegory. Allegory, that's a unique word. If you Allegory, that's a unique word. If you Allegory, that's a unique word. If you remember your language arts classes from remember your language arts classes from remember your language arts classes from back in the day. If you remember your back in the day. If you remember your back in the day. If you remember your art class, you your your your uh your art class, you your your your uh your art class, you your your your uh your English classes from back in the day, English classes from back in the day, English classes from back in the day, you've used the word or at least you you've used the word or at least you you've used the word or at least you were taught the word allegory. Whether were taught the word allegory. Whether were taught the word allegory. Whether you remembered it or not, you and I were you remembered it or not, you and I were you remembered it or not, you and I were taught the word allegory. Allegory is taught the word allegory. Allegory is taught the word allegory. Allegory is the expression of the truths about human the expression of the truths about human the expression of the truths about human existence by means of symbolic figures existence by means of symbolic figures existence by means of symbolic figures and actions. It's symbolism that gives and actions. It's symbolism that gives and actions. It's symbolism that gives to us the realism of the ontological to us the realism of the ontological to us the realism of the ontological experience. That's a whole lot of big experience. That's a whole lot of big experience. That's a whole lot of big words as saying he uses some figures to words as saying he uses some figures to words as saying he uses some figures to help us understand the facts. And that's help us understand the facts. And that's help us understand the facts. And that's what Jesus does in this passage from what Jesus does in this passage from what Jesus does in this passage from verse three all the way to verse 32 of verse three all the way to verse 32 of verse three all the way to verse 32 of the Gospel of Luke at chapter 15. He the Gospel of Luke at chapter 15. He the Gospel of Luke at chapter 15. He gives to us allegorical reflections of gives to us allegorical reflections of gives to us allegorical reflections of what he expects the kingdom to look what he expects the kingdom to look what he expects the kingdom to look like. Why is he talking to tax like. Why is he talking to tax like. Why is he talking to tax collectors and sinners? He's doing that collectors and sinners? He's doing that collectors and sinners? He's doing that because Jesus has a ministry to the because Jesus has a ministry to the because Jesus has a ministry to the lost.

lost. lost. >> To the lost. As a matter of fact, the >> To the lost. As a matter of fact, the >> To the lost. As a matter of fact, the entirety of chapter 15:es 3-32 consumed entirety of chapter 15:es 3-32 consumed entirety of chapter 15:es 3-32 consumed are consumed with a ministry of are consumed with a ministry of are consumed with a ministry of lostness. The ministry to those who are lostness. The ministry to those who are lostness. The ministry to those who are lost. As a matter of fact, in this very lost. As a matter of fact, in this very lost. As a matter of fact, in this very chapter, in the first vignette, there chapter, in the first vignette, there chapter, in the first vignette, there are three. In the first vignette, there are three. In the first vignette, there are three. In the first vignette, there is the the the allegory of the lost is the the the allegory of the lost is the the the allegory of the lost sheep. Somebody say lost sheep. sheep. Somebody say lost sheep. sheep. Somebody say lost sheep. >> Lost sheep. >> Lost sheep. >> Lost sheep. >> In the second vignette, there's the >> In the second vignette, there's the >> In the second vignette, there's the allegory of the lost silver coin. allegory of the lost silver coin. allegory of the lost silver coin. Somebody say lost coin. Somebody say lost coin. Somebody say lost coin. >> In the third allegorical f uh reference, >> In the third allegorical f uh reference, >> In the third allegorical f uh reference, Jesus speaks to us about the lost son. Jesus speaks to us about the lost son. Jesus speaks to us about the lost son. Somebody say lost son. Somebody say lost son. Somebody say lost son. >> We've called him the prodigal son. But >> We've called him the prodigal son. But >> We've called him the prodigal son. But this in the text is the lost son, the this in the text is the lost son, the this in the text is the lost son, the lost silver, and the lost sheep. And lost silver, and the lost sheep. And lost silver, and the lost sheep. And when Jesus gives to us these pictures of when Jesus gives to us these pictures of when Jesus gives to us these pictures of lostness, he helps those who've been lostness, he helps those who've been lostness, he helps those who've been muttering [laughter] muttering [laughter] muttering [laughter] to understand his ministry. to understand his ministry. to understand his ministry. >> Jesus makes it very clear later on in >> Jesus makes it very clear later on in >> Jesus makes it very clear later on in Luke's gospel when he says while talking Luke's gospel when he says while talking Luke's gospel when he says while talking about Zakius that the son of man has about Zakius that the son of man has about Zakius that the son of man has come to seek and to save that which was come to seek and to save that which was come to seek and to save that which was lost. And so friends, I want us to talk lost. And so friends, I want us to talk lost. And so friends, I want us to talk about it a little bit today because I about it a little bit today because I about it a little bit today because I believe that every person who's a part believe that every person who's a part believe that every person who's a part of the household of faith, every person of the household of faith, every person of the household of faith, every person who has a relationship with God needs to who has a relationship with God needs to who has a relationship with God needs to understand in the words of our founding understand in the words of our founding understand in the words of our founding pastor who rests with the Lord now that pastor who rests with the Lord now that pastor who rests with the Lord now that God has a downwardly mobile ministry.

God has a downwardly mobile ministry. God has a downwardly mobile ministry. That while everybody's always trying to That while everybody's always trying to That while everybody's always trying to move upward that Jesus is always moving move upward that Jesus is always moving move upward that Jesus is always moving downward to catch those who are on the downward to catch those who are on the downward to catch those who are on the fringes, on the margins, those that no fringes, on the margins, those that no fringes, on the margins, those that no one else cares about. He has a one else cares about. He has a one else cares about. He has a downwardly mobile ministry. Let's look downwardly mobile ministry. Let's look downwardly mobile ministry. Let's look at it. Because in these allegorical at it. Because in these allegorical at it. Because in these allegorical references, in these frameworks, first references, in these frameworks, first references, in these frameworks, first about the lost sheep, Jesus begins to about the lost sheep, Jesus begins to about the lost sheep, Jesus begins to ask questions, this rhetorical question ask questions, this rhetorical question ask questions, this rhetorical question to be sure after he gives a pray frame to be sure after he gives a pray frame to be sure after he gives a pray frame of reference for these Pharisees to of reference for these Pharisees to of reference for these Pharisees to understand. He helps us to understand in understand. He helps us to understand in understand. He helps us to understand in this first vignette that there's nothing this first vignette that there's nothing this first vignette that there's nothing too insignificant too insignificant too insignificant to reclaim. to reclaim. to reclaim. There's nothing too insignificant to There's nothing too insignificant to There's nothing too insignificant to reclaim. Jesus says there there's a guy reclaim. Jesus says there there's a guy reclaim. Jesus says there there's a guy who's got 100 sheep. He's got 100 sheep who's got 100 sheep. He's got 100 sheep who's got 100 sheep. He's got 100 sheep and uh he realizes that one of his 100 and uh he realizes that one of his 100 and uh he realizes that one of his 100 have wandered off. One of his 100 is no have wandered off. One of his 100 is no have wandered off. One of his 100 is no longer in the sheepfold. And your Bible longer in the sheepfold. And your Bible longer in the sheepfold. And your Bible says in rhetorical fashion, does that says in rhetorical fashion, does that says in rhetorical fashion, does that one, that shepherd not leave the 99 in one, that shepherd not leave the 99 in one, that shepherd not leave the 99 in the open country and go find, search for the open country and go find, search for the open country and go find, search for that one? It, my friends, is the picture that one? It, my friends, is the picture that one? It, my friends, is the picture of one who is so concerned about the one of one who is so concerned about the one of one who is so concerned about the one that is no longer in the sheepfold that that is no longer in the sheepfold that that is no longer in the sheepfold that he will leave the others where they are he will leave the others where they are he will leave the others where they are and make sure that he goes to get that and make sure that he goes to get that and make sure that he goes to get that one that wandered off. Don't miss it one that wandered off. Don't miss it one that wandered off. Don't miss it because the point of the allegory,

because the point of the allegory, because the point of the allegory, friend, is to help us to understand that friend, is to help us to understand that friend, is to help us to understand that you and I are a lot like sheep. that you you and I are a lot like sheep. that you you and I are a lot like sheep. that you and I often wander from where we're and I often wander from where we're and I often wander from where we're supposed to be. You and I often stray supposed to be. You and I often stray supposed to be. You and I often stray from where we're supposed to be to the from where we're supposed to be to the from where we're supposed to be to the places where we're not supposed to be. places where we're not supposed to be. places where we're not supposed to be. You can say amen. It's okay. You and I You can say amen. It's okay. You and I You can say amen. It's okay. You and I often move to the places where we are often move to the places where we are often move to the places where we are not intended to take up residence. And not intended to take up residence. And not intended to take up residence. And Jesus is so much in love with us that he Jesus is so much in love with us that he Jesus is so much in love with us that he will show up right where we are to will show up right where we are to will show up right where we are to reclaim us and to prove that you and I reclaim us and to prove that you and I reclaim us and to prove that you and I matter to God. That's the whole point of matter to God. That's the whole point of matter to God. That's the whole point of this first allegory to let us all know this first allegory to let us all know this first allegory to let us all know that we matter to God. It does not that we matter to God. It does not that we matter to God. It does not matter where you've come from. It matter where you've come from. It matter where you've come from. It doesn't matter how many sins you've doesn't matter how many sins you've doesn't matter how many sins you've committed. It doesn't matter how badly committed. It doesn't matter how badly committed. It doesn't matter how badly you've messed up in days gone by. The you've messed up in days gone by. The you've messed up in days gone by. The good news is that you and I matter to good news is that you and I matter to good news is that you and I matter to God. I wish you just encourage yourself God. I wish you just encourage yourself God. I wish you just encourage yourself and say, "I matter to God. I matter to and say, "I matter to God. I matter to and say, "I matter to God. I matter to God." That's the whole point of this God." That's the whole point of this God." That's the whole point of this first statement is to let us know that first statement is to let us know that first statement is to let us know that no matter where you strayed, no matter no matter where you strayed, no matter no matter where you strayed, no matter where you went, because you matter to where you went, because you matter to where you went, because you matter to God, God will come find you right where God, God will come find you right where God, God will come find you right where you are and reclaim you as his very own.

you are and reclaim you as his very own. you are and reclaim you as his very own. Anybody grateful that every now and then Anybody grateful that every now and then Anybody grateful that every now and then you can celebrate a God who comes to you can celebrate a God who comes to you can celebrate a God who comes to meet you right where you are. Come on. meet you right where you are. Come on. meet you right where you are. Come on. Everybody in church didn't meet God in Everybody in church didn't meet God in Everybody in church didn't meet God in church. church. church. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Some folk got convicted in the club. >> Some folk got convicted in the club. >> Some folk got convicted in the club. Some folk got got saved on the street. Some folk got got saved on the street. Some folk got got saved on the street. Somebody in church can get happy that Somebody in church can get happy that Somebody in church can get happy that the Lord will reclaim you from wherever the Lord will reclaim you from wherever the Lord will reclaim you from wherever you are. That's the point of the first you are. That's the point of the first you are. That's the point of the first vignette. But wait, there's more. vignette. But wait, there's more. vignette. But wait, there's more. Because I want everybody in church to Because I want everybody in church to Because I want everybody in church to know that you matter to God. You are not know that you matter to God. You are not know that you matter to God. You are not insignificant to God. But after he talks insignificant to God. But after he talks insignificant to God. But after he talks about that one sheep, that stray, then about that one sheep, that stray, then about that one sheep, that stray, then he talks about the silver coin. I like he talks about the silver coin. I like he talks about the silver coin. I like this one here, church, because he talks this one here, church, because he talks this one here, church, because he talks about a sister who's got some money from about a sister who's got some money from about a sister who's got some money from some fairly valuable silver in her some fairly valuable silver in her some fairly valuable silver in her house. She's got 10 coins and she house. She's got 10 coins and she house. She's got 10 coins and she recognizes that one of them is missing. recognizes that one of them is missing. recognizes that one of them is missing. Now, you know, if you a sister and you Now, you know, if you a sister and you Now, you know, if you a sister and you can't find your money, there's going to can't find your money, there's going to can't find your money, there's going to be some problems and some furniture be some problems and some furniture be some problems and some furniture moving. Somebody say amen. Yeah. Yeah.

