I Got Next! | Dr. Marcus D. Cosby

Happy Sunday, church family. I'm Shandra Happy Sunday, church family. I'm Shandra G. G. G. >> And I'm Tracy Clemens. >> And I'm Tracy Clemens. >> And I'm Tracy Clemens. >> And together, we bring you this week's >> And together, we bring you this week's >> And together, we bring you this week's edition of Avenue News. edition of Avenue News. edition of Avenue News. [music] This week is the brightest week of the This week is the brightest week of the year because it's time for vacation year because it's time for vacation year because it's time for vacation Bible school. This year we will explore Bible school. This year we will explore Bible school. This year we will explore Jesus question, who do you say that I Jesus question, who do you say that I Jesus question, who do you say that I am? And discover that Jesus is the light am? And discover that Jesus is the light am? And discover that Jesus is the light who brings hope to a dark world. Join us who brings hope to a dark world. Join us who brings hope to a dark world. Join us July 13th through July 17th and bring July 13th through July 17th and bring July 13th through July 17th and bring the entire family. Registration is the entire family. Registration is the entire family. Registration is required. required. required. Join us for Back to School Revival, a Join us for Back to School Revival, a Join us for Back to School Revival, a different world as we prepare students, different world as we prepare students, different world as we prepare students, educators, and families of all ages for educators, and families of all ages for educators, and families of all ages for a successful school year. The experience a successful school year. The experience a successful school year. The experience begins Thursday, August 6th with our begins Thursday, August 6th with our begins Thursday, August 6th with our scholarship fair from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. scholarship fair from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. scholarship fair from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. Worship begins at 7:00 in the gymnasium. Worship begins at 7:00 in the gymnasium. Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. in the cathedral, and we are p.m. in the cathedral, and we are p.m. in the cathedral, and we are excited to welcome Pastor Jillian Lee excited to welcome Pastor Jillian Lee excited to welcome Pastor Jillian Lee Twigs, youth pastor of Fellowship Twigs, youth pastor of Fellowship Twigs, youth pastor of Fellowship Chicago, as our guest preacher. Then Chicago, as our guest preacher. Then Chicago, as our guest preacher. Then Friday, August 7th, join us for night Friday, August 7th, join us for night Friday, August 7th, join us for night two of Revival at 7 PM in the cathedral two of Revival at 7 PM in the cathedral two of Revival at 7 PM in the cathedral as we hear from our minister to youth as we hear from our minister to youth as we hear from our minister to youth and emerging adults, Reverend Jaylen and emerging adults, Reverend Jaylen and emerging adults, Reverend Jaylen Vernon. We'll shut it down with food Vernon. We'll shut it down with food Vernon. We'll shut it down with food truck festival in the parking lot. So truck festival in the parking lot. So truck festival in the parking lot. So meet us August 6th and 7th for an meet us August 6th and 7th for an meet us August 6th and 7th for an exciting time of worship and fellowship.

exciting time of worship and fellowship. exciting time of worship and fellowship. August 11th through the 16th, join us August 11th through the 16th, join us August 11th through the 16th, join us for Young Adult Week 2026, Rooted and for Young Adult Week 2026, Rooted and for Young Adult Week 2026, Rooted and Ready, a powerful 5-day experience Ready, a powerful 5-day experience Ready, a powerful 5-day experience inspired by Jeremiah 17:7-8. inspired by Jeremiah 17:7-8. inspired by Jeremiah 17:7-8. This year, we're taking a deeper look at This year, we're taking a deeper look at This year, we're taking a deeper look at spiritual growth through the lens of a spiritual growth through the lens of a spiritual growth through the lens of a planting cycle, walking step by step planting cycle, walking step by step planting cycle, walking step by step through what it truly means to be rooted through what it truly means to be rooted through what it truly means to be rooted in God. So, mark your calendars and in God. So, mark your calendars and in God. So, mark your calendars and prepare your heart. We'll see you in a prepare your heart. We'll see you in a prepare your heart. We'll see you in a young adult week. young adult week. young adult week. >> The Social Justice Ministry invites you >> The Social Justice Ministry invites you >> The Social Justice Ministry invites you to join us for crucial conversations to join us for crucial conversations to join us for crucial conversations Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 a.m. [music] With the midterm elections just [music] With the midterm elections just [music] With the midterm elections just over 100 days away, this timely over 100 days away, this timely over 100 days away, this timely discussion will explore how faith should discussion will explore how faith should discussion will explore how faith should shape our civic engagement, not be shape our civic engagement, not be shape our civic engagement, not be manipulated by political agenda. [music] manipulated by political agenda. [music] manipulated by political agenda. [music] The morning will begin with the The morning will begin with the The morning will begin with the screening of the documentary Bad Faith, screening of the documentary Bad Faith, screening of the documentary Bad Faith, followed by a thought-provoking panel followed by a thought-provoking panel followed by a thought-provoking panel featuring Dr. Michael Emerson, [music] featuring Dr. Michael Emerson, [music] featuring Dr. Michael Emerson, [music] Dr. Frederick D. Hannes III, Ashley Etn, Dr. Frederick D. Hannes III, Ashley Etn, Dr. Frederick D. Hannes III, Ashley Etn, and Dr. Cleave Tinsley IVth. Register and Dr. Cleave Tinsley IVth. Register and Dr. Cleave Tinsley IVth. Register today on the events page of the church today on the events page of the church today on the events page of the church website and invite your family and website and invite your family and website and invite your family and friends as we discuss hijacked faith, friends as we discuss hijacked faith, friends as we discuss hijacked faith, power, politics, and the church.

power, politics, and the church. power, politics, and the church. As we prepare to celebrate our pastor's As we prepare to celebrate our pastor's As we prepare to celebrate our pastor's birthday, we invite everyone to worship birthday, we invite everyone to worship birthday, we invite everyone to worship in white at all three services next in white at all three services next in white at all three services next Sunday, July 19th. Come to church in Sunday, July 19th. Come to church in Sunday, July 19th. Come to church in your all white and get ready for a your all white and get ready for a your all white and get ready for a praise party like none other. praise party like none other. praise party like none other. >> Are you ready to make a difference and >> Are you ready to make a difference and >> Are you ready to make a difference and grow deeper in your disciplehip journey? grow deeper in your disciplehip journey? grow deeper in your disciplehip journey? Join us in the Community Life Center Join us in the Community Life Center Join us in the Community Life Center Gymnasium Sunday, August 30th. After all Gymnasium Sunday, August 30th. After all Gymnasium Sunday, August 30th. After all three worship services with over 80 three worship services with over 80 three worship services with over 80 dynamic ministries to explore, you'll dynamic ministries to explore, you'll dynamic ministries to explore, you'll uncover countless ways to serve for the uncover countless ways to serve for the uncover countless ways to serve for the glory of God. Whether you're called to glory of God. Whether you're called to glory of God. Whether you're called to teach, encourage, organize, create, or teach, encourage, organize, create, or teach, encourage, organize, create, or care, there's a place just for you. care, there's a place just for you. care, there's a place just for you. >> No one person has all the spiritual >> No one person has all the spiritual >> No one person has all the spiritual gifts. It's only when the people of God gifts. It's only when the people of God gifts. It's only when the people of God with diverse gifts come together that with diverse gifts come together that with diverse gifts come together that the church ministers best to one the church ministers best to one the church ministers best to one another. We invite you to visit bbc.org another. We invite you to visit bbc.org another. We invite you to visit bbc.org to complete your spiritual gifts survey. to complete your spiritual gifts survey. to complete your spiritual gifts survey. Then join us for the spiritual gifts Then join us for the spiritual gifts Then join us for the spiritual gifts discovery. Find your fit on Saturday, discovery. Find your fit on Saturday, discovery. Find your fit on Saturday, August 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

August 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. August 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come learn about the diversity of gifts Come learn about the diversity of gifts Come learn about the diversity of gifts and discover where your gifts may be and discover where your gifts may be and discover where your gifts may be used at Wheeler. Visit the events page used at Wheeler. Visit the events page used at Wheeler. Visit the events page for more details and register today. Production for [music] us is worship. We Production for [music] us is worship. We worship God through the work that we do, worship God through the work that we do, worship God through the work that we do, [music] through our lenses, through our faders, through our lenses, through our faders, our keyboards, [music] our keyboards, [music] our keyboards, [music] through our attention to detail. [music] And we're not the only ones who [music] And we're not the only ones who worship God in this way. There are media professionals and There are media professionals and volunteers serving at [music] churches volunteers serving at [music] churches volunteers serving at [music] churches and ministries all over doing the very and ministries all over doing the very and ministries all over doing the very same thing. So, So, we're building [music] a conference for we're building [music] a conference for we're building [music] a conference for us us us to come together, be inspired to do the to come together, be inspired to do the to come together, be inspired to do the work that we do, work that we do, work that we do, to be equipped, and to take our worship to be equipped, and to take our worship to be equipped, and to take our worship to its next [music] level.

So join us October 5th through the 8th So join us October 5th through the 8th [music] as we come together to amplify [music] as we come together to amplify [music] as we come together to amplify our God. >> There's so much taking place and we hope >> There's so much taking place and we hope you stay connected. For more you stay connected. For more you stay connected. For more information, please follow us on our information, please follow us on our information, please follow us on our social media platforms. [music] social media platforms. [music] social media platforms. [music] >> I'm Shandra G. >> I'm Shandra G. >> I'm Shandra G. >> And I'm Tracy Clemens >> And I'm Tracy Clemens >> And I'm Tracy Clemens >> 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. 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 here. Stand yourself up yourself down here. Stand yourself up yourself down here. Stand yourself up here. Sit back down [music] here. Stand here. Sit back down [music] here. Stand here. Sit back down [music] here. Stand back up here. sit back down and stand back up here. sit back down and stand back up here. sit back down and stand back up cuz you needed something in the back up cuz you needed something in the back up cuz you needed something in the sanctuary that you can't get at the sanctuary that you can't get at the sanctuary that you can't get at the ballpark. You get something in the

ballpark. You get something in the ballpark. You get something in the sanctuary you can't get at the club. You sanctuary you can't get at the club. You sanctuary you can't get at the club. 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 in the stadium. You got something in get in the stadium. You got something in get in the stadium. You got something in the sanctuary. [music] [music] >> Heat.

>> Heat. >> Heat. Heat. Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] [singing] [music] [music] >> Heat >> Heat >> Heat up up up [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] here. >> Heat up [music] >> Heat up [music] here.

[music] [music] Heat Heat Heat >> [music] >> up >> up [music] here. here. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [music] Heat.

Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Has God given you joy?

God given you joy? I said, has God given you joy? [music] I said, has God given you joy? [music] I said, has God given you joy? [music] Come back as declared. No, the fig tree Come back as declared. No, the fig tree Come back as declared. No, the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on does not bud and there are no grapes on does not bud and there are no grapes on the vine and no the crops fail [music] the vine and no the crops fail [music] the vine and no the crops fail [music] and the fields produce no food. No, and the fields produce no food. No, and the fields produce no food. No, there are no sheep in the pen and no there are no sheep in the pen and no there are no sheep in the pen and no [music] cattle in the sun. Yet I will [music] cattle in the sun. Yet I will [music] cattle in the sun. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. He said I will be rejoice in the Lord. He said I will be rejoice in the Lord. He said I will be joyful in God [music] my savior. So do joyful in God [music] my savior. So do joyful in God [music] my savior. So do you have some joy? Joy [music] for your you have some joy? Joy [music] for your you have some joy? Joy [music] for your bills being paid. Joy for food on your bills being paid. Joy for food on your bills being paid. Joy for food on your table. [music] Uh joy that you're in table. [music] Uh joy that you're in table. [music] Uh joy that you're in your right mind. Uh joy that your your right mind. Uh joy that your your right mind. Uh joy that your children [music] children [music] children [music] are here. Uh joy for healing over your are here. Uh joy for healing over your are here. Uh joy for healing over your body. Do you have joy in the house of body. Do you have joy in the house of body. Do you have joy in the house of the Lord? the Lord? the Lord? Joy. We bless God. [music] We bless God. We We bless God. [music] We bless God. We bless God. bless God. bless God. And I'm sure some of you might be And I'm sure some of you might be And I'm sure some of you might be wondering to yourself and you're [music] wondering to yourself and you're [music] wondering to yourself and you're [music] saying, why in the world saying, why in the world saying, why in the world do we call you to worship do we call you to worship do we call you to worship before prayer? [music] before prayer? [music] before prayer? [music] And the reason is And the reason is And the reason is we want to thank God for everything we want to thank God for everything we want to thank God for everything before we ask him for anything. [music] So we just want to thank God and So we just want to thank God and celebrate God for every single thing celebrate God for every single thing celebrate God for every single thing that he has done in our lives. And so

that he has done in our lives. And so that he has done in our lives. And so [music] it is at this time that I [music] it is at this time that I [music] it is at this time that I encourage you to please take your chosen encourage you to please take your chosen encourage you to please take your chosen postures of prayer. postures of prayer. postures of prayer. The intercessors are available in the The intercessors are available in the The intercessors are available in the aisles. They are along the walls. You aisles. They are along the walls. You aisles. They are along the walls. You will find them in the red stoalls. If will find them in the red stoalls. If will find them in the red stoalls. If you desire someone to intercede for you desire someone to intercede for you desire someone to intercede for personal prayer needs, personal prayer needs, personal prayer needs, please refer to the list that you can please refer to the list that you can please refer to the list that you can see even now on the screen of our see even now on the screen of our see even now on the screen of our bereaveved families [music] bereaveved families [music] bereaveved families [music] and for members with health concerns. and for members with health concerns. and for members with health concerns. I am so grateful to let you all know I am so grateful to let you all know I am so grateful to let you all know that there are no services scheduled that there are no services scheduled that there are no services scheduled this week. this week. this week. [music] While we celebrate that, there are no While we celebrate that, there are no services this week. We are going into services this week. We are going into services this week. We are going into vacation bible school. And so we need vacation bible school. And so we need vacation bible school. And so we need your prayers and your support as we your prayers and your support as we your prayers and your support as we serve our community together. And so let serve our community together. And so let serve our community together. And so let us go before the father in prayer at us go before the father in prayer at us go before the father in prayer at this time. God, this time. God, this time. God, we thank you that you are already in we thank you that you are already in we thank you that you are already in [music] this place. Your holy spirit has [music] this place. Your holy spirit has [music] this place. Your holy spirit has fallen aresh. And God, we are just so fallen aresh. And God, we are just so fallen aresh. And God, we are just so grateful. We have joy. We rejoice in God grateful. We have joy. We rejoice in God grateful. We have joy. We rejoice in God our savior for the sovereign Lord. You our savior for the sovereign Lord. You our savior for the sovereign Lord. You are our strength. You are our refuge.

are our strength. You are our refuge. are our strength. You are our refuge. You are a present help in the time of You are a present help in the time of You are a present help in the time of trouble. And so Lord God, we just thank trouble. And so Lord God, we just thank trouble. And so Lord God, we just thank you uh for being God. And so right now you uh for being God. And so right now you uh for being God. And so right now Lord we lift up each and every family Lord we lift up each and every family Lord we lift up each and every family who is grieving during this time. time I who is grieving during this time. time I who is grieving during this time. time I think of the family, the Wrencher family think of the family, the Wrencher family think of the family, the Wrencher family that we uh just celebrated the life of that we uh just celebrated the life of that we uh just celebrated the life of brother Charles G. Wrencher. Lord, we brother Charles G. Wrencher. Lord, we brother Charles G. Wrencher. Lord, we pray and ask that you be with his pray and ask that you be with his pray and ask that you be with his daughters and the entire family [music] daughters and the entire family [music] daughters and the entire family [music] as they continue to grieve. Be with all, as they continue to grieve. Be with all, as they continue to grieve. Be with all, Lord, who are continuing to process Lord, who are continuing to process Lord, who are continuing to process their loss. Uh Lord God, we pray and ask their loss. Uh Lord God, we pray and ask their loss. Uh Lord God, we pray and ask for healing in the name of Jesus. There for healing in the name of Jesus. There for healing in the name of Jesus. There are those going into surgeries. There are those going into surgeries. There are those going into surgeries. There are those who have found themselves on are those who have found themselves on are those who have found themselves on their bed of affliction. And [music] in their bed of affliction. And [music] in their bed of affliction. And [music] in this moment, Lord God, we know that you this moment, Lord God, we know that you this moment, Lord God, we know that you are a healer. And so we uh decree and are a healer. And so we uh decree and are a healer. And so we uh decree and declare wholeness over every sick body. declare wholeness over every sick body. declare wholeness over every sick body. We decree and declare freedom from We decree and declare freedom from We decree and declare freedom from suffering in every sick body, Lord God.

suffering in every sick body, Lord God. suffering in every sick body, Lord God. And we know that uh you desire good And we know that uh you desire good And we know that uh you desire good things for your children. And so we ask things for your children. And so we ask things for your children. And so we ask that you be every provision that we that you be every provision that we that you be every provision that we stand in need of. We ask that you be stand in need of. We ask that you be stand in need of. We ask that you be with every vacation Bible school with every vacation Bible school with every vacation Bible school facilitator. That you be with the hearts facilitator. That you be with the hearts facilitator. That you be with the hearts and minds of every person that will join and minds of every person that will join and minds of every person that will join us as we study the word of God as a us as we study the word of God as a us as we study the word of God as a family, children through [music] family, children through [music] family, children through [music] seasoned saints, seeking God to come to seasoned saints, seeking God to come to seasoned saints, seeking God to come to an understanding of who Jesus really is. an understanding of who Jesus really is. an understanding of who Jesus really is. God, show yourself. Let vacation Bible God, show yourself. Let vacation Bible God, show yourself. Let vacation Bible school not just be uh for form or school not just be uh for form or school not just be uh for form or fashion, but God, may your Holy Spirit fashion, but God, may your Holy Spirit fashion, but God, may your Holy Spirit fall aresh on every classroom and fall aresh on every classroom and fall aresh on every classroom and [music] every teacher and every person [music] every teacher and every person [music] every teacher and every person that some might have an encounter that some might have an encounter that some might have an encounter [music] [music] [music] with you and say, "What must I do to be with you and say, "What must I do to be with you and say, "What must I do to be saved?" Lord God, we ask for a double saved?" Lord God, we ask for a double saved?" Lord God, we ask for a double portion of your Holy Spirit on this portion of your Holy Spirit on this portion of your Holy Spirit on this service. As [music] we praise you and service. As [music] we praise you and service. As [music] we praise you and lift your name up, we ask that you be lift your name up, we ask that you be lift your name up, we ask that you be with your man's servant, Dr. Cosby.

with your man's servant, Dr. Cosby. with your man's servant, Dr. Cosby. Lord, as he lifts up another word of Lord, as he lifts up another word of Lord, as he lifts up another word of encouragement [music] to our graduating encouragement [music] to our graduating encouragement [music] to our graduating seniors, Lord God, we pray that you seniors, Lord God, we pray that you seniors, Lord God, we pray that you continue to send them on their way with continue to send them on their way with continue to send them on their way with purpose, with clarity, [music] purpose, with clarity, [music] purpose, with clarity, [music] with provision, and most importantly, with provision, and most importantly, with provision, and most importantly, God, with your presence is [music] my God, with your presence is [music] my God, with your presence is [music] my prayer in Jesus' name. Amen. Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] [music] my eyes to the hill is in my hand.

my eyes to the hill is in my hand. [music] [music] [music] My help comes from [singing] My help comes from [singing] My help comes from [singing] the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. The Lord [music] which made heaven and The Lord [music] which made heaven and The Lord [music] which made heaven and earth. [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> He was my suffer. >> He was my suffer. >> He was my suffer. [music] [music] [music] >> The Lord [singing] >> The Lord [singing] >> The Lord [singing] will he won't he won't [music] [music] [music] see [singing] see [singing] see [singing] for for for The Lord is the king of the Lord. [singing] Oh yes he [singing] Oh yes he [music] [music] [music] Heat.

Yes. Yes. [music] [music] [music] Yes. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] [singing] Oh yes it does. Hallelujah.

Oh yes it does. Hallelujah. Come on. If you know your help comes Come on. If you know your help comes Come on. If you know your help comes from the Lord. Won't you stand on your from the Lord. Won't you stand on your from the Lord. Won't you stand on your feet as we sing this morning's hymn. He feet as we sing this morning's hymn. He feet as we sing this morning's hymn. He is so sweet to trust in Jesus. is so sweet to trust in Jesus. is so sweet to trust in Jesus. [music] >> Let's sing it together. >> Let's sing it together. We [music] >> to trust in Jesus. >> to trust in Jesus. Just take it [music and singing] to the rest. the rest. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [music]

[music] [singing] Heat. [singing] Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> Yes. >> Yes. [music] [singing] [singing] >> Just for [music] >> just for Jesus. >> just for Jesus. >> [music] Trust me, [music] Trust me, [music] I'm so [music]

[music] >> And I know >> And I know >> And I know [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Oh, Oh, [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> Jesus. Oh [music] Oh [music] Jesus.

Well, do you trust him this morning? Well, do you trust him this morning? [music] [music] [music] I said, do you trust him this morning? I said, do you trust him this morning? I said, do you trust him this morning? Well, come on, put your hands together. Well, come on, put your hands together. Well, come on, put your hands together. [music] Let's bless him. Hallelujah. [music] Let's bless him. Hallelujah. [music] Let's bless him. Hallelujah. Yeah. Come on, give him praise this Yeah. Come on, give him praise this Yeah. Come on, give him praise this morning. morning. morning. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Yeah. [singing] Yeah. [singing] Yeah. [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] I am my Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] You my You are

You are alive. [music and singing] You are You are the [music] the [music] the [music] king. king. king. [music] [music] [music] You are You are You are the Jesus. Jesus. You [music] are Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We worship >> We worship >> We worship >> We adore you.

>> We adore you. >> We adore you. >> We >> We >> We [music] worship worship >> We worship our Lord. >> We worship our Lord. >> We worship our Lord. We [music] declare and we worship and we worship our our our weship. [music] Heat.

