The Time Is Now! (10am) | Dr. Alexander E.M. Johnson

Happy Sunday, church family. I'm Riley Happy Sunday, church family. I'm Riley Malvo. Malvo. Malvo. >> I'm Willie Euan. >> I'm Willie Euan. >> I'm Willie Euan. >> I'm Chrisette Williams. >> I'm Chrisette Williams. >> I'm Chrisette Williams. >> I'm Christian Whitaker. And together we >> I'm Christian Whitaker. And together we >> I'm Christian Whitaker. And together we bring you this week's edition of Avenue bring you this week's edition of Avenue bring you this week's edition of Avenue News. Are you ready to make a difference and Are you ready to make a difference and deepen your disciplehip journey? Join us deepen your disciplehip journey? Join us deepen your disciplehip journey? Join us in the Community Life Center gymnasium in the Community Life Center gymnasium in the Community Life Center gymnasium next Sunday, August 30th, after all next Sunday, August 30th, after all next 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 find countless ways to serve for the find countless ways to serve for the find 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. care, there's a place just for you. care, there's a place just for you. Wheeler Weber family, get ready. Wheeler Weber family, get ready. Wheeler Weber family, get ready. September 4th through 6th is Wheeler September 4th through 6th is Wheeler September 4th through 6th is Wheeler Weber weekend, and we're preparing Weber weekend, and we're preparing Weber weekend, and we're preparing something special just for you. Get something special just for you. Get something special just for you. Get ready for an exciting weekend of faith, ready for an exciting weekend of faith, ready for an exciting weekend of faith, fellowship, connection, and celebration. fellowship, connection, and celebration. fellowship, connection, and celebration. We can't wait to meet you. Scripture We can't wait to meet you. Scripture We can't wait to meet you. Scripture reminds us in Colossians 4:2, "Devote reminds us in Colossians 4:2, "Devote reminds us in Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful, yourselves to prayer, being watchful, yourselves to prayer, being watchful, and thankful. The prayer ministry and thankful. The prayer ministry and thankful. The prayer ministry invites you to our 12-hour prayer vigil invites you to our 12-hour prayer vigil invites you to our 12-hour prayer vigil on Tuesday, September 1st from 6:00 a.m.

on Tuesday, September 1st from 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1st from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are coming together to 6:00 p.m. We are coming together to 6:00 p.m. We are coming together through prayer, seeking God's direction through prayer, seeking God's direction through prayer, seeking God's direction as we cover our church, leadership, as we cover our church, leadership, as we cover our church, leadership, ministries, community, and nation with ministries, community, and nation with ministries, community, and nation with virtual and in-person options. virtual and in-person options. virtual and in-person options. Volunteers are asked to commit to a Volunteers are asked to commit to a Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum 2hour prayer watch. For minimum 2hour prayer watch. For minimum 2hour prayer watch. For additional information and to sign up, additional information and to sign up, additional information and to sign up, please email I prayadminerbc.org. Are you ready to grow deeper in God's Are you ready to grow deeper in God's word? Join us for study on the Avenue, word? Join us for study on the Avenue, word? Join us for study on the Avenue, which brings together all of Christian which brings together all of Christian which brings together all of Christian education at Wheeler. It includes education at Wheeler. It includes education at Wheeler. It includes disciplehip and Bible study disciplehip and Bible study disciplehip and Bible study opportunities for adults, youth, and opportunities for adults, youth, and opportunities for adults, youth, and children. Whether you're new to the children. Whether you're new to the children. Whether you're new to the faith or ready to deepen your walk with faith or ready to deepen your walk with faith or ready to deepen your walk with Christ, there's a place for you to grow Christ, there's a place for you to grow Christ, there's a place for you to grow in faith, strengthen your biblical in faith, strengthen your biblical in faith, strengthen your biblical knowledge, and connect with others. Come knowledge, and connect with others. Come knowledge, and connect with others. Come study. Come grow. Come develop into a study. Come grow. Come develop into a study. Come grow. Come develop into a disciple who makes disciples for Jesus disciple who makes disciples for Jesus disciple who makes disciples for Jesus Christ. Register today at wheelerbc.org. Christ. Register today at wheelerbc.org. Christ. Register today at wheelerbc.org. >> Whether you're navigating the challenges >> Whether you're navigating the challenges >> Whether you're navigating the challenges of separation or divorce, or grieving of separation or divorce, or grieving of separation or divorce, or grieving the loss of a loved one, you don't have the loss of a loved one, you don't have the loss of a loved one, you don't have to walk it through alone. Our divorce to walk it through alone. Our divorce to walk it through alone. Our divorce care and grief share 11week support care and grief share 11week support care and grief share 11week support groups provide a safe, welcoming groups provide a safe, welcoming groups provide a safe, welcoming environment where you can find the environment where you can find the environment where you can find the necessary support to experience healing necessary support to experience healing necessary support to experience healing and renewed hope.

and renewed hope. and renewed hope. Divorce care begins Tuesday, September Divorce care begins Tuesday, September Divorce care begins Tuesday, September 8th at 7 p.m. on Zoom and Reef Share 8th at 7 p.m. on Zoom and Reef Share 8th at 7 p.m. on Zoom and Reef Share begins Monday, September 14th at 7 p.m. begins Monday, September 14th at 7 p.m. begins Monday, September 14th at 7 p.m. Register today. Register today. Register today. >> The Heart of the Caregiver is a support >> The Heart of the Caregiver is a support >> The Heart of the Caregiver is a support group sponsored by Congregational Care group sponsored by Congregational Care group sponsored by Congregational Care Ministry. If you're caring for a loved Ministry. If you're caring for a loved Ministry. If you're caring for a loved one, you're not alone. Join us and one, you're not alone. Join us and one, you're not alone. Join us and fellow caregivers for a 9-w weekek fellow caregivers for a 9-w weekek fellow caregivers for a 9-w weekek virtual journey beginning Thursday, virtual journey beginning Thursday, virtual journey beginning Thursday, September 17th at 700 p.m. Discover September 17th at 700 p.m. Discover September 17th at 700 p.m. Discover encouragement and practical tools as you encouragement and practical tools as you encouragement and practical tools as you move from feeling overwhelmed to move from feeling overwhelmed to move from feeling overwhelmed to experiencing greater joy and purpose. experiencing greater joy and purpose. experiencing greater joy and purpose. Register today and make time for Register today and make time for Register today and make time for yourself while caring for others. yourself while caring for others. yourself while caring for others. Young adults, save the date. Thursday, Young adults, save the date. Thursday, Young adults, save the date. Thursday, September 17th at 7:00 p.m. We're September 17th at 7:00 p.m. We're September 17th at 7:00 p.m. We're gathering in the cathedral for young gathering in the cathedral for young gathering in the cathedral for young adult worship. This is not just a adult worship. This is not just a adult worship. This is not just a service. This is a setup. God is about service. This is a setup. God is about service. This is a setup. God is about to move and we want you in the room when to move and we want you in the room when to move and we want you in the room when it happens. Come worship. Come it happens. Come worship. Come it happens. Come worship. Come fellowship. Come expecting an experience fellowship. Come expecting an experience fellowship. Come expecting an experience with God. See you there. with God. See you there. with God. See you there. Parents and guardians are invited to Parents and guardians are invited to Parents and guardians are invited to join the counseling ministry for a time join the counseling ministry for a time join the counseling ministry for a time of empowerment. Caring for yourself is of empowerment. Caring for yourself is of empowerment. Caring for yourself is important while navigating parenthood important while navigating parenthood important while navigating parenthood with patience and wisdom. So, we're here with patience and wisdom. So, we're here with patience and wisdom. So, we're here to provide effective tools. Our keynote to provide effective tools. Our keynote to provide effective tools. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Andrea Johnson, speaker will be Dr. Andrea Johnson, speaker will be Dr. Andrea Johnson, chair of the counseling department at chair of the counseling department at chair of the counseling department at Houston Christian University. Register Houston Christian University. Register Houston Christian University. Register today and meet us Saturday, September today and meet us Saturday, September today and meet us Saturday, September 19th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Parents, 19th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Parents, 19th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Parents, you're invited to join us for the color you're invited to join us for the color you're invited to join us for the color of autism parent lunch and learn, a of autism parent lunch and learn, a of autism parent lunch and learn, a special opportunity to connect and be

special opportunity to connect and be special opportunity to connect and be encouraged as we navigate neurode encouraged as we navigate neurode encouraged as we navigate neurode divergence together. Join Jerome Cash divergence together. Join Jerome Cash divergence together. Join Jerome Cash for Express Not Suppress and Dr. Dr. for Express Not Suppress and Dr. Dr. for Express Not Suppress and Dr. Dr. Bernardet Kilo for Beyond the Diagnosis. Bernardet Kilo for Beyond the Diagnosis. Bernardet Kilo for Beyond the Diagnosis. Seeing, supporting, and celebrating your Seeing, supporting, and celebrating your Seeing, supporting, and celebrating your child. Let's work to better understand, child. Let's work to better understand, child. Let's work to better understand, support, and celebrate our children. support, and celebrate our children. support, and celebrate our children. This fall, we're creating space for This fall, we're creating space for This fall, we're creating space for recovery, healthy relationships, and recovery, healthy relationships, and recovery, healthy relationships, and hope. Join us for Untangling hope. Join us for Untangling hope. Join us for Untangling Relationships Fall 2026, a 12-week Relationships Fall 2026, a 12-week Relationships Fall 2026, a 12-week Christian-based support group designed Christian-based support group designed Christian-based support group designed to help you recognize codependency, to help you recognize codependency, to help you recognize codependency, navigate difficult conversations, navigate difficult conversations, navigate difficult conversations, establish healthy boundaries, and build establish healthy boundaries, and build establish healthy boundaries, and build stronger relationships. Then join us stronger relationships. Then join us stronger relationships. Then join us September 17th, 18th, and 20th for our September 17th, 18th, and 20th for our September 17th, 18th, and 20th for our National Recovery Month Celebration National Recovery Month Celebration National Recovery Month Celebration Conference. A dynamic experience Conference. A dynamic experience Conference. A dynamic experience featuring God-entered activities, featuring God-entered activities, featuring God-entered activities, education, and community support. Take education, and community support. Take education, and community support. Take the next step. Register today. the next step. Register today. the next step. Register today. Join walking spiritual at Clint Tuesday, Join walking spiritual at Clint Tuesday, Join walking spiritual at Clint Tuesday, September 8th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 September 8th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 September 8th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Young adults and private life ages p.m. Young adults and private life ages p.m. Young adults and private life ages 24 through 59 are invited to mentor 24 through 59 are invited to mentor 24 through 59 are invited to mentor emerging adults ages 18 to 23 through emerging adults ages 18 to 23 through emerging adults ages 18 to 23 through meaningful relationships, shared meaningful relationships, shared meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and professional and experiences, and professional and experiences, and professional and spiritual development. Whether you're spiritual development. Whether you're spiritual development. Whether you're ready to invest in the next generation, ready to invest in the next generation, ready to invest in the next generation, or receive guidance for your next or receive guidance for your next or receive guidance for your next season, Wise is for you. Wheeler Avenue.

season, Wise is for you. Wheeler Avenue. season, Wise is for you. Wheeler Avenue. Get ready. Prime of Life Week is Get ready. Prime of Life Week is Get ready. Prime of Life Week is September 23rd through the 27th. September 23rd through the 27th. September 23rd through the 27th. >> If you're between the ages of 40 and 59, >> If you're between the ages of 40 and 59, >> If you're between the ages of 40 and 59, Prime of Life invites you to five Prime of Life invites you to five Prime of Life invites you to five unforgettable days as we celebrate under unforgettable days as we celebrate under unforgettable days as we celebrate under the theme it's a family affair. The the theme it's a family affair. The the theme it's a family affair. The soundtrack of our lives, the faith that soundtrack of our lives, the faith that soundtrack of our lives, the faith that keeps us. keeps us. keeps us. >> On Wednesday, we'll begin where >> On Wednesday, we'll begin where >> On Wednesday, we'll begin where everything should begin with prayer. everything should begin with prayer. everything should begin with prayer. Join us for Prime Praise as we set the Join us for Prime Praise as we set the Join us for Prime Praise as we set the spiritual foundation for the week. spiritual foundation for the week. spiritual foundation for the week. Thursday night, the best is yet to come. Thursday night, the best is yet to come. Thursday night, the best is yet to come. Come lend your voice to our Prime choir Come lend your voice to our Prime choir Come lend your voice to our Prime choir rehearsal experience as we celebrate the rehearsal experience as we celebrate the rehearsal experience as we celebrate the songs that have carried us through the songs that have carried us through the songs that have carried us through the years. years. years. Friday night is all about love and life. Friday night is all about love and life. Friday night is all about love and life. Prime singles, free your mind with an Prime singles, free your mind with an Prime singles, free your mind with an evening created especially for you. And evening created especially for you. And evening created especially for you. And married couples, it's a candlelight and married couples, it's a candlelight and married couples, it's a candlelight and you. An intimate candlelight date night you. An intimate candlelight date night you. An intimate candlelight date night designed to help you relax, reconnect, designed to help you relax, reconnect, designed to help you relax, reconnect, and simply enjoy one another. And and simply enjoy one another. And and simply enjoy one another. And because being a family means caring for because being a family means caring for because being a family means caring for our community, Prime of Life will our community, Prime of Life will our community, Prime of Life will collect toiletry donations to bless collect toiletry donations to bless collect toiletry donations to bless local organizations serving our unhoused local organizations serving our unhoused local organizations serving our unhoused brothers and sisters. Saturday, join us brothers and sisters. Saturday, join us brothers and sisters. Saturday, join us for a member of the time, the ultimate for a member of the time, the ultimate for a member of the time, the ultimate prime family reunion. Come ready for prime family reunion. Come ready for prime family reunion. Come ready for barbecue, dancing, games, and special barbecue, dancing, games, and special barbecue, dancing, games, and special surprise guests.

surprise guests. surprise guests. >> Sunday, worship with us as we thank God >> Sunday, worship with us as we thank God >> Sunday, worship with us as we thank God for where he's brought us and look for where he's brought us and look for where he's brought us and look forward with expectation to where he's forward with expectation to where he's forward with expectation to where he's taking us. Registration opens tomorrow taking us. Registration opens tomorrow taking us. Registration opens tomorrow at noon and is required for all events. >> Join us for the seniors conference >> Join us for the seniors conference >> September 14th through the 16th. Some people skip school board elections Some people skip school board elections because the race is still small, but because the race is still small, but because the race is still small, but there's nothing small about the there's nothing small about the there's nothing small about the decisions that shape a child's future. decisions that shape a child's future. decisions that shape a child's future. Schoolboard members decide on teachers, Schoolboard members decide on teachers, Schoolboard members decide on teachers, safety, discipline, books, and budgets. safety, discipline, books, and budgets. safety, discipline, books, and budgets. Even without a child in school, educated Even without a child in school, educated Even without a child in school, educated young people strengthen our entire young people strengthen our entire young people strengthen our entire community. Know who is running, the community. Know who is running, the community. Know who is running, the policies, and the issues on the ballot. policies, and the issues on the ballot. policies, and the issues on the ballot. Then vote like their future depends on Then vote like their future depends on Then vote like their future depends on it, because it does. There's so much it, because it does. There's so much it, because it does. There's so much taking place and we hope you stay taking place and we hope you stay taking place and we hope you stay connected. For more information, please connected. For more information, please connected. For more information, please follow us on all social media platforms.

follow us on all social media platforms. follow us on all social media platforms. I'm Riley Mavo. I'm Leila Yuing. I'm I'm Riley Mavo. I'm Leila Yuing. I'm I'm Riley Mavo. I'm Leila Yuing. I'm Chrissa Williams. Chrissa Williams. Chrissa Williams. >> I'm Christian Whitaker. >> I'm Christian Whitaker. >> I'm Christian Whitaker. >> And this has been your Avenue News. >> And this has been your Avenue News. >> And this has been your Avenue News. >> And remember, we are Wheeler wherever. >> Good morning, Willer family. >> Good morning, Willer family. Good morning, Willer family. Would you Good morning, Willer family. Would you Good morning, Willer family. Would you please just center yourselves as our please just center yourselves as our please just center yourselves as our acolytes acolytes acolytes proceed worship proceed worship proceed worship signifying that Jesus is the light of signifying that Jesus is the light of signifying that Jesus is the light of the world? Amen. Praise the Lord. Now will you Amen. Praise the Lord. Now will you please welcome as you're already please welcome as you're already please welcome as you're already clapping our EA signing choir.

>> I will lift up your name >> I will lift up your name >> higher. >> higher. >> higher. >> I will lift up your name >> I will lift up your name >> I will lift up your name >> higher. Jehovah, >> higher. Jehovah, >> higher. Jehovah, >> Jehovah. >> Jehovah. >> Jehovah. >> You are wonderful. >> You are wonderful. >> You are wonderful. >> Wonderful. >> Wonderful. >> Wonderful. >> I will lift up your name higher. >> I will lift up your name higher. >> I will lift up your name higher. >> Let's give God all the glory and all the >> Let's give God all the glory and all the >> Let's give God all the glory and all the praise for he is worthy of it. praise for he is worthy of it. praise for he is worthy of it. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I will lift up your name I will lift up your name I will lift up your name >> higher. >> higher. >> higher. >> I will lift up your name. Yeah, >> I will lift up your name. Yeah, >> I will lift up your name. Yeah, >> higher. >> higher. >> higher. >> Great Jehovah. >> Great Jehovah. >> Great Jehovah. >> Jehovah, >> Jehovah, >> Jehovah, >> you are wonderful. I will lift up your >> you are wonderful. I will lift up your >> you are wonderful. I will lift up your name. name. name. said, "I will call on your name, said, "I will call on your name, said, "I will call on your name, >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> I will call on your name, >> I will call on your name, >> I will call on your name, >> Jesus. >> I will call you today. Jesus, >> I will call you today. Jesus, >> I will call on your name, >> I will call on your name, >> I will call on your name, >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> In my time of trouble, I will call you >> In my time of trouble, I will call you >> In my time of trouble, I will call you Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jehovah Jesus, Jesus, I know his name. I know his name. His I know his name. I know his name. His I know his name. I know his name. His name is wonderful. I know his name. You name is wonderful. I know his name. You name is wonderful. I know his name. You say, say, say, >> I know his name.

>> I know his name. >> I know his name. >> I know his name. His name is wonderful. >> I know his name. His name is wonderful. >> I know his name. His name is wonderful. I know his name. I know his name. I know his name. >> Oh, I know his name. I know his name. He >> Oh, I know his name. I know his name. He >> Oh, I know his name. I know his name. He is the mighty God. I know his name. is the mighty God. I know his name. is the mighty God. I know his name. I know his name. I know his name. I know his name. I know his name. I know his name. I know his name. >> Oh, his name is I know his name. >> Oh, his name is I know his name. >> Oh, his name is I know his name. >> Say, I know his name. I know his name. >> Say, I know his name. I know his name. >> Say, I know his name. I know his name. He is the prince of peace. I know his He is the prince of peace. I know his He is the prince of peace. I know his name. name. name. >> I know his name. >> I know his name. >> I know his name. >> I know his name. >> I know his name. >> I know his name. The prince of peace. I know his name. The prince of peace. I know his name. The prince of peace. I know his name. >> Say I know his name. I know his name. >> Say I know his name. I know his name. >> Say I know his name. I know his name. is Emmanuel. I know his name. is Emmanuel. I know his name. is Emmanuel. I know his name. >> I know his name. >> I know his name. >> I know his name. >> I know his name. >> I know his name. >> I know his name. >> I know. >> I know. >> I know. >> So I will lift up your name. >> So I will lift up your name. >> So I will lift up your name. >> I will lift up your name >> I will lift up your name >> I will lift up your name >> Jehovah.

>> Jehovah. >> Jehovah. >> You're wonderful. >> You're wonderful. >> You're wonderful. >> Wonderful. >> Wonderful. >> Wonderful. >> Great Jehovah. Jehovah. >> Great Jehovah. Jehovah. >> Great Jehovah. Jehovah. >> You're wonderful. Wonderful. >> You're wonderful. Wonderful. >> You're wonderful. Wonderful. You are wonderful. I will raise your You are wonderful. I will raise your You are wonderful. I will raise your name, name, name, higher, higher, higher, higher, higher. higher, higher, higher, higher, higher. higher, higher, higher, higher, higher. >> We lift you higher. >> Higher, higher, higher. We lift you. >> Higher, higher, higher. We lift you. >> We lift your name, worthy, >> We lift your name, worthy, >> We lift your name, worthy, >> worthy, worthy. >> worthy, worthy. >> worthy, worthy. >> Worthy. We >> Worthy. We >> Worthy. We glory worthy of adoration. glory worthy of adoration. glory worthy of adoration. Worthy worthy weus the name of Jesus the name of Jesus nameus Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Jesus my savior. >> Jesus my savior. >> Jesus my savior. >> I lift your name higher.