moving. Somebody say amen. Yeah. Yeah. moving. Somebody say amen. Yeah. Yeah. That's what happens in this second That's what happens in this second That's what happens in this second vignette. There's a sister who has 10 vignette. There's a sister who has 10 vignette. There's a sister who has 10 coins and she loses one. But when you coins and she loses one. But when you coins and she loses one. But when you read in those verses about the lost read in those verses about the lost read in those verses about the lost coin, beginning at verse eight, he says coin, beginning at verse eight, he says coin, beginning at verse eight, he says that this woman when she recognizes that that this woman when she recognizes that that this woman when she recognizes that her coin is lost, she lights a candle, her coin is lost, she lights a candle, her coin is lost, she lights a candle, turns on the light, sweeps the floor, turns on the light, sweeps the floor, turns on the light, sweeps the floor, and goes to make sure that she recovers and goes to make sure that she recovers and goes to make sure that she recovers that coin. It says, it is to suggest that coin. It says, it is to suggest that coin. It says, it is to suggest that there's never an inconvenient time that there's never an inconvenient time that there's never an inconvenient time to restore. to restore. to restore. That there's never an inconvenient time That there's never an inconvenient time That there's never an inconvenient time to restore. It is to suggest, church, to restore. It is to suggest, church, to restore. It is to suggest, church, that it may be late at night, which is that it may be late at night, which is that it may be late at night, which is why she turns the light on. And it may why she turns the light on. And it may why she turns the light on. And it may be that her house is less than tidy, be that her house is less than tidy, be that her house is less than tidy, which is why she has to sweep up the which is why she has to sweep up the which is why she has to sweep up the floor. Reverend Dr. Pile said, "It's floor. Reverend Dr. Pile said, "It's floor. Reverend Dr. Pile said, "It's dark and dusty in there." And because dark and dusty in there." And because dark and dusty in there." And because it's that she muttered that to me it's that she muttered that to me it's that she muttered that to me earlier. And when it was dark and dusty, earlier. And when it was dark and dusty, earlier. And when it was dark and dusty, that woman turned that light on and she that woman turned that light on and she that woman turned that light on and she began to sweep the floor because she began to sweep the floor because she began to sweep the floor because she wanted to restore her one coin to the wanted to restore her one coin to the wanted to restore her one coin to the rest of her other nine coins because rest of her other nine coins because rest of her other nine coins because they were valuable. They were valuable.

they were valuable. They were valuable. they were valuable. They were valuable. And I came to testify to everybody who's And I came to testify to everybody who's And I came to testify to everybody who's listening to me today that the allegory listening to me today that the allegory listening to me today that the allegory is to suggest to all of us that we don't is to suggest to all of us that we don't is to suggest to all of us that we don't just matter to God, we are valuable to just matter to God, we are valuable to just matter to God, we are valuable to God. Oh, this is good to me on a Sunday God. Oh, this is good to me on a Sunday God. Oh, this is good to me on a Sunday morning that the Lord values your life. morning that the Lord values your life. morning that the Lord values your life. That you are of inestimable worth to That you are of inestimable worth to That you are of inestimable worth to God. That God thinks very highly of you. God. That God thinks very highly of you. God. That God thinks very highly of you. And God values you as a part of his And God values you as a part of his And God values you as a part of his treasure. And somebody ought to be treasure. And somebody ought to be treasure. And somebody ought to be grateful that you are not just a cast grateful that you are not just a cast grateful that you are not just a cast away. You're not just something that is away. You're not just something that is away. You're not just something that is discarded by God. But when God wants to discarded by God. But when God wants to discarded by God. But when God wants to ensure that you know of your value, God ensure that you know of your value, God ensure that you know of your value, God will flip the switch and do whatever is will flip the switch and do whatever is will flip the switch and do whatever is necessary to make sure that you are necessary to make sure that you are necessary to make sure that you are recovered in that valuable treasure. recovered in that valuable treasure. recovered in that valuable treasure. Somebody today ought to take great heart Somebody today ought to take great heart Somebody today ought to take great heart in knowing that you are not some person in knowing that you are not some person in knowing that you are not some person with very little value. But because with very little value. But because with very little value. But because you've been created in the image of God, you've been created in the image of God, you've been created in the image of God, after the likeness of God, when God after the likeness of God, when God after the likeness of God, when God looks at you, God sees a piece of God looks at you, God sees a piece of God looks at you, God sees a piece of God self in you. And somebody ought to thank self in you. And somebody ought to thank self in you. And somebody ought to thank God that you are valuable to God.

God that you are valuable to God. God that you are valuable to God. [applause] [applause] [applause] And so and so the sister decides to And so and so the sister decides to And so and so the sister decides to restore. I'm going to restore this to my restore. I'm going to restore this to my restore. I'm going to restore this to my to my treasure because restoration is to my treasure because restoration is to my treasure because restoration is always a possibility with God. always a possibility with God. always a possibility with God. [applause] [applause] [applause] [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] >> That was good. You should have responded >> That was good. You should have responded >> That was good. You should have responded a little bit better. If you didn't say a little bit better. If you didn't say a little bit better. If you didn't say amen, you should have looked amen. I amen, you should have looked amen. I amen, you should have looked amen. I said restoration said restoration said restoration is always a possibility with God. is always a possibility with God. is always a possibility with God. I said restoration I said restoration I said restoration is always a possibility with God. You is always a possibility with God. You is always a possibility with God. You ever hear preaching to the choir every ever hear preaching to the choir every ever hear preaching to the choir every now and then? Restoration is always a now and then? Restoration is always a now and then? Restoration is always a possibility with God. And that's possibility with God. And that's possibility with God. And that's important in this world that seems to be important in this world that seems to be important in this world that seems to be decaying by the minute. That's a good decaying by the minute. That's a good decaying by the minute. That's a good word in this nation, in this in this word in this nation, in this in this word in this nation, in this in this community that seems to be dismantling community that seems to be dismantling community that seems to be dismantling by the minute. I wish that we had some by the minute. I wish that we had some by the minute. I wish that we had some individuals in here who understand that individuals in here who understand that individuals in here who understand that the midterm elections are 93 days away. the midterm elections are 93 days away. the midterm elections are 93 days away. And we need some people who understand And we need some people who understand And we need some people who understand the the value of restoration to make the the value of restoration to make the the value of restoration to make sure that we restore integrity and sure that we restore integrity and sure that we restore integrity and sanity and ability to these offices of sanity and ability to these offices of sanity and ability to these offices of government. I need six people in here government. I need six people in here government. I need six people in here who understand we can't just let our who understand we can't just let our who understand we can't just let our nation erode. We can't let our society nation erode. We can't let our society nation erode. We can't let our society erode. We need some people who erode. We need some people who erode. We need some people who understand our responsibility to make understand our responsibility to make understand our responsibility to make sure sanity and integrity and qualified sure sanity and integrity and qualified sure sanity and integrity and qualified ability. Qualified qualified qualified

ability. Qualified qualified qualified ability. Qualified qualified qualified ability are sitting in these seats of ability are sitting in these seats of ability are sitting in these seats of authority. Somebody say amen. >> How do you do that, Cosby? I I'm glad >> How do you do that, Cosby? I I'm glad you asked. Vote. you asked. Vote. you asked. Vote. I need everybody who's registered to I need everybody who's registered to I need everybody who's registered to make sure that in 93 days you go to your make sure that in 93 days you go to your make sure that in 93 days you go to your polling places and you vote to make sure polling places and you vote to make sure polling places and you vote to make sure that we restore sanity and integrity and that we restore sanity and integrity and that we restore sanity and integrity and qualified ability to positions of qualified ability to positions of qualified ability to positions of authority. authority. authority. [applause] And today I'm excited that restoration And today I'm excited that restoration is possible. is possible. is possible. I'm living proof that restoration I'm living proof that restoration I'm living proof that restoration >> is possible. >> is possible. >> is possible. >> There's some people on your row who are >> There's some people on your row who are >> There's some people on your row who are living proof living proof living proof >> that restoration is possible. >> that restoration is possible. >> that restoration is possible. >> When you have value, God will restore >> When you have value, God will restore >> When you have value, God will restore you, will redeem you. Somebody ought to you, will redeem you. Somebody ought to you, will redeem you. Somebody ought to thank God that no matter how dark and thank God that no matter how dark and thank God that no matter how dark and dusty my life was, once upon a time, I dusty my life was, once upon a time, I dusty my life was, once upon a time, I sit and stand in church delivered sit and stand in church delivered sit and stand in church delivered because he will restore.

because he will restore. because he will restore. Sure. [applause] Sure. [applause] Sure. [applause] [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] I thank God for the privilege of I thank God for the privilege of I thank God for the privilege of recovery. I thank God for the privilege recovery. I thank God for the privilege recovery. I thank God for the privilege of reclamation, restoration, of reclamation, restoration, of reclamation, restoration, reclamation. But let me keep going reclamation. But let me keep going reclamation. But let me keep going because there's a third vignette. And because there's a third vignette. And because there's a third vignette. And this third vignette is probably the more this third vignette is probably the more this third vignette is probably the more most important one of the three because most important one of the three because most important one of the three because when we get to that third vignette, we when we get to that third vignette, we when we get to that third vignette, we find out that there's never an find out that there's never an find out that there's never an inappropriate time inappropriate time inappropriate time >> to return. >> to return. >> to return. >> [cheering] >> There's never an inappropriate time to >> There's never an inappropriate time to return. I told you a little bit about a return. I told you a little bit about a return. I told you a little bit about a sheep. I told you a little bit about sheep. I told you a little bit about sheep. I told you a little bit about some silver. Can we talk about the son? some silver. Can we talk about the son? some silver. Can we talk about the son? >> Because as we've called him the prodigal >> Because as we've called him the prodigal >> Because as we've called him the prodigal son, this this this this word of God of son, this this this this word of God of son, this this this this word of God of ours says that he's lost. ours says that he's lost. ours says that he's lost. >> Now, he wasn't always lost. He ended up >> Now, he wasn't always lost. He ended up >> Now, he wasn't always lost. He ended up lost lost lost >> because of decisions that he made. >> because of decisions that he made. >> because of decisions that he made. >> Because of a path that he chose to take.

>> Because of a path that he chose to take. >> Because of a path that he chose to take. >> Keep saying amen because I'm talking >> Keep saying amen because I'm talking >> Keep saying amen because I'm talking about everybody in church, not just you. about everybody in church, not just you. about everybody in church, not just you. So he he became a lost son. Let me give So he he became a lost son. Let me give So he he became a lost son. Let me give you the story so you can understand you the story so you can understand you the story so you can understand everything that's going on in this everything that's going on in this everything that's going on in this passage of scripture. My friends, your passage of scripture. My friends, your passage of scripture. My friends, your Bible says there was a man who had two Bible says there was a man who had two Bible says there was a man who had two sons. the older of them and the younger sons. the older of them and the younger sons. the older of them and the younger of them both living in the house with of them both living in the house with of them both living in the house with him. And then the younger of the two him. And then the younger of the two him. And then the younger of the two sons comes to his father and says, sons comes to his father and says, sons comes to his father and says, "Father, I want you to give me "Father, I want you to give me "Father, I want you to give me >> the portion of the inheritance that >> the portion of the inheritance that >> the portion of the inheritance that falls to me. falls to me. falls to me. >> I want you to give to me >> I want you to give to me >> I want you to give to me >> the portion of the inheritance that >> the portion of the inheritance that >> the portion of the inheritance that falls to me." Now, you got to understand falls to me." Now, you got to understand falls to me." Now, you got to understand this, my friends, is what every Jewish this, my friends, is what every Jewish this, my friends, is what every Jewish elder would call a slap in the face. elder would call a slap in the face. elder would call a slap in the face. This boy is asking for this money, this This boy is asking for this money, this This boy is asking for this money, this inheritance before his father dies. inheritance before his father dies. inheritance before his father dies. >> It is as if to suggest the boy looks at >> It is as if to suggest the boy looks at >> It is as if to suggest the boy looks at his father and says, "You're dead to his father and says, "You're dead to his father and says, "You're dead to me." me." me." >> He has no consideration for this father.

