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 edition of edition of >> Avenue News. Join us this week for back- tochool Join us this week for back- tochool revival, a different world, as we revival, a different world, as we revival, a different world, as we prepare students, educators, and prepare students, educators, and prepare students, educators, and families of all ages for a successful families of all ages for a successful families of all ages for a successful school year. The experience begins school year. The experience begins school year. The experience begins Thursday, August 6th with our Thursday, August 6th with our Thursday, August 6th with our scholarship there from 3 to 6:00 p.m. in scholarship there from 3 to 6:00 p.m. in scholarship there from 3 to 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. Worship begins at 7 the gymnasium. Worship begins at 7 the gymnasium. Worship begins at 7 o'clock p.m. in the cathedral. and we o'clock p.m. in the cathedral. and we 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 Room, where each activity is a Reset Room, where each activity is a Reset Room, where each activity is a step towards a healthier, happier you. step towards a healthier, happier you. step towards a healthier, happier 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 feel overwhelming. Join us Wednesday, feel overwhelming. Join us Wednesday, feel overwhelming. Join us Wednesday, August 12th for Rooted and Unbothered, August 12th for Rooted and Unbothered, August 12th for Rooted and Unbothered, an interactive night where we will an interactive night where we will an interactive night where we will discover how God strengthens us and discover how God strengthens us and discover how God strengthens us and sustains us through the waiting seasons sustains us through the waiting seasons sustains us through the waiting seasons through scenarios, meaningful through scenarios, meaningful through scenarios, meaningful conversations, and breakout rooms. We conversations, and breakout rooms. We conversations, and breakout rooms. We can't wait to see you there. We are can't wait to see you there. We are can't wait to see you there. We are inviting you to the sounds of the inviting you to the sounds of the 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 style. Whether that's of every different style. Whether that's of every different style. Whether that's quartet, praise and worship, my quartet, praise and worship, my quartet, praise and worship, my favorite, choir music.

favorite, choir music. 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. Come and sing with to worship the Lord. Come and sing with to worship the Lord. Come and sing with us and pull up with your tambourines us and pull up with your tambourines us and pull up with your tambourines ready to jam out. ready to jam out. 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. This will take place Thursday, me three. This will take place Thursday, me three. This will take place Thursday, August 13th at 700 p.m. And all ages are August 13th at 700 p.m. And all ages are August 13th at 700 p.m. And all ages are invited. Come out and have a great time invited. Come out and have a great time invited. Come out and have a great time with us. Hope to see you there. with us. Hope to see you there. with us. Hope to 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 a seat? save you a seat? save you 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 at 6:30 p.m. here in the atrium to 14th at 6:30 p.m. here in the atrium to 14th at 6:30 p.m. here in the atrium to grow your community at the Rooted and grow your community at the Rooted and grow your community at the Rooted and Growing Flourishing in Every Season Growing Flourishing in Every Season Growing Flourishing in Every Season networking event. We have people here at networking event. We have people here at networking event. We have people here at Wheeler that are dying to meet you. Wheeler that are dying to meet you. Wheeler that are dying to meet you. Whether you're transitioning to a new Whether you're transitioning to a new Whether you're transitioning to a new career, grieving the loss of a loved career, grieving the loss of a loved career, grieving the loss of a loved one, or just looking to grow your one, or just looking to grow your one, or just looking to grow your community here at Wheeler, there's community here at Wheeler, there's community here at Wheeler, there's someone here for you. So, join us someone here for you. So, join us someone here for you. So, join us Friday. We look forward to seeing you Friday. We look forward to seeing you Friday. We look forward to seeing you because even you can flourish in every because even you can flourish in every because even you can flourish in every season. And finally, you've made it to season. And finally, you've made it to season. And finally, you've made it to Saturday. You've been rooted all week, Saturday. You've been rooted all week, Saturday. You've been rooted all week, and now it's time to get ready. So, this and now it's time to get ready. So, this and now it's time to get ready. So, this year, we taking it outside. Not that year, we taking it outside. Not that year, we taking it outside. Not that kind of outside though, y'all. We in kind of outside though, y'all. We in kind of outside though, y'all. We in church. But on a serious note, join us church. But on a serious note, join us church. But on a serious note, join us on Saturday, August 15th at Adair Park on Saturday, August 15th at Adair Park on Saturday, August 15th at Adair Park for the grand finale of Young Adult for the grand finale of Young Adult for the grand finale of Young Adult Week. Start your evening with our Week. Start your evening with our Week. Start your evening with our interactive praise and prayer wall. Then interactive praise and prayer wall. Then interactive praise and prayer wall. Then enjoy games, food, relay, popcorn, snow enjoy games, food, relay, popcorn, snow enjoy games, food, relay, popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy. Yeah, I'm still cones, cotton candy. Yeah, I'm still cones, cotton candy. Yeah, I'm still going, so you already know where you

going, so you already know where you going, so you already know where you need to be. And a live DJ. As the need to be. And a live DJ. As the need to be. And a live DJ. As the evening winds down, we'll transition evening winds down, we'll transition evening winds down, we'll transition into an outdoor showing of the forge. So into an outdoor showing of the forge. So into an outdoor showing of the forge. So bring your blanket or lawn chair and we bring your blanket or lawn chair and we bring your blanket or lawn chair and we got y'all covered on the popcorn. got y'all covered on the popcorn. got y'all covered on the popcorn. Tickets are just $25 and that includes Tickets are just $25 and that includes Tickets are 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. Toodles. friend. Toodles. friend. Toodles. 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, followed of the documentary Bad Faith, followed of the documentary Bad Faith, followed by a thought-provoking panel featuring by a thought-provoking panel featuring by a thought-provoking panel featuring Dr. Michael Emerson, Dr. Frederick D. Dr. Michael Emerson, Dr. Frederick D. Dr. Michael Emerson, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, Ashley Etien, and Dr. Clee Haynes III, Ashley Etien, and Dr. Clee Haynes III, Ashley Etien, and Dr. Clee Tinsley IVth. Register today on the Tinsley IVth. Register today on the Tinsley IVth. Register today on the church website and invite your family church website and invite your family church website and invite your family and friends as we discussed hijacked and friends as we discussed hijacked and friends as we discussed hijacked faith, power, politics, and the church.

faith, power, politics, and the church. faith, power, politics, and the 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 visitbc.org another. We invite you to visitbc.org another. We invite you to visitbc.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 Your Fit, on Saturday, Discovery, Find Your Fit, on Saturday, Discovery, Find Your Fit, on Saturday, August 29th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 August 29th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 August 29th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come learn about the diversity of p.m. Come learn about the diversity of p.m. Come learn about the diversity of gifts and discover where your gifts may gifts and discover where your gifts may gifts and discover where your gifts may be used at Wheeler. Visit the events be used at Wheeler. Visit the events be used at Wheeler. Visit the events page for more details and register page for more details and register page for more details and register today. today. 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 a wonderful opportunity to learn a wonderful opportunity to learn 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. Participants will learn environment. Participants will learn environment. Participants will learn fundamentals including threading a fundamentals including threading a fundamentals including threading a sewing machine, basic stitching sewing machine, basic stitching sewing machine, basic stitching techniques, and completing simple techniques, and completing simple techniques, and completing simple projects. Classes will be offered August projects. Classes will be offered August projects. Classes will be offered August 8th and August 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 8th and August 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 8th and August 15th from 9:00 a.m. to noon as well as October 3rd and October

noon as well as October 3rd and October noon as well as October 3rd and October 10th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Come learn, 10th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Come learn, 10th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Come learn, create, and discover the joy of sewing create, and discover the joy of sewing create, and discover the joy of sewing with the cutting edge. with the cutting edge. 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 6 p.m. We are coming together in until 6 p.m. We are coming together in until 6 p.m. We are coming together in solidarity through prayer, seeking God solidarity through prayer, seeking God solidarity through prayer, seeking God with one heart, one voice, and one with one heart, one voice, and one with one heart, one voice, and one purpose. This powerful day of purpose. This powerful day of 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 to commit to a minimum 2-hour prayer to commit to a minimum 2-hour prayer to commit to a minimum 2-hour prayer watch. Scripture reminds us in watch. Scripture reminds us in watch. Scripture reminds us in Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourselves to Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourselves to Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." We prayer, being watchful and thankful." We prayer, being watchful and thankful." We encourage all church leaders, ministry encourage all church leaders, ministry encourage all church leaders, ministry partners, and members of the prayer on partners, and members of the prayer on partners, and members of the prayer on the wall team to consider serving during the wall team to consider serving during the wall team to consider serving during the sacred time of continuous prayer. the sacred time of continuous prayer. the sacred time of continuous prayer. For additional information and to sign For additional information and to sign For additional information and to sign up, please email i up, please email i up, please email i [email protected].

[email protected]. [email protected]. 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 Branch social media platforms. I'm Amber Branch social media platforms. I'm Amber Branch >> and I'm Philandrea Wilson and this has >> and I'm Philandrea Wilson and this has >> and I'm Philandrea Wilson and this has been your Avenue News. And remember, we been your Avenue News. And remember, we been your Avenue News. And remember, we are Wheeler wherever. I refuse to let you come in here and I refuse to let you come in here and spend two hours and stay in darkness. spend two hours and stay in darkness. spend two hours and stay in darkness. No. No. It's too much Jesus in this room No. No. It's too much Jesus in this room No. No. It's too much Jesus in this room for you to come in and leave in the for you to come in and leave in the for you to come in and leave in the darkness of your days. I need you to darkness of your days. I need you to darkness of your days. I need you to look at somebody, put a big grin on your look at somebody, put a big grin on your look at somebody, put a big grin on your face, and shout good morning.

Glory, Glory, glory, glory, glory, hallelujah. I'm singing glory I'm singing glory glory glory glory glory Hallelujah. You me You me of the fire and r you me you me under your mercy.

under your mercy. under your mercy. I I I see see see my my my help. help. help. Holy name, Holy name, Holy name, glory, glory, glory, hallelujah. Thank you. Thank you. You found me out of the fire and through You found me out of the fire and through You found me out of the fire and through the blood. You got me You got me under your blood. Wow. Heat. Heat. Glory. Glory. Hallelujah.

Happy Happy I never never I up up here. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Thank you, Jesus.

Thank you, Jesus. >> This is the day that the Lord has made. >> This is the day that the Lord has made. >> This is the day that the Lord has made. We come to rejoice. We're glad in it. I We come to rejoice. We're glad in it. I We come to rejoice. We're glad in it. I was glad when they said unto me, "Let us was glad when they said unto me, "Let us was glad when they said unto me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord. Come, let go into the house of the Lord. Come, let go into the house of the Lord. Come, let us worship the Lord in the beauty of us worship the Lord in the beauty of us worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Let's give our God the glory. holiness. Let's give our God the glory. holiness. Let's give our God the glory. Let's give our God the praise. Are you Let's give our God the praise. Are you Let's give our God the praise. Are you grateful to be in the house of the Lord? grateful to be in the house of the Lord? grateful to be in the house of the Lord? Oh, how wondrous is the name of the Oh, how wondrous is the name of the Oh, how wondrous is the name of the Lord. How we worship his name too be Lord. How we worship his name too be Lord. How we worship his name too be adored. God our maker endured pain, adored. God our maker endured pain, adored. God our maker endured pain, guilt, and strife so that we might guilt, and strife so that we might guilt, and strife so that we might access eternal life. He's a great God access eternal life. He's a great God access eternal life. He's a great God who deserves great praise. Will you who deserves great praise. Will you who deserves great praise. Will you praise him today? Give our God the praise him today? Give our God the praise him today? Give our God the glory. Give him all the praise. He's glory. Give him all the praise. He's glory. Give him all the praise. He's worthy of it all. Trust in the Lord with worthy of it all. Trust in the Lord with worthy of it all. Trust in the Lord with all our heart. Let's lean not to our own all our heart. Let's lean not to our own all our heart. Let's lean not to our own understanding. So in all our ways we can understanding. So in all our ways we can understanding. So in all our ways we can acknowledge you and he will direct our acknowledge you and he will direct our acknowledge you and he will direct our paths. Amen. Amen. This has been your paths. Amen. Amen. This has been your paths. Amen. Amen. This has been your call to worship. And now we have the call to worship. And now we have the call to worship. And now we have the privilege to go to that same God in privilege to go to that same God in privilege to go to that same God in prayer.

prayer. prayer. >> At this time we invite you to take your >> At this time we invite you to take your >> At this time we invite you to take your chosen postures of prayer. There are chosen postures of prayer. There are chosen postures of prayer. There are intercessors on the walls in the aisles intercessors on the walls in the aisles intercessors on the walls in the aisles making themselves available in the red making themselves available in the red making themselves available in the red stoopes to pray with you in your time of stoopes to pray with you in your time of stoopes to pray with you in your time of need. need. need. We do not have services scheduled this We do not have services scheduled this We do not have services scheduled this week. week. week. To God be the glory. To God be the glory. To God be the glory. However, there still are grieving However, there still are grieving However, there still are grieving families and those that are sick that families and those that are sick that families and those that are sick that require our prayers. So, would you refer require our prayers. So, would you refer require our prayers. So, would you refer to the screens and likewise on our to the screens and likewise on our to the screens and likewise on our website for a complete list of care website for a complete list of care website for a complete list of care concerns? concerns? concerns? Amen. Amen. Amen. Now, would you pray with me? Now, would you pray with me? Now, would you pray with me? Let us go to God in prayer. Good and gracious God, Good and gracious God, our heavenly father, thank you for this our heavenly father, thank you for this our heavenly father, thank you for this new day that you have made. It is one new day that you have made. It is one new day that you have made. It is one we've never seen before, one we'll never we've never seen before, one we'll never we've never seen before, one we'll never see again. We count it a privilege that see again. We count it a privilege that see again. We count it a privilege that you made prayer for us that we can come you made prayer for us that we can come you made prayer for us that we can come before you. Our great God, author and before you. Our great God, author and before you. Our great God, author and finisher, way maker, finisher, way maker, finisher, way maker, stormtamer, stormtamer, stormtamer, healer, deliverer.

healer, deliverer. healer, deliverer. Oh God, you're faithful no shorter than Oh God, you're faithful no shorter than Oh God, you're faithful no shorter than your word. You're going to remain your word. You're going to remain your word. You're going to remain faithful to us. And we thank you for faithful to us. And we thank you for faithful to us. And we thank you for this ability to come and worship you this ability to come and worship you this ability to come and worship you freely and fully in this place known as freely and fully in this place known as freely and fully in this place known as Wheeler. God, I thank you that your Wheeler. God, I thank you that your Wheeler. God, I thank you that your peace and your presence are with us even peace and your presence are with us even peace and your presence are with us even now. So much going on in our world. It's now. So much going on in our world. It's now. So much going on in our world. It's it's dangerous out there, Lord. It's it's dangerous out there, Lord. It's it's dangerous out there, Lord. It's crazy out there. But oh God, you're crazy out there. But oh God, you're crazy out there. But oh God, you're faithful. You're seated on your throne. faithful. You're seated on your throne. faithful. You're seated on your throne. Nothing's out of your sight. Nothing's out of your sight. Nothing's out of your sight. we can lean, depend, and trust in you. we can lean, depend, and trust in you. we can lean, depend, and trust in you. Lord, we pray your hand of healing and Lord, we pray your hand of healing and Lord, we pray your hand of healing and restoration on our brothers and sisters restoration on our brothers and sisters restoration on our brothers and sisters who are sick. God, there's so many who are sick. God, there's so many who are sick. God, there's so many dealing with different ailments. Oh God, dealing with different ailments. Oh God, dealing with different ailments. Oh God, I thank you that you made us and you I thank you that you made us and you I thank you that you made us and you know all about us. God, you can put know all about us. God, you can put know all about us. God, you can put things back in right order. We thank things back in right order. We thank things back in right order. We thank you, oh God, that you are healer and you, oh God, that you are healer and you, oh God, that you are healer and maker. Jehovah Rafa maker. Jehovah Rafa maker. Jehovah Rafa is your name, is your name, is your name, God. We thank you that you mend the God. We thank you that you mend the God. We thank you that you mend the brokenhearted.

brokenhearted. brokenhearted. We thank you that we have the privilege We thank you that we have the privilege We thank you that we have the privilege to come before you knowing you comfort to come before you knowing you comfort to come before you knowing you comfort and keep us in our time of need. Meet and keep us in our time of need. Meet and keep us in our time of need. Meet your people at the point of their need. your people at the point of their need. your people at the point of their need. Oh God, way maker, miracle worker, Oh God, way maker, miracle worker, Oh God, way maker, miracle worker, promiseke keeper. promiseke keeper. promiseke keeper. We ask that you would make ways and We ask that you would make ways and We ask that you would make ways and manifest miracles in the lives, hearts, manifest miracles in the lives, hearts, manifest miracles in the lives, hearts, and bodies of your people. and bodies of your people. and bodies of your people. As we consider the gift of your son, As we consider the gift of your son, As we consider the gift of your son, Jesus the Christ. Today we come before Jesus the Christ. Today we come before Jesus the Christ. Today we come before you with humble hearts acknowledging you with humble hearts acknowledging you with humble hearts acknowledging there are times when we have wandered there are times when we have wandered there are times when we have wandered from your presence. from your presence. from your presence. Some of us have drifted from as a result Some of us have drifted from as a result Some of us have drifted from as a result of the cares of this life or distraction of the cares of this life or distraction of the cares of this life or distraction or disappointment or even complacency. or disappointment or even complacency. or disappointment or even complacency. Others may still be in the house yet Others may still be in the house yet Others may still be in the house yet feel misplaced or disconnected or far feel misplaced or disconnected or far feel misplaced or disconnected or far from the purpose you intended for them. from the purpose you intended for them. from the purpose you intended for them. Lord, we thank you that you are a God Lord, we thank you that you are a God Lord, we thank you that you are a God who seeks the lost, who searches who seeks the lost, who searches who seeks the lost, who searches diligently and never stops pursuing your diligently and never stops pursuing your diligently and never stops pursuing your children. Your goodness and your mercy children. Your goodness and your mercy children. Your goodness and your mercy keep running after us.

keep running after us. keep running after us. May your word go forth today in a way May your word go forth today in a way May your word go forth today in a way with power and authority that returns with power and authority that returns with power and authority that returns our hearts and our focus back to you. We our hearts and our focus back to you. We our hearts and our focus back to you. We repent of the ways we have strayed from repent of the ways we have strayed from repent of the ways we have strayed from you in thought and deed and attitude and you in thought and deed and attitude and you in thought and deed and attitude and word. turn our hearts back toward you, word. turn our hearts back toward you, word. turn our hearts back toward you, oh God, and restore the joy of your oh God, and restore the joy of your oh God, and restore the joy of your salvation. salvation. salvation. For those who have wandered away, oh For those who have wandered away, oh For those who have wandered away, oh God, God, God, oh God, we pray that they would hear oh God, we pray that they would hear oh God, we pray that they would hear your loving call to come home. Draw them your loving call to come home. Draw them your loving call to come home. Draw them by your grace. Surround them with your by your grace. Surround them with your by your grace. Surround them with your love and remind them that there is a love and remind them that there is a love and remind them that there is a place for them in this church family and place for them in this church family and place for them in this church family and in your family, oh God, more in your family, oh God, more in your family, oh God, more importantly. importantly. importantly. And when the lost return, oh God, help And when the lost return, oh God, help And when the lost return, oh God, help us to welcome them with the same joy us to welcome them with the same joy us to welcome them with the same joy that fills heaven. Give us hearts that that fills heaven. Give us hearts that that fills heaven. Give us hearts that celebrate every restored life, every celebrate every restored life, every celebrate every restored life, every relationship renewed, and every soul relationship renewed, and every soul relationship renewed, and every soul reclaimed by your grace. Thank you, reclaimed by your grace. Thank you, reclaimed by your grace. Thank you, Father, that what was lost can be found. Father, that what was lost can be found. Father, that what was lost can be found. What was distant can be restored, and What was distant can be restored, and What was distant can be restored, and what was wandering can come home. We what was wandering can come home. We what was wandering can come home. We rejoice in your mercy, oh God. Your rejoice in your mercy, oh God. Your rejoice in your mercy, oh God. Your patience and your unfailing love for us.