>> I lift your name higher. >> I lift your name higher. >> Higher. >> Higher. >> Higher. Yes. Yes. Yes. Oh, we lift your name Oh, we lift your name Oh, we lift your name higher. Higher. higher. Higher. higher. Higher. We Seven people in every section in the Seven people in every section in the cathedral, in the sanctuary who will cathedral, in the sanctuary who will cathedral, in the sanctuary who will testify, "I got to get to church. Cuz if testify, "I got to get to church. Cuz if testify, "I got to get to church. Cuz if I don't get to church, there's no I don't get to church, there's no I don't get to church, there's no telling what my spirit might do to me. telling what my spirit might do to me. telling what my spirit might do to me. If I don't get to church, there's no If I don't get to church, there's no If I don't get to church, there's no telling what my mind might do to me. If telling what my mind might do to me. If telling what my mind might do to me. If I don't get to the Lord's house, there's I don't get to the Lord's house, there's I don't get to the Lord's house, there's no telling how depleted I might be by no telling how depleted I might be by no telling how depleted I might be by the next time you see me. Somebody in the next time you see me. Somebody in the next time you see me. Somebody in here ought to thank God that you were here ought to thank God that you were here ought to thank God that you were able to wake up this morning. Put your able to wake up this morning. Put your able to wake up this morning. Put your clothes on. Make your way to Wheeler clothes on. Make your way to Wheeler clothes on. Make your way to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Park your car all Avenue Baptist Church. Park your car all Avenue Baptist Church. Park your car all the way over there. Walk all the way to the way over there. Walk all the way to the way over there. Walk all the way to the cathedral. Make your way to the the cathedral. Make your way to the the cathedral. Make your way to the sanctuary. Find yourself a seat. sit sanctuary. Find yourself a seat. sit sanctuary. Find yourself a seat. sit yourself down then stand yourself up yourself down then stand yourself up yourself down then stand yourself up then sit back down then stand back up then sit back down then stand back up then sit back down then stand back up then sit back down and stand back up cuz then sit back down and stand back up cuz then sit back down and stand back up cuz you needed something in the sanctuary you needed something in the sanctuary you needed something in the sanctuary that you can't get at the ballpark. You that you can't get at the ballpark. You that you can't get at the ballpark. You get something in the sanctuary you can't get something in the sanctuary you can't get something in the sanctuary you can't get at the club. You get something in

get at the club. You get something in get at the club. You get something in the sanctuary you can't get in the the sanctuary you can't get in the the sanctuary you can't get in the stadium. You got something in the stadium. You got something in the stadium. You got something in the sanctuary.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Come on and give your great God a great Come on and give your great God a great praise. Give your incredible power, an praise. Give your incredible power, an praise. Give your incredible power, an incredible praise for all that he's incredible praise for all that he's incredible praise for all that he's done, for all the ways that he's made, done, for all the ways that he's made, done, for all the ways that he's made, but simply for who he is. This is the but simply for who he is. This is the but simply for who he is. This is the day that the Lord has made. We come to day that the Lord has made. We come to day that the Lord has made. We come to rejoice and be glad in it. Oh, magnify rejoice and be glad in it. Oh, magnify rejoice and be glad in it. Oh, magnify the Lord with me. Oh, enlarge the Lord the Lord with me. Oh, enlarge the Lord the Lord with me. Oh, enlarge the Lord with me. Oh, enthrone the Lord with me.

with me. Oh, enthrone the Lord with me. with me. Oh, enthrone the Lord with me. And let all exalt his name together. And let all exalt his name together. And let all exalt his name together. There's none beside him, not one There's none beside him, not one There's none beside him, not one powerful. No one can heal the way he powerful. No one can heal the way he powerful. No one can heal the way he heals. No one can deliver the way that heals. No one can deliver the way that heals. No one can deliver the way that he delivers. Come on, saints of God. he delivers. Come on, saints of God. he delivers. Come on, saints of God. Since you're in the house of the Lord, Since you're in the house of the Lord, Since you're in the house of the Lord, you might as well bless and lift up the you might as well bless and lift up the you might as well bless and lift up the name of Jesus because he's a great God. Some trust in chariots and some trust in Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses. Some trust in the government and horses. Some trust in the government and horses. Some trust in the government and some trust in money. Lord, we trust in some trust in money. Lord, we trust in some trust in money. Lord, we trust in the name of the Lord. For the name of the name of the Lord. For the name of the name of the Lord. For the name of the Lord is a strong power. The the Lord is a strong power. The the Lord is a strong power. The righteous run in and they are safe. Come righteous run in and they are safe. Come righteous run in and they are safe. Come on and run in and proud above all that on and run in and proud above all that on and run in and proud above all that you're thinking about. Whatever's you're thinking about. Whatever's you're thinking about. Whatever's worrying you on your mind. Come on in worrying you on your mind. Come on in worrying you on your mind. Come on in the name of Jesus. You're a great God.

the name of Jesus. You're a great God. the name of Jesus. You're a great God. You're a great God. You're a wonderful You're a great God. You're a wonderful You're a great God. You're a wonderful God. You're a majestic God. You're a God. You're a majestic God. You're a God. You're a majestic God. You're a holy God. There's nothing like you Jesus holy God. There's nothing like you Jesus holy God. There's nothing like you Jesus and become the blessed day. Become the and become the blessed day. Become the and become the blessed day. Become the lift of the name of Jesus. Become the lift of the name of Jesus. Become the lift of the name of Jesus. Become the crown above all things. For you are Lord crown above all things. For you are Lord crown above all things. For you are Lord and you are Lord alone. You're the King and you are Lord alone. You're the King and you are Lord alone. You're the King of Kings. You're the Lord of Lords. of Kings. You're the Lord of Lords. of Kings. You're the Lord of Lords. You're the prince of peace. You're the You're the prince of peace. You're the You're the prince of peace. You're the rock in the weary land. You're a strong rock in the weary land. You're a strong rock in the weary land. You're a strong tower. You're a way maker. Your name is tower. You're a way maker. Your name is tower. You're a way maker. Your name is above any other name. Liy in the valley, above any other name. Liy in the valley, above any other name. Liy in the valley, bright and morning star. The rose are bright and morning star. The rose are bright and morning star. The rose are shattered. I am that I am. Emmanuel God shattered. I am that I am. Emmanuel God shattered. I am that I am. Emmanuel God with us. We simply call you Jesus. with us. We simply call you Jesus. with us. We simply call you Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. We welcome you, Holy. We welcome Jesus. We welcome you, Holy. We welcome Jesus. We welcome you, Holy. We welcome you, Jesus. We welcome you, Jesus. We you, Jesus. We welcome you, Jesus. We you, Jesus. We welcome you, Jesus. We welcome you in the house. We welcome welcome you in the house. We welcome welcome you in the house. We welcome you, Jesus. Have your way, Lord. Have you, Jesus. Have your way, Lord. Have you, Jesus. Have your way, Lord. Have your way. Have your way. Have your way.

your way. Have your way. Have your way. your way. Have your way. Have your way. Have your way. Have your way. Have your Have your way. Have your way. Have your Have your way. Have your way. Have your way. Hallelujah. way. Hallelujah. way. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Until times get better. Hallelujah. Until times get better. Hallelujah. Until times get better. Hallelujah. Until you get the answer to Hallelujah. Until you get the answer to Hallelujah. Until you get the answer to your question. Hallelujah. Until he your question. Hallelujah. Until he your question. Hallelujah. Until he lifts up your bow down. Hallelujah. lifts up your bow down. Hallelujah. lifts up your bow down. Hallelujah. Until he heals somebody. Hallelujah. Until he heals somebody. Hallelujah. Until he heals somebody. Hallelujah. Until the soul gets saved. Hallelujah. Until the soul gets saved. Hallelujah. Until the soul gets saved. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We bless the Lord for the sweet spirit We bless the Lord for the sweet spirit that's in this place. Hallelujah. that's in this place. Hallelujah. that's in this place. Hallelujah. Woo. Woo. Woo. We know it must be the presence of the We know it must be the presence of the We know it must be the presence of the Lord. Lord. Lord. >> We thank you, Jesus. There's none like >> We thank you, Jesus. There's none like >> We thank you, Jesus. There's none like him. Have you tried him? I know he's all him. Have you tried him? I know he's all him. Have you tried him? I know he's all right. I know for myself. I don't have right. I know for myself. I don't have right. I know for myself. I don't have to wait for anybody else's testimony cuz to wait for anybody else's testimony cuz to wait for anybody else's testimony cuz I know what he's done for me. And I come I know what he's done for me. And I come I know what he's done for me. And I come to tell him thank you for everything to tell him thank you for everything to tell him thank you for everything you've done for me. Hallelujah.

you've done for me. Hallelujah. you've done for me. Hallelujah. Thank you Jesus. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Hallelujah. Thank you Lord. Hallelujah. Thank you Lord. Hallelujah. We reverence the king that's in this We reverence the king that's in this We reverence the king that's in this house. house. house. We bless God. It is now prayer time. We bless God. It is now prayer time. We bless God. It is now prayer time. There are intercessors that are here to There are intercessors that are here to There are intercessors that are here to touch and agree with you in the spirit. touch and agree with you in the spirit. touch and agree with you in the spirit. They are wearing red stone. They are wearing red stone. They are wearing red stone. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. They're wearing red souls around the They're wearing red souls around the They're wearing red souls around the church. We welcome your presence, Lord. Have We welcome your presence, Lord. Have right away. If you would like someone to touch and If you would like someone to touch and agree with you in the spirit, please agree with you in the spirit, please agree with you in the spirit, please make your way now make your way now make your way now to one of the intercessors in the house.

to one of the intercessors in the house. to one of the intercessors in the house. Please refer to the list on the screen Please refer to the list on the screen Please refer to the list on the screen for our Bereie families and for members for our Bereie families and for members for our Bereie families and for members with health concerns. We bless God that with health concerns. We bless God that with health concerns. We bless God that there are no services scheduled for this there are no services scheduled for this there are no services scheduled for this week. Bless the Lord. week. Bless the Lord. week. Bless the Lord. Amen. Even though there are no services Amen. Even though there are no services Amen. Even though there are no services this week, we know that there are loved this week, we know that there are loved this week, we know that there are loved ones, members of the church family who ones, members of the church family who ones, members of the church family who have experienced the death of a loved have experienced the death of a loved have experienced the death of a loved one. We ask that you would lift your one. We ask that you would lift your one. We ask that you would lift your church family up in prayer. Though those church family up in prayer. Though those church family up in prayer. Though those who stand in need of healing, those who stand in need of healing, those who stand in need of healing, those instead in need of being comforted by instead in need of being comforted by instead in need of being comforted by grief and death. grief and death. grief and death. So would you go with me as we prepare to So would you go with me as we prepare to So would you go with me as we prepare to go before the throne of grace? There is none like you. Nobody like There is none like you. Nobody like >> No one can love us the way that you do. to save us to save us >> but you.

>> but you. >> but you. No one is holy. No one is righteous. No one is holy. No one is righteous. No one is holy. No one is righteous. No one is understanding No one is understanding No one is understanding and patient and kind and compassionate and patient and kind and compassionate and patient and kind and compassionate and the list goes on and on. and the list goes on and on. and the list goes on and on. On today, God, we just come to tell you On today, God, we just come to tell you On today, God, we just come to tell you thank you. thank you. thank you. Thank you for looking out for us. Thank Thank you for looking out for us. Thank Thank you for looking out for us. Thank you for when we'd even know or have the you for when we'd even know or have the you for when we'd even know or have the common sense to look out for ourselves. common sense to look out for ourselves. common sense to look out for ourselves. You were protecting us from danger seen You were protecting us from danger seen You were protecting us from danger seen and unseen. and unseen. and unseen. Thank you, Lord, for the ways that you Thank you, Lord, for the ways that you Thank you, Lord, for the ways that you made for us. When we didn't know which made for us. When we didn't know which made for us. When we didn't know which way to turn, when we didn't know what way to turn, when we didn't know what way to turn, when we didn't know what decision to make, it seemed as if the decision to make, it seemed as if the decision to make, it seemed as if the path just unfolded right before our path just unfolded right before our path just unfolded right before our eyes. eyes. eyes. And just so that we wouldn't sabotage And just so that we wouldn't sabotage And just so that we wouldn't sabotage our own self, you made it so that we our own self, you made it so that we our own self, you made it so that we only had one direction to go. >> Thank you, Lord, for how you've >> Thank you, Lord, for how you've comforted us. when there were no words, comforted us. when there were no words, comforted us. when there were no words, when there was nothing that could seem when there was nothing that could seem when there was nothing that could seem to lift up our bow down heads and to lift up our bow down heads and to lift up our bow down heads and comfort our hearts.

comfort our hearts. comfort our hearts. Thank you that you were the one that Thank you that you were the one that Thank you that you were the one that walked with us through that season. walked with us through that season. walked with us through that season. And thank you Lord for how you sent a And thank you Lord for how you sent a And thank you Lord for how you sent a word to encourage. How you sent an angel word to encourage. How you sent an angel word to encourage. How you sent an angel in the form of a friend, a church in the form of a friend, a church in the form of a friend, a church member, a pastor, a minister to member, a pastor, a minister to member, a pastor, a minister to encourage our hearts. encourage our hearts. encourage our hearts. Thank you for being a holy and a Thank you for being a holy and a Thank you for being a holy and a righteous God that has so much love righteous God that has so much love righteous God that has so much love that you don't see our idiosyncratic that you don't see our idiosyncratic that you don't see our idiosyncratic ways. You don't see when we're fickle. ways. You don't see when we're fickle. ways. You don't see when we're fickle. You see it, but you still love us and You see it, but you still love us and You see it, but you still love us and you still take care of us. You still you still take care of us. You still you still take care of us. You still provide for us. provide for us. provide for us. Our prayer on this morning is simply Our prayer on this morning is simply Our prayer on this morning is simply thank you thank you thank you on this last Sunday of the church year. on this last Sunday of the church year. on this last Sunday of the church year. Thank you for the miracles that you've Thank you for the miracles that you've Thank you for the miracles that you've brought here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist brought here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist brought here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Church. Church. Thank you for how you miraculously Thank you for how you miraculously Thank you for how you miraculously canled debt. Thank you for every soul canled debt. Thank you for every soul canled debt. Thank you for every soul that you saved. Thank you for every that you saved. Thank you for every that you saved. Thank you for every church member that joined the house of church member that joined the house of church member that joined the house of God. Thank you Lord for Wheeler uh God. Thank you Lord for Wheeler uh God. Thank you Lord for Wheeler uh everywhere. The folks that are watching everywhere. The folks that are watching everywhere. The folks that are watching and not even in the same state, some not and not even in the same state, some not and not even in the same state, some not even in the same country, even in the same country, even in the same country, but how souls were saved, how hearts but how souls were saved, how hearts but how souls were saved, how hearts were encouraged.

were encouraged. were encouraged. We thank you for it all, God. We thank you for it all, God. We thank you for it all, God. And so God, we ask that you have right And so God, we ask that you have right And so God, we ask that you have right away because you certainly are already away because you certainly are already away because you certainly are already here. Thank you for your sweet here. Thank you for your sweet here. Thank you for your sweet visitation. visitation. visitation. Now God, we surrender this worship Now God, we surrender this worship Now God, we surrender this worship experience over to you. We pray that experience over to you. We pray that experience over to you. We pray that this would be your throne. And we're now this would be your throne. And we're now this would be your throne. And we're now in the throne room. We pray God that you in the throne room. We pray God that you in the throne room. We pray God that you would just enlarge yourself, that you would just enlarge yourself, that you would just enlarge yourself, that you would meet every need that's under my would meet every need that's under my would meet every need that's under my voice. voice. voice. we consecrate this worship service to we consecrate this worship service to we consecrate this worship service to you now. We pray that you would anoint you now. We pray that you would anoint you now. We pray that you would anoint every song that is sung, that you would every song that is sung, that you would every song that is sung, that you would anoint the scripture that is read, the anoint the scripture that is read, the anoint the scripture that is read, the prayers that are prayed. prayers that are prayed. prayers that are prayed. We thank you for the shepherd of this We thank you for the shepherd of this We thank you for the shepherd of this house. We thank you for Dr. Marcus D. house. We thank you for Dr. Marcus D. house. We thank you for Dr. Marcus D. Cosby. Cosby. Cosby. Thank you for a season of rest. Thank Thank you for a season of rest. Thank Thank you for a season of rest. Thank you for how you're speaking to him. you for how you're speaking to him. you for how you're speaking to him. Thank you for how you're giving him Thank you for how you're giving him Thank you for how you're giving him revelation. Thank you for how you're revelation. Thank you for how you're revelation. Thank you for how you're equipping him for the year that awaits equipping him for the year that awaits equipping him for the year that awaits us. Thank you for supernatural vision us. Thank you for supernatural vision us. Thank you for supernatural vision and revelation and understanding and and revelation and understanding and and revelation and understanding and discernment.

discernment. discernment. Strengthen his body, God. We thank you Strengthen his body, God. We thank you Strengthen his body, God. We thank you that your hand is also upon his family. that your hand is also upon his family. that your hand is also upon his family. Thank you that it's on Mrs. Cosby and Thank you that it's on Mrs. Cosby and Thank you that it's on Mrs. Cosby and his children and his grandchild. We pray his children and his grandchild. We pray his children and his grandchild. We pray a hedge of protection over them. And we a hedge of protection over them. And we a hedge of protection over them. And we thank you, God. We thank you for our thank you, God. We thank you for our thank you, God. We thank you for our executive pastor, Dr. Alexander Johnson. executive pastor, Dr. Alexander Johnson. executive pastor, Dr. Alexander Johnson. Thank you for how you've used them down Thank you for how you've used them down Thank you for how you've used them down through the years. Such a young man with through the years. Such a young man with through the years. Such a young man with deep roots that has made an indelible deep roots that has made an indelible deep roots that has made an indelible impression on this ministry. Thank you impression on this ministry. Thank you impression on this ministry. Thank you for the miracles that you worked in his for the miracles that you worked in his for the miracles that you worked in his life and in his wife and in his life and in his wife and in his life and in his wife and in his children. Thank you for his faithfulness children. Thank you for his faithfulness children. Thank you for his faithfulness and his dedication. We pray blessings and his dedication. We pray blessings and his dedication. We pray blessings upon him now in the name of Jesus. upon him now in the name of Jesus. upon him now in the name of Jesus. Strengthen him that he can preach a Strengthen him that he can preach a Strengthen him that he can preach a rainbow word to your children. And we rainbow word to your children. And we rainbow word to your children. And we thank you, God, that the oil that flows thank you, God, that the oil that flows thank you, God, that the oil that flows here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church also saturates him and takes him to also saturates him and takes him to also saturates him and takes him to Brentwood. That he'll find fresh Brentwood. That he'll find fresh Brentwood. That he'll find fresh anointing there. That he'll hear fresh anointing there. That he'll hear fresh anointing there. That he'll hear fresh word coming straight from your heart.

word coming straight from your heart. word coming straight from your heart. Thank you, Lord, for consecrating his Thank you, Lord, for consecrating his Thank you, Lord, for consecrating his hands for the pastor. and thank you for hands for the pastor. and thank you for hands for the pastor. and thank you for the errands that you will assign to lift the errands that you will assign to lift the errands that you will assign to lift up his arms and to cover for him and to up his arms and to cover for him and to up his arms and to cover for him and to intercede on his behalf. We thank you intercede on his behalf. We thank you intercede on his behalf. We thank you for God, we shall be better than what we for God, we shall be better than what we for God, we shall be better than what we were when we came in here. Thank you for were when we came in here. Thank you for were when we came in here. Thank you for the souls that will be saved. Thank you the souls that will be saved. Thank you the souls that will be saved. Thank you for the hearts that will be encouraged. for the hearts that will be encouraged. for the hearts that will be encouraged. Thank you for the people that will join Thank you for the people that will join Thank you for the people that will join your church. And we come to give your your church. And we come to give your your church. And we come to give your name all the glory, all the honor that's name all the glory, all the honor that's name all the glory, all the honor that's due to you and you alone. In Jesus' name due to you and you alone. In Jesus' name due to you and you alone. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. When I When I >> How he save me, >> How he save me, >> How he save me, >> how he save, >> how he save, >> how he save, >> raise me, >> raise me, >> raise me, >> how >> how >> how >> fill me >> fill me >> fill me >> with the Holy Ghost. >> with the Holy Ghost. >> with the Holy Ghost. >> Holy Ghost. I heal me. >> Holy Ghost. I heal me. >> Holy Ghost. I heal me. >> Heal me.

>> Heal me. >> Heal me. >> When I think about >> When I think about >> When I think about >> I give me >> I give me >> I give me turn me around turn me around turn me around my feet. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Oh Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Oh Jesus. Thank you Jesus. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Glory to the name of God. Glory to the name of God. Glory to the name of God. You're worthy Lord. You're worthy. You're worthy Lord. You're worthy. You're worthy Lord. You're worthy. You're worthy. You're worthy. Come on. Won't you shout right there? Come on. Won't you shout right there? Praise our God. Won't you make his name Praise our God. Won't you make his name Praise our God. Won't you make his name great in this house? Won't you lift his great in this house? Won't you lift his great in this house? Won't you lift his name up above every name? For the Lord name up above every name? For the Lord name up above every name? For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. He's is great and greatly to be praised. He's is great and greatly to be praised. He's greatly to be adored. It makes us want greatly to be adored. It makes us want greatly to be adored. It makes us want to shout hallelujah. to shout hallelujah. to shout hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus. Come on. Anybody love Thank you, Jesus. Come on. Anybody love Thank you, Jesus. Come on. Anybody love the Lord on this morning? Hallelujah the Lord on this morning? Hallelujah the Lord on this morning? Hallelujah Lord. glory to his name. If you're not already glory to his name. If you're not already standing, would you please stand for standing, would you please stand for standing, would you please stand for this morning's hymn? What a fellowship, this morning's hymn? What a fellowship, this morning's hymn? What a fellowship, what a joy divine to lean on his what a joy divine to lean on his what a joy divine to lean on his everlasting arm.

Let's sing it together. What a Let's sing it together. What a fellowship. What a joy What a joy leading on the everlasting arms. How sweet to walk How sweet to walk away away away from the everlasting.

from the everlasting. from the everlasting. Oh, how bright the path. Oh, how bright the path. Oh, how bright the path. How bright How bright How bright from day to day. What am I to pray? What am I to pray? What am I to Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. We are

We are We all We all We all from all Amen. This morning's scripture reading Amen. This morning's scripture reading comes from the book of the letter of the comes from the book of the letter of the comes from the book of the letter of the Ephesians 3 chapter beginning at verse 1 Ephesians 3 chapter beginning at verse 1 Ephesians 3 chapter beginning at verse 1 from the New International Version. It from the New International Version. It from the New International Version. It reads, "For this reason I, Paul, the reads, "For this reason I, Paul, the reads, "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus, for the sake prisoner of Christ Jesus, for the sake prisoner of Christ Jesus, for the sake of you Gentiles, surely you have heard of you Gentiles, surely you have heard of you Gentiles, surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace about the administration of God's grace about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you." that is that was given to me for you." that is that was given to me for you." that is the mystery made known to me by the mystery made known to me by the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written revelation as I have already written revelation as I have already written briefly in reading this then you will be briefly in reading this then you will be briefly in reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the able to understand my insight into the able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ which was not made mystery of Christ which was not made mystery of Christ which was not made known to people in other generations as known to people in other generations as known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the spirit it has now been revealed by the spirit it has now been revealed by the spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets to God's holy apostles and prophets to God's holy apostles and prophets mystery is that through the gospel the mystery is that through the gospel the mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are hes together with Israel Gentiles are hes together with Israel Gentiles are hes together with Israel members ers together of one body and members ers together of one body and members ers together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Jesus sharers together in the promise in Jesus sharers together in the promise in Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus. I became a servant

Christ, Christ Jesus. I became a servant Christ, Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's of this gospel by the gift of God's of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given given me through the working grace given given me through the working grace given given me through the working of his power. And although I am less of his power. And although I am less of his power. And although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, than the least of all the Lord's people, than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me to preach to the this grace was given me to preach to the this grace was given me to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ and to make plain to everyone the and to make plain to everyone the and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery which for administration of this mystery which for administration of this mystery which for ages past was kept hidden in God who ages past was kept hidden in God who ages past was kept hidden in God who created all things. His intent was that created all things. His intent was that created all things. His intent was that now through the church, the manifold now through the church, the manifold now through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to wisdom of God should be made known to wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the the rulers and authorities in the the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms according to his eternal heavenly realms according to his eternal heavenly realms according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ purpose that he accomplished in Christ purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him, we may approach God with freedom in him, we may approach God with freedom in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence. and confidence. and confidence. I ask you therefore not to be I ask you therefore not to be I ask you therefore not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for discouraged because of my sufferings for discouraged because of my sufferings for you which are your glory. For this you which are your glory. For this you which are your glory. For this reason I kneel before the father from reason I kneel before the father from reason I kneel before the father from whom every family in heaven and on earth whom every family in heaven and on earth whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his derives its name. I pray that out of his derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you glorious riches he may strengthen you glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your with power through his spirit in your with power through his spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in inner being so that Christ may dwell in inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray your hearts through faith. And I pray your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in that you being rooted and established in that you being rooted and established in love may have power together with all love may have power together with all love may have power together with all the Lord's holy people to grasp how wide the Lord's holy people to grasp how wide the Lord's holy people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love

and long and high and deep is the love and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know that this love of Christ and to know that this love of Christ and to know that this love surpasses knowledge that you may be surpasses knowledge that you may be surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the filled to the measure of all the filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine according to all we can ask or imagine according to all we can ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us. To his power that is at work within us. To his power that is at work within us. To him be glory in the church and in Christ him be glory in the church and in Christ him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever Jesus throughout all generations forever Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen. and ever. Amen. and ever. Amen. >> Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Anybody come to give God glory today? Anybody come to give God glory today? Anybody come to give God glory today? Hallelujah. How about we give him the Hallelujah. How about we give him the Hallelujah. How about we give him the highest praise? We're going to give him highest praise? We're going to give him highest praise? We're going to give him our hallelujah today. Is that all right? our hallelujah today. Is that all right? our hallelujah today. Is that all right? Come on. Put your hands on it, y'all. Come on. Put your hands on it, y'all. Come on. Put your hands on it, y'all. Come on. Let's clap all around the house Come on. Let's clap all around the house Come on. Let's clap all around the house today. today. today. Glory. Let your name be praised today Glory. Let your name be praised today Glory. Let your name be praised today and every day and forever, Lord. Thank and every day and forever, Lord. Thank and every day and forever, Lord. Thank you, Jesus.