>> He has no consideration for this father. >> He has no consideration for this father. He wants the portion of his goods that's He wants the portion of his goods that's He wants the portion of his goods that's going to fall to him that uh in going to fall to him that uh in going to fall to him that uh in accordance with the Jewish history and accordance with the Jewish history and accordance with the Jewish history and the the the way of their of their time, the the the way of their of their time, the the the way of their of their time, their mores. That would be onethird of their mores. That would be onethird of their mores. That would be onethird of the father's estate. Twothird would go the father's estate. Twothird would go the father's estate. Twothird would go to the older brother, one third to the to the older brother, one third to the to the older brother, one third to the younger brother. He takes it, cashes it younger brother. He takes it, cashes it younger brother. He takes it, cashes it in, and your Bible says he goes into a in, and your Bible says he goes into a in, and your Bible says he goes into a far country. He goes into a distant far country. He goes into a distant far country. He goes into a distant land. It is to be considered gentile land. It is to be considered gentile land. It is to be considered gentile territory. And when he goes into gentile territory. And when he goes into gentile territory. And when he goes into gentile territory, your Bible says he want he territory, your Bible says he want he territory, your Bible says he want he squandered. He wasted all of his money squandered. He wasted all of his money squandered. He wasted all of his money with riotous living. Now you got to see with riotous living. Now you got to see with riotous living. Now you got to see this. He has just compounded all the this. He has just compounded all the this. He has just compounded all the ways by which he has disrespected his ways by which he has disrespected his ways by which he has disrespected his father. The first act of disrespect was father. The first act of disrespect was father. The first act of disrespect was to ask for the money before the daddy to ask for the money before the daddy to ask for the money before the daddy was gone. The second act of disrespect was gone. The second act of disrespect was gone. The second act of disrespect was to go into a gentile country and was to go into a gentile country and was to go into a gentile country and begin to squander his daddy's money with begin to squander his daddy's money with begin to squander his daddy's money with riotous living. That's what the King riotous living. That's what the King riotous living. That's what the King James version calls it. Riotous living. James version calls it. Riotous living. James version calls it. Riotous living. We only see that word three or four We only see that word three or four We only see that word three or four times in the New Testament. It is to times in the New Testament. It is to times in the New Testament. It is to suggest drunkenness and debauchery. It suggest drunkenness and debauchery. It suggest drunkenness and debauchery. It is doing everything you big and bad is doing everything you big and bad is doing everything you big and bad enough to do. I'm going to enjoy this enough to do. I'm going to enjoy this enough to do. I'm going to enjoy this life. I'm going to live it like it's life. I'm going to live it like it's life. I'm going to live it like it's golden. I'm going to ring this thing out golden. I'm going to ring this thing out golden. I'm going to ring this thing out for everything that is in it. I'm going for everything that is in it. I'm going for everything that is in it. I'm going to enjoy every piece of this day that I to enjoy every piece of this day that I to enjoy every piece of this day that I have been blessed at. And this boy is have been blessed at. And this boy is have been blessed at. And this boy is enjoying it all enjoying it all enjoying it all >> till the money runs out.

>> till the money runs out. >> till the money runs out. >> There's the problem. This money runs >> There's the problem. This money runs >> There's the problem. This money runs out. And when the money runs out, if out. And when the money runs out, if out. And when the money runs out, if that wasn't bad enough, the compounded that wasn't bad enough, the compounded that wasn't bad enough, the compounded reality is that when the money runs out, reality is that when the money runs out, reality is that when the money runs out, then he runs into a severe famine. then he runs into a severe famine. then he runs into a severe famine. There's a famine in the land. When you There's a famine in the land. When you There's a famine in the land. When you read all of Luke chapter 15, you'll find read all of Luke chapter 15, you'll find read all of Luke chapter 15, you'll find out that after his money runs out, out that after his money runs out, out that after his money runs out, there's a famine in the land. And there's a famine in the land. And there's a famine in the land. And because of the famine, he is now hungry. because of the famine, he is now hungry. because of the famine, he is now hungry. He cannot do what he wants to do. And so He cannot do what he wants to do. And so He cannot do what he wants to do. And so he goes and and and finds a job. That's he goes and and and finds a job. That's he goes and and and finds a job. That's good until you find out where it is. He good until you find out where it is. He good until you find out where it is. He gets a job feeding pigs. Now, this is gets a job feeding pigs. Now, this is gets a job feeding pigs. Now, this is the utmost disrespect for any Jewish the utmost disrespect for any Jewish the utmost disrespect for any Jewish family because for them, that swine was family because for them, that swine was family because for them, that swine was an abomination. No Jewish son would ever an abomination. No Jewish son would ever an abomination. No Jewish son would ever find himself working in a pig pen. And find himself working in a pig pen. And find himself working in a pig pen. And that's where this boy is feeding the that's where this boy is feeding the that's where this boy is feeding the pigs. Can I tell you it gets worse pigs. Can I tell you it gets worse pigs. Can I tell you it gets worse because after he's been there for a because after he's been there for a because after he's been there for a while, he's so hungry. Your Bible says while, he's so hungry. Your Bible says while, he's so hungry. Your Bible says he thought about eating the pigs food.

he thought about eating the pigs food. he thought about eating the pigs food. The pods that the pigs were eating, The pods that the pigs were eating, The pods that the pigs were eating, these carob pods were very, very, very these carob pods were very, very, very these carob pods were very, very, very famous in that Mediterranean town. And famous in that Mediterranean town. And famous in that Mediterranean town. And he got ready to eat that. That's verse he got ready to eat that. That's verse he got ready to eat that. That's verse 16. But don't stop at verse 16 because 16. But don't stop at verse 16 because 16. But don't stop at verse 16 because verse 17 follows. And when you get to verse 17 follows. And when you get to verse 17 follows. And when you get to verse 17, your Bible says, "Then he came verse 17, your Bible says, "Then he came verse 17, your Bible says, "Then he came to his senses." to his senses." to his senses." Oh, this is good to me. Good to me. King Oh, this is good to me. Good to me. King Oh, this is good to me. Good to me. King James version is my favorite right here, James version is my favorite right here, James version is my favorite right here, Jerry. He came to himself. He got back Jerry. He came to himself. He got back Jerry. He came to himself. He got back in his right mind. He started thinking in his right mind. He started thinking in his right mind. He started thinking the way he was supposed to think. And the way he was supposed to think. And the way he was supposed to think. And then after he started with the mental then after he started with the mental then after he started with the mental proper faculties being properly aligned, proper faculties being properly aligned, proper faculties being properly aligned, then he started speaking. When you think then he started speaking. When you think then he started speaking. When you think right, you speak right. And when you right, you speak right. And when you right, you speak right. And when you think right and speak right, you begin think right and speak right, you begin think right and speak right, you begin to act right. Cuz your mind guides your to act right. Cuz your mind guides your to act right. Cuz your mind guides your mouth. And your mouth will guide your mouth. And your mouth will guide your mouth. And your mouth will guide your movements. And I wonder if there's movements. And I wonder if there's movements. And I wonder if there's anybody in church this Sunday morning anybody in church this Sunday morning anybody in church this Sunday morning who understands now and then I got to who understands now and then I got to who understands now and then I got to come back to my senses. Every now and come back to my senses. Every now and come back to my senses. Every now and then I've got to get back in my right then I've got to get back in my right then I've got to get back in my right mind. Come on. Somebody ought to thank mind. Come on. Somebody ought to thank mind. Come on. Somebody ought to thank God that the elders taught us that God God that the elders taught us that God God that the elders taught us that God is a heart fixer is a heart fixer is a heart fixer and a mind regulator. Come on, Jay and a mind regulator. Come on, Jay and a mind regulator. Come on, Jay Fortune. Has anybody in here ever had Fortune. Has anybody in here ever had Fortune. Has anybody in here ever had the Lord regulate your mind? Anybody the Lord regulate your mind? Anybody the Lord regulate your mind? Anybody ever had the Lord get you back in your ever had the Lord get you back in your ever had the Lord get you back in your right mind? Get you back together.

right mind? Get you back together. right mind? Get you back together. That's what the Bible says. That's what the Bible says. That's what the Bible says. Bible says he gets back in his right Bible says he gets back in his right Bible says he gets back in his right mind. And when he start [laughter] when mind. And when he start [laughter] when mind. And when he start [laughter] when he gets back in his right mind, watch he gets back in his right mind, watch he gets back in his right mind, watch this. He starts talking to himself. this. He starts talking to himself. this. He starts talking to himself. >> Now you think I just contradicted myself >> Now you think I just contradicted myself >> Now you think I just contradicted myself cuz you say folk are crazy when they cuz you say folk are crazy when they cuz you say folk are crazy when they talk to yourself themselves. And I want talk to yourself themselves. And I want talk to yourself themselves. And I want to suggest you are not crazy when you to suggest you are not crazy when you to suggest you are not crazy when you talk to yourself. You crazy when you say talk to yourself. You crazy when you say talk to yourself. You crazy when you say the wrong thing back to yourself. the wrong thing back to yourself. the wrong thing back to yourself. Sometime sometime you need to talk to Sometime sometime you need to talk to Sometime sometime you need to talk to yourself cuz sometime you the only self yourself cuz sometime you the only self yourself cuz sometime you the only self yourself will listen to. I tell folk all yourself will listen to. I tell folk all yourself will listen to. I tell folk all the time sometime you got to look the time sometime you got to look the time sometime you got to look yourself in the mirror say get yourself yourself in the mirror say get yourself yourself in the mirror say get yourself together. Sometime you got to pat together. Sometime you got to pat together. Sometime you got to pat yourself on the on the shoulder. Get yourself on the on the shoulder. Get yourself on the on the shoulder. Get yourself out this bed. Comb your hair. yourself out this bed. Comb your hair. yourself out this bed. Comb your hair. Put some clothes on. Get up out of here. Put some clothes on. Get up out of here. Put some clothes on. Get up out of here. Act like you your mama's child, your Act like you your mama's child, your Act like you your mama's child, your daddy's child. Act like you know who you daddy's child. Act like you know who you daddy's child. Act like you know who you are. Get yourself together. [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> talk to myself cuz there is no one to >> talk to myself cuz there is no one to >> talk to myself cuz there is no one to talk to. Every now and then you need to talk to. Every now and then you need to talk to. Every now and then you need to talk to yourself. And that's exactly talk to yourself. And that's exactly talk to yourself. And that's exactly what this boy does. And he begins to what this boy does. And he begins to what this boy does. And he begins to speak speak speak his speech that he's going to share with his speech that he's going to share with his speech that he's going to share with his father. He said, "I got to get up his father. He said, "I got to get up his father. He said, "I got to get up out of here. I can't hang out in this out of here. I can't hang out in this out of here. I can't hang out in this pig pin. This is not how I was destined pig pin. This is not how I was destined pig pin. This is not how I was destined to live. This is not how I was designed to live. This is not how I was designed to live. This is not how I was designed to live. this is not what God's will is to live. this is not what God's will is to live. this is not what God's will is for my life. He gets up out of that pig for my life. He gets up out of that pig for my life. He gets up out of that pig pin. He begins to rehearse his speech.

pin. He begins to rehearse his speech. pin. He begins to rehearse his speech. He says, "I'm going back to my daddy's He says, "I'm going back to my daddy's He says, "I'm going back to my daddy's house. I'm going back to my daddy's house. I'm going back to my daddy's house. I'm going back to my daddy's house." And when I get back to my house." And when I get back to my house." And when I get back to my daddy's house, this is what I'm going to daddy's house, this is what I'm going to daddy's house, this is what I'm going to say. Father, I have sinned against say. Father, I have sinned against say. Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I'm no longer heaven and against you. I'm no longer heaven and against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me worthy to be called your son. Make me worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. You got like one of your hired servants. You got like one of your hired servants. You got to catch his speech. You got to hear all to catch his speech. You got to hear all to catch his speech. You got to hear all that's happening. He says, "Father, I that's happening. He says, "Father, I that's happening. He says, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against have sinned against heaven and against have sinned against heaven and against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called you. I'm no longer worthy to be called you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired your son. Make me like one of your hired your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. I'll tell you a third time. servants. I'll tell you a third time. servants. I'll tell you a third time. Just make sure that everybody got it. He Just make sure that everybody got it. He Just make sure that everybody got it. He says, "Father, I've sinned against says, "Father, I've sinned against says, "Father, I've sinned against heaven and against you. I'm no longer heaven and against you. I'm no longer heaven and against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me worthy to be called your son. Make me worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants." like one of your hired servants." like one of your hired servants." Solomon scholar suggests that he not Solomon scholar suggests that he not Solomon scholar suggests that he not only says this, but he begins to only says this, but he begins to only says this, but he begins to rehearse the speech over and over again rehearse the speech over and over again rehearse the speech over and over again as he's making his way back to the as he's making his way back to the as he's making his way back to the father's house. I don't know if you father's house. I don't know if you father's house. I don't know if you heard, but it's time to return. heard, but it's time to return. heard, but it's time to return. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> It's time to return. He says, "Father, >> It's time to return. He says, "Father, >> It's time to return. He says, "Father, I've sinned against heaven, against you. I've sinned against heaven, against you. I've sinned against heaven, against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your I'm no longer worthy to be called your I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired son. Make me like one of your hired son. Make me like one of your hired servants." Now, preachers, you've got to servants." Now, preachers, you've got to servants." Now, preachers, you've got to catch the tension in the text because at catch the tension in the text because at catch the tension in the text because at the beginning of the passage, when he is the beginning of the passage, when he is the beginning of the passage, when he is asking for his inheritance, he says, asking for his inheritance, he says, asking for his inheritance, he says, "Give me what's coming to me." By the "Give me what's coming to me." By the "Give me what's coming to me." By the time he's in a pig pin, he begins to time he's in a pig pin, he begins to time he's in a pig pin, he begins to rehearse his speech. He says, "Make me."

rehearse his speech. He says, "Make me." rehearse his speech. He says, "Make me." >> Like one of your highest servants. When >> Like one of your highest servants. When >> Like one of your highest servants. When you grow up, it ain't always about you grow up, it ain't always about you grow up, it ain't always about giveimme, giveimme, giveimme. It's about giveimme, giveimme, giveimme. It's about giveimme, giveimme, giveimme. It's about make me, make me, make me. I need make me, make me, make me. I need make me, make me, make me. I need somebody who's moved in your Christian somebody who's moved in your Christian somebody who's moved in your Christian relationship to just getting stuff from relationship to just getting stuff from relationship to just getting stuff from God to God making you to be all that God God to God making you to be all that God God to God making you to be all that God wants you to be. Can I find six wants you to be. Can I find six wants you to be. Can I find six witnesses in that balcony who says, "I'm witnesses in that balcony who says, "I'm witnesses in that balcony who says, "I'm no longer just some selfish entitled no longer just some selfish entitled no longer just some selfish entitled brat always saying, "Give me, give me, brat always saying, "Give me, give me, brat always saying, "Give me, give me, give me. I've grown up with God now. I give me. I've grown up with God now. I give me. I've grown up with God now. I want him to make me to be a decent want him to make me to be a decent want him to make me to be a decent individual. Make me to be a good individual. Make me to be a good individual. Make me to be a good Christian. Make me to be somebody who Christian. Make me to be somebody who Christian. Make me to be somebody who loves. Make me to be somebody who loves. Make me to be somebody who loves. Make me to be somebody who forgives. Make me to be somebody who forgives. Make me to be somebody who forgives. Make me to be somebody who trusts you. Make me, [cheering] make [applause] me, make me like one of make [applause] me, make me like one of your hired servants. I like this church. your hired servants. I like this church. your hired servants. I like this church. And hell, while he's on the way back to And hell, while he's on the way back to And hell, while he's on the way back to the father's house, as he makes his the father's house, as he makes his the father's house, as he makes his return, he's rehearsing his speech. He return, he's rehearsing his speech. He return, he's rehearsing his speech. He He has chosen watch to repent He has chosen watch to repent He has chosen watch to repent >> and return.