patience and your unfailing love for us. patience and your unfailing love for us. And oh God, we thank you for this And oh God, we thank you for this And oh God, we thank you for this worship service now. Oh God, would you worship service now. Oh God, would you worship service now. Oh God, would you please by the power of your spirit please by the power of your spirit please by the power of your spirit continue to pervade this place. Thank continue to pervade this place. Thank continue to pervade this place. Thank you for every singer. Thank you for our you for every singer. Thank you for our you for every singer. Thank you for our directors. Thank you, oh God, for our directors. Thank you, oh God, for our directors. Thank you, oh God, for our worship leaders. Thank you for our worship leaders. Thank you for our worship leaders. Thank you for our courtesy corps and our servant leaders courtesy corps and our servant leaders courtesy corps and our servant leaders and our deacons and deaconesses. God, I and our deacons and deaconesses. God, I and our deacons and deaconesses. God, I pray a blessing upon each and every one. pray a blessing upon each and every one. pray a blessing upon each and every one. Bless our pastor as he breaks the bread Bless our pastor as he breaks the bread Bless our pastor as he breaks the bread of life. Oh God, keep filling them up of life. Oh God, keep filling them up of life. Oh God, keep filling them up over and over again. Oh God, we just over and over again. Oh God, we just over and over again. Oh God, we just look forward to all that's going to take look forward to all that's going to take look forward to all that's going to take place in this space. And we give you place in this space. And we give you place in this space. And we give you praise, honor, and glory for the great praise, honor, and glory for the great praise, honor, and glory for the great God that you are, the great things God that you are, the great things God that you are, the great things you've done. We look forward to the you've done. We look forward to the you've done. We look forward to the great things you will do. In Jesus' name great things you will do. In Jesus' name great things you will do. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. I worship I worship you. Heat. Heat.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Amen. Amen. Amen. Good morning, church Amen. Amen. Amen. Good morning, church family. Morning. family. Morning. family. Morning. >> Would you please stand for this >> Would you please stand for this >> Would you please stand for this morning's responsive reading? morning's responsive reading? morning's responsive reading? Our reading this morning comes from 1 Our reading this morning comes from 1 Our reading this morning comes from 1 Corinthians the 11th chapter 23-34. Corinthians the 11th chapter 23-34. Corinthians the 11th chapter 23-34. You can follow along in your Bibles, You can follow along in your Bibles, You can follow along in your Bibles, your apps, or the streams throughout the your apps, or the streams throughout the your apps, or the streams 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 and said, "This is my body for you. Do and said, "This is my body for you. Do this in remeance of me."

this in remeance of me." this in remeance 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. as you drink it in remembrance of me. as you drink it in remembrance of me. Thank you. Lord's death. Lord's death. >> Whoever therefore eats the bread or >> Whoever therefore eats the bread or >> Whoever therefore eats the bread or drinks of the cup of the Lord in an drinks of the cup of the Lord in an drinks of 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. >> So then, my brothers and sisters, when >> So then, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one you come together to eat, wait for one you come together to eat, wait for one another.

another. another. If if you're hungry, eat it at home. So If if you're hungry, eat it at home. So If if you're hungry, eat it at home. So that we come together for not for your that we come together for not for your that we come together for not for your combination but other things are given combination but other things are given combination but other things are given instruction to come. Please bow for a instruction to come. Please bow for a instruction to come. 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 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 hymn. morning's hymn. morning's hymn. >> God bless you, people of God. This >> God bless you, people of God. This >> God bless you, people of God. This morning's hymn is at the cross. morning's hymn is at the cross. morning's hymn is at the cross. Hallelujah. Anybody grateful for the Hallelujah. Anybody grateful for the Hallelujah. Anybody grateful for the cross this morning? Bless you, Jesus. cross this morning? Bless you, Jesus. cross this morning? Bless you, Jesus. Hallelujah. and my Savior and my Savior and my and my and my God. God. God. Oh Oh

Oh my god. Well, Well, the sun is Now come on. You want to see this

Now come on. You want to see this morning? Oh Oh my god.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Oh, come on. Put a praise right there. Oh, come on. Put a praise right there. Hallelujah. Well, if you're happy and you know it, Well, 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, say If you're happy and you know it, say If you're happy and you know it, say amen. amen. amen. If you're happy and you know it, then If you're happy and you know it, then If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it. If you're your face will surely show it. If you're your face will surely show it. If you're happy and you know it, say, "Praise the happy and you know it, say, "Praise the happy and you know it, say, "Praise the Lord this Sunday morning." What a joy it Lord this Sunday morning." What a joy it Lord this Sunday morning." What a joy it is to greet you on this first Sunday of is to greet you on this first Sunday of is to greet you on this first Sunday of the 8th month of 2026.

Come on, let's celebrate entering the Come on, let's celebrate entering the month of August month of August month of August with the joy of the Lord. You may be with the joy of the Lord. You may be with the joy of the Lord. You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. What seated in the presence of the Lord. What seated in the presence of the Lord. What a delight it is to greet each of you on a delight it is to greet each of you on a delight it is to greet each of you on this Sunday morning as we together honor this Sunday morning as we together honor this Sunday morning as we together honor the Lord, worship the Lord in the beauty the Lord, worship the Lord in the beauty the Lord, worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness. It's a joy to see each of his holiness. It's a joy to see each of his holiness. It's a joy to see each one of you this morning who has gathered one of you this morning who has gathered one of you this morning who has gathered for this first service of our for this first service of our for this first service of our of our worship day today. And we're of our worship day today. And we're of our worship day today. And we're grateful that God has blessed us to come grateful that God has blessed us to come grateful that God has blessed us to come into this place and be one with another into this place and be one with another into this place and be one with another to see each other's smiling faces and to to see each other's smiling faces and to to see each other's smiling faces and to be blessed not only by the presence of be blessed not only by the presence of be blessed not only by the presence of one another but by the presence of the one another but by the presence of the one another but by the presence of the living God. The Bible says in his living God. The Bible says in his living God. The Bible says in his presence there is fullness of joy at his presence there is fullness of joy at his presence there is fullness of joy at his right hand. There are pleasures forever right hand. There are pleasures forever right hand. There are pleasures forever more. And how we thank God for the joy more. And how we thank God for the joy more. And how we thank God for the joy of the Lord which is our strength. I of the Lord which is our strength. I of the Lord which is our strength. I take great delight each Sunday in take great delight each Sunday in take great delight each Sunday in 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. If you are one of those who's a Church. If you are one of those who's a Church. If you are one of those who's a first-time visitor today, will you first-time visitor today, will you first-time visitor today, will you please stand so that we may see you and please stand so that we may see you and please stand so that we may see you and celebrate your presence among us on this celebrate your presence among us on this celebrate your presence among us on this Lord's day? All firsttime visitors to Lord's day? All firsttime visitors to Lord's day? All firsttime visitors to Wheeler. There are two right here.

Wheeler. There are two right here. Wheeler. There are two right here. Another there. Another there. Some more Another there. Another there. Some more Another there. Another there. Some more back there. Come on and celebrate back there. Come on and celebrate back there. Come on and celebrate church. Celebrate these precious people. church. Celebrate these precious people. church. Celebrate these precious people. Please remain standing for just a moment Please remain standing for just a moment Please remain standing for just a moment more. Please remain standing. I see you more. Please remain standing. I see you more. Please remain standing. I see you all over the cathedral and how I thank all over the cathedral and how I thank all over the cathedral and how I thank God for each one of you who has joined God for each one of you who has joined God for each one of you who has joined us today to share in the worship of our us today to share in the worship of our us today to share in the worship of our God and to fellowship one with another God and to fellowship one with another God and to fellowship one with another in this space. I'm so grateful that out in this space. I'm so grateful that out in this space. I'm so grateful that out of all the places where God could have of all the places where God could have of all the places where God could have sent you to to begin your worship month, sent you to to begin your worship month, sent you to to begin your worship month, your worship in this month, we're your worship in this month, we're your worship in this month, we're grateful that he sent you Wheeler Avenue grateful that he sent you Wheeler Avenue grateful that he sent you Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Many of you have Baptist Church. Many of you have Baptist Church. Many of you have congregations from which you've come. congregations from which you've come. congregations from which you've come. And I always ask that you'll take back And I always ask that you'll take back And I always ask that you'll take back to your local places of worship uh the to your local places of worship uh the to your local places of worship uh the worship the blessings of this worshiping worship the blessings of this worshiping worship the blessings of this worshiping body. Let your family know there. Let body. Let your family know there. Let body. Let your family know there. Let your pastor, your congregation know that your pastor, your congregation know that your pastor, your congregation know that we were delighted to have you with us in we were delighted to have you with us in we were delighted to have you with us in worship this Sunday morning. But if you worship this Sunday morning. But if you worship this Sunday morning. But if you live in the greater Houston area and you live in the greater Houston area and you live in the greater Houston area and you don't have a church home, we always don't have a church home, we always don't have a church home, we always invite you to look around at Wheeler invite you to look around at Wheeler invite you to look around at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. We believe this Avenue Baptist Church. We believe this Avenue Baptist Church. We believe this is pretty good church and we'd love to is pretty good church and we'd love to is pretty good church and we'd love to have you as a part of our church family have you as a part of our church family have you as a part of our church family if you are so led to be a part of this if you are so led to be a part of this if you are so led to be a part of this believing congregation.

believing congregation. believing congregation. Just know that on this Sunday morning, Just know that on this Sunday morning, Just know that on this Sunday morning, each of you is welcome here. And we're each of you is welcome here. And we're each of you is welcome here. And we're so grateful that we have the opportunity so grateful that we have the opportunity so grateful that we have the opportunity to let you know that this Sunday to let you know that this Sunday to let you know that this Sunday morning. Now, you've heard us applaud morning. Now, you've heard us applaud morning. Now, you've heard us applaud you once, maybe even twice, but they you once, maybe even twice, but they you once, maybe even twice, but they tell me the third time is a charm. So, tell me the third time is a charm. So, tell me the third time is a charm. So, watch how much we're excited to be with watch how much we're excited to be with watch how much we're excited to be with you and to have you with us in worship. you and to have you with us in worship. you and to have you with us in worship. God bless you. God bless you. God bless God bless you. God bless you. God bless God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. You may be seated in the presence you. You may be seated in the presence you. You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. As you take your seats, we of the Lord. As you take your seats, we of the Lord. As you take your seats, we make one further request of you, and make one further request of you, and make one further request of you, and that is that you'll look upward toward that is that you'll look upward toward that is that you'll look upward toward the screen. And as you're inclined or as the screen. And as you're inclined or as the screen. And as you're inclined or as you're led, we ask that you will uh text you're led, we ask that you will uh text you're led, we ask that you will uh text visit WABC to the number that is there visit WABC to the number that is there visit WABC to the number that is there on the screen. If you do that, we'll on the screen. If you do that, we'll on the screen. If you do that, we'll send you a more personalized greeting in send you a more personalized greeting in send you a more personalized greeting in the days ahead. Just know that we're the days ahead. Just know that we're the days ahead. Just know that we're delighted to have you with us this delighted to have you with us this delighted to have you with us this Lord's day. Uh Deacon Helen Lester, Lord's day. Uh Deacon Helen Lester, Lord's day. Uh Deacon Helen Lester, Deacon S. Sharon Lester, are you in the Deacon S. Sharon Lester, are you in the Deacon S. Sharon Lester, are you in the Lord's house today? You in this in this Lord's house today? You in this in this Lord's house today? You in this in this in the cathedral? There they are right in the cathedral? There they are right in the cathedral? There they are right there. Then now listen, we always there. Then now listen, we always there. Then now listen, we always celebrate anniversaries on the second celebrate anniversaries on the second celebrate anniversaries on the second Sunday, but they have brought 952 people Sunday, but they have brought 952 people Sunday, but they have brought 952 people to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church because to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church because to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church because this month they are celebrating 50 years this month they are celebrating 50 years this month they are celebrating 50 years of marriage and we thank God for them.

of marriage and we thank God for them. of marriage and we thank God for them. Thank God for them. All those who have Thank God for them. All those who have Thank God for them. All those who have come to celebrate with the Lers, will come to celebrate with the Lers, will come to celebrate with the Lers, will you please stand? All those Look at her. you please stand? All those Look at her. you please stand? All those Look at her. Look at her. God bless you. Praise the Look at her. God bless you. Praise the Look at her. God bless you. Praise the Lord. Lord. Lord. Praise the Lord. God bless you. Praise the Lord. God bless you. Praise the Lord. God bless you. Deacon and Deacon S Lester met right Deacon and Deacon S Lester met right Deacon and Deacon S Lester met right here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and uh for 50 years. They have been and uh for 50 years. They have been and uh for 50 years. They have been married and all of these saints came to married and all of these saints came to married and all of these saints came to be with them and to celebrate them. He be with them and to celebrate them. He be with them and to celebrate them. He is the president of our corporation. is the president of our corporation. is the president of our corporation. They are deacon and deacon and have been They are deacon and deacon and have been They are deacon and deacon and have been serving in this church a long time. And serving in this church a long time. And serving in this church a long time. And I'm so grateful that we have the I'm so grateful that we have the I'm so grateful that we have the opportunity to celebrate with you all opportunity to celebrate with you all opportunity to celebrate with you all and to let you know uh that your family and to let you know uh that your family and to let you know uh that your family members, your loved ones have blessed members, your loved ones have blessed members, your loved ones have blessed this church in incalculable ways. Thank this church in incalculable ways. Thank this church in incalculable ways. Thank you for being with us today. The Lord you for being with us today. The Lord you for being with us today. The Lord bless you and keep you. Happy bless you and keep you. Happy bless you and keep you. Happy anniversary to you. Amen. anniversary to you. Amen. anniversary to you. Amen. Amen. And listen, I know you've already Amen. And listen, I know you've already Amen. And listen, I know you've already turned towards somebody close to you and turned towards somebody close to you and turned towards somebody close to you and not just the person you came to church not just the person you came to church not just the person you came to church with. you looked at somebody and you've with. you looked at somebody and you've with. you looked at somebody and you've told them how delighted you are to have told them how delighted you are to have told them how delighted you are to have the opportunity to worship with them the opportunity to worship with them the opportunity to worship with them today. But just in case you haven't, today. But just in case you haven't, today. But just in case you haven't, look towards somebody and say, "I'm so look towards somebody and say, "I'm so look towards somebody and say, "I'm so glad to be in worship with you." Glad to glad to be in worship with you." Glad to glad to be in worship with you." Glad to be in worship with you. How you doing?

be in worship with you. How you doing? be in worship with you. How you doing? Good to see you. Good to see you. Good to see you. Praise the Lord for you. How's it going? Praise the Lord for you. How's it going? Praise the Lord for you. How's it going? God bless you. Yeah, we're leaning on the everlasting Yeah, we're leaning on the everlasting arms. What a blessing. What a arms. What a blessing. What a arms. What a blessing. What a fellowship. What a fellowship. Yes. Yes. fellowship. What a fellowship. Yes. Yes. fellowship. What a fellowship. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Well, as we worship together this Sunday Well, as we worship together this Sunday Well, as we worship together this Sunday morning, we thank God for the morning, we thank God for the morning, we thank God for the opportunity that is ours to show one opportunity that is ours to show one opportunity that is ours to show one another the peace of God, the love of another the peace of God, the love of another the peace of God, the love of God, and the joy of God. I hope you've God, and the joy of God. I hope you've God, and the joy of God. I hope you've done that uh throughout these few done that uh throughout these few done that uh throughout these few seconds and moments of fellowship. We seconds and moments of fellowship. We seconds and moments of fellowship. We most regularly call it the passing of most regularly call it the passing of most regularly call it the passing of the peace. And to God be the glory for the peace. And to God be the glory for the peace. And to God be the glory for that. Listen, so many things are that. Listen, so many things are that. Listen, so many things are happening at the Wheeler Avenue Church happening at the Wheeler Avenue Church happening at the Wheeler Avenue Church this month. If you heard the video this month. If you heard the video this month. If you heard the video announcements just before worship, you announcements just before worship, you announcements just before worship, you know about the many things that are know about the many things that are know about the many things that are happening. Let me highlight just a few happening. Let me highlight just a few happening. Let me highlight just a few for this week. And then we'll hear more for this week. And then we'll hear more for this week. And then we'll hear more as the weeks continue to pass. Please as the weeks continue to pass. Please as the weeks continue to pass. Please know, of course, we'll be in prayer and know, of course, we'll be in prayer and know, of course, we'll be in prayer and study on the Avenue this coming study on the Avenue this coming study on the Avenue this coming Wednesday. And I hope that you will Wednesday. And I hope that you will Wednesday. And I hope that you will share with us this Wednesday as you have share with us this Wednesday as you have share with us this Wednesday as you have as many of you have on Wednesdays before as many of you have on Wednesdays before as many of you have on Wednesdays before now. And as we share together at 6:00 now. And as we share together at 6:00 now. And as we share together at 6:00 a.m., we'll be talking to the Lord in a.m., we'll be talking to the Lord in a.m., we'll be talking to the Lord in our virtual space. And I hope that you our virtual space. And I hope that you our virtual space. And I hope that you will join us for those first 15 minutes will join us for those first 15 minutes will join us for those first 15 minutes of the 6:00 hour. And then as uh the day of the 6:00 hour. And then as uh the day of the 6:00 hour. And then as uh the day continues, we will share in study on the continues, we will share in study on the continues, we will share in study on the avenue at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. And avenue at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. And avenue at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. And we invite you to come to the church we invite you to come to the church we invite you to come to the church house as classes will be available here house as classes will be available here house as classes will be available here throughout the church and then uh Bible

throughout the church and then uh Bible throughout the church and then uh Bible study in the sanctuary. And all of that study in the sanctuary. And all of that study in the sanctuary. And all of that is to help us to draw closer to the Lord is to help us to draw closer to the Lord is to help us to draw closer to the Lord each and every day of our lives. And so each and every day of our lives. And so each and every day of our lives. And so I hope that you will join us in prayer I hope that you will join us in prayer I hope that you will join us in prayer and study on the Avenue this coming and study on the Avenue this coming and study on the Avenue this coming Wednesday. Now that's Wednesday, but Wednesday. Now that's Wednesday, but Wednesday. Now that's Wednesday, but Thursday and Friday we're going to a Thursday and Friday we're going to a Thursday and Friday we're going to a whole other level. It's back to school whole other level. It's back to school whole other level. It's back to school revival time and we're excited about revival time and we're excited about revival time and we're excited about sharing with our young people. sharing with our young people. sharing with our young people. And that was tepid at best. At best. I And that was tepid at best. At best. I And that was tepid at best. At best. I want us to celebrate our young people. want us to celebrate our young people. want us to celebrate our young people. They're headed back to school and They're headed back to school and They're headed back to school and they're going to lead us in revival. they're going to lead us in revival. they're going to lead us in revival. Yes. They're going to lead us in Yes. They're going to lead us in Yes. They're going to lead us in revival. And I'm so excited about revival. And I'm so excited about revival. And I'm so excited about revival time. Every year, uh, back to revival time. Every year, uh, back to revival time. Every year, uh, back to school revival is an amazing experience, school revival is an amazing experience, school revival is an amazing experience, very creative and energetic. And I hope very creative and energetic. And I hope very creative and energetic. And I hope that you will come not simply to support that you will come not simply to support that you will come not simply to support or encouraged. Come to be blessed. Come or encouraged. Come to be blessed. Come or encouraged. Come to be blessed. Come to be edified because you will to be edified because you will to be edified because you will indefinitely leave with a blessing as indefinitely leave with a blessing as indefinitely leave with a blessing as you come and participate in back to you come and participate in back to you come and participate in back to school revival. We're delighted to school revival. We're delighted to school revival. We're delighted to welcome back to Wheeler Avenue on welcome back to Wheeler Avenue on welcome back to Wheeler Avenue on Thursday uh the youth pastor of the Thursday uh the youth pastor of the Thursday uh the youth pastor of the Fellowship Church Chicago. My dear Fellowship Church Chicago. My dear Fellowship Church Chicago. My dear daughter, my niece in the ministry, uh daughter, my niece in the ministry, uh daughter, my niece in the ministry, uh Jillian Twigs. She's such a blessing to Jillian Twigs. She's such a blessing to Jillian Twigs. She's such a blessing to the body of Christ. And I hope that you the body of Christ. And I hope that you the body of Christ. And I hope that you will be here to receive her and be will be here to receive her and be will be here to receive her and be blessed by her. And then on Friday, our blessed by her. And then on Friday, our blessed by her. And then on Friday, our own youth pastor is here. We're excited own youth pastor is here. We're excited own youth pastor is here. We're excited that Reverend Jaylen Vernon is going to that Reverend Jaylen Vernon is going to that Reverend Jaylen Vernon is going to be preaching the word of God.