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

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

>> Heat. Heat. [music] Excellent. Excellent. [music] here.

here. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [screaming] [screaming] [screaming] Heat. [music] >> Come on and help me celebrate an >> Come on and help me celebrate an excellent [music] God. An excellent God deserves [music] An excellent God deserves [music] excellent praise. If you found him to be excellent, won't If you found him to be excellent, won't you [music] show to him you [music] show to him you [music] show to him just how much you appreciate his just how much you appreciate his just how much you appreciate his excellency? excellency? excellency? [music] Come on and celebrate our [music] Come on and celebrate our [music] Come on and celebrate our excellent God with excellent praise.

excellent God with excellent praise. excellent God with excellent praise. Excellent worship. [music] Excellent. Excellent worship. [music] Excellent. Excellent worship. [music] Excellent. Excellent. Excellent. Excellent. Excellent. Glory Glory [music] to God. to God. Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God. [music] is strong. [music] is strong. [music] What an excellent savior. What an excellent savior. What an excellent savior. What an excellent God What an excellent God What an excellent God who deserves excellent praise. [music] who deserves excellent praise. [music] who deserves excellent praise. [music] Come on. If you're glad to be in Come on. If you're glad to be in Come on. If you're glad to be in relationship with that God, [music] relationship with that God, [music] relationship with that God, [music] won't you give him praise all over the won't you give him praise all over the won't you give him praise all over the church house? Here in the cathedral, church house? Here in the cathedral, church house? Here in the cathedral, celebrate our excellent God. In the celebrate our excellent God. In the celebrate our excellent God. In the sanctuary, [music] sanctuary, [music] sanctuary, [music] celebrate our excellent God.

celebrate our excellent God. celebrate our excellent God. Wherever you are around the world, Wherever you are around the world, Wherever you are around the world, wherever you are, celebrate [music] our wherever you are, celebrate [music] our wherever you are, celebrate [music] our excellent God. excellent God. excellent God. Oh Lord, our Lord, how excellent Oh Lord, our Lord, how excellent Oh Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name [music] is thy name [music] is thy name [music] in all the earth. in all the earth. in all the earth. Thank you, Lord. [music] Thank you so Thank you, Lord. [music] Thank you so Thank you, Lord. [music] Thank you so much. Hallelujah. much. Hallelujah. much. Hallelujah. What a mighty God we serve. [music] What a mighty God we serve. [music] What a mighty God we serve. [music] How we honor that God this Sunday How we honor that God this Sunday How we honor that God this Sunday morning. If you choose to be seated, you morning. If you choose to be seated, you morning. If you choose to be seated, you may be seated in the presence of the may be seated in the presence of the may be seated in the presence of the Lord. Lord. Lord. But [music] we've come to glorify God But [music] we've come to glorify God But [music] we've come to glorify God this Sunday morning. this Sunday morning. this Sunday morning. Somebody on your row is glad to be in Somebody on your row is glad to be in Somebody on your row is glad to be in the service one more time. Somebody close by you has seen God do Somebody close by you has seen God do some excellent things in July. tunnels in July. [music] tunnels in July. [music] Yes, Yes, Yes, somebody seen God do something excellent somebody seen God do something excellent somebody seen God do something excellent since last time we came to church.

If that's your testimony, I just dare If that's your testimony, I just dare you to go ahead and show some sign you to go ahead and show some sign you to go ahead and show some sign somewhere in this cathedral, somewhere somewhere in this cathedral, somewhere somewhere in this cathedral, somewhere in that sanctuary. [music] in that sanctuary. [music] in that sanctuary. [music] I dare you. I dare you. I dare you. Hallelujah. >> E flat please >> E flat please flat.

>> We sing it together all over the church. >> We sing it together all over the church. Oh, how excellent. [music] Oh, how excellent. [music] Oh, how excellent. [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] I need [music] some help. I need [music] some help. Get off the earth. [singing] Get off the earth. [singing] Get off the earth. [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat.

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

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

This is what Sunday morning is like. Can This is what Sunday morning is like. Can you imagine how heaven must rejoice you imagine how heaven must rejoice you imagine how heaven must rejoice to be in the presence of [music] Jesus to be in the presence of [music] Jesus to be in the presence of [music] Jesus to bow down and call him excellent? What to bow down and call him excellent? What to bow down and call him excellent? What a beautiful experience this is. Thank a beautiful experience this is. Thank a beautiful experience this is. Thank you so much music [music] ministry. you so much music [music] ministry. you so much music [music] ministry. Thank you so much. Look at all these Thank you so much. Look at all these Thank you so much. Look at all these precious people singing on this Lord's precious people singing on this Lord's precious people singing on this Lord's day. Come on and celebrate them. Every second and fourth Sunday, the Every second and fourth Sunday, the young people are in youth church, but young people are in youth church, but young people are in youth church, but because this is graduate Sunday, they because this is graduate Sunday, they because this is graduate Sunday, they came to sing with us in the cathedral. came to sing with us in the cathedral. came to sing with us in the cathedral. This is the mass mass mass choir. Amen. This is the mass mass mass choir. Amen. This is the mass mass mass choir. Amen. Come on and celebrate the youth who are Come on and celebrate the youth who are Come on and celebrate the youth who are singing in church today. singing in church today. singing in church today. Amen. Amen. Amen. So glad that they are here. So glad that they are here. So glad that they are here. Well, what a joy it is to be in church Well, what a joy it is to be in church Well, what a joy it is to be in church with you today. And how I thank God for with you today. And how I thank God for with you today. And how I thank God for each one of you who has made your way to each one of you who has made your way to each one of you who has made your way to the Wheeler Avenue church, whether the Wheeler Avenue church, whether the Wheeler Avenue church, whether you're here in the cathedral there in you're here in the cathedral there in you're here in the cathedral there in the sanctuary, or even if in a virtual the sanctuary, or even if in a virtual the sanctuary, or even if in a virtual way you are sharing with us via the way you are sharing with us via the way you are sharing with us via the worldwide web, wherever you are, we worldwide web, wherever you are, we worldwide web, wherever you are, we thank God for you, and we thank God for thank God for you, and we thank God for thank God for you, and we thank God for your presence with us in [music] your presence with us in [music] your presence with us in [music] worship. We're certainly grateful for worship. We're certainly grateful for worship. We're certainly grateful for first-time visitors who come to be with first-time visitors who come to be with first-time visitors who come to be with us on any given Sunday or Wednesday or us on any given Sunday or Wednesday or us on any given Sunday or Wednesday or any other day of the week. And so I'm any other day of the week. And so I'm any other day of the week. And so I'm going to ask all our firsttime visitors, going to ask all our firsttime visitors, going to ask all our firsttime visitors, whether you're in either of the worship whether you're in either of the worship whether you're in either of the worship spaces on campus, will you please stand spaces on campus, will you please stand spaces on campus, will you please stand so we might see you and celebrate your so we might see you and celebrate your so we might see you and celebrate your presence among us in the Lord's church presence among us in the Lord's church presence among us in the Lord's church today. God bless you. [applause]

today. God bless you. [applause] today. God bless you. [applause] Look at what the Lord has brought to our Look at what the Lord has brought to our Look at what the Lord has brought to our church this Sunday. Please remain church this Sunday. Please remain church this Sunday. Please remain standing for just a minute longer. standing for just a minute longer. standing for just a minute longer. Remain standing. Remain standing. Remain standing. Wow. What a joy it is to see each of you Wow. What a joy it is to see each of you Wow. What a joy it is to see each of you who has come to be with us at Wheeler who has come to be with us at Wheeler who has come to be with us at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. You should Avenue Baptist Church today. You should Avenue Baptist Church today. You should be able to tell already we take visitors be able to tell already we take visitors be able to tell already we take visitors fairly seriously around here. We're fairly seriously around here. We're fairly seriously around here. We're grateful that out of all the places you grateful that out of all the places you grateful that out of all the places you could have gone for worship on this day could have gone for worship on this day could have gone for worship on this day and you passed a bunch of churches to and you passed a bunch of churches to and you passed a bunch of churches to come to Wheeler Avenue. But we're so come to Wheeler Avenue. But we're so come to Wheeler Avenue. But we're so grateful that you made it to Wheeler grateful that you made it to Wheeler grateful that you made it to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church this Sunday. And Avenue Baptist Church this Sunday. And Avenue Baptist Church this Sunday. And we pray that you're already being we pray that you're already being we pray that you're already being blessed as a consequence of coming our blessed as a consequence of coming our blessed as a consequence of coming our way today. We ask that as you as you way today. We ask that as you as you way today. We ask that as you as you leave today, if you have churches from leave today, if you have churches from leave today, if you have churches from which you've come, I ask that you'll which you've come, I ask that you'll which you've come, I ask that you'll take back to your pastors and local take back to your pastors and local take back to your pastors and local congregations the warmest regards of congregations the warmest regards of congregations the warmest regards of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, let those Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, let those Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, let those sisters and brothers know that we were sisters and brothers know that we were sisters and brothers know that we were delighted to have you with us in worship delighted to have you with us in worship delighted to have you with us in worship at Wheeler Avenue this [music] second at Wheeler Avenue this [music] second at Wheeler Avenue this [music] second Sunday of July. Now, listen, if you live Sunday of July. Now, listen, if you live Sunday of July. Now, listen, if you live in the greater Houston area and you in the greater Houston area and you in the greater Houston area and you don't have a church home, look around don't have a church home, look around don't have a church home, look around because you'll already find around you because you'll already find around you because you'll already find around you right now men, women, and children who right now men, women, and children who right now men, women, and children who would love to claim you as a part of our would love to claim you as a part of our would love to claim you as a part of our church family. We'd love to expand our church family. We'd love to expand our church family. We'd love to expand our congregation to include you. Yeah, we'd congregation to include you. Yeah, we'd congregation to include you. Yeah, we'd love to do that. [applause] love to do that. [applause] love to do that. [applause] But whatever the case, on this Sunday, I But whatever the case, on this Sunday, I But whatever the case, on this Sunday, I need you to know in no uncertain terms need you to know in no uncertain terms need you to know in no uncertain terms that you, my dear friends, are welcome that you, my dear friends, are welcome that you, my dear friends, are welcome at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And I at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And I at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And I love proving what I say. So watch this.

love proving what I say. So watch this. love proving what I say. So watch this. [cheering] [music] [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. God bless you. You may be seated in the God bless you. You may be seated in the God bless you. You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. As you take your presence of the Lord. As you take your presence of the Lord. As you take your seats, will you look upward toward the seats, will you look upward toward the seats, will you look upward toward the screen? If you have your cellular device screen? If you have your cellular device screen? If you have your cellular device close by, will you please text visit close by, will you please text visit close by, will you please text visit WABC to that number that you see there WABC to that number that you see there WABC to that number that you see there on the screen, and we'll send you a more on the screen, and we'll send you a more on the screen, and we'll send you a more personalized greeting in the days ahead. personalized greeting in the days ahead. personalized greeting in the days ahead. If you can text that to uh text visit If you can text that to uh text visit If you can text that to uh text visit WABC to that number, we'll make sure WABC to that number, we'll make sure WABC to that number, we'll make sure that we just [music] send you something that we just [music] send you something that we just [music] send you something just to remind you how grateful we were just to remind you how grateful we were just to remind you how grateful we were to have you uh on our campus this Lord's to have you uh on our campus this Lord's to have you uh on our campus this Lord's Day. for those of you who are visiting Day. for those of you who are visiting Day. for those of you who are visiting for the second, 3rd, 15th, 25th, 5th, for the second, 3rd, 15th, 25th, 5th, for the second, 3rd, 15th, 25th, 5th, and 32nd time. Um, you should be a and 32nd time. Um, you should be a and 32nd time. Um, you should be a member by now. Uh, but I'm just saying member by now. Uh, but I'm just saying member by now. Uh, but I'm just saying I'm glad you're here and we praise God I'm glad you're here and we praise God I'm glad you're here and we praise God for all of you as well. To all of you for all of you as well. To all of you for all of you as well. To all of you who view us via the worldwide web, God who view us via the worldwide web, God who view us via the worldwide web, God bless you. Thank you so much for being a bless you. Thank you so much for being a bless you. Thank you so much for being a part of this experience of worship uh part of this experience of worship uh part of this experience of worship uh this second Sunday, this second service. this second Sunday, this second service. this second Sunday, this second service. We are grateful that you have have uh We are grateful that you have have uh We are grateful that you have have uh joined us and we pray that you're being joined us and we pray that you're being joined us and we pray that you're being blessed, that you're sharing the chat blessed, that you're sharing the chat blessed, that you're sharing the chat with those who are likewise in the with those who are likewise in the with those who are likewise in the virtual space. uh that kind of [music] virtual space. uh that kind of [music] virtual space. uh that kind of [music] sentiment as well. Now, make sure you sentiment as well. Now, make sure you sentiment as well. Now, make sure you share with everyone close by you how share with everyone close by you how share with everyone close by you how excited you are to be with them. Just excited you are to be with them. Just excited you are to be with them. Just tell them something like, "I'm glad to tell them something like, "I'm glad to tell them something like, "I'm glad to be in worship with you. You look good.

be in worship with you. You look good. be in worship with you. You look good. You look good on a Sunday morning. You You look good on a Sunday morning. You You look good on a Sunday morning. You look good. look good. look good. Make sure no one is left out." Make sure Make sure no one is left out." Make sure Make sure no one is left out." Make sure no one is left out. [music] no one is left out. [music] no one is left out. [music] Make sure nobody's left out. Amen. Amen. [music] Make sure no one is left out. [music] Make sure no one is left out. [music] Make sure no one is left out. Now look back at him and think of Now look back at him and think of Now look back at him and think of something real good that God did for you something real good that God did for you something real good that God did for you this week and tell them what he did. this week and tell them what he did. this week and tell them what he did. Tell them what the Lord did. Tell them Tell them what the Lord did. Tell them Tell them what the Lord did. Tell them what the Lord did for you this week. what the Lord did for you this week. what the Lord did for you this week. [music] [music] [music] This week. This week. This week. This week. This week. Woo. Woo. [music] [music] [music] We are blessed in the city. We blessed We are blessed in the city. We blessed We are blessed in the city. We blessed in the field. We blessed [music] when we in the field. We blessed [music] when we in the field. We blessed [music] when we come. come. come. We [music] [music] never never never one more time. One more time. [music] >> Amen. Amen.

>> Amen. Amen. I know if I let y'all keep going, we'll I know if I let y'all keep going, we'll I know if I let y'all keep going, we'll never finish. We'll never We'll never never finish. We'll never We'll never never finish. We'll never We'll never get to anything else on the order of get to anything else on the order of get to anything else on the order of worship. No more. No mas. No mas. We are worship. No more. No mas. No mas. We are worship. No more. No mas. No mas. We are done with that. Amen. Let me acknowledge done with that. Amen. Let me acknowledge done with that. Amen. Let me acknowledge a couple precious people who have come a couple precious people who have come a couple precious people who have come to be with us and we're grateful for to be with us and we're grateful for to be with us and we're grateful for their presence. Dr. Jason Johnson, will their presence. Dr. Jason Johnson, will their presence. Dr. Jason Johnson, will you please stand? My brother, we're you please stand? My brother, we're you please stand? My brother, we're delighted. He's an M MSNBC contributor. delighted. He's an M MSNBC contributor. delighted. He's an M MSNBC contributor. He professor at Morgan State University He professor at Morgan State University He professor at Morgan State University and he has come to be with us. Thank and he has come to be with us. Thank and he has come to be with us. Thank you, Lelle, for bringing him with you you, Lelle, for bringing him with you you, Lelle, for bringing him with you today. We're glad to have you here, my today. We're glad to have you here, my today. We're glad to have you here, my brother. Keep shining the light. Keep brother. Keep shining the light. Keep brother. Keep shining the light. Keep letting the world know uh what needs to letting the world know uh what needs to letting the world know uh what needs to be known in this world in which we live. be known in this world in which we live. be known in this world in which we live. We appreciate you and we honor your We appreciate you and we honor your We appreciate you and we honor your presence with us today. Thank you for presence with us today. Thank you for presence with us today. Thank you for joining us here at the Wheeler Avenue joining us here at the Wheeler Avenue joining us here at the Wheeler Avenue Church today. We're glad that you're Church today. We're glad that you're Church today. We're glad that you're here. here. here. They tell me all the way up in the back They tell me all the way up in the back They tell me all the way up in the back of the cathedral, uh, the Blunts are of the cathedral, uh, the Blunts are of the cathedral, uh, the Blunts are here. Brother, uh, brother, sister Blunt here. Brother, uh, brother, sister Blunt here. Brother, uh, brother, sister Blunt are here from Alfred Street Baptist are here from Alfred Street Baptist are here from Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Where Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Where Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Where are you? Please stand. There they are are you? Please stand. There they are are you? Please stand. There they are back there in the back. God bless you.

back there in the back. God bless you. back there in the back. God bless you. Praise the Lord. [applause] They're Praise the Lord. [applause] They're Praise the Lord. [applause] They're coming to see you. Don't don't sit down coming to see you. Don't don't sit down coming to see you. Don't don't sit down yet. So, that brother, that brother's yet. So, that brother, that brother's yet. So, that brother, that brother's running to see you. He wants to make running to see you. He wants to make running to see you. He wants to make sure that everybody in the world sees sure that everybody in the world sees sure that everybody in the world sees you. Amen. Glad glad to have you here. Alfred Street. Now, where is that? Alfred Street. Now, where is that? Who Who's the pastor of Alfred Street? Who Who's the pastor of Alfred Street? Who Who's the pastor of Alfred Street? Never heard of it. Never heard of it. Never heard of it. What's his name? Oh, okay. Billy Bob What's his name? Oh, okay. Billy Bob What's his name? Oh, okay. Billy Bob Dinkersfield. I'll tell him that uh that Dinkersfield. I'll tell him that uh that Dinkersfield. I'll tell him that uh that you came by. Thank you so much for being you came by. Thank you so much for being you came by. Thank you so much for being here. So glad to have you all the way here. So glad to have you all the way here. So glad to have you all the way from Alexandria, Virginia. and we pray from Alexandria, Virginia. and we pray from Alexandria, Virginia. and we pray God's blessings upon you. I wanted to God's blessings upon you. I wanted to God's blessings upon you. I wanted to get you on camera so your pastor could get you on camera so your pastor could get you on camera so your pastor could see you at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church see you at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church see you at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. Woo! Every time Wheeler members go to Woo! Every time Wheeler members go to Alfred Street, he takes pictures and Alfred Street, he takes pictures and Alfred Street, he takes pictures and stuff and sends them to me. I want to stuff and sends them to me. I want to stuff and sends them to me. I want to make sure the whole worldwide web sees make sure the whole worldwide web sees make sure the whole worldwide web sees y'all. The whole world sees you. Amen. y'all. The whole world sees you. Amen. y'all. The whole world sees you. Amen. Praise the Lord. It's graduate Sunday. Praise the Lord. It's graduate Sunday. Praise the Lord. It's graduate Sunday. Have I mentioned that? It's graduate Have I mentioned that? It's graduate Have I mentioned that? It's graduate Sunday. [applause] Sunday. [applause] Sunday. [applause] [cheering] >> Listen, I'm going to talk about more >> Listen, I'm going to talk about more about that in just a minute, but about that in just a minute, but about that in just a minute, but yesterday, yesterday, yesterday, every Saturday has a lot going on, but every Saturday has a lot going on, but every Saturday has a lot going on, but yesterday was just just amazing on the yesterday was just just amazing on the yesterday was just just amazing on the avenue. And uh want to at least reflect avenue. And uh want to at least reflect avenue. And uh want to at least reflect upon a couple things. We seldom go upon a couple things. We seldom go upon a couple things. We seldom go backward in [music] time, but yesterday backward in [music] time, but yesterday backward in [music] time, but yesterday was so special, we need to reflect on a was so special, we need to reflect on a was so special, we need to reflect on a few things. We started the day in the few things. We started the day in the few things. We started the day in the cathedral with um with new life service.

cathedral with um with new life service. cathedral with um with new life service. And yesterday at New Life Service, we And yesterday at New Life Service, we And yesterday at New Life Service, we baptized 54 people who gave their lives baptized 54 people who gave their lives baptized 54 people who gave their lives to Jesus Christ. Amen. to Jesus Christ. Amen. to Jesus Christ. Amen. Praise the Lord. 54 people [applause] Praise the Lord. 54 people [applause] Praise the Lord. 54 people [applause] and we dedicated six babies, their and we dedicated six babies, their and we dedicated six babies, their families, brought them to the Lord's families, brought them to the Lord's families, brought them to the Lord's church and we had a great time church and we had a great time church and we had a great time celebrating new life in Christ and new celebrating new life in Christ and new celebrating new life in Christ and new life in creation. And then after that, life in creation. And then after that, life in creation. And then after that, we went down the hall and down the hall we went down the hall and down the hall we went down the hall and down the hall was uh troop 242. That's our Boy Scout was uh troop 242. That's our Boy Scout was uh troop 242. That's our Boy Scout troop that's been around since the 60s. troop that's been around since the 60s. troop that's been around since the 60s. And uh they produced eight new Eagle And uh they produced eight new Eagle And uh they produced eight new Eagle Scouts yesterday. Scouts yesterday. Scouts yesterday. Eight new Eagle Scouts. [applause] Eight new Eagle Scouts. [applause] Eight new Eagle Scouts. [applause] I think some of them may be here. Eagle I think some of them may be here. Eagle I think some of them may be here. Eagle Scouts, are you here? Where the Eagle Scouts, are you here? Where the Eagle Scouts, are you here? Where the Eagle Scouts? Are you here today? Scouts? Are you here today? Scouts? Are you here today? Where are they? There's one way up Where are they? There's one way up Where are they? There's one way up there. God bless you, man. Praise God there. God bless you, man. Praise God there. God bless you, man. Praise God for you. So proud of you. And we for you. So proud of you. And we for you. So proud of you. And we celebrate. We celebrate what you have celebrate. We celebrate what you have celebrate. We celebrate what you have done. Listen, our church, our troop 242 done. Listen, our church, our troop 242 done. Listen, our church, our troop 242 been around since the 60. Several of the been around since the 60. Several of the been around since the 60. Several of the Eagle Scouts from years ago were in Eagle Scouts from years ago were in Eagle Scouts from years ago were in worship at this first service, but we worship at this first service, but we worship at this first service, but we have produced more Eagle Scouts at this have produced more Eagle Scouts at this have produced more Eagle Scouts at this church in this troop than any other church in this troop than any other church in this troop than any other church in this region, any other troop church in this region, any other troop church in this region, any other troop in this region. And we are now up to 229 in this region. And we are now up to 229 in this region. And we are now up to 229 Eagle Scouts since the 60s. Since the Eagle Scouts since the 60s. Since the Eagle Scouts since the 60s. Since the 60s. Yep. And we celebrate with all of 60s. Yep. And we celebrate with all of 60s. Yep. And we celebrate with all of those Boy Scouts and all the work that those Boy Scouts and all the work that those Boy Scouts and all the work that they are doing, our scout master and the they are doing, our scout master and the they are doing, our scout master and the several people who work with the scouts several people who work with the scouts several people who work with the scouts uh at our church. And we have great girl uh at our church. And we have great girl uh at our church. And we have great girl scout groups. Don't you don't sleep. The

scout groups. Don't you don't sleep. The scout groups. Don't you don't sleep. The Girl Scouts are amazing. I hear some of Girl Scouts are amazing. I hear some of Girl Scouts are amazing. I hear some of them right over there. And we thank God them right over there. And we thank God them right over there. And we thank God for our Boy Scouts and our Girl Scouts. for our Boy Scouts and our Girl Scouts. for our Boy Scouts and our Girl Scouts. And then yesterday after that, we went And then yesterday after that, we went And then yesterday after that, we went to the graduates award lunchon. And that to the graduates award lunchon. And that to the graduates award lunchon. And that lunchon was absolutely amazing. We had lunchon was absolutely amazing. We had lunchon was absolutely amazing. We had we gave to each of 78 students we gave to each of 78 students we gave to each of 78 students scholarships and grants to move from scholarships and grants to move from scholarships and grants to move from their high school experience into their their high school experience into their their high school experience into their next experience. next experience. next experience. 78 students and we're so grateful. Some 78 students and we're so grateful. Some 78 students and we're so grateful. Some of them were in the first service, of them were in the first service, of them were in the first service, others of them are here in this service. others of them are here in this service. others of them are here in this service. We're going to hear from them some talk We're going to hear from them some talk We're going to hear from them some talk to them in greater detail later on in to them in greater detail later on in to them in greater detail later on in the service. But I'm so grateful for all the service. But I'm so grateful for all the service. But I'm so grateful for all of the awards that we that we were able of the awards that we that we were able of the awards that we that we were able to give out yesterday. We're moving to to give out yesterday. We're moving to to give out yesterday. We're moving to the um to the awards from yesterday. the um to the awards from yesterday. the um to the awards from yesterday. Moving to the awards from yesterday. Boy Moving to the awards from yesterday. Boy Moving to the awards from yesterday. Boy Scouts are gone. There we go. Praise the Scouts are gone. There we go. Praise the Scouts are gone. There we go. Praise the Lord. Amen. The awards from yesterday. Lord. Amen. The awards from yesterday. Lord. Amen. The awards from yesterday. And look at those precious people. And look at those precious people. And look at those precious people. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] [music] [music] [music] >> You see that number right there? $37,000 >> You see that number right there? $37,000 >> You see that number right there? $37,000 in scholarships.