>> and return. >> and return. >> And in the process, he rehearses. Have >> And in the process, he rehearses. Have >> And in the process, he rehearses. Have you heard his speech? you heard his speech? you heard his speech? >> Father, >> Father, >> Father, >> I'm no longer worthy. >> I'm no longer worthy. >> I'm no longer worthy. >> I've sinned against heaven and against >> I've sinned against heaven and against >> I've sinned against heaven and against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called you. I'm no longer worthy to be called you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired your son. Make me like one of your hired your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. And he's on his way back. Now, servants. And he's on his way back. Now, servants. And he's on his way back. Now, don't stop there, cuz the next verse don't stop there, cuz the next verse don't stop there, cuz the next verse gets even better, cuz your Bible says, gets even better, cuz your Bible says, gets even better, cuz your Bible says, "While he was still a long way off, "While he was still a long way off, "While he was still a long way off, his father saw him." [applause] his father saw him." [applause] his father saw him." [applause] I love preaching to this church. You all I love preaching to this church. You all I love preaching to this church. You all know when to get happy. I love preaching know when to get happy. I love preaching know when to get happy. I love preaching to the Wheeler Avenue congregation. You to the Wheeler Avenue congregation. You to the Wheeler Avenue congregation. You know when to put a smile on your face. know when to put a smile on your face. know when to put a smile on your face. While he was still a long way off, the While he was still a long way off, the While he was still a long way off, the father saw him. It suggests that the father saw him. It suggests that the father saw him. It suggests that the father was expecting him to get it father was expecting him to get it father was expecting him to get it together after a while. It suggests that together after a while. It suggests that together after a while. It suggests that the father was not just looking for him. the father was not just looking for him. the father was not just looking for him. The father was waiting for him. That the The father was waiting for him. That the The father was waiting for him. That the father was going to get happy because father was going to get happy because father was going to get happy because the son made his way back home. I need the son made his way back home. I need the son made his way back home. I need six people who are so grateful that six people who are so grateful that six people who are so grateful that there's a father with his eyes on you. there's a father with his eyes on you. there's a father with his eyes on you. There's a father expecting you. A father There's a father expecting you. A father There's a father expecting you. A father who is waiting for you. [cheering] who is waiting for you. [cheering] who is waiting for you. [cheering] [applause] It gets better. Jay Fortune. It gets It gets better. Jay Fortune. It gets better cuz when he saw him, your Bible better cuz when he saw him, your Bible better cuz when he saw him, your Bible says he ran to him, threw his arms says he ran to him, threw his arms says he ran to him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. Oh, you around him, and kissed him. Oh, you around him, and kissed him. Oh, you don't understand how good this is don't understand how good this is don't understand how good this is because no self-respecting Jewish man in because no self-respecting Jewish man in because no self-respecting Jewish man in antiquity would ever run in public. But antiquity would ever run in public. But antiquity would ever run in public. But that man said, "My son is more important

that man said, "My son is more important that man said, "My son is more important than a societal thought. And so, I'm than a societal thought. And so, I'm than a societal thought. And so, I'm going to run and get my boy, throw my going to run and get my boy, throw my going to run and get my boy, throw my arms around him, and give him a big arms around him, and give him a big arms around him, and give him a big kiss." I like that about God. And I came kiss." I like that about God. And I came kiss." I like that about God. And I came to tell you, whenever you repent and to tell you, whenever you repent and to tell you, whenever you repent and return, you've got a God who will run to return, you've got a God who will run to return, you've got a God who will run to you and throw your his arms around you you and throw your his arms around you you and throw your his arms around you and prove just how much you mean and and prove just how much you mean and and prove just how much you mean and matter and are valued by him. [applause] matter and are valued by him. [applause] matter and are valued by him. [applause] Don't miss it. If that was the end of Don't miss it. If that was the end of Don't miss it. If that was the end of the story, I'd close my Bible and we'd the story, I'd close my Bible and we'd the story, I'd close my Bible and we'd be done. But since I haven't closed my be done. But since I haven't closed my be done. But since I haven't closed my Bible, you know I'm not done. Y'all Bible, you know I'm not done. Y'all Bible, you know I'm not done. Y'all who've been around here a while, you who've been around here a while, you who've been around here a while, you know when I close my Bible, it does not know when I close my Bible, it does not know when I close my Bible, it does not mean I'm done. mean I'm done. mean I'm done. [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] >> Not done. Not done. Because your Bible >> Not done. Not done. Because your Bible >> Not done. Not done. Because your Bible says that after he ran to him, says that after he ran to him, says that after he ran to him, >> threw his arms around him, >> threw his arms around him, >> threw his arms around him, >> kissed him, >> kissed him, >> kissed him, >> his son started his speechifying. >> his son started his speechifying. >> his son started his speechifying. >> Y'all remember the speech? >> Y'all remember the speech? >> Y'all remember the speech? >> Father, >> Father, >> Father, >> I have sinned against heaven and against >> I have sinned against heaven and against >> I have sinned against heaven and against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called you. I'm no longer worthy to be called you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired your son. Make me like one of your hired your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. Read the next verse cuz the servants. Read the next verse cuz the servants. Read the next verse cuz the next verse says the father started next verse says the father started next verse says the father started talking to the servants.

talking to the servants. talking to the servants. >> Missed it. He completely ignored what >> Missed it. He completely ignored what >> Missed it. He completely ignored what his son had to say. Cuz that wasn't the his son had to say. Cuz that wasn't the his son had to say. Cuz that wasn't the most important thing in the moment. The most important thing in the moment. The most important thing in the moment. The most important thing was that he most important thing was that he most important thing was that he returned. And I need somebody in here to returned. And I need somebody in here to returned. And I need somebody in here to understand it's not about what happened understand it's not about what happened understand it's not about what happened in your past. It's not about what in your past. It's not about what in your past. It's not about what happened last week and last year. It's happened last week and last year. It's happened last week and last year. It's not what happened last 6 months or 6 not what happened last 6 months or 6 not what happened last 6 months or 6 years. I need somebody in here to know years. I need somebody in here to know years. I need somebody in here to know that if anybody is in Christ, that that if anybody is in Christ, that that if anybody is in Christ, that person is a new creation. Old things are person is a new creation. Old things are person is a new creation. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things become passed away. Behold, all things become passed away. Behold, all things become new. I need seven people who are ready new. I need seven people who are ready new. I need seven people who are ready to walk in your newness of life to begin to walk in your newness of life to begin to walk in your newness of life to begin to testify. He'll erase your past to to testify. He'll erase your past to to testify. He'll erase your past to protect your future. protect your future. protect your future. [cheering] Did you hear what I just said? I said Did you hear what I just said? I said he'll erase your past to protect your he'll erase your past to protect your he'll erase your past to protect your future. I need six people in here who future. I need six people in here who future. I need six people in here who are grateful that your past is not are grateful that your past is not are grateful that your past is not important to God. It's your future that important to God. It's your future that important to God. It's your future that the father is concerned with. [applause] This is good.

This is good. >> But it gets better, church. The Bible >> But it gets better, church. The Bible >> But it gets better, church. The Bible said [cheering] he ignored [screaming] the son he ignored [screaming] the son >> and started talking to the servants. >> and started talking to the servants. >> and started talking to the servants. >> Here's what he said. Go bring him the >> Here's what he said. Go bring him the >> Here's what he said. Go bring him the best robe in the closet and put it on my best robe in the closet and put it on my best robe in the closet and put it on my son. Go get a ring and put it on his son. Go get a ring and put it on his son. Go get a ring and put it on his finger. Go get some shoes. Put it on his finger. Go get some shoes. Put it on his finger. Go get some shoes. Put it on his feet. Go kill the fating calf and let's feet. Go kill the fating calf and let's feet. Go kill the fating calf and let's get ready to celebrate. [cheering] get ready to celebrate. [cheering] get ready to celebrate. [cheering] >> You just missed a good shot. Q. He just >> You just missed a good shot. Q. He just >> You just missed a good shot. Q. He just told those servants to do four things told those servants to do four things told those servants to do four things >> that nobody would get unless they had a >> that nobody would get unless they had a >> that nobody would get unless they had a father who loved them. father who loved them. father who loved them. [cheering and applause] >> Go get a robe. Not just a robe. He says, >> Go get a robe. Not just a robe. He says, "Quick, get the best robe. Go find me my "Quick, get the best robe. Go find me my "Quick, get the best robe. Go find me my Armani robe. Go get my Tom Ford robe. Go Armani robe. Go get my Tom Ford robe. Go Armani robe. Go get my Tom Ford robe. Go get my robe that m means something, that get my robe that m means something, that get my robe that m means something, that cost something, and put it on him. Don't cost something, and put it on him. Don't cost something, and put it on him. Don't miss it." He puts the robe on him before miss it." He puts the robe on him before miss it." He puts the robe on him before he ever gets cleaned up from the pig he ever gets cleaned up from the pig he ever gets cleaned up from the pig pit.

[music] [music] [applause and cheering] He said, "Cover up all that stuff He said, "Cover up all that stuff they've been talking about. Cover up all they've been talking about. Cover up all they've been talking about. Cover up all that stuff they've been gossiping about. that stuff they've been gossiping about. that stuff they've been gossiping about. Cover up all that stuff they've been Cover up all that stuff they've been Cover up all that stuff they've been muttering about. Is there anybody in muttering about. Is there anybody in muttering about. Is there anybody in church this morning who is glad he still church this morning who is glad he still church this morning who is glad he still covers me? >> [cheering and applause] >> [cheering and applause] >> Put a put a robe on him. Go get a black >> Put a put a robe on him. Go get a black >> Put a put a robe on him. Go get a black black diamond encrusted David ring and black diamond encrusted David ring and black diamond encrusted David ring and put it on his feet. [cheering] put it on his feet. [cheering] put it on his feet. [cheering] Go get some Farraamo shoes. Go get some Farraamo shoes. Go get some Farraamo shoes. Go get some Christian Lubbertton and put Go get some Christian Lubbertton and put Go get some Christian Lubbertton and put them on my baby's feet. For my son was them on my baby's feet. For my son was them on my baby's feet. For my son was dead and he's now alive. He was lost and dead and he's now alive. He was lost and dead and he's now alive. He was lost and he's now found. Can I find six people in he's now found. Can I find six people in he's now found. Can I find six people in here who are grateful that when you here who are grateful that when you here who are grateful that when you return, the [screaming] father wants to return, the [screaming] father wants to return, the [screaming] father wants to show you just how much you mean. show you just how much you mean. show you just how much you mean. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] [applause] And listen, after reclamation And listen, after reclamation and restoration, and restoration, and restoration, after the return, after the return, after the return, >> there is nothing more important than >> there is nothing more important than >> there is nothing more important than celebration.

