Are You Ready? | Rev. Isaiah Carter, MD

Happy Sunday, church family. I'm Ron Happy Sunday, church family. I'm Ron Stalling. Stalling. Stalling. >> And I'm Shandra G. And together we bring >> And I'm Shandra G. And together we bring >> And I'm Shandra G. And together we bring you this week's edition of Avenue News. you this week's edition of Avenue News. you this week's edition of Avenue News. [music] The Social Justice Ministry urgently The Social Justice Ministry urgently invites you to join us for the next invites you to join us for the next invites you to join us for the next installment of our crucial conversation installment of our crucial conversation installment of our crucial conversation series, [music] series, [music] series, [music] Hijack Faith. Power, politics, and the Hijack Faith. Power, politics, and the Hijack Faith. Power, politics, and the church, Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 church, Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 church, Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 a.m. With the midterm elections a.m. With the midterm elections a.m. With the midterm elections approaching, conversations about faith, approaching, conversations about faith, approaching, conversations about faith, power, [music] power, [music] power, [music] politics, and the future of our politics, and the future of our politics, and the future of our democracy are more important than ever. democracy are more important than ever. democracy are more important than ever. The morning will begin with a screening The morning will begin with a screening The morning will begin with a screening of the powerful documentary Bad Faith, of the powerful documentary Bad Faith, of the powerful documentary Bad Faith, which examines the rise [music] of white which examines the rise [music] of white which examines the rise [music] of white Christian nationalism in America and its Christian nationalism in America and its Christian nationalism in America and its impact on public life, the church, and impact on public life, the church, and impact on public life, the church, and our national identity. Following the our national identity. Following the our national identity. Following the film, we will hear from an extraordinary film, we will hear from an extraordinary film, we will hear from an extraordinary panel of faith leaders, scholars, and panel of faith leaders, scholars, and panel of faith leaders, scholars, and national acclaimed political national acclaimed political national acclaimed political strategists, including Dr. Michael strategists, including Dr. Michael strategists, including Dr. Michael [music] Emerson, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes [music] Emerson, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes [music] Emerson, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, Ashley Edton, Dr. Cleave Tinsley IV III, Ashley Edton, Dr. Cleave Tinsley IV III, Ashley Edton, Dr. Cleave Tinsley IV and Bishop Lee D. [music] Donty. Whether and Bishop Lee D. [music] Donty. Whether and Bishop Lee D. [music] Donty. Whether you are deeply engaged in civic life or you are deeply engaged in civic life or you are deeply engaged in civic life or simply trying to make sense of the times simply trying to make sense of the times simply trying to make sense of the times we're living in, this gathering is for we're living in, this gathering is for we're living in, this gathering is for you. Register today and spread the word.

you. Register today and spread the word. you. Register today and spread the word. We look forward to seeing you there. We look forward to seeing you there. We look forward to seeing you there. >> No one person has all the spiritual >> No one person has all the spiritual >> No one person has all the spiritual gifts. It's only when the people of God gifts. It's only when the people of God gifts. It's only when the people of God with diverse gifts come together that with diverse gifts come together that with diverse gifts come together that the church administers best to one the church administers best to one the church administers best to one another. We invite you to visit bc.org. another. We invite you to visit bc.org. another. We invite you to visit bc.org. org to complete your spiritual gifts org to complete your spiritual gifts org to complete your spiritual gifts survey. Then [music] survey. Then [music] survey. Then [music] join us for spiritual gifts discovery. join us for spiritual gifts discovery. join us for spiritual gifts discovery. Find your fit on Saturday, August 29th, Find your fit on Saturday, August 29th, Find your fit on Saturday, August 29th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come learn about the diversity of gifts and learn about the diversity of gifts and learn about the diversity of gifts and discover where your gifts may be used at discover where your gifts may be used at discover where your gifts may be used at Wheeler. Visit the events page for more Wheeler. Visit the events page for more Wheeler. Visit the events page for more details and register today. details and register today. details and register today. >> Are you ready to make a difference and >> Are you ready to make a difference and >> Are you ready to make a difference and grow deeper in your disciplehip journey? grow deeper in your disciplehip journey? grow deeper in your disciplehip journey? Join us in the Community Life Center Join us in the Community Life Center Join us in the Community Life Center gymnasium on Sunday, August 30th after gymnasium on Sunday, August 30th after gymnasium on Sunday, August 30th after all three worship services with over 80 all three worship services with over 80 all three worship services with over 80 dynamic ministries to explore. You'll dynamic ministries to explore. You'll dynamic ministries to explore. You'll uncover countless ways to serve for the uncover countless ways to serve for the uncover countless ways to serve for the glory of God. Whether you are called to glory of God. Whether you are called to glory of God. Whether you are called to teach, encourage, organize, create, or teach, encourage, organize, create, or teach, encourage, organize, create, or care, there is a place just for you.