you, Jesus. you, Jesus. Let's give him the highest praise. We Let's give him the highest praise. We Let's give him the highest praise. We say hallelujah. say hallelujah. say hallelujah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, Oh, Oh, hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Let's do that again. Let's do that again. Let's do that again. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh, you're worthy to be praised. Oh, you're worthy to be praised. Oh, you're worthy to be praised. Hallelujah. be be higher.

worship in your house. Come on. Give all worship in your house. Come on. Give all the praise God before you. We are you the praise God before you. We are you the praise God before you. We are you all the Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Hallelujah. He's worthy. He's worthy of Hallelujah. He's worthy. He's worthy of praise. Hallelujah. praise. Hallelujah. praise. Hallelujah. For he's so worthy. He's so worthy. For he's so worthy. He's so worthy. For he's so worthy. He's so worthy. He's so hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Heat.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. We lift you up. He's worthy. He's worthy. He's worthy. He's worthy. He's worthy. He's worthy. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Our God is most worthy of all of the Our God is most worthy of all of the praise. So, let's lift up the Lord this praise. So, let's lift up the Lord this praise. So, let's lift up the Lord this morning on this fifth and final Sunday morning on this fifth and final Sunday morning on this fifth and final Sunday of the month of August, year of our of the month of August, year of our of the month of August, year of our Lord, 2026. Lord, 2026. Lord, 2026. What a mighty God we serve. How we honor What a mighty God we serve. How we honor What a mighty God we serve. How we honor the Lord this morning. We may be seeking the Lord this morning. We may be seeking the Lord this morning. We may be seeking the presence of the Lord as we together the presence of the Lord as we together the presence of the Lord as we together worship the Lord in the beauty of worship the Lord in the beauty of worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. And how we honor the Lord for holiness. And how we honor the Lord for holiness. And how we honor the Lord for his presence in this place and for the his presence in this place and for the his presence in this place and for the presence of each of us who has gathered presence of each of us who has gathered presence of each of us who has gathered here in the cathedral there in the here in the cathedral there in the here in the cathedral there in the sanctuary all around the world. All sanctuary all around the world. All sanctuary all around the world. All those who share with us at this 10:00 those who share with us at this 10:00 those who share with us at this 10:00 hour. We are so grateful that God has hour. We are so grateful that God has hour. We are so grateful that God has gifted us the privilege of gathering gifted us the privilege of gathering gifted us the privilege of gathering together in the house of the Lord one together in the house of the Lord one together in the house of the Lord one more time for worship. Somebody ought to more time for worship. Somebody ought to more time for worship. Somebody ought to be glad about it. Are you one of them? I be glad about it. Are you one of them? I be glad about it. Are you one of them? I am. I'm one of them. Glad about it. And

am. I'm one of them. Glad about it. And am. I'm one of them. Glad about it. And what a joy it is to see you. Thank God what a joy it is to see you. Thank God what a joy it is to see you. Thank God for this magnificent music ministry. for this magnificent music ministry. for this magnificent music ministry. We'll hear from them more later, but We'll hear from them more later, but We'll hear from them more later, but they certainly are blessing us already they certainly are blessing us already they certainly are blessing us already in worship today. And we thank God for in worship today. And we thank God for in worship today. And we thank God for them and for the way that they share them and for the way that they share them and for the way that they share with us so powerfully each time we with us so powerfully each time we with us so powerfully each time we gather together. But not for them only. gather together. But not for them only. gather together. But not for them only. If you were at the very top of the If you were at the very top of the If you were at the very top of the service, even before the call to service, even before the call to service, even before the call to worship, you heard our sign language worship, you heard our sign language worship, you heard our sign language ministry or saw our sign language ministry or saw our sign language ministry or saw our sign language ministry minister to us with their ministry minister to us with their ministry minister to us with their hands. That's hands. That's hands. That's we thank God for them and for all of our we thank God for them and for all of our we thank God for them and for all of our deaf sisters and brothers who share with deaf sisters and brothers who share with deaf sisters and brothers who share with us here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist us here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist us here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Uh we are grateful that we have Church. Uh we are grateful that we have Church. Uh we are grateful that we have the opportunity to minister to them. Uh the opportunity to minister to them. Uh the opportunity to minister to them. Uh so that they likewise can know the so that they likewise can know the so that they likewise can know the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as we share it together in this place. as we share it together in this place. as we share it together in this place. To God be the glory. No one left out, no To God be the glory. No one left out, no To God be the glory. No one left out, no one left behind. We share with all of one left behind. We share with all of one left behind. We share with all of the saints of God in whatever reality the saints of God in whatever reality the saints of God in whatever reality they face in their lives. We celebrate they face in their lives. We celebrate they face in their lives. We celebrate that today. I'm glad to see each of you that today. I'm glad to see each of you that today. I'm glad to see each of you who has made it. It's the fifth Sunday who has made it. It's the fifth Sunday who has made it. It's the fifth Sunday of the month, the last Sunday of our of the month, the last Sunday of our of the month, the last Sunday of our church year. here as the Reverend Reine church year. here as the Reverend Reine church year. here as the Reverend Reine Johnson aptly told us and mentioned in Johnson aptly told us and mentioned in Johnson aptly told us and mentioned in her prayer and we're grateful that we her prayer and we're grateful that we her prayer and we're grateful that we have the opportunity to come to this have the opportunity to come to this have the opportunity to come to this last Sunday and do the same thing we've last Sunday and do the same thing we've last Sunday and do the same thing we've done the majority of the Sundays of this done the majority of the Sundays of this done the majority of the Sundays of this church year and that is to welcome our church year and that is to welcome our church year and that is to welcome our first time visitors to Wheeler Avenue first time visitors to Wheeler Avenue first time visitors to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. If you are one of our Baptist Church. If you are one of our Baptist Church. If you are one of our first timers, will you please stand? We first timers, will you please stand? We first timers, will you please stand? We need to see you so we can celebrate you.

need to see you so we can celebrate you. need to see you so we can celebrate you. Any first time there they are. Well, Any first time there they are. Well, Any first time there they are. Well, bless the name of the Lord. Hello there. bless the name of the Lord. Hello there. bless the name of the Lord. Hello there. Good to see you. Good to see you. Good to see you. Please remain standing. Remain standing. Please remain standing. Remain standing. Please remain standing. Remain standing. Remain standing. Remain standing. Remain standing. Wow. We take great delight. I hope you Wow. We take great delight. I hope you Wow. We take great delight. I hope you already recognize that. We take great already recognize that. We take great already recognize that. We take great delight in welcoming firsttime visitors delight in welcoming firsttime visitors delight in welcoming firsttime visitors to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. We to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. We to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. We recognize that you have many options at recognize that you have many options at recognize that you have many options at this 10:00 hour as to where you would go this 10:00 hour as to where you would go this 10:00 hour as to where you would go for worship. But we're so grateful that for worship. But we're so grateful that for worship. But we're so grateful that you exercise the option to come to you exercise the option to come to you exercise the option to come to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Some by Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Some by Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Some by human invitation, others by divine human invitation, others by divine human invitation, others by divine inspiration. But whatever got you here, inspiration. But whatever got you here, inspiration. But whatever got you here, we're excited that you have made your we're excited that you have made your we're excited that you have made your way to the Wheeler Avenue Church today. way to the Wheeler Avenue Church today. way to the Wheeler Avenue Church today. So to each of you who shares with us So to each of you who shares with us So to each of you who shares with us here in the cathedral up there in the here in the cathedral up there in the here in the cathedral up there in the balcony on this first floor there in the balcony on this first floor there in the balcony on this first floor there in the sanctuary. To all of you, we say welcome sanctuary. To all of you, we say welcome sanctuary. To all of you, we say welcome to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. We're to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. We're to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. We're so glad you're here and you can testify so glad you're here and you can testify so glad you're here and you can testify to that. We can testify by our hand clap to that. We can testify by our hand clap to that. We can testify by our hand clap and you can see it today. Listen, we and you can see it today. Listen, we and you can see it today. Listen, we even wrote a song just for you. If you even wrote a song just for you. If you even wrote a song just for you. If you don't mind, will you allow us to don't mind, will you allow us to don't mind, will you allow us to serenate you for just a moment because serenate you for just a moment because serenate you for just a moment because we really do welcome you to Wheeler we really do welcome you to Wheeler we really do welcome you to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Come on, church Avenue Baptist Church. Come on, church Avenue Baptist Church. Come on, church family. Let's make sure that all of our family. Let's make sure that all of our family. Let's make sure that all of our first time visitors know how welcome first time visitors know how welcome first time visitors know how welcome they are in this place. We come to you.

they are in this place. We come to you. they are in this place. We come to you. We love We love We love you. you. you. Heat. Heat. Heat. Welcome Welcome to the island.

Yes, we do. Yes, we do. So glad you're Yes, we do. Yes, we do. So glad you're here today. So glad you're here. On here today. So glad you're here. On here today. So glad you're here. On behalf of all of us, we say to each one behalf of all of us, we say to each one behalf of all of us, we say to each one of you that you are welcome here. I've of you that you are welcome here. I've of you that you are welcome here. I've gotten some names of some very special gotten some names of some very special gotten some names of some very special people who have made their way all the people who have made their way all the people who have made their way all the way from the Chicagoland area and the way from the Chicagoland area and the way from the Chicagoland area and the Covenant United Church of Christ. Sister Covenant United Church of Christ. Sister Covenant United Church of Christ. Sister Connie Bax, Gloria Branch, and Juel Connie Bax, Gloria Branch, and Juel Connie Bax, Gloria Branch, and Juel Thompson. Where are you friends? There Thompson. Where are you friends? There Thompson. Where are you friends? There they y'all all the way back there. Good they y'all all the way back there. Good they y'all all the way back there. Good to see you. Glad to have you on the to see you. Glad to have you on the to see you. Glad to have you on the avenue today. Y'all know I'm going to be avenue today. Y'all know I'm going to be avenue today. Y'all know I'm going to be there Tuesday, right? I'll be there there Tuesday, right? I'll be there there Tuesday, right? I'll be there Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Look Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Look Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Look forward to being there in your presence forward to being there in your presence forward to being there in your presence if you make it back to Covenant by the if you make it back to Covenant by the if you make it back to Covenant by the end of this week. God bless you. Glad to end of this week. God bless you. Glad to end of this week. God bless you. Glad to see you. To God be the glory for each see you. To God be the glory for each see you. To God be the glory for each one of you. I'm told the Earl and Alma one of you. I'm told the Earl and Alma one of you. I'm told the Earl and Alma Carr family reunion are here. Family Carr family reunion are here. Family Carr family reunion are here. Family reunion, won't you please stand? We need reunion, won't you please stand? We need reunion, won't you please stand? We need to see you. to see you. to see you. Well, look ahead here. Well, look ahead here. Well, look ahead here. Praise the Lord for all of you. It's Praise the Lord for all of you. It's Praise the Lord for all of you. It's good to see you. Glad that you come to good to see you. Glad that you come to good to see you. Glad that you come to be with us. Who's who's the member of be with us. Who's who's the member of be with us. Who's who's the member of the Ween Avenue Church? Who's here? the Ween Avenue Church? Who's here? the Ween Avenue Church? Who's here? Where are you? Okay. God bless you. And Where are you? Okay. God bless you. And Where are you? Okay. God bless you. And where's the elders? Where's the eldest where's the elders? Where's the eldest where's the elders? Where's the eldest among you? Either patriarch or among you? Either patriarch or among you? Either patriarch or matriarch. Where are you? The eldest.

matriarch. Where are you? The eldest. matriarch. Where are you? The eldest. Hello, ma'am. We're glad to have you Hello, ma'am. We're glad to have you Hello, ma'am. We're glad to have you here. Where you all from? here. Where you all from? here. Where you all from? >> From Houston. >> From Houston. >> From Houston. >> Shepherd, Texas. All right. I'm not a >> Shepherd, Texas. All right. I'm not a >> Shepherd, Texas. All right. I'm not a Texan. Where's Shepherd? He he he just pointed that way. It's He he he just pointed that way. It's that way. Okay. that way. Okay. that way. Okay. Shepherd, Texas. You know where Shepherd, Texas. You know where Shepherd, Texas. You know where Shepherd, Texas is. See, nobody knows Shepherd, Texas is. See, nobody knows Shepherd, Texas is. See, nobody knows where Shepherd, Texas is, but y'all. God where Shepherd, Texas is, but y'all. God where Shepherd, Texas is, but y'all. God bless you. So glad that you're here. bless you. So glad that you're here. bless you. So glad that you're here. Come on and welcome the Earl and Elma Come on and welcome the Earl and Elma Come on and welcome the Earl and Elma Carr family reunion to Wheeler Avenue Carr family reunion to Wheeler Avenue Carr family reunion to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Amen. We've got some Baptist Church. Amen. We've got some Baptist Church. Amen. We've got some collegiate, some college students from collegiate, some college students from collegiate, some college students from Interarsity. That's a great ministry on Interarsity. That's a great ministry on Interarsity. That's a great ministry on the college campus. They are led by the the college campus. They are led by the the college campus. They are led by the Reverend Shalia Kabindio. She's a member Reverend Shalia Kabindio. She's a member Reverend Shalia Kabindio. She's a member of our church, member of our clergy of our church, member of our clergy of our church, member of our clergy team. Where is Interarity? They're the team. Where is Interarity? They're the team. Where is Interarity? They're the students from Interarsity. They're here students from Interarsity. They're here students from Interarsity. They're here today. today. today. Hey y'all. Good to see you. That's Hey y'all. Good to see you. That's Hey y'all. Good to see you. That's Reverend Shalia right there in the Reverend Shalia right there in the Reverend Shalia right there in the middle. Wave your hand real good so they middle. Wave your hand real good so they middle. Wave your hand real good so they can know cuz she looks like a student. can know cuz she looks like a student. can know cuz she looks like a student. So you need to know she full grown. She So you need to know she full grown. She So you need to know she full grown. She full grown. God bless you ma'am. God full grown. God bless you ma'am. God full grown. God bless you ma'am. God bless all of you. GL. So glad that bless all of you. GL. So glad that bless all of you. GL. So glad that you're here. Don't make it your last you're here. Don't make it your last you're here. Don't make it your last time. Come on back whenever you have the time. Come on back whenever you have the time. Come on back whenever you have the opportunity. Have you looked at and opportunity. Have you looked at and opportunity. Have you looked at and talked to the person sitting next to you talked to the person sitting next to you talked to the person sitting next to you on either side in front of you and on either side in front of you and on either side in front of you and behind you? Tell them, "I'm so glad to behind you? Tell them, "I'm so glad to behind you? Tell them, "I'm so glad to be in worship with you." So glad to be be in worship with you." So glad to be be in worship with you." So glad to be in worship with you. This is called in worship with you. This is called in worship with you. This is called passing the peace of the Lord.

passing the peace of the Lord. passing the peace of the Lord. Put a smile on your face and a smile on Put a smile on your face and a smile on Put a smile on your face and a smile on somebody else's face. Yeah. It's good to somebody else's face. Yeah. It's good to somebody else's face. Yeah. It's good to see you. see you. see you. We're not here in isolation. We're here We're not here in isolation. We're here We're not here in isolation. We're here in community. in community. in community. It's community It's community It's community family. family. family. To God be the glory. God bless you. one To God be the glory. God bless you. one To God be the glory. God bless you. one and all. Well, and all. Well, and all. Well, if you've been around Wheeler Avenue for if you've been around Wheeler Avenue for if you've been around Wheeler Avenue for an extended period of time, you know an extended period of time, you know an extended period of time, you know that Fifth Sundays, we always do a that Fifth Sundays, we always do a that Fifth Sundays, we always do a little something special just to make little something special just to make little something special just to make sure that uh the fifth Sunday is engaged sure that uh the fifth Sunday is engaged sure that uh the fifth Sunday is engaged in a in a in a more uh expansive way. in a in a in a more uh expansive way. in a in a in a more uh expansive way. And today is no different. Yesterday we And today is no different. Yesterday we And today is no different. Yesterday we had a wonderful spiritual gifts had a wonderful spiritual gifts had a wonderful spiritual gifts symposium where many of us learn the symposium where many of us learn the symposium where many of us learn the spiritual gifts that each of us has been spiritual gifts that each of us has been spiritual gifts that each of us has been given uh by our God. But today whenever given uh by our God. But today whenever given uh by our God. But today whenever we finish up the s symposium which is we finish up the s symposium which is we finish up the s symposium which is always in August we go the next day the always in August we go the next day the always in August we go the next day the very next day and have a ministry fair very next day and have a ministry fair very next day and have a ministry fair and that is to make sure that every and that is to make sure that every and that is to make sure that every person in the Wheeler Avenue person in the Wheeler Avenue person in the Wheeler Avenue congregation is engaged in ministry some congregation is engaged in ministry some congregation is engaged in ministry some kind of ministry of the church. There's kind of ministry of the church. There's kind of ministry of the church. There's so many we have more than 80 ministries so many we have more than 80 ministries so many we have more than 80 ministries of our church nearly uh more than 90 of our church nearly uh more than 90 of our church nearly uh more than 90 actually uh ministries of our church and actually uh ministries of our church and actually uh ministries of our church and we want you to be a part of all of the we want you to be a part of all of the we want you to be a part of all of the wonderful things that are happening at wonderful things that are happening at wonderful things that are happening at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. So Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. So Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. So immediately following this service, immediately following this service, immediately following this service, we're going to go all the way across we're going to go all the way across we're going to go all the way across campus. You'll see them look set up campus. You'll see them look set up campus. You'll see them look set up waiting for you. Look at them waving at waiting for you. Look at them waving at waiting for you. Look at them waving at you. They're in the Christian Community you. They're in the Christian Community you. They're in the Christian Community Life Center gymnasium and we invite you Life Center gymnasium and we invite you Life Center gymnasium and we invite you to go all the way across campus and be to go all the way across campus and be to go all the way across campus and be blessed by the ministry fair. If you blessed by the ministry fair. If you blessed by the ministry fair. If you know you need to be engaged in ministry know you need to be engaged in ministry know you need to be engaged in ministry when we start our next church year, when we start our next church year, when we start our next church year, which literally starts on Tuesday. We

which literally starts on Tuesday. We which literally starts on Tuesday. We want you to be a part of all the great want you to be a part of all the great want you to be a part of all the great things that are happening at Wheeler things that are happening at Wheeler things that are happening at Wheeler Avenue and use the gifts that God has Avenue and use the gifts that God has Avenue and use the gifts that God has given you to make Wheeler Avenue a given you to make Wheeler Avenue a given you to make Wheeler Avenue a better place. I know you can do it and I better place. I know you can do it and I better place. I know you can do it and I hope that you will and I thank God for hope that you will and I thank God for hope that you will and I thank God for you. Amen. Well, that's today. Well, you. Amen. Well, that's today. Well, you. Amen. Well, that's today. Well, tomorrow yet another great thing happens tomorrow yet another great thing happens tomorrow yet another great thing happens at Wheeler Avenue and that is our year at Wheeler Avenue and that is our year at Wheeler Avenue and that is our year in church meeting. That's when we come in church meeting. That's when we come in church meeting. That's when we come together and we seek, we celebrate all together and we seek, we celebrate all together and we seek, we celebrate all the great things that God has done in the great things that God has done in the great things that God has done in this church year. I keep using that this church year. I keep using that this church year. I keep using that language, church year. Some may not be language, church year. Some may not be language, church year. Some may not be familiar with it. Our church year runs familiar with it. Our church year runs familiar with it. Our church year runs from September 1st all the way to August from September 1st all the way to August from September 1st all the way to August 31st. So, tomorrow is the last day of 31st. So, tomorrow is the last day of 31st. So, tomorrow is the last day of our church year. We'll have our year-end our church year. We'll have our year-end our church year. We'll have our year-end church meeting as is our custom every church meeting as is our custom every church meeting as is our custom every final Monday of the month of August and final Monday of the month of August and final Monday of the month of August and we together will share in the wonderful we together will share in the wonderful we together will share in the wonderful things uh that have happened throughout things uh that have happened throughout things uh that have happened throughout these last 12 months. We invite you if these last 12 months. We invite you if these last 12 months. We invite you if you've not yet registered to please you've not yet registered to please you've not yet registered to please register by using the QR code that's on register by using the QR code that's on register by using the QR code that's on the screen and uh you will then get the screen and uh you will then get the screen and uh you will then get access you gain access to our year-end access you gain access to our year-end access you gain access to our year-end church meeting. This is only for the church meeting. This is only for the church meeting. This is only for the official membership of our congregation.