celebration. celebration. It's time to celebrate. It's time to celebrate. It's time to celebrate. Now, that didn't do it for everybody in Now, that didn't do it for everybody in Now, that didn't do it for everybody in the room. the room. the room. >> Hopefully, the folk in the sanctuary got >> Hopefully, the folk in the sanctuary got >> Hopefully, the folk in the sanctuary got happy. happy. happy. >> There's some folk that in the gym >> There's some folk that in the gym >> There's some folk that in the gym because the sanctuary is completely because the sanctuary is completely because the sanctuary is completely full. Thank you, Jesus. Celebrate. Cuz full. Thank you, Jesus. Celebrate. Cuz full. Thank you, Jesus. Celebrate. Cuz whenever folk come to the house, it's whenever folk come to the house, it's whenever folk come to the house, it's time to celebrate. time to celebrate. time to celebrate. >> And so, so there's a celebration that's >> And so, so there's a celebration that's >> And so, so there's a celebration that's going on. And when they celebrate, don't going on. And when they celebrate, don't going on. And when they celebrate, don't miss it, church. miss it, church. miss it, church. >> It is a theme in these vignettes. >> It is a theme in these vignettes. >> It is a theme in these vignettes. >> I didn't read it to you, but let me give >> I didn't read it to you, but let me give >> I didn't read it to you, but let me give it to you now. When the shepherd it to you now. When the shepherd it to you now. When the shepherd recovered the sheep, recovered the sheep, recovered the sheep, >> the Bible says he called his friends and >> the Bible says he called his friends and >> the Bible says he called his friends and neighbors neighbors neighbors >> and said, "Come over here and rejoice >> and said, "Come over here and rejoice >> and said, "Come over here and rejoice with me cuz my lost sheep has been with me cuz my lost sheep has been with me cuz my lost sheep has been found." And then the Bible says, "And found." And then the Bible says, "And found." And then the Bible says, "And there is rejoicing in heaven over one there is rejoicing in heaven over one there is rejoicing in heaven over one sinner that comes to repentance." sinner that comes to repentance." sinner that comes to repentance." I didn't do it. It's it's a theme in I didn't do it. It's it's a theme in I didn't do it. It's it's a theme in chapter 15 because the next vignette chapter 15 because the next vignette chapter 15 because the next vignette when the woman loses her silver coin and when the woman loses her silver coin and when the woman loses her silver coin and she recovers it when she is when it is she recovers it when she is when it is she recovers it when she is when it is restored to the treasure your Bible says restored to the treasure your Bible says restored to the treasure your Bible says that she calls her friends and neighbors that she calls her friends and neighbors that she calls her friends and neighbors and say come rejoice with me for I found and say come rejoice with me for I found and say come rejoice with me for I found my lost coin my lost coin my lost coin and when the father's son comes back to and when the father's son comes back to and when the father's son comes back to the house the house the house >> he says hey servants go kill the >> he says hey servants go kill the >> he says hey servants go kill the fattened calf put some real steaks on fattened calf put some real steaks on fattened calf put some real steaks on the grill [applause] the grill [applause] the grill [applause] cuz my son was dead and he's now alive.

cuz my son was dead and he's now alive. cuz my son was dead and he's now alive. He was lost and he's now found. He says He was lost and he's now found. He says He was lost and he's now found. He says it's time to celebrate. it's time to celebrate. it's time to celebrate. >> Child of God, when folk come back from a >> Child of God, when folk come back from a >> Child of God, when folk come back from a life that was not pleasing to God and life that was not pleasing to God and life that was not pleasing to God and they make their way back into this they make their way back into this they make their way back into this house, it's not the time to be rolling house, it's not the time to be rolling house, it's not the time to be rolling your eyes and talking about people. When your eyes and talking about people. When your eyes and talking about people. When folk with a sketchy background show up folk with a sketchy background show up folk with a sketchy background show up in here, it's not time for you to tell in here, it's not time for you to tell in here, it's not time for you to tell everybody what you know about the folk everybody what you know about the folk everybody what you know about the folk who just walked down the aisle. It's who just walked down the aisle. It's who just walked down the aisle. It's time to celebrate good times. Come on. time to celebrate good times. Come on. time to celebrate good times. Come on. And I need 10 or 12 people in here who And I need 10 or 12 people in here who And I need 10 or 12 people in here who will help me thank God that when you will help me thank God that when you will help me thank God that when you return, the father wants to rejoice. I return, the father wants to rejoice. I return, the father wants to rejoice. I said, I need somebody in here who said, I need somebody in here who said, I need somebody in here who understands that when you return, the understands that when you return, the understands that when you return, the father does not point fingers. The father does not point fingers. The father does not point fingers. The father does not talk about your father does not talk about your father does not talk about your business. The father says, "Let's business. The father says, "Let's business. The father says, "Let's rejoice." And is there anybody in this rejoice." And is there anybody in this rejoice." And is there anybody in this house today who even if you can't house today who even if you can't house today who even if you can't rejoice about somebody else, you can rejoice about somebody else, you can rejoice about somebody else, you can think about your own life and how the think about your own life and how the think about your own life and how the Lord didn't cut you off when you in the Lord didn't cut you off when you in the Lord didn't cut you off when you in the midst of some ratchet and raggedy midst of some ratchet and raggedy midst of some ratchet and raggedy behavior. When you were doing things behavior. When you were doing things behavior. When you were doing things that you knew you were not supposed to that you knew you were not supposed to that you knew you were not supposed to do. When you were making some plans for do. When you were making some plans for do. When you were making some plans for stuff that you knew you should not have stuff that you knew you should not have stuff that you knew you should not have been planning. when you followed through been planning. when you followed through been planning. when you followed through and liked it and went back for more. Is and liked it and went back for more. Is and liked it and went back for more. Is there anybody in church today who can there anybody in church today who can there anybody in church today who can thank God that I came to myself?

thank God that I came to myself? thank God that I came to myself? Thank God I got back in my right mind. Thank God I got back in my right mind. Thank God I got back in my right mind. Thank God he's a heart fixer and a mind Thank God he's a heart fixer and a mind Thank God he's a heart fixer and a mind regulator. Thank God that he allowed me regulator. Thank God that he allowed me regulator. Thank God that he allowed me to come back and return to the family. to come back and return to the family. to come back and return to the family. And since I'm here, seems like it's time And since I'm here, seems like it's time And since I'm here, seems like it's time to rejoice. I need six people who've to rejoice. I need six people who've to rejoice. I need six people who've been redeemed, who've been reclaimed, been redeemed, who've been reclaimed, been redeemed, who've been reclaimed, who've been restored, who've been who've been restored, who've been who've been restored, who've been renewed to begin to rejoice that the renewed to begin to rejoice that the renewed to begin to rejoice that the Father loves you so much that he'll Father loves you so much that he'll Father loves you so much that he'll throw a party in your honor. I I I You're not going to believe this. I I I You're not going to believe this. Maybe I went to three parties yesterday. Maybe I went to three parties yesterday. Maybe I went to three parties yesterday. show did [cheering] show did [cheering] show did [cheering] and they were all members of Wheeler and they were all members of Wheeler and they were all members of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Avenue Baptist Church. Avenue Baptist Church. In the 11:00 hour, I was invited to the In the 11:00 hour, I was invited to the In the 11:00 hour, I was invited to the 90th birthday party of Sister Christine 90th birthday party of Sister Christine 90th birthday party of Sister Christine Plumber. I went over there and Plumber. I went over there and Plumber. I went over there and celebrated her 90th year of life. 90 celebrated her 90th year of life. 90 celebrated her 90th year of life. 90 years of life. After that, I went to Dr.

years of life. After that, I went to Dr. years of life. After that, I went to Dr. Melba Swaffford's house cuz she was Melba Swaffford's house cuz she was Melba Swaffford's house cuz she was celebrating her 80th birthday. had a celebrating her 80th birthday. had a celebrating her 80th birthday. had a great time celebrating 80 years. After great time celebrating 80 years. After great time celebrating 80 years. After that, I went out to the suburbs and went that, I went out to the suburbs and went that, I went out to the suburbs and went to Hulan and Sharon Lester's 50th to Hulan and Sharon Lester's 50th to Hulan and Sharon Lester's 50th wedding anniversary and everybody was wedding anniversary and everybody was wedding anniversary and everybody was partying. Now, let me tell you partying. Now, let me tell you partying. Now, let me tell you something. There have been some days in something. There have been some days in something. There have been some days in 90 and 80 years in 50 years of marriage 90 and 80 years in 50 years of marriage 90 and 80 years in 50 years of marriage where everything didn't go as planned. where everything didn't go as planned. where everything didn't go as planned. Everything didn't go well. Some days Everything didn't go well. Some days Everything didn't go well. Some days were tougher than others. But nobody in were tougher than others. But nobody in were tougher than others. But nobody in either of those celebrations was looking either of those celebrations was looking either of those celebrations was looking at what didn't go well. They will look at what didn't go well. They will look at what didn't go well. They will look at the fact that they survived it, they at the fact that they survived it, they at the fact that they survived it, they lived through it, and were able to lived through it, and were able to lived through it, and were able to testify about it. Now, I need somebody testify about it. Now, I need somebody testify about it. Now, I need somebody at Wheeler Avenue to stop dwelling on at Wheeler Avenue to stop dwelling on at Wheeler Avenue to stop dwelling on the past and how negative it was and how the past and how negative it was and how the past and how negative it was and how ugly it was and live in the present. And ugly it was and live in the present. And ugly it was and live in the present. And since God allowed you to get to this since God allowed you to get to this since God allowed you to get to this house on a Sunday morning, I need house on a Sunday morning, I need house on a Sunday morning, I need everybody, anybody, everybody, anybody, everybody, anybody, somebody to open up your mouth, lift up somebody to open up your mouth, lift up somebody to open up your mouth, lift up your hands, and begin to rejoice for your hands, and begin to rejoice for your hands, and begin to rejoice for every mountain he brought you over. For every mountain he brought you over. For every mountain he brought you over. For every trial he's seen you through. Uh every trial he's seen you through. Uh every trial he's seen you through. Uh for [screaming] every blessing, somebody for [screaming] every blessing, somebody for [screaming] every blessing, somebody ought to shout hallelujah. For this I ought to shout hallelujah. For this I ought to shout hallelujah. For this I give you praise. Anybody feel like give you praise. Anybody feel like give you praise. Anybody feel like praising God? Cuz every day ain't been a praising God? Cuz every day ain't been a praising God? Cuz every day ain't been a [music] bad day. I need somebody to [music] bad day. I need somebody to [music] bad day. I need somebody to testify. I've had some good days. I've

testify. I've had some good days. I've testify. I've had some good days. I've had some hills to climb. But when I look had some hills to climb. But when I look had some hills to climb. But when I look around and think things over, all of my around and think things over, all of my around and think things over, all of my good days outweigh my bad days. So I good days outweigh my bad days. So I good days outweigh my bad days. So I won't complain. Can anybody testify? won't complain. Can anybody testify? won't complain. Can anybody testify? God's been good to me. Oh yes, he has. He's been real good to Oh yes, he has. He's been real good to me more than this world could ever be. me more than this world could ever be. me more than this world could ever be. He dries all of my tears away. turn my He dries all of my tears away. turn my He dries all of my tears away. turn my midnight into midday. So I lift my hands midnight into midday. So I lift my hands midnight into midday. So I lift my hands and say, "Thank you, Lord. and say, "Thank you, Lord. and say, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. [screaming] I won't complain. I won't complain. I won't complain. I could, but I won't. I won't complain. I could, but I won't. I won't complain. I could, but I won't. I used to, but I won't. I won't I used to, but I won't. I won't I used to, but I won't. I won't complain. complain. complain. >> [music] >> The time [music] is out.

>> The time [music] is out. The time is out. I got to stop. Time is The time is out. I got to stop. Time is The time is out. I got to stop. Time is gone. gone. gone. I asked you for 40 minutes. I'm in I asked you for 40 minutes. I'm in I asked you for 40 minutes. I'm in overtime now. overtime now. overtime now. But somebody is grateful that you were But somebody is grateful that you were But somebody is grateful that you were once that younger son. once that younger son. once that younger son. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> and you came to yourself. >> and you came to yourself. >> and you came to yourself. >> Now come here. >> Now come here. >> Now come here. >> Cuz some of us in church right now >> Cuz some of us in church right now >> Cuz some of us in church right now >> were not the younger son. >> were not the younger son. >> were not the younger son. >> We were the older son. >> We were the older son. >> We were the older son. >> I didn't get to it, Cheryl Melody. But >> I didn't get to it, Cheryl Melody. But >> I didn't get to it, Cheryl Melody. But the older son stayed at the house. And the older son stayed at the house. And the older son stayed at the house. And when the youngest son came back, he got when the youngest son came back, he got when the youngest son came back, he got an attitude an attitude an attitude that a party was planned for the younger that a party was planned for the younger that a party was planned for the younger son. son. son. The older son is emblematic, The older son is emblematic, The older son is emblematic, allegorical, allegorical, allegorical, of those sophisticated saints who ain't of those sophisticated saints who ain't of those sophisticated saints who ain't never gone nowhere. You always been never gone nowhere. You always been never gone nowhere. You always been sitting in your pew and you ain't never sitting in your pew and you ain't never sitting in your pew and you ain't never done nothing wrong that we know about.