care, there is a place just for you. care, there is a place just for you. Scripture reminds us in Colossians 4:2, Scripture reminds us in Colossians 4:2, Scripture reminds us in Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourselves in prayer, being "Devote yourselves in prayer, being "Devote yourselves in prayer, being watchful and thankful." The prayer watchful and thankful." The prayer watchful and thankful." The prayer ministry invites you to our 12-hour ministry invites you to our 12-hour ministry invites you to our 12-hour prayer vigual Tuesday, [music] prayer vigual Tuesday, [music] prayer vigual Tuesday, [music] September 1st, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 September 1st, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 September 1st, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are coming together through p.m. We are coming together through p.m. We are coming together through prayer, seeking God's direction as we prayer, seeking God's direction as we prayer, seeking God's direction as we cover our church, leadership, ministry, cover our church, leadership, ministry, cover our church, leadership, ministry, communities, and nation. With virtual communities, and nation. With virtual communities, and nation. With virtual and in-person options, volunteers are and in-person options, volunteers are and in-person options, volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum 2-hour asked to commit to a minimum 2-hour asked to commit to a minimum 2-hour prayer watch. For additional information prayer watch. For additional information prayer watch. For additional information [music] and to sign up, please email I [music] and to sign up, please email I [music] and to sign up, please email I prayadmin at wheelerbc.org. >> Attention parents, AANA is coming back >> Attention parents, AANA is coming back for another exciting year. Aana is a fun for another exciting year. Aana is a fun for another exciting year. Aana is a fun and engaging Bible study program and engaging Bible study program and engaging Bible study program designed to help children grow in their designed to help children grow in their designed to help children grow in their faith, [music] faith, [music] faith, [music] build lasting friendships, and hide build lasting friendships, and hide build lasting friendships, and hide God's word in their heart through God's word in their heart through God's word in their heart through scripture memorization and interactive scripture memorization and interactive scripture memorization and interactive learning. [music] Don't miss this learning. [music] Don't miss this learning. [music] Don't miss this wonderful opportunity for your child to wonderful opportunity for your child to wonderful opportunity for your child to develop a strong biblical foundation develop a strong biblical foundation develop a strong biblical foundation while having fun along the way. [music] while having fun along the way. [music] while having fun along the way. [music] Registration information can be found on Registration information can be found on Registration information can be found on the church website. We can't wait to see the church website. We can't wait to see the church website. We can't wait to see your family at AANA this fall.

your family at AANA this fall. your family at AANA this fall. Whether you're navigating the challenges Whether you're navigating the challenges Whether you're navigating the challenges of separation or divorce or grieving the of separation or divorce or grieving the of separation or divorce or grieving the loss of a loved one, you don't have to loss of a loved one, you don't have to loss of a loved one, you don't have to walk through it alone. Our divorce care walk through it alone. Our divorce care walk through it alone. Our divorce care and grief share 11week support group and grief share 11week support group and grief share 11week support group provides a safe, welcoming environment provides a safe, welcoming environment provides a safe, welcoming environment where you can find encouragement, where you can find encouragement, where you can find encouragement, practical tools, biblical guidance, and practical tools, biblical guidance, and practical tools, biblical guidance, and the support needed [music] to experience the support needed [music] to experience the support needed [music] to experience healing and renewed hope. Divorce care healing and renewed hope. Divorce care healing and renewed hope. Divorce care begins Tuesday, September 8th at 700 begins Tuesday, September 8th at 700 begins Tuesday, September 8th at 700 p.m. on Zoom. And grief share begins p.m. on Zoom. And grief share begins p.m. on Zoom. And grief share begins Monday, September 14th at 700 p.m. Monday, September 14th at 700 p.m. Monday, September 14th at 700 p.m. Register today on the events page. Register today on the events page. Register today on the events page. >> The Heart of the Caregiver is a support >> The Heart of the Caregiver is a support >> The Heart of the Caregiver is a support group sponsored by the Congregational group sponsored by the Congregational group sponsored by the Congregational Care Ministry. [music] If you're caring Care Ministry. [music] If you're caring Care Ministry. [music] If you're caring for a loved one, you're not alone. Join for a loved one, you're not alone. Join for a loved one, you're not alone. Join us and fellow caregivers for a 9-week us and fellow caregivers for a 9-week us and fellow caregivers for a 9-week virtual journey beginning Thursday, virtual journey beginning Thursday, virtual journey beginning Thursday, September 17th at 7:00 p.m. [music] September 17th at 7:00 p.m. [music] September 17th at 7:00 p.m. [music] Discover encouragement, practical tools, Discover encouragement, practical tools, Discover encouragement, practical tools, and renew hope as you move from feeling and renew hope as you move from feeling and renew hope as you move from feeling overwhelmed to experiencing greater joy overwhelmed to experiencing greater joy overwhelmed to experiencing greater joy and purpose. Register today on the and purpose. Register today on the and purpose. Register today on the events page and make time for your own events page and make time for your own events page and make time for your own care while caring for others.