in scholarships. in scholarships. $37,000 [music] [music] $37,000 from this here church in the hood of from this here church in the hood of Houston, Texas. $37,000. Houston, Texas. $37,000. Houston, Texas. $37,000. Let me give you a quick breakdown of Let me give you a quick breakdown of Let me give you a quick breakdown of that. We had 78 students, 11 continuing that. We had 78 students, 11 continuing that. We had 78 students, 11 continuing education students, and we gave out uh education students, and we gave out uh education students, and we gave out uh 11 continuing ed and [music] um and 11 continuing ed and [music] um and 11 continuing ed and [music] um and family grants and scholarships. One of family grants and scholarships. One of family grants and scholarships. One of our scholarship committee leaders, uh our scholarship committee leaders, uh our scholarship committee leaders, uh Dr. Peggy Ingram, decided she wanted to Dr. Peggy Ingram, decided she wanted to Dr. Peggy Ingram, decided she wanted to make sure that not only firsttime make sure that not only firsttime make sure that not only firsttime students, [music] but continuing students, [music] but continuing students, [music] but continuing students had some resources from which students had some resources from which students had some resources from which to draw. She gave away 10 scholarships to draw. She gave away 10 scholarships to draw. She gave away 10 scholarships yesterday totaling $30,000. and we thank yesterday totaling $30,000. and we thank yesterday totaling $30,000. and we thank God for her. Amen. [music] Once upon a time, Dr. Robert Prader was Once upon a time, Dr. Robert Prader was the chair of that scholarship committee. the chair of that scholarship committee. the chair of that scholarship committee. He's with the Lord now along with his He's with the Lord now along with his He's with the Lord now along with his wife, Sister Teresa. They're both gone wife, Sister Teresa. They're both gone wife, Sister Teresa. They're both gone now, but their daughters and son decided now, but their daughters and son decided now, but their daughters and son decided they wanted to continue the work of they wanted to continue the work of they wanted to continue the work of giving scholarships in the name of their giving scholarships in the name of their giving scholarships in the name of their parents. And they gave away a parents. And they gave away a parents. And they gave away a scholarship yesterday. Thank God for the scholarship yesterday. Thank God for the scholarship yesterday. Thank God for the Prader award that was given. Our deacons Prader award that was given. Our deacons Prader award that was given. Our deacons wanted to make sure that two of our wanted to make sure that two of our wanted to make sure that two of our children, a young woman and a young man, children, a young woman and a young man, children, a young woman and a young man, were likewise gifted a scholarship.

were likewise gifted a scholarship. were likewise gifted a scholarship. There were two James Allen scholars. If There were two James Allen scholars. If There were two James Allen scholars. If you don't know that name, that's cool. you don't know that name, that's cool. you don't know that name, that's cool. But those who do know the name know that But those who do know the name know that But those who do know the name know that Deacon James Allen was one of the most Deacon James Allen was one of the most Deacon James Allen was one of the most beautiful and dedicated deacons [music] beautiful and dedicated deacons [music] beautiful and dedicated deacons [music] of our church uh in the 20th uh century. of our church uh in the 20th uh century. of our church uh in the 20th uh century. And I'm so grateful for his work and his And I'm so grateful for his work and his And I'm so grateful for his work and his legacy that still remains at Wheeler legacy that still remains at Wheeler legacy that still remains at Wheeler Avenue. And we celebrate with him and Avenue. And we celebrate with him and Avenue. And we celebrate with him and all those celebrated his family and with all those celebrated his family and with all those celebrated his family and with those who received his scholarship those who received his scholarship those who received his scholarship yesterday. And then all of our students yesterday. And then all of our students yesterday. And then all of our students received um all of our students who were received um all of our students who were received um all of our students who were who filled out their applications and who filled out their applications and who filled out their applications and made sure that all the information was made sure that all the information was made sure that all the information was accurate, they received up to $3,000 in accurate, they received up to $3,000 in accurate, they received up to $3,000 in in scholarship grants from the church in scholarship grants from the church in scholarship grants from the church and we're grateful for that. [music] And then there was another level of And then there was another level of achievers. We just added this achievers. We just added this achievers. We just added this scholarship to the list this year. It's scholarship to the list this year. It's scholarship to the list this year. It's called the high achievers scholarship. called the high achievers scholarship. called the high achievers scholarship. These are they who just go above and These are they who just go above and These are they who just go above and beyond to make sure that uh they f beyond to make sure that uh they f beyond to make sure that uh they f fulfill the scholastic requirements that fulfill the scholastic requirements that fulfill the scholastic requirements that have been set [music] before them. And have been set [music] before them. And have been set [music] before them. And there was there were 11 of them who were there was there were 11 of them who were there was there were 11 of them who were given scholarships yesterday. Six of given scholarships yesterday. Six of given scholarships yesterday. Six of them who higher achievers okay six them who higher achievers okay six them who higher achievers okay six higher achiever scholarships and each of higher achiever scholarships and each of higher achiever scholarships and each of them got $5,000 a piece and we're them got $5,000 a piece and we're them got $5,000 a piece and we're grateful that we were able to do that.

grateful that we were able to do that. grateful that we were able to do that. [music] [music] [music] [applause] [applause] [applause] I see the Lostin ladies are here. That's I see the Lostin ladies are here. That's I see the Lostin ladies are here. That's Melanie, Cheryl, and Roxan along with Melanie, Cheryl, and Roxan along with Melanie, Cheryl, and Roxan along with their with their offspring, and they uh their with their offspring, and they uh their with their offspring, and they uh have um their father and mother of have um their father and mother of have um their father and mother of course meant so much to this community. course meant so much to this community. course meant so much to this community. And so several years ago, we began to And so several years ago, we began to And so several years ago, we began to give away the Lawson Excellence Award. give away the Lawson Excellence Award. give away the Lawson Excellence Award. That means you have to have excellence That means you have to have excellence That means you have to have excellence in scholarship, in community engagement, in scholarship, in community engagement, in scholarship, in community engagement, and congregational work. And five and congregational work. And five and congregational work. And five individuals received $5,000 for every individuals received $5,000 for every individuals received $5,000 for every year for four years. That's $20,000. year for four years. That's $20,000. year for four years. That's $20,000. There they are. [music] There they are. [music] There they are. [music] Excellence is the standard, not the Excellence is the standard, not the Excellence is the standard, not the goal. Lawson awardees, please stand. If goal. Lawson awardees, please stand. If goal. Lawson awardees, please stand. If you're a Lawson recipient, please stand. you're a Lawson recipient, please stand. you're a Lawson recipient, please stand. Let me see you. [music] Let me see you. [music] Let me see you. [music] Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. The two distinguished gentlemen are here The two distinguished gentlemen are here The two distinguished gentlemen are here and we'll see the ladies maybe at the and we'll see the ladies maybe at the and we'll see the ladies maybe at the 1:00 service, but we're certainly 1:00 service, but we're certainly 1:00 service, but we're certainly grateful that these two gentlemen are grateful that these two gentlemen are grateful that these two gentlemen are here and they're luck lost in excellence here and they're luck lost in excellence here and they're luck lost in excellence awardees and we do celebrate with them.

awardees and we do celebrate with them. awardees and we do celebrate with them. Let's see how all the schools where Let's see how all the schools where Let's see how all the schools where these young people are going. All the these young people are going. All the these young people are going. All the schools where these young people are schools where these young people are schools where these young people are going uh in the next several weeks and going uh in the next several weeks and going uh in the next several weeks and some are already in school. Would you some are already in school. Would you some are already in school. Would you see that missing? Yep. Yep. If your school is on the list, stand up. If your school is on the list, stand up. If your school is on the list, stand up. If your school is on the list, stand up. If your school is on the list, stand up. If your school is on the list, stand up. [music] Love it. Love it. [music] Love it. Love it. Love it. [music] Love it. Love it. Now you make sure you find the students Now you make sure you find the students going to your school and give them some going to your school and give them some going to your school and give them some money. money. money. You standing up making all that noise You standing up making all that noise You standing up making all that noise and give them some money. Ask Re Jaylen and give them some money. Ask Re Jaylen and give them some money. Ask Re Jaylen where they're going and pay them. Amen. where they're going and pay them. Amen. where they're going and pay them. Amen. Show them the money. But we're so Show them the money. But we're so Show them the money. But we're so excited. We're going to talk more about excited. We're going to talk more about excited. We're going to talk more about that in the later portions of this that in the later portions of this that in the later portions of this worship service. Just wanted to make worship service. Just wanted to make worship service. Just wanted to make sure that you knew exactly what was he sure that you knew exactly what was he sure that you knew exactly what was he what going on. The young adults had a what going on. The young adults had a what going on. The young adults had a good time playing spades and Udo and all good time playing spades and Udo and all good time playing spades and Udo and all that stuff yesterday on campus. They had that stuff yesterday on campus. They had that stuff yesterday on campus. They had a good time. And we've got 22 young a good time. And we've got 22 young a good time. And we've got 22 young adults who are on their way on a adults who are on their way on a adults who are on their way on a missions trip leaving Saturday. They're missions trip leaving Saturday. They're missions trip leaving Saturday. They're going to Jamaica to provide vacation going to Jamaica to provide vacation going to Jamaica to provide vacation Bible school for some underprivileged Bible school for some underprivileged Bible school for some underprivileged young people. Thank you, Dr. A, for young people. Thank you, Dr. A, for young people. Thank you, Dr. A, for leading them. We appreciate you.

leading them. We appreciate you. leading them. We appreciate you. We're going to pray over those young f We're going to pray over those young f We're going to pray over those young f those young adults when they in the next those young adults when they in the next those young adults when they in the next service as they get ready to go. I don't service as they get ready to go. I don't service as they get ready to go. I don't think any of them are here. Are some of think any of them are here. Are some of think any of them are here. Are some of them here? them here? them here? >> Hey. All right. I see you. I see you. >> Hey. All right. I see you. I see you. >> Hey. All right. I see you. I see you. God bless you. So excited. Your church God bless you. So excited. Your church God bless you. So excited. Your church is doing some great things and we're is doing some great things and we're is doing some great things and we're certainly grateful for all of them and certainly grateful for all of them and certainly grateful for all of them and all the work that they do. Please be in all the work that they do. Please be in all the work that they do. Please be in prayer for them. They'll be gone for prayer for them. They'll be gone for prayer for them. They'll be gone for several days leaving next Saturday several days leaving next Saturday several days leaving next Saturday [music] and I hope that you'll keep them [music] and I hope that you'll keep them [music] and I hope that you'll keep them lifted in your prayers. Amen. lifted in your prayers. Amen. lifted in your prayers. Amen. >> Speaking of vacation Bible school, >> Speaking of vacation Bible school, >> Speaking of vacation Bible school, tomorrow begins vacation Bible school. We love VBS around here. It's going to We love VBS around here. It's going to be great. It's going to be awesome. It's be great. It's going to be awesome. It's be great. It's going to be awesome. It's going to be amazing as it always is. As going to be amazing as it always is. As going to be amazing as it always is. As a matter of fact, if you go to the other a matter of fact, if you go to the other a matter of fact, if you go to the other buildings on campus, you'll see the buildings on campus, you'll see the buildings on campus, you'll see the direct decorations are already being put direct decorations are already being put direct decorations are already being put up and we're going to have a fabulous up and we're going to have a fabulous up and we're going to have a fabulous time. Dinner begins in the 6:00 hour. time. Dinner begins in the 6:00 hour. time. Dinner begins in the 6:00 hour. All the classes begin thereafter. And I All the classes begin thereafter. And I All the classes begin thereafter. And I hope that you will come and be a part. hope that you will come and be a part. hope that you will come and be a part. Uh if you have already registered, we Uh if you have already registered, we Uh if you have already registered, we thank you so much for doing that. And thank you so much for doing that. And thank you so much for doing that. And we're going to have a great time we're going to have a great time we're going to have a great time beginning tomorrow evening. and we are beginning tomorrow evening. and we are beginning tomorrow evening. and we are looking forward to all the great things looking forward to all the great things looking forward to all the great things that God will do as a consequence. Well, that God will do as a consequence. Well, that God will do as a consequence. Well, that's enough announcements, but we've that's enough announcements, but we've that's enough announcements, but we've got um one more thing we just need to got um one more thing we just need to got um one more thing we just need to take care of because there's some folk take care of because there's some folk take care of because there's some folk married in the month of July who need to married in the month of July who need to married in the month of July who need to stand and be celebrated if your stand and be celebrated if your stand and be celebrated if your anniversary was [music] the Johnson's as anniversary was [music] the Johnson's as anniversary was [music] the Johnson's as they stand. July 22nd is their they stand. July 22nd is their they stand. July 22nd is their anniversary. If you're likewise [music] anniversary. If you're likewise [music] anniversary. If you're likewise [music] in that crowd, come on. I see you in that crowd, come on. I see you in that crowd, come on. I see you standing all the July anniversaries.

Let's sing happy anniversary to these Let's sing happy anniversary to these precious people on this Sunday morning. precious people on this Sunday morning. precious people on this Sunday morning. [music] [music] [music] Happy anniversary. See you up there. Happy anniversary. See you up there. Happy anniversary. See you up there. Happy anniversary everybody. Happy anniversary everybody. Happy anniversary everybody. [music] [music] [music] Hey. And And Lord have Hey, wait a minute. I like Lord have Hey, wait a minute. I like Lord have Hey, wait a minute. I like your shirts. your shirts. your shirts. Please. That couple right there. Stand Please. That couple right there. Stand Please. That couple right there. Stand up again, please. I like your shirts. up again, please. I like your shirts. up again, please. I like your shirts. Wait, I like that. I like that. I'm Wait, I like that. I like that. I'm Wait, I like that. I like that. I'm going to start saying that one day just going to start saying that one day just going to start saying that one day just cuz. God bless you. Praise the Lord. cuz. God bless you. Praise the Lord. cuz. God bless you. Praise the Lord. We're celebrating with all of you. Our We're celebrating with all of you. Our We're celebrating with all of you. Our charter members, Deacon Richard and charter members, Deacon Richard and charter members, Deacon Richard and Francis Jackson, celebrated 66 years of Francis Jackson, celebrated 66 years of Francis Jackson, celebrated 66 years of marriage on the second day of July. We marriage on the second day of July. We marriage on the second day of July. We thank God for them. [music] We had two thank God for them. [music] We had two thank God for them. [music] We had two couples at the first service celebrating couples at the first service celebrating couples at the first service celebrating 50 years, and we thank God for them. 50 years, and we thank God for them. 50 years, and we thank God for them. Anybody in this service can beat 66? Anybody in this service can beat 66? Anybody in this service can beat 66? Didn't think so. All right, it's Didn't think so. All right, it's Didn't think so. All right, it's offering time in the Lord's church. Come offering time in the Lord's church. Come offering time in the Lord's church. Come on, let's let's give unto the Lord.

on, let's let's give unto the Lord. on, let's let's give unto the Lord. Our courtesy core members are moving Our courtesy core members are moving Our courtesy core members are moving about us now and they have in their about us now and they have in their about us now and they have in their hands envelopes for those who would like hands envelopes for those who would like hands envelopes for those who would like to give traditionally, but the to give traditionally, but the to give traditionally, but the traditional means of placing a paper traditional means of placing a paper traditional means of placing a paper gift inside that envelope. We invite you gift inside that envelope. We invite you gift inside that envelope. We invite you to utilize their ministry as they move to utilize their ministry as they move to utilize their ministry as they move about us. Now, about us. Now, about us. Now, as they move about us, we likewise as they move about us, we likewise as they move about us, we likewise remember that we are now likewise giving remember that we are now likewise giving remember that we are now likewise giving technologically or technically, technologically or technically, technologically or technically, whichever is the proper word. And we whichever is the proper word. And we whichever is the proper word. And we give through those technological give through those technological give through those technological advancements that have been made advancements that have been made advancements that have been made available to us. available to us. available to us. And we see on the screen those ways by And we see on the screen those ways by And we see on the screen those ways by which we can give which we can give which we can give through our technological devices. through our technological devices. through our technological devices. Whether you're giving traditionally or Whether you're giving traditionally or Whether you're giving traditionally or technologically, we all give reverently technologically, we all give reverently technologically, we all give reverently [music] unto the God who has blessed us [music] unto the God who has blessed us [music] unto the God who has blessed us so abundantly. so abundantly. so abundantly. And as we give this afternoon, we And as we give this afternoon, we And as we give this afternoon, we remember this morning, we remember that remember this morning, we remember that remember this morning, we remember that we start with a tithe. The first 10% of we start with a tithe. The first 10% of we start with a tithe. The first 10% of our increase is holy unto God. And so we our increase is holy unto God. And so we our increase is holy unto God. And so we give it as an act of worship unto the give it as an act of worship unto the give it as an act of worship unto the Lord. In [music] addition to the tithe, Lord. In [music] addition to the tithe, Lord. In [music] addition to the tithe, we give an offering that speaks to our we give an offering that speaks to our we give an offering that speaks to our level of appreciation to God for his level of appreciation to God for his level of appreciation to God for his goodness in each one of our lives. Goes goodness in each one of our lives. Goes goodness in each one of our lives. Goes beyond the minimum requirement.

beyond the minimum requirement. beyond the minimum requirement. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] And we thank you so much for [music] And we thank you so much for [music] And we thank you so much for giving so generously in your tithes and giving so generously in your tithes and giving so generously in your tithes and offerings. And then thirdly, we give to offerings. And then thirdly, we give to offerings. And then thirdly, we give to missions and mercy. It is through that missions and mercy. It is through that missions and mercy. It is through that gift that we [music] bless those who are gift that we [music] bless those who are gift that we [music] bless those who are less fortunate than we. And every single less fortunate than we. And every single less fortunate than we. And every single day those gifts go to help brothers and day those gifts go to help brothers and day those gifts go to help brothers and sisters who are sisters who are sisters who are what the Bible calls the least of our what the Bible calls the least of our what the Bible calls the least of our sisters and brothers. They have some sisters and brothers. They have some sisters and brothers. They have some difficulty during this season. [music] difficulty during this season. [music] difficulty during this season. [music] And we want to help them by giving to And we want to help them by giving to And we want to help them by giving to them that which will assist them in this them that which will assist them in this them that which will assist them in this trying time. All of us give generously trying time. All of us give generously trying time. All of us give generously because we recognize that God loves a because we recognize that God loves a because we recognize that God loves a cheerful [music] giver. So, we give cheerful [music] giver. So, we give cheerful [music] giver. So, we give cheerfully. We re remember that when we cheerfully. We re remember that when we cheerfully. We re remember that when we tithe, the Bible says that God opens the tithe, the Bible says that God opens the tithe, the Bible says that God opens the windows of heaven and pours out a windows of heaven and pours out a windows of heaven and pours out a blessing that we don't have room enough blessing that we don't have room enough blessing that we don't have room enough to receive. The Bible says, "Give and it to receive. The Bible says, "Give and it to receive. The Bible says, "Give and it shall be given unto you in good measure, shall be given unto you in good measure, shall be given unto you in good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and pressed down, shaken together, and pressed down, shaken together, and running over." That's how people will running over." That's how people will running over." That's how people will give back [music] into your laps. With give back [music] into your laps. With give back [music] into your laps. With that expectation and understanding, that expectation and understanding, that expectation and understanding, let's consecrate our gifts unto the Lord let's consecrate our gifts unto the Lord let's consecrate our gifts unto the Lord even at this time. Gracious God, how we even at this time. Gracious God, how we even at this time. Gracious God, how we give you thanks for the privilege of give you thanks for the privilege of give you thanks for the privilege of [music] giving, for the opportunity to [music] giving, for the opportunity to [music] giving, for the opportunity to return to you what you first gave to us.

return to you what you first gave to us. return to you what you first gave to us. Thank you for loving us enough to favor Thank you for loving us enough to favor Thank you for loving us enough to favor us, to bless us, us, to bless us, us, to bless us, to enrich us, to enrich us, to enrich us, to bestow upon us those blessings that to bestow upon us those blessings that to bestow upon us those blessings that we could [music] never receive or engage we could [music] never receive or engage we could [music] never receive or engage unless you by your bounty provided them unless you by your bounty provided them unless you by your bounty provided them for us. So now I pray that you will for us. So now I pray that you will for us. So now I pray that you will bless each gift and each giver. Let no bless each gift and each giver. Let no bless each gift and each giver. Let no one lack as a consequence of what we one lack as a consequence of what we one lack as a consequence of what we give this morning. But you return to give this morning. But you return to give this morning. But you return to your sons and daughters as you see fit your sons and daughters as you see fit your sons and daughters as you see fit and we will testify with the musicians and we will testify with the musicians and we will testify with the musicians and we can't beat God giving no matter and we can't beat God giving no matter and we can't beat God giving no matter [music] how we try. We thank you for [music] how we try. We thank you for [music] how we try. We thank you for victory in our finances and we claim it victory in our finances and we claim it victory in our finances and we claim it so in Jesus' name. Let the church say so in Jesus' name. Let the church say so in Jesus' name. Let the church say amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Let's give unto amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Let's give unto amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Let's give unto our God. And as we give this morning, our God. And as we give this morning, our God. And as we give this morning, this music ministry returns to to bless this music ministry returns to to bless this music ministry returns to to bless us and to prepare us for the word of us and to prepare us for the word of us and to prepare us for the word of God. And going back in time a little bit God. And going back in time a little bit God. And going back in time a little bit today to a song that has blessed the today to a song that has blessed the today to a song that has blessed the church for many, many years. Same song. church for many, many years. Same song. church for many, many years. Same song. Just want to make sure before I before I Just want to make sure before I before I Just want to make sure before I before I sing. I'd be really really embarrassed sing. I'd be really really embarrassed sing. I'd be really really embarrassed if they were singing something totally if they were singing something totally if they were singing something totally different.

different. different. Anybody ever heard, "Lord, I'm available Anybody ever heard, "Lord, I'm available Anybody ever heard, "Lord, I'm available to you." to you." to you." Receive the choir as they bless us in Receive the choir as they bless us in Receive the choir as they bless us in song. >> Sister Benny Wilson, where you Sister >> Sister Benny Wilson, where you Sister Benny Wilson? Wait, there she is right Benny Wilson? Wait, there she is right Benny Wilson? Wait, there she is right there in that aisle. She said, "Hold up. there in that aisle. She said, "Hold up. there in that aisle. She said, "Hold up. I may not have 66 years, but I got 55. I may not have 66 years, but I got 55. I may not have 66 years, but I got 55. God bless you since Benny and your God bless you since Benny and your God bless you since Benny and your husband 55 years of marriage. Praise God husband 55 years of marriage. Praise God husband 55 years of marriage. Praise God for you. We don't t take that lightly. for you. We don't t take that lightly. for you. We don't t take that lightly. Praise God for you. All right. Come on. Praise God for you. All right. Come on. Praise God for you. All right. Come on. Sing choir. [music] [music] >> Give me my hands >> Give me my hands >> Give me my hands to reach out to men to reach out to men to reach out to men to show [singing] In your love to show [singing] In your love to show [singing] In your love [music] and your perfect plan,

[music] and your perfect plan, [music] and your perfect plan, you gave [singing] you gave [singing] you gave [singing] me my ears. me my ears. me my ears. I can hear [music] your [singing] voice I can hear [music] your [singing] voice I can hear [music] your [singing] voice so clear. so clear. so clear. I can hear the cries of sinners, [music] I can hear the cries of sinners, [music] I can hear the cries of sinners, [music] but can I wipe away [singing] their but can I wipe away [singing] their but can I wipe away [singing] their tears? >> Give me [singing] my voice [music] >> Give me [singing] my voice [music] to speak [singing] your word, to speak [singing] your word, to speak [singing] your word, to sing [music] all your praises to sing [music] all your praises to sing [music] all your praises to those [singing] who never. With my eyes, [music] I see a need With my eyes, [music] I see a need for more availability. [singing] for more availability. [singing] for more availability. [singing] [music] I see hearts that have been broken. I see hearts that have been broken. [music] [music] [music] So many [singing] people to be free.