>> Jesus in in a sense says you got to come >> Jesus in in a sense says you got to come to yourself too to yourself too to yourself too >> cuz you can't be in the house and mad >> cuz you can't be in the house and mad >> cuz you can't be in the house and mad when somebody else comes in the house. when somebody else comes in the house. when somebody else comes in the house. Everybody who comes in the house ain't Everybody who comes in the house ain't Everybody who comes in the house ain't going to look like you, talk like you, going to look like you, talk like you, going to look like you, talk like you, act like you. But if they my son, my act like you. But if they my son, my act like you. But if they my son, my daughter, and they in the house, you let daughter, and they in the house, you let daughter, and they in the house, you let them repent and I'll do the work of them repent and I'll do the work of them repent and I'll do the work of restoration. [music] restoration. [music] restoration. [music] [applause] [applause] [applause] When you return, When you return, When you return, it is your job to repent. it is your job to repent. it is your job to repent. >> Whether you're the older son or the >> Whether you're the older son or the >> Whether you're the older son or the younger son. younger son. younger son. >> And when you repent, you will be >> And when you repent, you will be >> And when you repent, you will be restored, reclaimed, renewed, redeemed. restored, reclaimed, renewed, redeemed. restored, reclaimed, renewed, redeemed. >> And the redeemed of the Lord >> And the redeemed of the Lord >> And the redeemed of the Lord >> got to say, so we're the redeemed folk. >> got to say, so we're the redeemed folk. >> got to say, so we're the redeemed folk. Help me rejoice. Help me rejoice. I got Help me rejoice. Help me rejoice. I got Help me rejoice. Help me rejoice. I got to stop. Time is out. [applause] Time is to stop. Time is out. [applause] Time is to stop. Time is out. [applause] Time is out. [music] This invitation is going to be a little This invitation is going to be a little different. I want to start with the different. I want to start with the different. I want to start with the older son [music] and daughter. Don't older son [music] and daughter. Don't older son [music] and daughter. Don't sit down. Don't sit down. Don't sit sit down. Don't sit down. Don't sit sit down. Don't sit down. Don't sit down. You got to sit down. You ain't got down. You got to sit down. You ain't got down. You got to sit down. You ain't got to sit down cuz you going to stand right to sit down cuz you going to stand right to sit down cuz you going to stand right back up when we start singing anyway. back up when we start singing anyway. back up when we start singing anyway. So, you might as well stand up.

So, you might as well stand up. So, you might as well stand up. The older son, you you always been in The older son, you you always been in The older son, you you always been in the house. the house. the house. >> You You pretty much got a clean >> You You pretty much got a clean >> You You pretty much got a clean >> religious record >> religious record >> religious record >> that we know about. >> The Bible calls it secret sins. >> The Bible calls it secret sins. We all got those. We all got those. We all got those. >> Look towards somebody say, "Yep, me >> Look towards somebody say, "Yep, me >> Look towards somebody say, "Yep, me too." too." too." >> You didn't see that one coming, did you? >> You didn't see that one coming, did you? >> You didn't see that one coming, did you? Me, too. Me, too. Me, too. Me, too. Me, too. Me, too. And so, even though they're not like us, And so, even though they're not like us, And so, even though they're not like us, they still have a place in the house. they still have a place in the house. they still have a place in the house. >> And every now and then, you just have to >> And every now and then, you just have to >> And every now and then, you just have to have enough space for grace have enough space for grace have enough space for grace to let people grow. >> Growth happens in different time spurts >> Growth happens in different time spurts for every person. for every person. for every person. >> But I believe that God allows us all to >> But I believe that God allows us all to >> But I believe that God allows us all to grow. You can't sit under this much grow. You can't sit under this much grow. You can't sit under this much teaching and preaching and not grow a teaching and preaching and not grow a teaching and preaching and not grow a little bit. Amen.

little bit. Amen. little bit. Amen. [music] [music] [music] All this singing and worshiping, you All this singing and worshiping, you All this singing and worshiping, you going to grow. You going to grow. So, I going to grow. You going to grow. So, I going to grow. You going to grow. So, I want to talk to the older sibling, want to talk to the older sibling, want to talk to the older sibling, and I need you to repent and I need you to repent and I need you to repent >> for all that muttering you've been >> for all that muttering you've been >> for all that muttering you've been doing. >> You don't have to come down here to do >> You don't have to come down here to do it unless you want to, but you can it unless you want to, but you can it unless you want to, but you can repent right where you are. God forgive repent right where you are. God forgive repent right where you are. God forgive me. Help me to stop all that muttering me. Help me to stop all that muttering me. Help me to stop all that muttering >> when I see stuff. >> when I see stuff. >> when I see stuff. >> I hear stuff. Help me to stop repeating >> I hear stuff. Help me to stop repeating >> I hear stuff. Help me to stop repeating everything I hear. everything I hear. everything I hear. >> Spreading it farther than they should >> Spreading it farther than they should >> Spreading it farther than they should go. go. go. What I mean What I mean What I mean then the younger son, you went out there then the younger son, you went out there then the younger son, you went out there and did what you want to do. Younger and did what you want to do. Younger and did what you want to do. Younger sibling, son, daughter, it doesn't sibling, son, daughter, it doesn't sibling, son, daughter, it doesn't matter which one. You went out there, matter which one. You went out there, matter which one. You went out there, did what you wanted to do, but you came did what you wanted to do, but you came did what you wanted to do, but you came to church today. to church today. to church today. >> Came back to the house. And I came to >> Came back to the house. And I came to >> Came back to the house. And I came to tell you, the father's been looking for tell you, the father's been looking for tell you, the father's been looking for you. The father's been waiting on you. you. The father's been waiting on you. you. The father's been waiting on you. The father's been expecting you. And The father's been expecting you. And The father's been expecting you. And when you showed up, the father ran when you showed up, the father ran when you showed up, the father ran before you even got to your seat to before you even got to your seat to before you even got to your seat to throw his arms around you, kiss you, and throw his arms around you, kiss you, and throw his arms around you, kiss you, and let you know [music] you're welcome in let you know [music] you're welcome in let you know [music] you're welcome in the house.

the house. the house. There's that person who needs to return. There's that person who needs to return. There's that person who needs to return. You were in the house, you left the You were in the house, you left the You were in the house, you left the house, and now you're back. And now you house, and now you're back. And now you house, and now you're back. And now you need to make it official. I want you to need to make it official. I want you to need to make it official. I want you to come support me this day. If you say, come support me this day. If you say, come support me this day. If you say, "Pastor, I need to return for real. For "Pastor, I need to return for real. For "Pastor, I need to return for real. For real." Not just sitting in the pews. I real." Not just sitting in the pews. I real." Not just sitting in the pews. I need to return for real. For real, I'm need to return for real. For real, I'm need to return for real. For real, I'm not just returning to the house. I'm not just returning to the house. I'm not just returning to the house. I'm returning to the father. [music] returning to the father. [music] returning to the father. [music] Returning to the father. Come here right Returning to the father. Come here right Returning to the father. Come here right now. Come on. [applause] now. Come on. [applause] now. Come on. [applause] Dr. Barbara's in the sanctuary. Re Dave Dr. Barbara's in the sanctuary. Re Dave Dr. Barbara's in the sanctuary. Re Dave is in the gym. Come on. If you need to is in the gym. Come on. If you need to is in the gym. Come on. If you need to return, God bless you, sir. God bless return, God bless you, sir. God bless return, God bless you, sir. God bless you. I need you to come to the father. you. I need you to come to the father. you. I need you to come to the father. Not just to the house. You've been in Not just to the house. You've been in Not just to the house. You've been in the house [music] for a minute. Come the house [music] for a minute. Come the house [music] for a minute. Come back to the father. Come back to the back to the father. Come back to the back to the father. Come back to the father. Come on. [music] Come on. He's father. Come on. [music] Come on. He's father. Come on. [music] Come on. He's coming to reclaim you today. He's here coming to reclaim you today. He's here coming to reclaim you today. He's here to reclaim. [music] Come on. Come on. to reclaim. [music] Come on. Come on. to reclaim. [music] Come on. Come on. Come on. No matter what you did. Hey. Come on. No matter what you did. Hey. Come on. No matter what you did. Hey. Yeah. What's up, buddy? Good to see you Yeah. What's up, buddy? Good to see you Yeah. What's up, buddy? Good to see you back home. Welcome home. Welcome home. back home. Welcome home. Welcome home. back home. Welcome home. Welcome home. [music] Welcome home. Come on. Come on.

[music] Welcome home. Come on. Come on. [music] Welcome home. Come on. Come on. There more. Move in the sanctuary. Move There more. Move in the sanctuary. Move There more. Move in the sanctuary. Move in the gym. Welcome home. [music] in the gym. Welcome home. [music] in the gym. Welcome home. [music] Welcome home. Come on, Welcome home. Come on, Welcome home. Come on, pastor. I made so many mistakes. I'm not pastor. I made so many mistakes. I'm not pastor. I made so many mistakes. I'm not asking you about that right now. I'm asking you about that right now. I'm asking you about that right now. I'm asking you to come on home. Come on. asking you to come on home. Come on. asking you to come on home. Come on. Come on. Come on, pastor. [music] I I Come on. Come on, pastor. [music] I I Come on. Come on, pastor. [music] I I shamed my family. I shamed myself. shamed my family. I shamed myself. shamed my family. I shamed myself. That's not the issue right now. Come on That's not the issue right now. Come on That's not the issue right now. Come on home. Come on home. I prayed for you to home. Come on home. I prayed for you to home. Come on home. I prayed for you to come home today. Come on. Come [music] come home today. Come on. Come [music] come home today. Come on. Come [music] on. I pray. I prayed for you to come on. I pray. I prayed for you to come on. I pray. I prayed for you to come home. Line prayed that you come home today. Line prayed that you come home today. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come home. [music] Come home. [music] Come home. [music] Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. >> Look at him coming. You ought to be >> Look at him coming. You ought to be >> Look at him coming. You ought to be rejoicing. rejoicing. rejoicing. >> Anybody rejoicing? >> Anybody rejoicing? >> Anybody rejoicing? >> God bless you, daughter. Welcome home. >> God bless you, daughter. Welcome home. >> God bless you, daughter. Welcome home. >> Welcome home. >> Welcome home. >> Welcome home. >> Come on over here, man. Welcome home. >> Come on over here, man. Welcome home. >> Come on over here, man. Welcome home. Welcome home. Welcome home. Welcome home. [music] [music] [music] >> But I don't have on church clothes. Who >> But I don't have on church clothes. Who >> But I don't have on church clothes. Who told you what church clothes were? Come told you what church clothes were? Come told you what church clothes were? Come home.

home. home. >> I got a road for you. >> I got a road for you. >> I got a road for you. >> Come on home. >> Come on home. >> Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on. Come on. Come on. Here's my third and final my third and Here's my third and final my third and Here's my third and final my third and final invitation. Pastor, listen. Um um final invitation. Pastor, listen. Um um final invitation. Pastor, listen. Um um you have never given your life to Jesus you have never given your life to Jesus you have never given your life to Jesus Christ. [music] You've never said yes to Christ. [music] You've never said yes to Christ. [music] You've never said yes to a relationship with the Lord. [applause] a relationship with the Lord. [applause] a relationship with the Lord. [applause] >> And you know you need to. [music] >> And you know you need to. [music] >> And you know you need to. [music] I want you to come on toward me right I want you to come on toward me right I want you to come on toward me right now. You need a church home. You need a now. You need a church home. You need a now. You need a church home. You need a family of believers that will cover you family of believers that will cover you family of believers that will cover you and [music] pray for you. I want you to and [music] pray for you. I want you to and [music] pray for you. I want you to come. I see these two coming down those come. I see these two coming down those come. I see these two coming down those steps. Praise the Lord for them. steps. Praise the Lord for them. steps. Praise the Lord for them. I see a sister coming down steps to my I see a sister coming down steps to my I see a sister coming down steps to my left. Praise the Lord. In [music] the left. Praise the Lord. In [music] the left. Praise the Lord. In [music] the sanctuary, start moving toward Dr. sanctuary, start moving toward Dr. sanctuary, start moving toward Dr. Williams. In the gym, start moving Williams. In the gym, start moving Williams. In the gym, start moving toward Reverend Roberts. Whosoever will, toward Reverend Roberts. Whosoever will, toward Reverend Roberts. Whosoever will, let her come. Let him come. [music] let her come. Let him come. [music] let her come. Let him come. [music] Yeah. You know, I've been preaching to Yeah. You know, I've been preaching to Yeah. You know, I've been preaching to you for the past 35, 40 minutes. Come you for the past 35, 40 minutes. Come you for the past 35, 40 minutes. Come on. Come home. Welcome home. [music] on. Come home. Welcome home. [music] on. Come home. Welcome home. [music] Welcome home. Welcome home. Welcome home. Welcome home. Thank you, dear Jesus.