be preaching the word of God. be preaching the word of God. Can't wait to hear what both uh Jay and Can't wait to hear what both uh Jay and Can't wait to hear what both uh Jay and Jay have to say on Thursday and Friday. Jay have to say on Thursday and Friday. Jay have to say on Thursday and Friday. It's going to be a blessing and I'm It's going to be a blessing and I'm It's going to be a blessing and I'm looking forward to it. Please know that looking forward to it. Please know that looking forward to it. Please know that every year they give us a dress code. every year they give us a dress code. every year they give us a dress code. You got to hear it now. Every year they You got to hear it now. Every year they You got to hear it now. Every year they give us a dress code on Thursday is rep give us a dress code on Thursday is rep give us a dress code on Thursday is rep your church represent your church. So your church represent your church. So your church represent your church. So put on some Wheeler Avenue gear and come put on some Wheeler Avenue gear and come put on some Wheeler Avenue gear and come and share in the experience of worship and share in the experience of worship and share in the experience of worship on Thursday a Thursday evening. And then on Thursday a Thursday evening. And then on Thursday a Thursday evening. And then on Friday it's a blackout. It's black on Friday it's a blackout. It's black on Friday it's a blackout. It's black and glow. Black and glow. And uh we want and glow. Black and glow. And uh we want and glow. Black and glow. And uh we want everyone to wear all black and they're everyone to wear all black and they're everyone to wear all black and they're going to have some glow sticks for us. going to have some glow sticks for us. going to have some glow sticks for us. And I'm sure there's going to be And I'm sure there's going to be And I'm sure there's going to be something behind that. So everybody is something behind that. So everybody is something behind that. So everybody is encouraged to wear all black on Friday encouraged to wear all black on Friday encouraged to wear all black on Friday evening as we share together with our evening as we share together with our evening as we share together with our young people Thursday and Friday. And young people Thursday and Friday. And young people Thursday and Friday. And then Saturday, we'll get up Saturday then Saturday, we'll get up Saturday then Saturday, we'll get up Saturday morning. Now, there's some other morning. Now, there's some other morning. Now, there's some other opportunities and fellowship moments opportunities and fellowship moments opportunities and fellowship moments that the young people will experience. that the young people will experience. that the young people will experience. But on Saturday morning, we'll get up But on Saturday morning, we'll get up But on Saturday morning, we'll get up and come right back to the church house and come right back to the church house and come right back to the church house for new life service. And we're excited for new life service. And we're excited for new life service. And we're excited that we have the opportunity to that we have the opportunity to that we have the opportunity to celebrate with those who have new life celebrate with those who have new life celebrate with those who have new life in Christ and new life in creation. New in Christ and new life in creation. New in Christ and new life in creation. New life in Christ and new life in creation.

life in Christ and new life in creation. life in Christ and new life in creation. New life in Christ means that they've New life in Christ means that they've New life in Christ means that they've given their lives to the Lord Jesus given their lives to the Lord Jesus given their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and will be baptized. More than Christ and will be baptized. More than Christ and will be baptized. More than 60 individuals will be baptized on 60 individuals will be baptized on 60 individuals will be baptized on Saturday morning. We're excited about Saturday morning. We're excited about Saturday morning. We're excited about that. that. that. Amen. Amen. Amen. And then I think we've got 13 babies. 13 And then I think we've got 13 babies. 13 And then I think we've got 13 babies. 13 babies who will be dedicated to the Lord babies who will be dedicated to the Lord babies who will be dedicated to the Lord at uh that hour as well. It's going to at uh that hour as well. It's going to at uh that hour as well. It's going to be a great time for new life service and be a great time for new life service and be a great time for new life service and we look forward to being a part of that we look forward to being a part of that we look forward to being a part of that experience. Amen. Now, as much as I experience. Amen. Now, as much as I experience. Amen. Now, as much as I hated to let go of the month of July, we hated to let go of the month of July, we hated to let go of the month of July, we are now in the month of August and I got are now in the month of August and I got are now in the month of August and I got to relinquish this time to all of these to relinquish this time to all of these to relinquish this time to all of these eighth month babies. Come on, eighth eighth month babies. Come on, eighth eighth month babies. Come on, eighth month, won't you stand? Let's celebrate month, won't you stand? Let's celebrate month, won't you stand? Let's celebrate on the front row today. On the front on the front row today. On the front on the front row today. On the front row. Amen. Praise the Lord. Come on. row. Amen. Praise the Lord. Come on. row. Amen. Praise the Lord. Come on. Eight circle. Come on demon Eight circle. Come on demon Eight circle. Come on demon babies. Where the 8th month babies? babies. Where the 8th month babies? babies. Where the 8th month babies? Amen. Come on. Let's sing happy birthday Amen. Come on. Let's sing happy birthday Amen. Come on. Let's sing happy birthday to all those born in a happy birthday.

happy birthday. Happy birthday everybody. baby, baby, it's a lot of y'all, too. it's a lot of y'all, too. it's a lot of y'all, too. It's a lot of you all born in the month It's a lot of you all born in the month It's a lot of you all born in the month of August. You all need to do a brunch of August. You all need to do a brunch of August. You all need to do a brunch or something. Go have a good time. Enjoy or something. Go have a good time. Enjoy or something. Go have a good time. Enjoy yourself. Of course, we always talk yourself. Of course, we always talk yourself. Of course, we always talk about the Barnett family. They're about the Barnett family. They're about the Barnett family. They're sitting here, Degan and Deaconess sitting here, Degan and Deaconess sitting here, Degan and Deaconess Barnett and their two children. They Barnett and their two children. They Barnett and their two children. They celebrate uh August 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and celebrate uh August 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and celebrate uh August 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. I don't know how they worked it 4th. I don't know how they worked it 4th. I don't know how they worked it out, but they have a special out, but they have a special out, but they have a special relationship with God that all four of relationship with God that all four of relationship with God that all four of them were born on those successive days them were born on those successive days them were born on those successive days in August. And we celebrate with all of in August. And we celebrate with all of in August. And we celebrate with all of you today. Well, it's offering time in you today. Well, it's offering time in you today. Well, it's offering time in the Lord's house and we're excited about the Lord's house and we're excited about the Lord's house and we're excited about giving. giving. giving. Amen. We're excited about sharing with God and We're excited about sharing with God and the Lord's church these resources that the Lord's church these resources that the Lord's church these resources that God has willingly shared with us, given God has willingly shared with us, given God has willingly shared with us, given to us, invested in us. Moving about us to us, invested in us. Moving about us to us, invested in us. Moving about us now are the courtesy core members of our now are the courtesy core members of our now are the courtesy core members of our church, more informally known as the church, more informally known as the church, more informally known as the ushers of our church. They have ushers of our church. They have ushers of our church. They have envelopes just in case. They're persons envelopes just in case. They're persons envelopes just in case. They're persons in the church house who need an envelope in the church house who need an envelope in the church house who need an envelope into which you'll place your paper gift.

into which you'll place your paper gift. into which you'll place your paper gift. 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 screens now. I see some using the QR screens now. I see some using the QR screens now. I see some using the QR code. Others will text to give. Some code. Others will text to give. Some code. Others will text to give. Some will use push pay giving through the will use push pay giving through the will use push pay giving through the website. Whatever is more appropriate website. Whatever is more appropriate website. Whatever is more appropriate for your unique need, your unique for your unique need, your unique for your unique need, your unique utilization, we invite you to use that utilization, we invite you to use that utilization, we invite you to use that method today and be blessed as you give. method today and be blessed as you give. method today and be blessed as you give. In this time of of worship, we give the In this time of of worship, we give the In this time of of worship, we give the tithe. That is the first 10% of our tithe. That is the first 10% of our tithe. That is the first 10% of our increase. And the Bible says that it is increase. And the Bible says that it is increase. And the Bible says that it is holy unto God. And as we give the tithe, holy unto God. And as we give the tithe, holy unto God. And as we give the tithe, we likewise give an offering unto God we likewise give an offering unto God we likewise give an offering unto God that speaks to our level of appreciation that speaks to our level of appreciation that speaks to our level of appreciation and a level of support that we want to and a level of support that we want to and a level of support that we want to give to the work of the ministry of give to the work of the ministry of give to the work of the ministry of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. In a Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. In a Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. In a tertiary way, in that third presentation tertiary way, in that third presentation tertiary way, in that third presentation of our gifts, we honor the Lord as we of our gifts, we honor the Lord as we of our gifts, we honor the Lord as we honor our sisters and brothers who are honor our sisters and brothers who are honor our sisters and brothers who are what Jesus calls the least of our what Jesus calls the least of our what Jesus calls the least of our sisters and brothers. Those who are in a sisters and brothers. Those who are in a sisters and brothers. Those who are in a situation right now where they cannot situation right now where they cannot situation right now where they cannot seemingly pull through financially. seemingly pull through financially. seemingly pull through financially. As you give in missions and mercy, we As you give in missions and mercy, we As you give in missions and mercy, we help those who are disenfranchised and help those who are disenfranchised and help those who are disenfranchised and dispossessed. And we're grateful that dispossessed. And we're grateful that dispossessed. And we're grateful that every Sunday you all help us in a great every Sunday you all help us in a great every Sunday you all help us in a great way to give to those who are in need.

way to give to those who are in need. way to give to those who are in need. And we ask that you will help us again And we ask that you will help us again And we ask that you will help us again to do that this Lord's day as we to do that this Lord's day as we to do that this Lord's day as we continue to honor the Lord through the continue to honor the Lord through the continue to honor the Lord through the presentation of our tithes and our presentation of our tithes and our presentation of our tithes and our offerings. Every Sunday, we likewise offerings. Every Sunday, we likewise offerings. Every Sunday, we likewise consecrate these gifts unto the Lord. consecrate these gifts unto the Lord. consecrate these gifts unto the Lord. So, let's bow in prayer as we return to So, let's bow in prayer as we return to So, let's bow in prayer as we return to God what God first gave to us. Gracious God what God first gave to us. Gracious God what God first gave to us. Gracious God, we do give you thanks for your God, we do give you thanks for your God, we do give you thanks for your goodness and your grace. We thank you goodness and your grace. We thank you goodness and your grace. We thank you for your loving kindness and your tender for your loving kindness and your tender for your loving kindness and your tender mercy. We thank you that every good and mercy. We thank you that every good and mercy. We thank you that every good and perfect gift has come from above from perfect gift has come from above from perfect gift has come from above from the father of lights. In you there is no the father of lights. In you there is no the father of lights. In you there is no variableness, neither is there shadow of variableness, neither is there shadow of variableness, neither is there shadow of turning. Thank you for your consistency turning. Thank you for your consistency turning. Thank you for your consistency and your dependability. And as we come and your dependability. And as we come and your dependability. And as we come to you now, we pray that we like you to you now, we pray that we like you to you now, we pray that we like you will be consistent and dependable even will be consistent and dependable even will be consistent and dependable even in the presentation of our tithes and in the presentation of our tithes and in the presentation of our tithes and offerings. We pray now, oh God, that offerings. We pray now, oh God, that offerings. We pray now, oh God, that you'll receive each gift as each giver you'll receive each gift as each giver you'll receive each gift as each giver returns to you now, the tithe and the returns to you now, the tithe and the returns to you now, the tithe and the offering beyond it, and a gift to help offering beyond it, and a gift to help offering beyond it, and a gift to help those who are less fortunate than we. I those who are less fortunate than we. I those who are less fortunate than we. I pray, oh God, that no one will lack as a pray, oh God, that no one will lack as a pray, oh God, that no one will lack as a consequence of what we give this Sunday consequence of what we give this Sunday consequence of what we give this Sunday morning. But as the musicians play, we morning. But as the musicians play, we morning. But as the musicians play, we we recite again that we'll recognize we recite again that we'll recognize we recite again that we'll recognize 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. We do thank you for victory how we try. We do thank you for victory how we try. We do thank you for victory in our finances and we claim it such in in our finances and we claim it such in in our finances and we claim it such in Jesus' name. And all of God's people Jesus' name. And all of God's people Jesus' name. And all of God's people together said amen and praise God. If together said amen and praise God. If together said amen and praise God. If you don't mind, I just want us to remind you don't mind, I just want us to remind you don't mind, I just want us to remind ourselves as we sing together that we ourselves as we sing together that we ourselves as we sing together that we can't beat God giving no matter how we can't beat God giving no matter how we can't beat God giving no matter how we try. If you know it, let's sing it. If try. If you know it, let's sing it. If try. If you know it, let's sing it. If you don't know it, you can pick it up as

you don't know it, you can pick it up as you don't know it, you can pick it up as we sing together. You can't be God given we sing together. You can't be God given we sing together. You can't be God given you No matter how you, No matter how you, no matter Amen. Amen. Praise the Lord. As we sang

Amen. Amen. Praise the Lord. As we sang that, I reminded myself that I'm holding that, I reminded myself that I'm holding that, I reminded myself that I'm holding gifts from Wheeler wherever members who gifts from Wheeler wherever members who gifts from Wheeler wherever members who have shared with us from across the have shared with us from across the have shared with us from across the country. Let me thank those of you who country. Let me thank those of you who country. Let me thank those of you who share with us with regularity. We share with us with regularity. We share with us with regularity. We appreciate you sending gifts to Wheeler appreciate you sending gifts to Wheeler appreciate you sending gifts to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church so we might do the Avenue Baptist Church so we might do the Avenue Baptist Church so we might do the work of ministry here. Our music work of ministry here. Our music work of ministry here. Our music ministry is ready to bless us. I was ministry is ready to bless us. I was ministry is ready to bless us. I was reminded that our drummer Larry is over reminded that our drummer Larry is over reminded that our drummer Larry is over there. He stood up during the August there. He stood up during the August there. He stood up during the August birthdays. I just couldn't see him birthdays. I just couldn't see him birthdays. I just couldn't see him because he's because he's because he's he's behind the drums so I couldn't see he's behind the drums so I couldn't see he's behind the drums so I couldn't see him but he's over there and we thank God him but he's over there and we thank God him but he's over there and we thank God for him. And my son Marcus D as well for him. And my son Marcus D as well for him. And my son Marcus D as well celebrating this month. Amen. Receive celebrating this month. Amen. Receive celebrating this month. Amen. Receive these as they bless us and minister to these as they bless us and minister to these as they bless us and minister to us. Now we hold the lamb.

Now we hold the lamb. the preious lamb of God. Born is to see that I Born is to see that I again again again the preious lamb of God. Shall behold the lamb, Shall behold the lamb, the preious lamb of God. preious preious of God. The lamb, The lamb, the preious lamb of God. preious preious of God.

Now Now behold your name. behold your name. behold your name. The preious The preious The preious lamb of God to see it and I made it again. to see it and I made it again. in the Thank you for the river. Thank you for the river. Heat. Heat.

Thank you for your Thank you for your Thank you. Heat up Heat up here.

Heat Heat up Heat up here. And all of the people said, "Amen."

And all of the people said, "Amen." Thank God for the precious lamb Thank God for the precious lamb Thank God for the precious lamb >> who is Jesus Christ. We honor the Lord >> who is Jesus Christ. We honor the Lord >> who is Jesus Christ. We honor the Lord today for Jesus who is the precious lamb today for Jesus who is the precious lamb today for Jesus who is the precious lamb of God. of God. of God. I uh want to invite your attention this I uh want to invite your attention this I uh want to invite your attention this morning to the New Testament Gospel as morning to the New Testament Gospel as morning to the New Testament Gospel as recorded by the writer Luke. The New recorded by the writer Luke. The New recorded by the writer Luke. The New Testament gospel is recorded by the Testament gospel is recorded by the Testament gospel is recorded by the writer Luke at chapter 15. For me, the writer Luke at chapter 15. For me, the writer Luke at chapter 15. For me, the passage of scripture to many Bible passage of scripture to many Bible passage of scripture to many Bible readers, I invite your attention there readers, I invite your attention there readers, I invite your attention there this morning. So good to see you, Vern this morning. So good to see you, Vern this morning. So good to see you, Vern Reita Harris. Uh she's a longtime member Reita Harris. Uh she's a longtime member Reita Harris. Uh she's a longtime member of our church and uh decided to move of our church and uh decided to move of our church and uh decided to move away to the Bahamas and um I don't know away to the Bahamas and um I don't know away to the Bahamas and um I don't know why you would do that, but uh she's back why you would do that, but uh she's back why you would do that, but uh she's back in church this morning. I got a in church this morning. I got a in church this morning. I got a conference I got to teach at in the conference I got to teach at in the conference I got to teach at in the Bahamas this month. Bahamas this month. Bahamas this month. Don't be jealous. Don't be jealous. It's Don't be jealous. Don't be jealous. It's Don't be jealous. Don't be jealous. It's a conference. It's a conference. I got a conference. It's a conference. I got a conference. It's a conference. I got to go to work. to go to work. to go to work. Amen. Amen. Amen. And so I'm looking forward to being And so I'm looking forward to being And so I'm looking forward to being there. Luke chapter 15. Luke chapter 15, there. Luke chapter 15. Luke chapter 15, there. Luke chapter 15. Luke chapter 15, beginning at verse 1. I'm reading today beginning at verse 1. I'm reading today beginning at verse 1. I'm reading today from the New International Version of from the New International Version of from the New International Version of the Holy Word of God. And this is what the Holy Word of God. And this is what the Holy Word of God. And this is what it says. Now the tax collectors and it says. Now the tax collectors and it says. Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to sinners were all gathering around to sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus.

hear Jesus. hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of But the Pharisees and the teachers of But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, the law muttered, the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners "This man welcomes sinners "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." and eats with them." and eats with them." That's enough. Amen. Praise God for his That's enough. Amen. Praise God for his That's enough. Amen. Praise God for his holy word. I invite you to keep your holy word. I invite you to keep your holy word. I invite you to keep your Bible open as we together look through Bible open as we together look through Bible open as we together look through the entirety of chapter 15 today. the entirety of chapter 15 today. the entirety of chapter 15 today. This man welcomes sinners This man welcomes sinners This man welcomes sinners and eats with them. and eats with them. and eats with them. >> For the time of his share together on >> For the time of his share together on >> For the time of his share together on this Sunday morning, I want to talk from this Sunday morning, I want to talk from this Sunday morning, I want to talk from the subject the allegorical Jesus. the allegorical the allegorical Jesus. That's what the Pharisees are saying That's what the Pharisees are saying in Luke chapter 15. in Luke chapter 15. in Luke chapter 15. Can you believe he's hanging with them?

Can you believe he's hanging with them? Can you believe he's hanging with them? That's what they mutter underneath their That's what they mutter underneath their That's what they mutter underneath their breath. breath. breath. This makes no sense This makes no sense This makes no sense that he would dare entertain that he would dare entertain that he would dare entertain folk like them. folk like them. folk like them. How dare he be in the company and he How dare he be in the company and he How dare he be in the company and he calls himself a religious man? calls himself a religious man? calls himself a religious man? >> How dare he be in the company of folk we >> How dare he be in the company of folk we >> How dare he be in the company of folk we know to be bad people, know to be bad people, know to be bad people, >> tax collectors, the most hated people of >> tax collectors, the most hated people of >> tax collectors, the most hated people of the ancient world. And I suspect not too the ancient world. And I suspect not too the ancient world. And I suspect not too much dissimilar from much dissimilar from much dissimilar from this current world. this current world. this current world. Tax collectors and sinners, that broad Tax collectors and sinners, that broad Tax collectors and sinners, that broad ranging group of people who are known ranging group of people who are known ranging group of people who are known for their delotterious behavior. for their delotterious behavior. for their delotterious behavior. >> And he hangs with them. They're not like >> And he hangs with them. They're not like >> And he hangs with them. They're not like us. They can't be included in a group us. They can't be included in a group us. They can't be included in a group with us. with us. with us. And the Bible says he not only he not And the Bible says he not only he not And the Bible says he not only he not only eats with them, only eats with them, only eats with them, >> he welcomes them.