So many [singing] people to be free. So many [singing] people to be free. [music] Lord, Lord, I'm available [singing] I'm available [singing] I'm available [singing] to you. to you. to you. >> [music] >> My [singing] will I give to you. I'll do >> My [singing] will I give to you. I'll do what [music and singing] you say. what [music and singing] you say. what [music and singing] you say. You me You me You me to show someone [music and singing] the to show someone [music and singing] the to show someone [music and singing] the way way way and me to [music and singing] say my [music and singing] story my [music and singing] story is empty is empty is empty and I [music and singing] and I [music and singing] and I [music and singing] am available am available am available to you. Now I'm giving back [music] to you Now I'm giving back [music] to you all the tools you gave [singing] all the tools you gave [singing] all the tools you gave [singing] to me. [music] to me. [music] to me. [music] My hands, my ears, my voice, [singing] My hands, my ears, my voice, [singing] My hands, my ears, my voice, [singing] my eyes. So you [music] can use them as my eyes. So you [music] can use them as my eyes. So you [music] can use them as me.

me. me. I have empty [singing] out my cup. I have empty [singing] out my cup. I have empty [singing] out my cup. so that [music] you can build [singing] so that [music] you can build [singing] so that [music] you can build [singing] me up. I just [singing] want to be more [music] I just [singing] want to be more [music] to you, [music] Lord. [music] Lord. I'm a [singing] I'm a [singing] I'm a [singing] to you. [music] do [music] what you say do [music] what you say to me to me to me to show the [singing and music] to show the [singing and music] to show the [singing and music] way way way and your name will be [music] [music] my [singing] story [music] [music] and I [singing] and I [singing] and I [singing] Yeah.

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

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

>> Yeah, that's still good every day of the >> Yeah, that's still good every day of the week. How many [music] people have made week. How many [music] people have made week. How many [music] people have made yourselves available to God? yourselves available to God? yourselves available to God? Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Actually, you may be seated. We're Amen. Actually, you may be seated. We're Amen. Actually, you may be seated. We're going to do things a little differently going to do things a little differently going to do things a little differently today. Thank you for standing in honor today. Thank you for standing in honor today. Thank you for standing in honor of the word of God. Thank you so much. I of the word of God. Thank you so much. I of the word of God. Thank you so much. I appreciate that. appreciate that. appreciate that. Give me about seven minutes. We'll stand Give me about seven minutes. We'll stand Give me about seven minutes. We'll stand back up in a minute. Okay. But thank you back up in a minute. Okay. But thank you back up in a minute. Okay. But thank you so much for for that uh respect and so much for for that uh respect and so much for for that uh respect and honor. We come to this this Sunday and honor. We come to this this Sunday and honor. We come to this this Sunday and we recognize at least those of us who we recognize at least those of us who we recognize at least those of us who have been here for a few years. This is have been here for a few years. This is have been here for a few years. This is one of those special Sundays for a one of those special Sundays for a one of those special Sundays for a special group of people. We've mentioned special group of people. We've mentioned special group of people. We've mentioned it already at least twice. It's it already at least twice. It's it already at least twice. It's graduates Sunday and uh we are grateful graduates Sunday and uh we are grateful graduates Sunday and uh we are grateful that we can celebrate the high school that we can celebrate the high school that we can celebrate the high school graduating class of 2026. And uh so this this Sunday's message is And uh so this this Sunday's message is [music] tailored mostly to them. I pray [music] tailored mostly to them. I pray [music] tailored mostly to them. I pray that you can get something out of it.

that you can get something out of it. that you can get something out of it. But this is tailored mostly to these But this is tailored mostly to these But this is tailored mostly to these precious people as they make their way precious people as they make their way precious people as they make their way into what's next for them. Some will be into what's next for them. Some will be into what's next for them. Some will be going to college. Some will be going to going to college. Some will be going to going to college. Some will be going to trade school. Some will be going to the trade school. Some will be going to the trade school. Some will be going to the military. Others of them will be trying military. Others of them will be trying military. Others of them will be trying to figure out what's next. Take a little to figure out what's next. Take a little to figure out what's next. Take a little break and uh figure out what's next. All break and uh figure out what's next. All break and uh figure out what's next. All of them though need the encouragement of them though need the encouragement of them though need the encouragement and support of their church so that we and support of their church so that we and support of their church so that we can spur them on to the next season of can spur them on to the next season of can spur them on to the next season of their lives. And I'm so excited we have their lives. And I'm so excited we have their lives. And I'm so excited we have the opportunity to do that on this on the opportunity to do that on this on the opportunity to do that on this on this second Sunday of July. I'm going to this second Sunday of July. I'm going to this second Sunday of July. I'm going to ask all of our high school graduates of ask all of our high school graduates of ask all of our high school graduates of 2026 to please come to the altar. Come 2026 to please come to the altar. Come 2026 to please come to the altar. Come to the altar and uh we're going to thank to the altar and uh we're going to thank to the altar and uh we're going to thank God for you. [music] God for you. [music] God for you. [music] [applause] [applause] [applause] Now look that way. Turn that way. Yeah. Now look that way. Turn that way. Yeah. Now look that way. Turn that way. Yeah. [music] [music] [music] Let everybody see, Let everybody see, Let everybody see, son. [music] [music] Yeah.

[music] [music] There there there was some There there there was some There there there was some Come on down from the choir, man. Come on down from the choir, man. Come on down from the choir, man. [music] [music] [music] Come on down from the choir. There were Come on down from the choir. There were Come on down from the choir. There were some in the sanctuary and our deacons some in the sanctuary and our deacons some in the sanctuary and our deacons went and got them. Went and got them. went and got them. Went and got them. went and got them. Went and got them. Oh, they're not yet. Come. Okay. If Oh, they're not yet. Come. Okay. If Oh, they're not yet. Come. Okay. If you're in the sanctuary, come on over. you're in the sanctuary, come on over. you're in the sanctuary, come on over. We got space and opportunity. Come on. We got space and opportunity. Come on. We got space and opportunity. Come on. We got space and opportunity. If you're We got space and opportunity. If you're We got space and opportunity. If you're in the sanctuary and you're a high in the sanctuary and you're a high in the sanctuary and you're a high school graduate of 26, come on over. school graduate of 26, come on over. school graduate of 26, come on over. Come on over. Come on over. Come on over. Come on over. Come on over. Come on over. Come on over. They're coming from the Come on over. They're coming from the Come on over. They're coming from the balcony. I meant to ask you to come down balcony. I meant to ask you to come down balcony. I meant to ask you to come down earlier, but I'm glad that you're earlier, but I'm glad that you're earlier, but I'm glad that you're [music] making your way down now. If any [music] making your way down now. If any [music] making your way down now. If any high schoolers graduated in the class of high schoolers graduated in the class of high schoolers graduated in the class of 2026, want to see you down here. We want 2026, want to see you down here. We want 2026, want to see you down here. We want to celebrate you and commend you for to celebrate you and commend you for to celebrate you and commend you for what has been hard work and what will be what has been hard work and what will be what has been hard work and what will be even more diligent labor in the days even more diligent labor in the days even more diligent labor in the days ahead. I wish I had a church that was ahead. I wish I had a church that was ahead. I wish I had a church that was excited about my young people.

Excited. Excited. [music] [music] [music] They're still coming, friends. They're They're still coming, friends. They're They're still coming, friends. They're still coming. Come on, sweetheart. God still coming. Come on, sweetheart. God still coming. Come on, sweetheart. God bless you. Take time. We got time to bless you. Take time. We got time to bless you. Take time. We got time to wait for you, but not really. Come on. wait for you, but not really. Come on. wait for you, but not really. Come on. Praise the Lord. Yeah. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Yeah. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Yeah. Praise the Lord. God bless you. God bless you. Now, God bless you. God bless you. Now, God bless you. God bless you. Now, listen. If the parents of these young listen. If the parents of these young listen. If the parents of these young people are here, oh, they're taking people are here, oh, they're taking people are here, oh, they're taking pictures. Get all the pictures you need pictures. Get all the pictures you need pictures. Get all the pictures you need to take. Uh but if your parents are here to take. Uh but if your parents are here to take. Uh but if your parents are here or or grandparents, guardians, loved or or grandparents, guardians, loved or or grandparents, guardians, loved ones, I want you to come down as well. I ones, I want you to come down as well. I ones, I want you to come down as well. I want you to come down as well and stand want you to come down as well and stand want you to come down as well and stand with your young people. [music] Come on. Come on. [applause] [applause] [applause] Oh, there they are. coming from Oh, there they are. coming from Oh, there they are. coming from everywhere. [music] Yeah. Yeah. Now turn this way, young people. Turn Now turn this way, young people. Turn Now turn this way, young people. Turn this way from toward me. Turn this way. this way from toward me. Turn this way. this way from toward me. Turn this way. Please turn this way. Thank you, Please turn this way. Thank you, Please turn this way. Thank you, chairman. Turn this way. Turn this way. chairman. Turn this way. Turn this way. chairman. Turn this way. Turn this way. Yeah. Let them grandparents, grand and Yeah. Let them grandparents, grand and Yeah. Let them grandparents, grand and parents and uh not the whole family. parents and uh not the whole family. parents and uh not the whole family. Don't the whole family don't [music] Don't the whole family don't [music] Don't the whole family don't [music] come. Um come. Um come. Um we only have certain amount of room. You we only have certain amount of room. You we only have certain amount of room. You understand?

understand? understand? Here they come from the sanctuary. Come Here they come from the sanctuary. Come Here they come from the sanctuary. Come on y'all. God bless you. God bless you. on y'all. God bless you. God bless you. on y'all. God bless you. God bless you. [music] God bless you. If your family members God bless you. If your family members are not here, raise your hand. Raise are not here, raise your hand. Raise are not here, raise your hand. Raise your hand. If your family members, your hand. If your family members, your hand. If your family members, grandparents, parents, aunties, uncles, grandparents, parents, aunties, uncles, grandparents, parents, aunties, uncles, them not here, everybody's got family them not here, everybody's got family them not here, everybody's got family with them. Okay. Good. Good. Good. Good. with them. Okay. Good. Good. Good. Good. with them. Okay. Good. Good. Good. Good. All right. Wonderful. Wonderful. We got All right. Wonderful. Wonderful. We got All right. Wonderful. Wonderful. We got to make the space. Just say, "Excuse me. to make the space. Just say, "Excuse me. to make the space. Just say, "Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me." Got to make the Excuse me. Excuse me." Got to make the Excuse me. Excuse me." Got to make the space till you get to your young one. space till you get to your young one. space till you get to your young one. Till all the parents are here. This is Till all the parents are here. This is Till all the parents are here. This is called organized chaos. called organized chaos. called organized chaos. The church say organized chaos. Yeah, The church say organized chaos. Yeah, The church say organized chaos. Yeah, that's what this is. And we and we do it that's what this is. And we and we do it that's what this is. And we and we do it every year on purpose. every year on purpose. every year on purpose. Now, once upon a time, we were able to Now, once upon a time, we were able to Now, once upon a time, we were able to talk to every child and that child would talk to every child and that child would talk to every child and that child would tell us where he or she was going to tell us where he or she was going to tell us where he or she was going to school and what the major was. We don't school and what the major was. We don't school and what the major was. We don't have time for all that. We're just have time for all that. We're just have time for all that. We're just excited that all of y'all are planning excited that all of y'all are planning excited that all of y'all are planning to do something. You're planning to do to do something. You're planning to do to do something. You're planning to do something. And here's a representation something. And here's a representation something. And here's a representation of what many of you are trying are of what many of you are trying are of what many of you are trying are planning to do.

planning to do. planning to do. I think the parents got on more I think the parents got on more I think the parents got on more paraphernelia than the children do. I paraphernelia than the children do. I paraphernelia than the children do. I love it. I love it. Absolutely amazing. love it. I love it. Absolutely amazing. love it. I love it. Absolutely amazing. I [music] love it. Come on, find your I [music] love it. Come on, find your I [music] love it. Come on, find your child. Find your child. And now hands child. Find your child. And now hands child. Find your child. And now hands are being laid on them already. These are being laid on them already. These are being laid on them already. These young people have [music] their parents' young people have [music] their parents' young people have [music] their parents' hands laid on them. But just before we hands laid on them. But just before we hands laid on them. But just before we pray over them, uh my my contention is pray over them, uh my my contention is pray over them, uh my my contention is that the church is supposed to hand down that the church is supposed to hand down that the church is supposed to hand down to the families to the families to the families uh the the precepts, the tenants of the uh the the precepts, the tenants of the uh the the precepts, the tenants of the word of God and the will of God and the word of God and the will of God and the word of God and the will of God and the families continue to convey it to their families continue to convey it to their families continue to convey it to their to their children from generation to to their children from generation to to their children from generation to generation. That's my cont that's the generation. That's my cont that's the generation. That's my cont that's the way I read scripture. And so every year way I read scripture. And so every year way I read scripture. And so every year we give these young people the same gift we give these young people the same gift we give these young people the same gift after we've given them those financial after we've given them those financial after we've given them those financial resources and we thank God we were a resources and we thank God we were a resources and we thank God we were a able to do that. The most invaluable able to do that. The most invaluable able to do that. The most invaluable thing we can give to you is the word of thing we can give to you is the word of thing we can give to you is the word of God. God. God. >> And so I'm going to ask deacons that >> And so I'm going to ask deacons that >> And so I'm going to ask deacons that you'll pass them to the parents and you'll pass them to the parents and you'll pass them to the parents and grandparents grandparents grandparents parents and grandparents pass them to parents and grandparents pass them to parents and grandparents pass them to the your children. Um I don't know if the your children. Um I don't know if the your children. Um I don't know if you still buy books in college. Once you still buy books in college. Once you still buy books in college. Once upon a time, we had to buy books and we upon a time, we had to buy books and we upon a time, we had to buy books and we were expected to read them.

Um, I I'll confess there's still some Um, I I'll confess there's still some books I didn't read from college. Don't books I didn't read from college. Don't books I didn't read from college. Don't tell my professors. [music] Uh, but I tell my professors. [music] Uh, but I tell my professors. [music] Uh, but I hope that you'll read this one. This is hope that you'll read this one. This is hope that you'll read this one. This is the Bible and it is the holy word of the Bible and it is the holy word of the Bible and it is the holy word of God. I hope that you will read it. God. I hope that you will read it. God. I hope that you will read it. [music] [music] [music] [applause] Yeah. Let it bless you. Let [applause] Yeah. Let it bless you. Let [applause] Yeah. Let it bless you. Let it bless you. it bless you. it bless you. Let it bless you. All the deacons in the Let it bless you. All the deacons in the Let it bless you. All the deacons in the uh who have passed out these Bibles. If uh who have passed out these Bibles. If uh who have passed out these Bibles. If you haven't received a Bible for your you haven't received a Bible for your you haven't received a Bible for your your child, just raise your hand. your child, just raise your hand. your child, just raise your hand. Deacons will make sure you have it. Deacons will make sure you have it. Deacons will make sure you have it. Deacons will make sure you [music] have Deacons will make sure you [music] have Deacons will make sure you [music] have it. Just step up your hand. All right. it. Just step up your hand. All right. it. Just step up your hand. All right. Isn't this a beautiful picture? I like Isn't this a beautiful picture? I like Isn't this a beautiful picture? I like it. I love it. I love it. [music] it. I love it. I love it. [music] it. I love it. I love it. [music] Beautiful. Praise the Lord. Praise the Beautiful. Praise the Lord. Praise the Beautiful. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Lord. Lord. Yeah. Now, listen. [music] as you as you Yeah. Now, listen. [music] as you as you Yeah. Now, listen. [music] as you as you receive from your parents, family receive from your parents, family receive from your parents, family members the holy word of God, we hope members the holy word of God, we hope members the holy word of God, we hope that you will be blessed by it, that it that you will be blessed by it, that it that you will be blessed by it, that it will allow you to have a greater will allow you to have a greater will allow you to have a greater confidence in God. The Bible says faith confidence in God. The Bible says faith confidence in God. The Bible says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word comes by hearing and hearing by the word comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The more you hear and read and of God. The more you hear and read and of God. The more you hear and read and study and process the word of God, the study and process the word of God, the study and process the word of God, the more faith you have. And let me tell more faith you have. And let me tell more faith you have. And let me tell you, you're going to have to have some you, you're going to have to have some you, you're going to have to have some faith for this journey you're embarking faith for this journey you're embarking faith for this journey you're embarking upon right now. So, I want you to have upon right now. So, I want you to have upon right now. So, I want you to have this word and hide it in your heart that this word and hide it in your heart that this word and hide it in your heart that you may not sin against God. All right?

you may not sin against God. All right? you may not sin against God. All right? We're excited about your future. I'm We're excited about your future. I'm We're excited about your future. I'm excited about the things that God excited about the things that God excited about the things that God [music] has in store for you. Neither of [music] has in store for you. Neither of [music] has in store for you. Neither of us knows exactly what that is right now, us knows exactly what that is right now, us knows exactly what that is right now, but as it continues to unfold, you're but as it continues to unfold, you're but as it continues to unfold, you're going to see greater and greater things going to see greater and greater things going to see greater and greater things happening for you. Some challenging happening for you. Some challenging happening for you. Some challenging things are going to come your way things are going to come your way things are going to come your way because many are the afflictions of the because many are the afflictions of the because many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them righteous, but the Lord delivers them righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all. And so, you're going to out of them all. And so, you're going to out of them all. And so, you're going to have a wonderful journey. Thank God for have a wonderful journey. Thank God for have a wonderful journey. Thank God for our youth minister, the Reverend Jaylen our youth minister, the Reverend Jaylen our youth minister, the Reverend Jaylen Vernon, for his work. Vernon, for his work. Vernon, for his work. Amen. God bless you, sir. [applause] Amen. God bless you, sir. [applause] Amen. God bless you, sir. [applause] Yeah. [cheering] Yeah. [cheering] Yeah. [cheering] He is the pastor of the mega youth He is the pastor of the mega youth He is the pastor of the mega youth church that's down over there. They have church that's down over there. They have church that's down over there. They have two services every second and fourth two services every second and fourth two services every second and fourth Sunday. Everybody [clears throat] ain't Sunday. Everybody [clears throat] ain't Sunday. Everybody [clears throat] ain't able to have a mega youth [music] able to have a mega youth [music] able to have a mega youth [music] church, but I thank God for his mega church, but I thank God for his mega church, but I thank God for his mega youth church and the gifts that God has youth church and the gifts that God has youth church and the gifts that God has deposited in him that he shares with deposited in him that he shares with deposited in him that he shares with others. Let's pray over these precious others. Let's pray over these precious others. Let's pray over these precious people and uh we're going to prepare for people and uh we're going to prepare for people and uh we're going to prepare for the word of God. Gracious God, how we the word of God. Gracious God, how we the word of God. Gracious God, how we love you and praise you and thank you so love you and praise you and thank you so love you and praise you and thank you so much for these your people, your sons, much for these your people, your sons, much for these your people, your sons, your daughters. Thank you so much for your daughters. Thank you so much for your daughters. Thank you so much for the lives that you've allowed them to the lives that you've allowed them to the lives that you've allowed them to live. Some 17 years, some 18 years, live. Some 17 years, some 18 years, live. Some 17 years, some 18 years, maybe even more than that, but all of maybe even more than that, but all of maybe even more than that, but all of them have been blessed by you throughout them have been blessed by you throughout them have been blessed by you throughout the years. And we thank you so much for the years. And we thank you so much for the years. And we thank you so much for blessing them one by one. We thank you blessing them one by one. We thank you blessing them one by one. We thank you for blessing their families. Thank you for blessing their families. Thank you for blessing their families. Thank you for allowing their families [music] to for allowing their families [music] to for allowing their families [music] to come to this place called Wheeler Avenue come to this place called Wheeler Avenue come to this place called Wheeler Avenue and make our church family a better and make our church family a better and make our church family a better place. We thank you, oh God, that you place. We thank you, oh God, that you place. We thank you, oh God, that you have continued [music] to show your love

have continued [music] to show your love have continued [music] to show your love for all of us. And that every morning for all of us. And that every morning for all of us. And that every morning you awaken us to brand new mercies. Give you awaken us to brand new mercies. Give you awaken us to brand new mercies. Give to us grace that is sufficient, a loving to us grace that is sufficient, a loving to us grace that is sufficient, a loving kindness that is better than life. We kindness that is better than life. We kindness that is better than life. We thank you so much for the privilege now thank you so much for the privilege now thank you so much for the privilege now that we have to watch these precious that we have to watch these precious that we have to watch these precious people move to their next in life. We people move to their next in life. We people move to their next in life. We thank you that you have blessed them to thank you that you have blessed them to thank you that you have blessed them to come to this point. But we thank you come to this point. But we thank you come to this point. But we thank you that you have plans for them and those that you have plans for them and those that you have plans for them and those plans are to prosper them, not to harm plans are to prosper them, not to harm plans are to prosper them, not to harm them, to give them hope and a future. We them, to give them hope and a future. We them, to give them hope and a future. We thank you that that future is bright thank you that that future is bright thank you that that future is bright with possibilities and opportunities. with possibilities and opportunities. with possibilities and opportunities. And I pray your blessings upon them now And I pray your blessings upon them now And I pray your blessings upon them now in the name of the Lord Jesus. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus. I pray that you put a hedge of protection that you put a hedge of protection that you put a hedge of protection around them. Shield them from the evil around them. Shield them from the evil around them. Shield them from the evil one. Shield them from that which would one. Shield them from that which would one. Shield them from that which would cause them harm and setback and move cause them harm and setback and move cause them harm and setback and move them from your purpose and plan for them from your purpose and plan for them from your purpose and plan for their lives. And I pray in the name of their lives. And I pray in the name of their lives. And I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus that you will give to the Lord Jesus that you will give to the Lord Jesus that you will give to them great success, victory in this next them great success, victory in this next them great success, victory in this next season of their lives. Show to them that season of their lives. Show to them that season of their lives. Show to them that there is no good thing that you'll there is no good thing that you'll there is no good thing that you'll withhold from any of us who walk withhold from any of us who walk withhold from any of us who walk uprightly before you. So [music] I pray, uprightly before you. So [music] I pray, uprightly before you. So [music] I pray, oh God, that in this season of their oh God, that in this season of their oh God, that in this season of their lives, they will cultivate a strong and lives, they will cultivate a strong and lives, they will cultivate a strong and abiding relationship with you that will abiding relationship with you that will abiding relationship with you that will carry them through the rest of their carry them through the rest of their carry them through the rest of their lives. I pray for these parents now.