Welcome home. Thank you, dear Jesus. Welcome home. Thank you, dear Jesus. Welcome home. Welcome home. Welcome home. Earnestly tended. [music] [music] >> Jesus is calling. >> Jesus is calling. >> Jesus is calling. >> Jesus is calling. >> Jesus is calling. >> Jesus is calling. >> Calling. Oh, >> Calling. Oh, >> Calling. Oh, >> call. [music] [singing] [singing] >> Listen to the words of this hymn. Come >> Listen to the words of this hymn. Come >> Listen to the words of this hymn. Come home. home. home. >> Come home. [singing and music] >> Come home. [singing and music] >> Come home. [singing and music] Come home. Come home. Come home. Come home. Come home. Come home. [music] You who are weary, come home. [music] You who are weary, come home. [music] You who are weary, come home. Come on. I see you. Welcome home. Come on. I see you. Welcome home. Come on. I see you. Welcome home. [music] [music] [music] >> Come home earnestly. earnestly. [music] [music] [music] >> I see you coming down those steps, man. >> I see you coming down those steps, man. >> I see you coming down those steps, man. Come on. Come on. Come on. [music] [music] [music] >> Calling. I like what I just saw. That brother saw I like what I just saw. That brother saw his friend coming down. He ran so he his friend coming down. He ran so he his friend coming down. He ran so he could be with him. So he can walk down could be with him. So he can walk down could be with him. So he can walk down with him. That's what it means to come with him. That's what it means to come with him. That's what it means to come home. Come on, man. Gentlemen.

home. Come on, man. Gentlemen. home. Come on, man. Gentlemen. Come on, gentlemen. Come on, gentlemen. Come on, gentlemen. [music] [music] [music] [applause] Yeah. And listen, those of [applause] Yeah. And listen, those of [applause] Yeah. And listen, those of you who've been around a while, you know you who've been around a while, you know you who've been around a while, you know that at this point in the invitation, I that at this point in the invitation, I that at this point in the invitation, I usually ask you to turn towards somebody usually ask you to turn towards somebody usually ask you to turn towards somebody and ask them, "Is the pastor waiting on and ask them, "Is the pastor waiting on and ask them, "Is the pastor waiting on you?" I don't want you to do that today. you?" I don't want you to do that today. you?" I don't want you to do that today. I want God I see you. They're I want God I see you. They're I want God I see you. They're celebrating while they're walking down celebrating while they're walking down celebrating while they're walking down this way. Come on. this way. Come on. this way. Come on. [music] [music] [music] [applause] [applause] [applause] I don't want you to do that today. I don't want you to do that today. I don't want you to do that today. Here's what I want you to do. I want you Here's what I want you to do. I want you Here's what I want you to do. I want you to look at somebody on your road, next to look at somebody on your road, next to look at somebody on your road, next to you, beside you, in front of you, to you, beside you, in front of you, to you, beside you, in front of you, behind you, and ask them, "Is the father behind you, and ask them, "Is the father behind you, and ask them, "Is the father waiting for you? waiting for you? waiting for you? Is the father waiting for you?" Ask them Is the father waiting for you?" Ask them Is the father waiting for you?" Ask them now. If they say yes, say, "I walk with now. If they say yes, say, "I walk with now. If they say yes, say, "I walk with you." If they say no, say, "Praise the you." If they say no, say, "Praise the you." If they say no, say, "Praise the Lord." Lord." Lord." If they don't say anything, ask them If they don't say anything, ask them If they don't say anything, ask them until they give you an answer. Is the until they give you an answer. Is the until they give you an answer. Is the father waiting for you? Is the father father waiting for you? Is the father father waiting for you? Is the father waiting for you? waiting for you? waiting for you? Earnestly, tenderly, earnestly. [music] Earnestly, tenderly, earnestly. [music] Earnestly, tenderly, earnestly. [music] Earnestly Earnestly Earnestly stranger stranger stranger Jesus Jesus Jesus call.

call. call. >> Here they come. God bless you. Praise the Lord. Look at these precious Praise the Lord. Look at these precious people. [music] You who are weary You who are weary are we [music] see you moving. I see you. God bless see you moving. I see you. God bless you. We pray for you. you. We pray for you. you. We pray for you. >> [music] >> Come on, church. You ought to be >> Come on, church. You ought to be rejoicing. [music] >> Come on. God bless you. God bless you. >> Come on. God bless you. God bless you. Come on home. Come on home. Come on Come on home. Come on home. Come on Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on. [music] I'll be I'll be home.

[music] [music] Come on home. Come on home. Come on Come on home. Come on home. Come on Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. home. home. Come on home. Come home. Come home. >> Look at the folk who've come home, >> Look at the folk who've come home, >> Look at the folk who've come home, church. [cheering and applause] church. [cheering and applause] church. [cheering and applause] What do we do when they come home? What do we do when they come home? What do we do when they come home? [music] [music] [music] We when they return, what do we do? We We when they return, what do we do? We We when they return, what do we do? We rejoice. rejoice. rejoice. [music] [music] [music] We rejoice. We rejoice. We rejoice. We rejoice. Listen to each of you who We rejoice. Listen to each of you who We rejoice. Listen to each of you who stands here with me, those who stand in stands here with me, those who stand in stands here with me, those who stand in the other worship spaces, [music] the other worship spaces, [music] the other worship spaces, [music] I want all of you to know how excited we I want all of you to know how excited we I want all of you to know how excited we are that the Lord ordered your steps to are that the Lord ordered your steps to are that the Lord ordered your steps to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. That you were able to hear word, That you were able to hear word, That you were able to hear word, experience a worship experience [music] experience a worship experience [music] experience a worship experience [music] that would seek to transform your lives that would seek to transform your lives that would seek to transform your lives and that you will respond to that word and that you will respond to that word and that you will respond to that word on this Sunday morning. Now, I'm on this Sunday morning. Now, I'm on this Sunday morning. Now, I'm grateful that we have the opportunity to grateful that we have the opportunity to grateful that we have the opportunity to welcome you into your church home. To welcome you into your church home. To welcome you into your church home. To God be praise for each one of you. Come God be praise for each one of you. Come God be praise for each one of you. Come on family. All over the cathedral, all on family. All over the cathedral, all on family. All over the cathedral, all over the sanctuary, all over the gym, over the sanctuary, all over the gym, over the sanctuary, all over the gym, let's rejoice in the worship center.

let's rejoice in the worship center. let's rejoice in the worship center. Let's rejoice. Let's rejoice. Let's rejoice. Listen, I'm excited to serve as your Listen, I'm excited to serve as your Listen, I'm excited to serve as your pastor. These so [music] saints around pastor. These so [music] saints around pastor. These so [music] saints around you are excited to be your new church you are excited to be your new church you are excited to be your new church family members. And all of us are family members. And all of us are family members. And all of us are interested in your best and your interested in your best and your interested in your best and your progress. I'm praying for those who are progress. I'm praying for those who are progress. I'm praying for those who are coming on back home. And I'm praying for coming on back home. And I'm praying for coming on back home. And I'm praying for those who are coming to the house for those who are coming to the house for those who are coming to the house for the very first time getting into the very first time getting into the very first time getting into relationship with the Lord. All of you relationship with the Lord. All of you relationship with the Lord. All of you are important. All of you matter to God. are important. All of you matter to God. are important. All of you matter to God. All of you are valuable to God. And I All of you are valuable to God. And I All of you are valuable to God. And I you are likewise [music] you are likewise [music] you are likewise [music] valuable to all of us at the Wheeler valuable to all of us at the Wheeler valuable to all of us at the Wheeler Avenue Church. So welcome to Wheeler Avenue Church. So welcome to Wheeler Avenue Church. So welcome to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Amen. Amen. Avenue Baptist Church. Amen. Amen. Avenue Baptist Church. Amen. Amen. [music] [music] [music] Deacon Coward, will you raise your hand, Deacon Coward, will you raise your hand, Deacon Coward, will you raise your hand, please? My dear sister, will you follow please? My dear sister, will you follow please? My dear sister, will you follow that distinguished gentleman in that that distinguished gentleman in that that distinguished gentleman in that black suit right there? And all of you black suit right there? And all of you black suit right there? And all of you will do the same. and he's going to make will do the same. and he's going to make will do the same. and he's going to make sure the deaconist coward who finishes sure the deaconist coward who finishes sure the deaconist coward who finishes the line will make sure everyone gets to the line will make sure everyone gets to the line will make sure everyone gets to where you need to be. We're going to where you need to be. We're going to where you need to be. We're going to pray for all those who need to be pray for all those who need to be pray for all those who need to be reclaimed and restored and renewed. Come reclaimed and restored and renewed. Come reclaimed and restored and renewed. Come on, celebrate these precious [music] on, celebrate these precious [music] on, celebrate these precious [music] people as they make their way. people as they make their way. people as they make their way. [applause] God bless you. Praise the Lord.

God bless you. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. The same is happening Praise the Lord. The same is happening Praise the Lord. The same is happening in the sanctuary and in the gym if those in the sanctuary and in the gym if those in the sanctuary and in the gym if those came and if there are those who came in came and if there are those who came in came and if there are those who came in the gym, the worship center. [music] the gym, the worship center. [music] the gym, the worship center. [music] Amen. Praise the Lord. Amen. Praise the Lord. Amen. Praise the Lord. Oh well, it's time for us to remember Oh well, it's time for us to remember Oh well, it's time for us to remember the sacrifice of our savior. the sacrifice of our savior. the sacrifice of our savior. The allegory abounds in the text. The allegory abounds in the text. The allegory abounds in the text. Allegorical feast Allegorical feast Allegorical feast is representative symbolic of this table is representative symbolic of this table is representative symbolic of this table [music] to which we now go. [music] to which we now go. [music] to which we now go. This is where, as the elders would sing, This is where, as the elders would sing, This is where, as the elders would sing, the feast of the Lord is going on. the feast of the Lord is going on. the feast of the Lord is going on. >> Come on in where the table is spread. >> Come on in where the table is spread. >> Come on in where the table is spread. The The The >> feast of the Lord is going on. We come >> feast of the Lord is going on. We come >> feast of the Lord is going on. We come to this table remembering the sacrifice to this table remembering the sacrifice to this table remembering the sacrifice of our savior who is Jesus Christ. of our savior who is Jesus Christ. of our savior who is Jesus Christ. Christians all over the world remember Christians all over the world remember Christians all over the world remember this way what Jesus Christ has done for this way what Jesus Christ has done for this way what Jesus Christ has done for us. And so too do we in this place us. And so too do we in this place us. And so too do we in this place called Wheeler Avenue. Remember the called Wheeler Avenue. Remember the called Wheeler Avenue. Remember the allegory allegory allegory of the lamb. You heard it right before of the lamb. You heard it right before of the lamb. You heard it right before the sermon was preached. The lamb that the sermon was preached. The lamb that the sermon was preached. The lamb that was slain before [music] the foundation was slain before [music] the foundation was slain before [music] the foundation of the world.

of the world. of the world. That fattened calf is allegorical of That fattened calf is allegorical of That fattened calf is allegorical of Jesus Christ, the one who was slain. And Jesus Christ, the one who was slain. And Jesus Christ, the one who was slain. And now we have the opportunity to feast on now we have the opportunity to feast on now we have the opportunity to feast on his goodness and his grace. [music] his goodness and his grace. [music] his goodness and his grace. [music] Even now we take of the bread and the Even now we take of the bread and the Even now we take of the bread and the wine that symbolize his broken body and wine that symbolize his broken body and wine that symbolize his broken body and his shed blood. And as we partake of it his shed blood. And as we partake of it his shed blood. And as we partake of it today, we remind ourselves that each of today, we remind ourselves that each of today, we remind ourselves that each of us has been saved because we had a us has been saved because we had a us has been saved because we had a savior who sacrificed his life. [music] savior who sacrificed his life. [music] savior who sacrificed his life. [music] And we remember and we rejoice. And as And we remember and we rejoice. And as And we remember and we rejoice. And as we remember, we likewise we remember, we likewise we remember, we likewise reenact what happened in that upper room reenact what happened in that upper room reenact what happened in that upper room when the Lord took those disciples there when the Lord took those disciples there when the Lord took those disciples there into that room and instituted this holy into that room and instituted this holy into that room and instituted this holy meal with them at the time of the meal with them at the time of the meal with them at the time of the Passover. He took two elements, bread Passover. He took two elements, bread Passover. He took two elements, bread and wine, consecrated them, gave them to and wine, consecrated them, gave them to and wine, consecrated them, gave them to his disciples, said, "Eat the bread, his disciples, said, "Eat the bread, his disciples, said, "Eat the bread, drink all of the cup, do this in drink all of the cup, do this in drink all of the cup, do this in remembrance of me." Our chairman of remembrance of me." Our chairman of remembrance of me." Our chairman of deacons, Deacon Brian Hicks, is going to deacons, Deacon Brian Hicks, is going to deacons, Deacon Brian Hicks, is going to pray that prayer of consecration now.