>> he welcomes them. >> he welcomes them. >> He not only welcomes them, I suggest he >> He not only welcomes them, I suggest he >> He not only welcomes them, I suggest he loves them. loves them. loves them. >> This is the picture of the Lord Jesus >> This is the picture of the Lord Jesus >> This is the picture of the Lord Jesus that we get in Luke chapter 15. And that we get in Luke chapter 15. And that we get in Luke chapter 15. And these are they, the Pharisees, who are these are they, the Pharisees, who are these are they, the Pharisees, who are challenged by the fact that Jesus would challenged by the fact that Jesus would challenged by the fact that Jesus would open his arms to embrace folk like open his arms to embrace folk like open his arms to embrace folk like these. these. these. They're challenged by the fact that They're challenged by the fact that They're challenged by the fact that Jesus would dare love on some people Jesus would dare love on some people Jesus would dare love on some people like these. You got to catch who the like these. You got to catch who the like these. You got to catch who the Pharisees are. These are church folk. Pharisees are. These are church folk. Pharisees are. These are church folk. These are the religious elite. These are the religious elite. These are the religious elite. These are the folk who've been around These are the folk who've been around These are the folk who've been around the Lord's house for a long time. the Lord's house for a long time. the Lord's house for a long time. >> These are the Jewish teachers of the >> These are the Jewish teachers of the >> These are the Jewish teachers of the law. They understand what it means to law. They understand what it means to law. They understand what it means to observe the law to its immediate and observe the law to its immediate and observe the law to its immediate and extensive points. They they know what it extensive points. They they know what it extensive points. They they know what it means to be lawabiding means to be lawabiding means to be lawabiding believers. They are sticklers for the believers. They are sticklers for the believers. They are sticklers for the letter of the law. And Jesus seems to be letter of the law. And Jesus seems to be letter of the law. And Jesus seems to be breaking it down every time he walks out breaking it down every time he walks out breaking it down every time he walks out the house.

the house. the house. >> For he intentionally walks up toward >> For he intentionally walks up toward >> For he intentionally walks up toward sinners, sinners, sinners, >> tax collectors, welcoming them, >> tax collectors, welcoming them, >> tax collectors, welcoming them, >> eating with them. No selfrespecting >> eating with them. No selfrespecting >> eating with them. No selfrespecting Jew would ever sit down at the table Jew would ever sit down at the table Jew would ever sit down at the table with folk like these. with folk like these. with folk like these. >> They not like us. >> They not like us. >> They not like us. How dare he be caught in communication How dare he be caught in communication How dare he be caught in communication or even fellowship with folk like these? or even fellowship with folk like these? or even fellowship with folk like these? And Jesus decides he's going to help And Jesus decides he's going to help And Jesus decides he's going to help those who are muttering. Now, muttering, those who are muttering. Now, muttering, those who are muttering. Now, muttering, you do know, is grumbling. That's you do know, is grumbling. That's you do know, is grumbling. That's talking underneath your breath. That's talking underneath your breath. That's talking underneath your breath. That's that's that's what you do when you're that's that's what you do when you're that's that's what you do when you're looking forward, but talking to the looking forward, but talking to the looking forward, but talking to the person next to you. That's that's that's person next to you. That's that's that's person next to you. That's that's that's how you get away with talking in church. how you get away with talking in church. how you get away with talking in church. That you know what muttering is. That you know what muttering is. That you know what muttering is. All of us, if not all, most of us have All of us, if not all, most of us have All of us, if not all, most of us have been guilty of muttering been guilty of muttering been guilty of muttering while church was going on. while church was going on. while church was going on. Look at her. She ain't got no business Look at her. She ain't got no business Look at her. She ain't got no business wearing that to church.

He can't ever get to church on time. He He can't ever get to church on time. He want to go all the way to the front of want to go all the way to the front of want to go all the way to the front of the church the church the church and sit down. This don't make no sense. We know what muttering is. Don't Let's We know what muttering is. Don't Let's not get brand new today. We know what not get brand new today. We know what not get brand new today. We know what muttering is. And if you are muttering is. And if you are muttering is. And if you are professional church person, you do it professional church person, you do it professional church person, you do it phenomenally well. You do it expertly phenomenally well. You do it expertly phenomenally well. You do it expertly well. I'll fess up. I'm a mutterer every well. I'll fess up. I'm a mutterer every well. I'll fess up. I'm a mutterer every now and then. I know what it means to now and then. I know what it means to now and then. I know what it means to talk to everybody in the pullpit and talk to everybody in the pullpit and talk to everybody in the pullpit and none of y'all know it. It's a wonderful none of y'all know it. It's a wonderful none of y'all know it. It's a wonderful experience to experience to experience to see folk muttering. see folk muttering. see folk muttering. So Jesus decides to respond to the So Jesus decides to respond to the So Jesus decides to respond to the muttering. I like that word. He responds muttering. I like that word. He responds muttering. I like that word. He responds to the grumbling. He responds to the to the grumbling. He responds to the to the grumbling. He responds to the talking underneath the breath. And he talking underneath the breath. And he talking underneath the breath. And he does so in grand fashion. He does so by does so in grand fashion. He does so by does so in grand fashion. He does so by using three allegorical models to help using three allegorical models to help using three allegorical models to help us understand what this business of us understand what this business of us understand what this business of muttering is. He uses allegory. Now, muttering is. He uses allegory. Now, muttering is. He uses allegory. Now, those of you who've been around the those of you who've been around the those of you who've been around the English language or you went to your English language or you went to your English language or you went to your fourth or fifth or seventh or eighth fourth or fifth or seventh or eighth fourth or fifth or seventh or eighth grade English class, you know what grade English class, you know what grade English class, you know what allegory is, don't you? You may have allegory is, don't you? You may have allegory is, don't you? You may have forgotten, but you you heard what forgotten, but you you heard what forgotten, but you you heard what allegory is. Allegory is the expression allegory is. Allegory is the expression allegory is. Allegory is the expression of the truths about human existence by of the truths about human existence by of the truths about human existence by means of symbolic figures and actions.

means of symbolic figures and actions. means of symbolic figures and actions. Symbolic figures and actions are used as Symbolic figures and actions are used as Symbolic figures and actions are used as as an allegory. I'm using this figure to as an allegory. I'm using this figure to as an allegory. I'm using this figure to describe these things in human describe these things in human describe these things in human existence. And today when Jesus uses existence. And today when Jesus uses existence. And today when Jesus uses allegory, he does so to deal with this allegory, he does so to deal with this allegory, he does so to deal with this business of lostness. business of lostness. business of lostness. Lostness. It is in Luke chapter 15 when Lostness. It is in Luke chapter 15 when Lostness. It is in Luke chapter 15 when Jesus paints the picture of three models Jesus paints the picture of three models Jesus paints the picture of three models of lostness. And he begins to help those of lostness. And he begins to help those of lostness. And he begins to help those who are muttering, help those listening who are muttering, help those listening who are muttering, help those listening to him to understand how significant to him to understand how significant to him to understand how significant lost souls are to Jesus. That Jesus is lost souls are to Jesus. That Jesus is lost souls are to Jesus. That Jesus is not consumed with just maintaining the not consumed with just maintaining the not consumed with just maintaining the status quo. Jesus is not consumed with status quo. Jesus is not consumed with status quo. Jesus is not consumed with just keeping the church as it is. Jesus just keeping the church as it is. Jesus just keeping the church as it is. Jesus is not consumed with religious people is not consumed with religious people is not consumed with religious people thinking that they're the only people thinking that they're the only people thinking that they're the only people that God loves. Jesus wants everybody to that God loves. Jesus wants everybody to that God loves. Jesus wants everybody to know that he came to seek and to save know that he came to seek and to save know that he came to seek and to save what was lost.

what was lost. what was lost. And so for these next few minutes, let's And so for these next few minutes, let's And so for these next few minutes, let's look at these three models of allegory. look at these three models of allegory. look at these three models of allegory. Let's look at these three pictures that Let's look at these three pictures that Let's look at these three pictures that Jesus paints and then I'll add a fourth Jesus paints and then I'll add a fourth Jesus paints and then I'll add a fourth point to it because I want to suggest point to it because I want to suggest point to it because I want to suggest today that Jesus is showing to us in in today that Jesus is showing to us in in today that Jesus is showing to us in in picturesque fashion just how much those picturesque fashion just how much those picturesque fashion just how much those who are lost mean to God. Jesus is who are lost mean to God. Jesus is who are lost mean to God. Jesus is showing us in grand fashion that the showing us in grand fashion that the showing us in grand fashion that the lost matter to the Lord Jesus Christ. Is lost matter to the Lord Jesus Christ. Is lost matter to the Lord Jesus Christ. Is your Bible still open? For if it is, your Bible still open? For if it is, your Bible still open? For if it is, you'll find out that there are three you'll find out that there are three you'll find out that there are three pictures that Jesus paints. Those of you pictures that Jesus paints. Those of you pictures that Jesus paints. Those of you who've been reading Luke chapter 15 or who've been reading Luke chapter 15 or who've been reading Luke chapter 15 or you have read it in time past, you know you have read it in time past, you know you have read it in time past, you know that there are three pictures of that there are three pictures of that there are three pictures of lostness, maybe even four that Jesus lostness, maybe even four that Jesus lostness, maybe even four that Jesus paints in this in this 15th chapter of paints in this in this 15th chapter of paints in this in this 15th chapter of the Gospel of Luke. And the first is of the Gospel of Luke. And the first is of the Gospel of Luke. And the first is of a lost sheep. And the second is of a a lost sheep. And the second is of a a lost sheep. And the second is of a lost silver coin. And the third is of a lost silver coin. And the third is of a lost silver coin. And the third is of a lost son. These, my friends, are lost son. These, my friends, are lost son. These, my friends, are important for us to grasp as we look at important for us to grasp as we look at important for us to grasp as we look at at Luke chapter 15. Jesus talks first at Luke chapter 15. Jesus talks first at Luke chapter 15. Jesus talks first about a lost sheep. Somebody say lost about a lost sheep. Somebody say lost about a lost sheep. Somebody say lost sheep.

sheep. sheep. >> Jesus talks secondarily about a lost >> Jesus talks secondarily about a lost >> Jesus talks secondarily about a lost silver coin. Somebody say lost silver. silver coin. Somebody say lost silver. silver coin. Somebody say lost silver. >> Lost. And then Jesus talks finally about >> Lost. And then Jesus talks finally about >> Lost. And then Jesus talks finally about a lost son. Somebody say lost son. a lost son. Somebody say lost son. a lost son. Somebody say lost son. >> Lost son. >> Lost son. >> Lost son. >> And the first thing Jesus wants to teach >> And the first thing Jesus wants to teach >> And the first thing Jesus wants to teach us regarding this lost sheep is that us regarding this lost sheep is that us regarding this lost sheep is that there's nothing too insignificant there's nothing too insignificant there's nothing too insignificant to reclaim. to reclaim. to reclaim. There is nothing too insignificant to There is nothing too insignificant to There is nothing too insignificant to reclaim. If your Bible is open, if your reclaim. If your Bible is open, if your reclaim. If your Bible is open, if your app is unlocked, and I ask you to keep app is unlocked, and I ask you to keep app is unlocked, and I ask you to keep it open today because it seems to me it open today because it seems to me it open today because it seems to me that Jesus is showing us in in no that Jesus is showing us in in no that Jesus is showing us in in no uncertain terms that when something is uncertain terms that when something is uncertain terms that when something is lost, a shepherd will go find his sheep. lost, a shepherd will go find his sheep. lost, a shepherd will go find his sheep. No matter how insignificant somebody No matter how insignificant somebody No matter how insignificant somebody might think that sheep is, listen to might think that sheep is, listen to might think that sheep is, listen to what the Lord Jesus says. He says, what the Lord Jesus says. He says, what the Lord Jesus says. He says, "There's a shepherd who had 100 sheep." "There's a shepherd who had 100 sheep." "There's a shepherd who had 100 sheep." and uh one of those 100 sheep got lost. and uh one of those 100 sheep got lost. and uh one of those 100 sheep got lost. Is your Bible open? Suppose one of you Is your Bible open? Suppose one of you Is your Bible open? Suppose one of you has a 100 sheep and loses one of them.

has a 100 sheep and loses one of them. has a 100 sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the 99 in the open Doesn't he leave the 99 in the open Doesn't he leave the 99 in the open country and go after the lost sheep country and go after the lost sheep country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? until he finds it? until he finds it? >> Oh, don't miss it, church. He says that >> Oh, don't miss it, church. He says that >> Oh, don't miss it, church. He says that if you have 100 sheep but you lose one, if you have 100 sheep but you lose one, if you have 100 sheep but you lose one, don't you leave the 99. I love the don't you leave the 99. I love the don't you leave the 99. I love the rhetorical question. He puts it into the rhetorical question. He puts it into the rhetorical question. He puts it into the laps of these Pharisees who are laps of these Pharisees who are laps of these Pharisees who are listening to them, reminding them of listening to them, reminding them of listening to them, reminding them of their agricultural environment and how their agricultural environment and how their agricultural environment and how much sheep matter and mean to the much sheep matter and mean to the much sheep matter and mean to the shepherd. And he says, "Wouldn't you shepherd. And he says, "Wouldn't you shepherd. And he says, "Wouldn't you leave the 99 watch in the open country leave the 99 watch in the open country leave the 99 watch in the open country and then go find the one lost sheep and then go find the one lost sheep and then go find the one lost sheep you've got to catch, church?" Because you've got to catch, church?" Because you've got to catch, church?" Because all that Jesus is trying to show in this all that Jesus is trying to show in this all that Jesus is trying to show in this is is that that everybody is is that that everybody is is that that everybody >> matters to God. >> matters to God. >> matters to God. >> That everybody matters to God. That >> That everybody matters to God. That >> That everybody matters to God. That there is no one who is insignificant. No there is no one who is insignificant. No there is no one who is insignificant. No one who is left to the margins. No one one who is left to the margins. No one one who is left to the margins. No one who does not matter. Everybody matters who does not matter. Everybody matters who does not matter. Everybody matters to God. Now, don't miss this because to God. Now, don't miss this because to God. Now, don't miss this because some people may need to hear this this some people may need to hear this this some people may need to hear this this Sunday morning that there have been some Sunday morning that there have been some Sunday morning that there have been some times when people have felt that you times when people have felt that you times when people have felt that you were insignificant or you have felt that were insignificant or you have felt that were insignificant or you have felt that someone else was insignificant. But when someone else was insignificant. But when someone else was insignificant. But when it comes to the Lord of glory, Jesus it comes to the Lord of glory, Jesus it comes to the Lord of glory, Jesus himself, he makes it clear that himself, he makes it clear that himself, he makes it clear that everybody matters. That no one is everybody matters. That no one is everybody matters. That no one is insignificant. That he'll leave the one insignificant. That he'll leave the one insignificant. That he'll leave the one to hunt to 99 to go find the one because

to hunt to 99 to go find the one because to hunt to 99 to go find the one because everybody matters to God. Now, that everybody matters to God. Now, that everybody matters to God. Now, that blesses me all down in my soul that the blesses me all down in my soul that the blesses me all down in my soul that the Lord Jesus will come looking for the one Lord Jesus will come looking for the one Lord Jesus will come looking for the one who wandered off. The Lord Jesus will who wandered off. The Lord Jesus will who wandered off. The Lord Jesus will come hunting down the one who moved come hunting down the one who moved come hunting down the one who moved away. That the Lord Jesus will come away. That the Lord Jesus will come away. That the Lord Jesus will come ensuring that the one is found. And when ensuring that the one is found. And when ensuring that the one is found. And when that one is found, everybody is excited that one is found, everybody is excited that one is found, everybody is excited because there's nothing there's no one because there's nothing there's no one because there's nothing there's no one there's no thing that is insignificant there's no thing that is insignificant there's no thing that is insignificant to God. to God. to God. >> Hear me when I tell you you and I matter >> Hear me when I tell you you and I matter >> Hear me when I tell you you and I matter >> to God. >> to God. >> to God. Don't miss it. You and I matter Don't miss it. You and I matter Don't miss it. You and I matter >> to God. Will you Will you hear me when I >> to God. Will you Will you hear me when I >> to God. Will you Will you hear me when I tell you that you and I matter tell you that you and I matter tell you that you and I matter >> to God. >> to God. >> to God. >> There's nothing that is too >> There's nothing that is too >> There's nothing that is too insignificant insignificant insignificant for God. Well, let's keep going because for God. Well, let's keep going because for God. Well, let's keep going because I want to make it all the way through I want to make it all the way through I want to make it all the way through chapter 15. Because not only, my friend chapter 15. Because not only, my friend chapter 15. Because not only, my friend is there's nothing that there's too is there's nothing that there's too is there's nothing that there's too that's too insignificant to to reclaim, that's too insignificant to to reclaim, that's too insignificant to to reclaim, but then secondarily, your Bible teaches but then secondarily, your Bible teaches but then secondarily, your Bible teaches us that there's never an inconvenient us that there's never an inconvenient us that there's never an inconvenient time to restore.

>> There's never an inconvenient time to >> There's never an inconvenient time to restore. There's a second vignette. If restore. There's a second vignette. If restore. There's a second vignette. If you've read Luke 15, you already know you've read Luke 15, you already know you've read Luke 15, you already know that it moves from the lost sheep to the that it moves from the lost sheep to the that it moves from the lost sheep to the lost silver coin. And when that happens, lost silver coin. And when that happens, lost silver coin. And when that happens, there's there's a sister who loses some there's there's a sister who loses some there's there's a sister who loses some money. Now, you already see the picture money. Now, you already see the picture money. Now, you already see the picture being painted. I don't have to explain being painted. I don't have to explain being painted. I don't have to explain that too much. The sister lost some that too much. The sister lost some that too much. The sister lost some money. You know, everything got to stop money. You know, everything got to stop money. You know, everything got to stop until she finds the money that she has until she finds the money that she has until she finds the money that she has lost. And that is the picture that Jesus lost. And that is the picture that Jesus lost. And that is the picture that Jesus uplifts for us. She had 10 silver coins. uplifts for us. She had 10 silver coins. uplifts for us. She had 10 silver coins. She lost one of them. Your Bible says She lost one of them. Your Bible says She lost one of them. Your Bible says that it's seemingly an inconvenient time that it's seemingly an inconvenient time that it's seemingly an inconvenient time for her to lose it. She's got to turn for her to lose it. She's got to turn for her to lose it. She's got to turn the light on, suggesting that there is the light on, suggesting that there is the light on, suggesting that there is darkness around the house. And then she darkness around the house. And then she darkness around the house. And then she begins to sweep up the house, suggesting begins to sweep up the house, suggesting begins to sweep up the house, suggesting that it was not the most tidy that it was not the most tidy that it was not the most tidy environment. And despite the fact that environment. And despite the fact that environment. And despite the fact that it was dark and not as tidy as it should it was dark and not as tidy as it should it was dark and not as tidy as it should have been, when she decided to go have been, when she decided to go have been, when she decided to go restore that one silver coin, she restore that one silver coin, she restore that one silver coin, she flipped the switch, turned the light on, flipped the switch, turned the light on, flipped the switch, turned the light on, cleaned the whole house until she found cleaned the whole house until she found cleaned the whole house until she found the one coin that was necessary. Don't the one coin that was necessary. Don't the one coin that was necessary. Don't miss the allegory, church family. Jesus miss the allegory, church family. Jesus miss the allegory, church family. Jesus suggests that no matter how much suggests that no matter how much suggests that no matter how much darkness you've gotten yourself included darkness you've gotten yourself included darkness you've gotten yourself included in, involved with, no matter how messy in, involved with, no matter how messy in, involved with, no matter how messy and ratchet and trifling your life may and ratchet and trifling your life may and ratchet and trifling your life may be right now, that Jesus will do

be right now, that Jesus will do be right now, that Jesus will do everything necessary to clean up the everything necessary to clean up the everything necessary to clean up the environment so he can restore you to the environment so he can restore you to the environment so he can restore you to the place where you need to be. Are you place where you need to be. Are you place where you need to be. Are you hearing me on this Sunday morning? hearing me on this Sunday morning? hearing me on this Sunday morning? That's good to me on this first Sunday That's good to me on this first Sunday That's good to me on this first Sunday because every one of us has lived a life because every one of us has lived a life because every one of us has lived a life that was not always pleasing to God. that was not always pleasing to God. that was not always pleasing to God. Whether it was really ratchet or it was Whether it was really ratchet or it was Whether it was really ratchet or it was just a little dark and folk didn't know just a little dark and folk didn't know just a little dark and folk didn't know about all your dealings. All of us have about all your dealings. All of us have about all your dealings. All of us have done some things done some things done some things that could have kept us out of the fold. that could have kept us out of the fold. that could have kept us out of the fold. But aren't you glad that Jesus still But aren't you glad that Jesus still But aren't you glad that Jesus still learn knows how to clean you up when learn knows how to clean you up when learn knows how to clean you up when you're little raggedy and knows how to you're little raggedy and knows how to you're little raggedy and knows how to fix you up and shine the light on your fix you up and shine the light on your fix you up and shine the light on your life so that you will know that he will life so that you will know that he will life so that you will know that he will restore. restore. restore. >> Oh child of God, restoration matters to >> Oh child of God, restoration matters to >> Oh child of God, restoration matters to God. And somebody ought to be grateful God. And somebody ought to be grateful God. And somebody ought to be grateful on this Sunday morning that the Lord on this Sunday morning that the Lord on this Sunday morning that the Lord will restore you will restore you will restore you >> when you've gotten out of the fold. The >> when you've gotten out of the fold. The >> when you've gotten out of the fold. The Lord will restore it. literally suggest Lord will restore it. literally suggest Lord will restore it. literally suggest child of God that there is value in you.