care while caring for others. care while caring for others. >> Young adults, save the date. Thursday, >> Young adults, save the date. Thursday, >> Young adults, save the date. Thursday, September 17th at 7 p.m. We're gathering September 17th at 7 p.m. We're gathering September 17th at 7 p.m. We're gathering in the cathedral for young adult in the cathedral for young adult in the cathedral for young adult worship. worship. worship. This is not just a service. This is a This is not just a service. This is a This is not just a service. This is a setup. God's about to move. And we want setup. God's about to move. And we want setup. God's about to move. And we want you in the room when it happens. Come you in the room when it happens. Come you in the room when it happens. Come worship. Come fellowship. Come expecting worship. Come fellowship. Come expecting worship. Come fellowship. Come expecting an experience with God. See you there. an experience with God. See you there. an experience with God. See you there. Parents and guardians are invited to Parents and guardians are invited to Parents and guardians are invited to join the counseling ministry for a time join the counseling ministry for a time join the counseling ministry for a time of encouragement and empowerment. We of encouragement and empowerment. We of encouragement and empowerment. We know that caring for yourself is know that caring for yourself is know that caring for yourself is important while seeking to navigate important while seeking to navigate important while seeking to navigate parenthood with patience and wisdom. We parenthood with patience and wisdom. We parenthood with patience and wisdom. We are here to provide effective tools. Our are here to provide effective tools. Our are here to provide effective tools. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Andrea keynote speaker will be Dr. Andrea keynote speaker will be Dr. Andrea Johnson, chair of the counseling Johnson, chair of the counseling Johnson, chair of the counseling department at Houston Christian department at Houston Christian department at Houston Christian University. Please register on the University. Please register on the University. Please register on the church website and meet us Saturday, church website and meet us Saturday, church website and meet us Saturday, September 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 September 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 September 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. noon. noon. >> There's so much taking place and we hope >> There's so much taking place and we hope >> There's so much taking place and we hope you stay connected.

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 our social media platforms. I'm on all our social media platforms. I'm on all our social media platforms. I'm Shandra G Shandra G Shandra G >> and I'm Ron Stalin >> and I'm Ron Stalin >> and I'm Ron Stalin >> and this has been your Avenue News. >> and this has been your Avenue News. >> and this has been your Avenue News. >> Remember, we [music] are Wheeler >> Remember, we [music] are Wheeler >> Remember, we [music] are Wheeler wherever. >> Hello everyone and welcome to the Avenue >> Hello everyone and welcome to the Avenue Wheeler Avenue. As you know, this week Wheeler Avenue. As you know, this week Wheeler Avenue. As you know, this week was young adult week. My name is Alfreda was young adult week. My name is Alfreda was young adult week. My name is Alfreda Bats and I'm a part of the young adult Bats and I'm a part of the young adult Bats and I'm a part of the young adult ministry. I wanted to get to know two ministry. I wanted to get to know two ministry. I wanted to get to know two people as well. So, can you introduce people as well. So, can you introduce people as well. So, can you introduce yourself and tell me when you joined yourself and tell me when you joined yourself and tell me when you joined Wheeler? Wheeler? Wheeler? >> My name is Sierra Jefferson and I joined >> My name is Sierra Jefferson and I joined >> My name is Sierra Jefferson and I joined Wheeler December 27th of 2025. Wheeler December 27th of 2025. Wheeler December 27th of 2025. >> [cheering] >> And what about you? >> And what about you? >> My name is Ro Fra. I joined Wheeler 10 >> My name is Ro Fra. I joined Wheeler 10 >> My name is Ro Fra. I joined Wheeler 10 years ago. Um, thanks to my line years ago. Um, thanks to my line years ago. Um, thanks to my line brother. His grandmother is actually one brother. His grandmother is actually one brother. His grandmother is actually one of the founders, Charlotte Bryant. So, of the founders, Charlotte Bryant. So, of the founders, Charlotte Bryant. So, >> huge shout out to her.