lives. I pray for these parents now. lives. I pray for these parents now. [music] [music] [music] Some will deal with a bit of separation Some will deal with a bit of separation Some will deal with a bit of separation anxiety because of the love that they anxiety because of the love that they anxiety because of the love that they have for their children. I pray, oh God, have for their children. I pray, oh God, have for their children. I pray, oh God, that you will keep them in perfect peace that you will keep them in perfect peace that you will keep them in perfect peace as they keep their mind stayed on you. as they keep their mind stayed on you. as they keep their mind stayed on you. Some of the young people will have some Some of the young people will have some Some of the young people will have some challenge being away from home. I pray challenge being away from home. I pray challenge being away from home. I pray great [music] God that you will surround great [music] God that you will surround great [music] God that you will surround them with good people who will help them them with good people who will help them them with good people who will help them to become the better people that we need to become the better people that we need to become the better people that we need in for such a time as [music] this. I in for such a time as [music] this. I in for such a time as [music] this. I thank you that you have great things in thank you that you have great things in thank you that you have great things in store for these precious young people store for these precious young people store for these precious young people and their families. [music] And we and their families. [music] And we and their families. [music] And we cannot wait to see what you're going to cannot wait to see what you're going to cannot wait to see what you're going to do in the days, weeks, months, and years do in the days, weeks, months, and years do in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. So, in advance, we tell you thank ahead. So, in advance, we tell you thank ahead. So, in advance, we tell you thank you. In advance, we praise your name. in you. In advance, we praise your name. in you. In advance, we praise your name. in advance. We celebrate the great things advance. We celebrate the great things advance. We celebrate the great things that you have for these your sons and that you have for these your sons and that you have for these your sons and daughters. And we do so in the strong daughters. And we do so in the strong daughters. And we do so in the strong name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And all name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And all name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And all of God's people shout hallelujah. Let of God's people shout hallelujah. Let of God's people shout hallelujah. Let the church say amen. Come on and the church say amen. Come on and the church say amen. Come on and celebrate. celebrate. celebrate. [music] [music] [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. God bless you. Parents, you may return God bless you. Parents, you may return God bless you. Parents, you may return to your seats. And all of our 26 high to your seats. And all of our 26 high to your seats. And all of our 26 high school graduates are going to sit right school graduates are going to sit right school graduates are going to sit right over here as space avails uh itself to over here as space avails uh itself to over here as space avails uh itself to you. And if we have more space, there's you. And if we have more space, there's you. And if we have more space, there's some row some room on the row uh right some row some room on the row uh right some row some room on the row uh right over here. We can put them there as over here. We can put them there as over here. We can put them there as well. Want all the young people to stay well. Want all the young people to stay well. Want all the young people to stay right chair. Don't go anywhere right chair. Don't go anywhere right chair. Don't go anywhere as you and you got to stay awake while as you and you got to stay awake while as you and you got to stay awake while the preacher's preaching. Lord have the preacher's preaching. Lord have the preacher's preaching. Lord have mercy. mercy. mercy. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And if anybody goes to sleep, I'm coming >> And if anybody goes to sleep, I'm coming >> And if anybody goes to sleep, I'm coming down there to stand in your face. down there to stand in your face. down there to stand in your face. Faith, come help me, dear. I need you to Faith, come help me, dear. I need you to Faith, come help me, dear. I need you to come help me. Yeah. Come on. All the way come help me. Yeah. Come on. All the way come help me. Yeah. Come on. All the way up here. Come all the way up here. You up here. Come all the way up here. You up here. Come all the way up here. You about to read the Bible for us. All about to read the Bible for us. All about to read the Bible for us. All right. I just gave you the Bibles. Let's right. I just gave you the Bibles. Let's right. I just gave you the Bibles. Let's look at Joshua chapter 1. Joshua chapter look at Joshua chapter 1. Joshua chapter look at Joshua chapter 1. Joshua chapter 1. If you have your scriptures with you, 1. If you have your scriptures with you, 1. If you have your scriptures with you, Joshua chapter 1. You may return to Joshua chapter 1. You may return to Joshua chapter 1. You may return to these seats right over here. If you these seats right over here. If you these seats right over here. If you weren't already sitting there, just find weren't already sitting there, just find weren't already sitting there, just find a space. It'll be available to you a space. It'll be available to you a space. It'll be available to you shortly. Deacon Davis is standing there shortly. Deacon Davis is standing there shortly. Deacon Davis is standing there along with others. We're going to make along with others. We're going to make along with others. We're going to make sure that you have what you need in sure that you have what you need in sure that you have what you need in terms of seating. Joshua chapter 1. Just terms of seating. Joshua chapter 1. Just terms of seating. Joshua chapter 1. Just gave you the Bible. And the first pop gave you the Bible. And the first pop gave you the Bible. And the first pop quiz is where is Joshua?

Joshua chapter one. Joshua chapter one. And we're going to read, Faith is going And we're going to read, Faith is going And we're going to read, Faith is going to read for us the first nine verses of to read for us the first nine verses of to read for us the first nine verses of Joshua chapter 1 from the New Joshua chapter 1 from the New Joshua chapter 1 from the New International Version. International Version. International Version. Yeah. While we're trying to make sure Yeah. While we're trying to make sure Yeah. While we're trying to make sure some of the young people want to stay at some of the young people want to stay at some of the young people want to stay at the altar, that's perfectly fine. You the altar, that's perfectly fine. You the altar, that's perfectly fine. You stand here. I like that. I like that. stand here. I like that. I like that. stand here. I like that. I like that. Joshua chapter 1. If you're able to Joshua chapter 1. If you're able to Joshua chapter 1. If you're able to stand and you're not yet standing, won't stand and you're not yet standing, won't stand and you're not yet standing, won't you please stand? Come on to my pull pit you please stand? Come on to my pull pit you please stand? Come on to my pull pit of faith. Yeah. With a name like faith, of faith. Yeah. With a name like faith, of faith. Yeah. With a name like faith, you might as well stand there. Amen. you might as well stand there. Amen. you might as well stand there. Amen. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> No, no, no, no. For real, for real. >> No, no, no, no. For real, for real. >> No, no, no, no. For real, for real. You're right. Yeah. All the way. Yeah. You're right. Yeah. All the way. Yeah. You're right. Yeah. All the way. Yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely. Listen to the word of God from Joshua Listen to the word of God from Joshua Listen to the word of God from Joshua chapter 1, beginning at verse one, chapter 1, beginning at verse one, chapter 1, beginning at verse one, concluding at verse 9. concluding at verse 9. concluding at verse 9. After the death of Moses, the servant of After the death of Moses, the servant of After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, son the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, son the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses, Moses, my servant, is of Nun, Moses, Moses, my servant, is of Nun, Moses, Moses, my servant, is dead. [music] Now then, you and all dead. [music] Now then, you and all dead. [music] Now then, you and all these people get ready to cross the these people get ready to cross the these people get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I'm about to Jordan River into the land I'm about to Jordan River into the land I'm about to give you. I am about to give to them to give you. I am about to give to them to give you. I am about to give to them to the Israelites. I will give you every the Israelites. I will give you every the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot as I place where you set your foot as I place where you set your foot as I promised Moses. Your territory will promised Moses. Your territory will promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon and extend from the desert to Lebanon and extend from the desert to Lebanon and from the great river, the Euphrates, all from the great river, the Euphrates, all from the great river, the Euphrates, all the Hittite country to the Mediterranean the Hittite country to the Mediterranean the Hittite country to the Mediterranean Sea in the West. No one will be able to Sea in the West. No one will be able to Sea in the West. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your stand against you all the days of your stand against you all the days of your life. And I was with Mo Moses, so I will life. And I was with Mo Moses, so I will life. And I was with Mo Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you nor be with you. I will never leave you nor be with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous forsake you. Be strong and courageous forsake you. Be strong and courageous because you will lead these people to because you will lead these people to because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their inherit the land I swore to their inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to [music] give them. Be

ancestors to [music] give them. Be ancestors to [music] give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful strong and very courageous. Be careful strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses to obey all the law my servant Moses to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you. Do not turn from it to the gave you. Do not turn from it to the gave you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left that you may be right or to the left that you may be right or to the left that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this successful wherever you go. Keep this successful wherever you go. Keep this book of the law always on your lips. book of the law always on your lips. book of the law always on your lips. [music] Mediate on meditate on it day [music] Mediate on meditate on it day [music] Mediate on meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to and night so that you may be careful to and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. They will do everything written in it. They will do everything written in it. They will be prosperous and successful. Have I not be prosperous and successful. Have I not be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. commanded you? Be strong and courageous. commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you For the Lord your God will be with you For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. [music and applause] [music and applause] Great job. Great job. Great job. Great job. Great job. Great job. Great job. [applause] You may be seated. Great job. [applause] You may be seated. Great job. [applause] You may be seated. You may be seated. Thank God for faith. You may be seated. Thank God for faith. You may be seated. Thank God for faith. Didn't have any advanced notice. Didn't Didn't have any advanced notice. Didn't Didn't have any advanced notice. Didn't have time to practice. have time to practice. have time to practice. She just got up here and read. You all She just got up here and read. You all She just got up here and read. You all going back to the choir stand. All going back to the choir stand. All going back to the choir stand. All right. Just making sure you weren't right. Just making sure you weren't right. Just making sure you weren't leaving. Amen. Praise the Lord. You got leaving. Amen. Praise the Lord. You got leaving. Amen. Praise the Lord. You got baptized yesterday, didn't you, son? baptized yesterday, didn't you, son? baptized yesterday, didn't you, son? >> I did. >> I did. >> I did. >> Yeah, you did. I know you did.

>> Yeah, you did. I know you did. >> Yeah, you did. I know you did. Yes, sir. [music] [music] That's your baby. Praise the Lord. He That's your baby. Praise the Lord. He That's your baby. Praise the Lord. He was grinning the whole time. He got in was grinning the whole time. He got in was grinning the whole time. He got in the went in the water just cheesing, the went in the water just cheesing, the went in the water just cheesing, just smiling. just smiling. just smiling. He went down smiling, came back up He went down smiling, came back up He went down smiling, came back up smiling. smiling. smiling. I loved it. That's the way new life in I loved it. That's the way new life in I loved it. That's the way new life in Christ ought to make you feel. Amen. Christ ought to make you feel. Amen. Christ ought to make you feel. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Praise the Lord. Amen. Praise the Lord. Amen. Praise the Lord. Class of 26, I need you to give me the Class of 26, I need you to give me the Class of 26, I need you to give me the loud pep rally voice. I need you to loud pep rally voice. I need you to loud pep rally voice. I need you to holler. I got next. holler. I got next. holler. I got next. >> I got >> I got >> I got >> I like it. That's what I want to talk to >> I like it. That's what I want to talk to >> I like it. That's what I want to talk to you about this morning. I got next you about this morning. I got next you about this morning. I got next to be sure is bad grammar. to be sure is bad grammar. to be sure is bad grammar. You going to next level in your life and You going to next level in your life and You going to next level in your life and I'm telling you to use bad grammar. What I'm telling you to use bad grammar. What I'm telling you to use bad grammar. What I got next is a colloquialism that I I got next is a colloquialism that I I got next is a colloquialism that I heard for the first time on the south heard for the first time on the south heard for the first time on the south side of Chicago when I was growing up.

side of Chicago when I was growing up. side of Chicago when I was growing up. It was what was used a phrase that was It was what was used a phrase that was It was what was used a phrase that was used. Right there, son. Right there is used. Right there, son. Right there is used. Right there, son. Right there is good. Yeah, right there. It's a phrase good. Yeah, right there. It's a phrase good. Yeah, right there. It's a phrase that was used in street basketball. that was used in street basketball. that was used in street basketball. Now, street basketball is very different Now, street basketball is very different Now, street basketball is very different from organized from organized from organized basketball. basketball. basketball. Street basketball, you may or may not Street basketball, you may or may not Street basketball, you may or may not have the foul called on you. You just have the foul called on you. You just have the foul called on you. You just got to suck it up and keep going. Street got to suck it up and keep going. Street got to suck it up and keep going. Street basketball, the rules are fluid at best. basketball, the rules are fluid at best. basketball, the rules are fluid at best. Street basketball is intriguing. It's Street basketball is intriguing. It's Street basketball is intriguing. It's interesting. It's fun. Uh, no real interesting. It's fun. Uh, no real interesting. It's fun. Uh, no real referees around to tell you that that referees around to tell you that that referees around to tell you that that was a foul or that was out of bounds. was a foul or that was out of bounds. was a foul or that was out of bounds. You just have to take it as it goes. And You just have to take it as it goes. And You just have to take it as it goes. And whenever teams are playing, if somebody whenever teams are playing, if somebody whenever teams are playing, if somebody else wants to get into the game, they'll else wants to get into the game, they'll else wants to get into the game, they'll stand on the sideline and they'll stand on the sideline and they'll stand on the sideline and they'll holler, I got next. Yeah. That means holler, I got next. Yeah. That means holler, I got next. Yeah. That means that they want to play. They're ready to that they want to play. They're ready to that they want to play. They're ready to get into the game. They're ready to be a get into the game. They're ready to be a get into the game. They're ready to be a part of what's already happening. part of what's already happening. part of what's already happening. They're ready to participate in the They're ready to participate in the They're ready to participate in the experience. They want to make sure that experience. They want to make sure that experience. They want to make sure that they don't get looked over in the next they don't get looked over in the next they don't get looked over in the next iteration of what's about to happen. I iteration of what's about to happen. I iteration of what's about to happen. I want to suggest that what we share with want to suggest that what we share with want to suggest that what we share with you on this day as you stand on the you on this day as you stand on the you on this day as you stand on the precipice of the next iteration, the precipice of the next iteration, the precipice of the next iteration, the next possibilities of your lives. I want next possibilities of your lives. I want next possibilities of your lives. I want to suggest you got next in this thing to suggest you got next in this thing to suggest you got next in this thing called life. We need some leaders. We called life. We need some leaders. We called life. We need some leaders. We need some who will who will help us to need some who will who will help us to need some who will who will help us to be everything that this nation is

be everything that this nation is be everything that this nation is intended to be and then go beyond this intended to be and then go beyond this intended to be and then go beyond this nation to make the world a better place. nation to make the world a better place. nation to make the world a better place. And I want to suggest that right now And I want to suggest that right now And I want to suggest that right now after graduating from high school, after graduating from high school, after graduating from high school, you've got next and you are your you've got next and you are your you've got next and you are your responsibilities in this world will be responsibilities in this world will be responsibilities in this world will be varied. Neither of you is going to do varied. Neither of you is going to do varied. Neither of you is going to do the same thing as the other. But all of the same thing as the other. But all of the same thing as the other. But all of you have a chart in life, a course in you have a chart in life, a course in you have a chart in life, a course in life that has been charted for you by life that has been charted for you by life that has been charted for you by God. And as you put your trust in this God. And as you put your trust in this God. And as you put your trust in this God, you can stand here today and look God, you can stand here today and look God, you can stand here today and look forward to your next. I'm excited about forward to your next. I'm excited about forward to your next. I'm excited about your next. That's exactly what Faith your next. That's exactly what Faith your next. That's exactly what Faith read about in that passage of scripture read about in that passage of scripture read about in that passage of scripture in Joshua chapter 1. She read about in Joshua chapter 1. She read about in Joshua chapter 1. She read about these children of Israel. The Bible these children of Israel. The Bible these children of Israel. The Bible calls them Israelites. And they are calls them Israelites. And they are calls them Israelites. And they are standing poised at the edge, the eastern standing poised at the edge, the eastern standing poised at the edge, the eastern edge of the Jordan River, and they're edge of the Jordan River, and they're edge of the Jordan River, and they're about to move over into what God calls about to move over into what God calls about to move over into what God calls the promised land. It is the land that the promised land. It is the land that the promised land. It is the land that has been promised to them. Now, you got has been promised to them. Now, you got has been promised to them. Now, you got to catch this because what I want to to catch this because what I want to to catch this because what I want to introduce you to on this Sunday morning introduce you to on this Sunday morning introduce you to on this Sunday morning is a group of individuals who have been is a group of individuals who have been is a group of individuals who have been dealing with the reality that they are dealing with the reality that they are dealing with the reality that they are the descendants of enslaved people.

the descendants of enslaved people. the descendants of enslaved people. They're the descendants of enslaved They're the descendants of enslaved They're the descendants of enslaved people, but they're poised to go farther people, but they're poised to go farther people, but they're poised to go farther than their ancestors ever went, to do than their ancestors ever went, to do than their ancestors ever went, to do better than their ancestors had ever better than their ancestors had ever better than their ancestors had ever done. And they are standing there at the done. And they are standing there at the done. And they are standing there at the precipice of their next even as enslaved precipice of their next even as enslaved precipice of their next even as enslaved individuals, descendants of in of individuals, descendants of in of individuals, descendants of in of enslaved individuals and they are enslaved individuals and they are enslaved individuals and they are looking forward to what God has planned looking forward to what God has planned looking forward to what God has planned for them. Now those who were enslaved for them. Now those who were enslaved for them. Now those who were enslaved are the ancestors of the Israelites are the ancestors of the Israelites are the ancestors of the Israelites and of the Wheelerites that we are and of the Wheelerites that we are and of the Wheelerites that we are looking at some young people who are the looking at some young people who are the looking at some young people who are the descendants of enslaved people who have descendants of enslaved people who have descendants of enslaved people who have come to the year 2026 and they are now come to the year 2026 and they are now come to the year 2026 and they are now standing at the point where they have standing at the point where they have standing at the point where they have the opportunity I dare say the the opportunity I dare say the the opportunity I dare say the obligation to take it to the next level. obligation to take it to the next level. obligation to take it to the next level. They are going to a place that is They are going to a place that is They are going to a place that is flowing with milk and honey. That's what flowing with milk and honey. That's what flowing with milk and honey. That's what the Bible says of the promised land. It the Bible says of the promised land. It the Bible says of the promised land. It is flowing with milk and honey. It is a is flowing with milk and honey. It is a is flowing with milk and honey. It is a fertile land. It is a fruitful land.

fertile land. It is a fruitful land. fertile land. It is a fruitful land. There are possibilities and potentials There are possibilities and potentials There are possibilities and potentials that are absolutely endless in that that are absolutely endless in that that are absolutely endless in that land. That's where you sit and stand land. That's where you sit and stand land. That's where you sit and stand today at an endless point of possibility today at an endless point of possibility today at an endless point of possibility showing to you that there is nothing showing to you that there is nothing showing to you that there is nothing that can keep you from where God intends that can keep you from where God intends that can keep you from where God intends you to be even when it tries. We'll come you to be even when it tries. We'll come you to be even when it tries. We'll come back to that in a minute because there back to that in a minute because there back to that in a minute because there will always be some thing, some somebody will always be some thing, some somebody will always be some thing, some somebody that's going to try to hinder or hamper that's going to try to hinder or hamper that's going to try to hinder or hamper the people of God who are called to be the people of God who are called to be the people of God who are called to be all that God wants us to be. But I'm so all that God wants us to be. But I'm so all that God wants us to be. But I'm so grateful that God says, "No weapon that grateful that God says, "No weapon that grateful that God says, "No weapon that is formed against you shall be able to is formed against you shall be able to is formed against you shall be able to prosper, and every tongue that rises prosper, and every tongue that rises prosper, and every tongue that rises against you shall be condemned." Look against you shall be condemned." Look against you shall be condemned." Look now at Joshua chapter 1. You may want to now at Joshua chapter 1. You may want to now at Joshua chapter 1. You may want to open that Bible again. And we're going open that Bible again. And we're going open that Bible again. And we're going to walk through the scriptures. I gave to walk through the scriptures. I gave to walk through the scriptures. I gave it to you cuz I want you to read it. it to you cuz I want you to read it. it to you cuz I want you to read it. Joshua chapter 1. Because I want to Joshua chapter 1. Because I want to Joshua chapter 1. Because I want to suggest that what we see in the first suggest that what we see in the first suggest that what we see in the first verses that faith read to us today is verses that faith read to us today is verses that faith read to us today is the first point of this little message, the first point of this little message, the first point of this little message, just a little one-word point, and that just a little one-word point, and that just a little one-word point, and that is expedition. Somebody say expedition.

is expedition. Somebody say expedition. is expedition. Somebody say expedition. What the Israelites and these What the Israelites and these What the Israelites and these Wheelerites are now about to embark upon Wheelerites are now about to embark upon Wheelerites are now about to embark upon is an expedition is an expedition is an expedition like no other. Listen to the words of like no other. Listen to the words of like no other. Listen to the words of scripture at verse two. Moses, my scripture at verse two. Moses, my scripture at verse two. Moses, my servant, is dead. Now then, you and all servant, is dead. Now then, you and all servant, is dead. Now then, you and all these people get ready to cross the these people get ready to cross the these people get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to Jordan River into the land I am about to Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them to the Israelites. He says give to them to the Israelites. He says give to them to the Israelites. He says this to a brother named Joshua. He's a this to a brother named Joshua. He's a this to a brother named Joshua. He's a young brother to be sure. And now Joshua young brother to be sure. And now Joshua young brother to be sure. And now Joshua after having watched Moses and after after having watched Moses and after after having watched Moses and after attending to him, he was the aid for attending to him, he was the aid for attending to him, he was the aid for Moses, he is now the lead man and he's Moses, he is now the lead man and he's Moses, he is now the lead man and he's going to take this next generation on an going to take this next generation on an going to take this next generation on an expedition that God has charted for expedition that God has charted for expedition that God has charted for them. Moses s his tenure came to an end them. Moses s his tenure came to an end them. Moses s his tenure came to an end in the previous book Deuteronomy chapter in the previous book Deuteronomy chapter in the previous book Deuteronomy chapter 34. And now in this present book, in 34. And now in this present book, in 34. And now in this present book, in this book of Joshua, chapter 1, we find this book of Joshua, chapter 1, we find this book of Joshua, chapter 1, we find out that God says to Joshua, I want you out that God says to Joshua, I want you out that God says to Joshua, I want you to take the Joshua generation on an to take the Joshua generation on an to take the Joshua generation on an expedition right here before us is the expedition right here before us is the expedition right here before us is the Joshua generation. They've got energy Joshua generation. They've got energy Joshua generation. They've got energy and vitality that Moses and his and vitality that Moses and his and vitality that Moses and his generation did not have at the generation did not have at the generation did not have at the conclusion of Moses' life. This is the conclusion of Moses' life. This is the conclusion of Moses' life. This is the Joshua generation. They're excited. They Joshua generation. They're excited. They Joshua generation. They're excited. They have all of their eyes a glow and have all of their eyes a glow and have all of their eyes a glow and they're open wide to see what is about they're open wide to see what is about they're open wide to see what is about to happen. God says, "I'm going to take to happen. God says, "I'm going to take to happen. God says, "I'm going to take you on an expedition, leaving where you

you on an expedition, leaving where you you on an expedition, leaving where you are and moving you to the land I have are and moving you to the land I have are and moving you to the land I have promised to you. That God charted out promised to you. That God charted out promised to you. That God charted out your path long before you ever were born your path long before you ever were born your path long before you ever were born into the world. that God had plans for into the world. that God had plans for into the world. that God had plans for you long before you ever considered what you long before you ever considered what you long before you ever considered what you wanted to be in this life. That God you wanted to be in this life. That God you wanted to be in this life. That God knew who you would be, who you would knew who you would be, who you would knew who you would be, who you would become, and he knew that you would be in become, and he knew that you would be in become, and he knew that you would be in this space so that we could all this space so that we could all this space so that we could all celebrate the fact that you're on your celebrate the fact that you're on your celebrate the fact that you're on your way somewhere about to do something on way somewhere about to do something on way somewhere about to do something on an amazing expedition. Let the church an amazing expedition. Let the church an amazing expedition. Let the church say, "Exedition." say, "Exedition." say, "Exedition." >> Expedition. >> Expedition. >> Expedition. >> It's a journey. It's a journey. That's >> It's a journey. It's a journey. That's >> It's a journey. It's a journey. That's what I liked about college. College is what I liked about college. College is what I liked about college. College is an expedition. It's a journey. You never an expedition. It's a journey. You never an expedition. It's a journey. You never know what you're going to see on the know what you're going to see on the know what you're going to see on the journey. You never know what you're journey. You never know what you're journey. You never know what you're going to experience on the journey. I going to experience on the journey. I going to experience on the journey. I don't know if I'm the only one at church don't know if I'm the only one at church don't know if I'm the only one at church this morning who enjoyed the expedition. this morning who enjoyed the expedition. this morning who enjoyed the expedition. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] [applause] >> Yes, Lord.