>> Are you listening to me? THAT THERE IS >> Are you listening to me? THAT THERE IS REDEEMABLE VALUE in every one of us. I REDEEMABLE VALUE in every one of us. I REDEEMABLE VALUE in every one of us. I don't care what you know about that don't care what you know about that don't care what you know about that sister or that brother. I don't care sister or that brother. I don't care sister or that brother. I don't care what mistakes you have made along your what mistakes you have made along your what mistakes you have made along your life's journey. When Jesus looks at you, life's journey. When Jesus looks at you, life's journey. When Jesus looks at you, he sees inestimable value in you and he he sees inestimable value in you and he he sees inestimable value in you and he will do whatever is necessary to restore will do whatever is necessary to restore will do whatever is necessary to restore you. you. you. >> Now, church, you ought to hear that on >> Now, church, you ought to hear that on >> Now, church, you ought to hear that on this Sunday because there's some people this Sunday because there's some people this Sunday because there's some people who've been out of fellowship. And I who've been out of fellowship. And I who've been out of fellowship. And I came today to suggest that the Lord has came today to suggest that the Lord has came today to suggest that the Lord has come to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church to come to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church to come to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church to restore, to bring us back into the fold. restore, to bring us back into the fold. restore, to bring us back into the fold. my church. I love this because as I my church. I love this because as I my church. I love this because as I think about it, not simply on an think about it, not simply on an think about it, not simply on an individual level, but on a local and a individual level, but on a local and a individual level, but on a local and a national level, we've got 93 days till national level, we've got 93 days till national level, we've got 93 days till the midterm elections. And it's about the midterm elections. And it's about the midterm elections. And it's about time to restore some sanity and time to restore some sanity and time to restore some sanity and integrity and ability to those who integrity and ability to those who integrity and ability to those who govern us in this land. And I need govern us in this land. And I need govern us in this land. And I need somebody in here who understands that I somebody in here who understands that I somebody in here who understands that I refuse to let the next 93 days pass and refuse to let the next 93 days pass and refuse to let the next 93 days pass and I not vote.

>> Somebody say restore. >> Somebody say restore. >> I said it's time to restore some sanity >> I said it's time to restore some sanity >> I said it's time to restore some sanity and some integrity and some integrity and some integrity and some real ability to these offices and some real ability to these offices and some real ability to these offices of government. Somebody ought to believe of government. Somebody ought to believe of government. Somebody ought to believe that if God believes in restoration, that if God believes in restoration, that if God believes in restoration, God's people ought to believe in God's people ought to believe in God's people ought to believe in restoration. We're in a bad state right restoration. We're in a bad state right restoration. We're in a bad state right now. Not just physically, but now. Not just physically, but now. Not just physically, but metaphorically. And we need to restore. >> I want to suggest that this little woman >> I want to suggest that this little woman teaches us some things. And she teaches teaches us some things. And she teaches teaches us some things. And she teaches us that when YOUR VALUABLE assets have us that when YOUR VALUABLE assets have us that when YOUR VALUABLE assets have been lost, been lost, been lost, You'll clean up, You'll clean up, You'll clean up, >> you'll light the place up, >> you'll light the place up, >> you'll light the place up, >> and you'll restore it to its original >> and you'll restore it to its original >> and you'll restore it to its original position. position. position. >> That That's allegory one. We got a >> That That's allegory one. We got a >> That That's allegory one. We got a sheep, and that sheep is allegorical of sheep, and that sheep is allegorical of sheep, and that sheep is allegorical of you and me. you and me. you and me. >> And we've got a silver coin. That silver >> And we've got a silver coin. That silver >> And we've got a silver coin. That silver coin is allegorical of you and me. But coin is allegorical of you and me. But coin is allegorical of you and me. But now we got to get to this third vignette now we got to get to this third vignette now we got to get to this third vignette because in the third vignette we find because in the third vignette we find because in the third vignette we find out there's never an inappropriate time out there's never an inappropriate time out there's never an inappropriate time to return there. There's never an inappropriate there. There's never an inappropriate time to return. Um th this lost son is time to return. Um th this lost son is time to return. Um th this lost son is who is the one we usually call the who is the one we usually call the who is the one we usually call the prodigal son. Yeah, he's the prodigal prodigal son. Yeah, he's the prodigal prodigal son. Yeah, he's the prodigal son. He's the one who is the younger son

son. He's the one who is the younger son son. He's the one who is the younger son of two boys in his father's house. And of two boys in his father's house. And of two boys in his father's house. And this younger son of two boys decides this younger son of two boys decides this younger son of two boys decides he's now smelling himself. He's feeling he's now smelling himself. He's feeling he's now smelling himself. He's feeling himself. He can got a little age on him himself. He can got a little age on him himself. He can got a little age on him and he thinks he can do what he wants to and he thinks he can do what he wants to and he thinks he can do what he wants to do when he wants to do it. And so your do when he wants to do it. And so your do when he wants to do it. And so your Bible says that he goes to his father Bible says that he goes to his father Bible says that he goes to his father and does what no self-respecting Jewish and does what no self-respecting Jewish and does what no self-respecting Jewish son would ever do. son would ever do. son would ever do. >> He asks his father for the portion of >> He asks his father for the portion of >> He asks his father for the portion of his inheritance that's going to befall his inheritance that's going to befall his inheritance that's going to befall him. Clearly, daddy got some paper. him. Clearly, daddy got some paper. him. Clearly, daddy got some paper. Hallelujah. He like Henry Peterson got so much money He like Henry Peterson got so much money that the son comes to him and he says, that the son comes to him and he says, that the son comes to him and he says, "Listen, father, I want I want my my "Listen, father, I want I want my my "Listen, father, I want I want my my inheritance and I want it now." Now, inheritance and I want it now." Now, inheritance and I want it now." Now, this is disrespectful, even shameful this is disrespectful, even shameful this is disrespectful, even shameful because you should know that no child because you should know that no child because you should know that no child gets the inheritance before the death of gets the inheritance before the death of gets the inheritance before the death of the parent. the parent. the parent. And so he is literally saying to his And so he is literally saying to his And so he is literally saying to his father, "You're dead to me.

>> You don't matter to me. >> You don't matter to me. >> I find no worth in you except for what >> I find no worth in you except for what >> I find no worth in you except for what you can give me." you can give me." you can give me." >> So he wants his his his portion. And in >> So he wants his his his portion. And in >> So he wants his his his portion. And in good Jewish terms, the portion that good Jewish terms, the portion that good Jewish terms, the portion that would fall to the younger son of two would fall to the younger son of two would fall to the younger son of two would be onethird of the estate. He gets would be onethird of the estate. He gets would be onethird of the estate. He gets onethird of his father's estate. And onethird of his father's estate. And onethird of his father's estate. And apparently he cashes it in for money. apparently he cashes it in for money. apparently he cashes it in for money. And when he does, your Bible says he And when he does, your Bible says he And when he does, your Bible says he goes into a distant land, a far country. goes into a distant land, a far country. goes into a distant land, a far country. When he goes to this far country, it is When he goes to this far country, it is When he goes to this far country, it is representative of Gentile territory. representative of Gentile territory. representative of Gentile territory. >> Got to catch me now. He's a good Jewish >> Got to catch me now. He's a good Jewish >> Got to catch me now. He's a good Jewish boy. boy. boy. >> Jewish boys would never be in in >> Jewish boys would never be in in >> Jewish boys would never be in in communication in fellowship. They'd communication in fellowship. They'd communication in fellowship. They'd never hang out in Gentile territory. But never hang out in Gentile territory. But never hang out in Gentile territory. But if that wasn't bad enough that he asked if that wasn't bad enough that he asked if that wasn't bad enough that he asked for his father's inheritance and then he for his father's inheritance and then he for his father's inheritance and then he went to Jewish territory, your Bible went to Jewish territory, your Bible went to Jewish territory, your Bible says he SQUANDERED says he SQUANDERED says he SQUANDERED >> ALL OF his daddy's money. Now his with >> ALL OF his daddy's money. Now his with >> ALL OF his daddy's money. Now his with rioters, that's King James version, with rioters, that's King James version, with rioters, that's King James version, with riotous living.

riotous living. riotous living. >> He did everything he was big and bad >> He did everything he was big and bad >> He did everything he was big and bad enough to do. I'm talking to somebody enough to do. I'm talking to somebody enough to do. I'm talking to somebody today who's been in that far country. today who's been in that far country. today who's been in that far country. I'm talking to somebody this morning who I'm talking to somebody this morning who I'm talking to somebody this morning who knows what it means to go to a space and knows what it means to go to a space and knows what it means to go to a space and place, but you know your mom and daddy place, but you know your mom and daddy place, but you know your mom and daddy told you you had no business being. You told you you had no business being. You told you you had no business being. You don't have to say amen. You can just don't have to say amen. You can just don't have to say amen. You can just keep looking. Amen. I see the look on keep looking. Amen. I see the look on keep looking. Amen. I see the look on your faces right now. your faces right now. your faces right now. Yeah. I hear some people in church this Yeah. I hear some people in church this Yeah. I hear some people in church this morning who have some reports in their morning who have some reports in their morning who have some reports in their history that they don't want anybody on history that they don't want anybody on history that they don't want anybody on that road to know about because they that road to know about because they that road to know about because they just they wouldn't believe that you just they wouldn't believe that you just they wouldn't believe that you sitting in church with a Bible in your sitting in church with a Bible in your sitting in church with a Bible in your lap and app on your phone raising your lap and app on your phone raising your lap and app on your phone raising your hand shouting and stuff in 2026 hand shouting and stuff in 2026 hand shouting and stuff in 2026 when in 1966 when in 1966 when in 1966 okay that's called meddling now that's just that's called meddling now that's just called meddling called meddling called meddling He begins to testify to them here about He begins to testify to them here about He begins to testify to them here about this writer. He does everything he's this writer. He does everything he's this writer. He does everything he's been bad enough to do. Riot is living.

been bad enough to do. Riot is living. been bad enough to do. Riot is living. Some call it drunkenness. This word is Some call it drunkenness. This word is Some call it drunkenness. This word is used only about three or four times in used only about three or four times in used only about three or four times in the New Testament. One is for the New Testament. One is for the New Testament. One is for drunkenness. One is for debauchery. drunkenness. One is for debauchery. drunkenness. One is for debauchery. >> Anything he's big and bad enough to do, >> Anything he's big and bad enough to do, >> Anything he's big and bad enough to do, he he does it until his money runs out. he he does it until his money runs out. he he does it until his money runs out. And and and to make bad matters worse, And and and to make bad matters worse, And and and to make bad matters worse, his money didn't just run out, but when his money didn't just run out, but when his money didn't just run out, but when it did, a severe famine came in the it did, a severe famine came in the it did, a severe famine came in the land. land. land. >> Can you imagine? You were living on top >> Can you imagine? You were living on top >> Can you imagine? You were living on top of the world for the past several weeks of the world for the past several weeks of the world for the past several weeks and months. and months. and months. >> Then you spend all your money and as >> Then you spend all your money and as >> Then you spend all your money and as soon as you spend it all, a famine soon as you spend it all, a famine soon as you spend it all, a famine breaks out. breaks out. breaks out. >> Now he's in the worst predicament ever. >> Now he's in the worst predicament ever. >> Now he's in the worst predicament ever. And if that wasn't bad enough, your And if that wasn't bad enough, your And if that wasn't bad enough, your Bible says he sells himself out. He Bible says he sells himself out. He Bible says he sells himself out. He hires himself to a gentile who sends him hires himself to a gentile who sends him hires himself to a gentile who sends him to the pig pin to the pig pin to the pig pin >> to feed swine. >> to feed swine. >> to feed swine. >> Now church, you got to see how Jesus is >> Now church, you got to see how Jesus is >> Now church, you got to see how Jesus is painting this picture. He is pack painting this picture. He is pack painting this picture. He is pack compacting the challenges with which compacting the challenges with which compacting the challenges with which this boy is dealing. He keep putting this boy is dealing. He keep putting this boy is dealing. He keep putting challenge on top OF CHALLENGE. NO GOOD challenge on top OF CHALLENGE. NO GOOD challenge on top OF CHALLENGE. NO GOOD Jewish boy would ever be found in a pig Jewish boy would ever be found in a pig Jewish boy would ever be found in a pig pin.

pin. pin. >> That that that was that was an >> That that that was that was an >> That that that was that was an abomination abomination abomination >> to any Jewish individual that you would >> to any Jewish individual that you would >> to any Jewish individual that you would be found in a pig pin. It gets worse. be found in a pig pin. It gets worse. be found in a pig pin. It gets worse. Church, Church, Church, >> he's now so hungry that he's tempted to >> he's now so hungry that he's tempted to >> he's now so hungry that he's tempted to eat the food that the pigs are about to eat the food that the pigs are about to eat the food that the pigs are about to eat. eat. eat. >> Bible calls it pods, carob pods. these >> Bible calls it pods, carob pods. these >> Bible calls it pods, carob pods. these little paws that had come that come to little paws that had come that come to little paws that had come that come to the to the swine. They're very familiar the to the swine. They're very familiar the to the swine. They're very familiar to the Mediterranean world. AND NOW HE'S to the Mediterranean world. AND NOW HE'S to the Mediterranean world. AND NOW HE'S ABOUT to eat that until your Bible says ABOUT to eat that until your Bible says ABOUT to eat that until your Bible says he came to himself. Yes, Lord. he came to himself. Yes, Lord. he came to himself. Yes, Lord. Oh, thank you, Jesus. He came to Oh, thank you, Jesus. He came to Oh, thank you, Jesus. He came to himself. Oh, don't you give up on that himself. Oh, don't you give up on that himself. Oh, don't you give up on that boy. Don't you give up ON THAT GIRL. OH, boy. Don't you give up ON THAT GIRL. OH, boy. Don't you give up ON THAT GIRL. OH, I'm so grateful that every now and then I'm so grateful that every now and then I'm so grateful that every now and then we have the testimony that that sister, we have the testimony that that sister, we have the testimony that that sister, that brother came to him or herself. And that brother came to him or herself. And that brother came to him or herself. And maybe there's somebody in church today maybe there's somebody in church today maybe there's somebody in church today who can testify. COSBY, YOU WERE TALKING who can testify. COSBY, YOU WERE TALKING who can testify. COSBY, YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT ME WITH THAT 66 kind of ABOUT ME WITH THAT 66 kind of ABOUT ME WITH THAT 66 kind of illustration. But catch me in 26 because illustration. But catch me in 26 because illustration. But catch me in 26 because somewhere between 66 and 26, I came to somewhere between 66 and 26, I came to somewhere between 66 and 26, I came to myself. Thank you, Jesus. I need myself. Thank you, Jesus. I need myself. Thank you, Jesus. I need somebody in here to testify that when somebody in here to testify that when somebody in here to testify that when you come to your senses, that's what the you come to your senses, that's what the you come to your senses, that's what the New International Version says. When you New International Version says. When you New International Version says. When you COME TO YOUR SENSES, YOU BEGIN TO THINK COME TO YOUR SENSES, YOU BEGIN TO THINK COME TO YOUR SENSES, YOU BEGIN TO THINK PROPERLY and begin AS A CONSEQUENCE TO PROPERLY and begin AS A CONSEQUENCE TO PROPERLY and begin AS A CONSEQUENCE TO ACT PROPERLY. You begin to speak ACT PROPERLY. You begin to speak ACT PROPERLY. You begin to speak properly. Somebody in here ought to properly. Somebody in here ought to properly. Somebody in here ought to thank God that your mind controls your thank God that your mind controls your thank God that your mind controls your MOUTH AND YOUR MOUTH CONTROLS YOUR MOUTH AND YOUR MOUTH CONTROLS YOUR MOUTH AND YOUR MOUTH CONTROLS YOUR MOVEMENT.

That's what happens. His movement shifts That's what happens. His movement shifts after his mouth begins to speak and his after his mouth begins to speak and his after his mouth begins to speak and his mind has begun to operate, begun to mind has begun to operate, begun to mind has begun to operate, begun to operate. Listen to what he says. He operate. Listen to what he says. He operate. Listen to what he says. He says, "Now listen here. This don't make says, "Now listen here. This don't make says, "Now listen here. This don't make no sense no sense no sense >> for me to be in this pig pin. >> for me to be in this pig pin. >> for me to be in this pig pin. My father's servants My father's servants My father's servants live better than this. My My father's live better than this. My My father's live better than this. My My father's servants have it better than this." And servants have it better than this." And servants have it better than this." And so he begins to talk to himself. Now, I so he begins to talk to himself. Now, I so he begins to talk to himself. Now, I like this cuz every now and then you like this cuz every now and then you like this cuz every now and then you need to talk to yourself. need to talk to yourself. need to talk to yourself. >> Don't you let anybody on your road tell >> Don't you let anybody on your road tell >> Don't you let anybody on your road tell you you crazy when you talk to yourself. you you crazy when you talk to yourself. you you crazy when you talk to yourself. You are not crazy when you talk to You are not crazy when you talk to You are not crazy when you talk to yourself. you crazy when you say the yourself. you crazy when you say the yourself. you crazy when you say the wrong thing back to yourself. Sometimes wrong thing back to yourself. Sometimes wrong thing back to yourself. Sometimes you need to talk to yourself cuz you need to talk to yourself cuz you need to talk to yourself cuz sometime you the only self yourself will sometime you the only self yourself will sometime you the only self yourself will listen to. Sometime you tell yourself listen to. Sometime you tell yourself listen to. Sometime you tell yourself get yourself together. Sometime you need get yourself together. Sometime you need get yourself together. Sometime you need to sell yourself get up, comb your hair, to sell yourself get up, comb your hair, to sell yourself get up, comb your hair, put some clothes on, get up out this put some clothes on, get up out this put some clothes on, get up out this bed, get out this house and do something bed, get out this house and do something bed, get out this house and do something that makes some sense. Anybody ever have that makes some sense. Anybody ever have that makes some sense. Anybody ever have to talk to yourself?

He begins to talk to himself and he He begins to talk to himself and he says, "I'm going back to my father. I'm says, "I'm going back to my father. I'm says, "I'm going back to my father. I'm not staying here. I'm going back to my not staying here. I'm going back to my not staying here. I'm going back to my father. I'm going to say, father, I have father. I'm going to say, father, I have father. I'm going to say, father, I have sinned sinned sinned >> against God and against you. >> against God and against you. >> against God and against you. >> I am no longer worthy to be called your >> I am no longer worthy to be called your >> I am no longer worthy to be called your son. son. son. >> Make me like one of your hired >> Make me like one of your hired >> Make me like one of your hired servants." servants." servants." >> Don't miss it, church. Listen to the >> Don't miss it, church. Listen to the >> Don't miss it, church. Listen to the rehearsal of his speech. the the rehearsal of his speech. the the rehearsal of his speech. the the commentator suggests that he began to commentator suggests that he began to commentator suggests that he began to rehearse this and say it over and over rehearse this and say it over and over rehearse this and say it over and over again to himself so he could say it again to himself so he could say it again to himself so he could say it properly when he got to the father. properly when he got to the father. properly when he got to the father. >> He says uh he says, "I got to get up >> He says uh he says, "I got to get up >> He says uh he says, "I got to get up from here. I'm going back to my father's from here. I'm going back to my father's from here. I'm going back to my father's house. house. house. >> I got TO RETURN TO THE place where I >> I got TO RETURN TO THE place where I >> I got TO RETURN TO THE place where I know I'm loved. know I'm loved. know I'm loved. >> Got to return TO THE PLACE WHERE I know >> Got to return TO THE PLACE WHERE I know >> Got to return TO THE PLACE WHERE I know I can be forgiven. I'm going to return I can be forgiven. I'm going to return I can be forgiven. I'm going to return to the place where I KNOW I MESSED UP, to the place where I KNOW I MESSED UP, to the place where I KNOW I MESSED UP, BUT I KNOW I can get another chance." I BUT I KNOW I can get another chance." I BUT I KNOW I can get another chance." I need somebody in here who is still need somebody in here who is still need somebody in here who is still excited THAT WHEN YOU RETURN, YOU'VE got excited THAT WHEN YOU RETURN, YOU'VE got excited THAT WHEN YOU RETURN, YOU'VE got another opportunity. You got another another opportunity. You got another another opportunity. You got another chance. Is there anybody in here ever chance. Is there anybody in here ever chance. Is there anybody in here ever had to return?