official membership of our congregation. official membership of our congregation. This is not for all of our wonderful This is not for all of our wonderful This is not for all of our wonderful friends and loved ones who share with us friends and loved ones who share with us friends and loved ones who share with us with regularity but are not official with regularity but are not official with regularity but are not official members. We invite all and encourage all members. We invite all and encourage all members. We invite all and encourage all official members to join with us official members to join with us official members to join with us tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. as we tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. as we tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. as we discuss the business of our church. discuss the business of our church. discuss the business of our church. Other church say amen. Other church say amen. Other church say amen. >> And then Tuesday we start our day off at >> And then Tuesday we start our day off at >> And then Tuesday we start our day off at 6:00 a.m. in the sanctuary with a 12hour 6:00 a.m. in the sanctuary with a 12hour 6:00 a.m. in the sanctuary with a 12hour prayer vigil. We together will be prayer vigil. We together will be prayer vigil. We together will be praying in the sanctuary from 6:00 a.m. praying in the sanctuary from 6:00 a.m. praying in the sanctuary from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. And we encourage, we invite to 6:00 p.m. And we encourage, we invite to 6:00 p.m. And we encourage, we invite every member of our congregation to come every member of our congregation to come every member of our congregation to come by at least for some period of time. If by at least for some period of time. If by at least for some period of time. If it's 5 minutes, if it's 10, 20, 30, 60 it's 5 minutes, if it's 10, 20, 30, 60 it's 5 minutes, if it's 10, 20, 30, 60 minutes, we invite you to come by and minutes, we invite you to come by and minutes, we invite you to come by and share with us in prayer. Be prayed for. share with us in prayer. Be prayed for. share with us in prayer. Be prayed for. Pray for someone else. Enjoy. Engage the Pray for someone else. Enjoy. Engage the Pray for someone else. Enjoy. Engage the experience of prayer. It will be experience of prayer. It will be experience of prayer. It will be non-stop prayer in the sanctuary Tuesday non-stop prayer in the sanctuary Tuesday non-stop prayer in the sanctuary Tuesday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you need from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you need from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you need something significant from the Lord, something significant from the Lord, something significant from the Lord, come and let's pray about it. If you're come and let's pray about it. If you're come and let's pray about it. If you're just excited about this season of your just excited about this season of your just excited about this season of your life, come and give God thanks for it. life, come and give God thanks for it. life, come and give God thanks for it. But let's all together pray in our But let's all together pray in our But let's all together pray in our 12-hour prayer vigil beginning at 6:00 12-hour prayer vigil beginning at 6:00 12-hour prayer vigil beginning at 6:00 a.m. Monday, I'm sorry, Tuesday morning a.m. Monday, I'm sorry, Tuesday morning a.m. Monday, I'm sorry, Tuesday morning and concluding at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday and concluding at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday and concluding at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening. And if you thought that was evening. And if you thought that was evening. And if you thought that was enough prayer, mm- you're so wrong about enough prayer, mm- you're so wrong about enough prayer, mm- you're so wrong about it because Wednesday morning, we'll be it because Wednesday morning, we'll be it because Wednesday morning, we'll be right back in prayer at 6:00 a.m. And I right back in prayer at 6:00 a.m. And I right back in prayer at 6:00 a.m. And I hope that you will join us for those hope that you will join us for those hope that you will join us for those first 15 minutes of the 6:00 hour, 6:00 first 15 minutes of the 6:00 hour, 6:00 first 15 minutes of the 6:00 hour, 6:00 uh Wednesday, A.M. 6:00 a.m. Wednesday.

uh Wednesday, A.M. 6:00 a.m. Wednesday. uh Wednesday, A.M. 6:00 a.m. Wednesday. And uh then again at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday And uh then again at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday And uh then again at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday for that full hour of prayer, we'll be for that full hour of prayer, we'll be for that full hour of prayer, we'll be praying together. I believe that we praying together. I believe that we praying together. I believe that we ought to saturate the front portion of ought to saturate the front portion of ought to saturate the front portion of our church year in prayer so that God our church year in prayer so that God our church year in prayer so that God will guide us and guard us throughout will guide us and guard us throughout will guide us and guard us throughout the entirety of the next 12 months even the entirety of the next 12 months even the entirety of the next 12 months even as God has done so in the past 12 as God has done so in the past 12 as God has done so in the past 12 months. So please join us uh in the months. So please join us uh in the months. So please join us uh in the virtual space for prayer on Wednesday virtual space for prayer on Wednesday virtual space for prayer on Wednesday morning, in the physical and virtual morning, in the physical and virtual morning, in the physical and virtual spaces on Wednesday evening. And between spaces on Wednesday evening. And between spaces on Wednesday evening. And between those times, we before and after that those times, we before and after that those times, we before and after that second session of prayer, we'll have second session of prayer, we'll have second session of prayer, we'll have study on the Avenue at both 12:00 noon study on the Avenue at both 12:00 noon study on the Avenue at both 12:00 noon and 700 p.m. Whether folk, you know, and 700 p.m. Whether folk, you know, and 700 p.m. Whether folk, you know, you're registered to vote, say, "I am." you're registered to vote, say, "I am." you're registered to vote, say, "I am." I thank God for a conscientious I thank God for a conscientious I thank God for a conscientious congregation, but I need everyone to congregation, but I need everyone to congregation, but I need everyone to check your voting status. It is said check your voting status. It is said check your voting status. It is said that there's been a lot of troubling that there's been a lot of troubling that there's been a lot of troubling things happening uh with regard to things happening uh with regard to things happening uh with regard to election fraud and doing that those election fraud and doing that those election fraud and doing that those things which would shift people's status things which would shift people's status things which would shift people's status as registered voters. So take out your as registered voters. So take out your as registered voters. So take out your phones, please check the QR code. Uh and phones, please check the QR code. Uh and phones, please check the QR code. Uh and when you do that, you can check your when you do that, you can check your when you do that, you can check your status so that everyone will be eligible status so that everyone will be eligible status so that everyone will be eligible to vote in the upcoming election. We to vote in the upcoming election. We to vote in the upcoming election. We need every person to vote. We need to need every person to vote. We need to need every person to vote. We need to make some changes in this country, in make some changes in this country, in make some changes in this country, in this state, in this world in which we this state, in this world in which we this state, in this world in which we live. And so I hope that you will check live. And so I hope that you will check live. And so I hope that you will check your status and that you will make sure your status and that you will make sure your status and that you will make sure uh that you are properly eligible to uh that you are properly eligible to uh that you are properly eligible to vote uh in the upcoming elections uh vote uh in the upcoming elections uh vote uh in the upcoming elections uh that are happening before this year is that are happening before this year is that are happening before this year is over. Amen. Amen. You must do that by

over. Amen. Amen. You must do that by over. Amen. Amen. You must do that by October 5th. So, please make sure that October 5th. So, please make sure that October 5th. So, please make sure that you take that uh opportunity to check you take that uh opportunity to check you take that uh opportunity to check your status by October 5th and let's all your status by October 5th and let's all your status by October 5th and let's all vote together uh in in November. Amen. vote together uh in in November. Amen. vote together uh in in November. Amen. Amen. Amen. All right. Well, it's Amen. Amen. All right. Well, it's Amen. Amen. All right. Well, it's offering time in the Lord's house and offering time in the Lord's house and offering time in the Lord's house and we're excited about giving. we're excited about giving. we're excited about giving. Amen. That was okay. That was okay. Sher That was okay. That was okay. Sher Lawson's on the front row. She said, "I Lawson's on the front row. She said, "I Lawson's on the front row. She said, "I knew you were going to say that." And knew you were going to say that." And knew you were going to say that." And then she showed me her phone cuz she's then she showed me her phone cuz she's then she showed me her phone cuz she's getting ready to give. Okay, that's getting ready to give. Okay, that's getting ready to give. Okay, that's good. Oh, she's doing the QR code. Let's good. Oh, she's doing the QR code. Let's good. Oh, she's doing the QR code. Let's try it again. It's offering time in the try it again. It's offering time in the try it again. It's offering time in the Lord's house and we're excited. Lord's house and we're excited. Lord's house and we're excited. Amen. And every time I say that for the second And every time I say that for the second time, I got to make sure that everyone time, I got to make sure that everyone time, I got to make sure that everyone knows why I say that. I say that because knows why I say that. I say that because knows why I say that. I say that because the Bible says that God loves a the Bible says that God loves a the Bible says that God loves a >> cheerful giver. And so we want to have >> cheerful giver. And so we want to have >> cheerful giver. And so we want to have much cheer, much agilation for God and much cheer, much agilation for God and much cheer, much agilation for God and to God. As we as we give to God because to God. As we as we give to God because to God. As we as we give to God because God first gave to us. The only reason we God first gave to us. The only reason we God first gave to us. The only reason we have something to give is because God have something to give is because God have something to give is because God has granted us the wonderful privilege has granted us the wonderful privilege has granted us the wonderful privilege of giving of receiving from God and now of giving of receiving from God and now of giving of receiving from God and now giving back to God. And we make sure giving back to God. And we make sure giving back to God. And we make sure that the church house is blessed. So we that the church house is blessed. So we that the church house is blessed. So we bring the tithe into the storehouse. It bring the tithe into the storehouse. It bring the tithe into the storehouse. It is through the tithe that we're able to is through the tithe that we're able to is through the tithe that we're able to do the effective and excellent ministry do the effective and excellent ministry do the effective and excellent ministry that we've been able to do throughout that we've been able to do throughout that we've been able to do throughout these 12 months about which you will these 12 months about which you will these 12 months about which you will hear tomorrow evening. It is through the hear tomorrow evening. It is through the hear tomorrow evening. It is through the tithe and then the offering beyond the tithe and then the offering beyond the tithe and then the offering beyond the tithe. And many of us give beyond the tithe. And many of us give beyond the tithe. And many of us give beyond the minimum requirement to ensure the minimum requirement to ensure the minimum requirement to ensure the productivity, the progress, the

productivity, the progress, the productivity, the progress, the prosperity of the Wheeler Avenue church. prosperity of the Wheeler Avenue church. prosperity of the Wheeler Avenue church. And I cannot thank you enough for your And I cannot thank you enough for your And I cannot thank you enough for your diligence in giving both tithe and diligence in giving both tithe and diligence in giving both tithe and offering. And if that was enough, I offering. And if that was enough, I offering. And if that was enough, I could stop there. But you are such a could stop there. But you are such a could stop there. But you are such a wonderful church that you go beyond the wonderful church that you go beyond the wonderful church that you go beyond the tithe and the offering and you give to tithe and the offering and you give to tithe and the offering and you give to missions and mercy. That's when we help missions and mercy. That's when we help missions and mercy. That's when we help other brothers and sisters who are in other brothers and sisters who are in other brothers and sisters who are in need. I was talking to my pastor friend need. I was talking to my pastor friend need. I was talking to my pastor friend in Gary, Indiana this past week and he's in Gary, Indiana this past week and he's in Gary, Indiana this past week and he's talking to us about how they're still in talking to us about how they're still in talking to us about how they're still in dire need of resources for those who dire need of resources for those who dire need of resources for those who have been out with been without lighting have been out with been without lighting have been out with been without lighting and power over the last several weeks. and power over the last several weeks. and power over the last several weeks. And so your church is going to send some And so your church is going to send some And so your church is going to send some resources to Gary, Indiana to make sure resources to Gary, Indiana to make sure resources to Gary, Indiana to make sure that we can help our brothers and that we can help our brothers and that we can help our brothers and sisters there, Trinity Gary. We're going sisters there, Trinity Gary. We're going sisters there, Trinity Gary. We're going to make sure that we can be a blessing to make sure that we can be a blessing to make sure that we can be a blessing to our friends who are in Gary, Indiana, to our friends who are in Gary, Indiana, to our friends who are in Gary, Indiana, who are still trying to recover from who are still trying to recover from who are still trying to recover from what they've had to deal with the what they've had to deal with the what they've had to deal with the devastating reality of the last few devastating reality of the last few devastating reality of the last few weeks. And I believe that the church weeks. And I believe that the church weeks. And I believe that the church ought to do what the government won't. ought to do what the government won't. ought to do what the government won't. And so we're going to keep on doing it And so we're going to keep on doing it And so we're going to keep on doing it until people's lives are made better.

until people's lives are made better. until people's lives are made better. Amen. I got you. I got you. And we Amen. I got you. I got you. And we Amen. I got you. I got you. And we praise God for it. So we give to praise God for it. So we give to praise God for it. So we give to missions and mercy. That's when we help missions and mercy. That's when we help missions and mercy. That's when we help other brothers and sisters. So all of it other brothers and sisters. So all of it other brothers and sisters. So all of it is going to be given as an act of is going to be given as an act of is going to be given as an act of worship. It's not just throwing money worship. It's not just throwing money worship. It's not just throwing money into the coffers of the Wheeler Avenue into the coffers of the Wheeler Avenue into the coffers of the Wheeler Avenue church. Some are using envelopes and the church. Some are using envelopes and the church. Some are using envelopes and the ushers have been passing out envelopes ushers have been passing out envelopes ushers have been passing out envelopes since I've been talking. If you need an since I've been talking. If you need an since I've been talking. If you need an envelope to put place a paper gift envelope to put place a paper gift envelope to put place a paper gift therein, just lift up your hand and therein, just lift up your hand and therein, just lift up your hand and these precious courtesy core members these precious courtesy core members these precious courtesy core members will provide an envelope for you. Others will provide an envelope for you. Others will provide an envelope for you. Others of us are using the digital methods that of us are using the digital methods that of us are using the digital methods that are scrolling on the screens and you'll are scrolling on the screens and you'll are scrolling on the screens and you'll see them. You see them already. And I see them. You see them already. And I see them. You see them already. And I invite you to use one of them so that invite you to use one of them so that invite you to use one of them so that you might give unto the Lord this Sunday you might give unto the Lord this Sunday you might give unto the Lord this Sunday as well. But all of us must consecrate as well. But all of us must consecrate as well. But all of us must consecrate these gifts unto God as an act of these gifts unto God as an act of these gifts unto God as an act of worship. So to do that, let's bow in a worship. So to do that, let's bow in a worship. So to do that, let's bow in a moment of prayer. Gracious God, how we moment of prayer. Gracious God, how we moment of prayer. Gracious God, how we give you thanks for the privilege give you thanks for the privilege give you thanks for the privilege of being in relationship with you. That of being in relationship with you. That of being in relationship with you. That relationship affords us the benefit of relationship affords us the benefit of relationship affords us the benefit of daily blessings, hourly blessings, daily blessings, hourly blessings, daily blessings, hourly blessings, blessings that come to us moment by blessings that come to us moment by blessings that come to us moment by moment. And we thank you that you moment. And we thank you that you moment. And we thank you that you continue to load us with benefits, continue to load us with benefits, continue to load us with benefits, lavishing blessings upon us every day of lavishing blessings upon us every day of lavishing blessings upon us every day of our lives. And we thank you that we are our lives. And we thank you that we are our lives. And we thank you that we are able to emulate you even now in this able to emulate you even now in this able to emulate you even now in this moment of worship as we give back to you moment of worship as we give back to you moment of worship as we give back to you a portion of what you have given to us.

a portion of what you have given to us. a portion of what you have given to us. We pray that you will bless each gift We pray that you will bless each gift We pray that you will bless each gift and each giver so that no one will lack and each giver so that no one will lack and each giver so that no one will lack as a consequence of what we give this as a consequence of what we give this as a consequence of what we give this Sunday morning. But will you return to Sunday morning. But will you return to Sunday morning. But will you return to your sons and daughters so that our your sons and daughters so that our your sons and daughters so that our faith might be increased in you? Knowing faith might be increased in you? Knowing faith might be increased in you? Knowing that if we give it shall be given back that if we give it shall be given back that if we give it shall be given back unto us in good measure, pressed down, unto us in good measure, pressed down, unto us in good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over shall shaken together, and running over shall shaken together, and running over shall people get back into our laps. That's people get back into our laps. That's people get back into our laps. That's what your word declares. And we thank what your word declares. And we thank what your word declares. And we thank you for the promises of your word. Your you for the promises of your word. Your you for the promises of your word. Your word says that if we would bring the word says that if we would bring the word says that if we would bring the tithe into the storehouse that you would tithe into the storehouse that you would tithe into the storehouse that you would open up the windows of heaven and pour open up the windows of heaven and pour open up the windows of heaven and pour us out blessings we don't have room us out blessings we don't have room us out blessings we don't have room enough to receive. We trust your word enough to receive. We trust your word enough to receive. We trust your word and we thank you that you keep your word and we thank you that you keep your word and we thank you that you keep your word and I pray that you will do that for and I pray that you will do that for and I pray that you will do that for every person listening to me who will every person listening to me who will every person listening to me who will trust you as we present to you now our trust you as we present to you now our trust you as we present to you now our tithes and offerings in the strong name tithes and offerings in the strong name tithes and offerings in the strong name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we pray of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we pray of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we pray with great thanksgiving and expectation with great thanksgiving and expectation with great thanksgiving and expectation and all of the people of God together and all of the people of God together and all of the people of God together said amen. Amen. Praise the Lord. Let's said amen. Amen. Praise the Lord. Let's said amen. Amen. Praise the Lord. Let's give unto our God. Well, it looks like give unto our God. Well, it looks like give unto our God. Well, it looks like the mass choir has joined us on the the mass choir has joined us on the the mass choir has joined us on the fifth Sunday of the month and we thank fifth Sunday of the month and we thank fifth Sunday of the month and we thank God for the mass choir.

God for the mass choir. God for the mass choir. Let me tell you about these precious Let me tell you about these precious Let me tell you about these precious people. people. people. They are such a blessing not just to our They are such a blessing not just to our They are such a blessing not just to our own congregation but to the world uh own congregation but to the world uh own congregation but to the world uh that this evening they have been invited that this evening they have been invited that this evening they have been invited all the way to Austin, Texas so they can all the way to Austin, Texas so they can all the way to Austin, Texas so they can help a church there celebrate their help a church there celebrate their help a church there celebrate their 100th church anniversary. They're going 100th church anniversary. They're going 100th church anniversary. They're going to St. James Baptist Church this to St. James Baptist Church this to St. James Baptist Church this evening. evening. evening. So, they're going to sing at this So, they're going to sing at this So, they're going to sing at this service and the next service, right? service and the next service, right? service and the next service, right? They're going to sing at this service They're going to sing at this service They're going to sing at this service and the next service, and then they're and the next service, and then they're and the next service, and then they're going to get on buses and head to going to get on buses and head to going to get on buses and head to Austin, Texas. I want you to pray for Austin, Texas. I want you to pray for Austin, Texas. I want you to pray for your choir, for your music ministry, your choir, for your music ministry, your choir, for your music ministry, that God will continually use them even that God will continually use them even that God will continually use them even into the evening hours of this Sunday, into the evening hours of this Sunday, into the evening hours of this Sunday, so they might be a blessing even to so they might be a blessing even to so they might be a blessing even to other sisters and brothers who await other sisters and brothers who await other sisters and brothers who await their presence in Austin, Texas. But their presence in Austin, Texas. But their presence in Austin, Texas. But just after they minister to us in this just after they minister to us in this just after they minister to us in this place, we're going to be blessed by the place, we're going to be blessed by the place, we're going to be blessed by the ministry of the word from the Reverend ministry of the word from the Reverend ministry of the word from the Reverend Dr. Alexander E. M. Johnson Dr. Alexander E. M. Johnson Dr. Alexander E. M. Johnson the First.

Amen. Amen. Many of you have heard, most of you Many of you have heard, most of you Many of you have heard, most of you know, uh, that Dr. Johnson is headed to know, uh, that Dr. Johnson is headed to know, uh, that Dr. Johnson is headed to the Brentwood Baptist Church of our city the Brentwood Baptist Church of our city the Brentwood Baptist Church of our city to be their pastor beginning next to be their pastor beginning next to be their pastor beginning next Sunday. Sunday. Sunday. Next Sunday. Next Sunday. Next Sunday. Next Sunday, he'll be preaching at Next Sunday, he'll be preaching at Next Sunday, he'll be preaching at Brentwood during this hour. Brentwood during this hour. Brentwood during this hour. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. I told the first service, Wheeler Avenue I told the first service, Wheeler Avenue in its aggregate will never know in its aggregate will never know in its aggregate will never know the the countless contributions that Dr. the the countless contributions that Dr. the the countless contributions that Dr. Alexander Johnson has made to this Alexander Johnson has made to this Alexander Johnson has made to this church in the 13 years that he has been church in the 13 years that he has been church in the 13 years that he has been our executive pastor. You'll never know. our executive pastor. You'll never know. our executive pastor. You'll never know. I don't even know all the stuff that Dr. I don't even know all the stuff that Dr. I don't even know all the stuff that Dr. Johnson has done to make our church a Johnson has done to make our church a Johnson has done to make our church a better church. But he has done so in better church. But he has done so in better church. But he has done so in incalculable ways. That's a loss word.

incalculable ways. That's a loss word. incalculable ways. That's a loss word. In incalculable ways. And we are so In incalculable ways. And we are so In incalculable ways. And we are so grateful that Doc Johnson is here to grateful that Doc Johnson is here to grateful that Doc Johnson is here to preach his farewell message to us on preach his farewell message to us on preach his farewell message to us on this Sunday. Every time a pastor come a this Sunday. Every time a pastor come a this Sunday. Every time a pastor come a preacher comes through our church on his preacher comes through our church on his preacher comes through our church on his way or her way to the pastor. We always way or her way to the pastor. We always way or her way to the pastor. We always give them this last Sunday to say give them this last Sunday to say give them this last Sunday to say farewell to us with the ministry of the farewell to us with the ministry of the farewell to us with the ministry of the word. and we're grateful that he is well word. and we're grateful that he is well word. and we're grateful that he is well able to preach the word of God to us. He able to preach the word of God to us. He able to preach the word of God to us. He blessed us at the first service. I know blessed us at the first service. I know blessed us at the first service. I know he's going to do the same at the second he's going to do the same at the second he's going to do the same at the second service. I want you to pray for him. service. I want you to pray for him. service. I want you to pray for him. Many of us have brought gifts. I asked Many of us have brought gifts. I asked Many of us have brought gifts. I asked you to do that last Sunday if you were you to do that last Sunday if you were you to do that last Sunday if you were here. We brought gifts to be a blessing here. We brought gifts to be a blessing here. We brought gifts to be a blessing to him. And when he completes uh the to him. And when he completes uh the to him. And when he completes uh the message and after the invitation, we're message and after the invitation, we're message and after the invitation, we're going to send him out so you can hug on going to send him out so you can hug on going to send him out so you can hug on him and love on him and make sure that him and love on him and make sure that him and love on him and make sure that if you have a gift for him, you can if you have a gift for him, you can if you have a gift for him, you can provide that to him this afternoon, this provide that to him this afternoon, this provide that to him this afternoon, this morning at the conclusion of this morning at the conclusion of this morning at the conclusion of this service. But right now, let's hear from service. But right now, let's hear from service. But right now, let's hear from the music ministry of the Wheeler Avenue the music ministry of the Wheeler Avenue the music ministry of the Wheeler Avenue Church and prepare to hear from the Church and prepare to hear from the Church and prepare to hear from the preaching ministry of Dr. Alexander EM preaching ministry of Dr. Alexander EM preaching ministry of Dr. Alexander EM Johnson as we go higher in worship in Johnson as we go higher in worship in Johnson as we go higher in worship in the name of the Lord. Receive them all the name of the Lord. Receive them all the name of the Lord. Receive them all as they come.

