First Sunday Theology | Dr. Marcus D. Cosby

Happy Sunday, church family. We have so Happy Sunday, church family. We have so many exciting events in store for the many exciting events in store for the many exciting events in store for the month of July. Andre, tell them what we month of July. Andre, tell them what we month of July. Andre, tell them what we have in store. have in store. have in store. >> Well, we have vacation Bible school, >> Well, we have vacation Bible school, >> Well, we have vacation Bible school, which is always a great time for the which is always a great time for the which is always a great time for the entire family. A few of the really cool entire family. A few of the really cool entire family. A few of the really cool things we're going to tell you about on things we're going to tell you about on things we're going to tell you about on the Avenue. And last, but certainly not the Avenue. And last, but certainly not the Avenue. And last, but certainly not least, our very own senior pastor, Dr. least, our very own senior pastor, Dr. least, our very own senior pastor, Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, is turning 21. So get Marcus D. Cosby, is turning 21. So get Marcus D. Cosby, is turning 21. So get your celebration clothes ready. It is your celebration clothes ready. It is your celebration clothes ready. It is time to turn up. time to turn up. time to turn up. >> Church family, I'm Amber Branch. >> Church family, I'm Amber Branch. >> Church family, I'm Amber Branch. >> And I'm Andre Khan Jr. >> And I'm Andre Khan Jr. >> And I'm Andre Khan Jr. >> 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. >> Vacation Bible School will be the >> Vacation Bible School will be the brightest week of the year. This year we brightest week of the year. This year we brightest week of the year. This year we will explore Jesus's question, "Who do will explore Jesus's question, "Who do will explore Jesus's question, "Who do you say that I am?" and discover that you say that I am?" and discover that you say that I am?" and discover that Jesus is the light who brings hope to a Jesus is the light who brings hope to a Jesus is the light who brings hope to a dark world. Join us July 13th through dark world. Join us July 13th through dark world. Join us July 13th through the 17th and bring the entire family. the 17th and bring the entire family. the 17th and bring the entire family. Registration is required. Registration is required. Registration is required. >> Families of children and youth with >> Families of children and youth with >> Families of children and youth with autism are invited to a lunch and learn autism are invited to a lunch and learn autism are invited to a lunch and learn hosted by Spark on Saturday, July 11th hosted by Spark on Saturday, July 11th hosted by Spark on Saturday, July 11th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join us for from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join us for from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join us for fellowship, encouragement, and practical fellowship, encouragement, and practical fellowship, encouragement, and practical tools as we explore how support at home tools as we explore how support at home tools as we explore how support at home and within the community can make a and within the community can make a and within the community can make a difference. Lunch will be provided.

difference. Lunch will be provided. difference. Lunch will be provided. Founded in 1965 by our late founding Founded in 1965 by our late founding Founded in 1965 by our late founding pastor, Reverend William Alexander pastor, Reverend William Alexander pastor, Reverend William Alexander Lawson, and his wife, Mrs. Audrey Lawson, and his wife, Mrs. Audrey Lawson, and his wife, Mrs. Audrey Lawson, Boy Scout Troop 242 was the Lawson, Boy Scout Troop 242 was the Lawson, Boy Scout Troop 242 was the first youth organization established at first youth organization established at first youth organization established at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Since Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Since Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Since then, more than 1,000 boys and young men then, more than 1,000 boys and young men then, more than 1,000 boys and young men have participated in the program with have participated in the program with have participated in the program with over 221 achieving the rank of Eagle over 221 achieving the rank of Eagle over 221 achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, one of the largest total among Scout, one of the largest total among Scout, one of the largest total among African-American scout troops in the African-American scout troops in the African-American scout troops in the nation. Troop 242 continues to develop nation. Troop 242 continues to develop nation. Troop 242 continues to develop leaders through mentorship, service, leaders through mentorship, service, leaders through mentorship, service, outdoor experiences, and character outdoor experiences, and character outdoor experiences, and character building opportunities that have building opportunities that have building opportunities that have positively impacted generation of positively impacted generation of positively impacted generation of gentlemen. We invite all scouts, former gentlemen. We invite all scouts, former gentlemen. We invite all scouts, former scouts, Eagle Scouts, scout masters, scouts, Eagle Scouts, scout masters, scouts, Eagle Scouts, scout masters, leaders, families, and friends to join leaders, families, and friends to join leaders, families, and friends to join us in celebrating this proud legacy and us in celebrating this proud legacy and us in celebrating this proud legacy and honoring our new Eagle Scouts on honoring our new Eagle Scouts on honoring our new Eagle Scouts on Saturday, July 11th at 10:00 a.m. in the Saturday, July 11th at 10:00 a.m. in the Saturday, July 11th at 10:00 a.m. in the Community Life Center, Jasia. Community Life Center, Jasia. Community Life Center, Jasia. >> August 11th through August 16th, join us >> August 11th through August 16th, join us >> August 11th through August 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 five-day experience ready. A powerful five-day experience ready. A powerful five-day experience inspired by Jeremiah 17:es 7 and 8. This inspired by Jeremiah 17:es 7 and 8. This inspired by Jeremiah 17:es 7 and 8. This year, we're taking a deeper look at year, we're taking a deeper look at 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 at prepare your heart. We'll see you at prepare your heart. We'll see you at Young Adult Week.

Young Adult Week. Young Adult Week. Church family, there's nothing like an Church family, there's nothing like an Church family, there's nothing like an all-white party in the summertime. And all-white party in the summertime. And all-white party in the summertime. And 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. That's in white at all three services. That's in white at all three services. That's at 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. at 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. at 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. So come to church in your all-white and So come to church in your all-white and So come to church in your all-white and get ready to praise party like none get ready to praise party like none get ready to praise party like none other. other. other. >> 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. We are excited a successful school year. We are excited a successful school year. We are excited to welcome Pastor Jillian Lee Twigs, to welcome Pastor Jillian Lee Twigs, to welcome Pastor Jillian Lee Twigs, youth pastor of Fellowship Chicago, as youth pastor of Fellowship Chicago, as youth pastor of Fellowship Chicago, as our guest preacher for this our guest preacher for this our guest preacher for this transformative revival inspired by transformative revival inspired by transformative revival inspired by Romans 12:2. Do not be conformed to the Romans 12:2. Do not be conformed to the Romans 12:2. Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be pattern of this world, but be pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your transformed by the renewing of your transformed by the renewing of your mind. The weekend begins Thursday, mind. The weekend begins Thursday, mind. The weekend begins Thursday, August 6th with our scholarship fair August 6th with our scholarship fair August 6th with our scholarship fair from 3 to 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium, from 3 to 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium, from 3 to 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium, followed by a community dinner at 5:30 followed by a community dinner at 5:30 followed by a community dinner at 5:30 in the fellowship hall. Revival worship in the fellowship hall. Revival worship in the fellowship hall. Revival worship begins at 7:00 p.m. in the cathedral. begins at 7:00 p.m. in the cathedral. begins at 7:00 p.m. in the cathedral. Friday, August 7th, join us once again Friday, August 7th, join us once again Friday, August 7th, join us once again for community dinner at 5:30 p.m., for community dinner at 5:30 p.m., for community dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by night two of revival at 7 followed by night two of revival at 7 followed by night two of revival at 7 p.m. in the cathedral. Activities for p.m. in the cathedral. Activities for p.m. in the cathedral. Activities for Saturday, August 8th, will be announced Saturday, August 8th, will be announced Saturday, August 8th, will be announced soon.

Production for us is worship. We worship Production for us is worship. We worship God through the work that we do. through our lenses, through our faders, through our lenses, through our faders, our keyboards, our keyboards, our keyboards, through our attention to detail. And we're not the only ones who worship 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 churches and volunteers serving at churches and volunteers serving at churches and ministries all over doing the very same ministries all over doing the very same ministries all over doing the very same thing. So, So, we're building a conference for us we're building a conference for us we're building a conference for 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 level. So join us October 5th through the 8th So join us October 5th through the 8th 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. you stay connected. you stay connected. >> For more information, please follow us >> For more information, please follow us >> For more information, please follow us on all social media platforms. on all social media platforms. on all social media platforms. >> I'm Amber Branch >> I'm Amber Branch >> I'm Amber Branch >> and I'm Andre Khan Jr. And this has been >> and I'm Andre Khan Jr. And this has been >> and I'm Andre Khan Jr. And this has been your Avenue News. your Avenue News. your Avenue News. >> And remember, we are Wheeler wherever. I refuse to let you come in here and I refuse to let you come in here and spend two hours and stay in darkness. spend two hours and stay in darkness. spend two hours and stay in darkness. No. No. It's too much Jesus in this room No. No. It's too much Jesus in this room No. No. It's too much Jesus in this room for you to come in and leave in the for you to come in and leave in the for you to come in and leave in the darkness of your days. I need you to darkness of your days. I need you to darkness of your days. I need you to look at somebody, put a big brand on look at somebody, put a big brand on look at somebody, put a big brand on your face, and shout good morning.

Heat Heat up here. Heat up Heat up here.

Yeah. Yeah. Heat. Well, good morning church. Well, good morning church. Does anybody know that the blood still Does anybody know that the blood still Does anybody know that the blood still works? Come on. Can anybody just take a works? Come on. Can anybody just take a works? Come on. Can anybody just take a few moments to give God a praise? We few moments to give God a praise? We few moments to give God a praise? We don't have to pump and prime you, but don't have to pump and prime you, but don't have to pump and prime you, but all you got to do is think about that all you got to do is think about that all you got to do is think about that blood that saved your soul. Come on. On blood that saved your soul. Come on. On blood that saved your soul. Come on. On a hill far away stood an old rugged a hill far away stood an old rugged a hill far away stood an old rugged cross. It was the emblem of suffering cross. It was the emblem of suffering cross. It was the emblem of suffering and shame. Somebody ought to thank God and shame. Somebody ought to thank God and shame. Somebody ought to thank God for that blood because this still is the for that blood because this still is the for that blood because this still is the day that the Lord has made. And we ought day that the Lord has made. And we ought day that the Lord has made. And we ought to rejoice and be glad in it. At 6:59 to rejoice and be glad in it. At 6:59 to rejoice and be glad in it. At 6:59 on the first Sunday of July in the year on the first Sunday of July in the year on the first Sunday of July in the year 2026, 2026, 2026, somebody ought to just look back over somebody ought to just look back over somebody ought to just look back over your life and see how the blood saved

your life and see how the blood saved your life and see how the blood saved you. Come on. How the blood spared your you. Come on. How the blood spared your you. Come on. How the blood spared your life. How the blood cleansed your life. life. How the blood cleansed your life. life. How the blood cleansed your life. Come on. They tell me it still reaches Come on. They tell me it still reaches Come on. They tell me it still reaches to the highest mountain. They tell me it to the highest mountain. They tell me it to the highest mountain. They tell me it still flows to the lowest valley. The still flows to the lowest valley. The still flows to the lowest valley. The blood still gives us strength from day blood still gives us strength from day blood still gives us strength from day to day. And it will never to day. And it will never to day. And it will never never never never never never never never never never lose its power. I know the country was lose its power. I know the country was lose its power. I know the country was supposed to be celebrating freedom supposed to be celebrating freedom supposed to be celebrating freedom yesterday, but the Lord freed you a long yesterday, but the Lord freed you a long yesterday, but the Lord freed you a long time ago. And whom the son sets free is time ago. And whom the son sets free is time ago. And whom the son sets free is free indeed. Come on, somebody ought to free indeed. Come on, somebody ought to free indeed. Come on, somebody ought to holler. I'm free. holler. I'm free. holler. I'm free. I'm free because of the blood. Praise I'm free because of the blood. Praise I'm free because of the blood. Praise the Lord. I'm free. No longer bound. the Lord. I'm free. No longer bound. the Lord. I'm free. No longer bound. No more chains holding me. My soul is No more chains holding me. My soul is No more chains holding me. My soul is resting. resting. resting. is just but praise the Lord. I'm free is just but praise the Lord. I'm free is just but praise the Lord. I'm free because of the blood. Amen.

because of the blood. Amen. because of the blood. Amen. Blood still works. Blood still works. Blood still works. That's good news, church, that the blood That's good news, church, that the blood That's good news, church, that the blood still works. Well, it's our prayer time still works. Well, it's our prayer time still works. Well, it's our prayer time and I'm glad about it. And there are and I'm glad about it. And there are and I'm glad about it. And there are intercessors available. intercessors available. intercessors available. have the red stoves on should you desire have the red stoves on should you desire have the red stoves on should you desire more personal prayer. And we invite you more personal prayer. And we invite you more personal prayer. And we invite you to take your prayer posture, whatever to take your prayer posture, whatever to take your prayer posture, whatever that may be. We do want you to know that that may be. We do want you to know that that may be. We do want you to know that there are funeral service. There is a there are funeral service. There is a there are funeral service. There is a funeral service scheduled for this funeral service scheduled for this funeral service scheduled for this Thursday for brother Charles Wrencher at Thursday for brother Charles Wrencher at Thursday for brother Charles Wrencher at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. And as 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. And as 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. And as always, please refer to the list on the always, please refer to the list on the always, please refer to the list on the screen uh for those who are bereaveved screen uh for those who are bereaveved screen uh for those who are bereaveved and who are have health concerns. Let's and who are have health concerns. Let's and who are have health concerns. Let's go to God in prayer. go to God in prayer. go to God in prayer. Our father and our God, how we first say Our father and our God, how we first say Our father and our God, how we first say thank you. thank you. thank you. God, we thank you for life, the gift of God, we thank you for life, the gift of God, we thank you for life, the gift of life that we have to share. We thank life that we have to share. We thank life that we have to share. We thank you, God, that you woke us up another you, God, that you woke us up another you, God, that you woke us up another day because you still have more for us day because you still have more for us day because you still have more for us to do.

to do. to do. God, we thank you that through the many God, we thank you that through the many God, we thank you that through the many dangers going on in the world and the dangers going on in the world and the dangers going on in the world and the violence and the sickness and all of the violence and the sickness and all of the violence and the sickness and all of the challenges and things going on in our challenges and things going on in our challenges and things going on in our world, God, you saw fit for whatever world, God, you saw fit for whatever world, God, you saw fit for whatever reason to spare us and to keep us and to reason to spare us and to keep us and to reason to spare us and to keep us and to sustain us. And God, for that, we just sustain us. And God, for that, we just sustain us. And God, for that, we just want to say thank you, want to say thank you, want to say thank you, >> God. Not only just for keeping us for, >> God. Not only just for keeping us for, >> God. Not only just for keeping us for, but keeping our families and our friends but keeping our families and our friends but keeping our families and our friends and our loved ones, God, and for keeping and our loved ones, God, and for keeping and our loved ones, God, and for keeping a roof over our head, and God, clothes a roof over our head, and God, clothes a roof over our head, and God, clothes on our backs, shoes on our feet, God, we on our backs, shoes on our feet, God, we on our backs, shoes on our feet, God, we say thank you, say thank you, say thank you, God, for all of the blessings we enjoy God, for all of the blessings we enjoy God, for all of the blessings we enjoy without saying thank you. We take this without saying thank you. We take this without saying thank you. We take this time to say thank you. And God, we come time to say thank you. And God, we come time to say thank you. And God, we come confessing and we realize that sometimes confessing and we realize that sometimes confessing and we realize that sometimes we are not as grateful as we should be. we are not as grateful as we should be. we are not as grateful as we should be. Sometimes we take your blessings for Sometimes we take your blessings for Sometimes we take your blessings for granted. Sometimes we are not as granted. Sometimes we are not as granted. Sometimes we are not as appreciative as we should be. But God, appreciative as we should be. But God, appreciative as we should be. But God, we say thank you in this moment. We come we say thank you in this moment. We come we say thank you in this moment. We come expressing our gratitude. The songwriter expressing our gratitude. The songwriter expressing our gratitude. The songwriter said, "How can I say thanks for the said, "How can I say thanks for the said, "How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me? Things so things you have done for me? Things so things you have done for me? Things so undeserved undeserved undeserved yet you gave to prove your love for us."

yet you gave to prove your love for us." yet you gave to prove your love for us." The voices of a million angels could not The voices of a million angels could not The voices of a million angels could not express our gratitude. All that we are express our gratitude. All that we are express our gratitude. All that we are and ever hope to be. God, we owe it all and ever hope to be. God, we owe it all and ever hope to be. God, we owe it all to thee. So this morning, we come to to thee. So this morning, we come to to thee. So this morning, we come to say, to God be the glory. say, to God be the glory. say, to God be the glory. To God be the glory. To God be the glor. To God be the glory. To God be the glor. To God be the glory. To God be the glor. God, to you be the glory for all of the God, to you be the glory for all of the God, to you be the glory for all of the great things that you have done. You've great things that you have done. You've great things that you have done. You've done so many wonderful things. There are done so many wonderful things. There are done so many wonderful things. There are so many wonderful things about you, God. so many wonderful things about you, God. so many wonderful things about you, God. And we are glad about it. Lord, we don't And we are glad about it. Lord, we don't And we are glad about it. Lord, we don't only come with thanksgiving on our only come with thanksgiving on our only come with thanksgiving on our hearts, but many of us, some of us come hearts, but many of us, some of us come hearts, but many of us, some of us come with some prayer requests on our hearts. with some prayer requests on our hearts. with some prayer requests on our hearts. Lord, not everyone has gone to an Lord, not everyone has gone to an Lord, not everyone has gone to an intercessor. But Lord, we thank you that intercessor. But Lord, we thank you that intercessor. But Lord, we thank you that you can meet us right where we are in you can meet us right where we are in you can meet us right where we are in our seats. So whatever the need is, we our seats. So whatever the need is, we our seats. So whatever the need is, we thank you that you would meet us at the thank you that you would meet us at the thank you that you would meet us at the point of our needs. God, we thank you point of our needs. God, we thank you point of our needs. God, we thank you that you still are the God who is able that you still are the God who is able that you still are the God who is able and willing to supply all of our needs and willing to supply all of our needs and willing to supply all of our needs according to your riches and glory by according to your riches and glory by according to your riches and glory by Christ Jesus. So God, we thank you that Christ Jesus. So God, we thank you that Christ Jesus. So God, we thank you that even while we're in your house, you're even while we're in your house, you're even while we're in your house, you're still working on our house, God. We still working on our house, God. We still working on our house, God. We thank you that while we're in this thank you that while we're in this thank you that while we're in this space, you're still working on our space, you're still working on our space, you're still working on our spaces, God. So we pray Lord that you spaces, God. So we pray Lord that you spaces, God. So we pray Lord that you would work on our relationships and work would work on our relationships and work would work on our relationships and work on the situation on our job and work on on the situation on our job and work on on the situation on our job and work on our finances and work on our health our finances and work on our health our finances and work on our health conditions, work on all of the conditions, work on all of the conditions, work on all of the situations that we perhaps might have situations that we perhaps might have situations that we perhaps might have stayed up at night thinking about and stayed up at night thinking about and stayed up at night thinking about and tossing turning about. God, we thank you

tossing turning about. God, we thank you tossing turning about. God, we thank you that while we're trying to figure it that while we're trying to figure it that while we're trying to figure it out, you've already worked it out. So out, you've already worked it out. So out, you've already worked it out. So we're just waiting for the manifestation we're just waiting for the manifestation we're just waiting for the manifestation of that miracle. God, we claim and we of that miracle. God, we claim and we of that miracle. God, we claim and we believe that it's already done. We've believe that it's already done. We've believe that it's already done. We've just got to see it on this side of just got to see it on this side of just got to see it on this side of heaven. So, whatever we need to do to heaven. So, whatever we need to do to heaven. So, whatever we need to do to play a role in our miracle, God, would play a role in our miracle, God, would play a role in our miracle, God, would you let us know that today? And as we you let us know that today? And as we you let us know that today? And as we continue in this worship space, God, we continue in this worship space, God, we continue in this worship space, God, we pray that you would open our hearts and pray that you would open our hearts and pray that you would open our hearts and our minds. That we would be receptive to our minds. That we would be receptive to our minds. That we would be receptive to your word. We know that faith comes by your word. We know that faith comes by your word. We know that faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by and through hearing and hearing comes by and through hearing and hearing comes by and through your divine word. God, would you speak your divine word. God, would you speak your divine word. God, would you speak life to us today? Would you speak life life to us today? Would you speak life life to us today? Would you speak life through Pastor Cosby today? God, would through Pastor Cosby today? God, would through Pastor Cosby today? God, would you bless him? you know what you shared you bless him? you know what you shared you bless him? you know what you shared with him in private. Help him to bring with him in private. Help him to bring with him in private. Help him to bring that to this public space that it will that to this public space that it will that to this public space that it will bless everyone that hears it. God, not bless everyone that hears it. God, not bless everyone that hears it. God, not only just in this house, but those who only just in this house, but those who only just in this house, but those who are tuning in virtually all across the are tuning in virtually all across the are tuning in virtually all across the world. God, might they feel your world. God, might they feel your world. God, might they feel your presence where they are in their homes, presence where they are in their homes, presence where they are in their homes, in their living rooms, in their in their in their living rooms, in their in their in their living rooms, in their in their spaces that they occupy. God, would you spaces that they occupy. God, would you spaces that they occupy. God, would you bless them where they are that they bless them where they are that they bless them where they are that they would feel the same anointing in their would feel the same anointing in their would feel the same anointing in their own spaces. So God bless us we pray.