>> Yes, Lord. enjoyed enjoyed enjoyed every bit of it. Sure did. And there's every bit of it. Sure did. And there's every bit of it. Sure did. And there's some in the room who enjoyed it so much some in the room who enjoyed it so much some in the room who enjoyed it so much that you stayed longer than you were that you stayed longer than you were that you stayed longer than you were supposed to stay. There's some who supposed to stay. There's some who supposed to stay. There's some who enjoyed it so much you still trying to enjoyed it so much you still trying to enjoyed it so much you still trying to finish that thing. There's some who finish that thing. There's some who finish that thing. There's some who enjoyed it so much you going to go back enjoyed it so much you going to go back enjoyed it so much you going to go back one day. There's some who enjoyed the one day. There's some who enjoyed the one day. There's some who enjoyed the expedition. The expedition can be expedition. The expedition can be expedition. The expedition can be amazing. You're about to meet new amazing. You're about to meet new amazing. You're about to meet new friends. You're about to come in contact friends. You're about to come in contact friends. You're about to come in contact with new people. And you're going to with new people. And you're going to with new people. And you're going to experience things that you've never experience things that you've never experience things that you've never experienced in these years here to for experienced in these years here to for experienced in these years here to for you ought to enjoy every second of it. you ought to enjoy every second of it. you ought to enjoy every second of it. As a matter of fact, when I shared this As a matter of fact, when I shared this As a matter of fact, when I shared this kind of message with Dr. Johnson, his kind of message with Dr. Johnson, his kind of message with Dr. Johnson, his twin sister Agnes and their class, the twin sister Agnes and their class, the twin sister Agnes and their class, the title of the message was enjoy the title of the message was enjoy the title of the message was enjoy the experience. I want you not to endure it, experience. I want you not to endure it, experience. I want you not to endure it, but enjoy it. I want you to enjoy every but enjoy it. I want you to enjoy every but enjoy it. I want you to enjoy every bit of it. You will soon have an bit of it. You will soon have an bit of it. You will soon have an emancipation that you have never emancipation that you have never emancipation that you have never experienced before. And I want you to experienced before. And I want you to experienced before. And I want you to enjoy it. I want you as soon as they enjoy it. I want you as soon as they enjoy it. I want you as soon as they leave your dorm room to recite these leave your dorm room to recite these leave your dorm room to recite these words. Free at last. Free at last. Thank words. Free at last. Free at last. Thank words. Free at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty. I'm free at last.

God Almighty. I'm free at last. God Almighty. I'm free at last. [applause] [applause] [applause] Soon as they drive off, Soon as they drive off, Soon as they drive off, you do a happy dance. I want you to be you do a happy dance. I want you to be you do a happy dance. I want you to be happy. happy. happy. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Enjoy the experience. Enjoy the Enjoy the experience. Enjoy the Enjoy the experience. Enjoy the expedition. expedition. expedition. But know that as you enjoy it, you have But know that as you enjoy it, you have But know that as you enjoy it, you have now not just new freedom. You have new now not just new freedom. You have new now not just new freedom. You have new responsibilities. You have new responsibilities. You have new responsibilities. You have new obligations. You have new burdens along obligations. You have new burdens along obligations. You have new burdens along with the blessings that you now control with the blessings that you now control with the blessings that you now control your own destiny. If you want to sleep your own destiny. If you want to sleep your own destiny. If you want to sleep through it, you can. through it, you can. through it, you can. If you want to sleep through the 8:00 If you want to sleep through the 8:00 If you want to sleep through the 8:00 class, you can do that. Just know that class, you can do that. Just know that class, you can do that. Just know that it'll be waiting on you next semester it'll be waiting on you next semester it'll be waiting on you next semester and the semester after that. If if you and the semester after that. If if you and the semester after that. If if you want to if you want to party a day, you want to if you want to party a day, you want to if you want to party a day, you can do that. can do that. can do that. Just know that we'll be here to receive Just know that we'll be here to receive Just know that we'll be here to receive you when you return because you'll soon you when you return because you'll soon you when you return because you'll soon be back on your way to Houston. I'm just be back on your way to Houston. I'm just be back on your way to Houston. I'm just saying it's going to be an expedition and I it's going to be an expedition and I want you to enjoy it and take your level want you to enjoy it and take your level want you to enjoy it and take your level of responsibility to another vista, to of responsibility to another vista, to of responsibility to another vista, to another opportunity, understanding that another opportunity, understanding that another opportunity, understanding that God has gifted you, graced you with the God has gifted you, graced you with the God has gifted you, graced you with the expedition. Somebody say expedition.

expedition. Somebody say expedition. expedition. Somebody say expedition. >> It's a journey. You won't know every >> It's a journey. You won't know every >> It's a journey. You won't know every twist and turn in the journey. As a twist and turn in the journey. As a twist and turn in the journey. As a matter of fact, God told Abraham, "Just matter of fact, God told Abraham, "Just matter of fact, God told Abraham, "Just go start walking and and when you go, go start walking and and when you go, go start walking and and when you go, I'll show you which way to go." He says, I'll show you which way to go." He says, I'll show you which way to go." He says, "I'm not going to give you all of the "I'm not going to give you all of the "I'm not going to give you all of the information at the top of the journey. I information at the top of the journey. I information at the top of the journey. I want to know, can you trust me to start want to know, can you trust me to start want to know, can you trust me to start walking and believe that I will order walking and believe that I will order walking and believe that I will order your steps if you put your trust in me?" your steps if you put your trust in me?" your steps if you put your trust in me?" And somebody, I'm not just talking to And somebody, I'm not just talking to And somebody, I'm not just talking to teenagers right now. Somebody in church teenagers right now. Somebody in church teenagers right now. Somebody in church needs to hear me tell you that God is needs to hear me tell you that God is needs to hear me tell you that God is saying, "Can you trust me just to follow saying, "Can you trust me just to follow saying, "Can you trust me just to follow my voice and do what I tell you to do?" my voice and do what I tell you to do?" my voice and do what I tell you to do?" And if you allow God to order your And if you allow God to order your And if you allow God to order your steps, he'll take you on an expedition steps, he'll take you on an expedition steps, he'll take you on an expedition you never anticipated. He will blow your you never anticipated. He will blow your you never anticipated. He will blow your mind with the way he opens doors for you mind with the way he opens doors for you mind with the way he opens doors for you that no one can close and closes some that no one can close and closes some that no one can close and closes some doors for you that no one will open. doors for you that no one will open. doors for you that no one will open. He'll put you in be in in the presence He'll put you in be in in the presence He'll put you in be in in the presence of great people and allow you to have of great people and allow you to have of great people and allow you to have the opportunity to show him off in the opportunity to show him off in the opportunity to show him off in places you never even imagined.

places you never even imagined. places you never even imagined. >> Somebody say expedition. >> Somebody say expedition. >> Somebody say expedition. >> Expedition. >> Expedition. >> Expedition. >> And with the expedition comes exposure. >> And with the expedition comes exposure. >> And with the expedition comes exposure. Somebody say exposure. Somebody say exposure. Somebody say exposure. >> Exposure. >> Exposure. >> Exposure. >> Exposure. I'm still in your Bible. Can >> Exposure. I'm still in your Bible. Can >> Exposure. I'm still in your Bible. Can we keep reading? Because if you keep we keep reading? Because if you keep we keep reading? Because if you keep reading, beginning at verse three, reading, beginning at verse three, reading, beginning at verse three, Jesus, God says to to to Joshua, I will Jesus, God says to to to Joshua, I will Jesus, God says to to to Joshua, I will give you every place where you set your give you every place where you set your give you every place where you set your foot as I promised Moses. Your territory foot as I promised Moses. Your territory foot as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, will extend from the desert to Lebanon, will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates, and from the great river, the Euphrates, and from the great river, the Euphrates, all the Hittite country to the all the Hittite country to the all the Hittite country to the Mediterranean Sea in the West. Here's Mediterranean Sea in the West. Here's Mediterranean Sea in the West. Here's the good news. No one will be able to the good news. No one will be able to the good news. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your stand against you all the days of your stand against you all the days of your life. life. life. There's six people in there that got There's six people in there that got There's six people in there that got happy. Five more over here. happy. Five more over here. happy. Five more over here. Okay, that's fairly good. Watch this. Okay, that's fairly good. Watch this. Okay, that's fairly good. Watch this. It's this. It's the exposure that God is It's this. It's the exposure that God is It's this. It's the exposure that God is going to give to the Joshua generation. going to give to the Joshua generation. going to give to the Joshua generation. He says, "I'm going to take you farther He says, "I'm going to take you farther He says, "I'm going to take you farther than your ancestors ever went. I'm going than your ancestors ever went. I'm going than your ancestors ever went. I'm going to allow you to see more and do more and to allow you to see more and do more and to allow you to see more and do more and become more than your ancestors ever become more than your ancestors ever become more than your ancestors ever imagined or dreamed about. Those imagined or dreamed about. Those imagined or dreamed about. Those enslaved people never thought you'd go enslaved people never thought you'd go enslaved people never thought you'd go to some of the places that you're about to some of the places that you're about to some of the places that you're about to go to because they didn't have access to go to because they didn't have access to go to because they didn't have access to those kinds of places. But now you to those kinds of places. But now you to those kinds of places. But now you have access far beyond what your have access far beyond what your have access far beyond what your enslaved ancestors ever experienced. God enslaved ancestors ever experienced. God enslaved ancestors ever experienced. God says, "Every place you set your foot, says, "Every place you set your foot, says, "Every place you set your foot, I'm going to show you that I'll give the I'm going to show you that I'll give the I'm going to show you that I'll give the give you the opportunity to enjoy it, to

give you the opportunity to enjoy it, to give you the opportunity to enjoy it, to experience it, and be exposed to things experience it, and be exposed to things experience it, and be exposed to things you never thought imaginable." you never thought imaginable." you never thought imaginable." >> Exposure. It's a wonderful thing. And I >> Exposure. It's a wonderful thing. And I >> Exposure. It's a wonderful thing. And I love this business of exposure that God love this business of exposure that God love this business of exposure that God allows us to see more than we ever allows us to see more than we ever allows us to see more than we ever imagine seeing and to do more than we imagine seeing and to do more than we imagine seeing and to do more than we ever imagine doing. With exposure comes ever imagine doing. With exposure comes ever imagine doing. With exposure comes expansion. expansion. expansion. I suggest that exposure can lead to I suggest that exposure can lead to I suggest that exposure can lead to expansion. You're going to meet some new expansion. You're going to meet some new expansion. You're going to meet some new people. You're going to do some new people. You're going to do some new people. You're going to do some new things. You're going to have some new things. You're going to have some new things. You're going to have some new experiences. You're going to be exposed experiences. You're going to be exposed experiences. You're going to be exposed to things that your years of life so far to things that your years of life so far to things that your years of life so far have never been able to realize. have never been able to realize. have never been able to realize. And that, my friends, leads to And that, my friends, leads to And that, my friends, leads to expansion. When you expose yourself to expansion. When you expose yourself to expansion. When you expose yourself to things, it expands you in ways that you things, it expands you in ways that you things, it expands you in ways that you never thought possible. I said many never thought possible. I said many never thought possible. I said many years ago to the graduating class, I years ago to the graduating class, I years ago to the graduating class, I said, "A mind that is stretched by a new said, "A mind that is stretched by a new said, "A mind that is stretched by a new idea never returns to its original idea never returns to its original idea never returns to its original shape." Who said that? [applause] shape." Who said that? [applause] shape." Who said that? [applause] Who said it?

Who said it? Who said it? Oliver Wendle Holmes. I said that in Dr. Oliver Wendle Holmes. I said that in Dr. Oliver Wendle Holmes. I said that in Dr. Johnson's class. A mind that is Johnson's class. A mind that is Johnson's class. A mind that is stretched by an original by a new stretched by an original by a new stretched by an original by a new thought never goes back to its original thought never goes back to its original thought never goes back to its original shape. You're going to be exposed. shape. You're going to be exposed. shape. You're going to be exposed. You're going to read some things. I hope You're going to read some things. I hope You're going to read some things. I hope you're going to study some things. I you're going to study some things. I you're going to study some things. I expect you're going to see some things expect you're going to see some things expect you're going to see some things that will expose you to a whole other that will expose you to a whole other that will expose you to a whole other vista beyond your wildest imaginations. vista beyond your wildest imaginations. vista beyond your wildest imaginations. You should be excited about that because You should be excited about that because You should be excited about that because when you get that exposure, it's going when you get that exposure, it's going when you get that exposure, it's going to lead to expansion that you'll be able to lead to expansion that you'll be able to lead to expansion that you'll be able to do things that family members never to do things that family members never to do things that family members never were able to do. You'll be able to do were able to do. You'll be able to do were able to do. You'll be able to do things that your loved ones and kinfolk things that your loved ones and kinfolk things that your loved ones and kinfolk were never able to do because you've were never able to do because you've were never able to do because you've been exposed. been exposed. been exposed. I thank God for the exposures I've been I thank God for the exposures I've been I thank God for the exposures I've been able to have. The exposure has led to able to have. The exposure has led to able to have. The exposure has led to expansion in my life. As a matter of expansion in my life. As a matter of expansion in my life. As a matter of fact, the Bible says it like this, that fact, the Bible says it like this, that fact, the Bible says it like this, that your gift will make room for you and your gift will make room for you and your gift will make room for you and bring you before great people. And I've bring you before great people. And I've bring you before great people. And I've been so blessed in my life to have my been so blessed in my life to have my been so blessed in my life to have my gift bring me before great people.

gift bring me before great people. gift bring me before great people. Listen, you never have to be shady to Listen, you never have to be shady to Listen, you never have to be shady to have exposure and expansion. You never have exposure and expansion. You never have exposure and expansion. You never have to deal dirty to be expanded. You have to deal dirty to be expanded. You have to deal dirty to be expanded. You never have to resort to their tactics never have to resort to their tactics never have to resort to their tactics to be expanded. If you allow God to take to be expanded. If you allow God to take to be expanded. If you allow God to take you where God wants to take you, he will you where God wants to take you, he will you where God wants to take you, he will bring you before great people, they will bring you before great people, they will bring you before great people, they will know your name and he'll make your name know your name and he'll make your name know your name and he'll make your name great. great. great. [applause] [applause] [applause] I need five people in here expecting I need five people in here expecting I need five people in here expecting your name to be great to go ahead and your name to be great to go ahead and your name to be great to go ahead and testify. I I'm expecting my name to be testify. I I'm expecting my name to be testify. I I'm expecting my name to be great. When you hear my name, I'm great. When you hear my name, I'm great. When you hear my name, I'm expecting you to put some respect on my expecting you to put some respect on my expecting you to put some respect on my name. I that's that's God will make your name. I that's that's God will make your name. I that's that's God will make your name great and bring you before great name great and bring you before great name great and bring you before great people. Our son Matthew had that people. Our son Matthew had that people. Our son Matthew had that privilege this past week. Matthew's a privilege this past week. Matthew's a privilege this past week. Matthew's a gifted singer. I'm so proud of him. He's gifted singer. I'm so proud of him. He's gifted singer. I'm so proud of him. He's just doing a wonderful job singing. just doing a wonderful job singing. just doing a wonderful job singing. And uh this past week he was able to go And uh this past week he was able to go And uh this past week he was able to go to a convention for another church to a convention for another church to a convention for another church denomination and he went there and he denomination and he went there and he denomination and he went there and he was singing all over the place. All week was singing all over the place. All week was singing all over the place. All week long he was singing. Matthew was using long he was singing. Matthew was using long he was singing. Matthew was using his gift. He's a gifted old brother and his gift. He's a gifted old brother and his gift. He's a gifted old brother and he was just using that gift and he was just using that gift and he was just using that gift and everybody was being blessed. I told you everybody was being blessed. I told you everybody was being blessed. I told you it was a different denomination. And so it was a different denomination. And so it was a different denomination. And so all week long they were calling him all week long they were calling him all week long they were calling him Baptist Boy. That's the Baptist boy Baptist Boy. That's the Baptist boy Baptist Boy. That's the Baptist boy right there. And he was just singing all right there. And he was just singing all right there. And he was just singing all over the place. And he was exposed to over the place. And he was exposed to over the place. And he was exposed to thousands of people listening to him thousands of people listening to him thousands of people listening to him sing. And in the midst of that, here sing. And in the midst of that, here sing. And in the midst of that, here come Kirk Franklin. And in the midst of come Kirk Franklin. And in the midst of come Kirk Franklin. And in the midst of that, here comes Kiier Shear Kelly. And

that, here comes Kiier Shear Kelly. And that, here comes Kiier Shear Kelly. And they're all watching him and seeing him. they're all watching him and seeing him. they're all watching him and seeing him. And Matthew has been expanded And Matthew has been expanded And Matthew has been expanded because he was exposed to some things. because he was exposed to some things. because he was exposed to some things. [applause] And you never know what the Lord is And you never know what the Lord is trying to expose you to so he can expand trying to expose you to so he can expand trying to expose you to so he can expand your your territory. He can everywhere your your territory. He can everywhere your your territory. He can everywhere your foot treads, every place you step your foot treads, every place you step your foot treads, every place you step on, you have access into places and on, you have access into places and on, you have access into places and spaces that you never thought possible. spaces that you never thought possible. spaces that you never thought possible. There's some people in here who've been There's some people in here who've been There's some people in here who've been in some boardrooms and some classrooms in some boardrooms and some classrooms in some boardrooms and some classrooms and some spaces that they never and some spaces that they never and some spaces that they never anticipated that their ancestors never anticipated that their ancestors never anticipated that their ancestors never ever imagined. But they are doing the ever imagined. But they are doing the ever imagined. But they are doing the dog on thing now because God will open dog on thing now because God will open dog on thing now because God will open doors for you and expand your territory. doors for you and expand your territory. doors for you and expand your territory. Can I get one witness right in here? Can I get one witness right in here? Can I get one witness right in here? [applause] Exposure can lead to expansion. People, Exposure can lead to expansion. People, places, things. Exposure can lead to places, things. Exposure can lead to places, things. Exposure can lead to expansion. People, places, things. But expansion. People, places, things. But expansion. People, places, things. But if you're not careful, that same if you're not careful, that same if you're not careful, that same exposure that leads to expansion, if you exposure that leads to expansion, if you exposure that leads to expansion, if you misuse it, if you abuse it, exposure can misuse it, if you abuse it, exposure can misuse it, if you abuse it, exposure can lead to expulsion.

>> Be careful. Exposure can lead to >> Be careful. Exposure can lead to expansion. But if you misuse it, if you expansion. But if you misuse it, if you expansion. But if you misuse it, if you abuse it, exposure can lead to abuse it, exposure can lead to abuse it, exposure can lead to expulsion. You get put out of the places expulsion. You get put out of the places expulsion. You get put out of the places that God opened up for you to enter. that God opened up for you to enter. that God opened up for you to enter. When you get when you get barred from When you get when you get barred from When you get when you get barred from the place because of your character and the place because of your character and the place because of your character and your conduct, what happened to the amens? Did I did I what happened to the amens? Did I did I miss that? Did I leave the church? miss that? Did I leave the church? miss that? Did I leave the church? And you don't need to look around now, And you don't need to look around now, And you don't need to look around now, but there are some people behind you who but there are some people behind you who but there are some people behind you who misused their exposure. misused their exposure. misused their exposure. >> And if you get in touch with them, >> And if you get in touch with them, >> And if you get in touch with them, they'll tell you. Some of them will tell they'll tell you. Some of them will tell they'll tell you. Some of them will tell you. Some of them want to act like they you. Some of them want to act like they you. Some of them want to act like they did everything right their whole life. did everything right their whole life. did everything right their whole life. Man, please. If you look straight ahead, Man, please. If you look straight ahead, Man, please. If you look straight ahead, you'll find out there's some moments I you'll find out there's some moments I you'll find out there's some moments I misused exposure. misused exposure. misused exposure. That all of us have had some times where That all of us have had some times where That all of us have had some times where we have misused the blessings and we have misused the blessings and we have misused the blessings and benefits that God has placed upon us. benefits that God has placed upon us. benefits that God has placed upon us. And you don't want to be the ones that And you don't want to be the ones that And you don't want to be the ones that misuse your exposure to the place that misuse your exposure to the place that misuse your exposure to the place that you experience exposion. You want to you experience exposion. You want to you experience exposion. You want to enjoy the expedition. Enjoy the enjoy the expedition. Enjoy the enjoy the expedition. Enjoy the experience so that you can have all that experience so that you can have all that experience so that you can have all that God wants. You want your your blessings God wants. You want your your blessings God wants. You want your your blessings to be pressed down, to be pressed down, to be pressed down, shaken together, and running over. You shaken together, and running over. You shaken together, and running over. You want to experience the abundant life want to experience the abundant life want to experience the abundant life that only God can provide for you. Does that only God can provide for you. Does that only God can provide for you. Does that mean you can't have fun? Not at that mean you can't have fun? Not at that mean you can't have fun? Not at all. Does that mean you won't enjoy the all. Does that mean you won't enjoy the all. Does that mean you won't enjoy the journey? Not at all. There's some people journey? Not at all. There's some people journey? Not at all. There's some people in the room right now who enjoyed in the room right now who enjoyed in the room right now who enjoyed everything that college had to offer.