>> I can >> I can I got to see Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Oh,

Oh, we stand and we work. We trust in the we stand and we work. We trust in the we stand and we work. We trust in the don't shall renew their strength. They shall shall renew their strength. They shall call away the evil. They shall run out call away the evil. They shall run out call away the evil. They shall run out of the world without of the world without of the world without any good thing. any good thing. any good thing. I can't say you are not with I can't say you are not with I can't say you are not with any of those who live. any of those who live. any of those who live. It's already life in the power of your tongue. So we life in the power of your tongue. So we feel we situation we Well, this is the day that the Lord has Well, this is the day that the Lord has made. We've come to rejoice and be glad made. We've come to rejoice and be glad made. We've come to rejoice and be glad in it. If you believe in the promises of

in it. If you believe in the promises of in it. If you believe in the promises of God are yes and amen. And we can trust God are yes and amen. And we can trust God are yes and amen. And we can trust God to keep God's word. Why don't you God to keep God's word. Why don't you God to keep God's word. Why don't you give great praise to a faithful God on give great praise to a faithful God on give great praise to a faithful God on this Sunday? A God who is not a man that this Sunday? A God who is not a man that this Sunday? A God who is not a man that he should lie nor the son of man that he he should lie nor the son of man that he he should lie nor the son of man that he should repent. We give great praise to should repent. We give great praise to should repent. We give great praise to our great God even on this Lord's day. our great God even on this Lord's day. our great God even on this Lord's day. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. You may you may take your seats for just You may you may take your seats for just You may you may take your seats for just a moment. Allow me to express my a moment. Allow me to express my a moment. Allow me to express my gratitude to a few individuals. Um, I gratitude to a few individuals. Um, I gratitude to a few individuals. Um, I was was was afforded um this opportunity by our afforded um this opportunity by our afforded um this opportunity by our pastor and I'll say a word about him in pastor and I'll say a word about him in pastor and I'll say a word about him in just a moment. But I want to thank God just a moment. But I want to thank God just a moment. But I want to thank God for the kindness of the membership of for the kindness of the membership of for the kindness of the membership of this church over the last 13 years uh in this church over the last 13 years uh in this church over the last 13 years uh in a professional capacity. Uh but the a professional capacity. Uh but the a professional capacity. Uh but the entirety of my life I've known Wheeler entirety of my life I've known Wheeler entirety of my life I've known Wheeler Avenue as my church home. And y'all's a Avenue as my church home. And y'all's a Avenue as my church home. And y'all's a good church. Amen.

good church. Amen. good church. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. I am grateful to to the members, to the I am grateful to to the members, to the I am grateful to to the members, to the brothers and sisters, to the church brothers and sisters, to the church brothers and sisters, to the church family known as Wheeler Avenue Baptist family known as Wheeler Avenue Baptist family known as Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. I told the first service um in a Church. I told the first service um in a Church. I told the first service um in a professional capacity, "Y'all haven't professional capacity, "Y'all haven't professional capacity, "Y'all haven't always made my job easy, but you've always made my job easy, but you've always made my job easy, but you've always made it interesting. Um it's always made it interesting. Um it's always made it interesting. Um it's always been a joy to serve uh as always been a joy to serve uh as always been a joy to serve uh as executive pastor, associate pastor, executive pastor, associate pastor, executive pastor, associate pastor, worshiping ministry, whatever the title worshiping ministry, whatever the title worshiping ministry, whatever the title may have been. Uh, it's been a joy and a may have been. Uh, it's been a joy and a may have been. Uh, it's been a joy and a privilege and I'm excited about this privilege and I'm excited about this privilege and I'm excited about this next season. Would you help me thank God next season. Would you help me thank God next season. Would you help me thank God for this mass choir, this music for this mass choir, this music for this mass choir, this music ministry? God bless you. God bless you. ministry? God bless you. God bless you. ministry? God bless you. God bless you. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. God bless you one and all. To the Amen. God bless you one and all. To the Amen. God bless you one and all. To the minister of music, Maestro, Minister minister of music, Maestro, Minister minister of music, Maestro, Minister Leon Christopher Lewis, baddest band in Leon Christopher Lewis, baddest band in Leon Christopher Lewis, baddest band in the land. God bless you. God bless you. the land. God bless you. God bless you. the land. God bless you. God bless you. Love you guys. um to to this church Love you guys. um to to this church Love you guys. um to to this church staff. It has been a privilege to work staff. It has been a privilege to work staff. It has been a privilege to work along so many uh on the staff at the along so many uh on the staff at the along so many uh on the staff at the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. These Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. These Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. These preachers, our senior staff, the preachers, our senior staff, the preachers, our senior staff, the entirety of our staff has been a entirety of our staff has been a entirety of our staff has been a blessing. You all don't know how much blessing. You all don't know how much blessing. You all don't know how much work goes into making this work. Would work goes into making this work. Would work goes into making this work. Would you help me thank God for the staff of you help me thank God for the staff of you help me thank God for the staff of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, production facilities, creative, production facilities, creative, production facilities, creative, finance, finance, finance, preachers, missions and mercy, all of preachers, missions and mercy, all of preachers, missions and mercy, all of the staff. It's about a hundred and some the staff. It's about a hundred and some the staff. It's about a hundred and some odd folks on staff at Will Avenue odd folks on staff at Will Avenue odd folks on staff at Will Avenue Baptist Church who make this ministry

Baptist Church who make this ministry Baptist Church who make this ministry what she is. And I thank God for for all what she is. And I thank God for for all what she is. And I thank God for for all of you. Uh I want to thank God for my of you. Uh I want to thank God for my of you. Uh I want to thank God for my family who is here. I honor them. Um, my family who is here. I honor them. Um, my family who is here. I honor them. Um, my wife is somewhere. Amen. Mother-in-law, wife is somewhere. Amen. Mother-in-law, wife is somewhere. Amen. Mother-in-law, mother, mother, sister, all of y'all. mother, mother, sister, all of y'all. mother, mother, sister, all of y'all. Amen. Sisters, brother-in-laws. All Amen. Sisters, brother-in-laws. All Amen. Sisters, brother-in-laws. All right. Love all y'all. Um, y'all tell right. Love all y'all. Um, y'all tell right. Love all y'all. Um, y'all tell them bye. They coming with me. Tell them them bye. They coming with me. Tell them them bye. They coming with me. Tell them bye. Let them see y'all when I see you bye. Let them see y'all when I see you bye. Let them see y'all when I see you know. Um, Amen. I'm just playing. I'm know. Um, Amen. I'm just playing. I'm know. Um, Amen. I'm just playing. I'm not really. uh not really. uh not really. uh to uh to the Brentwood Church family. to uh to the Brentwood Church family. to uh to the Brentwood Church family. They're in church now, so I don't expect They're in church now, so I don't expect They're in church now, so I don't expect any of them to be here. Amen. All right. any of them to be here. Amen. All right. any of them to be here. Amen. All right. Praise the Lord. I'll see you all next Praise the Lord. I'll see you all next Praise the Lord. I'll see you all next week. And to our pastor, uh it was it week. And to our pastor, uh it was it week. And to our pastor, uh it was it was really 14 years ago where Pastor was really 14 years ago where Pastor was really 14 years ago where Pastor Cosby um here's what he told me. And I Cosby um here's what he told me. And I Cosby um here's what he told me. And I I've I've told this story to maybe one I've I've told this story to maybe one I've I've told this story to maybe one or two people. Huh.

He said about 14 years ago, I was He said about 14 years ago, I was interning. He said, "Stick with me. interning. He said, "Stick with me. interning. He said, "Stick with me. You'll never need a resume." That's what You'll never need a resume." That's what You'll never need a resume." That's what he told me. He said, "Stick with me. he told me. He said, "Stick with me. he told me. He said, "Stick with me. You'll never need a resume." You'll never need a resume." You'll never need a resume." And he has taken care of me in in And he has taken care of me in in And he has taken care of me in in incalculable incalculable incalculable ways. Uh, help me thank God for our ways. Uh, help me thank God for our ways. Uh, help me thank God for our senior pastor, senior pastor, senior pastor, my leader. I appreciate you. I love you. my leader. I appreciate you. I love you. my leader. I appreciate you. I love you. I thank God for you. I thank God for you. I thank God for you. Wouldn't be who I am where I am without Wouldn't be who I am where I am without Wouldn't be who I am where I am without you. Amen. Amen. I did have to submit a Amen. Amen. I did have to submit a resume, but it's a whole dick application package. it's a whole dick application package. Anyway, um I thank God for for each of Anyway, um I thank God for for each of Anyway, um I thank God for for each of you, our father's children. Ephesians you, our father's children. Ephesians you, our father's children. Ephesians chapter 3 has been read in your hearing. chapter 3 has been read in your hearing. chapter 3 has been read in your hearing. Uh to the leadership, the deacons, the Uh to the leadership, the deacons, the Uh to the leadership, the deacons, the trustees. God bless you. God bless you. trustees. God bless you. God bless you. trustees. God bless you. God bless you. I honor you. Um Ephesians chapter 3 has I honor you. Um Ephesians chapter 3 has I honor you. Um Ephesians chapter 3 has been read in your hearing. These been read in your hearing. These been read in your hearing. These Lawson's extensions of the Lawson Lawson's extensions of the Lawson Lawson's extensions of the Lawson family. Amen. God bless you. Um I want family. Amen. God bless you. Um I want family. Amen. God bless you. Um I want to read verses 20 and 21 from Ephesians to read verses 20 and 21 from Ephesians to read verses 20 and 21 from Ephesians chapter 3.

chapter 3. chapter 3. if you don't mind. Um, and I'll I'll if you don't mind. Um, and I'll I'll if you don't mind. Um, and I'll I'll read it from the King James version. read it from the King James version. read it from the King James version. >> Y'all praying. >> Y'all praying. >> Y'all praying. All right. Uh, somebody say no. Okay. Um, Ephesians 3 20 and 21 from the Okay. Um, Ephesians 3 20 and 21 from the King James version, you find these King James version, you find these King James version, you find these words. Now unto him words. Now unto him words. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly that is able to do exceeding abundantly that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according above all that we ask or think according above all that we ask or think according to the power that workketh in us. Unto to the power that workketh in us. Unto to the power that workketh in us. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ him be glory in the church by Christ him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all generations, world Jesus throughout all generations, world Jesus throughout all generations, world without end. Amen. Amen. As you take without end. Amen. Amen. As you take without end. Amen. Amen. As you take your seat, would you help me announce your seat, would you help me announce your seat, would you help me announce the sermonic subject when when you the sermonic subject when when you the sermonic subject when when you announce the time is now?

announce the time is now? announce the time is now? >> The time is now. >> The time is now. >> The time is now. Um, class is back in session. Um, class is back in session. Um, class is back in session. >> For those who may or may not know, I am >> For those who may or may not know, I am >> For those who may or may not know, I am privileged to serve on the faculty at privileged to serve on the faculty at privileged to serve on the faculty at the University of Houston in the the University of Houston in the the University of Houston in the African-American studies department. African-American studies department. African-American studies department. I've I've been Goks. I've been I've I've been Goks. I've been I've I've been Goks. I've been uh adjunct professor since 2017 in the uh adjunct professor since 2017 in the uh adjunct professor since 2017 in the African-American studies department, African-American studies department, African-American studies department, visiting scholar since last year. And visiting scholar since last year. And visiting scholar since last year. And I've I've taught the black church in I've I've taught the black church in I've I've taught the black church in America since 2017. America since 2017. America since 2017. It's a it's a course that is offered It's a it's a course that is offered It's a it's a course that is offered through AAS, the Black Church in through AAS, the Black Church in through AAS, the Black Church in America, and I also teach black America, and I also teach black America, and I also teach black liberation theology. Well, I'm I'm liberation theology. Well, I'm I'm liberation theology. Well, I'm I'm slated to teach black the black church slated to teach black the black church slated to teach black the black church in America. And I commenced my class in America. And I commenced my class in America. And I commenced my class this past Thursday. And every every this past Thursday. And every every this past Thursday. And every every commencement of the course, I engage in commencement of the course, I engage in commencement of the course, I engage in a in a poll of the class just to get an a in a poll of the class just to get an a in a poll of the class just to get an understanding of the social location of understanding of the social location of understanding of the social location of those who are students for the semester.

those who are students for the semester. those who are students for the semester. I I ask them what is their position I I ask them what is their position I I ask them what is their position visav the black church? How familiar are visav the black church? How familiar are visav the black church? How familiar are you with the black church? And as is you with the black church? And as is you with the black church? And as is often the case, I was not surprised that often the case, I was not surprised that often the case, I was not surprised that most were familiar with the black most were familiar with the black most were familiar with the black church. The vast majority of my students church. The vast majority of my students church. The vast majority of my students had some knowledge of and experience had some knowledge of and experience had some knowledge of and experience with the black church. And I was with the black church. And I was with the black church. And I was likewise not surprised that the vast likewise not surprised that the vast likewise not surprised that the vast majority of my students are no longer majority of my students are no longer majority of my students are no longer associated with the black church. associated with the black church. associated with the black church. No longer connected to a black church. No longer connected to a black church. No longer connected to a black church. They are now preferring to be spiritual They are now preferring to be spiritual They are now preferring to be spiritual than religious. than religious. than religious. Some uh are agnostic. Um and although Some uh are agnostic. Um and although Some uh are agnostic. Um and although this was interesting, it was not this was interesting, it was not this was interesting, it was not alarming. scholarship suggests that alarming. scholarship suggests that alarming. scholarship suggests that every major black denomination every major black denomination every major black denomination nationally, don't get fooled by what you nationally, don't get fooled by what you nationally, don't get fooled by what you see here at Wheeler Avenue, every major see here at Wheeler Avenue, every major see here at Wheeler Avenue, every major black denomination black denomination black denomination except for non-denomination except for non-denomination except for non-denomination and Pentecostals are declining and Pentecostals are declining and Pentecostals are declining nationally. the the number of members nationally. the the number of members nationally. the the number of members who claim membership in every major who claim membership in every major who claim membership in every major black denomination with the exception of black denomination with the exception of black denomination with the exception of non-denominational and Pentecostal are non-denominational and Pentecostal are non-denominational and Pentecostal are declining. And while such is the case declining. And while such is the case declining. And while such is the case nationally, there are still churches who nationally, there are still churches who nationally, there are still churches who choose to uphold exclusionary practices, choose to uphold exclusionary practices, choose to uphold exclusionary practices, denying membership to and denying rights

denying membership to and denying rights denying membership to and denying rights and privileges to those with whom they and privileges to those with whom they and privileges to those with whom they take issue, those who don't meet their take issue, those who don't meet their take issue, those who don't meet their standards. standards. standards. Churches open in the name of the Lord Churches open in the name of the Lord Churches open in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, excluding folks, turning Jesus Christ, excluding folks, turning Jesus Christ, excluding folks, turning away wouldbe members because they don't away wouldbe members because they don't away wouldbe members because they don't meet their requirements as to who can be meet their requirements as to who can be meet their requirements as to who can be included in the body of Christ. It's included in the body of Christ. It's included in the body of Christ. It's most unfortunate that in the year of our most unfortunate that in the year of our most unfortunate that in the year of our Lord 2026, we still have churches that Lord 2026, we still have churches that Lord 2026, we still have churches that would prefer to look like country clubs would prefer to look like country clubs would prefer to look like country clubs and not hospitals. and not hospitals. and not hospitals. It's it's a real shame that some folks It's it's a real shame that some folks It's it's a real shame that some folks would rather have a dead church than a would rather have a dead church than a would rather have a dead church than a diverse church. diverse church. diverse church. >> And such an experience, as tragic as it >> And such an experience, as tragic as it >> And such an experience, as tragic as it is, isn't a new one. The early church is, isn't a new one. The early church is, isn't a new one. The early church had to deal with this same crisis as we had to deal with this same crisis as we had to deal with this same crisis as we see in our text this Sunday. This this see in our text this Sunday. This this see in our text this Sunday. This this book Ephesians is what's called a book Ephesians is what's called a book Ephesians is what's called a captivity epistle. Mostly most likely captivity epistle. Mostly most likely captivity epistle. Mostly most likely written during Paul's Roman captivity, written during Paul's Roman captivity, written during Paul's Roman captivity, his imprisonment around AD60-62 his imprisonment around AD60-62 his imprisonment around AD60-62 alongside Philippians, Colossians, and alongside Philippians, Colossians, and alongside Philippians, Colossians, and Phileiman. Paul is under house arrest, Phileiman. Paul is under house arrest, Phileiman. Paul is under house arrest, chained to a Roman guard, awaiting a chained to a Roman guard, awaiting a chained to a Roman guard, awaiting a hearing before Caesar himself. Now, hearing before Caesar himself. Now, hearing before Caesar himself. Now, notice something curious. Paul doesn't notice something curious. Paul doesn't notice something curious. Paul doesn't call himself a prisoner of Rome. He he call himself a prisoner of Rome. He he call himself a prisoner of Rome. He he does not say he's a prisoner of Neero.

does not say he's a prisoner of Neero. does not say he's a prisoner of Neero. He says he's a prisoner of the of Jesus He says he's a prisoner of the of Jesus He says he's a prisoner of the of Jesus Christ. He is a prisoner of Christ Christ. He is a prisoner of Christ Christ. He is a prisoner of Christ Jesus. That's not just poetic license. Jesus. That's not just poetic license. Jesus. That's not just poetic license. That's a theological statement. Rome may That's a theological statement. Rome may That's a theological statement. Rome may hold his body, but Rome does not hold hold his body, but Rome does not hold hold his body, but Rome does not hold his purpose. He He has been captive to his purpose. He He has been captive to his purpose. He He has been captive to the will of God and commissioned by the the will of God and commissioned by the the will of God and commissioned by the word of God. His chains are subordinate word of God. His chains are subordinate word of God. His chains are subordinate to his higher claim on his life. And to his higher claim on his life. And to his higher claim on his life. And even in bondage, he is still under even in bondage, he is still under even in bondage, he is still under orders, still on assignment. Church, I orders, still on assignment. Church, I orders, still on assignment. Church, I need you to get this. The man writing need you to get this. The man writing need you to get this. The man writing about inclusion is himself locked out of about inclusion is himself locked out of about inclusion is himself locked out of his own freedom. Paul is preaching about his own freedom. Paul is preaching about his own freedom. Paul is preaching about open doors to people while sitting open doors to people while sitting open doors to people while sitting behind a shut one. That's the behind a shut one. That's the behind a shut one. That's the credibility of this text. This isn't credibility of this text. This isn't credibility of this text. This isn't theory from the comfortable confines of theory from the comfortable confines of theory from the comfortable confines of a pull pit. This is theology forged in a a pull pit. This is theology forged in a a pull pit. This is theology forged in a jail cell. And you see just how jail cell. And you see just how jail cell. And you see just how authentic Paul's relationship with God authentic Paul's relationship with God authentic Paul's relationship with God is. Because while locked up, he still is. Because while locked up, he still is. Because while locked up, he still has the unmititigated gall to declare, has the unmititigated gall to declare, has the unmititigated gall to declare, "God is still able." I wonder how many "God is still able." I wonder how many "God is still able." I wonder how many of us would be able to declare that God of us would be able to declare that God of us would be able to declare that God is able with our backs up against the is able with our backs up against the is able with our backs up against the wall. I wonder how many of us would be wall. I wonder how many of us would be wall. I wonder how many of us would be able to declare God is able when things able to declare God is able when things able to declare God is able when things are falling apart all around us. Is are falling apart all around us. Is are falling apart all around us. Is there a witness this Sunday morning who there a witness this Sunday morning who there a witness this Sunday morning who can testify that you don't have it all

can testify that you don't have it all can testify that you don't have it all together right now? But that does not together right now? But that does not together right now? But that does not mean that God is any less able. And any mean that God is any less able. And any mean that God is any less able. And any moment now, God is able to turn your moment now, God is able to turn your moment now, God is able to turn your whole life around. Who am I talking to whole life around. Who am I talking to whole life around. Who am I talking to who knows that God is able? God is able who knows that God is able? God is able who knows that God is able? God is able to do just what he said he would do. But to do just what he said he would do. But to do just what he said he would do. But but I regret that before we can shout but I regret that before we can shout but I regret that before we can shout about God being able, we have to deal about God being able, we have to deal about God being able, we have to deal with some theological tension in the with some theological tension in the with some theological tension in the text. Look, looking at the text, the text. Look, looking at the text, the text. Look, looking at the text, the first thing we see is Paul's position. first thing we see is Paul's position. first thing we see is Paul's position. Someone say Paul's position. Someone say Paul's position. Someone say Paul's position. >> Paul's position. >> Paul's position. >> Paul's position. >> Paul's position. Paul is arguing for the >> Paul's position. Paul is arguing for the >> Paul's position. Paul is arguing for the inclusion of Gentiles in the church, inclusion of Gentiles in the church, inclusion of Gentiles in the church, which at this point was not irregular. which at this point was not irregular. which at this point was not irregular. It was scandalous. He he he even calls It was scandalous. He he he even calls It was scandalous. He he he even calls it a mystery. Not not a mystery like a it a mystery. Not not a mystery like a it a mystery. Not not a mystery like a who done it, but a a mystery in the who done it, but a a mystery in the who done it, but a a mystery in the technical Pauline sense. A truth. Once technical Pauline sense. A truth. Once technical Pauline sense. A truth. Once hidden in God's counsel, now unveiled in hidden in God's counsel, now unveiled in hidden in God's counsel, now unveiled in Christ. And what is this mystery, you Christ. And what is this mystery, you Christ. And what is this mystery, you ask? Verse 6 tells us plainly that the ask? Verse 6 tells us plainly that the ask? Verse 6 tells us plainly that the Gentiles are hes together with Israel, Gentiles are hes together with Israel, Gentiles are hes together with Israel, members together of one body and sharers members together of one body and sharers members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Jesus Christ.

together in the promise in Jesus Christ. together in the promise in Jesus Christ. This this is scandalous. Some would say This this is scandalous. Some would say This this is scandalous. Some would say this is sac religious. You must realize this is sac religious. You must realize this is sac religious. You must realize this breaks with conventional codes of this breaks with conventional codes of this breaks with conventional codes of conduct. This disrupts the sacred order conduct. This disrupts the sacred order conduct. This disrupts the sacred order of the day as they knew it. This upends of the day as they knew it. This upends of the day as they knew it. This upends social norms and reveals that grandma's social norms and reveals that grandma's social norms and reveals that grandma's theology was incomplete. That God was theology was incomplete. That God was theology was incomplete. That God was still revealing Godself and God's plan still revealing Godself and God's plan still revealing Godself and God's plan and God's purpose. And that and that was and God's purpose. And that and that was and God's purpose. And that and that was the fact that Christ when he died died the fact that Christ when he died died the fact that Christ when he died died for everybody. for everybody. for everybody. >> You heard me say it. Everybody. >> You heard me say it. Everybody. >> You heard me say it. Everybody. And so now those who were thought to be And so now those who were thought to be And so now those who were thought to be outside of the grasp and the grip of outside of the grasp and the grip of outside of the grasp and the grip of God's grace, the Gentiles are heirs God's grace, the Gentiles are heirs God's grace, the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together together with Israel, members together together with Israel, members together of one body and sharers together in the of one body and sharers together in the of one body and sharers together in the promise in Jesus Christ. Three togethers promise in Jesus Christ. Three togethers promise in Jesus Christ. Three togethers in one verse. Paul is dismantling every in one verse. Paul is dismantling every in one verse. Paul is dismantling every wall the first century religious wall the first century religious wall the first century religious establishment had built. The Jerusalem establishment had built. The Jerusalem establishment had built. The Jerusalem temple itself had a physical wall. There temple itself had a physical wall. There temple itself had a physical wall. There were no ICE agents to terrorize those were no ICE agents to terrorize those were no ICE agents to terrorize those who were of different origin. There was who were of different origin. There was who were of different origin. There was the sore. Everybody say sore.

the sore. Everybody say sore. the sore. Everybody say sore. >> This this wall with inscriptions warning >> This this wall with inscriptions warning >> This this wall with inscriptions warning Gentiles to cross it meant death. Paul Gentiles to cross it meant death. Paul Gentiles to cross it meant death. Paul is saying Christ tore that wall down and is saying Christ tore that wall down and is saying Christ tore that wall down and now anyone who calls upon the name of now anyone who calls upon the name of now anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. For for some of the Lord shall be saved. For for some of the Lord shall be saved. For for some of you, you you can't even rationalize why you, you you can't even rationalize why you, you you can't even rationalize why it is that Paul has to make such an it is that Paul has to make such an it is that Paul has to make such an argument. But you have to understand argument. But you have to understand argument. But you have to understand that according to salvation history, that according to salvation history, that according to salvation history, there were some who believed that the there were some who believed that the there were some who believed that the Jews were the only people of God and Jews were the only people of God and Jews were the only people of God and they were reticent to welcome others who they were reticent to welcome others who they were reticent to welcome others who weren't like them. Would you imagine weren't like them. Would you imagine weren't like them. Would you imagine that there were gatekeepers of the that there were gatekeepers of the that there were gatekeepers of the gospel? Look at someone and tell them gospel? Look at someone and tell them gospel? Look at someone and tell them don't be a gospel gatekeeper. don't be a gospel gatekeeper. don't be a gospel gatekeeper. Let let let me be real clear that Let let let me be real clear that Let let let me be real clear that regardless or some of y'all would say regardless or some of y'all would say regardless or some of y'all would say irregardless of your race, your sex, irregardless of your race, your sex, irregardless of your race, your sex, your background, your sexual your background, your sexual your background, your sexual orientation, your politics, your class, orientation, your politics, your class, orientation, your politics, your class, your mistakes, your missteps, your mess. your mistakes, your missteps, your mess. your mistakes, your missteps, your mess. Regardless of all of that, God's grace Regardless of all of that, God's grace Regardless of all of that, God's grace is sufficient for all of us. Last time I is sufficient for all of us. Last time I is sufficient for all of us. Last time I checked, the Bible says, "For God so checked, the Bible says, "For God so checked, the Bible says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only loved the world that he gave his only loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in begotten son that whosoever believes in begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have him should not perish but have him should not perish but have everlasting life." And it was Dr.

everlasting life." And it was Dr. everlasting life." And it was Dr. Gardner C. Taylor who said, "I'm not Gardner C. Taylor who said, "I'm not Gardner C. Taylor who said, "I'm not bold enough to come behind God and put bold enough to come behind God and put bold enough to come behind God and put qualifiers on whosoever." Whosoever means whosoever. Whosoever means whosoever. In in the preceding chapter, Paul In in the preceding chapter, Paul In in the preceding chapter, Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have writes, "For it is by grace you have writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith." And this is been saved through faith." And this is been saved through faith." And this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of not from yourselves. It is the gift of not from yourselves. It is the gift of God, not by works, lest any man should God, not by works, lest any man should God, not by works, lest any man should boast. Here, here's here's the universal boast. Here, here's here's the universal boast. Here, here's here's the universal truth regarding grace. You ready? None truth regarding grace. You ready? None truth regarding grace. You ready? None of us deserves it. of us deserves it. of us deserves it. Not the Gentiles, not the Jew, not the Not the Gentiles, not the Jew, not the Not the Gentiles, not the Jew, not the deacon, not the preacher, not you, not deacon, not the preacher, not you, not deacon, not the preacher, not you, not me. And yet there were still those with me. And yet there were still those with me. And yet there were still those with the notion among the very people who had the notion among the very people who had the notion among the very people who had been recipients of the grace of God to been recipients of the grace of God to been recipients of the grace of God to exclude others cuz they not like us. exclude others cuz they not like us. exclude others cuz they not like us. Isn't Isn't it insane that people who Isn't Isn't it insane that people who Isn't Isn't it insane that people who were saved by grace can start guarding were saved by grace can start guarding were saved by grace can start guarding grace as if it's theirs to dispense?