own spaces. So God bless us we pray. own spaces. So God bless us we pray. Would you smile upon us today? We pray. Would you smile upon us today? We pray. Would you smile upon us today? We pray. Would you do something unique in worship Would you do something unique in worship Would you do something unique in worship today and help us to be susceptible and today and help us to be susceptible and today and help us to be susceptible and open to your presence? Help us to be open to your presence? Help us to be open to your presence? Help us to be more aware of your presence today. We more aware of your presence today. We more aware of your presence today. We don't have to beg you to come because we don't have to beg you to come because we don't have to beg you to come because we know you're already here because you know you're already here because you know you're already here because you live within us. So bless us. We pray in live within us. So bless us. We pray in live within us. So bless us. We pray in that strong, precious, powerful name of that strong, precious, powerful name of that strong, precious, powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua, our the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua, our the Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua, our savior and redeemer. we pray and let savior and redeemer. we pray and let savior and redeemer. we pray and let every glad heart say amen and amen. Good morning, church family.

Good morning, church family. Stand for our responsive reading Stand for our responsive reading Stand for our responsive reading from Corinthians 11:23-34. from Corinthians 11:23-34. from Corinthians 11:23-34. For I received from the Lord what I also For I received from the Lord what I also For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a the night when he was betrayed took a the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread. loaf of bread. loaf of bread. Again thanks he broke it and said this Again thanks he broke it and said this Again thanks he broke it and said this is my body that is for you. Do this in is my body that is for you. Do this in is my body that is for you. Do this in remeance of me. remeance of me. remeance of me. >> In the same way he took the cup also >> In the same way he took the cup also >> In the same way he took the cup also after supper saying this cup is the new after supper saying this cup is the new after supper saying this cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often covenant in my blood. Do this as often covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me. >> Whoever therefore eats the bread or >> Whoever therefore eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an drinks the cup of the Lord in an drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for unworthy manner will be answerable for unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and the blood of the Lord. the body and the blood of the Lord. the body and the blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves and only eat of the Examine yourselves and only eat of the Examine yourselves and only eat of the bread and drink.

bread and drink. bread and drink. >> For all who eat and drink without >> For all who eat and drink without >> For all who eat and drink without discerning the body eat and drink discerning the body eat and drink discerning the body eat and drink judgment against themselves. judgment against themselves. judgment against themselves. >> For this reason, >> but if we judged ourselves, we would not >> but if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. >> So then, my brothers and sisters, when >> So then, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one you come together to eat, wait for one you come together to eat, wait for one another. another. another. If you are hungry, eat at home so that If you are hungry, eat at home so that If you are hungry, eat at home so that when you come together, it will not be when you come together, it will not be when you come together, it will not be for your condemnation. About the other for your condemnation. About the other for your condemnation. About the other things, I will give instructions when I things, I will give instructions when I things, I will give instructions when I come. Amen. Please remain standing for this Please remain standing for this morning's hymn. Are you washed in the morning's hymn. Are you washed in the morning's hymn. Are you washed in the blood of the lamb? Anybody grateful for blood of the lamb? Anybody grateful for blood of the lamb? Anybody grateful for the blood this morning? I know I am. the blood this morning? I know I am. the blood this morning? I know I am. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Glory to God.

Come on, let's sing together. Come on, let's sing together. Have you been to Jesus for the living? Have you been to Jesus for the living? Have you been to Jesus for the living? Are you washed in the blood of the lamb? Are you washed in the blood of the lamb? Are you washed in the blood of the lamb? Are you holy Are you holy Are you holy gra? You walking You walking by the savior. by the savior. by the savior. Are you in the blood of the lamb? Are you in the blood of the lamb? Are you in the blood of the lamb? Do you Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Are you watching Are you watching my Well, to God be the glory.

Well, to God be the glory. To God be the glory To God be the glory To God be the glory for the wonderful things our God has for the wonderful things our God has for the wonderful things our God has done. Amen. Amen. Amen. You may be done. Amen. Amen. Amen. You may be done. Amen. Amen. Amen. You may be seated in the name of the Lord. What a seated in the name of the Lord. What a seated in the name of the Lord. What a joy it is to greet you on this first joy it is to greet you on this first joy it is to greet you on this first Sunday of the seventh month of the year Sunday of the seventh month of the year Sunday of the seventh month of the year 2026. 2026. 2026. We have made it to the month of July. We have made it to the month of July. We have made it to the month of July. And we give God praise for the wonderful And we give God praise for the wonderful And we give God praise for the wonderful privilege privilege privilege to be alive and in worship on this to be alive and in worship on this to be alive and in worship on this Sunday morning. And we're grateful that Sunday morning. And we're grateful that Sunday morning. And we're grateful that the blood of the lamb has washed us and the blood of the lamb has washed us and the blood of the lamb has washed us and we are cleansed from our sins. And to we are cleansed from our sins. And to we are cleansed from our sins. And to God be the glory for the wonderful God be the glory for the wonderful God be the glory for the wonderful privilege of worship in which we are now privilege of worship in which we are now privilege of worship in which we are now engaged. Anybody glad to be in worship engaged. Anybody glad to be in worship engaged. Anybody glad to be in worship this morning? I certainly am. this morning? I certainly am. this morning? I certainly am. I certainly am. And I praise God for I certainly am. And I praise God for I certainly am. And I praise God for each one of you who has made it today. each one of you who has made it today. each one of you who has made it today. To those who share all around the world, To those who share all around the world, To those who share all around the world, wherever we may be, it's just a joy to wherever we may be, it's just a joy to wherever we may be, it's just a joy to be uh with the saints in the experience be uh with the saints in the experience be uh with the saints in the experience of worship on this Lord's day. And I of worship on this Lord's day. And I of worship on this Lord's day. And I thank God for all of our visitors, thank God for all of our visitors, thank God for all of our visitors, first-time visitors especially who come first-time visitors especially who come first-time visitors especially who come to share with us on any given Sunday.

to share with us on any given Sunday. to share with us on any given Sunday. And this Sunday is no different. If And this Sunday is no different. If And this Sunday is no different. If you're a firsttime visitor to Wheeler you're a firsttime visitor to Wheeler you're a firsttime visitor to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, will you please Avenue Baptist Church, will you please Avenue Baptist Church, will you please stand right where you are so we may see stand right where you are so we may see stand right where you are so we may see you and celebrate your presence in the you and celebrate your presence in the you and celebrate your presence in the Lord's house today. There's my sister, Lord's house today. There's my sister, Lord's house today. There's my sister, another sister back in the back. Two another sister back in the back. Two another sister back in the back. Two more who have come. Please remain more who have come. Please remain more who have come. Please remain standing so we can see you really, standing so we can see you really, standing so we can see you really, really good. We can see you really, really good. We can see you really, really good. We can see you really, really well. I see you back there. God really well. I see you back there. God really well. I see you back there. God bless you. Well, to God be the glory for bless you. Well, to God be the glory for bless you. Well, to God be the glory 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 Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. We Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. We Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church today. We recognize you got up early to come to recognize you got up early to come to recognize you got up early to come to church church church and we thank you so much for doing that. and we thank you so much for doing that. and we thank you so much for doing that. We're so excited to have you in our We're so excited to have you in our We're so excited to have you in our midst today and we pray that you're midst today and we pray that you're midst today and we pray that you're already being blessed as you share with already being blessed as you share with already being blessed as you share with us in this experience of worship. We us in this experience of worship. We us in this experience of worship. We recognize that many of you have church recognize that many of you have church recognize that many of you have church homes from which you've come and I'll homes from which you've come and I'll homes from which you've come and I'll always ask that you'll take back to your always ask that you'll take back to your always ask that you'll take back to your pastors and local congregations the pastors and local congregations the pastors and local congregations the warmest greetings of Wheeler Avenue warmest greetings of Wheeler Avenue warmest greetings of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Let those sisters and Baptist Church. Let those sisters and Baptist Church. Let those sisters and brothers know that we were delighted to brothers know that we were delighted to brothers know that we were delighted to have you on our church campus today in have you on our church campus today in have you on our church campus today in our first worship service. But if you our first worship service. But if you our first worship service. But if you don't have a pastor, if you don't have a don't have a pastor, if you don't have a don't have a pastor, if you don't have a church home which you've come, you live church home which you've come, you live church home which you've come, you live in the greater Houston community, we in the greater Houston community, we in the greater Houston community, we invite you to take a look at the Wheeler invite you to take a look at the Wheeler invite you to take a look at the Wheeler Avenue church for you'll find here some Avenue church for you'll find here some Avenue church for you'll find here some wonderful sisters and brothers who'd wonderful sisters and brothers who'd wonderful sisters and brothers who'd love to claim you as their sister and love to claim you as their sister and love to claim you as their sister and their brother. We'd love to claim you as their brother. We'd love to claim you as their brother. We'd love to claim you as a part of our worshiping community. But a part of our worshiping community. But a part of our worshiping community. But whatever the case may be, please know whatever the case may be, please know whatever the case may be, please know that on this Sunday, you are most that on this Sunday, you are most that on this Sunday, you are most welcome at Wheeler Avenue Baptist welcome at Wheeler Avenue Baptist welcome at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And the congregation wants to Church. And the congregation wants to Church. And the congregation wants to show you that right now. This is us show you that right now. This is us show you that right now. This is us telling you how welcome you are. Amen.

telling you how welcome you are. Amen. telling you how welcome you are. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. To God be the glory. Amen. Amen. Amen. To God be the glory. Amen. Amen. Amen. To God be the glory. You may be seated. And as you take your You may be seated. And as you take your You may be seated. And as you take your seats, just one further request that we seats, just one further request that we seats, just one further request that we make of you, and that is that you'll make of you, and that is that you'll make of you, and that is that you'll text visit WABC to the number that you text visit WABC to the number that you text visit WABC to the number that you see on the screen there. If you text see on the screen there. If you text see on the screen there. If you text that, we'll send you a more personalized that, we'll send you a more personalized that, we'll send you a more personalized greeting in the days ahead. Just know greeting in the days ahead. Just know greeting in the days ahead. Just know that today we are most grateful that God that today we are most grateful that God that today we are most grateful that God has ordered your steps to Wheeler Avenue has ordered your steps to Wheeler Avenue has ordered your steps to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And we thank you so much Baptist Church. And we thank you so much Baptist Church. And we thank you so much for being with us in this experience of for being with us in this experience of for being with us in this experience of worship. Now, you said you were glad, worship. Now, you said you were glad, worship. Now, you said you were glad, most of you said you were glad to be in most of you said you were glad to be in most of you said you were glad to be in worship this morning. I hope you're also worship this morning. I hope you're also worship this morning. I hope you're also glad to sit next to the person you're glad to sit next to the person you're glad to sit next to the person you're sitting next to and uh see the people sitting next to and uh see the people sitting next to and uh see the people around you. So, go ahead and put a smile around you. So, go ahead and put a smile around you. So, go ahead and put a smile on their faces. Tell them, "I'm glad to on their faces. Tell them, "I'm glad to on their faces. Tell them, "I'm glad to be in worship with you. be in worship with you. be in worship with you. I'm glad to be in worship with you. It's I'm glad to be in worship with you. It's I'm glad to be in worship with you. It's good to see you. I haven't seen you good to see you. I haven't seen you good to see you. I haven't seen you since the last time I saw you. It's good since the last time I saw you. It's good since the last time I saw you. It's good to be in worship with you. to be in worship with you. to be in worship with you. Yes. Yes. Yes. How you doing? Yes. Yes. Yes. How you doing? Yes. Yes. Yes. How you doing? In the more lurggical settings, we call In the more lurggical settings, we call In the more lurggical settings, we call this passing the peace of God. Pass the this passing the peace of God. Pass the this passing the peace of God. Pass the peace of God to somebody. Let them know peace of God to somebody. Let them know peace of God to somebody. Let them know that you wish God's blessings upon them.

that you wish God's blessings upon them. that you wish God's blessings upon them. God's peace to be upon them in the name God's peace to be upon them in the name God's peace to be upon them in the name of the Lord. To all those of you around of the Lord. To all those of you around of the Lord. To all those of you around the world, God bless you one and all. We the world, God bless you one and all. We the world, God bless you one and all. We praise God for your sharing with us this praise God for your sharing with us this praise God for your sharing with us this morning. We pray that you're being morning. We pray that you're being morning. We pray that you're being blessed already even from a distance and blessed already even from a distance and blessed already even from a distance and that you with those who also in that uh that you with those who also in that uh that you with those who also in that uh virtual space will share with one virtual space will share with one virtual space will share with one another in the chat and be blessed as a another in the chat and be blessed as a another in the chat and be blessed as a consequence of your sharing with the consequence of your sharing with the consequence of your sharing with the Wheeler Avenue church this Lord's Day. Wheeler Avenue church this Lord's Day. Wheeler Avenue church this Lord's Day. Please know that this month is filled Please know that this month is filled Please know that this month is filled with opportunities for worship and study with opportunities for worship and study with opportunities for worship and study and fellowship. And we want you to be a and fellowship. And we want you to be a and fellowship. And we want you to be a part of all of it. We don't want you to part of all of it. We don't want you to part of all of it. We don't want you to miss it. Whenever you miss part of the miss it. Whenever you miss part of the miss it. Whenever you miss part of the fellowship experiences, you really miss fellowship experiences, you really miss fellowship experiences, you really miss out on part of the fabric of the church, out on part of the fabric of the church, out on part of the fabric of the church, the lifeblood of the church. And so, let the lifeblood of the church. And so, let the lifeblood of the church. And so, let me share with you a few things that are me share with you a few things that are me share with you a few things that are happening uh this month so that we all happening uh this month so that we all happening uh this month so that we all can be together in this experience of can be together in this experience of can be together in this experience of the Wheeler Avenue church. Please know the Wheeler Avenue church. Please know the Wheeler Avenue church. Please know that on Wednesday, as is our custom, that on Wednesday, as is our custom, that on Wednesday, as is our custom, we'll begin our day early in the morning we'll begin our day early in the morning we'll begin our day early in the morning with prayer at 6:00 in the virtual with prayer at 6:00 in the virtual with prayer at 6:00 in the virtual space. And I hope that you will share space. And I hope that you will share space. And I hope that you will share with us in that experience. And of with us in that experience. And of with us in that experience. And of course at 12:00 noon and 700 p.m. we'll course at 12:00 noon and 700 p.m. we'll course at 12:00 noon and 700 p.m. we'll be here at the Wheeler Avenue Church in be here at the Wheeler Avenue Church in be here at the Wheeler Avenue Church in study and we invite you to come and study and we invite you to come and study and we invite you to come and share with us in study on the avenue uh share with us in study on the avenue uh share with us in study on the avenue uh that takes place in those two respective that takes place in those two respective that takes place in those two respective times. But just before that 700 p.m.