Go back. Go back to my father's house Go back. Go back to my father's house cuz um and while I'm while I'm going, cuz um and while I'm while I'm going, cuz um and while I'm while I'm going, this is here's my speech. Um Father, this is here's my speech. Um Father, this is here's my speech. Um Father, 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 YOUR SON. MAKE ME like one of your YOUR SON. MAKE ME like one of your higher service preachers who throughout higher service preachers who throughout higher service preachers who throughout the years have been preaching this text. the years have been preaching this text. the years have been preaching this text. make a unique contradistinction between make a unique contradistinction between make a unique contradistinction between what he says at the beginning of the what he says at the beginning of the what he says at the beginning of the story and what he says at the end. At story and what he says at the end. At story and what he says at the end. At the beginning of the story, give me the beginning of the story, give me the beginning of the story, give me >> the money that comes to me. >> the money that comes to me. >> the money that comes to me. >> At the end of the story, make me like >> At the end of the story, make me like >> At the end of the story, make me like one of your hired servants. Lord, child one of your hired servants. Lord, child one of your hired servants. Lord, child of God, when you walk with the Lord long of God, when you walk with the Lord long of God, when you walk with the Lord long enough, no matter how ugly it had been enough, no matter how ugly it had been enough, no matter how ugly it had been at the beginning of the story, by the at the beginning of the story, by the at the beginning of the story, by the time you get to the end of the story and time you get to the end of the story and time you get to the end of the story and realize how loving and compassionate the realize how loving and compassionate the realize how loving and compassionate the father really is, YOU'LL SAY, "MAKE ME father really is, YOU'LL SAY, "MAKE ME father really is, YOU'LL SAY, "MAKE ME whatever you want me TO BE. MAKE ME TO whatever you want me TO BE. MAKE ME TO whatever you want me TO BE. MAKE ME TO BE A son or daughter of your of YOUR OF BE A son or daughter of your of YOUR OF BE A son or daughter of your of YOUR OF YOUR FAMILY. MAKE me YOUR FAMILY. MAKE me YOUR FAMILY. MAKE me make me like one of your highest make me like one of your highest make me like one of your highest servants." And now he gets up and starts servants." And now he gets up and starts servants." And now he gets up and starts making his way back that long journey to making his way back that long journey to making his way back that long journey to the father's house. He's he's returning the father's house. He's he's returning the father's house. He's he's returning to the father's house. And the whole to the father's house. And the whole to the father's house. And the whole time he's on his way to the father's time he's on his way to the father's time he's on his way to the father's house. He's rehearsing his story. Do you house. He's rehearsing his story. Do you house. He's rehearsing his story. Do you hear him?

hear him? hear him? >> Father, I'm no longer worthy. I'm no >> Father, I'm no longer worthy. I'm no >> Father, I'm no longer worthy. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. longer worthy to be called your son. longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of YOUR HIRED SERVANTS. Make me like one of YOUR HIRED SERVANTS. Make me like one of YOUR HIRED SERVANTS. FATHER, I'VE SINNED AGAINST GOD and FATHER, I'VE SINNED AGAINST GOD and FATHER, I'VE SINNED AGAINST GOD and against heaven. I'm no longer worthy to against heaven. I'm no longer worthy to against heaven. I'm no longer worthy to be one OF YOUR HIGHER SERVANTS. MAKE ME be one OF YOUR HIGHER SERVANTS. MAKE ME be one OF YOUR HIGHER SERVANTS. MAKE ME TO BE LIKE ONE of your high I'm no TO BE LIKE ONE of your high I'm no TO BE LIKE ONE of your high I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. longer worthy to be called your son. longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like ONE OF YOUR HIGH. FATHER, Make me like ONE OF YOUR HIGH. FATHER, Make me like ONE OF YOUR HIGH. FATHER, 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, FATHER, I'M NO your son. MAKE ME LIKE, FATHER, I'M NO your son. MAKE ME LIKE, FATHER, I'M NO LONGER WORTHY TO BE CALLED your son. LONGER WORTHY TO BE CALLED your son. LONGER WORTHY TO BE CALLED your son. Make me like ONE OF YOUR FATHER, I'VE Make me like ONE OF YOUR FATHER, I'VE Make me like ONE OF YOUR FATHER, I'VE SINNED AGAINST HEAVEN AND AGAINST YOU. SINNED AGAINST HEAVEN AND AGAINST YOU. SINNED AGAINST HEAVEN AND AGAINST YOU. I'm no longer worthy to be called one OF I'm no longer worthy to be called one OF I'm no longer worthy to be called one OF YOUR SONS. MAKE me YOUR SONS. MAKE me YOUR SONS. MAKE me like one of your hired servants. AND THE like one of your hired servants. AND THE like one of your hired servants. AND THE BIBLE SAYS BIBLE SAYS BIBLE SAYS THAT WHILE HE'S STILL A LONG WAY OFF THAT WHILE HE'S STILL A LONG WAY OFF THAT WHILE HE'S STILL A LONG WAY OFF THE FATHER SEES HIM coming back to the THE FATHER SEES HIM coming back to the THE FATHER SEES HIM coming back to the house. Oh child of God, let me pause house. Oh child of God, let me pause house. Oh child of God, let me pause right there and tell you the father's right there and tell you the father's right there and tell you the father's waiting on you. The father sees you when waiting on you. The father sees you when waiting on you. The father sees you when you're on your way. As a matter of fact, you're on your way. As a matter of fact, you're on your way. As a matter of fact, THE FATHER'S BEEN looking for you, THE FATHER'S BEEN looking for you, THE FATHER'S BEEN looking for you, EXPECTING YOU TO COME BACK. YOU NEED NOT EXPECTING YOU TO COME BACK. YOU NEED NOT EXPECTING YOU TO COME BACK. YOU NEED NOT you need not BE DUE TOO DISAPPOINTED you need not BE DUE TOO DISAPPOINTED you need not BE DUE TOO DISAPPOINTED WITH YOURSELF. COME ON BACK HOME. AND so WITH YOURSELF. COME ON BACK HOME. AND so WITH YOURSELF. COME ON BACK HOME. AND so the five Bible says the father sees him.

the five Bible says the father sees him. the five Bible says the father sees him. >> And the father does something >> And the father does something >> And the father does something >> that no selfrespecting >> that no selfrespecting >> that no selfrespecting Jewish man will ever do. Jewish man will ever do. Jewish man will ever do. >> He begins. Don't miss the details of the >> He begins. Don't miss the details of the >> He begins. Don't miss the details of the text. He runs to his son. text. He runs to his son. text. He runs to his son. You got to understand the decorum of the You got to understand the decorum of the You got to understand the decorum of the Jewish family. No self-respecting Jewish Jewish family. No self-respecting Jewish Jewish family. No self-respecting Jewish man was ever seen running in public. man was ever seen running in public. man was ever seen running in public. >> That was beneath his dignity. >> That was beneath his dignity. >> That was beneath his dignity. >> He had the swag >> He had the swag >> He had the swag of a distinguished man of a distinguished man of a distinguished man >> who walked in public. >> who walked in public. >> who walked in public. >> But that daddy said, "That's my boy >> But that daddy said, "That's my boy >> But that daddy said, "That's my boy right there. That's my son right there. right there. That's my son right there. right there. That's my son right there. I love him too much to leave him way out I love him too much to leave him way out I love him too much to leave him way out THERE IN THAT FAR COUNTRY. I'VE BEEN THERE IN THAT FAR COUNTRY. I'VE BEEN THERE IN THAT FAR COUNTRY. I'VE BEEN WAITING on him to come back. I've been WAITING on him to come back. I've been WAITING on him to come back. I've been expecting him to return. AND I'VE BEEN expecting him to return. AND I'VE BEEN expecting him to return. AND I'VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DAY HE'D COME LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DAY HE'D COME LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DAY HE'D COME BACK. AIN'T NO NEED FOR ME TO WAIT FOR BACK. AIN'T NO NEED FOR ME TO WAIT FOR BACK. AIN'T NO NEED FOR ME TO WAIT FOR HIM TO GET HERE. I'M GOING TO RUN TO HIM HIM TO GET HERE. I'M GOING TO RUN TO HIM HIM TO GET HERE. I'M GOING TO RUN TO HIM AND let him know how excited I am to AND let him know how excited I am to AND let him know how excited I am to have him coming home. have him coming home. have him coming home. He runs to him. He runs to him. And when He runs to him. He runs to him. And when He runs to him. He runs to him. And when he runs to him, this story gets so GOOD he runs to him, this story gets so GOOD he runs to him, this story gets so GOOD BECAUSE YOU KNOW THIS BOY BEEN BECAUSE YOU KNOW THIS BOY BEEN BECAUSE YOU KNOW THIS BOY BEEN REHEARSING THIS STORY. Y'ALL remember REHEARSING THIS STORY. Y'ALL remember REHEARSING THIS STORY. Y'ALL remember that, don't you?

that, don't you? that, don't you? >> HE BEEN REHEARSING. FATHER, I'VE SINNED >> HE BEEN REHEARSING. FATHER, I'VE SINNED >> HE BEEN REHEARSING. FATHER, I'VE SINNED AGAINST heaven and against you. I'm no AGAINST heaven and against you. I'm no AGAINST heaven and against you. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. longer worthy to be called your son. longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your highest Make me like one of your highest Make me like one of your highest servants. And when you read this Bible, servants. And when you read this Bible, servants. And when you read this Bible, you'll find out that the father you'll find out that the father you'll find out that the father completely completely completely >> ignores the son. >> ignores the son. >> ignores the son. >> Hold up. Don't miss it. He He ran to >> Hold up. Don't miss it. He He ran to >> Hold up. Don't miss it. He He ran to him, him, him, >> kissed him, threw his arms around him. >> kissed him, threw his arms around him. >> kissed him, threw his arms around him. The boy trying to tell his story. He The boy trying to tell his story. He The boy trying to tell his story. He been You know how it is been You know how it is been You know how it is >> when you've been rehearsing what you >> when you've been rehearsing what you >> when you've been rehearsing what you were going to say. were going to say. were going to say. >> You want to get it all out. You want to >> You want to get it all out. You want to >> You want to get it all out. You want to say it just like you had planned to say say it just like you had planned to say say it just like you had planned to say it. You don't want to mess it up at all. it. You don't want to mess it up at all. it. You don't want to mess it up at all. HAVE YOU EVER DONE THAT? you I mean you HAVE YOU EVER DONE THAT? you I mean you HAVE YOU EVER DONE THAT? you I mean you want to even if you ABOUT TO GET THEM want to even if you ABOUT TO GET THEM want to even if you ABOUT TO GET THEM told you want to rehearse how you going told you want to rehearse how you going told you want to rehearse how you going to get them told >> and you want TO SAY IT EXACTLY LIKE YOU >> and you want TO SAY IT EXACTLY LIKE YOU PLANNED it PLANNED it PLANNED it >> and your Bible TELLS US THAT THE FATHER >> and your Bible TELLS US THAT THE FATHER >> and your Bible TELLS US THAT THE FATHER COMPLETELY DISREGARDS THE words of the COMPLETELY DISREGARDS THE words of the COMPLETELY DISREGARDS THE words of the son son son >> and starts talking to the servants I got to prove it to you It's right I got to prove it to you It's right there in verse 22. Father said TO THE there in verse 22. Father said TO THE there in verse 22. Father said TO THE SERVANTS, "QUICK, SERVANTS, "QUICK, SERVANTS, "QUICK, bring the best robe and put it on him.

bring the best robe and put it on him. bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on Put a ring on his finger and sandals on Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and his feet. Bring the fattened calf and his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it." I like it. DID YOU CATCH IT? kill it." I like it. DID YOU CATCH IT? kill it." I like it. DID YOU CATCH IT? >> QUICK. I AIN'T got time for all this >> QUICK. I AIN'T got time for all this >> QUICK. I AIN'T got time for all this noise. This boy talking. That ain't I noise. This boy talking. That ain't I noise. This boy talking. That ain't I ain't going I ain't going to rehearse ain't going I ain't going to rehearse ain't going I ain't going to rehearse the past when I'm looking forward to the past when I'm looking forward to the past when I'm looking forward to what's pending. I'm not going I'm not what's pending. I'm not going I'm not what's pending. I'm not going I'm not going to rehearse the past when right going to rehearse the past when right going to rehearse the past when right here in the present my boy is standing here in the present my boy is standing here in the present my boy is standing with me. I don't have if anybody's in with me. I don't have if anybody's in with me. I don't have if anybody's in Christ, he's a new preacher. Old things Christ, he's a new preacher. Old things Christ, he's a new preacher. Old things have passed away. Behold, all things have passed away. Behold, all things have passed away. Behold, all things have become. Ain't nobody got time TO have become. Ain't nobody got time TO have become. Ain't nobody got time TO KEEP LOOKING BACKWARD WHEN WE TRYING TO KEEP LOOKING BACKWARD WHEN WE TRYING TO KEEP LOOKING BACKWARD WHEN WE TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD. >> Bring the best road and put it on it. >> Bring the best road and put it on it. NOW, DON'T MISS THIS. BRING THE best NOW, DON'T MISS THIS. BRING THE best NOW, DON'T MISS THIS. BRING THE best road. road. road. >> Bring the best robe. Get Get the Armani. >> Bring the Tom Ford. Put it on him. GET >> Bring the Tom Ford. Put it on him. GET THE BEST ROBE. NOW WATCH. HE DOESN'T THE BEST ROBE. NOW WATCH. HE DOESN'T THE BEST ROBE. NOW WATCH. HE DOESN'T WAIT FOR THE BOY to get clean before he WAIT FOR THE BOY to get clean before he WAIT FOR THE BOY to get clean before he push the robe on.

The boy BEEN IN THE PIG PIN. THE BOY The boy BEEN IN THE PIG PIN. THE BOY BEEN WALKING A LONG DISTANCE. DADDY BEEN WALKING A LONG DISTANCE. DADDY BEEN WALKING A LONG DISTANCE. DADDY SAID, "I'M GOING TO COVER all that up. SAID, "I'M GOING TO COVER all that up. SAID, "I'M GOING TO COVER all that up. PUT A ROBE ON HIM AND I'M GOING TO COVER PUT A ROBE ON HIM AND I'M GOING TO COVER PUT A ROBE ON HIM AND I'M GOING TO COVER UP ALL THE SIN, ALL THE DIRT, ALL THE UP ALL THE SIN, ALL THE DIRT, ALL THE UP ALL THE SIN, ALL THE DIRT, ALL THE DISGUSTING STUFF THAT HAPPENED. PUT HER DISGUSTING STUFF THAT HAPPENED. PUT HER DISGUSTING STUFF THAT HAPPENED. PUT HER UP. PUT THE BEST ROBE ON HIM. Put the best robe on. GO GET HIM A Put the best robe on. GO GET HIM A DIAMOND ENCRUSTED DAVID ring and put it DIAMOND ENCRUSTED DAVID ring and put it DIAMOND ENCRUSTED DAVID ring and put it on his finger. I'm seeing all my label people in the I'm seeing all my label people in the room. I see all y'all right now. Get get room. I see all y'all right now. Get get room. I see all y'all right now. Get get a get a get a yammering ring and put it a get a get a yammering ring and put it a get a get a yammering ring and put it on his finger. GO GET SOME GUCCI on his finger. GO GET SOME GUCCI on his finger. GO GET SOME GUCCI SANDALS. GO GET GO GET GO GET SOME TOM SANDALS. GO GET GO GET GO GET SOME TOM SANDALS. GO GET GO GET GO GET SOME TOM FORD. GO GET SOME FERRAGAMO. GO GET MY FORD. GO GET SOME FERRAGAMO. GO GET MY FORD. GO GET SOME FERRAGAMO. GO GET MY CHRISTIAN LUBBERTTON AND PUT THEM ON CHRISTIAN LUBBERTTON AND PUT THEM ON CHRISTIAN LUBBERTTON AND PUT THEM ON THAT BOY'S FEET. I want him to be immediately returned to I want him to be immediately returned to son status. He is not servant. HE IS NOT SOMEBODY He is not servant. HE IS NOT SOMEBODY LEFT ON THE PERIPHERY on the margins. IF LEFT ON THE PERIPHERY on the margins. IF LEFT ON THE PERIPHERY on the margins. IF HE COMES BACK, HE IS FULLY restored to HE COMES BACK, HE IS FULLY restored to HE COMES BACK, HE IS FULLY restored to sunship.

sunship. sunship. I need six people IN HERE WHO ARE STILL I need six people IN HERE WHO ARE STILL I need six people IN HERE WHO ARE STILL GRATEFUL THAT WHEN YOU RETURN, YOU DON'T GRATEFUL THAT WHEN YOU RETURN, YOU DON'T GRATEFUL THAT WHEN YOU RETURN, YOU DON'T RETURN AS SOME HAVE CHILD, as some RETURN AS SOME HAVE CHILD, as some RETURN AS SOME HAVE CHILD, as some bastard child. You get returned AS FULL bastard child. You get returned AS FULL bastard child. You get returned AS FULL CHILD INFOLDED IN THE FAMILY OF THE CHILD INFOLDED IN THE FAMILY OF THE CHILD INFOLDED IN THE FAMILY OF THE LIVING GOD. Go get it. And then let's get some ve Go get it. And then let's get some ve chops and put them on the grill. chops and put them on the grill. chops and put them on the grill. >> Kill the fattened calf. >> Kill the fattened calf. >> Kill the fattened calf. >> I want the one that's got some meat. >> I want the one that's got some meat. >> I want the one that's got some meat. Because in Jewish history, they didn't Because in Jewish history, they didn't Because in Jewish history, they didn't eat meat every day. eat meat every day. eat meat every day. >> So when they got the fattened calf, when >> So when they got the fattened calf, when >> So when they got the fattened calf, when they got this kind of meal, it was to they got this kind of meal, it was to they got this kind of meal, it was to SUGGEST THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL is going SUGGEST THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL is going SUGGEST THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL is going on. on. on. >> This is no ordinary experience. This is >> This is no ordinary experience. This is >> This is no ordinary experience. This is something special. Now listen, church, something special. Now listen, church, something special. Now listen, church, the son has come back. the son has come back. the son has come back. >> HE SAID, "MY SON was dead. >> HE SAID, "MY SON was dead. >> HE SAID, "MY SON was dead. >> He's alive again.

>> He's alive again. >> He's alive again. MY SON WAS LOST MY SON WAS LOST MY SON WAS LOST and he's now found." Now, this blesses and he's now found." Now, this blesses and he's now found." Now, this blesses me because whenever there has been me because whenever there has been me because whenever there has been reclamation reclamation reclamation >> and restoration >> and restoration >> and restoration >> and return, we find out that there's >> and return, we find out that there's >> and return, we find out that there's never an inappropriate time to rejoice. never an inappropriate time to rejoice. never an inappropriate time to rejoice. >> I'm done. I'm done. No, it didn't hit >> I'm done. I'm done. No, it didn't hit >> I'm done. I'm done. No, it didn't hit like it needed to hit. Reverend Dennis like it needed to hit. Reverend Dennis like it needed to hit. Reverend Dennis say I I said there's never say I I said there's never say I I said there's never >> an inappropriate time >> an inappropriate time >> an inappropriate time >> to rejoice when there has been >> to rejoice when there has been >> to rejoice when there has been reclamation reclamation reclamation >> and restoration >> and restoration >> and restoration >> and return. >> and return. >> and return. >> There's never an inappropriate time to >> There's never an inappropriate time to >> There's never an inappropriate time to re are you listening to me? re are you listening to me? re are you listening to me? >> Because if you were listening to me, you >> Because if you were listening to me, you >> Because if you were listening to me, you found out if you have read Luke chapter found out if you have read Luke chapter found out if you have read Luke chapter 15, you know there's a pattern in Luke 15, you know there's a pattern in Luke 15, you know there's a pattern in Luke chapter 15. WHEN THE SHEPHERD FINDS THE chapter 15. WHEN THE SHEPHERD FINDS THE chapter 15. WHEN THE SHEPHERD FINDS THE SHEEP, SHEEP, SHEEP, >> THE BIBLE SAYS HE CALLS HIS FRIENDS AND >> THE BIBLE SAYS HE CALLS HIS FRIENDS AND >> THE BIBLE SAYS HE CALLS HIS FRIENDS AND HIS neighbors HIS neighbors HIS neighbors >> and says, "Come over here.