Paulo Frier writes about this tendency Paulo Frier writes about this tendency in his book pedagogy of the oppressed. in his book pedagogy of the oppressed. in his book pedagogy of the oppressed. The the tendency for those who have The the tendency for those who have The the tendency for those who have experienced liberation from oppression experienced liberation from oppression experienced liberation from oppression to become themselves oppressors of to become themselves oppressors of to become themselves oppressors of others. Now you you must remember who is others. Now you you must remember who is others. Now you you must remember who is proclaiming this mysterious proclaiming this mysterious proclaiming this mysterious boundarybreaking grace. It's Paul. boundarybreaking grace. It's Paul. boundarybreaking grace. It's Paul. >> But but he hasn't always been Paul. Just >> But but he hasn't always been Paul. Just >> But but he hasn't always been Paul. Just like you haven't always been who you are like you haven't always been who you are like you haven't always been who you are now. now. now. >> Huh? >> Huh? >> Huh? Saul. Saul was a persecutor of the Saul. Saul was a persecutor of the Saul. Saul was a persecutor of the church. Saul held the coats while Steven church. Saul held the coats while Steven church. Saul held the coats while Steven was stoned. Saul went house to house was stoned. Saul went house to house was stoned. Saul went house to house dragging believers off to prison. Saul dragging believers off to prison. Saul dragging believers off to prison. Saul breathed out murderous threats against breathed out murderous threats against breathed out murderous threats against the very people he now calls brothers the very people he now calls brothers the very people he now calls brothers and sisters. And yet here he is clearly and sisters. And yet here he is clearly and sisters. And yet here he is clearly consumed by the grace of God. We we consumed by the grace of God. We we consumed by the grace of God. We we recalls Paul's encounter with grace. recalls Paul's encounter with grace. recalls Paul's encounter with grace. It's one of note. He was given a thorn It's one of note. He was given a thorn It's one of note. He was given a thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan to in his flesh, a messenger of Satan to in his flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet him, to keep him from becoming buffet him, to keep him from becoming buffet him, to keep him from becoming exceedingly arrogant. And three times he exceedingly arrogant. And three times he exceedingly arrogant. And three times he prayed for the Lord to remove it. And prayed for the Lord to remove it. And prayed for the Lord to remove it. And you know what the Lord said instead of you know what the Lord said instead of you know what the Lord said instead of removing it? He said, "My grace is removing it? He said, "My grace is removing it? He said, "My grace is sufficient for you, and my strength is sufficient for you, and my strength is sufficient for you, and my strength is made perfect in weakness." Paul made perfect in weakness." Paul made perfect in weakness." Paul identifies as less than the least of all identifies as less than the least of all identifies as less than the least of all the Lord's people. He recognizes his the Lord's people. He recognizes his the Lord's people. He recognizes his past could have disqualified him by past could have disqualified him by past could have disqualified him by human standards from serving as human standards from serving as human standards from serving as spokesman for the savior. But have but spokesman for the savior. But have but spokesman for the savior. But have but he also realizes that his life is a life

he also realizes that his life is a life he also realizes that his life is a life that has been marked by being gripped by that has been marked by being gripped by that has been marked by being gripped by grace. And Paul ain't the only one whose grace. And Paul ain't the only one whose grace. And Paul ain't the only one whose life is one that's been marked by being life is one that's been marked by being life is one that's been marked by being gripped by grace. God has looked beyond gripped by grace. God has looked beyond gripped by grace. God has looked beyond your faults and time and time again met your faults and time and time again met your faults and time and time again met your needs and blessed you beyond what your needs and blessed you beyond what your needs and blessed you beyond what you ever could have deserved because you ever could have deserved because you ever could have deserved because God's grace is so sufficient that in God's grace is so sufficient that in God's grace is so sufficient that in spite of you, God has covered you and spite of you, God has covered you and spite of you, God has covered you and kept you and sustained you and upheld kept you and sustained you and upheld kept you and sustained you and upheld you. And here you are on a Sunday you. And here you are on a Sunday you. And here you are on a Sunday morning looking like you looking clothed morning looking like you looking clothed morning looking like you looking clothed and in your right mind to the degree and in your right mind to the degree and in your right mind to the degree that you are because God didn't treat that you are because God didn't treat that you are because God didn't treat you fairly. God treated you with favor. You You know why I like Paul in this You You know why I like Paul in this passage? Because Paul's acknowledgment passage? Because Paul's acknowledgment passage? Because Paul's acknowledgment of God's grace isn't used as a way of of God's grace isn't used as a way of of God's grace isn't used as a way of elevating himself above others or elevating himself above others or elevating himself above others or considering himself greater than those considering himself greater than those considering himself greater than those who haven't experienced the grace of God who haven't experienced the grace of God who haven't experienced the grace of God in the same ways in which he has. Paul in the same ways in which he has. Paul in the same ways in which he has. Paul is clear that grace isn't something to is clear that grace isn't something to is clear that grace isn't something to make him puffed up or proud. But grace make him puffed up or proud. But grace make him puffed up or proud. But grace is a reminder that if it had not been is a reminder that if it had not been is a reminder that if it had not been for the Lord who was on his side, he for the Lord who was on his side, he for the Lord who was on his side, he wouldn't be who he is. He wouldn't have wouldn't be who he is. He wouldn't have wouldn't be who he is. He wouldn't have what he has. He wouldn't know what he what he has. He wouldn't know what he what he has. He wouldn't know what he knows. And even from prison, he's clear knows. And even from prison, he's clear knows. And even from prison, he's clear that God's grace has been doled out upon that God's grace has been doled out upon that God's grace has been doled out upon him and he's been the recipient of that him and he's been the recipient of that him and he's been the recipient of that which he never deserved. Who am I which he never deserved. Who am I which he never deserved. Who am I talking to this Sunday? Who can look talking to this Sunday? Who can look talking to this Sunday? Who can look back over the shoulder of your life and back over the shoulder of your life and back over the shoulder of your life and realize that at every major intersection

realize that at every major intersection realize that at every major intersection of your life, it was grace that guided of your life, it was grace that guided of your life, it was grace that guided you and guarded you and gripped you. And you and guarded you and gripped you. And you and guarded you and gripped you. And when you wrap your mind around that when you wrap your mind around that when you wrap your mind around that reality, it gives new meaning to the reality, it gives new meaning to the reality, it gives new meaning to the saying of the saints of old. But for the saying of the saints of old. But for the saying of the saints of old. But for the grace of God, there go I. Somebody ought grace of God, there go I. Somebody ought grace of God, there go I. Somebody ought to thank God for grace. I said somebody to thank God for grace. I said somebody to thank God for grace. I said somebody ought to thank God for grace. Thank God ought to thank God for grace. Thank God ought to thank God for grace. Thank God for favor. Thank God for blessings you for favor. Thank God for blessings you for favor. Thank God for blessings you know you didn't deserve. Thank God for know you didn't deserve. Thank God for know you didn't deserve. Thank God for his benefits and his bounty and his his benefits and his bounty and his his benefits and his bounty and his benevolence. Has anyone ever experienced benevolence. Has anyone ever experienced benevolence. Has anyone ever experienced the grace of God? I don't deserve it. I don't deserve it. Every day grace and mercy following Every day grace and mercy following Every day grace and mercy following after me. This this is the gift after me. This this is the gift after me. This this is the gift the gift of God that Paul seeks to share the gift of God that Paul seeks to share the gift of God that Paul seeks to share with those whom others suggested were with those whom others suggested were with those whom others suggested were outside of the scope of God's saving outside of the scope of God's saving outside of the scope of God's saving grace. And when we get to verse 10, Paul grace. And when we get to verse 10, Paul grace. And when we get to verse 10, Paul says, "Now, says, "Now, says, "Now, it's time for the church it's time for the church it's time for the church to show the manifold wisdom of God to to show the manifold wisdom of God to to show the manifold wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities in heavenly the rulers and authorities in heavenly the rulers and authorities in heavenly realms according to his eternal purpose realms according to his eternal purpose realms according to his eternal purpose uh that that he accomplished in Christ uh that that he accomplished in Christ uh that that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." that that word nanopold Jesus our Lord." that that word nanopold Jesus our Lord." that that word nanopold literally means multicolored literally means multicolored literally means multicolored variagated ultradiverse with varying variagated ultradiverse with varying variagated ultradiverse with varying expressions and it's used to speak of expressions and it's used to speak of expressions and it's used to speak of the wisdom of God. Paul is trying to

the wisdom of God. Paul is trying to the wisdom of God. Paul is trying to help us to see that mo the help us to see that mo the help us to see that mo the multi-dimensional multivariagated multi-dimensional multivariagated multi-dimensional multivariagated diversified wisdom of God is only able diversified wisdom of God is only able diversified wisdom of God is only able to be fully expressed and experienced to be fully expressed and experienced to be fully expressed and experienced and realized when the church breaks down and realized when the church breaks down and realized when the church breaks down barriers and exhibits a sense of unity barriers and exhibits a sense of unity barriers and exhibits a sense of unity in Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul says the in Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul says the in Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul says the mystery that is the limitless nature of mystery that is the limitless nature of mystery that is the limitless nature of the grace of God is to be put on full the grace of God is to be put on full the grace of God is to be put on full display by the church which joins display by the church which joins display by the church which joins together and brings with them each together and brings with them each together and brings with them each person individually their own experience person individually their own experience person individually their own experience and knowledge of the wisdom of God such and knowledge of the wisdom of God such and knowledge of the wisdom of God such that when we all get together we realize that when we all get together we realize that when we all get together we realize collectively the degree to which God collectively the degree to which God collectively the degree to which God knows all God created all God is in all knows all God created all God is in all knows all God created all God is in all God controls all God ordains all God God controls all God ordains all God God controls all God ordains all God orders ers all. And when each of us orders ers all. And when each of us orders ers all. And when each of us comes together to testify concerning comes together to testify concerning comes together to testify concerning just how much God our God really is, we just how much God our God really is, we just how much God our God really is, we can't help but leave with the unified can't help but leave with the unified can't help but leave with the unified conclusion that there really is conclusion that there really is conclusion that there really is absolutely nothing too hard for our God.

absolutely nothing too hard for our God. absolutely nothing too hard for our God. When we all with our varying experiences When we all with our varying experiences When we all with our varying experiences and knowledge of just how good God is and knowledge of just how good God is and knowledge of just how good God is get together and testify to that get together and testify to that get together and testify to that reality, we'll all be able to leave with reality, we'll all be able to leave with reality, we'll all be able to leave with the confidence which Paul is trying to the confidence which Paul is trying to the confidence which Paul is trying to instill in the believers. Let me let me instill in the believers. Let me let me instill in the believers. Let me let me try it this way for an ocular try it this way for an ocular try it this way for an ocular demonstration. If you're a cancer demonstration. If you're a cancer demonstration. If you're a cancer survivor, stand to your feet. Where survivor, stand to your feet. Where survivor, stand to your feet. Where where are the folks who were once broke, where are the folks who were once broke, where are the folks who were once broke, but God has proven to be a provider? but God has proven to be a provider? but God has proven to be a provider? Stand up. Where are the folks who almost Stand up. Where are the folks who almost Stand up. Where are the folks who almost lost your mind but God kept you in lost your mind but God kept you in lost your mind but God kept you in perfect peace as you kept your mind perfect peace as you kept your mind perfect peace as you kept your mind stayed on him? Stand up. Where are the stayed on him? Stand up. Where are the stayed on him? Stand up. Where are the folks who faced discrimination but still folks who faced discrimination but still folks who faced discrimination but still experienced promotion and elevation some experienced promotion and elevation some experienced promotion and elevation some kind of way? It's the grace of God. kind of way? It's the grace of God. kind of way? It's the grace of God. Stand up. Where are the folks who almost Stand up. Where are the folks who almost Stand up. Where are the folks who almost threw in the towel but God snatched you threw in the towel but God snatched you threw in the towel but God snatched you from the hand of the enemy? Stand up. from the hand of the enemy? Stand up. from the hand of the enemy? Stand up. Where are the folks who made some silly Where are the folks who made some silly Where are the folks who made some silly mistakes that could have ended your life mistakes that could have ended your life mistakes that could have ended your life but here you are not looking like what but here you are not looking like what but here you are not looking like what you've been through because of the grace you've been through because of the grace you've been through because of the grace of God? Stand up. Where are the folks of God? Stand up. Where are the folks of God? Stand up. Where are the folks who have experienced some setbacks but who have experienced some setbacks but who have experienced some setbacks but realize that your setback was a setup realize that your setback was a setup realize that your setback was a setup for a comeback? Stand up. Where are the for a comeback? Stand up. Where are the for a comeback? Stand up. Where are the folks who can testify that God has done folks who can testify that God has done folks who can testify that God has done more than you can begin to articulate?

more than you can begin to articulate? more than you can begin to articulate? Where are the folks who've been healed? Where are the folks who've been healed? Where are the folks who've been healed? Where are the folks who've been set Where are the folks who've been set Where are the folks who've been set free? Where are the folks who've been free? Where are the folks who've been free? Where are the folks who've been kept in your right mind? Where are the kept in your right mind? Where are the kept in your right mind? Where are the folks who have experienced the folks who have experienced the folks who have experienced the supernatural, unexplainable, undeniable supernatural, unexplainable, undeniable supernatural, unexplainable, undeniable favor of the Lord over your life? Where favor of the Lord over your life? Where favor of the Lord over your life? Where are the folks who've been restored? are the folks who've been restored? are the folks who've been restored? Where are the folks who've been Where are the folks who've been Where are the folks who've been revitalized? Where are the folks who've revitalized? Where are the folks who've revitalized? Where are the folks who've been rejuvenated? Where are the folks been rejuvenated? Where are the folks been rejuvenated? Where are the folks who've been redeemed? Well, let the who've been redeemed? Well, let the who've been redeemed? Well, let the redeemed of the Lord open up your mouth. Can I get a witness that there is Can I get a witness that there is nothing too hard for our God? Paul says, "Now Paul says, "Now >> is the time >> is the time >> is the time >> for the church to let the angels know >> for the church to let the angels know >> for the church to let the angels know just how unmatched, unparalleled, just how unmatched, unparalleled, just how unmatched, unparalleled, unfathomable, uncontainable is the unfathomable, uncontainable is the unfathomable, uncontainable is the wisdom of God." Who am I talking to who wisdom of God." Who am I talking to who wisdom of God." Who am I talking to who can testify and say it with your chest?

can testify and say it with your chest? can testify and say it with your chest? Can't nobody do me like Jesus. Can't Can't nobody do me like Jesus. Can't Can't nobody do me like Jesus. Can't Can't nobody do me like the Lord. Can't nobody do me like the Lord. Can't nobody do me like the Lord. Paul Paul Paul Paul outlines his Paul Paul Paul Paul outlines his Paul Paul Paul Paul outlines his theology of grace and the sufficiency theology of grace and the sufficiency theology of grace and the sufficiency thereof made manifest in the inclusion thereof made manifest in the inclusion thereof made manifest in the inclusion of those who had at one point been of those who had at one point been of those who had at one point been excluded and ostracized. But Paul Paul excluded and ostracized. But Paul Paul excluded and ostracized. But Paul Paul knows people. knows people. knows people. >> Preachers know people. >> Preachers know people. >> Preachers know people. >> People >> People >> People are funny acting. So Paul Paul realizes something that So Paul Paul realizes something that some of us may have forgotten. some of us may have forgotten. some of us may have forgotten. Information does not automatically bring Information does not automatically bring Information does not automatically bring about transformation. >> You can explain inclusion and still >> You can explain inclusion and still practice prejudice. practice prejudice. practice prejudice. >> You can testify to the love of God and >> You can testify to the love of God and >> You can testify to the love of God and still have some hate in your heart. You still have some hate in your heart. You still have some hate in your heart. You you can quote scripture and still be you can quote scripture and still be you can quote scripture and still be bitter. You can come to church every bitter. You can come to church every bitter. You can come to church every Sunday sit in the same seat with your Sunday sit in the same seat with your Sunday sit in the same seat with your pew partners and never have your heart pew partners and never have your heart pew partners and never have your heart been enlarged by the love of God. So been enlarged by the love of God. So been enlarged by the love of God. So Paul says, I I've I've given you my Paul says, I I've I've given you my Paul says, I I've I've given you my position, my theological exploration.

position, my theological exploration. position, my theological exploration. Now is prayer time. Now is prayer time. Now is prayer time. >> You do know prayer changes things. >> You do know prayer changes things. >> You do know prayer changes things. >> I said you do know prayer changes >> I said you do know prayer changes >> I said you do know prayer changes things. things. things. Paul Paul really proves that he's a Paul Paul really proves that he's a Paul Paul really proves that he's a preacher by the pastor. and he provides preacher by the pastor. and he provides preacher by the pastor. and he provides this prayer, Kim. It's really a simple this prayer, Kim. It's really a simple this prayer, Kim. It's really a simple prayer, but his language is so expansive prayer, but his language is so expansive prayer, but his language is so expansive and fanciful and he just goes on and on and fanciful and he just goes on and on and fanciful and he just goes on and on and it's it's grandiose. It and all he's and it's it's grandiose. It and all he's and it's it's grandiose. It and all he's really trying to say is I pray that you really trying to say is I pray that you really trying to say is I pray that you know God's love so you can show God's know God's love so you can show God's know God's love so you can show God's love. >> I I pray that you know God's love so you >> I I pray that you know God's love so you can show God's love. But here's how Paul can show God's love. But here's how Paul can show God's love. But here's how Paul puts it. I I pray that God would puts it. I I pray that God would puts it. I I pray that God would strengthen you with power through his strengthen you with power through his strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being. Not surface spirit in your inner being. Not surface spirit in your inner being. Not surface strength, not gym strength, not strength, not gym strength, not strength, not gym strength, not performance strength, but strength in performance strength, but strength in performance strength, but strength in the part of you no one else can see. the part of you no one else can see. the part of you no one else can see. That that that part that's a little too That that that part that's a little too That that that part that's a little too weak for God to be glorified because weak for God to be glorified because weak for God to be glorified because what God is asking of you is heavier what God is asking of you is heavier what God is asking of you is heavier than you really wish it was. And deep than you really wish it was. And deep than you really wish it was. And deep down on the inside, there's that piece down on the inside, there's that piece down on the inside, there's that piece of you that's love resistant.

of you that's love resistant. of you that's love resistant. >> That that piece of you that will still >> That that piece of you that will still >> That that piece of you that will still tell folks where to go and how to get tell folks where to go and how to get tell folks where to go and how to get there. there. there. Hello, somebody. That that piece of you Hello, somebody. That that piece of you Hello, somebody. That that piece of you that says if she says one more thing to that says if she says one more thing to that says if she says one more thing to me the wrong kind of way, me the wrong kind of way, me the wrong kind of way, furniture moving. furniture moving. furniture moving. that piece of you that you're hiding but that piece of you that you're hiding but that piece of you that you're hiding but holding on to. Paul says you need holding on to. Paul says you need holding on to. Paul says you need strength and power through the spirit to strength and power through the spirit to strength and power through the spirit to let that go let that go let that go >> so that ultimately you can be led by the >> so that ultimately you can be led by the >> so that ultimately you can be led by the love of God and lavish on others that love of God and lavish on others that love of God and lavish on others that same love instead of being one bad day same love instead of being one bad day same love instead of being one bad day away from messing up God's reputation away from messing up God's reputation away from messing up God's reputation because folks know you claim to be because folks know you claim to be because folks know you claim to be Christian. I pray that God would strengthen you I pray that God would strengthen you with power in your inner being that with power in your inner being that with power in your inner being that Christ may dwell in your hearts. Dwell Christ may dwell in your hearts. Dwell Christ may dwell in your hearts. Dwell richly in your hearts through faith.

richly in your hearts through faith. richly in your hearts through faith. That word dwell it means to settle down That word dwell it means to settle down That word dwell it means to settle down permanently to make a home. Theo, the implication of the text is Theo, the implication of the text is that Paul is praying against the that Paul is praying against the that Paul is praying against the tendency that some of us may have to tendency that some of us may have to tendency that some of us may have to treat God like a visitor and not a treat God like a visitor and not a treat God like a visitor and not a resident. resident. resident. >> And it's clear that for some of us, >> And it's clear that for some of us, >> And it's clear that for some of us, Christ is moving out one day and moving Christ is moving out one day and moving Christ is moving out one day and moving back in temporarily on another. And at back in temporarily on another. And at back in temporarily on another. And at best, he is a temporary resident in our best, he is a temporary resident in our best, he is a temporary resident in our lives because light and darkness can't lives because light and darkness can't lives because light and darkness can't occupy the same space. And if you've got occupy the same space. And if you've got occupy the same space. And if you've got a nasty attitude and no joy and you're a nasty attitude and no joy and you're a nasty attitude and no joy and you're rude and you can't speak to folks and rude and you can't speak to folks and rude and you can't speak to folks and you think you're better than others, you think you're better than others, you think you're better than others, then Paul is praying that you make room then Paul is praying that you make room then Paul is praying that you make room for the Christ who wants to dwell and for the Christ who wants to dwell and for the Christ who wants to dwell and not just dine and dash. The songwriter not just dine and dash. The songwriter not just dine and dash. The songwriter said, "Lord, I want to be a Christian in said, "Lord, I want to be a Christian in said, "Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart.

my heart. my heart. that you that you being rooted and that you that you being rooted and that you that you being rooted and established in love may have power to established in love may have power to established in love may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and grasp how wide and long and high and grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Paul again deep is the love of Christ. Paul again deep is the love of Christ. Paul again prays for the believers to have power to prays for the believers to have power to prays for the believers to have power to be able to attain the full expanse of be able to attain the full expanse of be able to attain the full expanse of the love of Christ. four dimensions that the love of Christ. four dimensions that the love of Christ. four dimensions that suggest the impossibility of escaping suggest the impossibility of escaping suggest the impossibility of escaping the vastness of the love of Christ. And the vastness of the love of Christ. And the vastness of the love of Christ. And Paul starts this portion off by praying Paul starts this portion off by praying Paul starts this portion off by praying that you're first rooted and established that you're first rooted and established that you're first rooted and established in what? in what? in what? >> And Paul starts this portion off by >> And Paul starts this portion off by >> And Paul starts this portion off by praying that you're first rooted and praying that you're first rooted and praying that you're first rooted and established in what? established in what? established in what? >> Are y'all here? >> Are y'all here? >> Are y'all here? the the the love that love is the firm the the the love that love is the firm the the the love that love is the firm foundation from which you're operating. foundation from which you're operating. foundation from which you're operating. That that love that which is is which That that love that which is is which That that love that which is is which nourishes and nurtures and keeps you nourishes and nurtures and keeps you nourishes and nurtures and keeps you grounded. And when that becomes your grounded. And when that becomes your grounded. And when that becomes your reality, Paul says, I pray that you may reality, Paul says, I pray that you may reality, Paul says, I pray that you may have power along with all of the other have power along with all of the other have power along with all of the other different folks, other saints. Uh, all different folks, other saints. Uh, all different folks, other saints. Uh, all of y'all will then thereafter be able to of y'all will then thereafter be able to of y'all will then thereafter be able to fully comprehend just how much Jesus fully comprehend just how much Jesus fully comprehend just how much Jesus Christ really does love you.