times. But just before that 700 p.m. times. But just before that 700 p.m. study there is uh the opportunity for study there is uh the opportunity for study there is uh the opportunity for more prayer. That's an hour-long prayer more prayer. That's an hour-long prayer more prayer. That's an hour-long prayer service and we invite you to be a part service and we invite you to be a part service and we invite you to be a part of that prayer meeting that happens in of that prayer meeting that happens in of that prayer meeting that happens in the sanctuary as the Dr. Art Quio gives the sanctuary as the Dr. Art Quio gives the sanctuary as the Dr. Art Quio gives leadership in that experience. Please leadership in that experience. Please leadership in that experience. Please know that next Saturday, next Saturday, know that next Saturday, next Saturday, know that next Saturday, next Saturday, we will have what is known as new life we will have what is known as new life we will have what is known as new life service. And we're excited about new service. And we're excited about new service. And we're excited about new life service. That's when we baptize life service. That's when we baptize life service. That's when we baptize those who have given their lives to the those who have given their lives to the those who have given their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. And we dedicate Lord Jesus Christ. And we dedicate Lord Jesus Christ. And we dedicate babies unto the Lord. We're excited babies unto the Lord. We're excited babies unto the Lord. We're excited about new life service. about new life service. about new life service. Yes, we've had to take that out of the Yes, we've had to take that out of the Yes, we've had to take that out of the Sunday experience to make sure that we Sunday experience to make sure that we Sunday experience to make sure that we had enough worship time for our three had enough worship time for our three had enough worship time for our three services. And so we ask that you will services. And so we ask that you will services. And so we ask that you will come and share if you're so inclined on come and share if you're so inclined on come and share if you're so inclined on Saturday morning at 11:00 right here in Saturday morning at 11:00 right here in Saturday morning at 11:00 right here in the cathedral as we baptize and dedicate the cathedral as we baptize and dedicate the cathedral as we baptize and dedicate babies unto the Lord. And then please babies unto the Lord. And then please babies unto the Lord. And then please know that next Sunday, next Sunday is know that next Sunday, next Sunday is know that next Sunday, next Sunday is college student sendoff. It's already college student sendoff. It's already college student sendoff. It's already time to send our students away. Uh we time to send our students away. Uh we time to send our students away. Uh we are great grateful that God has blessed are great grateful that God has blessed are great grateful that God has blessed us with the opportunity to do that. Many us with the opportunity to do that. Many us with the opportunity to do that. Many students leave earlier and earlier every students leave earlier and earlier every students leave earlier and earlier every year. And so we have to move our college year. And so we have to move our college year. And so we have to move our college students in off earlier and earlier students in off earlier and earlier students in off earlier and earlier every year. And so it will be on next every year. And so it will be on next every year. And so it will be on next Sunday. And all those who have seniors Sunday. And all those who have seniors Sunday. And all those who have seniors who have graduated who have graduated who have graduated from high school, we invite you to make from high school, we invite you to make from high school, we invite you to make sure that they are here uh in the sure that they are here uh in the sure that they are here uh in the morning worship services as we together morning worship services as we together morning worship services as we together uh share in their progress and in their uh share in their progress and in their uh share in their progress and in their movement. Please likewise know that movement. Please likewise know that movement. Please likewise know that you're more than encouraged to wear your you're more than encouraged to wear your you're more than encouraged to wear your uh your college gear, uh your sority or uh your college gear, uh your sority or uh your college gear, uh your sority or fraternity paraphernelia, whatever you

fraternity paraphernelia, whatever you fraternity paraphernelia, whatever you want to wear that is reminiscent of a want to wear that is reminiscent of a want to wear that is reminiscent of a college experience. If you had a college college experience. If you had a college college experience. If you had a college experience, if not TSU is down there, we experience, if not TSU is down there, we experience, if not TSU is down there, we University of Houston is down there. You University of Houston is down there. You University of Houston is down there. You can go buy something and you can fake can go buy something and you can fake can go buy something and you can fake the funk next week and nobody will know. Nobody will know the difference. just Nobody will know the difference. just come on and share with us in uh the come on and share with us in uh the come on and share with us in uh the college day experience. If you prefer to college day experience. If you prefer to college day experience. If you prefer to wear your Wheeler click gear, that's wear your Wheeler click gear, that's wear your Wheeler click gear, that's perfectly fine. We're just going to have perfectly fine. We're just going to have perfectly fine. We're just going to have a good time celebrating with our young a good time celebrating with our young a good time celebrating with our young people next Sunday. Amen. And then the people next Sunday. Amen. And then the people next Sunday. Amen. And then the very next day, Monday, is vacation bible very next day, Monday, is vacation bible very next day, Monday, is vacation bible school. And I'm excited about vacation school. And I'm excited about vacation school. And I'm excited about vacation bible school. The very next day, and I bible school. The very next day, and I bible school. The very next day, and I hope that you have already registered hope that you have already registered hope that you have already registered for vacation bible school. It's going to for vacation bible school. It's going to for vacation bible school. It's going to be a great time, great opportunity for be a great time, great opportunity for be a great time, great opportunity for us together to fellowship and study and us together to fellowship and study and us together to fellowship and study and to enjoy the company of those sisters to enjoy the company of those sisters to enjoy the company of those sisters and brothers who are members and and brothers who are members and and brothers who are members and visitors to the Wheeler Avenue Church. visitors to the Wheeler Avenue Church. visitors to the Wheeler Avenue Church. We really want you to register because We really want you to register because We really want you to register because we want to make sure that we plan we want to make sure that we plan we want to make sure that we plan properly for those or properly planned properly for those or properly planned properly for those or properly planned for those who come to be with us in the for those who come to be with us in the for those who come to be with us in the vacation bible school experience. We vacation bible school experience. We vacation bible school experience. We invite you to be here Monday through invite you to be here Monday through invite you to be here Monday through Friday the 13th through the 17th as we Friday the 13th through the 17th as we Friday the 13th through the 17th as we together uh study the word of God and together uh study the word of God and together uh study the word of God and enjoy the fellowship of the saints here enjoy the fellowship of the saints here enjoy the fellowship of the saints here at the Wheeler Avenue Church. If you at the Wheeler Avenue Church. If you at the Wheeler Avenue Church. If you were in worship at the beginning of were in worship at the beginning of were in worship at the beginning of worship, even before the call to worship, even before the call to worship, even before the call to worship, you heard some of those worship, you heard some of those worship, you heard some of those announcements and one of those announcements and one of those announcements and one of those announcements was about amplified.

announcements was about amplified. announcements was about amplified. Amplify our media and production Amplify our media and production Amplify our media and production ministry is absolutely astounding. ministry is absolutely astounding. ministry is absolutely astounding. They're amazing. They're all inspiring They're amazing. They're all inspiring They're amazing. They're all inspiring and we thank God for them. We thank God and we thank God for them. We thank God and we thank God for them. We thank God for them. There's that big booth that for them. There's that big booth that for them. There's that big booth that you see right there with some people in you see right there with some people in you see right there with some people in it. There's a big room back there with it. There's a big room back there with it. There's a big room back there with some other people in it. There's some some other people in it. There's some some other people in it. There's some people over here and over here. You people over here and over here. You people over here and over here. You never know all the people who are moving never know all the people who are moving never know all the people who are moving about us to make sure that we can see about us to make sure that we can see about us to make sure that we can see and hear and the world can do the same. and hear and the world can do the same. and hear and the world can do the same. And I'm so grateful that they have been And I'm so grateful that they have been And I'm so grateful that they have been used of God uh to make such a difference used of God uh to make such a difference used of God uh to make such a difference uh in the worship experience. Without uh in the worship experience. Without uh in the worship experience. Without them, our worship would be less than them, our worship would be less than them, our worship would be less than excellent as it is today. And uh they're excellent as it is today. And uh they're excellent as it is today. And uh they're going to have a conference because so going to have a conference because so going to have a conference because so many people have asked them how they do many people have asked them how they do many people have asked them how they do what they do. Isn't that something? And what they do. Isn't that something? And what they do. Isn't that something? And so they're going to have a conference so they're going to have a conference so they're going to have a conference beginning October 5th going through the beginning October 5th going through the beginning October 5th going through the 8th. And we invite you if you're 8th. And we invite you if you're 8th. And we invite you if you're interested in that kind of experience. interested in that kind of experience. interested in that kind of experience. If you like techn technology and media If you like techn technology and media If you like techn technology and media and production, we invite you to and production, we invite you to and production, we invite you to participate in that. But this is participate in that. But this is participate in that. But this is likewise for those all around the world likewise for those all around the world likewise for those all around the world who would like to come to the Wheeler who would like to come to the Wheeler who would like to come to the Wheeler Avenue church and participate. We Avenue church and participate. We Avenue church and participate. We mention it today in July because early mention it today in July because early mention it today in July because early bird registration has already begun. And bird registration has already begun. And bird registration has already begun. And if there are persons who would like to if there are persons who would like to if there are persons who would like to get in on the action and even want to get in on the action and even want to get in on the action and even want to make some travel plans to come all the make some travel plans to come all the make some travel plans to come all the way to Houston, Texas for it, we invite way to Houston, Texas for it, we invite way to Houston, Texas for it, we invite you to do so. That will be October 5th you to do so. That will be October 5th you to do so. That will be October 5th through the 8th. Early bird registration through the 8th. Early bird registration through the 8th. Early bird registration has already begun and we hope that we has already begun and we hope that we has already begun and we hope that we will have an absolutely amazing time will have an absolutely amazing time will have an absolutely amazing time experiencing uh that conference in the experiencing uh that conference in the experiencing uh that conference in the month of October. Now, you already know. You already know.

you already know. You already know. Oh, if you don't know, you're about to Oh, if you don't know, you're about to Oh, if you don't know, you're about to know. know. know. There are some folk who know. There are some folk who know. There are some folk who know. Minister Lewis knows. Reverend Dennis Minister Lewis knows. Reverend Dennis Minister Lewis knows. Reverend Dennis Collins knows. Why are you all sitting Collins knows. Why are you all sitting Collins knows. Why are you all sitting there so laz blas? Wake up. Get excited. there so laz blas? Wake up. Get excited. there so laz blas? Wake up. Get excited. Come on, Sister Mindy. I see you up Come on, Sister Mindy. I see you up Come on, Sister Mindy. I see you up there. It's July birthday time. there. It's July birthday time. there. It's July birthday time. It's July birthday time. It's July birthday time. It's July birthday time. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, we have endured all you January people, we have endured all you January people, we have endured all you January people, all you February, March, April, May, and all you February, March, April, May, and all you February, March, April, May, and June people. And now the Lord's month June people. And now the Lord's month June people. And now the Lord's month has come. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. And I'm excited to celebrate with some And I'm excited to celebrate with some And I'm excited to celebrate with some July birth buddies. And I thank God for July birth buddies. And I thank God for July birth buddies. And I thank God for all of them. Let me point out a few of all of them. Let me point out a few of all of them. Let me point out a few of them to you just before we sing and them to you just before we sing and them to you just before we sing and celebrate one with another. Um, all the celebrate one with another. Um, all the celebrate one with another. Um, all the way back in the back of the church is way back in the back of the church is way back in the back of the church is Deacon Fran. Deacon is Francis Jackson.

Deacon Fran. Deacon is Francis Jackson. Deacon Fran. Deacon is Francis Jackson. She's our charter member. She turns 93 She's our charter member. She turns 93 She's our charter member. She turns 93 on the 24th. 93 on the 24th. Praise the Lord. God 93 on the 24th. Praise the Lord. God bless you, Deaconist Jackson. bless you, Deaconist Jackson. bless you, Deaconist Jackson. And listen, he can't get here very And listen, he can't get here very And listen, he can't get here very regularly, but I called him and asked regularly, but I called him and asked regularly, but I called him and asked him to be here today because Deacon him to be here today because Deacon him to be here today because Deacon Charles Brown, our most senior deacon, Charles Brown, our most senior deacon, Charles Brown, our most senior deacon, just got wheeled into the church. He just got wheeled into the church. He just got wheeled into the church. He will be 98 this month and we celebrating will be 98 this month and we celebrating will be 98 this month and we celebrating him. him. him. Come on, Deacon Charles Brown. Come on, Deacon Charles Brown. Come on, Deacon Charles Brown. We call him coach, We call him coach, We call him coach, football coach extraordinaire, football coach extraordinaire, football coach extraordinaire, man of God, deacon of this church for man of God, deacon of this church for man of God, deacon of this church for more than 50 years. Praise the Lord for Deacon Charles Praise the Lord for Deacon Charles Brown. Yeah, man. You got it like that. Brown. Yeah, man. You got it like that. Brown. Yeah, man. You got it like that. That's just It's just how you roll.

That's just It's just how you roll. That's just It's just how you roll. Literally. That was funny to me. I hope it was That was funny to me. I hope it was funny to you, too. My mama just came in funny to you, too. My mama just came in funny to you, too. My mama just came in here. She rolled in here, too. She'll here. She rolled in here, too. She'll here. She rolled in here, too. She'll turn another age on the 22nd. I'm not turn another age on the 22nd. I'm not turn another age on the 22nd. I'm not going to tell you all that. going to tell you all that. going to tell you all that. Thank God for an octagonarian. Amen. Thank God for an octagonarian. Amen. Thank God for an octagonarian. Amen. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. And we celebrate with all of these who And we celebrate with all of these who And we celebrate with all of these who are giving praise for another year of are giving praise for another year of are giving praise for another year of life in the month of July. Can we sing life in the month of July. Can we sing life in the month of July. Can we sing happy birthday to all of us who are happy birthday to all of us who are happy birthday to all of us who are celebrating this month? Come on, let's celebrating this month? Come on, let's celebrating this month? Come on, let's sing. Happy birthday. Happy birthday. Happy birthday. Happy birthday, everybody. Here we go. Happy birthday, everybody. Here we go. Happy birthday, everybody. Here we go. Hold it. Take a breath if you need to. Take a Take a breath if you need to. Take a breath if you need to.

Here Here we go. God bless you. God bless you. Deaconist God bless you. God bless you. Deaconist Dee already celebrated her birthday at Dee already celebrated her birthday at Dee already celebrated her birthday at the first three days of the month. Thank the first three days of the month. Thank the first three days of the month. Thank God for all of you. First baby born to God for all of you. First baby born to God for all of you. First baby born to our church just stood up. Deacon is our church just stood up. Deacon is our church just stood up. Deacon is Dedra Fontaine. She's celebrating. Dedra Fontaine. She's celebrating. Dedra Fontaine. She's celebrating. Church was organized in March, started Church was organized in March, started Church was organized in March, started in June. She was born in July. We thank in June. She was born in July. We thank in June. She was born in July. We thank God for it. We have no idea how old she God for it. We have no idea how old she God for it. We have no idea how old she is, but we're so grateful. And somewhere in 1962, the Lord brought And somewhere in 1962, the Lord brought her to the world. her to the world. her to the world. We praise God for that. All right, come We praise God for that. All right, come We praise God for that. All right, come on. Let's give unto the Lord. It's on. Let's give unto the Lord. It's on. Let's give unto the Lord. It's offering time in the Lord's house. We're offering time in the Lord's house. We're offering time in the Lord's house. We're excited about giving. As we honor the Lord through the As we honor the Lord through the presentation of our tithes and presentation of our tithes and presentation of our tithes and offerings, as we prepare to do that, our offerings, as we prepare to do that, our offerings, as we prepare to do that, our deacon, I'm sorry, our ushers, our deacon, I'm sorry, our ushers, our deacon, I'm sorry, our ushers, our courtesy core members are moving through courtesy core members are moving through courtesy core members are moving through the aisles right now. They are preparing the aisles right now. They are preparing the aisles right now. They are preparing to give to us these envelopes as we need to give to us these envelopes as we need to give to us these envelopes as we need them. If you want to place a paper gift them. If you want to place a paper gift them. If you want to place a paper gift therein, we invite you to do that this therein, we invite you to do that this therein, we invite you to do that this Sunday morning.

Sunday morning. Sunday morning. If you prefer the digital methods that If you prefer the digital methods that If you prefer the digital methods that you see them scrolling on the screens you see them scrolling on the screens you see them scrolling on the screens now some are taking pictures of the QR now some are taking pictures of the QR now some are taking pictures of the QR code. code. code. Others will be using Others will be using Others will be using text to give option text to give option text to give option you giving through push pay. Whatever you giving through push pay. Whatever you giving through push pay. Whatever the your preferred method of giving may the your preferred method of giving may the your preferred method of giving may be we invite you to honor the Lord in be we invite you to honor the Lord in be we invite you to honor the Lord in this time of worship through giving. this time of worship through giving. this time of worship through giving. The technology changes. We have varying The technology changes. We have varying The technology changes. We have varying options but the reverential action, the options but the reverential action, the options but the reverential action, the experience of worship does not change. experience of worship does not change. experience of worship does not change. We present to God first what God We present to God first what God We present to God first what God presented to us because we prioritize presented to us because we prioritize presented to us because we prioritize God. We begin with the tithe. The tithe God. We begin with the tithe. The tithe God. We begin with the tithe. The tithe is holy unto God. And so we bring that is holy unto God. And so we bring that is holy unto God. And so we bring that first 10% to the Lord's house and we first 10% to the Lord's house and we first 10% to the Lord's house and we offer it unto God as the way by which offer it unto God as the way by which offer it unto God as the way by which the church continues to thrive and the church continues to thrive and the church continues to thrive and prosper. prosper. prosper. And then we give an offering beyond that And then we give an offering beyond that And then we give an offering beyond that tithe that says to God and to the work tithe that says to God and to the work tithe that says to God and to the work of the church that we want the best for of the church that we want the best for of the church that we want the best for our church. We're grateful to God for our church. We're grateful to God for our church. We're grateful to God for all that he has done for us. And so we all that he has done for us. And so we all that he has done for us. And so we give back to God a portion of that even give back to God a portion of that even give back to God a portion of that even beyond the minimum requirement of the beyond the minimum requirement of the beyond the minimum requirement of the tithe.

tithe. tithe. And then finally, we give to missions And then finally, we give to missions And then finally, we give to missions and mercy. The Lord Jesus says, "I want and mercy. The Lord Jesus says, "I want and mercy. The Lord Jesus says, "I want you to take care of the least of my you to take care of the least of my you to take care of the least of my sisters and brothers. I want you to take sisters and brothers. I want you to take sisters and brothers. I want you to take care of those who may not have food or care of those who may not have food or care of those who may not have food or housing or options for progress and housing or options for progress and housing or options for progress and productivity. Take care of the least of productivity. Take care of the least of productivity. Take care of the least of my sons and daughters, my sisters and my sons and daughters, my sisters and my sons and daughters, my sisters and brothers. And so we do that through the brothers. And so we do that through the brothers. And so we do that through the presentation of our missions and mercy presentation of our missions and mercy presentation of our missions and mercy gifts. And we're so grateful to each of gifts. And we're so grateful to each of gifts. And we're so grateful to each of you who gives regularly and generously you who gives regularly and generously you who gives regularly and generously to that work. It allows us to give to that work. It allows us to give to that work. It allows us to give regularly and generously to those who regularly and generously to those who regularly and generously to those who are in need. To God be the glory for are in need. To God be the glory for are in need. To God be the glory for each of you who take seriously that each of you who take seriously that each of you who take seriously that responsibility. Well, we're going to responsibility. Well, we're going to responsibility. Well, we're going to pray over all of it because we must pray over all of it because we must pray over all of it because we must consecrate these gifts unto the Lord. consecrate these gifts unto the Lord. consecrate these gifts unto the Lord. And as we do so, won't you bow with me And as we do so, won't you bow with me And as we do so, won't you bow with me now in a moment of prayer? Gracious God, now in a moment of prayer? Gracious God, now in a moment of prayer? Gracious God, we thank you so much for the gift of we thank you so much for the gift of we thank you so much for the gift of giving. And you have shown us through giving. And you have shown us through giving. And you have shown us through example what it means to be a generous example what it means to be a generous example what it means to be a generous giver, giver, giver, a consistent giver. a consistent giver. a consistent giver. You give to us everything that we need.