>> good, bad, or indifferent. >> good, bad, or indifferent. [applause] [applause] [applause] As a matter of fact, just take a quick As a matter of fact, just take a quick As a matter of fact, just take a quick look at them. Look at the people who look at them. Look at the people who look at them. Look at the people who enjoyed more than they should have. Just enjoyed more than they should have. Just enjoyed more than they should have. Just do that right quick. Just do that right do that right quick. Just do that right do that right quick. Just do that right quick. Look at them. Look at them. quick. Look at them. Look at them. quick. Look at them. Look at them. There. There they are. There they are. There. There they are. There they are. There. There they are. There they are. [laughter] I got so much I can say about that right I got so much I can say about that right now cuz y'all, most of y'all look now cuz y'all, most of y'all look now cuz y'all, most of y'all look really, really guilty right now. And really, really guilty right now. And really, really guilty right now. And they like, "Please don't give examples, they like, "Please don't give examples, they like, "Please don't give examples, Rev." Okay, no examples. Rev." Okay, no examples. Rev." Okay, no examples. But I want you to enjoy it. I want you But I want you to enjoy it. I want you But I want you to enjoy it. I want you to enjoy it and let and let God put you to enjoy it and let and let God put you to enjoy it and let and let God put you before great people. I told you I've had before great people. I told you I've had before great people. I told you I've had a lot of exposure in my life. I've a lot of exposure in my life. I've a lot of exposure in my life. I've always been uh the guy who who wanted to always been uh the guy who who wanted to always been uh the guy who who wanted to to um kind of present himself in a way to um kind of present himself in a way to um kind of present himself in a way that looked pretty good, you know, and that looked pretty good, you know, and that looked pretty good, you know, and so I've always liked clothes. I like so I've always liked clothes. I like so I've always liked clothes. I like suits and ties. You may be able to to to suits and ties. You may be able to to to suits and ties. You may be able to to to know that. I just always like being kind know that. I just always like being kind know that. I just always like being kind of clean, you understand? I I learned of clean, you understand? I I learned of clean, you understand? I I learned that um way back yonder in my And so that um way back yonder in my And so that um way back yonder in my And so freshman orientation, I went to they freshman orientation, I went to they freshman orientation, I went to they said we were meeting with the president. said we were meeting with the president. said we were meeting with the president. So our freshman orientation, I put my So our freshman orientation, I put my So our freshman orientation, I put my black suit on, my white shirt, French black suit on, my white shirt, French black suit on, my white shirt, French cuffed white shirt. I had one. It was cuffed white shirt. I had one. It was cuffed white shirt. I had one. It was given to me by Deacon Bafffield. I'll given to me by Deacon Bafffield. I'll given to me by Deacon Bafffield. I'll never forget it. I didn't buy it. He never forget it. I didn't buy it. He never forget it. I didn't buy it. He gave it to me. And uh it was a French gave it to me. And uh it was a French gave it to me. And uh it was a French cuff shirt and I was clean. Shiny shoes cuff shirt and I was clean. Shiny shoes cuff shirt and I was clean. Shiny shoes on. had my black suit that I think I on. had my black suit that I think I on. had my black suit that I think I either got for for Easter or for um for either got for for Easter or for um for either got for for Easter or for um for uh graduation. It was on layaway for a uh graduation. It was on layaway for a uh graduation. It was on layaway for a long time and um long time and um long time and um half the room don't have a clue what half the room don't have a clue what half the room don't have a clue what layaway is. Um oh now you want to represent that for a

oh now you want to represent that for a minute you acting like no ain't never minute you acting like no ain't never minute you acting like no ain't never had no layway. had no layway. had no layway. Now everybody know what layaway is. All Now everybody know what layaway is. All Now everybody know what layaway is. All of a sudden, of a sudden, of a sudden, you put something down on it. Just let you put something down on it. Just let you put something down on it. Just let it lay right there. When you walk away it lay right there. When you walk away it lay right there. When you walk away and you hope when you get back, it's and you hope when you get back, it's and you hope when you get back, it's still there. You put some more on it. still there. You put some more on it. still there. You put some more on it. They don't have layway anymore, do they? They don't have layway anymore, do they? They don't have layway anymore, do they? That's a shame. Yes, they do. She said, That's a shame. Yes, they do. She said, That's a shame. Yes, they do. She said, "Yes, they do." Oh, praise the Lord, "Yes, they do." Oh, praise the Lord, "Yes, they do." Oh, praise the Lord, everybody. everybody. everybody. [laughter] I walked into freshman orientation I walked into freshman orientation clean. I was so clean. I told myself I clean. I was so clean. I told myself I clean. I was so clean. I told myself I was clean. Every now and then you got to was clean. Every now and then you got to was clean. Every now and then you got to encourage yourself. Told myself I was encourage yourself. Told myself I was encourage yourself. Told myself I was clean. And then all of a sudden, what clean. And then all of a sudden, what clean. And then all of a sudden, what Dr. Revis Mitchell, who was dean of Dr. Revis Mitchell, who was dean of Dr. Revis Mitchell, who was dean of academic affairs and was a professor of academic affairs and was a professor of academic affairs and was a professor of African-American history and and alpha African-American history and and alpha African-American history and and alpha for the record. Uh just thought I'd show for the record. Uh just thought I'd show for the record. Uh just thought I'd show throw that in. throw that in. throw that in. Yes, sir.

Sorry Q's, sorry campers. Sorry sigas Sorry Q's, sorry campers. Sorry sigas Ias. Uh-uh. Don't you start that. Don't Ias. Uh-uh. Don't you start that. Don't Ias. Uh-uh. Don't you start that. Don't you start that. Don't you start that. you start that. Don't you start that. you start that. Don't you start that. We will not have that in this place We will not have that in this place We will not have that in this place today. I got the mic. Well, don't it I got the mic. Well, don't it Dr. Revis Mitchell, he came over to me. Dr. Revis Mitchell, he came over to me. Dr. Revis Mitchell, he came over to me. He said, "Who are you?" I said, "Marcus He said, "Who are you?" I said, "Marcus He said, "Who are you?" I said, "Marcus D. Cosby from Chicago, Illinois." He D. Cosby from Chicago, Illinois." He D. Cosby from Chicago, Illinois." He said, "I like your style." said, "I like your style." said, "I like your style." He said, "Whenever you show up, you He said, "Whenever you show up, you He said, "Whenever you show up, you ought to look like you going somewhere." ought to look like you going somewhere." ought to look like you going somewhere." I said, "Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I said, "Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I said, "Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I say that to you because what you >> I say that to you because what you >> I say that to you because what you present present present >> can open doors for you that you never >> can open doors for you that you never >> can open doors for you that you never anticipated. anticipated. anticipated. Dr. Revis Mitchell hooked me up from Dr. Revis Mitchell hooked me up from Dr. Revis Mitchell hooked me up from that day all the way to the day of his that day all the way to the day of his that day all the way to the day of his death. I'm now sitting on the board of death. I'm now sitting on the board of death. I'm now sitting on the board of Fisk University, my alma mater, because Fisk University, my alma mater, because Fisk University, my alma mater, because of the kind of presentation I made way of the kind of presentation I made way of the kind of presentation I made way back then that impressed me. You never back then that impressed me. You never back then that impressed me. You never know where you're going to end up. And know where you're going to end up. And know where you're going to end up. And then he said, "Listen, I want you to then he said, "Listen, I want you to then he said, "Listen, I want you to speak on behalf of the institution. I speak on behalf of the institution. I speak on behalf of the institution. I want you to make some speeches and all want you to make some speeches and all want you to make some speeches and all that stuff because once you get in the that stuff because once you get in the that stuff because once you get in the door, you got to make sure you got door, you got to make sure you got door, you got to make sure you got something to say to keep you in the something to say to keep you in the something to say to keep you in the door." You understand? And you need to door." You understand? And you need to door." You understand? And you need to speak properly. Speak eloquently. You speak properly. Speak eloquently. You speak properly. Speak eloquently. You need to make sure that your subjects and need to make sure that your subjects and need to make sure that your subjects and your verbs agree all the time.

I seen is wrong every day. Never say it I seen is wrong every day. Never say it ever again. If you ever said it before, ever again. If you ever said it before, ever again. If you ever said it before, y'all is only appropriate in Texas. This y'all is only appropriate in Texas. This y'all is only appropriate in Texas. This is the only place. You all, y'all is not really a word. You You all, y'all is not really a word. You all, you have to speak well. She said, all, you have to speak well. She said, all, you have to speak well. She said, "For real?" Yeah, for real, sweetheart. "For real?" Yeah, for real, sweetheart. "For real?" Yeah, for real, sweetheart. Texas, you're a Texan, I tell you. I Texas, you're a Texan, I tell you. I Texas, you're a Texan, I tell you. I want you to present yourselves properly. want you to present yourselves properly. want you to present yourselves properly. When you show up, you better look the When you show up, you better look the When you show up, you better look the part. When you show up and look the part. When you show up and look the part. When you show up and look the part, you ought to speak up and speak part, you ought to speak up and speak part, you ought to speak up and speak properly. Your vocabulary should not properly. Your vocabulary should not properly. Your vocabulary should not consist mainly of profane words. You are too intelligent You are too intelligent that every sentence has to have an that every sentence has to have an that every sentence has to have an exploitative in it. You are too exploitative in it. You are too exploitative in it. You are too intelligent that you have to cuss all intelligent that you have to cuss all intelligent that you have to cuss all the time, every day.

when you stand up, speak up, look the when you stand up, speak up, look the part, and become all that God. Cuz God part, and become all that God. Cuz God part, and become all that God. Cuz God is exposing you to people, and you never is exposing you to people, and you never is exposing you to people, and you never know who's in the room. know who's in the room. know who's in the room. >> And you got to stay ready for whatever >> And you got to stay ready for whatever >> And you got to stay ready for whatever God is about to do. Cuz when you stay God is about to do. Cuz when you stay God is about to do. Cuz when you stay ready, you don't have to ready, you don't have to ready, you don't have to >> Well, help me preach on a Sunday >> Well, help me preach on a Sunday >> Well, help me preach on a Sunday morning. morning. morning. [applause] Somebody shout expedition. Somebody shout expedition. >> Expedition. >> Expedition. >> Expedition. >> Somebody say exposure. >> Somebody say exposure. >> Somebody say exposure. >> Exposure. >> Exposure. >> Exposure. >> Well, would you believe in these last >> Well, would you believe in these last >> Well, would you believe in these last few minutes that there's likewise some few minutes that there's likewise some few minutes that there's likewise some expectation expectation expectation >> that is in the text? Faith read it to >> that is in the text? Faith read it to >> that is in the text? Faith read it to us. I hope you heard it. Faith read that us. I hope you heard it. Faith read that us. I hope you heard it. Faith read that there's some expectations that that we there's some expectations that that we there's some expectations that that we should have of God should have of God should have of God because God has some expectations of us. because God has some expectations of us. because God has some expectations of us. >> Is your Bible still open? You still got >> Is your Bible still open? You still got >> Is your Bible still open? You still got Joshua chapter 1. If your Bible's still Joshua chapter 1. If your Bible's still Joshua chapter 1. If your Bible's still open, I want to read to you what open, I want to read to you what open, I want to read to you what happens. Now, God says, "Listen, when I happens. Now, God says, "Listen, when I happens. Now, God says, "Listen, when I when I place you in some spaces and you when I place you in some spaces and you when I place you in some spaces and you do what's right, nobody's going to be do what's right, nobody's going to be do what's right, nobody's going to be able to stand against you all the days able to stand against you all the days able to stand against you all the days of your life." This is where we get the of your life." This is where we get the of your life." This is where we get the passage that no weapon passage that no weapon passage that no weapon >> formed against you shall be able to pro.

>> formed against you shall be able to pro. >> formed against you shall be able to pro. Now, you got to hear that because Now, you got to hear that because Now, you got to hear that because opposition is always going to come your opposition is always going to come your opposition is always going to come your way. way. way. I don't want you to be set up for the I don't want you to be set up for the I don't want you to be set up for the okey do that you going to think just okey do that you going to think just okey do that you going to think just because you smart and good-looking and because you smart and good-looking and because you smart and good-looking and come from we live a who came from your come from we live a who came from your come from we live a who came from your family that you're not going to have family that you're not going to have family that you're not going to have some opposition. Everybody has some opposition. Everybody has some opposition. Everybody has opposition in life. Everybody has opposition in life. Everybody has opposition in life. Everybody has something standing against them. something standing against them. something standing against them. Everybody has something that they have Everybody has something that they have Everybody has something that they have to deal with. Let's be clear. Racism is to deal with. Let's be clear. Racism is to deal with. Let's be clear. Racism is still real. still real. still real. It's still very real. It's very It's still very real. It's very It's still very real. It's very prevalent. It's going to be in some of prevalent. It's going to be in some of prevalent. It's going to be in some of your institutions. And if it's not your institutions. And if it's not your institutions. And if it's not racism, it's going to be classism. racism, it's going to be classism. racism, it's going to be classism. There's always going to be somebody who There's always going to be somebody who There's always going to be somebody who has some kind of reason to act crazy has some kind of reason to act crazy has some kind of reason to act crazy with you. All right? That racism is with you. All right? That racism is with you. All right? That racism is still real, classism is still real, still real, classism is still real, still real, classism is still real, negative clicks are still real. negative clicks are still real. negative clicks are still real. >> And you and I have to be very careful >> And you and I have to be very careful >> And you and I have to be very careful that we never get entangled with that that we never get entangled with that that we never get entangled with that kind of foolishness. Let the church say, kind of foolishness. Let the church say, kind of foolishness. Let the church say, "Amen." "Amen." "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And God says, whenever you have >> And God says, whenever you have >> And God says, whenever you have opposition coming your way, when you opposition coming your way, when you opposition coming your way, when you read chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, you'll find read chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, you'll find read chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, you'll find out that the Israelites had a whole out that the Israelites had a whole out that the Israelites had a whole bunch of opposition coming in their bunch of opposition coming in their bunch of opposition coming in their direction. And every time God allowed direction. And every time God allowed direction. And every time God allowed them to defeat their oppressors and them to defeat their oppressors and them to defeat their oppressors and their opposition because he said no one their opposition because he said no one their opposition because he said no one will be able to stand against you. Don't will be able to stand against you. Don't will be able to stand against you. Don't don't run from it. Just stand strong and don't run from it. Just stand strong and don't run from it. Just stand strong and believe that the same God who brought believe that the same God who brought believe that the same God who brought you to where you are will take you to you to where you are will take you to you to where you are will take you to where you need to be. Somebody say amen.

where you need to be. Somebody say amen. where you need to be. Somebody say amen. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> As I was with the previous generation >> As I was with the previous generation >> As I was with the previous generation with Moses, I will be with you. Woo. As with Moses, I will be with you. Woo. As with Moses, I will be with you. Woo. As I was with your ancestors, I'm going to I was with your ancestors, I'm going to I was with your ancestors, I'm going to be with their descendants. As I was with be with their descendants. As I was with be with their descendants. As I was with your mas and grandmas and grandfathers your mas and grandmas and grandfathers your mas and grandmas and grandfathers and gr and fathers, I'm going to be with and gr and fathers, I'm going to be with and gr and fathers, I'm going to be with you also. As I was with those who you also. As I was with those who you also. As I was with those who endured all that they endured, so that endured all that they endured, so that endured all that they endured, so that you would not have to endure what they you would not have to endure what they you would not have to endure what they endured. As I was with Moses, I will endured. As I was with Moses, I will endured. As I was with Moses, I will likewise be with you. Here's the good likewise be with you. Here's the good likewise be with you. Here's the good news. It's an expectation. I will never news. It's an expectation. I will never news. It's an expectation. I will never leave you nor forsake you. But here are leave you nor forsake you. But here are leave you nor forsake you. But here are the expectations that God puts on his the expectations that God puts on his the expectations that God puts on his people. It says it three times. Here's people. It says it three times. Here's people. It says it three times. Here's verse six, be strong and courageous. verse six, be strong and courageous. verse six, be strong and courageous. >> Verse seven, be strong and very >> Verse seven, be strong and very >> Verse seven, be strong and very courageous. courageous. courageous. >> Verse 9, have I not commanded you? Be >> Verse 9, have I not commanded you? Be >> Verse 9, have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Whatever God strong and courageous. Whatever God strong and courageous. Whatever God says, anything in triplicate fashion, says, anything in triplicate fashion, says, anything in triplicate fashion, he's trying to get you ready for what's he's trying to get you ready for what's he's trying to get you ready for what's on the other side of his proclamation.

on the other side of his proclamation. on the other side of his proclamation. That there going to be some That there going to be some That there going to be some predicaments. There may be some peril predicaments. There may be some peril predicaments. There may be some peril that you have to endure. There going to that you have to endure. There going to that you have to endure. There going to be some problems along the way, but in be some problems along the way, but in be some problems along the way, but in the midst of it, be strong and very the midst of it, be strong and very the midst of it, be strong and very courageous. Don't you dare act as if you courageous. Don't you dare act as if you courageous. Don't you dare act as if you can't take a licking and keep on can't take a licking and keep on can't take a licking and keep on ticking. Be strong and very courageous. ticking. Be strong and very courageous. ticking. Be strong and very courageous. Don't you dare act like you can't handle Don't you dare act like you can't handle Don't you dare act like you can't handle reading that book and preparing for that reading that book and preparing for that reading that book and preparing for that presentation and passing that test. Be presentation and passing that test. Be presentation and passing that test. Be strong and very courageous. Then he strong and very courageous. Then he strong and very courageous. Then he says, "Don't be afraid, terrified is one says, "Don't be afraid, terrified is one says, "Don't be afraid, terrified is one translation. And don't be discouraged. translation. And don't be discouraged. translation. And don't be discouraged. >> He says opposition is going to come. >> He says opposition is going to come. >> He says opposition is going to come. Don't you be discouraged. Don't you be Don't you be discouraged. Don't you be Don't you be discouraged. Don't you be terrified. Don't be discouraged. That's terrified. Don't be discouraged. That's terrified. Don't be discouraged. That's an interesting Hebrew word that is used an interesting Hebrew word that is used an interesting Hebrew word that is used there. The word literally means to be there. The word literally means to be there. The word literally means to be crushed internally. Means that you see crushed internally. Means that you see crushed internally. Means that you see all this happening and and your your all this happening and and your your all this happening and and your your your emotional health is affected. your emotional health is affected. your emotional health is affected. He says, "I don't want you to be He says, "I don't want you to be He says, "I don't want you to be depressed, dismayed, depressed, dismayed, depressed, dismayed, discouraged by anything that comes your discouraged by anything that comes your discouraged by anything that comes your way. I'm with you. I will not leave you.

way. I'm with you. I will not leave you. way. I'm with you. I will not leave you. I will not forsake you. And if I'm for I will not forsake you. And if I'm for I will not forsake you. And if I'm for you, who can be against you?" You need you, who can be against you?" You need you, who can be against you?" You need to be encouraged. to be encouraged. to be encouraged. [applause] [applause] [applause] Oh, don't be discouraged. I don't care Oh, don't be discouraged. I don't care Oh, don't be discouraged. I don't care what the situation looks like. I don't what the situation looks like. I don't what the situation looks like. I don't care what presents itself. Don't be care what presents itself. Don't be care what presents itself. Don't be discouraged. It literally means get discouraged. It literally means get discouraged. It literally means get yourself up in the morning. Look yourself up in the morning. Look yourself up in the morning. Look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself in the mirror and tell yourself in the mirror and tell yourself, "I can do all things through yourself, "I can do all things through yourself, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Tell Christ who strengthens me." Tell Christ who strengthens me." Tell yourself, "Greater is he that's within yourself, "Greater is he that's within yourself, "Greater is he that's within me than he that's in the world." Tell me than he that's in the world." Tell me than he that's in the world." Tell yourself, "Weeping may endure for a yourself, "Weeping may endure for a yourself, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy is going to come in the night, but joy is going to come in the night, but joy is going to come in the morning." Tell yourself, "The Lord is my morning." Tell yourself, "The Lord is my morning." Tell yourself, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Tell shepherd, I shall not want." Tell shepherd, I shall not want." Tell yourself, "The Lord is my light and my yourself, "The Lord is my light and my yourself, "The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my light. Of whom is the strength of my light. Of whom is the strength of my light. Of whom shall I be afraid?" Tell yourself that shall I be afraid?" Tell yourself that shall I be afraid?" Tell yourself that even if the wicked come against me, even if the wicked come against me, even if the wicked come against me, they're going to fall at my side. I need they're going to fall at my side. I need they're going to fall at my side. I need somebody in here who still believes that somebody in here who still believes that somebody in here who still believes that you can expect great things from God you can expect great things from God you can expect great things from God when you attempt great things for God.

when you attempt great things for God. when you attempt great things for God. [applause] [applause] [applause] Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God. Do not be discouraged. Do not be Do not be discouraged. Do not be Do not be discouraged. Do not be crushed. Keep your emotional health crushed. Keep your emotional health crushed. Keep your emotional health strong. Keep your health good. Keep your strong. Keep your health good. Keep your strong. Keep your health good. Keep your mind stayed on God. Listen to what God mind stayed on God. Listen to what God mind stayed on God. Listen to what God says through Isaiah. He says, "If you says through Isaiah. He says, "If you says through Isaiah. He says, "If you keep I will keep you in perfect peace if keep I will keep you in perfect peace if keep I will keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind stayed on me because you keep your mind stayed on me because you keep your mind stayed on me because you trust in me." And all of you who are you trust in me." And all of you who are you trust in me." And all of you who are sitting here today will have varied sitting here today will have varied sitting here today will have varied experiences. But all that variety is experiences. But all that variety is experiences. But all that variety is going to bring opposition. And when that going to bring opposition. And when that going to bring opposition. And when that opposition comes, hear the expectation opposition comes, hear the expectation opposition comes, hear the expectation of God. Be strong. Be very courageous. of God. Be strong. Be very courageous. of God. Be strong. Be very courageous. Don't be terrified. Don't be Don't be terrified. Don't be Don't be terrified. Don't be discouraged. Why? Cuz this is what you discouraged. Why? Cuz this is what you discouraged. Why? Cuz this is what you can expect. I'm with you. can expect. I'm with you. can expect. I'm with you. [applause] God says, "I am with you." And it's been God says, "I am with you." And it's been said for generations now that you plus said for generations now that you plus said for generations now that you plus God always equal the majority. You stand God always equal the majority. You stand God always equal the majority. You stand in the power of God. That's why the in the power of God. That's why the in the power of God. That's why the scripture says, "Be strong in the Lord scripture says, "Be strong in the Lord scripture says, "Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might. Put on the and the power of his might. Put on the and the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God so you can withstand whole armor of God so you can withstand whole armor of God so you can withstand all the ws of the devil. And after all the ws of the devil. And after all the ws of the devil. And after having done all to stand, keep on having done all to stand, keep on having done all to stand, keep on standing and believe that the Lord will standing and believe that the Lord will standing and believe that the Lord will make a way somehow." He says, "I will be make a way somehow." He says, "I will be make a way somehow." He says, "I will be with you." Now, if that was the only with you." Now, if that was the only with you." Now, if that was the only expectation we would have of God, that expectation we would have of God, that expectation we would have of God, that would be enough to end the sermon. But would be enough to end the sermon. But would be enough to end the sermon. But can I keep going? Because he not only

can I keep going? Because he not only can I keep going? Because he not only says, "I will be with you." He says, says, "I will be with you." He says, says, "I will be with you." He says, "Now, I want you to make sure that you "Now, I want you to make sure that you "Now, I want you to make sure that you don't allow this book of the law to don't allow this book of the law to don't allow this book of the law to depart from your mouth. Keep it a keep I depart from your mouth. Keep it a keep I depart from your mouth. Keep it a keep I gave you the Bible on purpose." He says, gave you the Bible on purpose." He says, gave you the Bible on purpose." He says, "I want you to keep this book of the "I want you to keep this book of the "I want you to keep this book of the law. Meditate on it day and night." law. Meditate on it day and night." law. Meditate on it day and night." Because the more you meditate on it, the Because the more you meditate on it, the Because the more you meditate on it, the more the more strength you receive. As a more the more strength you receive. As a more the more strength you receive. As a matter of fact, I'm I'm trying to to matter of fact, I'm I'm trying to to matter of fact, I'm I'm trying to to keep moving to more toward my keep moving to more toward my keep moving to more toward my conclusion, but every time I say conclusion, but every time I say conclusion, but every time I say something, I think of something else to something, I think of something else to something, I think of something else to say. And uh it keeps saying, "Preach me. say. And uh it keeps saying, "Preach me. say. And uh it keeps saying, "Preach me. Preach me." So, let me preach that, too. Preach me." So, let me preach that, too. Preach me." So, let me preach that, too. Psalm 1, when you read Psalm 1, it says, Psalm 1, when you read Psalm 1, it says, Psalm 1, when you read Psalm 1, it says, "Blessed is the one that walketh not in "Blessed is the one that walketh not in "Blessed is the one that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor siteth in the in the way of sinners, nor siteth in the in the way of sinners, nor siteth in the seat of the scornful, but that person's seat of the scornful, but that person's seat of the scornful, but that person's delight is in the law of the Lord, and delight is in the law of the Lord, and delight is in the law of the Lord, and in that law, that person meditates day in that law, that person meditates day in that law, that person meditates day and night." That's verses 1 and two of and night." That's verses 1 and two of and night." That's verses 1 and two of Psalm 1. Verse three says, "When you do Psalm 1. Verse three says, "When you do Psalm 1. Verse three says, "When you do that, you'll be like a tree that, you'll be like a tree that, you'll be like a tree >> planted by the rivers of water that >> planted by the rivers of water that >> planted by the rivers of water that brings forth fruit in your season. Your brings forth fruit in your season. Your brings forth fruit in your season. Your leaf will not wither, and whatever you leaf will not wither, and whatever you leaf will not wither, and whatever you do shall prosper." I need five people in do shall prosper." I need five people in do shall prosper." I need five people in here who know that the Lord will make here who know that the Lord will make here who know that the Lord will make you stronger than you ever thought you stronger than you ever thought you stronger than you ever thought possible. The Lord will make you able to possible. The Lord will make you able to possible. The Lord will make you able to stand and keep on standing and remain stand and keep on standing and remain stand and keep on standing and remain standing until victory is your reality.