pray that prayer of consecration now. pray that prayer of consecration now. And as he does, let's center ourselves And as he does, let's center ourselves And as he does, let's center ourselves in such a way that we remember the ways in such a way that we remember the ways in such a way that we remember the ways that we have dishonored God. that we have dishonored God. that we have dishonored God. We repent even now and we prepare for a We repent even now and we prepare for a We repent even now and we prepare for a month ahead of us where we might month ahead of us where we might month ahead of us where we might represent [music] Jesus even better than represent [music] Jesus even better than represent [music] Jesus even better than we did in the months gone by. Jim and we did in the months gone by. Jim and we did in the months gone by. Jim and Hicks. Hicks. Hicks. >> Brothers and sisters, let us pray. >> Brothers and sisters, let us pray. >> Brothers and sisters, let us pray. God our father in heaven, the father of God our father in heaven, the father of God our father in heaven, the father of our Lord and Savior Jesus who is the our Lord and Savior Jesus who is the our Lord and Savior Jesus who is the Christ, [music] the precious lamb of God Christ, [music] the precious lamb of God Christ, [music] the precious lamb of God who slain for the sin of the world. We who slain for the sin of the world. We who slain for the sin of the world. We thank you, Lord God, that we can come thank you, Lord God, that we can come thank you, Lord God, that we can come home to be welcomed by you, Lord God. home to be welcomed by you, Lord God. home to be welcomed by you, Lord God. given opportunity to be forgiven, to be given opportunity to be forgiven, to be given opportunity to be forgiven, to be restored, to be reclaimed, Lord God, by restored, to be reclaimed, Lord God, by restored, to be reclaimed, Lord God, by you. Father, we thank you that before you. Father, we thank you that before you. Father, we thank you that before the foundations of the world, you sent the foundations of the world, you sent the foundations of the world, you sent your son Jesus to die so that we might your son Jesus to die so that we might your son Jesus to die so that we might live, God. We thank you for his live, God. We thank you for his live, God. We thank you for his sacrifice. We thank you for his sacrifice. We thank you for his sacrifice. We thank you for his suffering, God, on that Thursday night suffering, God, on that Thursday night suffering, God, on that Thursday night when he instituted this the Lord's when he instituted this the Lord's when he instituted this the Lord's supper and giving us a new command that supper and giving us a new command that supper and giving us a new command that we love one another because no love is we love one another because no love is we love one another because no love is greater than no love for any man is greater than no love for any man is greater than no love for any man is greater than God's. We thank you, God.

greater than God's. We thank you, God. greater than God's. We thank you, God. We praise you and thank you for Jesus We praise you and thank you for Jesus We praise you and thank you for Jesus who sacrificed himself. This bread and who sacrificed himself. This bread and who sacrificed himself. This bread and this wine on this table represents that this wine on this table represents that this wine on this table represents that broken body and the shed blood for the broken body and the shed blood for the broken body and the shed blood for the remission of sin. We pray God that we remission of sin. We pray God that we remission of sin. We pray God that we use these elements that we consecrate use these elements that we consecrate use these elements that we consecrate them for the use and for us God for your them for the use and for us God for your them for the use and for us God for your service. God help us as we go forth from service. God help us as we go forth from service. God help us as we go forth from this day Lord to live well and to this day Lord to live well and to this day Lord to live well and to represent you well in the earth. In represent you well in the earth. In represent you well in the earth. In Jesus name we pray with thanksgiving. Jesus name we pray with thanksgiving. Jesus name we pray with thanksgiving. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Most of us receive the elements of the >> Most of us receive the elements of the >> Most of us receive the elements of the Lord's supper as we made our way into Lord's supper as we made our way into Lord's supper as we made our way into the Lord's house today. But just in case the Lord's house today. But just in case the Lord's house today. But just in case you did not receive those elements, will you did not receive those elements, will you did not receive those elements, will you just slip up your hand in whichever you just slip up your hand in whichever you just slip up your hand in whichever worship space you find yourselves and worship space you find yourselves and worship space you find yourselves and our beautiful deacons will serve you our beautiful deacons will serve you our beautiful deacons will serve you even now? These church leaders will even now? These church leaders will even now? These church leaders will provide for you exactly what you need in provide for you exactly what you need in provide for you exactly what you need in this moment. Just step up your hands and this moment. Just step up your hands and this moment. Just step up your hands and these will bless you and serve you even these will bless you and serve you even these will bless you and serve you even now. And as they serve us, let's sing. now. And as they serve us, let's sing. now. And as they serve us, let's sing. As we sing [music] together, let's be As we sing [music] together, let's be As we sing [music] together, let's be reminded of the blood that Jesus shed.

>> Way back. Way back. >> Way back. Way back. Let's sing it together. >> Love that gives me strength. >> Love that gives me strength. [music and singing] Yeah. Yeah. [music] It soothes my doubt all my It soothes my doubt all my [music] [singing] [singing] [music] love love [music] Heat.

Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh yes. Oh yes. >> Everything [music] together everybody >> Everything [music] together everybody everywhere. [music] [music] It goes to the lowest valley.

[singing] [singing] >> As we hold these elements in our hands >> As we hold these elements in our hands >> As we hold these elements in our hands today, today, today, conclusion, climax of this worship conclusion, climax of this worship conclusion, climax of this worship service, we remember the sacrifice of service, we remember the sacrifice of service, we remember the sacrifice of our savior. We hold this bread in our our savior. We hold this bread in our our savior. We hold this bread in our hands as a symbol of the broken body of hands as a symbol of the broken body of hands as a symbol of the broken body of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. The prophets of old prophesied that he The prophets of old prophesied that he The prophets of old prophesied that he would be wounded for our transgressions would be wounded for our transgressions would be wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquity. and bruised for our iniquity. and bruised for our iniquity. Chastisement of our peace would be laid Chastisement of our peace would be laid Chastisement of our peace would be laid upon him and with his stripes we would upon him and with his stripes we would upon him and with his stripes we would be [music] healed. And we're grateful be [music] healed. And we're grateful be [music] healed. And we're grateful that the Lord Jesus would surrender his that the Lord Jesus would surrender his that the Lord Jesus would surrender his body to be beaten, bruised, battered for body to be beaten, bruised, battered for body to be beaten, bruised, battered for you and for me as we remember you and for me as we remember you and for me as we remember that great work at Calvary. Let's eat that great work at Calvary. Let's eat that great work at Calvary. Let's eat the bread together. We hold the cup in our hands and within We hold the cup in our hands and within it is the symbol of the shed blood of it is the symbol of the shed blood of it is the symbol of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. That blood about which Jesus Christ. That blood about which Jesus Christ. That blood about which we've just sung we've just sung we've just sung that reaches to the highest mountain and that reaches to the highest mountain and that reaches to the highest mountain and flows to the lowest valley.

flows to the lowest valley. flows to the lowest valley. Has enough efficacy to handle both the Has enough efficacy to handle both the Has enough efficacy to handle both the older and the younger son older and the younger son older and the younger son and will wash all of our sins away. and will wash all of our sins away. and will wash all of our sins away. takes care of the older and the younger takes care of the older and the younger takes care of the older and the younger daughter and washes all of our sins away daughter and washes all of our sins away daughter and washes all of our sins away no matter where you fall in the spectrum no matter where you fall in the spectrum no matter where you fall in the spectrum in the family. The blood still works in the family. The blood still works in the family. The blood still works and the [music] blood still covers all and the [music] blood still covers all and the [music] blood still covers all of our sins. And as we drink of the cup of our sins. And as we drink of the cup of our sins. And as we drink of the cup today, we're reminded that the Lord today, we're reminded that the Lord today, we're reminded that the Lord Jesus thought enough of us that he would Jesus thought enough of us that he would Jesus thought enough of us that he would shed his blood. Without the shedding of shed his blood. Without the shedding of shed his blood. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. And blood, there is no remission of sin. And blood, there is no remission of sin. And because of the shed blood of Jesus because of the shed blood of Jesus because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, we can stand free and ready to Christ, we can stand free and ready to Christ, we can stand free and ready to move into this next month singing for, move into this next month singing for, move into this next month singing for, living for, worshiping, loving the Lord living for, worshiping, loving the Lord living for, worshiping, loving the Lord our God. And as we drink of the cup our God. And as we drink of the cup our God. And as we drink of the cup today, let's do this in remembrance of today, let's do this in remembrance of today, let's do this in remembrance of him. him. him. [music] Gracious God, how we give you thanks for Gracious God, how we give you thanks for the wonderful privilege of worship.

the wonderful privilege of worship. the wonderful privilege of worship. That privilege that you've afforded us That privilege that you've afforded us That privilege that you've afforded us today to come into this place, whether today to come into this place, whether today to come into this place, whether in the cathedral or the sanctuary or the in the cathedral or the sanctuary or the in the cathedral or the sanctuary or the worship center, and all of us together worship center, and all of us together worship center, and all of us together and bless your name because you've been and bless your name because you've been and bless your name because you've been good to us. We come to this table good to us. We come to this table good to us. We come to this table because you've loved us enough to give because you've loved us enough to give because you've loved us enough to give to us a grace that's sufficient for our to us a grace that's sufficient for our to us a grace that's sufficient for our every need. every need. every need. Because of Jesus Christ, we have the Because of Jesus Christ, we have the Because of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity now opportunity now opportunity now to come to this house as those who have to come to this house as those who have to come to this house as those who have been reclaimed, been reclaimed, been reclaimed, restored, restored, restored, those who have returned and those who those who have returned and those who those who have returned and those who can rejoice because we've been redeemed. can rejoice because we've been redeemed. can rejoice because we've been redeemed. So now as we move move even farther into So now as we move move even farther into So now as we move move even farther into the month of August, we pray, oh God, the month of August, we pray, oh God, the month of August, we pray, oh God, that you'll order our steps, that you'll that you'll order our steps, that you'll that you'll order our steps, that you'll guide, lead, direct, correct, protect guide, lead, direct, correct, protect guide, lead, direct, correct, protect [music] us, and help us to be all that [music] us, and help us to be all that [music] us, and help us to be all that you would have us to be. Help us to love you would have us to be. Help us to love you would have us to be. Help us to love people better in the month of August people better in the month of August people better in the month of August than we did in the month of July. than we did in the month of July. than we did in the month of July. Help us to care for somebody more in Help us to care for somebody more in Help us to care for somebody more in August than we did in June and July. August than we did in June and July. August than we did in June and July. Will you help us to represent you better Will you help us to represent you better Will you help us to represent you better in August than we did [music] in May and in August than we did [music] in May and in August than we did [music] in May and June and July. May all that we do be to June and July. May all that we do be to June and July. May all that we do be to your glory and to your honor. We give your glory and to your honor. We give your glory and to your honor. We give you thanks because you're worthy of our you thanks because you're worthy of our you thanks because you're worthy of our thanks. We give you praise because thanks. We give you praise because thanks. We give you praise because you're worthy of our praise. We give you you're worthy of our praise. We give you you're worthy of our praise. We give you honor because you deserve the honor. We honor because you deserve the honor. We honor because you deserve the honor. We we magnify your name because your name we magnify your name because your name we magnify your name because your name is worthy of all the glory and the is worthy of all the glory and the is worthy of all the glory and the praise. It's in the strong name of the praise. It's in the strong name of the praise. It's in the strong name of the Lord Jesus that we leave this church Lord Jesus that we leave this church Lord Jesus that we leave this church house today satisfied.

house today satisfied. house today satisfied. We are in the father's house and all is We are in the father's house and all is We are in the father's house and all is well. We thank you for it in Jesus name. well. We thank you for it in Jesus name. well. We thank you for it in Jesus name. Somebody shout hallelujah. Let the Somebody shout hallelujah. Let the Somebody shout hallelujah. Let the church say amen. For all those who are church say amen. For all those who are church say amen. For all those who are excited about being in the father's excited about being in the father's excited about being in the father's house, somebody let show some sign. house, somebody let show some sign. house, somebody let show some sign. [music] Show some sign. Amen. Amen. [music] Show some sign. Amen. Amen. [music] Show some sign. Amen. Amen. Listen, we're being dismissed from the Listen, we're being dismissed from the Listen, we're being dismissed from the rear of the cathedral and the sec and rear of the cathedral and the sec and rear of the cathedral and the sec and the balcony first. Those in the the balcony first. Those in the the balcony first. Those in the sanctuary, be careful leaving [music] sanctuary, be careful leaving [music] sanctuary, be careful leaving [music] the sanctuary as it is filled with the sanctuary as it is filled with the sanctuary as it is filled with worshippers. Just be careful. Take your worshippers. Just be careful. Take your worshippers. Just be careful. Take your time. Leave it. Speak to somebody. Get time. Leave it. Speak to somebody. Get time. Leave it. Speak to somebody. Get to know somebody that you've never to know somebody that you've never to know somebody that you've never gotten [music] to know. Those in the gotten [music] to know. Those in the gotten [music] to know. Those in the worship center, go in peace. And may the worship center, go in peace. And may the worship center, go in peace. And may the peace of God be yours. Have a great peace of God be yours. Have a great peace of God be yours. Have a great August. We see you. August. We see you. August. We see you. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat.

Heat. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music] Heat.

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