You give to us everything that we need. You give to us everything that we need. Your word declares that every good and Your word declares that every good and Your word declares that every good and perfect gift comes from you, the father perfect gift comes from you, the father perfect gift comes from you, the father of lights. In you there is no of lights. In you there is no of lights. In you there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. variableness, neither shadow of turning. variableness, neither shadow of turning. And we thank you so much for your And we thank you so much for your And we thank you so much for your consistency, your generosity, your consistency, your generosity, your consistency, your generosity, your faithfulness toward us. We thank you now faithfulness toward us. We thank you now faithfulness toward us. We thank you now for the opportunity to return to you a for the opportunity to return to you a for the opportunity to return to you a portion of what you've given to us. And portion of what you've given to us. And portion of what you've given to us. And we pray that no one will lack as a we pray that no one will lack as a we pray that no one will lack as a consequence of what we give this Sunday, consequence of what we give this Sunday, consequence of what we give this Sunday, but you will return to your sons and but you will return to your sons and but you will return to your sons and daughters as you see fit. and we will daughters as you see fit. and we will daughters as you see fit. and we will testify throughout the ages. And we testify throughout the ages. And we testify throughout the ages. And we really can't beat God giving no matter really can't beat God giving no matter really can't beat God giving no matter how we try. We do thank you for victory how we try. We do thank you for victory how we try. We do thank you for victory in our finances. And I pray that over in our finances. And I pray that over in our finances. And I pray that over every man, woman, and child who gives in every man, woman, and child who gives in every man, woman, and child who gives in worship this day. Even those who feel worship this day. Even those who feel worship this day. Even those who feel that they are not able to give at this that they are not able to give at this that they are not able to give at this time. I pray your blessings upon them, time. I pray your blessings upon them, time. I pray your blessings upon them, oh God. Meet their needs in July, even oh God. Meet their needs in July, even oh God. Meet their needs in July, even as you have done every other month of as you have done every other month of as you have done every other month of their lives. and we thank you for the their lives. and we thank you for the their lives. and we thank you for the victory that is ours because we are victory that is ours because we are victory that is ours because we are yours. In the strong and precious name yours. In the strong and precious name yours. In the strong and precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, do we pray of the Lord Jesus Christ, do we pray of the Lord Jesus Christ, do we pray with great thanksgiving and expectation with great thanksgiving and expectation with great thanksgiving and expectation and all of God's people together said and all of God's people together said and all of God's people together said hallelujah. Let the church say amen.

hallelujah. Let the church say amen. hallelujah. Let the church say amen. Amen. Let's give unto our God. And as we Amen. Let's give unto our God. And as we Amen. Let's give unto our God. And as we do our music ministry led by July baby, do our music ministry led by July baby, do our music ministry led by July baby, have you heard the minister Leon have you heard the minister Leon have you heard the minister Leon Christopher Lewis? They will come and Christopher Lewis? They will come and Christopher Lewis? They will come and bless us as they prepare us for the word bless us as they prepare us for the word bless us as they prepare us for the word of God. A change, A change, a change a change a change has come over And now And now I'm free.

>> He washed away >> He washed away all my sin and he made me. all my sin and he made me. all my sin and he made me. Oh, why why am my life complete my life complete And now I see And now I see And now I see it. I sit at my Savior's feet it. I sit at my Savior's feet it. I sit at my Savior's feet to do. What must be done? What must be done? I'm going to work and work I'm going to work and work I'm going to work and work until he comes.

Wonderful. Wonderful. >> Wonderful. Don't you change Don't you change my life. I got I got Heat. Heat. Heat. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you Jesus for this And I'm mighty glad about it. To God be And I'm mighty glad about it. To God be the glory. Thank you so much, Sister the glory. Thank you so much, Sister the glory. Thank you so much, Sister Sabrina. Thank you, music ministry, for Sabrina. Thank you, music ministry, for Sabrina. Thank you, music ministry, for reminding us reminding us reminding us that if we let him, the Lord will change that if we let him, the Lord will change that if we let him, the Lord will change us us us and we'll be the better as a result.

and we'll be the better as a result. and we'll be the better as a result. There are witnesses all over the s There are witnesses all over the s There are witnesses all over the s church today who can testify that a church today who can testify that a church today who can testify that a wonderful change wonderful change wonderful change has come over you and me. To God be the has come over you and me. To God be the has come over you and me. To God be the glory for that reality this Sunday glory for that reality this Sunday glory for that reality this Sunday morning. Let's look into the word of God morning. Let's look into the word of God morning. Let's look into the word of God for these next few moments. I invite for these next few moments. I invite for these next few moments. I invite your attention to the New Testament book your attention to the New Testament book your attention to the New Testament book of Romans, the epistle to the Romans, of Romans, the epistle to the Romans, of Romans, the epistle to the Romans, Romans chapter 4. And I want to look at Romans chapter 4. And I want to look at Romans chapter 4. And I want to look at verse 25a, the first portion of the fir verse 25a, the first portion of the fir verse 25a, the first portion of the fir the 25th verse, which is the last verse the 25th verse, which is the last verse the 25th verse, which is the last verse of chapter 4. Lord willing, we'll make of chapter 4. Lord willing, we'll make of chapter 4. Lord willing, we'll make our way into chapter 5. But let's look our way into chapter 5. But let's look our way into chapter 5. But let's look at Romans chapter 4, beginning with the at Romans chapter 4, beginning with the at Romans chapter 4, beginning with the 25th verse. And if you found that 25th verse. And if you found that 25th verse. And if you found that passage of scripture, say amen. passage of scripture, say amen. passage of scripture, say amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> I'm reading today from the New >> I'm reading today from the New >> I'm reading today from the New International Version of the Holy Word International Version of the Holy Word International Version of the Holy Word of God. And this is what it says. He of God. And this is what it says. He of God. And this is what it says. He meaning Jesus was delivered over to meaning Jesus was delivered over to meaning Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins. death for our sins. death for our sins. That's enough. Amen. Praise God for his That's enough. Amen. Praise God for his That's enough. Amen. Praise God for his holy word. You may be seated in the holy word. You may be seated in the holy word. You may be seated in the presence of our good and gracious God.

presence of our good and gracious God. presence of our good and gracious God. >> He was delivered >> He was delivered >> He was delivered over to death over to death over to death for our sins. for our sins. for our sins. for the time that is ours to share for the time that is ours to share for the time that is ours to share together on this Sunday morning. I want together on this Sunday morning. I want together on this Sunday morning. I want to talk about first Sunday theology. to talk about first Sunday theology. to talk about first Sunday theology. >> First Sunday >> First Sunday >> First Sunday theology. >> It doesn't take long to be around >> It doesn't take long to be around Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church to recognize that First Sundays are a recognize that First Sundays are a recognize that First Sundays are a little different. little different. little different. >> Intentionally designed to be different >> Intentionally designed to be different >> Intentionally designed to be different to be sure. to be sure. to be sure. This is this is our Sunday for This is this is our Sunday for This is this is our Sunday for significant significant significant and sacred reflection. and sacred reflection. and sacred reflection. >> First Sunday as we come when we come >> First Sunday as we come when we come >> First Sunday as we come when we come together to remind ourselves of to together to remind ourselves of to together to remind ourselves of to rehearse the story of that signal death rehearse the story of that signal death rehearse the story of that signal death that happened on a Friday afternoon to that happened on a Friday afternoon to that happened on a Friday afternoon to secure our salvation.

secure our salvation. secure our salvation. It doesn't take long to stay around It doesn't take long to stay around It doesn't take long to stay around Wheeler Avenue to notice that we we do Wheeler Avenue to notice that we we do Wheeler Avenue to notice that we we do it a little different on First Sunday. it a little different on First Sunday. it a little different on First Sunday. >> And we intentionally >> And we intentionally >> And we intentionally kind of spice it up a little bit on kind of spice it up a little bit on kind of spice it up a little bit on First Sunday. First Sunday. First Sunday. >> You'll notice there's a uniform for the >> You'll notice there's a uniform for the >> You'll notice there's a uniform for the church leaders and worship participants church leaders and worship participants church leaders and worship participants on the first Sunday. on the first Sunday. on the first Sunday. You'll notice that there's a scripture, You'll notice that there's a scripture, You'll notice that there's a scripture, if you get here early enough, there's a if you get here early enough, there's a if you get here early enough, there's a scripture that scripture that scripture that that is repeated every first Sunday. that is repeated every first Sunday. that is repeated every first Sunday. >> It's a responsive scripture reading to >> It's a responsive scripture reading to >> It's a responsive scripture reading to remind us of the death of the Lord Jesus remind us of the death of the Lord Jesus remind us of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. First Sundays are a little Christ. First Sundays are a little Christ. First Sundays are a little different. Got bloody songs on the first different. Got bloody songs on the first different. Got bloody songs on the first Sunday. Sunday. Sunday. >> First song the choir sang was the blood >> First song the choir sang was the blood >> First song the choir sang was the blood still works. Yeah. still works. Yeah. still works. Yeah. >> Then the hymn that we sang together was, >> Then the hymn that we sang together was, >> Then the hymn that we sang together was, "Are you washed in the blood?" "Are you washed in the blood?" "Are you washed in the blood?" >> First Sunday is different. You You know >> First Sunday is different. You You know >> First Sunday is different. You You know the pastor is going to be present on the the pastor is going to be present on the the pastor is going to be present on the first Sunday.

Wait, wait. And preaching. Yeah. Wait, wait. And preaching. Yeah. With the exception of June, which is With the exception of June, which is With the exception of June, which is church anniversary. You know, if there's church anniversary. You know, if there's church anniversary. You know, if there's no other Sunday, he's going to be there. no other Sunday, he's going to be there. no other Sunday, he's going to be there. He'll be there first Sunday and he's He'll be there first Sunday and he's He'll be there first Sunday and he's going to preach a crystalentric message. going to preach a crystalentric message. going to preach a crystalentric message. It's intentional that we talk about It's intentional that we talk about It's intentional that we talk about Jesus Jesus Jesus >> on the first Sunday >> on the first Sunday >> on the first Sunday >> because there is the necessary >> because there is the necessary >> because there is the necessary uh reality that all of us have a high uh reality that all of us have a high uh reality that all of us have a high worth for the things of the Lord Jesus worth for the things of the Lord Jesus worth for the things of the Lord Jesus for the work of the word Lord Jesus for for the work of the word Lord Jesus for for the work of the word Lord Jesus for for the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. So for the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. So for the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. So we take time to to ensure that we press we take time to to ensure that we press we take time to to ensure that we press the point on the first Sunday and then the point on the first Sunday and then the point on the first Sunday and then in just a few moments once this in just a few moments once this in just a few moments once this cristocentric message has concluded cristocentric message has concluded cristocentric message has concluded we're going to make our way to that we're going to make our way to that we're going to make our way to that table and we're going to remember we're table and we're going to remember we're table and we're going to remember we're going to celebrate going to commemorate going to celebrate going to commemorate going to celebrate going to commemorate the sacrificial and atoning death of the the sacrificial and atoning death of the the sacrificial and atoning death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus Christ. >> We're going to do what he told us to do. >> We're going to do what he told us to do. >> We're going to do what he told us to do. >> He said do this. >> He said do this. >> He said do this. in remembrance of me. in remembrance of me. in remembrance of me. >> And this is the first Sunday when nobody >> And this is the first Sunday when nobody >> And this is the first Sunday when nobody leaves before the benediction. Everybody stays to head to the table and Everybody stays to head to the table and because there's something special about because there's something special about because there's something special about the first Sunday of the month. Churches the first Sunday of the month. Churches the first Sunday of the month. Churches around the world do it every every around the world do it every every around the world do it every every month. Some on the first Sundays, others month. Some on the first Sundays, others month. Some on the first Sundays, others on other Sundays, others even every on other Sundays, others even every on other Sundays, others even every Sunday. Sometimes in in worship, we Sunday. Sometimes in in worship, we Sunday. Sometimes in in worship, we recognize the reality and the height, recognize the reality and the height, recognize the reality and the height, the worth of the Lord Jesus as preachers the worth of the Lord Jesus as preachers the worth of the Lord Jesus as preachers all across the country who have been uh all across the country who have been uh all across the country who have been uh reared in a certain ilk. They they reared in a certain ilk. They they reared in a certain ilk. They they remember every sermon that one Friday remember every sermon that one Friday remember every sermon that one Friday >> on a hill called Calvary, >> on a hill called Calvary, >> on a hill called Calvary, >> Jesus died. >> Jesus died. >> Jesus died. It doesn't matter if they're preaching It doesn't matter if they're preaching It doesn't matter if they're preaching from Lamentations, Leviticus, or Luke.

from Lamentations, Leviticus, or Luke. from Lamentations, Leviticus, or Luke. By the time they close, By the time they close, By the time they close, >> they're going to say one Friday >> they're going to say one Friday >> they're going to say one Friday >> on a hill called Calvary because we are >> on a hill called Calvary because we are >> on a hill called Calvary because we are supposed to remember supposed to remember supposed to remember that there's a there's a thin bloodline that there's a there's a thin bloodline that there's a there's a thin bloodline that runs from Genesis to the that runs from Genesis to the that runs from Genesis to the Revelation. Revelation. Revelation. And we have well bloody religion. And And we have well bloody religion. And And we have well bloody religion. And when we think about that and we think when we think about that and we think when we think about that and we think about the blood that was shed at about the blood that was shed at about the blood that was shed at Calvary, we get happy. We are grateful Calvary, we get happy. We are grateful Calvary, we get happy. We are grateful for the blood of the Lord Jesus. The for the blood of the Lord Jesus. The for the blood of the Lord Jesus. The Apostle Paul understood this. And when Apostle Paul understood this. And when Apostle Paul understood this. And when he talks to these first century he talks to these first century he talks to these first century Christians, when he talks to them about Christians, when he talks to them about Christians, when he talks to them about who they are to be and what they should who they are to be and what they should who they are to be and what they should know, he gives to them a an orderly and know, he gives to them a an orderly and know, he gives to them a an orderly and methodical treatise on the work and methodical treatise on the work and methodical treatise on the work and worth of our faith in the book of worth of our faith in the book of worth of our faith in the book of Romans. The book of Romans gives to us Romans. The book of Romans gives to us Romans. The book of Romans gives to us some good information when you when you some good information when you when you some good information when you when you want to know about our faith and what want to know about our faith and what want to know about our faith and what our faith means and how we should our faith means and how we should our faith means and how we should process and appreciate the faith that process and appreciate the faith that process and appreciate the faith that has been entrusted unto us. We we look has been entrusted unto us. We we look has been entrusted unto us. We we look at the book of of Romans and when Paul at the book of of Romans and when Paul at the book of of Romans and when Paul gives to them this information, he says gives to them this information, he says gives to them this information, he says to the Roman Christians, listen, you to the Roman Christians, listen, you to the Roman Christians, listen, you need to understand as Gentile believers, need to understand as Gentile believers, need to understand as Gentile believers, as those who have been converted to the as those who have been converted to the as those who have been converted to the faith, you need to know about Jesus and faith, you need to know about Jesus and faith, you need to know about Jesus and what the Lord Jesus has done to secure what the Lord Jesus has done to secure what the Lord Jesus has done to secure our salvation. And and here is what he

our salvation. And and here is what he our salvation. And and here is what he says. That Jesus was delivered over to says. That Jesus was delivered over to says. That Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins. I I'm intrigued by death for our sins. I I'm intrigued by death for our sins. I I'm intrigued by this. He says that the Lord Jesus was this. He says that the Lord Jesus was this. He says that the Lord Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins. delivered over to death for our sins. delivered over to death for our sins. Believe it or not, that literally is the Believe it or not, that literally is the Believe it or not, that literally is the first of my little two points of this first of my little two points of this first of my little two points of this message. And that is that Jesus was message. And that is that Jesus was message. And that is that Jesus was delivered over to death. Don't miss delivered over to death. Don't miss delivered over to death. Don't miss that. that Jesus, the Lord Jesus, our that. that Jesus, the Lord Jesus, our that. that Jesus, the Lord Jesus, our savior, our redeemer, our sooncoming savior, our redeemer, our sooncoming savior, our redeemer, our sooncoming king, was delivered over to death. The king, was delivered over to death. The king, was delivered over to death. The Apostle Paul makes this clear to them at Apostle Paul makes this clear to them at Apostle Paul makes this clear to them at the fourth chapter, but he's been the fourth chapter, but he's been the fourth chapter, but he's been leading up to it to be sure with his leading up to it to be sure with his leading up to it to be sure with his methodical treatise on the faith by methodical treatise on the faith by methodical treatise on the faith by beginning in chapter one. In chapter beginning in chapter one. In chapter beginning in chapter one. In chapter one, he commends them for their faith. one, he commends them for their faith. one, he commends them for their faith. He talks quite a bit about their faith. He talks quite a bit about their faith. He talks quite a bit about their faith. In the first chapter, he says, "You have In the first chapter, he says, "You have In the first chapter, he says, "You have chosen to believe in the Lord Jesus." chosen to believe in the Lord Jesus." chosen to believe in the Lord Jesus." Don't miss it. These are gentile Don't miss it. These are gentile Don't miss it. These are gentile Christians. Not the Jewish Christians Christians. Not the Jewish Christians Christians. Not the Jewish Christians particularly, but these are they who particularly, but these are they who particularly, but these are they who have given their life to the Lord Jesus have given their life to the Lord Jesus have given their life to the Lord Jesus Christ and have now come into the faith.