>> and says, "Come over here. >> and says, "Come over here. >> Let's rejoice." >> When the sister FINDS THE LOST SILVER >> When the sister FINDS THE LOST SILVER COIN, THE BIBLE SAYS SHE CALLED HER COIN, THE BIBLE SAYS SHE CALLED HER COIN, THE BIBLE SAYS SHE CALLED HER FRIENDS AND her neighbors AND SAID, FRIENDS AND her neighbors AND SAID, FRIENDS AND her neighbors AND SAID, "COME ON OVER HERE. LET'S REJOICE WHEN "COME ON OVER HERE. LET'S REJOICE WHEN "COME ON OVER HERE. LET'S REJOICE WHEN THE SON COMES BACK HOME. THE FATHER THE SON COMES BACK HOME. THE FATHER THE SON COMES BACK HOME. THE FATHER SAYS, "KILL THE FATTENED CALF." IT'S SAYS, "KILL THE FATTENED CALF." IT'S SAYS, "KILL THE FATTENED CALF." IT'S time to celebrate cuz my son was dead time to celebrate cuz my son was dead time to celebrate cuz my son was dead and he's now alive. He was lost and he's and he's now alive. He was lost and he's and he's now alive. He was lost and he's now found. LITERALLY SUGGESTING THAT now found. LITERALLY SUGGESTING THAT now found. LITERALLY SUGGESTING THAT WHEN ANYBODY TURNS TO THE FATHER, EVERY WHEN ANYBODY TURNS TO THE FATHER, EVERY WHEN ANYBODY TURNS TO THE FATHER, EVERY TIME SOMEBODY IS RECLAIMED AND RESTORED, TIME SOMEBODY IS RECLAIMED AND RESTORED, TIME SOMEBODY IS RECLAIMED AND RESTORED, our immediate response ought to be to our immediate response ought to be to our immediate response ought to be to rejoice. And I need six or seven people rejoice. And I need six or seven people rejoice. And I need six or seven people in church this morning who can look back in church this morning who can look back in church this morning who can look back over your own life and begin to testify. over your own life and begin to testify. over your own life and begin to testify. There were some days I was in my own far There were some days I was in my own far There were some days I was in my own far country. There were some days I MADE country. There were some days I MADE country. There were some days I MADE SOME MISTAKES I DIDN'T WANT MY MAMA and SOME MISTAKES I DIDN'T WANT MY MAMA and SOME MISTAKES I DIDN'T WANT MY MAMA and them to know about. There are SOME DAYS them to know about. There are SOME DAYS them to know about. There are SOME DAYS I'M STILL A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED that I I'M STILL A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED that I I'M STILL A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED that I engaged in. But I'm SO GLAD ON THIS engaged in. But I'm SO GLAD ON THIS engaged in. But I'm SO GLAD ON THIS SUNDAY MORNING THAT WE SERVE A GOD OF SUNDAY MORNING THAT WE SERVE A GOD OF SUNDAY MORNING THAT WE SERVE A GOD OF restoration and reclamation. AND THIS restoration and reclamation. AND THIS restoration and reclamation. AND THIS GOD IS ALWAYS PULLING US BACK in and GOD IS ALWAYS PULLING US BACK in and GOD IS ALWAYS PULLING US BACK in and telling us that we can return. I need telling us that we can return. I need telling us that we can return. I need six or seven people in HERE WHO'VE EVER six or seven people in HERE WHO'VE EVER six or seven people in HERE WHO'VE EVER HAD TO repent to begin to testify. I'm HAD TO repent to begin to testify. I'm HAD TO repent to begin to testify. I'm so glad that WHEN I REPENT, MY GOD GIVES so glad that WHEN I REPENT, MY GOD GIVES so glad that WHEN I REPENT, MY GOD GIVES me another chance. I've been talking me another chance. I've been talking me another chance. I've been talking about allegory this whole time because about allegory this whole time because about allegory this whole time because the feast is allegorical of the table

the feast is allegorical of the table the feast is allegorical of the table that's in front of us right now. and and that's in front of us right now. and and that's in front of us right now. and and and and and the father, you already and and and the father, you already and and and the father, you already know, is allegorical of our heavenly know, is allegorical of our heavenly know, is allegorical of our heavenly father. And you SHOULD KNOW THAT THE SON father. And you SHOULD KNOW THAT THE SON father. And you SHOULD KNOW THAT THE SON IS ALLEGORICAL of all those who strayed IS ALLEGORICAL of all those who strayed IS ALLEGORICAL of all those who strayed away. I didn't deal with it, but there's away. I didn't deal with it, but there's away. I didn't deal with it, but there's an older son who stayed at the house. an older son who stayed at the house. an older son who stayed at the house. And he's looking crazy at the younger And he's looking crazy at the younger And he's looking crazy at the younger son when he comes back TO THE HOUSE. son when he comes back TO THE HOUSE. son when he comes back TO THE HOUSE. THAT'S ALLEGORICAL OF THE PHARISEES. at THAT'S ALLEGORICAL OF THE PHARISEES. at THAT'S ALLEGORICAL OF THE PHARISEES. at all of us WHO DON'T WANT FOLK TO RETURN. all of us WHO DON'T WANT FOLK TO RETURN. all of us WHO DON'T WANT FOLK TO RETURN. Don't want folk to sit next to us. Don't Don't want folk to sit next to us. Don't Don't want folk to sit next to us. Don't want folk SITTING IN OUR SECTION CUZ WE want folk SITTING IN OUR SECTION CUZ WE want folk SITTING IN OUR SECTION CUZ WE KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THEM. And Jesus KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THEM. And Jesus KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THEM. And Jesus says YOU GOT TO BE CAREFUL BEING LIKE says YOU GOT TO BE CAREFUL BEING LIKE says YOU GOT TO BE CAREFUL BEING LIKE THE older son. Just cuz you didn't leave THE older son. Just cuz you didn't leave THE older son. Just cuz you didn't leave home didn't mean home wasn't always in home didn't mean home wasn't always in home didn't mean home wasn't always in you. And just cuz you sit in the same you. And just cuz you sit in the same you. And just cuz you sit in the same SEAT EVERY SUNDAY DOES NOT MEAN that SEAT EVERY SUNDAY DOES NOT MEAN that SEAT EVERY SUNDAY DOES NOT MEAN that you're as spiritual as you want to you're as spiritual as you want to you're as spiritual as you want to profess to be. But I need somebody who profess to be. But I need somebody who profess to be. But I need somebody who will be like the servants cuz THE will be like the servants cuz THE will be like the servants cuz THE SERVANTS ARE ALLEGORICAL OF ALL THE SERVANTS ARE ALLEGORICAL OF ALL THE SERVANTS ARE ALLEGORICAL OF ALL THE SAINTS WHO SAY, "COME ON BACK HOME AND SAINTS WHO SAY, "COME ON BACK HOME AND SAINTS WHO SAY, "COME ON BACK HOME AND LET'S HAVE A CELEBRATION." IS there LET'S HAVE A CELEBRATION." IS there LET'S HAVE A CELEBRATION." IS there anybody in church today who STILL GETS anybody in church today who STILL GETS anybody in church today who STILL GETS HAPPY WHEN ONE sinner repents? Who still HAPPY WHEN ONE sinner repents? Who still HAPPY WHEN ONE sinner repents? Who still gets happy when one soul is reclaimed?

gets happy when one soul is reclaimed? gets happy when one soul is reclaimed? Who still GETS HAPPY WHEN ONE SISTER Who still GETS HAPPY WHEN ONE SISTER Who still GETS HAPPY WHEN ONE SISTER SAYS, "YES, LORD." who still gets happy SAYS, "YES, LORD." who still gets happy SAYS, "YES, LORD." who still gets happy when one brother says, "I repent." when one brother says, "I repent." when one brother says, "I repent." SOMEBODY OUGHT TO GET HAPPY TODAY THAT SOMEBODY OUGHT TO GET HAPPY TODAY THAT SOMEBODY OUGHT TO GET HAPPY TODAY THAT YOU AND I HAD TO COME TO THAT MAN named YOU AND I HAD TO COME TO THAT MAN named YOU AND I HAD TO COME TO THAT MAN named Jesus. And Jesus opened his arms AND Jesus. And Jesus opened his arms AND Jesus. And Jesus opened his arms AND SAID, "WHOSOEVER WILL, let them come." SAID, "WHOSOEVER WILL, let them come." SAID, "WHOSOEVER WILL, let them come." IS THERE ANYBODY IN CHURCH THIS DAY IS THERE ANYBODY IN CHURCH THIS DAY IS THERE ANYBODY IN CHURCH THIS DAY WHO'S still excited that Jesus loves me? WHO'S still excited that Jesus loves me? WHO'S still excited that Jesus loves me? This I know. This I know. This I know. For the Bible tells me so. Mental ones For the Bible tells me so. Mental ones For the Bible tells me so. Mental ones to him belong. They are weak but HE IS to him belong. They are weak but HE IS to him belong. They are weak but HE IS STRONG. SOMEBODY OUGHT TO say yes. STRONG. SOMEBODY OUGHT TO say yes. STRONG. SOMEBODY OUGHT TO say yes. Jesus loves me. Yes. Jesus loves me. Yes. Jesus loves me. Yes. Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so. THE BIBLE SAYS, "FOR GOD SO LOVED so. THE BIBLE SAYS, "FOR GOD SO LOVED so. THE BIBLE SAYS, "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE gave his only BEGOTTEN THE WORLD THAT HE gave his only BEGOTTEN THE WORLD THAT HE gave his only BEGOTTEN SON THAT WHOSOEVER believes in him SON THAT WHOSOEVER believes in him SON THAT WHOSOEVER believes in him should not perish but have everlasting should not perish but have everlasting should not perish but have everlasting life." I forgot to tell you THAT THE life." I forgot to tell you THAT THE life." I forgot to tell you THAT THE FATTENED CALF IS allegorical of that FATTENED CALF IS allegorical of that FATTENED CALF IS allegorical of that lamb lamb lamb that was slain BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF that was slain BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF that was slain BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. And if YOU KNOW YOU GOT THE WORLD. And if YOU KNOW YOU GOT THE WORLD. And if YOU KNOW YOU GOT JESUS, if you know the lamb died in your JESUS, if you know the lamb died in your JESUS, if you know the lamb died in your place, YOU OUGHT TO GET HAPPY EVERY TIME place, YOU OUGHT TO GET HAPPY EVERY TIME place, YOU OUGHT TO GET HAPPY EVERY TIME YOU GET A chance because Jesus went YOU GET A chance because Jesus went YOU GET A chance because Jesus went to Calvary to save a wretch like you and

to Calvary to save a wretch like you and to Calvary to save a wretch like you and me. They hung HIM HIGH. THEY STRETCHED me. They hung HIM HIGH. THEY STRETCHED me. They hung HIM HIGH. THEY STRETCHED HIM WIDE. HE hung his head. And for you HIM WIDE. HE hung his head. And for you HIM WIDE. HE hung his head. And for you and me, he died. I got to move on here and me, he died. I got to move on here and me, he died. I got to move on here NOW CUZ THAT'S NOT HOW THE story ends. NOW CUZ THAT'S NOT HOW THE story ends. NOW CUZ THAT'S NOT HOW THE story ends. THREE DAYS LATER, HE ROSE AGAIN. That's THREE DAYS LATER, HE ROSE AGAIN. That's THREE DAYS LATER, HE ROSE AGAIN. That's love. And I WANT TO THANK GOD THAT JESUS love. And I WANT TO THANK GOD THAT JESUS love. And I WANT TO THANK GOD THAT JESUS LOVES ME ENOUGH TO WELCOME sinners and LOVES ME ENOUGH TO WELCOME sinners and LOVES ME ENOUGH TO WELCOME sinners and tax collectors. He welcomes them. He welcomes them. He welcomes them. He welcomes them. He welcomes them. He welcomes them. He welcomes them. He welcomes them. The church The church The church is not the place is not the place is not the place for just people who done clean for just people who done clean for just people who done clean themselves up themselves up themselves up >> and want to impress you with their new >> and want to impress you with their new >> and want to impress you with their new status.

Church is the place Church is the place where sinners where sinners where sinners >> are welcome to come home. >> Don't miss that. >> Don't miss that. Home. Home. Home. Home. Home. Home. Home. Home. Home. >> Sister, brother, >> Sister, brother, >> Sister, brother, >> if you have strayed into a far country, You've been disappointed with yourself, You've been disappointed with yourself, ashamed of yourself, ashamed of yourself, ashamed of yourself, frustrated with yourself. frustrated with yourself. frustrated with yourself. The Lord sent me here today to tell you, The Lord sent me here today to tell you, The Lord sent me here today to tell you, "Come on home. "Come on home. "Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. sister, brother, come on home. Whosoever sister, brother, come on home. Whosoever sister, brother, come on home. Whosoever will, let her come, let him come.

will, let her come, let him come. will, let her come, let him come. Here's the second piece. This brother Here's the second piece. This brother Here's the second piece. This brother only came home after he learned how to only came home after he learned how to only came home after he learned how to repent. repent. repent. But I want to suggest that if we've But I want to suggest that if we've But I want to suggest that if we've stayed at home, stayed at home, stayed at home, >> there may be need to repent. >> there may be need to repent. >> there may be need to repent. You've been acting too much like the You've been acting too much like the You've been acting too much like the older brother. >> Would you believe that you can be at >> Would you believe that you can be at home and still not at home? >> Come on home. I didn't get a chance to >> Come on home. I didn't get a chance to talk about it. Older brother like why we talk about it. Older brother like why we talk about it. Older brother like why we having a party for him? I ain't never having a party for him? I ain't never having a party for him? I ain't never left. And now we want to clap when he left. And now we want to clap when he left. And now we want to clap when he come down the aisle. come down the aisle. come down the aisle. He said, "Son, He said, "Son, He said, "Son, you always here with me, but but this you always here with me, but but this you always here with me, but but this child was dead child was dead child was dead >> and is now alive, >> and is now alive, >> and is now alive, was lost, and is now found. We have to was lost, and is now found. We have to was lost, and is now found. We have to celebrate."

celebrate." celebrate." >> Here's my here's my here's my invitation >> Here's my here's my here's my invitation >> Here's my here's my here's my invitation today. I want to start with the person today. I want to start with the person today. I want to start with the person who says, "Pastor, I've I've strayed who says, "Pastor, I've I've strayed who says, "Pastor, I've I've strayed away. away. away. I've gone too far. I stayed too long. I I've gone too far. I stayed too long. I I've gone too far. I stayed too long. I did too much. did too much. did too much. >> I was really kind of ashamed of myself. >> I was really kind of ashamed of myself. >> I was really kind of ashamed of myself. Didn't know if I'd be received at home. Didn't know if I'd be received at home. Didn't know if I'd be received at home. >> And I came to tell you this is exactly >> And I came to tell you this is exactly >> And I came to tell you this is exactly where the Lord receives those who where the Lord receives those who where the Lord receives those who strayed away and stayed too far, way too strayed away and stayed too far, way too strayed away and stayed too far, way too long. long. long. I know it's difficult to sometime move I know it's difficult to sometime move I know it's difficult to sometime move when that that invitation is made. But when that that invitation is made. But when that that invitation is made. But this is a time of restoration, this is a time of restoration, this is a time of restoration, repentance, reclamation. repentance, reclamation. repentance, reclamation. >> And I want you, sister, brother, to come >> And I want you, sister, brother, to come >> And I want you, sister, brother, to come on back home. Here's the second one. on back home. Here's the second one. on back home. Here's the second one. Pastor, Pastor, Pastor, I stayed at home. I stayed at home. I stayed at home. >> And every time I see somebody that >> And every time I see somebody that >> And every time I see somebody that doesn't look like they belong here, my doesn't look like they belong here, my doesn't look like they belong here, my eyes start rolling. eyes start rolling. eyes start rolling. I start sucking my teeth. I start sucking my teeth. I start sucking my teeth. I start muttering.

I start muttering. I start muttering. And I'm going to ask the Lord to forgive And I'm going to ask the Lord to forgive And I'm going to ask the Lord to forgive me today so I can be better in August me today so I can be better in August me today so I can be better in August than I was in July. And I get it. I get it. Whenever you And I get it. I get it. Whenever you invite all them people in here, it can invite all them people in here, it can invite all them people in here, it can start looking different. start looking different. start looking different. Come on, brother. Come on home. Come on Come on, brother. Come on home. Come on Come on, brother. Come on home. Come on home. home. home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Whoever else needs to come home, come on Whoever else needs to come home, come on Whoever else needs to come home, come on home. Older brother, older sister, you home. Older brother, older sister, you home. Older brother, older sister, you repent right there where you are before repent right there where you are before repent right there where you are before we go to this table. Repent right where we go to this table. Repent right where we go to this table. Repent right where you are. Somebody who needs to come on you are. Somebody who needs to come on you are. Somebody who needs to come on home. Make your way down here. Here's home. Make your way down here. Here's home. Make your way down here. Here's the third invitation. Pastor, I'm the third invitation. Pastor, I'm the third invitation. Pastor, I'm unsaved. I've never found myself as one unsaved. I've never found myself as one unsaved. I've never found myself as one who needed to be in the Father's house. who needed to be in the Father's house. who needed to be in the Father's house. But now I know there's love in the But now I know there's love in the But now I know there's love in the Father's house. There's joy. There's Father's house. There's joy. There's Father's house. There's joy. There's peace in the Father's house. And I want peace in the Father's house. And I want peace in the Father's house. And I want to make my way to the Father's house to make my way to the Father's house to make my way to the Father's house this Sunday morning. And I want to be a this Sunday morning. And I want to be a this Sunday morning. And I want to be a part of this family of faith and part of this family of faith and part of this family of faith and fellowship. If that's you, my sister, my fellowship. If that's you, my sister, my fellowship. If that's you, my sister, my brother, you're the old your younger brother, you're the old your younger brother, you're the old your younger brother. You're the younger sister.

brother. You're the younger sister. brother. You're the younger sister. You're you've never been in the family. You're you've never been in the family. You're you've never been in the family. You want to be in the family. Come on You want to be in the family. Come on You want to be in the family. Come on right now. I'm calling for you. I'm right now. I'm calling for you. I'm right now. I'm calling for you. I'm inviting you. And listen, when they inviting you. And listen, when they inviting you. And listen, when they start coming home, the Bible says it's start coming home, the Bible says it's start coming home, the Bible says it's time to rejoice. time to rejoice. time to rejoice. It's time to rejoice. It's time to rejoice. It's time to rejoice. It's time to rejoice. Come on, sis. God It's time to rejoice. Come on, sis. God It's time to rejoice. Come on, sis. God bless you. Welcome home. Welcome home. bless you. Welcome home. Welcome home. bless you. Welcome home. Welcome home. Welcome home. Come on, sis. Come on, Welcome home. Come on, sis. Come on, Welcome home. Come on, sis. Come on, brother. Come on. Welcome home. Welcome brother. Come on. Welcome home. Welcome brother. Come on. Welcome home. Welcome home. home. home. Welcome home. Welcome home. Welcome home. Who else needs to come? Come on. Come Who else needs to come? Come on. Come Who else needs to come? Come on. Come on. You're welcome home. You're welcome on. You're welcome home. You're welcome on. You're welcome home. You're welcome here. This is the father's house. It's here. This is the father's house. It's here. This is the father's house. It's not my house. It's not their house. This not my house. It's not their house. This not my house. It's not their house. This is the father's house. And the father is the father's house. And the father is the father's house. And the father says, "You're welcome." Come on. Come says, "You're welcome." Come on. Come says, "You're welcome." Come on. Come on. He's going to run after you, throw on. He's going to run after you, throw on. He's going to run after you, throw his arms around you, give you a big old his arms around you, give you a big old his arms around you, give you a big old kiss, put a robe on you, put a ring on kiss, put a robe on you, put a ring on kiss, put a robe on you, put a ring on your feet, put some shoes on your feet, your feet, put some shoes on your feet, your feet, put some shoes on your feet, throw a party in your honor. Hallelujah.