standing until victory is your reality. standing until victory is your reality. [applause] It's right there. It's right there in It's right there. It's right there in your Bible. Verse eight. If you do all your Bible. Verse eight. If you do all your Bible. Verse eight. If you do all that, you will be prosperous and that, you will be prosperous and that, you will be prosperous and successful. successful. successful. >> He says, "I'll hook you up when you do >> He says, "I'll hook you up when you do >> He says, "I'll hook you up when you do it my way. I will show you that eyes it my way. I will show you that eyes it my way. I will show you that eyes have not seen and ears have not heard. have not seen and ears have not heard. have not seen and ears have not heard. It hasn't entered into your hearts, your It hasn't entered into your hearts, your It hasn't entered into your hearts, your minds, the things that God has prepared minds, the things that God has prepared minds, the things that God has prepared for those who love him. I need to find for those who love him. I need to find for those who love him. I need to find some teenagers right in here who love some teenagers right in here who love some teenagers right in here who love the Lord already. Anybody love the Lord? the Lord already. Anybody love the Lord? the Lord already. Anybody love the Lord? God's got great things in store for you. God's got great things in store for you. God's got great things in store for you. God's got amazing things prepared for God's got amazing things prepared for God's got amazing things prepared for you. It's going to be an expedition that you. It's going to be an expedition that you. It's going to be an expedition that leads to expansion. But here's the leads to expansion. But here's the leads to expansion. But here's the expectation that you will be strong and expectation that you will be strong and expectation that you will be strong and very courageous and that God's going to very courageous and that God's going to very courageous and that God's going to be with you wherever you go. And he's be with you wherever you go. And he's be with you wherever you go. And he's going to make you prosperous and going to make you prosperous and going to make you prosperous and successful. You're going to be whole successful. You're going to be whole successful. You're going to be whole mind, body, and spirit. You're going to mind, body, and spirit. You're going to mind, body, and spirit. You're going to have everything you need just when you have everything you need just when you have everything you need just when you need it most. You can do everything you need it most. You can do everything you need it most. You can do everything you need to do just when you need to do it.

need to do just when you need to do it. need to do just when you need to do it. And I need six people who got an eye of And I need six people who got an eye of And I need six people who got an eye of faith to look down the road of your life faith to look down the road of your life faith to look down the road of your life and say, "In 2030, God's going to do and say, "In 2030, God's going to do and say, "In 2030, God's going to do great things in my life. In 2035, great things in my life. In 2035, great things in my life. In 2035, you going to be amazed that God used me you going to be amazed that God used me you going to be amazed that God used me the way God used me." I need somebody the way God used me." I need somebody the way God used me." I need somebody who still believe that in 2046, you who still believe that in 2046, you who still believe that in 2046, you going to go to your high school class going to go to your high school class going to go to your high school class reunion of 20 years, and they're going reunion of 20 years, and they're going reunion of 20 years, and they're going to be like, "Wow, look at you." Is there to be like, "Wow, look at you." Is there to be like, "Wow, look at you." Is there anybody who believes you got next in anybody who believes you got next in anybody who believes you got next in this thing? You're about to do amazing this thing? You're about to do amazing this thing? You're about to do amazing things, phenomenal things, things, phenomenal things, things, phenomenal things, absolutely a Okay, I want to suggest you absolutely a Okay, I want to suggest you absolutely a Okay, I want to suggest you don't just got next, Bad Grandma. You don't just got next, Bad Grandma. You don't just got next, Bad Grandma. You got now. So get yourself up and do got now. So get yourself up and do got now. So get yourself up and do everything you need to do cuz you got everything you need to do cuz you got everything you need to do cuz you got now. Now is the time. Now is the now. Now is the time. Now is the now. Now is the time. Now is the opportunity. Now is the possibility. And opportunity. Now is the possibility. And opportunity. Now is the possibility. And if you believe it, somebody ought to if you believe it, somebody ought to if you believe it, somebody ought to shout hallelujah.

shout hallelujah. shout hallelujah. Somebody say amen. Somebody clap your Somebody say amen. Somebody clap your Somebody say amen. Somebody clap your hands for there now. hands for there now. hands for there now. [applause] For they're right now. For [applause] For they're right now. For [applause] For they're right now. For their [cheering] even now. Glory to God. their [cheering] even now. Glory to God. their [cheering] even now. Glory to God. Prosperous Prosperous Prosperous and successful. Making us proud. and successful. Making us proud. and successful. Making us proud. Anybody grateful that our politicians, Anybody grateful that our politicians, Anybody grateful that our politicians, our teachers, our lawyers, our our teachers, our lawyers, our our teachers, our lawyers, our physicians, physicians, physicians, everything we need everything we need everything we need in this crowd right here, they got now. in this crowd right here, they got now. in this crowd right here, they got now. I will be with you. I will be with you. I will be with you. I will be with you I will be with you I will be with you if you'll only if you'll only if you'll only trust me. trust me. trust me. If you only trust me. On this Sunday, as If you only trust me. On this Sunday, as If you only trust me. On this Sunday, as we close out this service, there may be we close out this service, there may be we close out this service, there may be somebody in this place who needs to know somebody in this place who needs to know somebody in this place who needs to know the same God that Joshua got to know. I the same God that Joshua got to know. I the same God that Joshua got to know. I love the fact that Joshua was a young love the fact that Joshua was a young love the fact that Joshua was a young dude. God doesn't have to wait till you dude. God doesn't have to wait till you dude. God doesn't have to wait till you old and almost worn out to use you.

old and almost worn out to use you. old and almost worn out to use you. God takes your energy and your vitality God takes your energy and your vitality God takes your energy and your vitality and uses you for his glory. and uses you for his glory. and uses you for his glory. God says, "Listen, right now I'll be God says, "Listen, right now I'll be God says, "Listen, right now I'll be with you if you trust me. Right now, with you if you trust me. Right now, with you if you trust me. Right now, I'll fight your battles [music] if you I'll fight your battles [music] if you I'll fight your battles [music] if you trust me. trust me. trust me. I'll never leave you I'll never leave you I'll never leave you if you trust me." if you trust me." if you trust me." Somebody [music] needs to hear that Somebody [music] needs to hear that Somebody [music] needs to hear that today. It's not just for the young today. It's not just for the young today. It's not just for the young people sitting before me. It's for any people sitting before me. It's for any people sitting before me. It's for any person listening to my voice who's not person listening to my voice who's not person listening to my voice who's not yet put your trust in the almighty God. yet put your trust in the almighty God. yet put your trust in the almighty God. God says, "I'll be with you if you trust God says, "I'll be with you if you trust God says, "I'll be with you if you trust me. Whosoever will, let her come now." me. Whosoever will, let her come now." me. Whosoever will, let her come now." And I'm going to ask the Rollins to come And I'm going to ask the Rollins to come And I'm going to ask the Rollins to come and stand with me now. And as this and stand with me now. And as this and stand with me now. And as this deacon and deacon has stand with me, the deacon and deacon has stand with me, the deacon and deacon has stand with me, the [music] leaders who are standing all [music] leaders who are standing all [music] leaders who are standing all around the church in this cathedral, in around the church in this cathedral, in around the church in this cathedral, in that sanctuary, and all of us have the that sanctuary, and all of us have the that sanctuary, and all of us have the same thought in mind, you're welcome same thought in mind, you're welcome same thought in mind, you're welcome here to Wheeler Avenue Church. We'd love here to Wheeler Avenue Church. We'd love here to Wheeler Avenue Church. We'd love to claim you as a part of our church to claim you as a part of our church to claim you as a part of our church family. family. family. More importantly, we want you to be in More importantly, we want you to be in More importantly, we want you to be in relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. A relationship with him will literally A relationship with him will literally A relationship with him will literally transform your life for the rest of your transform your life for the rest of your transform your life for the rest of your life. If you're here on this Sunday and life. If you're here on this Sunday and life. If you're here on this Sunday and you say, "Pastor, I need to be in you say, "Pastor, I need to be in you say, "Pastor, I need to be in relationship with that God you've been relationship with that God you've been relationship with that God you've been preaching about. I need to be in this preaching about. I need to be in this preaching about. I need to be in this church where I can grow and mature and church where I can grow and mature and church where I can grow and mature and develop." I want you to come toward me develop." I want you to come toward me develop." I want you to come toward me even now. This is your moment in time. even now. This is your moment in time. even now. This is your moment in time. If you're able to stand, I'm going to If you're able to stand, I'm going to If you're able to stand, I'm going to ask you to stand all over the church so ask you to stand all over the church so ask you to stand all over the church so that no one has to walk over you. that no one has to walk over you. that no one has to walk over you. Come on, stand up all over the church. Come on, stand up all over the church. Come on, stand up all over the church. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> God says, "I will be with you." Look at >> God says, "I will be with you." Look at >> God says, "I will be with you." Look at my sister coming. Come on, sis. God bless you, my brother. Thank God for God bless you, my brother. Thank God for your movement today. [music] I will be your movement today. [music] I will be your movement today. [music] I will be with you. Look at these precious people making Look at these precious people making their way down this way. Come on. Come their way down this way. Come on. Come their way down this way. Come on. Come on. Celebrate on. Celebrate on. Celebrate [music] if you trust me. God bless you. if you trust me. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. Trust me. [music] Trust me. [music] Trust me. [music] Trust me. Trust me. God bless you.

Trust me. Trust me. God bless you. Trust me. Trust me. God bless you. Goodness. Goodness. Trust me. Bless you. Goodness. Goodness. Trust me. Bless you. Goodness. Goodness. Trust me. Bless you. [music] God says, "I will be with you." [music] God says, "I will be with you." [music] God says, "I will be with you." Say, "Beloved, Say, "Beloved, Say, "Beloved, [music] let's still come and celebrate them as let's still come and celebrate them as we walk this way. I will be with you. we walk this way. I will be with you. we walk this way. I will be with you. [music] I will be with you. God bless you dear I will be with you. God bless you dear [music] one if you trust me. if you trust me. [music] Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. [music] Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. [music] Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. God says I'll never leave you. Are the God says I'll never leave you. Are the God says I'll never leave you. Are the others moving in the sanctuary? [music] others moving in the sanctuary? [music] others moving in the sanctuary? [music] Dr. P is there to receive you. Dr. P is there to receive you. Dr. P is there to receive you. God says I'll never leave. God bless God says I'll never leave. God bless God says I'll never leave. God bless you. you. you. [music] I'll never leave you.

I'll never leave you. [music] If you trust me If you trust me [music] and sit around God bless you. [music] and sit around God bless you. [music] and sit around God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. Trust me. Trust me. [music] Trust me. Trust me. God bless you, man. Trust me. Trust me. God bless you, man. [music] Praise God. I'll never leave [music] Praise God. I'll never leave [music] Praise God. I'll never leave you. Say, church. [music] That's good stuff. God says, [music] That's good stuff. God says, I'll never leave you. >> I'll never leave you. I never [music] >> I'll never leave you. I never [music] [singing] trust me. trust me. [music] [music] [music] Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Here we go. [music] Here we go. [music] Here we go. [music] Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Good news. When opposition comes, I'll Good news. When opposition comes, I'll Good news. When opposition comes, I'll fight your [music] back.

[music] [music] Sounds so good. I'll fight you back. Sounds so good. I'll fight you back. Sounds so good. I'll fight you back. [music] I'll fight your battle. I'll fight your battle. [music] Yes, Lord. I'll fight your battle. Yes, Lord. I'll fight your battle. [music] [music] [music] [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> trust me. Trust me, >> trust me. Trust me, >> trust me. Trust me, trust me.

trust me. trust me. [music] [music] [music] And for the next 30 seconds, we just And for the next 30 seconds, we just And for the next 30 seconds, we just need to do a little pew evangelism. Make need to do a little pew evangelism. Make need to do a little pew evangelism. Make sure that nobody on your low row has sure that nobody on your low row has sure that nobody on your low row has been left out. You spoke to that person. been left out. You spoke to that person. been left out. You spoke to that person. You smiled at that person earlier in the You smiled at that person earlier in the You smiled at that person earlier in the service. Now look back at them and say, service. Now look back at them and say, service. Now look back at them and say, "Is my pastor waiting on you? Is the "Is my pastor waiting on you? Is the "Is my pastor waiting on you? Is the pastor waiting on you?" Ask him, "Is pastor waiting on you?" Ask him, "Is pastor waiting on you?" Ask him, "Is pastor [music] waiting on you?" If you pastor [music] waiting on you?" If you pastor [music] waiting on you?" If you live in this area, you don't have a live in this area, you don't have a live in this area, you don't have a church home, got a relationship with the church home, got a relationship with the church home, got a relationship with the Lord, he's waiting on you. That's that's Lord, he's waiting on you. That's that's Lord, he's waiting on you. That's that's the whole point of this section right the whole point of this section right the whole point of this section right here. [music] This part of the service here. [music] This part of the service here. [music] This part of the service is to make sure we don't leave anybody is to make sure we don't leave anybody is to make sure we don't leave anybody out. If you need to be down there with out. If you need to be down there with out. If you need to be down there with my pastor, if you need to be down there my pastor, if you need to be down there my pastor, if you need to be down there with Dr. Piles, just start going right with Dr. Piles, just start going right with Dr. Piles, just start going right now. Come on, make your way right now. now. Come on, make your way right now. now. Come on, make your way right now. We're waiting on you. We're waiting on We're waiting on you. We're waiting on We're waiting on you. We're waiting on you. We're waiting on you. Come on. Is you. We're waiting on you. Come on. Is you. We're waiting on you. Come on. Is there one? Is there another who needs to there one? Is there another who needs to there one? Is there another who needs to come this Sunday afternoon? Anybody? come this Sunday afternoon? Anybody? come this Sunday afternoon? Anybody? Anybody [music] anywhere? Anybody [music] anywhere? Anybody [music] anywhere? Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. Trust me Trust me Trust me >> if you >> if you >> if you >> if you will. >> if you will. >> if you will. >> Trust me. >> Trust me. >> Trust me. >> Trust [music] >> Trust [music] >> Trust [music] me. me. me. >> Trust me.

>> Trust me. >> Trust me. >> Trust me. >> Trust me. >> Trust me. >> Trust me. Trust me. Trust >> Trust me. Trust me. Trust >> Trust me. Trust me. Trust me. [music] me. [music] me. [music] >> Amen. Look at these who have decided to >> Amen. Look at these who have decided to >> Amen. Look at these who have decided to trust in the Lord. Look at these precious people. [music] Look at these precious people. [music] On behalf of your new church family, On behalf of your new church family, On behalf of your new church family, welcome to Wheeler Avenue Baptist welcome to Wheeler Avenue Baptist welcome to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Praise the Lord. [applause] Church. Praise the Lord. [applause] Church. Praise the Lord. [applause] We're so delighted that out of all the We're so delighted that out of all the We're so delighted that out of all the places where God could have sent you to places where God could have sent you to places where God could have sent you to either commence or continue your either commence or continue your either commence or continue your Christian journey, he sent you to Christian journey, he sent you to Christian journey, he sent you to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. [music] Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. [music] Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. [music] We're excited about that possibility, We're excited about that possibility, We're excited about that possibility, we're excited that on this part of your we're excited that on this part of your we're excited that on this part of your expedition, your journey, he's opened expedition, your journey, he's opened expedition, your journey, he's opened the doors of the Wheeler Avenue church the doors of the Wheeler Avenue church the doors of the Wheeler Avenue church to include each one of you. So on behalf to include each one of you. So on behalf to include each one of you. So on behalf of all of our church family, we say to of all of our church family, we say to of all of our church family, we say to each of you from the youngest to the each of you from the youngest to the each of you from the youngest to the eldest, welcome to Wheeler Avenue. We're eldest, welcome to Wheeler Avenue. We're eldest, welcome to Wheeler Avenue. We're glad you're here and I can prove it to glad you're here and I can prove it to glad you're here and I can prove it to you right now. Come on, family. Amen. you right now. Come on, family. Amen. you right now. Come on, family. Amen. God bless you. [applause] God bless you. [applause] God bless you. [applause] Listen, in just a moment, our team is Listen, in just a moment, our team is Listen, in just a moment, our team is going to share some information with you going to share some information with you going to share some information with you about new member orientation and all about new member orientation and all about new member orientation and all that good stuff. And you're going to get that good stuff. And you're going to get that good stuff. And you're going to get some information that's going to help some information that's going to help some information that's going to help you to get incorporated all the more you to get incorporated all the more you to get incorporated all the more into the life and family of Wheeler into the life and family of Wheeler into the life and family of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Just know today, Avenue Baptist Church. Just know today, Avenue Baptist Church. Just know today, [music] we believe you made a great [music] we believe you made a great [music] we believe you made a great decision. I'm excited to serve as your decision. I'm excited to serve as your decision. I'm excited to serve as your pastor. We're all excited to be your new pastor. We're all excited to be your new pastor. We're all excited to be your new family and we welcome you to our church.

family and we welcome you to our church. family and we welcome you to our church. Deacon Rollins, will you raise your Deacon Rollins, will you raise your Deacon Rollins, will you raise your hand? My dear sis, will you follow that hand? My dear sis, will you follow that hand? My dear sis, will you follow that distinguished gentleman right there? And distinguished gentleman right there? And distinguished gentleman right there? And uh Deacon Deacon S. [music] uh Rollins uh Deacon Deacon S. [music] uh Rollins uh Deacon Deacon S. [music] uh Rollins is going to make sure that everyone gets is going to make sure that everyone gets is going to make sure that everyone gets to where they need to go. And while to where they need to go. And while to where they need to go. And while you're walking, we're going to be you're walking, we're going to be you're walking, we're going to be celebrating. We're going to be celebrating. We're going to be celebrating. We're going to be celebrating. celebrating. celebrating. [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Praise the name of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord. >> [music] >> Well, it's time to go from here. Um, >> Well, it's time to go from here. Um, tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. What's tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. What's tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. What's tomorrow? tomorrow? tomorrow? >> Vacation Bible School. >> Vacation Bible School. >> Vacation Bible School. >> Somebody said Monday. Yes, it's Monday. >> Somebody said Monday. Yes, it's Monday. >> Somebody said Monday. Yes, it's Monday. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] But it begins vacation Bible school But it begins vacation Bible school But it begins vacation Bible school and we're excited about it. and we're excited about it. and we're excited about it. Looking forward to these next five days Looking forward to these next five days Looking forward to these next five days of study and fellowship with other of study and fellowship with other of study and fellowship with other brothers and sisters. Going to be a brothers and sisters. Going to be a brothers and sisters. Going to be a great time. be here and be blessed by great time. be here and be blessed by great time. be here and be blessed by the experience. Uh if you want to get to the experience. Uh if you want to get to the experience. Uh if you want to get to know our young people even the more know our young people even the more know our young people even the more [music] uh they'll some of them will be [music] uh they'll some of them will be [music] uh they'll some of them will be here for a little while, others will be here for a little while, others will be here for a little while, others will be moving on to their next moment in this moving on to their next moment in this moving on to their next moment in this day. But I'm so glad that each of you day. But I'm so glad that each of you day. But I'm so glad that each of you made your way to Wheeler Avenue Baptist made your way to Wheeler Avenue Baptist made your way to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. Look forward to you being Church today. Look forward to you being Church today. Look forward to you being here next Sunday, Lord willing, but of here next Sunday, Lord willing, but of here next Sunday, Lord willing, but of course being here Monday through Friday course being here Monday through Friday course being here Monday through Friday for vacation bible school. The Lord for vacation bible school. The Lord for vacation bible school. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make bless you and keep you. The Lord make bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be his face to shine upon you and be his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift the gracious unto you. The Lord lift the gracious unto you. The Lord lift the light of his countenance upon you and light of his countenance upon you and light of his countenance upon you and give you his peace [music] in your going give you his peace [music] in your going give you his peace [music] in your going out and in your coming in, in your labor out and in your coming in, in your labor out and in your coming in, in your labor and in your leisure, in your joy and in and in your leisure, in your joy and in and in your leisure, in your joy and in your sorrow, [music] your sorrow, [music] your sorrow, [music] in your laughter and likewise in your in your laughter and likewise in your in your laughter and likewise in your tears. Until that day when we meet the

tears. Until that day when we meet the tears. Until that day when we meet the Lord face to face and cry holy, holy, Lord face to face and cry holy, holy, Lord face to face and cry holy, holy, holy to the Lord of hosts. Until that holy to the Lord of hosts. Until that holy to the Lord of hosts. Until that day, my brothers, my sisters, go in day, my brothers, my sisters, go in day, my brothers, my sisters, go in peace. Go in love. Go in joy. And may peace. Go in love. Go in joy. And may peace. Go in love. Go in joy. And may the very God of peace, love, and joy go the very God of peace, love, and joy go the very God of peace, love, and joy go with you now and forever more in Jesus with you now and forever more in Jesus with you now and forever more in Jesus name. Amen. God bless you. Have a great name. Amen. God bless you. Have a great name. Amen. God bless you. Have a great week. Dismissing from the rear of the week. Dismissing from the rear of the week. Dismissing from the rear of the cathedral first. Those in the front of cathedral first. Those in the front of cathedral first. Those in the front of cathedral, [music] cathedral, [music] cathedral, [music] talk to somebody. Tell them hello. Get talk to somebody. Tell them hello. Get talk to somebody. Tell them hello. Get to know somebody new. [music] Go in to know somebody new. [music] Go in to know somebody new. [music] Go in peace. My father's children. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat.

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