Christ and have now come into the faith. Christ and have now come into the faith. And he wants them to know that uh just And he wants them to know that uh just And he wants them to know that uh just as the Jewish Christians or converts as the Jewish Christians or converts as the Jewish Christians or converts have accepted the wonderful work of the have accepted the wonderful work of the have accepted the wonderful work of the Lord Jesus, now these gentile Christians Lord Jesus, now these gentile Christians Lord Jesus, now these gentile Christians have done the same. And he says, "Your have done the same. And he says, "Your have done the same. And he says, "Your faith is commendable. I commend. I faith is commendable. I commend. I faith is commendable. I commend. I applaud. I approve of. I appreciate your applaud. I approve of. I appreciate your applaud. I approve of. I appreciate your faith." He gives to them words of faith." He gives to them words of faith." He gives to them words of commendation. And he lets them know that commendation. And he lets them know that commendation. And he lets them know that they're doing a good job. And then he they're doing a good job. And then he they're doing a good job. And then he tells them, "Listen, I need you to tells them, "Listen, I need you to tells them, "Listen, I need you to understand, I've got great faith, too. understand, I've got great faith, too. understand, I've got great faith, too. And I'm I'm not ashamed." Verse 16, "I'm And I'm I'm not ashamed." Verse 16, "I'm And I'm I'm not ashamed." Verse 16, "I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for is the power of God unto Christ, for is the power of God unto Christ, for is the power of God unto salvation." Watch to everyone who salvation." Watch to everyone who salvation." Watch to everyone who believes to the Jew and to the Gentile. believes to the Jew and to the Gentile. believes to the Jew and to the Gentile. I am not ashamed, Paul says, of the I am not ashamed, Paul says, of the I am not ashamed, Paul says, of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He understands gospel of Jesus Christ. He understands gospel of Jesus Christ. He understands that there will be some persecution that there will be some persecution that there will be some persecution along the way. He'll talk about it. along the way. He'll talk about it. along the way. He'll talk about it. There'll be some suffering along the There'll be some suffering along the There'll be some suffering along the way, but that suffering works patience way, but that suffering works patience way, but that suffering works patience and perseverance and endurance that and perseverance and endurance that and perseverance and endurance that you're going to have to go through some you're going to have to go through some you're going to have to go through some things in this life. But if you hold to things in this life. But if you hold to things in this life. But if you hold to God's unchanging hand, that God of ours God's unchanging hand, that God of ours God's unchanging hand, that God of ours begins to do something in you that begins to do something in you that begins to do something in you that strengthens you for the journey ahead. I strengthens you for the journey ahead. I strengthens you for the journey ahead. I am intrigued by this, sisters and am intrigued by this, sisters and am intrigued by this, sisters and brothers. This blesses me because the brothers. This blesses me because the brothers. This blesses me because the Apostle Paul lets them know that despite

Apostle Paul lets them know that despite Apostle Paul lets them know that despite how strong your faith is, there will how strong your faith is, there will how strong your faith is, there will always be something to test your faith. always be something to test your faith. always be something to test your faith. There will always be something to try There will always be something to try There will always be something to try your faith. And I don't have to go past your faith. And I don't have to go past your faith. And I don't have to go past the first put to finding somebody who the first put to finding somebody who the first put to finding somebody who can testify that faith gets tested. can testify that faith gets tested. can testify that faith gets tested. Faith gets tried. That sometimes you Faith gets tried. That sometimes you Faith gets tried. That sometimes you have to scratch your own head and wonder have to scratch your own head and wonder have to scratch your own head and wonder whether or not this faith you're trying whether or not this faith you're trying whether or not this faith you're trying to hold on to is going to sustain you in to hold on to is going to sustain you in to hold on to is going to sustain you in the days to come. Maybe there's a the days to come. Maybe there's a the days to come. Maybe there's a believer in church who will be honest believer in church who will be honest believer in church who will be honest and testify to sometimes this life we're and testify to sometimes this life we're and testify to sometimes this life we're trying to live can try to strangle us trying to live can try to strangle us trying to live can try to strangle us and and choke out the very faith we have and and choke out the very faith we have and and choke out the very faith we have professed and that we believe. And and professed and that we believe. And and professed and that we believe. And and Paul says it's going to happen. You're Paul says it's going to happen. You're Paul says it's going to happen. You're going to have to deal with it. It's going to have to deal with it. It's going to have to deal with it. It's going to be the reality of life. And he going to be the reality of life. And he going to be the reality of life. And he says, "It's not just the struggle and says, "It's not just the struggle and says, "It's not just the struggle and the strain from without that will the strain from without that will the strain from without that will challenge us. It's the sin within."

challenge us. It's the sin within." challenge us. It's the sin within." Uh-oh. That would challenge us. Oh my. Uh-oh. That would challenge us. Oh my. Uh-oh. That would challenge us. Oh my. Yes. Oh, Paul has to talk to them about Yes. Oh, Paul has to talk to them about Yes. Oh, Paul has to talk to them about the reality of sin that is in the reality of sin that is in the reality of sin that is in everybody's life. Don't miss it beloved everybody's life. Don't miss it beloved everybody's life. Don't miss it beloved that all of us have to deal with the that all of us have to deal with the that all of us have to deal with the burdensome reality that no matter how burdensome reality that no matter how burdensome reality that no matter how much faith we have, we still have the much faith we have, we still have the much faith we have, we still have the propensity to do the wrong thing instead propensity to do the wrong thing instead propensity to do the wrong thing instead of the right thing. of the right thing. of the right thing. I'll wait for 100% class participation. I'll wait for 100% class participation. I'll wait for 100% class participation. I said that all of us have the I said that all of us have the I said that all of us have the propensity, deacon car, to do the wrong propensity, deacon car, to do the wrong propensity, deacon car, to do the wrong thing instead of the right thing. And so thing instead of the right thing. And so thing instead of the right thing. And so Paul gives to them in the subsequent Paul gives to them in the subsequent Paul gives to them in the subsequent chapters enough information about sin to chapters enough information about sin to chapters enough information about sin to let them know that despite your faith, let them know that despite your faith, let them know that despite your faith, you have to wrestle, work on the reality you have to wrestle, work on the reality you have to wrestle, work on the reality that sin pervades each one of our lives. that sin pervades each one of our lives. that sin pervades each one of our lives. And he says, you and I can't just be And he says, you and I can't just be And he says, you and I can't just be excited about doing good works and think excited about doing good works and think excited about doing good works and think that the good works will overshadow the that the good works will overshadow the that the good works will overshadow the sin. No, you and I have to reduce our sin. No, you and I have to reduce our sin. No, you and I have to reduce our sin reality so that our good works can sin reality so that our good works can sin reality so that our good works can shine all the more and our faith will be shine all the more and our faith will be shine all the more and our faith will be stronger. Oh my goodness. He says you stronger. Oh my goodness. He says you stronger. Oh my goodness. He says you will not be be saved by your good works.

will not be be saved by your good works. will not be be saved by your good works. You are saved by your faith in Jesus You are saved by your faith in Jesus You are saved by your faith in Jesus Christ. And what he does in those two or Christ. And what he does in those two or Christ. And what he does in those two or three chapters after the first one is three chapters after the first one is three chapters after the first one is begin to try to reconcile begin to try to reconcile begin to try to reconcile our sin nature with our faith our sin nature with our faith our sin nature with our faith profession. profession. profession. Every now and then you and I have to Every now and then you and I have to Every now and then you and I have to wrestle, don't we? We have to deal with wrestle, don't we? We have to deal with wrestle, don't we? We have to deal with the reality. You really profess a belief the reality. You really profess a belief the reality. You really profess a belief in Jesus Christ, but you still have some in Jesus Christ, but you still have some in Jesus Christ, but you still have some sin in your life with which you wrestle. sin in your life with which you wrestle. sin in your life with which you wrestle. Why have you gotten so quiet now that Why have you gotten so quiet now that Why have you gotten so quiet now that I've been talking about sin? It's not I've been talking about sin? It's not I've been talking about sin? It's not just you. just you. just you. Chapter 3 says, "All have sinned and Chapter 3 says, "All have sinned and Chapter 3 says, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." That come short of the glory of God." That come short of the glory of God." That sainted person you sitting next to got sainted person you sitting next to got sainted person you sitting next to got more sin in their lives than you want to more sin in their lives than you want to more sin in their lives than you want to ever ever hear about. That person with ever ever hear about. That person with ever ever hear about. That person with that big old Bible sin just like you do. that big old Bible sin just like you do. that big old Bible sin just like you do. Come on. I need somebody. Come on. Let's Come on. I need somebody. Come on. Let's Come on. I need somebody. Come on. Let's equal the playing field. We're just equal the playing field. We're just equal the playing field. We're just level it out so nobody feels you being level it out so nobody feels you being level it out so nobody feels you being picked on.

All have sinned. So says Paul and come All have sinned. So says Paul and come short of the glory of God. And so he has short of the glory of God. And so he has short of the glory of God. And so he has to reconcile. That's what he's trying to to reconcile. That's what he's trying to to reconcile. That's what he's trying to get these saints to do. He's trying to get these saints to do. He's trying to get these saints to do. He's trying to help them to reconcile their faith claim help them to reconcile their faith claim help them to reconcile their faith claim with the sin reality. And by the time he with the sin reality. And by the time he with the sin reality. And by the time he gets chapter four, he talks to them gets chapter four, he talks to them gets chapter four, he talks to them about this patriarch named Abraham. And about this patriarch named Abraham. And about this patriarch named Abraham. And he gives to them a beautiful picture. If he gives to them a beautiful picture. If he gives to them a beautiful picture. If you were here a couple weeks ago, you you were here a couple weeks ago, you you were here a couple weeks ago, you remember us talking about Abraham and remember us talking about Abraham and remember us talking about Abraham and his faith. So much faith that he was his faith. So much faith that he was his faith. So much faith that he was willing to take his son Isaac to a willing to take his son Isaac to a willing to take his son Isaac to a mountain that God showed him and mountain that God showed him and mountain that God showed him and prepared to sacrifice him there. He prepared to sacrifice him there. He prepared to sacrifice him there. He talks about old Abraham and he says that talks about old Abraham and he says that talks about old Abraham and he says that Abraham's faith, watch this, was Abraham's faith, watch this, was Abraham's faith, watch this, was credited to him as righteousness. Yeah. credited to him as righteousness. Yeah. credited to him as righteousness. Yeah. That because of his faith, he was That because of his faith, he was That because of his faith, he was credited as righteous. That's such good credited as righteous. That's such good credited as righteous. That's such good stuff to me. that our faith gives to us stuff to me. that our faith gives to us stuff to me. that our faith gives to us the opportunity to have imputed to us a the opportunity to have imputed to us a the opportunity to have imputed to us a righteousness because we believe in the righteousness because we believe in the righteousness because we believe in the God who has sent his one and only son to God who has sent his one and only son to God who has sent his one and only son to be here's my word the propitiation for be here's my word the propitiation for be here's my word the propitiation for our sin our sin our sin to atone for our sin. He works out the to atone for our sin. He works out the to atone for our sin. He works out the way of reconciliation way of reconciliation way of reconciliation between this faith business and this sin between this faith business and this sin between this faith business and this sin business cuz we couldn't do it business cuz we couldn't do it business cuz we couldn't do it ourselves. We couldn't handle it in our

ourselves. We couldn't handle it in our ourselves. We couldn't handle it in our own strength. Our own ability could not own strength. Our own ability could not own strength. Our own ability could not merit us the bridge from sin to merit us the bridge from sin to merit us the bridge from sin to salvation. So when you get to the end of salvation. So when you get to the end of salvation. So when you get to the end of chapter 4 and verse 25, the Bible says chapter 4 and verse 25, the Bible says chapter 4 and verse 25, the Bible says Jesus was delivered Jesus was delivered Jesus was delivered over to death for our sin. I just worked too hard for the last four I just worked too hard for the last four minutes for you to look at me funny minutes for you to look at me funny minutes for you to look at me funny right there. as a consequence of all that took place. as a consequence of all that took place. Wrap chapters one through through two Wrap chapters one through through two Wrap chapters one through through two through through three. He says at the through through three. He says at the through through three. He says at the end of chapter 4 that Jesus was end of chapter 4 that Jesus was end of chapter 4 that Jesus was delivered, delivered, delivered, >> presented, >> presented, >> presented, >> given >> given >> given >> over to death for our sins. I like this >> over to death for our sins. I like this >> over to death for our sins. I like this church family. And what these believers, church family. And what these believers, church family. And what these believers, especially the Jewish believers, would especially the Jewish believers, would especially the Jewish believers, would understand was that this was a throwback understand was that this was a throwback understand was that this was a throwback to prophecy.

to prophecy. to prophecy. >> A throwback. This one line in chapter 20 >> A throwback. This one line in chapter 20 >> A throwback. This one line in chapter 20 in chapter 4:2 is a throwback to in chapter 4:2 is a throwback to in chapter 4:2 is a throwback to prophecy. When you get a chance, and I prophecy. When you get a chance, and I prophecy. When you get a chance, and I hope that you'll take the chance today, hope that you'll take the chance today, hope that you'll take the chance today, I want you to read Isaiah 53 because I want you to read Isaiah 53 because I want you to read Isaiah 53 because Isaiah chapter 53 is exactly from Paul Isaiah chapter 53 is exactly from Paul Isaiah chapter 53 is exactly from Paul takes this beautiful line in Romans takes this beautiful line in Romans takes this beautiful line in Romans chapter 4. He takes it straight out of chapter 4. He takes it straight out of chapter 4. He takes it straight out of what was known to be that passage about what was known to be that passage about what was known to be that passage about the suffering servant. That suffering the suffering servant. That suffering the suffering servant. That suffering servant who would become the Messiah for servant who would become the Messiah for servant who would become the Messiah for the Jewish believers when they put their the Jewish believers when they put their the Jewish believers when they put their trust in the Lord. They would recognize trust in the Lord. They would recognize trust in the Lord. They would recognize that Jesus Christ had been the one that that Jesus Christ had been the one that that Jesus Christ had been the one that Isaiah prophesied about so many years Isaiah prophesied about so many years Isaiah prophesied about so many years before. I wish I had time to go through before. I wish I had time to go through before. I wish I had time to go through it all. Who hath believed our report? it all. Who hath believed our report? it all. Who hath believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been And to whom has the arm of the Lord been And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? And when you read it, church revealed? And when you read it, church revealed? And when you read it, church family, it blesses you to remember that family, it blesses you to remember that family, it blesses you to remember that he was he was given to us as the one who he was he was given to us as the one who he was he was given to us as the one who would be bruised and and who would would be bruised and and who would would be bruised and and who would suffer and who would endure the hardness suffer and who would endure the hardness suffer and who would endure the hardness and shame of the cross so that you and I and shame of the cross so that you and I and shame of the cross so that you and I might be saved. Please church, don't might be saved. Please church, don't might be saved. Please church, don't miss it because what Paul does in verse miss it because what Paul does in verse miss it because what Paul does in verse 25 is to cite chapter 53:12 and it's a 25 is to cite chapter 53:12 and it's a 25 is to cite chapter 53:12 and it's a piece of it. It goes like this. He piece of it. It goes like this. He piece of it. It goes like this. He poured out his life unto death and was poured out his life unto death and was poured out his life unto death and was numbered with the transgressors.

numbered with the transgressors. numbered with the transgressors. He bore the sin of many and made He bore the sin of many and made He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. intercession for the transgressors. intercession for the transgressors. Did you catch it? He poured out his life Did you catch it? He poured out his life Did you catch it? He poured out his life unto death and was numbered with the unto death and was numbered with the unto death and was numbered with the transgressors. He became one of us, but transgressors. He became one of us, but transgressors. He became one of us, but he became like us so that we could he became like us so that we could he became like us so that we could become like him. He was bore the sin of become like him. He was bore the sin of become like him. He was bore the sin of many and made intercession for the many and made intercession for the many and made intercession for the transgressors. Can't you hear him on the transgressors. Can't you hear him on the transgressors. Can't you hear him on the cross of Calvary? Father, forgive them. cross of Calvary? Father, forgive them. cross of Calvary? Father, forgive them. Yeah. For they know not what they do. Yeah. For they know not what they do. Yeah. For they know not what they do. Can't you hear him in the garden praying Can't you hear him in the garden praying Can't you hear him in the garden praying that we might be one? Can't you hear the that we might be one? Can't you hear the that we might be one? Can't you hear the Lord Jesus interceding on our behalf Lord Jesus interceding on our behalf Lord Jesus interceding on our behalf even right now? Your Bible says that the even right now? Your Bible says that the even right now? Your Bible says that the Lord Jesus is seated at the right hand Lord Jesus is seated at the right hand Lord Jesus is seated at the right hand of the father making intercession for of the father making intercession for of the father making intercession for you and for me. Listen, if you can't you and for me. Listen, if you can't you and for me. Listen, if you can't find one of these red stoolw wearing find one of these red stoolw wearing find one of these red stoolw wearing prayer warriors, you ought to be happy prayer warriors, you ought to be happy prayer warriors, you ought to be happy every time you wake up in the morning every time you wake up in the morning every time you wake up in the morning that seated on the throne of God is that seated on the throne of God is that seated on the throne of God is Jesus himself making intercession for Jesus himself making intercession for Jesus himself making intercession for you and for me.

So he gives this throwback to prophecy So he gives this throwback to prophecy and he lets them know that Isaiah had and he lets them know that Isaiah had and he lets them know that Isaiah had already talked about Jesus. He had already talked about Jesus. He had already talked about Jesus. He had already talked about the one who would already talked about the one who would already talked about the one who would come and ensure that he would be come and ensure that he would be come and ensure that he would be delivered over to death. You've got to delivered over to death. You've got to delivered over to death. You've got to recognize how significant the prophetic recognize how significant the prophetic recognize how significant the prophetic work of the Old Testament really is. It work of the Old Testament really is. It work of the Old Testament really is. It speaks to us about the one who was to speaks to us about the one who was to speaks to us about the one who was to come. And when he shows up after he has come. And when he shows up after he has come. And when he shows up after he has been crucified, buried, and resurrected, been crucified, buried, and resurrected, been crucified, buried, and resurrected, now Paul lets every believer understand now Paul lets every believer understand now Paul lets every believer understand and know that the one Isaiah wrote about and know that the one Isaiah wrote about and know that the one Isaiah wrote about >> is the one who showed up >> is the one who showed up >> is the one who showed up >> and secured our salvation. >> and secured our salvation. >> and secured our salvation. >> Oh, hear me, church family. This is good >> Oh, hear me, church family. This is good >> Oh, hear me, church family. This is good every day of the week that this this every day of the week that this this every day of the week that this this Jesus of ours, he he was delivered Jesus of ours, he he was delivered Jesus of ours, he he was delivered over over over unto death. Did you catch it? He was unto death. Did you catch it? He was unto death. Did you catch it? He was delivered over unto death. But that's delivered over unto death. But that's delivered over unto death. But that's not all. He's not just delivered over not all. He's not just delivered over not all. He's not just delivered over unto death. The next phrase says, "For unto death. The next phrase says, "For unto death. The next phrase says, "For our sin."

our sin." our sin." >> Yes, Lord. Thank you, Jesus. It's not >> Yes, Lord. Thank you, Jesus. It's not >> Yes, Lord. Thank you, Jesus. It's not just a throwback to prophecy. It gives just a throwback to prophecy. It gives just a throwback to prophecy. It gives to us the theology of proxy. to us the theology of proxy. to us the theology of proxy. >> Theology of proxy. Y'all know what proxy >> Theology of proxy. Y'all know what proxy >> Theology of proxy. Y'all know what proxy is? That's that's when somebody stands is? That's that's when somebody stands is? That's that's when somebody stands in thestead of another. in thestead of another. in thestead of another. That's when somebody takes somebody That's when somebody takes somebody That's when somebody takes somebody else's place and has the authority to do else's place and has the authority to do else's place and has the authority to do for them what they couldn't do for for them what they couldn't do for for them what they couldn't do for themselves. themselves. themselves. >> Proxy. Somebody shout proxy. >> Proxy. Somebody shout proxy. >> Proxy. Somebody shout proxy. >> Proxy. >> Proxy. >> Proxy. >> And he says that this Jesus was >> And he says that this Jesus was >> And he says that this Jesus was delivered over unto death for our sins. delivered over unto death for our sins. delivered over unto death for our sins. Don't miss this. He who knew no sin. Don't miss this. He who knew no sin. Don't miss this. He who knew no sin. Come on. First Sunday church folk, he Come on. First Sunday church folk, he Come on. First Sunday church folk, he became sin so that you and I might became sin so that you and I might became sin so that you and I might become the righteousness of God. It's become the righteousness of God. It's become the righteousness of God. It's right there in Isaiah 53 and verse 5. He right there in Isaiah 53 and verse 5. He right there in Isaiah 53 and verse 5. He was wounded was wounded was wounded >> for our transgressions. He was bruised >> for our transgressions. He was bruised >> for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquity. The chastisement of for our iniquity. The chastisement of for our iniquity. The chastisement of our peace was upon him. And with his our peace was upon him. And with his our peace was upon him. And with his stripes, we are healed. My old pastor stripes, we are healed. My old pastor stripes, we are healed. My old pastor isn't with the Lord right now, but isn't with the Lord right now, but isn't with the Lord right now, but Pastor Curry used to always say of that Pastor Curry used to always say of that Pastor Curry used to always say of that chapter that he we were sick, he took chapter that he we were sick, he took chapter that he we were sick, he took the medicine, and we got healed. I don't the medicine, and we got healed. I don't the medicine, and we got healed. I don't know.