Christ really does love you. Christ really does love you. >> That that that >> That that that >> That that that you may know this love you may know this love you may know this love that surpasses knowledge that surpasses knowledge that surpasses knowledge >> that you may be filled to the measure or >> that you may be filled to the measure or >> that you may be filled to the measure or stature of the fullness of God. It's an stature of the fullness of God. It's an stature of the fullness of God. It's an intentional paradox. Paul prays that we intentional paradox. Paul prays that we intentional paradox. Paul prays that we know what is surpassing knowledge know what is surpassing knowledge know what is surpassing knowledge because the way God loves isn't the way because the way God loves isn't the way because the way God loves isn't the way we love. we love. we love. >> We love until we love some days. we love some days. We love if it's reciprocated. We We We love if it's reciprocated. We We We love if it's reciprocated. We We don't naturally know or practice godlike don't naturally know or practice godlike don't naturally know or practice godlike love. We are works in progress and our love. We are works in progress and our love. We are works in progress and our love most often has some limits. And yet love most often has some limits. And yet love most often has some limits. And yet Paul prays that we come to know this Paul prays that we come to know this Paul prays that we come to know this love that surpasses knowledge to the end love that surpasses knowledge to the end love that surpasses knowledge to the end that we become the experience and we that we become the experience and we that we become the experience and we become and experience the manifestation become and experience the manifestation become and experience the manifestation of the image and likeness of God in and of the image and likeness of God in and of the image and likeness of God in and through our humanity. Paul says the through our humanity. Paul says the through our humanity. Paul says the church needs to look more like Jesus.

church needs to look more like Jesus. church needs to look more like Jesus. >> Jesus who upset traditionalism and >> Jesus who upset traditionalism and >> Jesus who upset traditionalism and conventional moray. Jesus who associated conventional moray. Jesus who associated conventional moray. Jesus who associated with those others deemed beneath them. with those others deemed beneath them. with those others deemed beneath them. Jesus who provided free health care to Jesus who provided free health care to Jesus who provided free health care to the sick. Jesus who fed the hungry. the sick. Jesus who fed the hungry. the sick. Jesus who fed the hungry. Jesus who provided mental health Jesus who provided mental health Jesus who provided mental health services to those in need. Jesus who put services to those in need. Jesus who put services to those in need. Jesus who put people before policies. Jesus who loved people before policies. Jesus who loved people before policies. Jesus who loved without limits. Anybody want to look without limits. Anybody want to look without limits. Anybody want to look more and live more and love more like more and live more and love more like more and live more and love more like Jesus? I'm done. I'm done. I'm done. The text moves from Paul's I'm done. The text moves from Paul's I'm done. The text moves from Paul's position to Paul's prayer and then position to Paul's prayer and then position to Paul's prayer and then concludes with Paul's praise. concludes with Paul's praise. concludes with Paul's praise. >> Now >> Now >> Now unto him, unto him, unto him, >> Paul says once we conclude >> Paul says once we conclude >> Paul says once we conclude God's love is limitless and God's grace God's love is limitless and God's grace God's love is limitless and God's grace is accessible to all who call upon his is accessible to all who call upon his is accessible to all who call upon his name. Somebody say all. name. Somebody say all. name. Somebody say all. >> All. We can move from prayer to praise.

>> All. We can move from prayer to praise. >> All. We can move from prayer to praise. And this isn't some praise that's just And this isn't some praise that's just And this isn't some praise that's just slapped on top of a good message about slapped on top of a good message about slapped on top of a good message about what the church should look like. This what the church should look like. This what the church should look like. This is an informed praise. Stick with me. We is an informed praise. Stick with me. We is an informed praise. Stick with me. We ought to first praise God because God is ought to first praise God because God is ought to first praise God because God is able. >> All right. The point is about praise. >> All right. The point is about praise. >> Let me try it again. >> Let me try it again. >> Let me try it again. We ought to first and foremost be those We ought to first and foremost be those We ought to first and foremost be those who praise God because God is able. Even when you're not able, God is able. Even when you're not able, God is able. When your friends ain't able, God is When your friends ain't able, God is When your friends ain't able, God is able. When your family's not able, God able. When your family's not able, God able. When your family's not able, God is able. When your resources aren't is able. When your resources aren't is able. When your resources aren't able, God is able. When you can't see able, God is able. When you can't see able, God is able. When you can't see your way through, God is able. God is your way through, God is able. God is your way through, God is able. God is able. God is able. Who am I talking to able. God is able. Who am I talking to able. God is able. Who am I talking to who can thank God and declare on this who can thank God and declare on this who can thank God and declare on this Sunday, God is able and and God is Sunday, God is able and and God is Sunday, God is able and and God is superlative superlative superlative in said ability.

in said ability. in said ability. One one scholar suggests that Paul is One one scholar suggests that Paul is One one scholar suggests that Paul is trying to put into words that which is trying to put into words that which is trying to put into words that which is truly ineffable and beyond the capacity truly ineffable and beyond the capacity truly ineffable and beyond the capacity afforded by mere human words. God is afforded by mere human words. God is afforded by mere human words. God is able, but he's like, "That's not enough. able, but he's like, "That's not enough. able, but he's like, "That's not enough. That doesn't capture the full breadth of That doesn't capture the full breadth of That doesn't capture the full breadth of just how able our God is." Let's see. just how able our God is." Let's see. just how able our God is." Let's see. God is able to do Oh, that's good. God God is able to do Oh, that's good. God God is able to do Oh, that's good. God can operate in your situations and turn can operate in your situations and turn can operate in your situations and turn some things around. That's good. But some things around. That's good. But some things around. That's good. But that's not quite good enough. God is that's not quite good enough. God is that's not quite good enough. God is able to do exceeding. Oh yes, that means able to do exceeding. Oh yes, that means able to do exceeding. Oh yes, that means that God can blow your mind. God can do that God can blow your mind. God can do that God can blow your mind. God can do that which you never comprehended. that which you never comprehended. that which you never comprehended. That's good. But that's still not good That's good. But that's still not good That's good. But that's still not good enough. H God is able to do exceeding enough. H God is able to do exceeding enough. H God is able to do exceeding abundantly. Oh, maybe that's a little abundantly. Oh, maybe that's a little abundantly. Oh, maybe that's a little better. God is able to He stacks better. God is able to He stacks better. God is able to He stacks superlatives trying to articulate just superlatives trying to articulate just superlatives trying to articulate just how good your God's ability is. God is how good your God's ability is. God is how good your God's ability is. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above.

able to do exceeding abundantly above. able to do exceeding abundantly above. Oh, there it is. God can do more than Oh, there it is. God can do more than Oh, there it is. God can do more than the more that you thought God could do. the more that you thought God could do. the more that you thought God could do. God is able to do exceeding abundantly God is able to do exceeding abundantly God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all. Oh, even better. God is able above all. Oh, even better. God is able above all. Oh, even better. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all. to do exceeding abundantly above all. to do exceeding abundantly above all. That's not quite good enough, though. That's not quite good enough, though. That's not quite good enough, though. God is able to do exceeding abundantly God is able to do exceeding abundantly God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you can ask for. above all you can ask for. above all you can ask for. God, if you ask for it, God can outmatch God, if you ask for it, God can outmatch God, if you ask for it, God can outmatch your ask. That's good. But it's still your ask. That's good. But it's still your ask. That's good. But it's still missing something. God is able to do missing something. God is able to do missing something. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you ask. exceeding abundantly above all you ask. exceeding abundantly above all you ask. >> You don't even have to ask for it. If >> You don't even have to ask for it. If >> You don't even have to ask for it. If you think about it, God is able to outperform your thoughts. God is able to outperform your thoughts. God is able to do exceeding abundantly God is able to do exceeding abundantly God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you think or ask according to above all you think or ask according to above all you think or ask according to the power that's already in you.

This is the God who can not just meet This is the God who can not just meet the need but can extravagantly and the need but can extravagantly and the need but can extravagantly and excessively and extraordinarily and excessively and extraordinarily and excessively and extraordinarily and abundantly and exceedingly perform that abundantly and exceedingly perform that abundantly and exceedingly perform that which you need. This is the God who does which you need. This is the God who does which you need. This is the God who does stuff that leaves you scratching your stuff that leaves you scratching your stuff that leaves you scratching your head because God's ability overwhelms head because God's ability overwhelms head because God's ability overwhelms human calculation. human calculation. human calculation. Where are the saints with an only God Where are the saints with an only God Where are the saints with an only God could do it testimony? Can I testify this Sunday morning? He'll Can I testify this Sunday morning? He'll do more than you ever expected. do more than you ever expected. do more than you ever expected. I'm talking eyepopping, mindblowing, I'm talking eyepopping, mindblowing, I'm talking eyepopping, mindblowing, jaw-dropping, atmosphere changing, jaw-dropping, atmosphere changing, jaw-dropping, atmosphere changing, context shifting, next level, context shifting, next level, context shifting, next level, supernatural, unexplainable, supernatural, unexplainable, supernatural, unexplainable, inexplicable blessing. Who am I talking inexplicable blessing. Who am I talking inexplicable blessing. Who am I talking to that knows he'll do more than you to that knows he'll do more than you to that knows he'll do more than you ever expected? God is able. God is able. God is able.

God is able. God is able. God is able to do more than you ever God is able to do more than you ever God is able to do more than you ever expected according to the power that's expected according to the power that's expected according to the power that's already in you. already in you. already in you. Paul says we're not we're not praising Paul says we're not we're not praising Paul says we're not we're not praising God because we're expecting some power God because we're expecting some power God because we're expecting some power to be revealed. We're praising God to be revealed. We're praising God to be revealed. We're praising God because we already have the power on the because we already have the power on the because we already have the power on the inside. The church already has the power inside. The church already has the power inside. The church already has the power once the church breaks the barriers to once the church breaks the barriers to once the church breaks the barriers to do all that God is calling the church to do all that God is calling the church to do all that God is calling the church to do. And God is able to afford the church do. And God is able to afford the church do. And God is able to afford the church the opportunity to do exceeding the opportunity to do exceeding the opportunity to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or abundantly above all that we ask or abundantly above all that we ask or think. think. think. It's It's good. It's good. It's good to It's It's good. It's good. It's good to It's It's good. It's good. It's good to me. It's good to me because when you me. It's good to me because when you me. It's good to me because when you realize we've already got the power, you realize we've already got the power, you realize we've already got the power, you recognize that God deserves the praise. recognize that God deserves the praise. recognize that God deserves the praise. To to him to him be glory in the church To to him to him be glory in the church To to him to him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all by Christ Jesus throughout all by Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen. Paul generations forever and ever. Amen. Paul generations forever and ever. Amen. Paul says glory should be afforded by every says glory should be afforded by every says glory should be afforded by every generation and every age even throughout generation and every age even throughout generation and every age even throughout eternity. Paul, because when grace eternity. Paul, because when grace eternity. Paul, because when grace reaches people who didn't deserve it, reaches people who didn't deserve it, reaches people who didn't deserve it, God gets glory. When sinners become God gets glory. When sinners become God gets glory. When sinners become saved, God gets glory. When wounded saved, God gets glory. When wounded saved, God gets glory. When wounded people find healing, God gets glory.

people find healing, God gets glory. people find healing, God gets glory. When broken people find restoration, God When broken people find restoration, God When broken people find restoration, God gets glory. When lost people discover gets glory. When lost people discover gets glory. When lost people discover salvation, God gets glory. And Paul says salvation, God gets glory. And Paul says salvation, God gets glory. And Paul says that glory won't last for a season. It that glory won't last for a season. It that glory won't last for a season. It won't last for a generation. It won't won't last for a generation. It won't won't last for a generation. It won't last for an era. but unto all last for an era. but unto all last for an era. but unto all generations forever and ever. generations forever and ever. generations forever and ever. Which means Caesar's glory faded, Rome's Which means Caesar's glory faded, Rome's Which means Caesar's glory faded, Rome's glory faded, presidents come and go. glory faded, presidents come and go. glory faded, presidents come and go. Hallelujah. Kingdoms appear and Hallelujah. Kingdoms appear and Hallelujah. Kingdoms appear and disappear. But the glory of our God is disappear. But the glory of our God is disappear. But the glory of our God is still shining. That same God that saved still shining. That same God that saved still shining. That same God that saved Paul. That same God who opened the doors Paul. That same God who opened the doors Paul. That same God who opened the doors for Gentiles. That same God who for Gentiles. That same God who for Gentiles. That same God who sustained the early church. That same sustained the early church. That same sustained the early church. That same God who carried your grandmother God who carried your grandmother God who carried your grandmother through. That same God who brought you through. That same God who brought you through. That same God who brought you through dangers seen and unseen. That through dangers seen and unseen. That through dangers seen and unseen. That same God who woke you up this morning. same God who woke you up this morning. same God who woke you up this morning. That God is still able. Still able to That God is still able. Still able to That God is still able. Still able to heal. Still able to deliver. Still able heal. Still able to deliver. Still able heal. Still able to deliver. Still able to sustain. Still able to keep you.

to sustain. Still able to keep you. to sustain. Still able to keep you. Still able to sustain you. Still able to Still able to sustain you. Still able to Still able to sustain you. Still able to make ways where there are no ways. Still make ways where there are no ways. Still make ways where there are no ways. Still able to open doors no man can shut. able able to open doors no man can shut. able able to open doors no man can shut. able to perform miracles, signs and wonders. to perform miracles, signs and wonders. to perform miracles, signs and wonders. God God God is able. Watch this. You remember Paul is Watch this. You remember Paul is presenting this letter from where? presenting this letter from where? presenting this letter from where? >> Prison. Which means to me that God's >> Prison. Which means to me that God's >> Prison. Which means to me that God's ability is not determined by our ability is not determined by our ability is not determined by our context. context. context. Meaning, even if you don't see God Meaning, even if you don't see God Meaning, even if you don't see God working it out right now, you don't have working it out right now, you don't have working it out right now, you don't have to wait till the battle is over because he's able to do it. And any day because he's able to do it. And any day now, any day now, God will do more than now, any day now, God will do more than now, any day now, God will do more than you ever expected, exceeding abundantly you ever expected, exceeding abundantly you ever expected, exceeding abundantly above all we can ask for.

above all we can ask for. above all we can ask for. He'll do more than you ever expected. He'll do more than you ever expected. He'll do more than you ever expected. He'll do more He'll do more He'll do more than you ever expected. than you ever expected. than you ever expected. He'll do more. So give him glory in the church. So give him glory in the church. Give him honor in the church. Give him Give him honor in the church. Give him Give him honor in the church. Give him praise in the church. For every mountain praise in the church. For every mountain praise in the church. For every mountain he's brought you over. For every trial he's brought you over. For every trial he's brought you over. For every trial he's seen you through. For every he's seen you through. For every he's seen you through. For every blessing. Hallelujah. blessing. Hallelujah. blessing. Hallelujah. For this for this. What? More peace, more joy, more contentment, More peace, more joy, more contentment, more satisfaction, more blessings.

God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do. Only God can do it. Only God can do. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can save. Only God can raise. Only God can save. Only God can raise. Only God can save. Only God can raise. Only God can heal. Only God can do it. Only God can heal. Only God can do it. Only God can heal. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Only God can do it. Do God can do it. Only God can do it. Do God can do it. Only God can do it. Do it. Only God can do it. Heat. Heat.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. You You might know the Lord.

might know the Lord. might know the Lord. He will heal your mind. He will heal your mind. He will heal your mind. He will your heart. He will your heart. He will your heart. He will set you free. He will set you free. He will set you free. We trust in you, Lord. Heat. up up here.

Heat up Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Heat. to God be the glory. To God be the

to God be the glory. To God be the glory. glory. glory. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. To God be the glory. To God be the glory. To God be the glory. To God be the glory. >> To God be the glory. >> To God be the glory. To God be To God be To God be the glory. the glory. the glory. To God be To God be To God be the glory. the glory. the glory. How we honor the Lord this day How we honor the Lord this day How we honor the Lord this day for the word of God that has been for the word of God that has been for the word of God that has been proclaimed to us proclaimed to us proclaimed to us in this moment in time. Now is the time in this moment in time. Now is the time in this moment in time. Now is the time for all of us to give glory to God in for all of us to give glory to God in for all of us to give glory to God in the church. the church. the church. for the matchless grace that has been for the matchless grace that has been for the matchless grace that has been extended to each one of us, extended to each one of us, extended to each one of us, >> for the lavish love that God continues >> for the lavish love that God continues >> for the lavish love that God continues to pour out to pour out to pour out on each one of us every single day of on each one of us every single day of on each one of us every single day of our lives.

our lives. our lives. >> The love of God is so vast, so profound >> The love of God is so vast, so profound >> The love of God is so vast, so profound that words can't even describe it. >> That whatever we think about >> That whatever we think about It's not big enough It's not big enough It's not big enough >> to properly articulate >> to properly articulate >> to properly articulate the amazing grace and lavish love of the amazing grace and lavish love of the amazing grace and lavish love of God. God. God. And that's good for all of us to hear And that's good for all of us to hear And that's good for all of us to hear and to know on this Sunday and to know on this Sunday and to know on this Sunday because somebody thought that because of because somebody thought that because of because somebody thought that because of some mistake you made, some misstep that some mistake you made, some misstep that some mistake you made, some misstep that you took that you were beyond the grip you took that you were beyond the grip you took that you were beyond the grip of the grace of God. of the grace of God. of the grace of God. And the preacher had to tell us today, And the preacher had to tell us today, And the preacher had to tell us today, "No, no, no, no. Don't you ever think "No, no, no, no. Don't you ever think "No, no, no, no. Don't you ever think that you've fallen from grace." That's a that you've fallen from grace." That's a that you've fallen from grace." That's a horrible statement that we've come up horrible statement that we've come up horrible statement that we've come up with. with. with. God's grace is not like human stuff. No, God's grace is not like human stuff. No, God's grace is not like human stuff. No, it's far surpassing it's far surpassing it's far surpassing human logic and rationalization.

human logic and rationalization. human logic and rationalization. God loves you. God loves you. God loves you. Period. Period. Period. God loves you. That's enough. That's it. God loves you. That's enough. That's it. God loves you. That's enough. That's it. God loves you. God loves you. God loves you. And that's the love I want you to And that's the love I want you to And that's the love I want you to experience today, sister, brother. If experience today, sister, brother. If experience today, sister, brother. If you've never put your trust in God, you've never put your trust in God, you've never put your trust in God, you've never experienced this grace you've never experienced this grace you've never experienced this grace about which the preacher has preached about which the preacher has preached about which the preacher has preached today, you don't have to leave here the today, you don't have to leave here the today, you don't have to leave here the same way you came. That grace has been same way you came. That grace has been same way you came. That grace has been extended to you. extended to you. extended to you. Grace, unmmerited Grace, unmmerited Grace, unmmerited favor. You don't have to try to earn it. favor. You don't have to try to earn it. favor. You don't have to try to earn it. It's just given to us. If you're here this Sunday and you say, If you're here this Sunday and you say, "Pastor, I need I need to be in that "Pastor, I need I need to be in that "Pastor, I need I need to be in that kind of church that loves like God kind of church that loves like God kind of church that loves like God loves, is at least trying to love like loves, is at least trying to love like loves, is at least trying to love like God loves, trying to look like God, God loves, trying to look like God, God loves, trying to look like God, trying to be more like God." There's an trying to be more like God." There's an trying to be more like God." There's an invitation that's extended right now.