throw a party in your honor. Hallelujah. throw a party in your honor. Hallelujah. You're welcome here. Come on. Come on. You're welcome here. Come on. Come on. You're welcome here. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on home. Come on. Come on home. Come on. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Yep. Yep. Yep. Come on home. Come on Yep. Yep. Yep. Come on home. Come on Yep. Yep. Yep. Come on home. Come on home. home. home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. Come on home. So you clean Come on home. Come on home. So you clean Come on home. Come on home. So you clean me up. I I know I know I know I know I know I know I know you working. working. So you bring me up inside. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Is there another? Come on. Come on, my Is there another? Come on. Come on, my Is there another? Come on. Come on, my brother. God bless you. God bless you. brother. God bless you. God bless you. brother. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. bless you. I will praise you. I'll give you glory. I will praise you. I'll give you glory. I will praise you. I'll give you glory. I'll bless your name I'll bless your name I'll bless your name because because I am this is this is good to me. Now listen, this is this is good to me. Now listen, whenever you come home, whenever you come home, whenever you come home, there is the sign of repentance. and I have turned away and I have turned away from what dishonored the father from what dishonored the father from what dishonored the father and I'm now ready to be restored as son and I'm now ready to be restored as son and I'm now ready to be restored as son or daughter. That's when the party or daughter. That's when the party or daughter. That's when the party starts. There's reason to celebrate. You starts. There's reason to celebrate. You starts. There's reason to celebrate. You won't believe this. I went to three won't believe this. I went to three won't believe this. I went to three parties yesterday.

parties yesterday. parties yesterday. >> Three parties yesterday. >> Three parties yesterday. >> Three parties yesterday. 11:00 in the morning. I was at a party. 11:00 in the morning. I was at a party. 11:00 in the morning. I was at a party. 90 year old woman of our church. is 90 year old woman of our church. is 90 year old woman of our church. is Christine Plameumber turned 90 Christine Plameumber turned 90 Christine Plameumber turned 90 yesterday. Had a party. Then I went to the home. Dr. Mela, Dr. Then I went to the home. Dr. Mela, Dr. Joe Swaford, she turned 80 and we had a Joe Swaford, she turned 80 and we had a Joe Swaford, she turned 80 and we had a party. Then I went over and hung out with all Then I went over and hung out with all 975,000 975,000 975,000 of the folk who came to hang with Hulan of the folk who came to hang with Hulan of the folk who came to hang with Hulan and Sharon Lester. We got a party. There and Sharon Lester. We got a party. There and Sharon Lester. We got a party. There was reason to celebrate was reason to celebrate was reason to celebrate and nobody was sitting around being and nobody was sitting around being and nobody was sitting around being bored and humrum because there was bored and humrum because there was bored and humrum because there was reasons to celebrate. reasons to celebrate. reasons to celebrate. Listen, when that woman found that coin, Listen, when that woman found that coin, Listen, when that woman found that coin, that man found that sheep, the Bible that man found that sheep, the Bible that man found that sheep, the Bible says that that they called everybody says that that they called everybody says that that they called everybody together, started to celebrate. And then together, started to celebrate. And then together, started to celebrate. And then the Bible says such is the case when one the Bible says such is the case when one the Bible says such is the case when one sinner sinner sinner comes back home.

Look at all these folk who have Look at all these folk who have responded to the call this Sunday responded to the call this Sunday responded to the call this Sunday morning. morning. morning. And you know if heaven is rejoicing, And you know if heaven is rejoicing, And you know if heaven is rejoicing, that's what the Bible says, then earth that's what the Bible says, then earth that's what the Bible says, then earth ought to be rejoicing right now. Come ought to be rejoicing right now. Come ought to be rejoicing right now. Come on, let's rejoice that our sisters and on, let's rejoice that our sisters and on, let's rejoice that our sisters and brothers are here on this Sunday brothers are here on this Sunday brothers are here on this Sunday morning. Hallelujah. morning. Hallelujah. morning. Hallelujah. So on behalf of our church, I say to So on behalf of our church, I say to So on behalf of our church, I say to each one of you, my sisters, my each one of you, my sisters, my each one of you, my sisters, my brothers, welcome brothers, welcome brothers, welcome home. home. home. We're glad you're here and we praise God We're glad you're here and we praise God We're glad you're here and we praise God for you in Jesus name. Deacon Coward, for you in Jesus name. Deacon Coward, for you in Jesus name. Deacon Coward, will you raise your hand? My brother, will you raise your hand? My brother, will you raise your hand? My brother, will you follow that distinguished will you follow that distinguished will you follow that distinguished gentleman right there and all of you gentleman right there and all of you gentleman right there and all of you will do the same. Dr. Leslie Cow is will do the same. Dr. Leslie Cow is will do the same. Dr. Leslie Cow is going to make sure that everybody gets going to make sure that everybody gets going to make sure that everybody gets to where they need to be. Sisters and to where they need to be. Sisters and to where they need to be. Sisters and brothers, let's celebrate these who have brothers, let's celebrate these who have brothers, let's celebrate these who have come home. come home. come home. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. You may be seated in the Amen. Amen. You may be seated in the Amen. Amen. You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. And as we take our presence of the Lord. And as we take our presence of the Lord. And as we take our seats, we head to the feast seats, we head to the feast seats, we head to the feast to the festival. Thank you. We head to to the festival. Thank you. We head to to the festival. Thank you. We head to the table where the feast of the Lord is the table where the feast of the Lord is the table where the feast of the Lord is going on. And as we head to this table, going on. And as we head to this table, going on. And as we head to this table, we are reminded we are reminded we are reminded of the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ.

of the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. of the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. We're reminded that the Lord Jesus We're reminded that the Lord Jesus We're reminded that the Lord Jesus fought enough of us fought enough of us fought enough of us to become for us the lamb of God to become for us the lamb of God to become for us the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. who takes away the sin of the world. who takes away the sin of the world. This Sunday morning, we come again to This Sunday morning, we come again to This Sunday morning, we come again to this table as we did last first Sunday, this table as we did last first Sunday, this table as we did last first Sunday, the first Sunday of July, the first the first Sunday of July, the first the first Sunday of July, the first Sunday of June. and every first Sunday Sunday of June. and every first Sunday Sunday of June. and every first Sunday this year, this year, this year, even as we did during the Holy Week even as we did during the Holy Week even as we did during the Holy Week experience, and we do this in experience, and we do this in experience, and we do this in remembrance of the lamb of God who takes remembrance of the lamb of God who takes remembrance of the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Our church away the sin of the world. Our church away the sin of the world. Our church leaders are gathering now all across the leaders are gathering now all across the leaders are gathering now all across the cathedral, around the walls of the cathedral, around the walls of the cathedral, around the walls of the cathedral as we cathedral as we cathedral as we in a in a in a real sense reimagine what in a in a in a real sense reimagine what in a in a in a real sense reimagine what happened in that upper room with the happened in that upper room with the happened in that upper room with the Lord Jesus Christ on the last night of Lord Jesus Christ on the last night of Lord Jesus Christ on the last night of his life. Your Bible says that on that his life. Your Bible says that on that his life. Your Bible says that on that Thursday evening, he took his disciples Thursday evening, he took his disciples Thursday evening, he took his disciples into that upper room. They enjoyed the into that upper room. They enjoyed the into that upper room. They enjoyed the Passover meal, remembering Passover meal, remembering Passover meal, remembering the blood of the lamb that was sprinkled the blood of the lamb that was sprinkled the blood of the lamb that was sprinkled on the doorposts of those houses.

on the doorposts of those houses. on the doorposts of those houses. And then he gave new interpretation to And then he gave new interpretation to And then he gave new interpretation to that Passover meal, taking two elements that Passover meal, taking two elements that Passover meal, taking two elements from it, bread and wine. from it, bread and wine. from it, bread and wine. And he said, "Listen, this this this And he said, "Listen, this this this And he said, "Listen, this this this bread now represents my broken body and bread now represents my broken body and bread now represents my broken body and this wine my shed blood. Do this this wine my shed blood. Do this this wine my shed blood. Do this in remembrance of me." in remembrance of me." in remembrance of me." So we come to remember the great So we come to remember the great So we come to remember the great sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus consecrated those elements in that Jesus consecrated those elements in that Jesus consecrated those elements in that upper room. And when he did, upper room. And when he did, upper room. And when he did, then he blessed them, broke them, gave then he blessed them, broke them, gave then he blessed them, broke them, gave them to his disciples, said, "Take, eat. them to his disciples, said, "Take, eat. them to his disciples, said, "Take, eat. This is my body. Drink all of the cup, This is my body. Drink all of the cup, This is my body. Drink all of the cup, for it is my blood of the new covenant." for it is my blood of the new covenant." for it is my blood of the new covenant." Our chairman of deacons, Deacon Hicks, Our chairman of deacons, Deacon Hicks, Our chairman of deacons, Deacon Hicks, is going to pray that prayer of is going to pray that prayer of is going to pray that prayer of consecration for us. And then we too consecration for us. And then we too consecration for us. And then we too like like they in that of a room will like like they in that of a room will like like they in that of a room will take of these elements and do this in take of these elements and do this in take of these elements and do this in remembrance of the Lord Jesus. remembrance of the Lord Jesus. remembrance of the Lord Jesus. >> Brothers and sisters, let us pray. >> Brothers and sisters, let us pray. >> Brothers and sisters, let us pray. God our heavenly father, the father of God our heavenly father, the father of God our heavenly father, 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. We thank you Lord God for Christ. We thank you Lord God for Christ. We thank you Lord God for creating us in your image and after your creating us in your image and after your creating us in your image and after your likeness.

likeness. likeness. But God, we have all gone astray as But God, we have all gone astray as But God, we have all gone astray as sheep. And we thank you, Father God, sheep. And we thank you, Father God, sheep. And we thank you, Father God, that you made it possible for us to that you made it possible for us to that you made it possible for us to return, Lord, to the shepherd. We thank return, Lord, to the shepherd. We thank return, Lord, to the shepherd. We thank you, Father God, that your son Jesus, you, Father God, that your son Jesus, you, Father God, that your son Jesus, the precious lamb of God, made it the precious lamb of God, made it the precious lamb of God, made it possible for us to return possible for us to return possible for us to return to confess our sins. Lord, even now we to confess our sins. Lord, even now we to confess our sins. Lord, even now we confess so that we might be found worthy confess so that we might be found worthy confess so that we might be found worthy to receive these elements that represent to receive these elements that represent to receive these elements that represent Jesus's suffering and sacrifice so that Jesus's suffering and sacrifice so that Jesus's suffering and sacrifice so that we might have life everlasting in him. we might have life everlasting in him. we might have life everlasting in him. We praise you, Father God, and thank you We praise you, Father God, and thank you We praise you, Father God, and thank you for this table where we celebrate the for this table where we celebrate the for this table where we celebrate the death of Jesus. We thank you, God, that death of Jesus. We thank you, God, that death of Jesus. We thank you, God, that these elements here represent his these elements here represent his these elements here represent his broken, beaten, battered, bruised body, broken, beaten, battered, bruised body, broken, beaten, battered, bruised body, for your sins and ours, for our sins and for your sins and ours, for our sins and for your sins and ours, for our sins and others, Lord God. And we pray, Father others, Lord God. And we pray, Father others, Lord God. And we pray, Father God, that you would bless the wine that God, that you would bless the wine that God, that you would bless the wine that represents his shed blood for the represents his shed blood for the represents his shed blood for the remission of sin. For without the remission of sin. For without the remission of sin. For without the shedding of blood, there would be no shedding of blood, there would be no shedding of blood, there would be no remission. We thank you, God. We praise remission. We thank you, God. We praise remission. We thank you, God. We praise you and thank you for the opportunity to you and thank you for the opportunity to you and thank you for the opportunity to be brought back unto you and welcomed be brought back unto you and welcomed be brought back unto you and welcomed into your house. And we pray God that into your house. And we pray God that into your house. And we pray God that you bless us today and prepare us for you bless us today and prepare us for you bless us today and prepare us for your service as we leave this place. In your service as we leave this place. In your service as we leave this place. In Jesus' name we pray with thanksgiving.

Jesus' name we pray with thanksgiving. Jesus' name we pray with thanksgiving. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Most of us receive the >> Amen. Amen. Most of us receive the >> Amen. Amen. Most of us receive the elements of the Lord's supper as we came elements of the Lord's supper as we came elements of the Lord's supper as we came into the Lord's house today. But just in into the Lord's house today. But just in into the Lord's house today. But just in case you did not, will you please slip case you did not, will you please slip case you did not, will you please slip up your hand? And these precious deacons up your hand? And these precious deacons up your hand? And these precious deacons will serve you even now. If you need to will serve you even now. If you need to will serve you even now. If you need to be served, these precious people will do be served, these precious people will do be served, these precious people will do so even now. And as we do so, we sing so even now. And as we do so, we sing so even now. And as we do so, we sing this great hymn of the church. On a hill this great hymn of the church. On a hill this great hymn of the church. On a hill far away, For a world of lost sins For a world of lost sins were slain.

I I as a wondrous action for me. for me. For the dear lamb of God The bread is the symbol of the broken

The bread is the symbol of the broken and beaten, battered and bruised body of and beaten, battered and bruised body of and beaten, battered and bruised body of the Lord Jesus Christ. the Lord Jesus Christ. the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, he was wounded for our Yes, he was wounded for our Yes, he was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our transgressions and bruised for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. iniquities. iniquities. Chastisement of our peace was placed Chastisement of our peace was placed Chastisement of our peace was placed upon him and with his stripes. upon him and with his stripes. upon him and with his stripes. Church, we're healed. Church, we're healed. Church, we're healed. And I thank God for that reality this And I thank God for that reality this And I thank God for that reality this Sunday morning. Don't you? And as you Sunday morning. Don't you? And as you Sunday morning. Don't you? And as you remember the wounded, beaten body of the remember the wounded, beaten body of the remember the wounded, beaten body of the Lord Jesus Christ, let's eat the bread Lord Jesus Christ, let's eat the bread Lord Jesus Christ, let's eat the bread together. The cup The cup and its contents are symbols emblematic and its contents are symbols emblematic and its contents are symbols emblematic of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. As we remember the shed blood of Jesus, As we remember the shed blood of Jesus, As we remember the shed blood of Jesus, it is that blood and that alone that it is that blood and that alone that it is that blood and that alone that covers and washes away all of our sins. covers and washes away all of our sins. covers and washes away all of our sins. We thank God for that today. We thank We thank God for that today. We thank We thank God for that today. We thank God that that the blood still works.

God that that the blood still works. God that that the blood still works. to cleanse us from all of our sins. And to cleanse us from all of our sins. And to cleanse us from all of our sins. And as we remember as we remember as we remember precious blood of Jesus Christ, the precious blood of Jesus Christ, the precious blood of Jesus Christ, the precious blood of the lamb that was precious blood of the lamb that was precious blood of the lamb that was slain before the foundations of the slain before the foundations of the slain before the foundations of the world, let us drink this wine in world, let us drink this wine in world, let us drink this wine in communion. Gracious God, we give you thanks on this Gracious God, we give you thanks on this Sunday morning, this second day of this Sunday morning, this second day of this Sunday morning, this second day of this 8th month of 2026. We give you thanks 8th month of 2026. We give you thanks 8th month of 2026. We give you thanks that from the foundation of the world that from the foundation of the world that from the foundation of the world you had in mind that we would be you had in mind that we would be you had in mind that we would be restored, reclaimed, that we would restored, reclaimed, that we would restored, reclaimed, that we would repent, that we would be redeemed. repent, that we would be redeemed. repent, that we would be redeemed. So we who are the redeemed of the Lord So we who are the redeemed of the Lord So we who are the redeemed of the Lord say so this Sunday morning. And we thank say so this Sunday morning. And we thank say so this Sunday morning. And we thank you that as a consequence of our you that as a consequence of our you that as a consequence of our redemption, our reclamation, redemption, our reclamation, redemption, our reclamation, our restoration, our restoration, our restoration, we can rejoice we can rejoice we can rejoice and we're a part of the family of God in and we're a part of the family of God in and we're a part of the family of God in the household of faith. Now, God, I pray the household of faith. Now, God, I pray the household of faith. Now, God, I pray that as this month continues that as this month continues that as this month continues that you will use us for your glory.

that you will use us for your glory. that you will use us for your glory. that we like Jesus would be more in tune that we like Jesus would be more in tune that we like Jesus would be more in tune and in touch with those on the margins and in touch with those on the margins and in touch with those on the margins of our town, on the margins of our of our town, on the margins of our of our town, on the margins of our community. That you will help us to community. That you will help us to community. That you will help us to ensure that somebody understands that we ensure that somebody understands that we ensure that somebody understands that we welcome them and love them, care for welcome them and love them, care for welcome them and love them, care for them, and then will you help us all to them, and then will you help us all to them, and then will you help us all to repent, to turn from our wicked ways, repent, to turn from our wicked ways, repent, to turn from our wicked ways, and move toward the way that you would and move toward the way that you would and move toward the way that you would have us to go. Bless us now so that we have us to go. Bless us now so that we have us to go. Bless us now so that we might be a blessing in this city, in might be a blessing in this city, in might be a blessing in this city, in this state, in this nation, in this this state, in this nation, in this this state, in this nation, in this world, wherever you will take us this world, wherever you will take us this world, wherever you will take us this month. May the light of Jesus Christ month. May the light of Jesus Christ month. May the light of Jesus Christ shine through us. And may we show men, shine through us. And may we show men, shine through us. And may we show men, women, and children what it means to be women, and children what it means to be women, and children what it means to be a true child of the living God. Bless a true child of the living God. Bless a true child of the living God. Bless us, keep us, use us, and get the glory us, keep us, use us, and get the glory us, keep us, use us, and get the glory out of us. I pray in Jesus' name. And I out of us. I pray in Jesus' name. And I out of us. I pray in Jesus' name. And I thank you for what will be a magnificent thank you for what will be a magnificent thank you for what will be a magnificent month as we walk in the light of the month as we walk in the light of the month as we walk in the light of the Lord this day and always. In Jesus name Lord this day and always. In Jesus name Lord this day and always. In Jesus name we pray. And all of God's people we pray. And all of God's people we pray. And all of God's people together saying hallelujah. Let the together saying hallelujah. Let the together saying hallelujah. Let the church say amen. Well, praise the Lord church say amen. Well, praise the Lord church say amen. Well, praise the Lord for another wonderful time of worship on for another wonderful time of worship on for another wonderful time of worship on this first Sunday of the month of this first Sunday of the month of this first Sunday of the month of August. Listen, we're about to leave August. Listen, we're about to leave August. Listen, we're about to leave from this place. But the Bible says that from this place. But the Bible says that from this place. But the Bible says that after they ate one with another and after they ate one with another and after they ate one with another and drank one with another, they began to drank one with another, they began to drank one with another, they began to sing as they went out into the places sing as they went out into the places sing as they went out into the places where they were headed to the Mount of where they were headed to the Mount of where they were headed to the Mount of Olives. We're going to our various Olives. We're going to our various Olives. We're going to our various locations. Our ushers are going to lead locations. Our ushers are going to lead locations. Our ushers are going to lead us from the balcony at the rear of the us from the balcony at the rear of the us from the balcony at the rear of the cathedral first and then those in the

cathedral first and then those in the cathedral first and then those in the front of the cathedral will leave front of the cathedral will leave front of the cathedral will leave thereafter. But all of us are going to thereafter. But all of us are going to thereafter. But all of us are going to sing as we leave from this place giving sing as we leave from this place giving sing as we leave from this place giving glory to his name. Have a fabulous glory to his name. Have a fabulous glory to his name. Have a fabulous month, my dear brothers and sisters. month, my dear brothers and sisters. month, my dear brothers and sisters. Look forward to seeing you next Sunday, Look forward to seeing you next Sunday, Look forward to seeing you next Sunday, if not before. Down at the cross.