I don't know how you feel about it, but I don't know how you feel about it, but when you understand the theology of when you understand the theology of when you understand the theology of First Sunday, you'll know why we get First Sunday, you'll know why we get First Sunday, you'll know why we get happy every time we think about that man happy every time we think about that man happy every time we think about that man named Jesus. Because Minister Lewis, he named Jesus. Because Minister Lewis, he named Jesus. Because Minister Lewis, he took our place at Calvary. Is there took our place at Calvary. Is there took our place at Calvary. Is there anybody in here who's still excited that anybody in here who's still excited that anybody in here who's still excited that he took your place? When you could not he took your place? When you could not he took your place? When you could not atone for your own sin when you could atone for your own sin when you could atone for your own sin when you could not satisfy the debt for your own not satisfy the debt for your own not satisfy the debt for your own mistakes and missteps. That man named mistakes and missteps. That man named mistakes and missteps. That man named Jesus left glory in heaven. Came down Jesus left glory in heaven. Came down Jesus left glory in heaven. Came down and tabernacled among us for 33 and a and tabernacled among us for 33 and a and tabernacled among us for 33 and a half years. And one Friday half years. And one Friday half years. And one Friday on a hill called Calvary. He died. on a hill called Calvary. He died. on a hill called Calvary. He died. Didn't he die? >> He was delivered >> He was delivered >> over >> over >> over >> to death >> to death >> to death >> for our sins. >> for our sins. >> for our sins. Not just the sins you know about Not just the sins you know about Not just the sins you know about somebody else, but the sins that nobody somebody else, but the sins that nobody somebody else, but the sins that nobody knows about you.

Preach Marcus D. Cosby. I'm doing the Preach Marcus D. Cosby. I'm doing the best I can. Doing the best I can. >> He was delivered >> He was delivered >> over to death. >> over to death. >> over to death. As a matter of fact, Isaiah 53 said, "It As a matter of fact, Isaiah 53 said, "It As a matter of fact, Isaiah 53 said, "It pleased the Lord pleased the Lord pleased the Lord >> to bruise him >> to bruise him >> to bruise him >> to crush him." It was the Lord's design >> to crush him." It was the Lord's design >> to crush him." It was the Lord's design and desire to give his only son and desire to give his only son and desire to give his only son >> up for our sin. >> up for our sin. >> up for our sin. >> Oh, church family, are you hearing me >> Oh, church family, are you hearing me >> Oh, church family, are you hearing me today? that that the Lord said, God today? that that the Lord said, God today? that that the Lord said, God said, there's nobody else who could said, there's nobody else who could said, there's nobody else who could handle the task. So, I'm going to be handle the task. So, I'm going to be handle the task. So, I'm going to be pleased to give my only son up for their pleased to give my only son up for their pleased to give my only son up for their salvation. salvation. salvation. >> You know it. You've been saying it since >> You know it. You've been saying it since >> You know it. You've been saying it since you were a child. If you grew up in you were a child. If you grew up in you were a child. If you grew up in church, for God church, for God church, for God >> that he >> that he >> that he is only begotten son that whosoever is only begotten son that whosoever is only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but believeth in him should not perish but believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. That that leads have everlasting life. That that leads have everlasting life. That that leads me to my second of two points, church. I me to my second of two points, church. I me to my second of two points, church. I want to suggest that this this man named want to suggest that this this man named want to suggest that this this man named Jesus was delivered over to death for Jesus was delivered over to death for Jesus was delivered over to death for our sin. But I want to suggest in the our sin. But I want to suggest in the our sin. But I want to suggest in the second place, church, that not only was second place, church, that not only was second place, church, that not only was God what not only was Jesus delivered God what not only was Jesus delivered God what not only was Jesus delivered over to death, but God was demonstrating over to death, but God was demonstrating over to death, but God was demonstrating his love.

>> Okay, that didn't that didn't do it for >> Okay, that didn't that didn't do it for you. you. you. Uh you just cited Uh you just cited Uh you just cited >> that that classic gospel in one verse >> that that classic gospel in one verse >> that that classic gospel in one verse >> for God >> for God >> for God >> so loved it's the emphasis on so so >> so loved it's the emphasis on so so >> so loved it's the emphasis on so so loved the world loved the world loved the world >> that he gave his only begotten son. Now >> that he gave his only begotten son. Now >> that he gave his only begotten son. Now to be sure I didn't finish verse 25 to be sure I didn't finish verse 25 to be sure I didn't finish verse 25 because verse 25 takes us from Friday to because verse 25 takes us from Friday to because verse 25 takes us from Friday to early Sunday morning. I don't want to early Sunday morning. I don't want to early Sunday morning. I don't want to deal with early Sunday morning just yet. deal with early Sunday morning just yet. deal with early Sunday morning just yet. And I don't think we appreciate Friday And I don't think we appreciate Friday And I don't think we appreciate Friday enough cuz we always rush into Sunday. Sometimes you just got to deal with the Sometimes you just got to deal with the fact that he died. fact that he died. fact that he died. >> Yes. Thank you, Jesus. He died so that >> Yes. Thank you, Jesus. He died so that >> Yes. Thank you, Jesus. He died so that you and I might live. you and I might live. you and I might live. >> And when you read the rest of 25, you >> And when you read the rest of 25, you >> And when you read the rest of 25, you can get happy about the fact that he can get happy about the fact that he can get happy about the fact that he rose. But I want to talk about the fact rose. But I want to talk about the fact rose. But I want to talk about the fact that he died. that he died. that he died. That's first Sunday theology. That's first Sunday theology. That's first Sunday theology. >> Pastor Lawson always said he never Jesus >> Pastor Lawson always said he never Jesus >> Pastor Lawson always said he never Jesus never told us to remember his birth.

never told us to remember his birth. never told us to remember his birth. >> He never told us to remember his >> He never told us to remember his >> He never told us to remember his miracles. miracles. miracles. >> Jesus never told us to remember his >> Jesus never told us to remember his >> Jesus never told us to remember his sermons. sermons. sermons. >> He told us to remember my death. >> He told us to remember my death. >> He told us to remember my death. >> Cuz it was not the birth that saved us. >> Cuz it was not the birth that saved us. >> Cuz it was not the birth that saved us. It was not the miracles that saved us. It was not the miracles that saved us. It was not the miracles that saved us. It was not the sermons that saved us. It was not the sermons that saved us. It was not the sermons that saved us. But when he died, His death secured our salvation. His death secured our salvation. And uh he he he he was delivered over to And uh he he he he was delivered over to And uh he he he he was delivered over to death death death >> because God was demonstrating >> because God was demonstrating >> because God was demonstrating his own love. Watch. Demonstrating his his own love. Watch. Demonstrating his his own love. Watch. Demonstrating his own love. I I told you I was going to own love. I I told you I was going to own love. I I told you I was going to head to chapter five. Y'all ready to go head to chapter five. Y'all ready to go head to chapter five. Y'all ready to go to chapter five? Not ready to go cuz we to chapter five? Not ready to go cuz we to chapter five? Not ready to go cuz we not leaving yet.

not leaving yet. not leaving yet. I got 13 minutes on the clock. I'm going I got 13 minutes on the clock. I'm going I got 13 minutes on the clock. I'm going to use all up. to use all up. to use all up. Uh God God was demonstrating his love. Uh God God was demonstrating his love. Uh God God was demonstrating his love. I'm I'm still in your Bible. I haven't I'm I'm still in your Bible. I haven't I'm I'm still in your Bible. I haven't left it yet, but in chapter 5 verse 8, left it yet, but in chapter 5 verse 8, left it yet, but in chapter 5 verse 8, >> your Bible says God demonstrates >> your Bible says God demonstrates >> your Bible says God demonstrates >> his love >> his love >> his love >> in that while, >> in that while, >> in that while, >> come on and help me preach. We were yet >> come on and help me preach. We were yet >> come on and help me preach. We were yet sinners, sinners, sinners, >> Christ died for us. >> Thank you, Jesus. that that God >> Thank you, Jesus. that that God demonstrated, demonstrated, demonstrated, displayed, displayed, displayed, >> showed, >> showed, >> showed, >> portrayed, >> portrayed, >> portrayed, >> said, "Look, >> said, "Look, >> said, "Look, >> I love you. >> I love you. >> I love you. >> This is how much I love you. >> This is how much I love you. >> This is how much I love you. >> I'm going to give my son >> I'm going to give my son >> I'm going to give my son >> to die for you." >> to die for you." >> to die for you." And and and this blesses me, church, And and and this blesses me, church, And and and this blesses me, church, because every now and then you and I because every now and then you and I because every now and then you and I have to stop just thinking of God as have to stop just thinking of God as have to stop just thinking of God as what some suggest as a cosmic bellhop >> who's just supposed to come do what you >> who's just supposed to come do what you want him to do cuz you rang a bell want him to do cuz you rang a bell want him to do cuz you rang a bell >> and you prayed one prayer that was a >> and you prayed one prayer that was a >> and you prayed one prayer that was a crisis prayer.

crisis prayer. crisis prayer. You never talk to him in peace time. You never talk to him in peace time. You never talk to him in peace time. >> You only start praying when stuff starts >> You only start praying when stuff starts >> You only start praying when stuff starts falling apart. falling apart. falling apart. And help me, Jesus. Get me out, God. And help me, Jesus. Get me out, God. And help me, Jesus. Get me out, God. Make a way, Lord. Pay this bill, God. Make a way, Lord. Pay this bill, God. Make a way, Lord. Pay this bill, God. And you haven't told him, "Thank you for And you haven't told him, "Thank you for And you haven't told him, "Thank you for waking you up." waking you up." waking you up." Haven't Haven't Haven't told him, "Thank you for new mercies." told him, "Thank you for new mercies." told him, "Thank you for new mercies." And haven't told him, "Thank you for And haven't told him, "Thank you for And haven't told him, "Thank you for fresh grace." Every now and then, you fresh grace." Every now and then, you fresh grace." Every now and then, you ought to spend some time loving on God. ought to spend some time loving on God. ought to spend some time loving on God. Since God spends so much time loving on Since God spends so much time loving on Since God spends so much time loving on us, us, us, can I get one witness up there in that can I get one witness up there in that can I get one witness up there in that balcony? You know that your God loves balcony? You know that your God loves balcony? You know that your God loves you and as a consequence, every now and you and as a consequence, every now and you and as a consequence, every now and then you ought to show him some love then you ought to show him some love then you ought to show him some love right back. God demonstrates his love. I guess I God demonstrates his love. I guess I want to ask the question. I didn't want to ask the question. I didn't want to ask the question. I didn't prepare to say this, but I guess I want prepare to say this, but I guess I want prepare to say this, but I guess I want to ask the question, if God keeps to ask the question, if God keeps to ask the question, if God keeps demonstrating God's love to us, demonstrating God's love to us, demonstrating God's love to us, >> when's the last time you and I >> when's the last time you and I >> when's the last time you and I demonstrated our love for God when we weren't at church?

when we weren't at church? When folk were not watching When folk were not watching When folk were not watching in our private times with the Lord. in our private times with the Lord. in our private times with the Lord. Bible says God demonstrates his love Bible says God demonstrates his love Bible says God demonstrates his love toward us. I like this because what toward us. I like this because what toward us. I like this because what happens in a real sense church family is happens in a real sense church family is happens in a real sense church family is that the Lord took a risk that the Lord took a risk that the Lord took a risk uh that God was looking at us uh that God was looking at us uh that God was looking at us >> and took a risk on us. >> and took a risk on us. >> and took a risk on us. >> How do you know K? Because I read the >> How do you know K? Because I read the >> How do you know K? Because I read the Bible. Um, Bible. Um, Bible. Um, and the Bible says that God demonstrated and the Bible says that God demonstrated and the Bible says that God demonstrated his love toward us in that while we were his love toward us in that while we were his love toward us in that while we were >> yet sinners. New version, I believe, >> yet sinners. New version, I believe, >> yet sinners. New version, I believe, says still sinners, says still sinners, says still sinners, >> Christ died for us. >> Christ died for us. >> Christ died for us. >> Before we got our acts together >> Before we got our acts together >> Before we got our acts together >> to the degree that they are, >> to the degree that they are, >> to the degree that they are, >> he took a risk on us. >> he took a risk on us. >> he took a risk on us. The risk was they may not appropriately The risk was they may not appropriately The risk was they may not appropriately respond respond respond >> to the sacrifice that I sent.

>> So I could be delivering my son over to >> So I could be delivering my son over to death death death >> for folk who don't think enough of me to >> for folk who don't think enough of me to >> for folk who don't think enough of me to respond to the debt that he paid. >> That the Lord took a risk on us, church. >> That the Lord took a risk on us, church. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> And God was thinking enough of us, about >> And God was thinking enough of us, about >> And God was thinking enough of us, about us, us, us, >> to give to us, deliver to us Jesus >> to give to us, deliver to us Jesus >> to give to us, deliver to us Jesus Christ, Christ, Christ, >> who would die for our sin >> who would die for our sin >> who would die for our sin >> while >> while >> while we were still sinning. >> He didn't wait until we realized we were >> He didn't wait until we realized we were offending the heart of God. offending the heart of God. offending the heart of God. >> He did it while we were still sinning. >> He did it while we were still sinning. >> He did it while we were still sinning. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> While we were enjoying it, >> while we were plotting as to how to get >> while we were plotting as to how to get it done, it done, it done, >> while we were while we were still in the >> while we were while we were still in the >> while we were while we were still in the midst of midst of midst of a horrible predicament, haraptoma is the a horrible predicament, haraptoma is the a horrible predicament, haraptoma is the Greek word. While we were still kind of Greek word. While we were still kind of Greek word. While we were still kind of intentionally missing the mark.

intentionally missing the mark. intentionally missing the mark. Hermatia is the other word. While we Hermatia is the other word. While we Hermatia is the other word. While we were still making mistakes were still making mistakes were still making mistakes and many times on purpose. >> Come on. Come on. All your sin wasn't an >> Come on. Come on. All your sin wasn't an accident. All your sin wasn't an oops. All your sin wasn't an oops. Some stuff you meant to do, you intended Some stuff you meant to do, you intended Some stuff you meant to do, you intended to do. You went back for seconds. I need to do. You went back for seconds. I need to do. You went back for seconds. I need somebody to testify. You meant to cheat on your taxes. You meant to cheat on your taxes. Okay, I'm going to stop cuz y'all Okay, I'm going to stop cuz y'all Okay, I'm going to stop cuz y'all looking at me like cuz I had a whole looking at me like cuz I had a whole looking at me like cuz I had a whole list I was going.

list I was going. list I was going. You said stop. Okay, I'm going to stop. You said stop. Okay, I'm going to stop. You said stop. Okay, I'm going to stop. I'm going stop. I'm going stop. I'm going stop. You meant to cuss out. I mean, you meant You meant to cuss out. I mean, you meant You meant to cuss out. I mean, you meant to do that. And then she come back one more time. And then she come back one more time. You the cutter. You the cutter. You the You the cutter. You the cutter. You the You the cutter. You the cutter. You the cutter. cutter. cutter. You meant to tell him to go to wherever You meant to tell him to go to wherever You meant to tell him to go to wherever you sent him. And because he took a risk on you, now And because he took a risk on you, now you can sing, a wonderful change you can sing, a wonderful change you can sing, a wonderful change has come. Oh, church. Oh, you don't know has come. Oh, church. Oh, you don't know has come. Oh, church. Oh, you don't know when to shout. I need somebody in here when to shout. I need somebody in here when to shout. I need somebody in here who can testify. Yes, I was messy. Yes, who can testify. Yes, I was messy. Yes, who can testify. Yes, I was messy. Yes, I was shady. Yes, I did some stupid I was shady. Yes, I did some stupid I was shady. Yes, I did some stupid stuff back in the day. But don't look at stuff back in the day. But don't look at stuff back in the day. But don't look at me just based on yesterday. Look at me me just based on yesterday. Look at me me just based on yesterday. Look at me based on today cuz today my testimony is based on today cuz today my testimony is based on today cuz today my testimony is a wonderful change.

Anybody in here don't cuss as much as Anybody in here don't cuss as much as you used to? Anybody in here don't hurt you used to? Anybody in here don't hurt you used to? Anybody in here don't hurt people's feelings as much as you used people's feelings as much as you used people's feelings as much as you used to? Anybody in here show more love to to? Anybody in here show more love to to? Anybody in here show more love to people that hate nowadays? Somebody people that hate nowadays? Somebody people that hate nowadays? Somebody ought to thank God that a wonderful ought to thank God that a wonderful ought to thank God that a wonderful change change change and you don't even know when it and you don't even know when it and you don't even know when it happened. You just kept trusting in the happened. You just kept trusting in the happened. You just kept trusting in the Lord and now things that you used to do Lord and now things that you used to do Lord and now things that you used to do you don't do anymore. Bible Bible says if anybody is in Christ that person says if anybody is in Christ that person says if anybody is in Christ that person is a new creation. All things are passed is a new creation. All things are passed is a new creation. All things are passed away. Behold, away. Behold, away. Behold, all things become new. all things become new. all things become new. >> I'm so glad he took a risk on me. >> I'm so glad he took a risk on me. >> I'm so glad he took a risk on me. >> I know I don't deserve to preach God's >> I know I don't deserve to preach God's >> I know I don't deserve to preach God's gospel, but he took a risk on me. gospel, but he took a risk on me. gospel, but he took a risk on me. >> I don't deserve to wear his collar >> I don't deserve to wear his collar >> I don't deserve to wear his collar around my neck, but he took a risk on around my neck, but he took a risk on around my neck, but he took a risk on me. I don't deserve to preach the Lord's me. I don't deserve to preach the Lord's me. I don't deserve to preach the Lord's gospel, but he took a risk on me.

gospel, but he took a risk on me. gospel, but he took a risk on me. He took the risk. We got the reward. I'm He took the risk. We got the reward. I'm He took the risk. We got the reward. I'm done. I'm done. I'm done. Somebody ought to get happy right here. Somebody ought to get happy right here. Somebody ought to get happy right here. I'm happy if you're not. I said he took I'm happy if you're not. I said he took I'm happy if you're not. I said he took the risk, but we got the reward. Anybody the risk, but we got the reward. Anybody the risk, but we got the reward. Anybody grateful for the reward that the Lord grateful for the reward that the Lord grateful for the reward that the Lord provides in our lives. While we were yet sinners, Christ died While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Now, now you would be able to for us. Now, now you would be able to for us. Now, now you would be able to appropriately appropriately appropriately deduce deduce deduce that the reward is salvation. >> And when you deduce that, you right, >> And when you deduce that, you right, somebody in the room is saved and you're somebody in the room is saved and you're somebody in the room is saved and you're glad about it. Where are you? glad about it. Where are you? glad about it. Where are you? Oh, that's all I got more preaching to Oh, that's all I got more preaching to Oh, that's all I got more preaching to do. If that's all that's all the saved do. If that's all that's all the saved do. If that's all that's all the saved folk in the room, folk in the room, folk in the room, I'm going to preach. I'm going to go I'm going to preach. I'm going to go I'm going to preach. I'm going to go back to uh John 3:16. If that's all the back to uh John 3:16. If that's all the back to uh John 3:16. If that's all the saved folk in the room, if you can't saved folk in the room, if you can't saved folk in the room, if you can't respond to being saved, we really need respond to being saved, we really need respond to being saved, we really need to check your relationship with the to check your relationship with the to check your relationship with the Lord. I said somebody in the room is Lord. I said somebody in the room is Lord. I said somebody in the room is saved. Where the saved folk in here?