invitation that's extended right now. invitation that's extended right now. That invitation literally suggests that That invitation literally suggests that That invitation literally suggests that you can get in relationship with this you can get in relationship with this you can get in relationship with this God right now, today. You don't have to God right now, today. You don't have to God right now, today. You don't have to wait till another opportunity. You don't wait till another opportunity. You don't wait till another opportunity. You don't have to clean yourself up first. You have to clean yourself up first. You have to clean yourself up first. You can't do that anyway. can't do that anyway. can't do that anyway. We come to the Lord just as we are. We come to the Lord just as we are. We come to the Lord just as we are. >> Then the Lord transforms us into being >> Then the Lord transforms us into being >> Then the Lord transforms us into being who the Lord wants us to be. Hear me. who the Lord wants us to be. Hear me. who the Lord wants us to be. Hear me. Hear me as a process of transformation. Hear me as a process of transformation. Hear me as a process of transformation. If you accept this invitation today, you If you accept this invitation today, you If you accept this invitation today, you put your trust in the Lord, he will put your trust in the Lord, he will put your trust in the Lord, he will transform you. He will conform you to transform you. He will conform you to transform you. He will conform you to the image of his dear son. The big the image of his dear son. The big the image of his dear son. The big millers are going to come stand with me millers are going to come stand with me millers are going to come stand with me here in the cathedral. Others are here in the cathedral. Others are here in the cathedral. Others are standing with the Reverend David Roberts standing with the Reverend David Roberts standing with the Reverend David Roberts in the sanctuary. The deacons all around in the sanctuary. The deacons all around in the sanctuary. The deacons all around the church who are now going to take the church who are now going to take the church who are now going to take positions and extend their hands letting positions and extend their hands letting positions and extend their hands letting you know that you are welcome here. you know that you are welcome here. you know that you are welcome here. Whosoever will let her come. Let him Whosoever will let her come. Let him Whosoever will let her come. Let him come. Say, "Pastor, I'm saved, but I come. Say, "Pastor, I'm saved, but I come. Say, "Pastor, I'm saved, but I don't have a church home. This church is don't have a church home. This church is don't have a church home. This church is available to you, open to you, so that available to you, open to you, so that available to you, open to you, so that you might come and be a part of our you might come and be a part of our you might come and be a part of our growing church family. this fellowship growing church family. this fellowship growing church family. this fellowship of saints, sisters, and brothers who are of saints, sisters, and brothers who are of saints, sisters, and brothers who are seeking to be more like Jesus every seeking to be more like Jesus every seeking to be more like Jesus every single day of our lives. If you're in single day of our lives. If you're in single day of our lives. If you're in that balcony, start walking toward me that balcony, start walking toward me that balcony, start walking toward me even right now. If you're on this first even right now. If you're on this first even right now. If you're on this first floor, step out into the aisle that's floor, step out into the aisle that's floor, step out into the aisle that's closest to you. Allow these deacons closest to you. Allow these deacons closest to you. Allow these deacons whose arms are extended to guide you whose arms are extended to guide you whose arms are extended to guide you down one of these three aisles that you down one of these three aisles that you down one of these three aisles that you might come and be a part of the family might come and be a part of the family might come and be a part of the family of faith and fellowship that gathers at of faith and fellowship that gathers at of faith and fellowship that gathers at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. If you're

Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. If you're Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. If you're in the sanctuary, do the same. If you're in the sanctuary, do the same. If you're in the sanctuary, do the same. If you're in the balcony, step out those back in the balcony, step out those back in the balcony, step out those back doors. Come down the stairs. Go back doors. Come down the stairs. Go back doors. Come down the stairs. Go back into the sanctuary. Come on down this into the sanctuary. Come on down this into the sanctuary. Come on down this way. If you're on the first floor of the way. If you're on the first floor of the way. If you're on the first floor of the sanctuary, make your way to the Reverend sanctuary, make your way to the Reverend sanctuary, make your way to the Reverend Roberts right now. They're moving right Roberts right now. They're moving right Roberts right now. They're moving right now. So, we should be celebrating now. So, we should be celebrating now. So, we should be celebrating right now today. There's nothing better than knowing There's nothing better than knowing Jesus. Bless you, man. Jesus. Bless you, man. Jesus. Bless you, man. Nothing better than knowing Jesus. I see Nothing better than knowing Jesus. I see Nothing better than knowing Jesus. I see you in the sanctuary. God bless you. you in the sanctuary. God bless you. you in the sanctuary. God bless you. He will pick you up, He will pick you up, He will pick you up, turn your life around. God bless your turn your life around. God bless your turn your life around. God bless your family. God bless your sisters. God family. God bless your sisters. God family. God bless your sisters. God bless your dear daughters. God bless bless your dear daughters. God bless bless your dear daughters. God bless your friends. You want to know him. Get your friends. You want to know him. Get your friends. You want to know him. Get to know him. to know him. to know him. >> Get to know him. >> Get to know him. >> Get to know him. >> Right now, today. >> Right now, today. >> Right now, today. >> Right now. >> Right now. >> Right now. >> Just come. Come on, brother. God bless >> Just come. Come on, brother. God bless >> Just come. Come on, brother. God bless you. There's nothing better than knowing you. There's nothing better than knowing you. There's nothing better than knowing Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Hallelujah. I'm so glad about it. God Hallelujah. I'm so glad about it. God Hallelujah. I'm so glad about it. God bless you all. You get sweeter as the bless you all. You get sweeter as the bless you all. You get sweeter as the days go by. Hey brother, God bless you, days go by. Hey brother, God bless you, days go by. Hey brother, God bless you, man. Proud of yourself. God bless you.

man. Proud of yourself. God bless you. man. Proud of yourself. God bless you. Amen. God bless you. You ought to know Amen. God bless you. You ought to know Amen. God bless you. You ought to know him. him. him. >> You ought to know him. >> You ought to know him. >> You ought to know him. >> If you don't know him, you can get to >> If you don't know him, you can get to >> If you don't know him, you can get to know him. know him. know him. >> You don't have to wait till another day. >> You don't have to wait till another day. >> You don't have to wait till another day. Right now. Today. Right now. Today. Right now. Today. >> Right now. >> Right now. >> Right now. >> Today. >> Come on. Come on. Everybody encourage >> Come on. Come on. Everybody encourage somebody. Come on. somebody. Come on. somebody. Come on. They're coming. They're coming. They're They're coming. They're coming. They're They're coming. They're coming. They're coming coming coming right now. right now. right now. Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Come on. Encourage them. They're coming. Come on. Encourage them. They're coming. Come on. Encourage them. They're coming. They're coming. Come on. Come on. Don't stop encouraging. Come on. Don't stop encouraging. Somebody needs your encouragement. Come Somebody needs your encouragement. Come Somebody needs your encouragement. Come on.

It's still coming. It's still coming. It's still coming. It's still coming. It's still coming. Who else? Who else? Come on. Come on. Who else? Who else? Come on. Come on. Here they are in the mountain. Here they are in the mountain. Here they are in the mountain. This is your moment. This is your time. This is your moment. This is your time. This is your moment. This is your time. The time is down. The time is now. The time is down. The time is now. The time is down. The time is now. Now is time. I see them coming out. I see them coming out. If they walk past you What happened?

And they have come, church. They have And they have come, church. They have come. come. come. Somebody ought to be excited about that. Somebody ought to be excited about that. Somebody ought to be excited about that. They have come. I'm excited. They have come. I'm excited. They have come. I'm excited. They're still coming. Thank you, Deacon They're still coming. Thank you, Deacon They're still coming. Thank you, Deacon Jubar. Bring her on. Amen. God bless Jubar. Bring her on. Amen. God bless Jubar. Bring her on. Amen. God bless you. Who else? Who else? Who else? you. Who else? Who else? Who else? you. Who else? Who else? Who else? Look up and down your row. Say, "My Look up and down your row. Say, "My Look up and down your row. Say, "My pastor waiting on you?" Ask the pastor pastor waiting on you?" Ask the pastor pastor waiting on you?" Ask the pastor waiting on you. Ask them. waiting on you. Ask them. waiting on you. Ask them. If they say no, say, "Praise the Lord." If they say no, say, "Praise the Lord." If they say no, say, "Praise the Lord." Ah, there coming. There they come. There Ah, there coming. There they come. There Ah, there coming. There they come. There they come. God bless you. they come. God bless you. they come. God bless you. Bring the family. Bring the family. We Bring the family. Bring the family. We Bring the family. Bring the family. We like that. We like that. like that. We like that. like that. We like that. We like that. We like that. We like that. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Yep. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Yep. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Come on, sis. We got room. We got time. Come on, sis. We got room. We got time. Come on, sis. We got room. We got time. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you.

>> Thank God for those who have responded >> Thank God for those who have responded to the divine invitation to the divine invitation to the divine invitation on this Sunday morning. on this Sunday morning. on this Sunday morning. To each of you who stands with me here To each of you who stands with me here To each of you who stands with me here in the Cathedral of the Lord here at in the Cathedral of the Lord here at in the Cathedral of the Lord here at Wheeler Avenue, those who stand with the Wheeler Avenue, those who stand with the Wheeler Avenue, those who stand with the Reverend Roberts in the sanctuary, I Reverend Roberts in the sanctuary, I Reverend Roberts in the sanctuary, I want all of you to know how excited we want all of you to know how excited we want all of you to know how excited we are that the Lord just bless our church are that the Lord just bless our church are that the Lord just bless our church to receive each one of you. We are now to receive each one of you. We are now to receive each one of you. We are now already better because you've become a already better because you've become a already better because you've become a part of our congregation by this part of our congregation by this part of our congregation by this decision this Lord's Day. So, on behalf decision this Lord's Day. So, on behalf decision this Lord's Day. So, on behalf of all of us, from those who have been of all of us, from those who have been of all of us, from those who have been here the longest to those of us who may here the longest to those of us who may here the longest to those of us who may have just gotten here last Sunday, we have just gotten here last Sunday, we have just gotten here last Sunday, we want each one of you to know that you want each one of you to know that you want each one of you to know that you are welcome at Wheeler Avenue Baptist are welcome at Wheeler Avenue Baptist are welcome at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, and we celebrate your Church, and we celebrate your Church, and we celebrate your commitment, your decision on this day to commitment, your decision on this day to commitment, your decision on this day to be a part of our growing church family. be a part of our growing church family. be a part of our growing church family. So, to God be the glory for you. I can't So, to God be the glory for you. I can't So, to God be the glory for you. I can't wait to see what God is going to do in wait to see what God is going to do in wait to see what God is going to do in you, with you, through you, and for you you, with you, through you, and for you you, with you, through you, and for you because you've now made this decision on because you've now made this decision on because you've now made this decision on this day. And as has been our custom this day. And as has been our custom this day. And as has been our custom over the years, and as you already heard over the years, and as you already heard over the years, and as you already heard as you walk down these aisles, we as you walk down these aisles, we as you walk down these aisles, we celebrate every time somebody joins our celebrate every time somebody joins our celebrate every time somebody joins our family. So church, come on and celebrate family. So church, come on and celebrate family. So church, come on and celebrate our newest sisters and brothers at the our newest sisters and brothers at the our newest sisters and brothers at the Wheeler Avenue Church. To God be the Wheeler Avenue Church. To God be the Wheeler Avenue Church. To God be the glory. My dear sister, on that end, look glory. My dear sister, on that end, look glory. My dear sister, on that end, look at that gentleman right there. That's at that gentleman right there. That's at that gentleman right there. That's Deacon Eric McMillan. I want you to Deacon Eric McMillan. I want you to Deacon Eric McMillan. I want you to follow him if you don't mind. And I want follow him if you don't mind. And I want follow him if you don't mind. And I want everyone else to follow him and them.

everyone else to follow him and them. everyone else to follow him and them. And at the very conclusion of the line, And at the very conclusion of the line, And at the very conclusion of the line, we'll be picking us fill in that we'll be picking us fill in that we'll be picking us fill in that beautiful hat. She's going to make sure beautiful hat. She's going to make sure beautiful hat. She's going to make sure that everybody gets to where they're that everybody gets to where they're that everybody gets to where they're going. And while you're walking, we're going. And while you're walking, we're going. And while you're walking, we're going to be celebrating. Come on and going to be celebrating. Come on and going to be celebrating. Come on and thank God for these precious people this thank God for these precious people this thank God for these precious people this Lord's day. Do the same in the sanctuary Lord's day. Do the same in the sanctuary Lord's day. Do the same in the sanctuary as you're led by the Reverend Roberts. as you're led by the Reverend Roberts. as you're led by the Reverend Roberts. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Now church, let me give us another Now church, let me give us another reason to celebrate. You heard Dr. reason to celebrate. You heard Dr. reason to celebrate. You heard Dr. Johnson say that in many places Johnson say that in many places Johnson say that in many places churches are on the decline. I want to churches are on the decline. I want to churches are on the decline. I want to give God thanks that here at Wheeler give God thanks that here at Wheeler give God thanks that here at Wheeler Avenue, church is still growing for the Avenue, church is still growing for the Avenue, church is still growing for the glory of God. Come on and celebrate glory of God. Come on and celebrate glory of God. Come on and celebrate that. Come on, thank God for that. that. Come on, thank God for that. that. Come on, thank God for that. That's good news. That's good news. If That's good news. That's good news. If That's good news. That's good news. If you come to church tomorrow, we'll give you come to church tomorrow, we'll give you come to church tomorrow, we'll give you some more det. If you come to the you some more det. If you come to the you some more det. If you come to the church meeting virtually, we'll give you church meeting virtually, we'll give you church meeting virtually, we'll give you some more details about that. But right some more details about that. But right some more details about that. But right now, celebrate the man of God who now, celebrate the man of God who now, celebrate the man of God who preached the word of God. That's Dr. AJ, preached the word of God. That's Dr. AJ, preached the word of God. That's Dr. AJ, Dr. Alexander Imit Maurice Johnson the Dr. Alexander Imit Maurice Johnson the Dr. Alexander Imit Maurice Johnson the first. Amen. Amen.

first. Amen. Amen. first. Amen. Amen. And we praise God for him. And we praise God for him. And we praise God for him. Not just for what God has done. Not even Not just for what God has done. Not even Not just for what God has done. Not even just for what God is doing. I'm excited just for what God is doing. I'm excited just for what God is doing. I'm excited for what God is about to do in the life for what God is about to do in the life for what God is about to do in the life and ministry and ministry and ministry of Dr. Alexander Johnson. Can't wait to of Dr. Alexander Johnson. Can't wait to of Dr. Alexander Johnson. Can't wait to see it. Can't wait to see it. I told our see it. Can't wait to see it. I told our see it. Can't wait to see it. I told our first service and I'll tell you and I'll first service and I'll tell you and I'll first service and I'll tell you and I'll probably tell the third service as well. probably tell the third service as well. probably tell the third service as well. Um he will begin his pastoral preaching Um he will begin his pastoral preaching Um he will begin his pastoral preaching next Sunday. Uh he went over to the next Sunday. Uh he went over to the next Sunday. Uh he went over to the church this past week and began to get church this past week and began to get church this past week and began to get uh acquainted with their day-to-day uh acquainted with their day-to-day uh acquainted with their day-to-day operations, but he'll begin his pastoral operations, but he'll begin his pastoral operations, but he'll begin his pastoral preaching next Sunday. preaching next Sunday. preaching next Sunday. And uh in the month of September, they And uh in the month of September, they And uh in the month of September, they will celebrate the retired pastor Dr. will celebrate the retired pastor Dr. will celebrate the retired pastor Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff for 46 years of Joe Samuel Ratliff for 46 years of Joe Samuel Ratliff for 46 years of pastoral ministry. Amen. Let me tell you how God operates. It was Let me tell you how God operates. It was more than 46 years ago that our founding more than 46 years ago that our founding more than 46 years ago that our founding pastor, the late pastor, Reverend pastor, the late pastor, Reverend pastor, the late pastor, Reverend William Alexander Lawson, sent Dr.

William Alexander Lawson, sent Dr. William Alexander Lawson, sent Dr. Ratliff to Brettwood to be their pastor. Ratliff to Brettwood to be their pastor. Ratliff to Brettwood to be their pastor. And now 47 years later, we get the And now 47 years later, we get the And now 47 years later, we get the privilege of watching Dr. Johnson go to privilege of watching Dr. Johnson go to privilege of watching Dr. Johnson go to Brentwood from Wheeler Avenue Baptist Brentwood from Wheeler Avenue Baptist Brentwood from Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. To God be the glory. To God be Church. To God be the glory. To God be Church. To God be the glory. To God be the glory. the glory. the glory. They'll celebrate church anniversary. They'll celebrate church anniversary. They'll celebrate church anniversary. The church will be 61 years old next. I The church will be 61 years old next. I The church will be 61 years old next. I got a text saying 61. You're 62. Okay. got a text saying 61. You're 62. Okay. got a text saying 61. You're 62. Okay. He knows 62 years uh next month. And we He knows 62 years uh next month. And we He knows 62 years uh next month. And we celebrate with them. And then later on celebrate with them. And then later on celebrate with them. And then later on in this year, we'll go over to Brentwood in this year, we'll go over to Brentwood in this year, we'll go over to Brentwood and celebrate the pastoral installation and celebrate the pastoral installation and celebrate the pastoral installation of Dr. AJ Dr. Johnson. Amen. of Dr. AJ Dr. Johnson. Amen. of Dr. AJ Dr. Johnson. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. We taking everybody. We taking everybody. We taking everybody. Yeah, we taking everybody. We going to Yeah, we taking everybody. We going to Yeah, we taking everybody. We going to put chairs in the parking lot now put chairs in the parking lot now put chairs in the parking lot now church. We going to do some what they church. We going to do some what they church. We going to do some what they call it uh when they take the truck. call it uh when they take the truck. call it uh when they take the truck. What they at the game? Going to do some What they at the game? Going to do some What they at the game? Going to do some tailgating at the Brentwood church. tailgating at the Brentwood church. tailgating at the Brentwood church. Amen. We're going to do it all. We going Amen. We're going to do it all. We going Amen. We're going to do it all. We going to do it all. Dr. Jay, once you finish to do it all. Dr. Jay, once you finish to do it all. Dr. Jay, once you finish there, come on down. We want to get you there, come on down. We want to get you there, come on down. We want to get you out into the into the Northx.

out into the into the Northx. out into the into the Northx. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. The Lost and Ladies are there to Amen. The Lost and Ladies are there to Amen. The Lost and Ladies are there to greet him. greet him. greet him. Thank God for them. Thank God for them. Thank God for them. Yeah. Thank God for his work and service in Thank God for his work and service in this place. this place. this place. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. He's out there not just for gifts. If He's out there not just for gifts. If you just want to greet him in any way, you just want to greet him in any way, you just want to greet him in any way, just to tell him how much you appreciate just to tell him how much you appreciate just to tell him how much you appreciate him, that'd be great. If you brought him, that'd be great. If you brought him, that'd be great. If you brought something, I saw some folk waving cards. something, I saw some folk waving cards. something, I saw some folk waving cards. We got receptacles out there to give uh We got receptacles out there to give uh We got receptacles out there to give uh to place those cards and gifts inside to place those cards and gifts inside to place those cards and gifts inside them. And we got arm guards out there. them. And we got arm guards out there. them. And we got arm guards out there. So, you leave that man alone uh if you So, you leave that man alone uh if you So, you leave that man alone uh if you ask him for nothing. Amen. Just be a ask him for nothing. Amen. Just be a ask him for nothing. Amen. Just be a blessing to him as he goes to his next blessing to him as he goes to his next blessing to him as he goes to his next level of ministry for the glory of God. level of ministry for the glory of God. level of ministry for the glory of God. Amen. Amen. Amen. Come on, let's stand Amen. Amen. Amen. Come on, let's stand Amen. Amen. Amen. Come on, let's stand together. It's time for us to leave from together. It's time for us to leave from together. It's time for us to leave from this place, make our way to our next this place, make our way to our next this place, make our way to our next places. Thank God again for all of our places. Thank God again for all of our places. Thank God again for all of our firsttime visitors who shared with us firsttime visitors who shared with us firsttime visitors who shared with us this Lord's Day. Thank God for those who this Lord's Day. Thank God for those who this Lord's Day. Thank God for those who are professional visitors to Wheeler are professional visitors to Wheeler are professional visitors to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Avenue Baptist Church. Avenue Baptist Church. You come on a time if you haven't yet You come on a time if you haven't yet You come on a time if you haven't yet joined. We going to keep working on you. joined. We going to keep working on you. joined. We going to keep working on you. I'm telling you, we are got our ministry I'm telling you, we are got our ministry I'm telling you, we are got our ministry fair going on immediately following the fair going on immediately following the fair going on immediately following the benediction after you greeted Dr. J. benediction after you greeted Dr. J. benediction after you greeted Dr. J. Ministry fair is all the way over in the Ministry fair is all the way over in the Ministry fair is all the way over in the William Alexander Lawson Community Life William Alexander Lawson Community Life William Alexander Lawson Community Life Center. And it is there in the gymnasium Center. And it is there in the gymnasium Center. And it is there in the gymnasium that you'll see all of the ministries of that you'll see all of the ministries of that you'll see all of the ministries of our church on full display. Walk around our church on full display. Walk around our church on full display. Walk around and see where God is guiding you, where and see where God is guiding you, where and see where God is guiding you, where God is leading you, where your gifts can God is leading you, where your gifts can God is leading you, where your gifts can be used in the furtherance of the gospel be used in the furtherance of the gospel be used in the furtherance of the gospel through Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. through Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. through Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Pray for our choir. They've got a couple Pray for our choir. They've got a couple Pray for our choir. They've got a couple more hours of ministry here and then more hours of ministry here and then more hours of ministry here and then they're going to go a couple hours down they're going to go a couple hours down they're going to go a couple hours down the road to minister at St. James and the road to minister at St. James and the road to minister at St. James and we're excited about them and I'm excited we're excited about them and I'm excited we're excited about them and I'm excited about all the things that are happening. about all the things that are happening. about all the things that are happening. Tomorrow, church meeting, Tuesday, Tomorrow, church meeting, Tuesday, Tomorrow, church meeting, Tuesday, prayer vigil, Wednesday, prayer and prayer vigil, Wednesday, prayer and prayer vigil, Wednesday, prayer and study. And until we get back together study. And until we get back together study. And until we get back together again, the Lord bless you and keep you. again, the Lord bless you and keep you. again, the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you The Lord make his face to shine upon you The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift the light of his countenance upon you the light of his countenance upon you the light of his countenance upon you and give you his peace in your going out and give you his peace in your going out and give you his peace in your going out and in your coming in your labor and in and in your coming in your labor and in and in your coming in your labor and in your leisure in your joy as well as in your leisure in your joy as well as in your leisure in your joy as well as in your sorrow in your laughter and your sorrow in your laughter and your sorrow in your laughter and likewise in your tears. Until that day likewise in your tears. Until that day likewise in your tears. Until that day when we meet the Lord face to face and when we meet the Lord face to face and when we meet the Lord face to face and cry holy, holy, holy to the Lord of cry holy, holy, holy to the Lord of cry holy, holy, holy to the Lord of hosts. Until that day, my brothers, my hosts. Until that day, my brothers, my hosts. Until that day, my brothers, my sisters, go in peace. Go in love. Go in sisters, go in peace. Go in love. Go in sisters, go in peace. Go in love. Go in joy. May the very God of peace, love, joy. May the very God of peace, love, joy. May the very God of peace, love, and joy go with you now and forever in and joy go with you now and forever in and joy go with you now and forever in Jesus name. As we say together, amen.

God bless you family. Have a great week God bless you family. Have a great week until tomorrow ministry fair. Head on until tomorrow ministry fair. Head on until tomorrow ministry fair. Head on over. Share with some sisters and over. Share with some sisters and over. Share with some sisters and brothers there.