Salvation Salvation would be the logical reward about which would be the logical reward about which would be the logical reward about which we speak. But that's not the word that we speak. But that's not the word that we speak. But that's not the word that the Apostle Paul uses. the Apostle Paul uses. the Apostle Paul uses. >> Multiple times in chapters 3 and four >> Multiple times in chapters 3 and four >> Multiple times in chapters 3 and four into chapter 5, Paul uses the same word into chapter 5, Paul uses the same word into chapter 5, Paul uses the same word that speaks to me about reward. that speaks to me about reward. that speaks to me about reward. >> The reward is not salvation. >> The reward is not salvation. >> The reward is not salvation. >> The reward is justification. >> I believe the sermon is titled First >> I believe the sermon is titled First Sunday theology. Sunday theology. Sunday theology. >> Can we learn something on a Sunday >> Can we learn something on a Sunday >> Can we learn something on a Sunday morning? It's not just salvation. That's morning? It's not just salvation. That's morning? It's not just salvation. That's reason to celebrate reason to celebrate reason to celebrate >> that you ain't going to hell. Praise the >> that you ain't going to hell. Praise the >> that you ain't going to hell. Praise the Lord. Lord. Lord. >> But it's not just salvation. We se >> But it's not just salvation. We se >> But it's not just salvation. We se celebrate de Bryant justification. celebrate de Bryant justification. celebrate de Bryant justification. >> It is the act of making one >> It is the act of making one >> It is the act of making one not guilty. lean in. You're not going to believe lean in. You're not going to believe this, but church folk would like to keep this, but church folk would like to keep this, but church folk would like to keep you guilty for the rest of your life.

Don't let them find out your dirt. Don't let them find out your dirt. >> Cuz every time they talk about you, they >> Cuz every time they talk about you, they >> Cuz every time they talk about you, they say, you know, that was the one that church folk love living in your past, church folk love living in your past, >> but don't want you to ever visit theirs. That wasn't even written down. Marcus That wasn't even written down. Marcus Cosby preach boy. Watch the text. Bible says that we got Watch the text. Bible says that we got justification. justification. justification. >> When I was growing up at Emanuel Baptist >> When I was growing up at Emanuel Baptist >> When I was growing up at Emanuel Baptist Church 8301 South Damon Avenue, Chicago Church 8301 South Damon Avenue, Chicago Church 8301 South Damon Avenue, Chicago 6020 LK Curry was my pastor. They taught 6020 LK Curry was my pastor. They taught 6020 LK Curry was my pastor. They taught us the quick simple definition of us the quick simple definition of us the quick simple definition of justification. Here it is. Just as if it justification. Here it is. Just as if it justification. Here it is. Just as if it never happened. Justification Justification definition for for those who are definition for for those who are definition for for those who are beginning in this thing called theology beginning in this thing called theology beginning in this thing called theology is just as if it never happened. And is just as if it never happened. And is just as if it never happened. And somebody ought to be asking, somebody ought to be asking, somebody ought to be asking, >> "How did justification take place?"

>> "How did justification take place?" >> "How did justification take place?" >> Well, if you leave verse 8 in chapter 5 >> Well, if you leave verse 8 in chapter 5 >> Well, if you leave verse 8 in chapter 5 and go to verse 9, and go to verse 9, and go to verse 9, >> you'll find out. >> you'll find out. >> you'll find out. >> Cuz the Bible says we've been justified >> Cuz the Bible says we've been justified >> Cuz the Bible says we've been justified by his blood. by his blood. by his blood. >> Uh-oh. that the Lord Jesus thought enough of us that the Lord Jesus thought enough of us that at just the right time after that at just the right time after that at just the right time after sending Jesus Christ that he would cover sending Jesus Christ that he would cover sending Jesus Christ that he would cover us with his blood. And on a first Sunday, when anybody asks And on a first Sunday, when anybody asks you, "Are you washed you, "Are you washed you, "Are you washed in the blood?" in the blood?" in the blood?" Your answer ought to be absolutely I am. Your answer ought to be absolutely I am. Your answer ought to be absolutely I am. Yes, I've been washed in the blood. I Yes, I've been washed in the blood. I Yes, I've been washed in the blood. I don't know if anybody in here is still don't know if anybody in here is still don't know if anybody in here is still excited about the blood of Jesus, but if excited about the blood of Jesus, but if excited about the blood of Jesus, but if it were not for the blood of Jesus, none it were not for the blood of Jesus, none it were not for the blood of Jesus, none of us would be saved and none of us of us would be saved and none of us of us would be saved and none of us would be justified. We are justified would be justified. We are justified would be justified. We are justified because his blood covers our sin.

because his blood covers our sin. because his blood covers our sin. We are justified because his his blood We are justified because his his blood We are justified because his his blood washes our sins away. washes our sins away. washes our sins away. We are justified because when God sees We are justified because when God sees We are justified because when God sees the blood, the blood, the blood, >> he does not look at the sin, the >> he does not look at the sin, the >> he does not look at the sin, the offenses, the fault of his people. He offenses, the fault of his people. He offenses, the fault of his people. He just looks at the sacrifice of his son. just looks at the sacrifice of his son. just looks at the sacrifice of his son. And somebody ought to get happy on this And somebody ought to get happy on this And somebody ought to get happy on this first Sunday because you know that the first Sunday because you know that the first Sunday because you know that the blood still works. blood still works. blood still works. Somebody ought to be happy on this first Somebody ought to be happy on this first Somebody ought to be happy on this first Sunday because you recognize that the Sunday because you recognize that the Sunday because you recognize that the blood of Jesus keeps on doing work for blood of Jesus keeps on doing work for blood of Jesus keeps on doing work for you when you don't even know the work is you when you don't even know the work is you when you don't even know the work is being done. I need somebody to still get being done. I need somebody to still get being done. I need somebody to still get happy with me about some first Sunday happy with me about some first Sunday happy with me about some first Sunday theology. Cuz first Sunday's theology theology. Cuz first Sunday's theology theology. Cuz first Sunday's theology says stuff like this. There's power, says stuff like this. There's power, says stuff like this. There's power, power, power, power, wonder working power in the blood of the wonder working power in the blood of the wonder working power in the blood of the lamb. Is there anybody still grateful lamb. Is there anybody still grateful lamb. Is there anybody still grateful for the power of the blood? It doesn't for the power of the blood? It doesn't for the power of the blood? It doesn't matter how big your sins are. The blood matter how big your sins are. The blood matter how big your sins are. The blood is more powerful than your mistakes and is more powerful than your mistakes and is more powerful than your mistakes and missteps. And somebody ought to thank missteps. And somebody ought to thank missteps. And somebody ought to thank God for the blood. Is there anybody in God for the blood. Is there anybody in God for the blood. Is there anybody in church who's still excited that the church who's still excited that the church who's still excited that the blood still reaches blood still reaches blood still reaches to the highest mountain and flows Yeah.

to the highest mountain and flows Yeah. to the highest mountain and flows Yeah. to the lowest valley. It's the blood to the lowest valley. It's the blood to the lowest valley. It's the blood that gives me strength from day to day that gives me strength from day to day that gives me strength from day to day and it will never lose its power. Is and it will never lose its power. Is and it will never lose its power. Is there anybody in church this morning there anybody in church this morning there anybody in church this morning who's still excited that the blood is on who's still excited that the blood is on who's still excited that the blood is on your life? God said way back in Exodus, your life? God said way back in Exodus, your life? God said way back in Exodus, "When I see the blood, I'll pass over." "When I see the blood, I'll pass over." "When I see the blood, I'll pass over." And somebody ought to thank God that And somebody ought to thank God that And somebody ought to thank God that there was some stuff that passed over there was some stuff that passed over there was some stuff that passed over you cuz you were covered by the blood. you cuz you were covered by the blood. you cuz you were covered by the blood. There was some things that tried to get There was some things that tried to get There was some things that tried to get at you, but it did not work because the at you, but it did not work because the at you, but it did not work because the blood was working. The blood was all blood was working. The blood was all blood was working. The blood was all over your life. And somebody ought to over your life. And somebody ought to over your life. And somebody ought to help me now and help me go old school help me now and help me go old school help me now and help me go old school and begin to thank God for the blood. and begin to thank God for the blood. and begin to thank God for the blood. The blood. The blood. The blood. The The blood. The blood. The blood. The The blood. The blood. The blood. The blood. The blood. The blood. the blood. blood. The blood. The blood. the blood. blood. The blood. The blood. the blood. Is there anybody still grateful that you Is there anybody still grateful that you Is there anybody still grateful that you can plead the blood? That the blood will can plead the blood? That the blood will can plead the blood? That the blood will cover, that the blood will cleanse, that cover, that the blood will cleanse, that cover, that the blood will cleanse, that the blood will make a way. So I thank the blood will make a way. So I thank the blood will make a way. So I thank God for the blood that came streaming God for the blood that came streaming God for the blood that came streaming down for me. It was the blood that made down for me. It was the blood that made down for me. It was the blood that made the difference at Calvary. Is there the difference at Calvary. Is there the difference at Calvary. Is there anybody in here who can help me anybody in here who can help me anybody in here who can help me celebrate that Jesus went to Calvary celebrate that Jesus went to Calvary celebrate that Jesus went to Calvary to save a wretch like you and me? That

to save a wretch like you and me? That to save a wretch like you and me? That was love. They hung him high. They was love. They hung him high. They was love. They hung him high. They stretched him wide. He hung his head. stretched him wide. He hung his head. stretched him wide. He hung his head. And for you and me, he died. That's And for you and me, he died. That's And for you and me, he died. That's love. All right, let's go back to verse love. All right, let's go back to verse love. All right, let's go back to verse 25. But that's not how the story ends. 25. But that's not how the story ends. 25. But that's not how the story ends. Cuz three days later, he rose again. Cuz three days later, he rose again. Cuz three days later, he rose again. That's love. And if you know he loves That's love. And if you know he loves That's love. And if you know he loves you and you love him, I wish you'd open you and you love him, I wish you'd open you and you love him, I wish you'd open up your mouth, lift up your hands, tell up your mouth, lift up your hands, tell up your mouth, lift up your hands, tell your God, "Thank you. Tell your God you your God, "Thank you. Tell your God you your God, "Thank you. Tell your God you appreciate him. Thank God for Calvary. appreciate him. Thank God for Calvary. appreciate him. Thank God for Calvary. Thank God for my blood. Thank God. Thank Thank God for my blood. Thank God. Thank Thank God for my blood. Thank God. Thank God. Thank God that God demonstrated God. Thank God that God demonstrated God. Thank God that God demonstrated his love for us in that while we were his love for us in that while we were his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died Christ died for us. That right there for us. That right there for us. That right there is first Sunday theology.

Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. And there is no one And there is no one And there is no one excluded excluded excluded from the love of God. There is no one There is no one beyond the reach, beyond the reach, beyond the reach, the grasp the grasp the grasp of the love of God. of the love of God. of the love of God. There is no one who does not have access There is no one who does not have access There is no one who does not have access to the love of God. to the love of God. to the love of God. Whosoever >> believes in him >> believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting shall not perish but have everlasting shall not perish but have everlasting life. life. life. This point of worship is for somebody to This point of worship is for somebody to This point of worship is for somebody to put your belief, your faith in the Lord put your belief, your faith in the Lord put your belief, your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you're here on this Jesus Christ. If you're here on this Jesus Christ. If you're here on this Sunday morning and you've never given Sunday morning and you've never given Sunday morning and you've never given your life to Jesus Christ, you've never your life to Jesus Christ, you've never your life to Jesus Christ, you've never allowed him to be your savior allowed him to be your savior allowed him to be your savior and allowed him to redeem you, and allowed him to redeem you, and allowed him to redeem you, save you by what Peter calls the save you by what Peter calls the save you by what Peter calls the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

precious blood of Jesus Christ. precious blood of Jesus Christ. I encourage you, I invite you, I implore I encourage you, I invite you, I implore I encourage you, I invite you, I implore you to come even now from wherever you you to come even now from wherever you you to come even now from wherever you may be. If you're in the balcony, start may be. If you're in the balcony, start may be. If you're in the balcony, start walking down this way toward me. If walking down this way toward me. If walking down this way toward me. If you're on this first floor, come on this you're on this first floor, come on this you're on this first floor, come on this way because you need to be saved. Shak's way because you need to be saved. Shak's way because you need to be saved. Shak's coming to stand with me and leaders are coming to stand with me and leaders are coming to stand with me and leaders are standing all around the church because standing all around the church because standing all around the church because salvation is a gift that's free to all, salvation is a gift that's free to all, salvation is a gift that's free to all, but it was bought with a price. And that but it was bought with a price. And that but it was bought with a price. And that price was so significant that every day price was so significant that every day price was so significant that every day of our lives, we give God praise that of our lives, we give God praise that of our lives, we give God praise that the blood still covers, the blood still the blood still covers, the blood still the blood still covers, the blood still cleanses, the blood still works. You cleanses, the blood still works. You cleanses, the blood still works. You say, "Pastor, I'm saved." I see you say, "Pastor, I'm saved." I see you say, "Pastor, I'm saved." I see you coming, my friend. God bless you. You say, "Pastor, I'm saved. I'm covered You say, "Pastor, I'm saved. I'm covered by the blood, by the blood, by the blood, but I don't have a church home. And I but I don't have a church home. And I but I don't have a church home. And I believe that the Lord has led me to believe that the Lord has led me to believe that the Lord has led me to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church so I can know more about this God we so I can know more about this God we so I can know more about this God we serve. I can deepen in my theology.

serve. I can deepen in my theology. serve. I can deepen in my theology. I can experience God on a whole other I can experience God on a whole other I can experience God on a whole other level level level because I say yes to him. God bless you because I say yes to him. God bless you because I say yes to him. God bless you my dear one. Praise the Lord. my dear one. Praise the Lord. my dear one. Praise the Lord. Whosoever will let her come. Let him Whosoever will let her come. Let him Whosoever will let her come. Let him come. Let them come. There they come come. Let them come. There they come come. Let them come. There they come down the center aisle. Who else needs to down the center aisle. Who else needs to down the center aisle. Who else needs to come? Come. Families, come friends. come? Come. Families, come friends. come? Come. Families, come friends. Maybe you're a single individual. just Maybe you're a single individual. just Maybe you're a single individual. just you here in the church. If you got you here in the church. If you got you here in the church. If you got family that would love to encircle you family that would love to encircle you family that would love to encircle you at Wheeler Avenue. Maybe you're a family at Wheeler Avenue. Maybe you're a family at Wheeler Avenue. Maybe you're a family and you need another group of brothers and you need another group of brothers and you need another group of brothers and sisters to help you along your and sisters to help you along your and sisters to help you along your family's journey. Come on. Come on. We'd family's journey. Come on. Come on. We'd family's journey. Come on. Come on. We'd love to claim you as a part of the love to claim you as a part of the love to claim you as a part of the family of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. family of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. family of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Doesn't matter who you are. Doesn't Doesn't matter who you are. Doesn't Doesn't matter who you are. Doesn't matter from whence you've come. Doesn't matter from whence you've come. Doesn't matter from whence you've come. Doesn't matter doesn't matter what sins you've matter doesn't matter what sins you've matter doesn't matter what sins you've committed. Listen, I told you chapter 3 committed. Listen, I told you chapter 3 committed. Listen, I told you chapter 3 says everybody's got that guilt. All says everybody's got that guilt. All says everybody's got that guilt. All have sinned and come short of the glory have sinned and come short of the glory have sinned and come short of the glory of God. So don't worry about what of God. So don't worry about what of God. So don't worry about what mistakes or mistakes you've made. mistakes or mistakes you've made. mistakes or mistakes you've made. Everyone in here has done the same. But Everyone in here has done the same. But Everyone in here has done the same. But the Lord says, listen, I'll wash your the Lord says, listen, I'll wash your the Lord says, listen, I'll wash your sins away. sins away. sins away. When you get washed in the blood, all of When you get washed in the blood, all of When you get washed in the blood, all of that is as if that is as if that is as if it never happened because we've been it never happened because we've been it never happened because we've been justified by his blood. And they're justified by his blood. And they're justified by his blood. And they're coming. I see you coming from the coming. I see you coming from the coming. I see you coming from the balcony. We praise God for you as you balcony. We praise God for you as you balcony. We praise God for you as you make your way. If you're up there in make your way. If you're up there in make your way. If you're up there in that balcony, come on down. That's not that balcony, come on down. That's not that balcony, come on down. That's not too far to walk. I used to say many too far to walk. I used to say many too far to walk. I used to say many years ago, if Jesus could walk all the years ago, if Jesus could walk all the years ago, if Jesus could walk all the way up to Calvary for you, you can walk way up to Calvary for you, you can walk way up to Calvary for you, you can walk down some stairs for him. Come on. Come down some stairs for him. Come on. Come down some stairs for him. Come on. Come on. This is your moment. This is your on. This is your moment. This is your on. This is your moment. This is your time. This is your opportunity.

time. This is your opportunity. time. This is your opportunity. And if you're grateful for the blood, And if you're grateful for the blood, And if you're grateful for the blood, let's sing it with the choir as we sit let's sing it with the choir as we sit let's sing it with the choir as we sit together. Say, "I thank God for the together. Say, "I thank God for the together. Say, "I thank God for the blood that came streaming down from me." blood that came streaming down from me." blood that came streaming down from me." Let's sing together. that came streaming down. that came streaming down. God bless you. Hallelujah. God bless you. Praise the Hallelujah. God bless you. Praise the Lord for your decision. I thank God.

God bless you. God bless you. God bless God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. Amen. God bless you. you. Amen. God bless you. you. Amen. God bless you. Lord Lord Lord God made the difference. It's the same refrain. You should have It's the same refrain. You should have it by now. If not, listen to it again. it by now. If not, listen to it again. it by now. If not, listen to it again. And you ought to give God thanks. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. Let's Let's go. Come on. Come on. This is really Come on. Come on. This is really exciting to me. I hope it's exciting for exciting to me. I hope it's exciting for exciting to me. I hope it's exciting for you. Let's go.

Is there another this morning? Come on. Is there another this morning? Come on. Come on, sister. Come on. Come on, Come on, sister. Come on. Come on, Come on, sister. Come on. Come on, family. Let's try it one more time. Last family. Let's try it one more time. Last family. Let's try it one more time. Last time everybody, I thank God for the for the >> Yes, he is. Come on. That came streaming >> Yes, he is. Come on. That came streaming >> Yes, he is. Come on. That came streaming down. down. down. >> God bless you. Amen.

Amen. Amen. God bless you. Amen. Amen. God bless you. Amen. Amen. God bless you. Amen. And that blood has worked for every one And that blood has worked for every one And that blood has worked for every one of you who just made your way down these of you who just made your way down these of you who just made your way down these aisles today. aisles today. aisles today. So upon So upon So upon your confession and belief that Jesus your confession and belief that Jesus your confession and belief that Jesus Christ is the son of God and was raised Christ is the son of God and was raised Christ is the son of God and was raised from the dead, the Bible says in that from the dead, the Bible says in that from the dead, the Bible says in that same book we preach from today, chapter same book we preach from today, chapter same book we preach from today, chapter 10, you're saved. And we thank God for 10, you're saved. And we thank God for 10, you're saved. And we thank God for salvation. salvation. salvation. We thank God for justification. We thank We thank God for justification. We thank We thank God for justification. We thank God for membership in the family of God. God for membership in the family of God. God for membership in the family of God. Welcome to your new church home. We're Welcome to your new church home. We're Welcome to your new church home. We're so glad you're here. We're so excited so glad you're here. We're so excited so glad you're here. We're so excited about your future. about your future. about your future. We're so excited about all the things We're so excited about all the things We're so excited about all the things that God has in store for you. I praise that God has in store for you. I praise that God has in store for you. I praise God for you, each one of you, from the God for you, each one of you, from the God for you, each one of you, from the youngest to the eldest. I'm grateful for youngest to the eldest. I'm grateful for youngest to the eldest. I'm grateful for your yielding to the leading of the Holy your yielding to the leading of the Holy your yielding to the leading of the Holy Spirit today. And I believe that what's Spirit today. And I believe that what's Spirit today. And I believe that what's coming is even better than what has coming is even better than what has coming is even better than what has been. I'm excited about your future and been. I'm excited about your future and been. I'm excited about your future and I look forward to walking into that I look forward to walking into that I look forward to walking into that future with each and every one of you.

future with each and every one of you. future with each and every one of you. I'm delighted to serve as your pastor I'm delighted to serve as your pastor I'm delighted to serve as your pastor and these around the church house are and these around the church house are and these around the church house are delighted to be your newfound sisters delighted to be your newfound sisters delighted to be your newfound sisters and brothers. Welcome to Wheeler Avenue and brothers. Welcome to Wheeler Avenue and brothers. Welcome to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. We're glad you're here. Baptist Church. We're glad you're here. Baptist Church. We're glad you're here. Glad you're here. Deacon Shackle, will Glad you're here. Deacon Shackle, will Glad you're here. Deacon Shackle, will you raise your hand? That distinguished you raise your hand? That distinguished you raise your hand? That distinguished gentleman has been a part of our church gentleman has been a part of our church gentleman has been a part of our church for many years. He knows much about it. for many years. He knows much about it. for many years. He knows much about it. If you have any questions, feel free to If you have any questions, feel free to If you have any questions, feel free to ask him. But right now, will you follow ask him. But right now, will you follow ask him. But right now, will you follow him? And as you follow him into the new him? And as you follow him into the new him? And as you follow him into the new member orientation room, Deaconist member orientation room, Deaconist member orientation room, Deaconist Shackle, make sure everyone gets there. Shackle, make sure everyone gets there. Shackle, make sure everyone gets there. And we're going to keep on celebrating And we're going to keep on celebrating And we're going to keep on celebrating the fact that we just got some new the fact that we just got some new the fact that we just got some new sisters, some new brothers in the family sisters, some new brothers in the family sisters, some new brothers in the family of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and the of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and the of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and the body of Christ. To God be the glory. body of Christ. To God be the glory. body of Christ. To God be the glory. You may be seated, church family. And as You may be seated, church family. And as You may be seated, church family. And as you take your seats, my distinguished you take your seats, my distinguished you take your seats, my distinguished colleagues, come colleagues, come colleagues, come to join me along with the diacinet of to join me along with the diacinet of to join me along with the diacinet of our church our church our church and the clergy of our church at the and the clergy of our church at the and the clergy of our church at the table of the Lord table of the Lord table of the Lord to do this to do this to do this in remembrance of Jesus Christ.

in remembrance of Jesus Christ. in remembrance of Jesus Christ. As we come to this table this Sunday As we come to this table this Sunday As we come to this table this Sunday morning, as we did last first Sunday, morning, as we did last first Sunday, morning, as we did last first Sunday, as we did the first Sundays before that, as we did the first Sundays before that, as we did the first Sundays before that, as we did as we did as we did multiple times during Holy Week, multiple times during Holy Week, multiple times during Holy Week, if God carries through Jesus Christ, if God carries through Jesus Christ, if God carries through Jesus Christ, we'll come again next Sunday we'll come again next Sunday we'll come again next Sunday and do this and do this and do this in remembrance of Jesus Christ. in remembrance of Jesus Christ. in remembrance of Jesus Christ. And as we come this first Sunday, And as we come this first Sunday, And as we come this first Sunday, we are reminded we are reminded we are reminded that these elements that we have that these elements that we have that these elements that we have placed on this table that you've placed on this table that you've placed on this table that you've received as you came into the Lord's received as you came into the Lord's received as you came into the Lord's house today are symbol simply symbols house today are symbol simply symbols house today are symbol simply symbols of the sacrifice of Jesus. of the sacrifice of Jesus. of the sacrifice of Jesus. On the very last night of the Lord's On the very last night of the Lord's On the very last night of the Lord's life, he took his disciples in a large life, he took his disciples in a large life, he took his disciples in a large upper room that was furnished for the upper room that was furnished for the upper room that was furnished for the Passover meal. And after partaking of Passover meal. And after partaking of Passover meal. And after partaking of that meal with them, he took two that meal with them, he took two that meal with them, he took two elements from it, bread and wine.

elements from it, bread and wine. elements from it, bread and wine. He told them that the bread would He told them that the bread would He told them that the bread would represent his broken body. The wine represent his broken body. The wine represent his broken body. The wine would represent his shed blood. And as would represent his shed blood. And as would represent his shed blood. And as often as they would eat and drink of the often as they would eat and drink of the often as they would eat and drink of the bread and the wine, they would do so in bread and the wine, they would do so in bread and the wine, they would do so in remembrance of him. So we come today to remembrance of him. So we come today to remembrance of him. So we come today to remember the Lord Jesus Christ. As we remember the Lord Jesus Christ. As we remember the Lord Jesus Christ. As we remember, remember, remember, we likewise remember that before he gave we likewise remember that before he gave we likewise remember that before he gave them those elements, he blessed them. them those elements, he blessed them. them those elements, he blessed them. That's what your Bible says. And so we That's what your Bible says. And so we That's what your Bible says. And so we shall likewise bless them. Consecrating shall likewise bless them. Consecrating shall likewise bless them. Consecrating these elements for our use, these elements for our use, these elements for our use, even consecrating ourselves for God's even consecrating ourselves for God's even consecrating ourselves for God's service. Our chairman of deacons, as is service. Our chairman of deacons, as is service. Our chairman of deacons, as is his custom, will now lead us in that his custom, will now lead us in that his custom, will now lead us in that prayer of consecration as we remember prayer of consecration as we remember prayer of consecration as we remember what the Lord Jesus has done. Brothers and sisters, let us pray. Brothers and sisters, let us pray. God, our heavenly father, the father of God, our heavenly father, the father of God, our heavenly father, the father of our Lord and Savior Jesus, who is the our Lord and Savior Jesus, who is the our Lord and Savior Jesus, who is the Christ, the everlasting father, father Christ, the everlasting father, father Christ, the everlasting father, father of all, creator, sustainer and ruler of of all, creator, sustainer and ruler of of all, creator, sustainer and ruler of heaven and earth. We thank you Lord for heaven and earth. We thank you Lord for heaven and earth. We thank you Lord for this day.

this day. this day. >> For this day, Lord God, we celebrate, >> For this day, Lord God, we celebrate, >> For this day, Lord God, we celebrate, commemorate, but we remember. We commemorate, but we remember. We commemorate, but we remember. We remember the death of your son Jesus. remember the death of your son Jesus. remember the death of your son Jesus. Not like Abraham, Lord God. Your son Not like Abraham, Lord God. Your son Not like Abraham, Lord God. Your son actually died and shed his blood. For actually died and shed his blood. For actually died and shed his blood. For without the shedding of that blood, without the shedding of that blood, without the shedding of that blood, there would be no remission of sin. there would be no remission of sin. there would be no remission of sin. Thank you, Lord, for the blood. The Thank you, Lord, for the blood. The Thank you, Lord, for the blood. The blood that still covers us, still blood that still covers us, still blood that still covers us, still cleanses us. Yes, even washes away our cleanses us. Yes, even washes away our cleanses us. Yes, even washes away our sins so that we are justified. sins so that we are justified. sins so that we are justified. Justified by our faith. Lord, we have Justified by our faith. Lord, we have Justified by our faith. Lord, we have faith to believe, Lord, that you're faith to believe, Lord, that you're faith to believe, Lord, that you're still blessing. You're still forgiving still blessing. You're still forgiving still blessing. You're still forgiving sin even today, Lord God. For while we sin even today, Lord God. For while we sin even today, Lord God. For while we are sinners, Christ died for us. Die to are sinners, Christ died for us. Die to are sinners, Christ died for us. Die to cover our sins, past, present, and cover our sins, past, present, and cover our sins, past, present, and future. And so we thank you, Lord God, future. And so we thank you, Lord God, future. And so we thank you, Lord God, for the spilling of the blood. Lord, we for the spilling of the blood. Lord, we for the spilling of the blood. Lord, we thank you for Jesus. We thank you for thank you for Jesus. We thank you for thank you for Jesus. We thank you for his sacrifice. We pray now, Lord God, his sacrifice. We pray now, Lord God, his sacrifice. We pray now, Lord God, that you bless these elements on this that you bless these elements on this that you bless these elements on this table. They represent that broken, table. They represent that broken, table. They represent that broken, battered, bruised body of Jesus and that battered, bruised body of Jesus and that battered, bruised body of Jesus and that blood that was shed. Lord, we pray that blood that was shed. Lord, we pray that blood that was shed. Lord, we pray that you bless these elements, cover them, you bless these elements, cover them, you bless these elements, cover them, and then bless us for your service as we and then bless us for your service as we and then bless us for your service as we go out, Lord, proclaiming your word.

go out, Lord, proclaiming your word. go out, Lord, proclaiming your word. It's in Jesus name we pray with It's in Jesus name we pray with It's in Jesus name we pray with thanksgiving and great expectation. thanksgiving and great expectation. thanksgiving and great expectation. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Most of us received our >> Amen. Amen. Most of us received our >> Amen. Amen. Most of us received our elements of bread and wine as we came elements of bread and wine as we came elements of bread and wine as we came into the Lord's house today. But just in into the Lord's house today. But just in into the Lord's house today. But just in case you did not receive your elements, case you did not receive your elements, case you did not receive your elements, won't you just slip up your hand and our won't you just slip up your hand and our won't you just slip up your hand and our beautiful deacons will serve you even beautiful deacons will serve you even beautiful deacons will serve you even now along with these leaders who stand now along with these leaders who stand now along with these leaders who stand with me, Doug Johnson, with me, Doug Johnson, with me, Doug Johnson, if you need elements, just slip up your if you need elements, just slip up your if you need elements, just slip up your hand and we'll serve you even now. And as And as we remember, we remember, we remember, we sing that gospel in one verse. For we sing that gospel in one verse. For we sing that gospel in one verse. For God God God so loved the world that he gave his only so loved the world that he gave his only so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in begotten son that whosoever believeth in begotten son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish him shall not perish him shall not perish but have everlasting but have everlasting but have everlasting life. If you know it, won't you sing life. If you know it, won't you sing life. If you know it, won't you sing with us today?

>> that he gave >> that he gave >> that son. son. >> And whosoever And so we hold in our hands a symbol

And so we hold in our hands a symbol of that broken body that was wounded and of that broken body that was wounded and of that broken body that was wounded and bruised and crushed and battered. bruised and crushed and battered. bruised and crushed and battered. And as we hold this symbol in our hands, And as we hold this symbol in our hands, And as we hold this symbol in our hands, we remember that Jesus Christ endured we remember that Jesus Christ endured we remember that Jesus Christ endured the horror, the shame of Calvary. the horror, the shame of Calvary. the horror, the shame of Calvary. the pain the pain the pain of that Thursday into that Friday. He of that Thursday into that Friday. He of that Thursday into that Friday. He endured all of it so that we might be endured all of it so that we might be endured all of it so that we might be saved. saved. saved. And as we remember our salvation, let's And as we remember our salvation, let's And as we remember our salvation, let's eat the bread together. Songwriter said that when they whipped Songwriter said that when they whipped him him him that the blood came streaming down that the blood came streaming down that the blood came streaming down We hold in our hands a symbol of the We hold in our hands a symbol of the We hold in our hands a symbol of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. shed blood of Jesus Christ. shed blood of Jesus Christ. That blood That blood That blood was given shed was given shed was given shed according to Romans for our according to Romans for our according to Romans for our justification.

justification. justification. >> And we're grateful for the salvation >> And we're grateful for the salvation >> And we're grateful for the salvation that came at Calvary and for the that came at Calvary and for the that came at Calvary and for the justification that likewise became our justification that likewise became our justification that likewise became our reality. And as we remember reality. And as we remember reality. And as we remember that precious gift of Jesus Christ that precious gift of Jesus Christ that precious gift of Jesus Christ through his blood. Let's drink the wine through his blood. Let's drink the wine through his blood. Let's drink the wine in communion. Gracious God, we do give you thanks on Gracious God, we do give you thanks on this first Sunday of the month of July this first Sunday of the month of July this first Sunday of the month of July for everlasting life. for everlasting life. for everlasting life. >> We realize that we don't deserve it and >> We realize that we don't deserve it and >> We realize that we don't deserve it and that neither of us did anything to earn that neither of us did anything to earn that neither of us did anything to earn it. it. it. We're just grateful that we were had We're just grateful that we were had We're just grateful that we were had enough enough enough common sense and faith to put our trust common sense and faith to put our trust common sense and faith to put our trust in you. Thank you that somebody told us in you. Thank you that somebody told us in you. Thank you that somebody told us about Jesus and his love for us. And about Jesus and his love for us. And about Jesus and his love for us. And we're thankful that on this Sunday we we're thankful that on this Sunday we we're thankful that on this Sunday we can come again to this table and do this can come again to this table and do this can come again to this table and do this in remembrance of Jesus Christ. Now, oh in remembrance of Jesus Christ. Now, oh in remembrance of Jesus Christ. Now, oh God, as we go farther into this seventh God, as we go farther into this seventh God, as we go farther into this seventh month of the year, making our way month of the year, making our way month of the year, making our way through the fifth day into each day that through the fifth day into each day that through the fifth day into each day that shall come, through this 31st day, we shall come, through this 31st day, we shall come, through this 31st day, we ask in Jesus' name that you will guide ask in Jesus' name that you will guide ask in Jesus' name that you will guide us, lead us, direct us, protect us, us, lead us, direct us, protect us, us, lead us, direct us, protect us, correct us. Help us to shine the light correct us. Help us to shine the light correct us. Help us to shine the light of Jesus Christ through our lives and of Jesus Christ through our lives and of Jesus Christ through our lives and our lifestyles. Help us to help somebody our lifestyles. Help us to help somebody our lifestyles. Help us to help somebody this month even more than we did last this month even more than we did last this month even more than we did last month. Help us to be a blessing this month. Help us to be a blessing this month. Help us to be a blessing this month, even more than we were last month, even more than we were last month, even more than we were last month. Help us to be more like Jesus month. Help us to be more like Jesus month. Help us to be more like Jesus this month,

this month, this month, more than we were even last month. And more than we were even last month. And more than we were even last month. And we thank you so much that you've we thank you so much that you've we thank you so much that you've assembled us together for worship today. assembled us together for worship today. assembled us together for worship today. Now, we depart this place to serve you Now, we depart this place to serve you Now, we depart this place to serve you and to walk in a way that will give to and to walk in a way that will give to and to walk in a way that will give to the world the knowledge that there's the world the knowledge that there's the world the knowledge that there's something good that happens when you put something good that happens when you put something good that happens when you put your trust in Jesus Christ. And we thank your trust in Jesus Christ. And we thank your trust in Jesus Christ. And we thank you for the victory that is ours because you for the victory that is ours because you for the victory that is ours because we're yours. bless us now and help us to we're yours. bless us now and help us to we're yours. bless us now and help us to be a blessing in the strong name of be a blessing in the strong name of be a blessing in the strong name of Jesus the Christ. Do we pray with great Jesus the Christ. Do we pray with great Jesus the Christ. Do we pray with great thanksgiving and expectation and all of thanksgiving and expectation and all of thanksgiving and expectation and all of God's people together said hallelujah? God's people together said hallelujah? God's people together said hallelujah? Let the church say amen. Come on, give Let the church say amen. Come on, give Let the church say amen. Come on, give God praise for first Sunday theology. God praise for first Sunday theology. God praise for first Sunday theology. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Our prayer warriors and other servants Our prayer warriors and other servants Our prayer warriors and other servants are heading to their positions now. But are heading to their positions now. But are heading to their positions now. But just in case you did not know, we have just in case you did not know, we have just in case you did not know, we have receptacles for your cups. Please don't receptacles for your cups. Please don't receptacles for your cups. Please don't leave them on the pews. Please take leave them on the pews. Please take leave them on the pews. Please take those cups and place them in the those cups and place them in the those cups and place them in the receptacles. Our ushers have them for receptacles. Our ushers have them for receptacles. Our ushers have them for you. We're leaving from the rear of the you. We're leaving from the rear of the you. We're leaving from the rear of the cathedral first and the balcony. Follow cathedral first and the balcony. Follow cathedral first and the balcony. Follow the directions of the ushers. And as the the directions of the ushers. And as the the directions of the ushers. And as the Bible says, we're going to leave from Bible says, we're going to leave from Bible says, we're going to leave from this place singing a hymn. We're going this place singing a hymn. We're going this place singing a hymn. We're going to give glory to his name. God bless to give glory to his name. God bless to give glory to his name. God bless you, church. We'll see you next time.

you, church. We'll see you next time. you, church. We'll see you next time. Yeah.