>> huge shout out to her. >> huge shout out to her. >> That's amazing. And as you know, the >> That's amazing. And as you know, the >> That's amazing. And as you know, the theme of this week was rooted and ready. theme of this week was rooted and ready. theme of this week was rooted and ready. What did rooted and ready mean to you? What did rooted and ready mean to you? What did rooted and ready mean to you? rooted and ready for me meant, you know, rooted and ready for me meant, you know, rooted and ready for me meant, you know, to just stay rooted in my faith, rooted to just stay rooted in my faith, rooted to just stay rooted in my faith, rooted in my journey that I am going through in my journey that I am going through in my journey that I am going through right now with the Lord and just staying right now with the Lord and just staying right now with the Lord and just staying ready forever for whatever he has coming ready forever for whatever he has coming ready forever for whatever he has coming my way. my way. my way. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> What was your favorite moment or >> What was your favorite moment or >> What was your favorite moment or experience of the week? experience of the week? experience of the week? >> For me, it was definitely Thursday, the >> For me, it was definitely Thursday, the >> For me, it was definitely Thursday, the praise and worship. Um, I had a really praise and worship. Um, I had a really praise and worship. Um, I had a really long week and that day I was like, I long week and that day I was like, I long week and that day I was like, I don't think I'mma come. But when I came, don't think I'mma come. But when I came, don't think I'mma come. But when I came, it was such a refresher just to sing it was such a refresher just to sing it was such a refresher just to sing with all the young adults. So, Thursday with all the young adults. So, Thursday with all the young adults. So, Thursday for sure. for sure. for sure. >> Yeah, that was good. We did Sounds of >> Yeah, that was good. We did Sounds of >> Yeah, that was good. We did Sounds of the Sanctuary on Thursday where we had a the Sanctuary on Thursday where we had a the Sanctuary on Thursday where we had a mass choir. Whether you were in the pews mass choir. Whether you were in the pews mass choir. Whether you were in the pews or in the choir stand, we all sung or in the choir stand, we all sung or in the choir stand, we all sung together and it was amazing. Okay. And together and it was amazing. Okay. And together and it was amazing. Okay. And how has the young adult ministry blessed how has the young adult ministry blessed how has the young adult ministry blessed you? you? you? >> The young adult ministry has blessed me >> The young adult ministry has blessed me >> The young adult ministry has blessed me with uh community. Um whether it was with uh community. Um whether it was with uh community. Um whether it was from vacation bible school to study on from vacation bible school to study on from vacation bible school to study on the avenue on Wednesdays, too. Um, I've the avenue on Wednesdays, too. Um, I've the avenue on Wednesdays, too. Um, I've met people here that has helped me grow met people here that has helped me grow met people here that has helped me grow deeper in my faith right now in my deeper in my faith right now in my deeper in my faith right now in my current walk journey. So, current walk journey. So, current walk journey. So, >> Amen.

>> Amen. >> Amen. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> What would you tell someone who was >> What would you tell someone who was >> What would you tell someone who was interested in getting connected to the interested in getting connected to the interested in getting connected to the young adult ministry? young adult ministry? young adult ministry? >> Um, I've been to a few big churches >> Um, I've been to a few big churches >> Um, I've been to a few big churches before and I would say definitely before and I would say definitely before and I would say definitely connecting with the young adults make a connecting with the young adults make a connecting with the young adults make a big church small. So, if you really want big church small. So, if you really want big church small. So, if you really want to get connected with the young adults, to get connected with the young adults, to get connected with the young adults, grow and get challenged, definitely join grow and get challenged, definitely join grow and get challenged, definitely join the ministry for sure. the ministry for sure. the ministry for sure. What is something the congregation What is something the congregation What is something the congregation should prepare for worship today? should prepare for worship today? should prepare for worship today? >> Prepare to praise him. >> Prepare to praise him. >> Prepare to praise him. >> You know, get a good little stretch out >> You know, get a good little stretch out >> You know, get a good little stretch out and you might even get a good sweat out and you might even get a good sweat out and you might even get a good sweat out today. I pray that. today. I pray that. today. I pray that. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yes. So, as you know, again, we are the >> Yes. So, as you know, again, we are the young adult ministry. We have way plenty young adult ministry. We have way plenty young adult ministry. We have way plenty of ways for you to get connected. of ways for you to get connected. of ways for you to get connected. Whether you love to volunteer, you love Whether you love to volunteer, you love Whether you love to volunteer, you love to worship, you love to network, or if to worship, you love to network, or if to worship, you love to network, or if you love to get deeper into you love to get deeper into you love to get deeper into conversations in small groups, we have conversations in small groups, we have conversations in small groups, we have something for you. Every Wednesday, like something for you. Every Wednesday, like something for you. Every Wednesday, like Sierra said, we have study on the Avenue Sierra said, we have study on the Avenue Sierra said, we have study on the Avenue with the young adult ministry. And then with the young adult ministry. And then with the young adult ministry. And then also every third Thursday, we have third also every third Thursday, we have third also every third Thursday, we have third Thursday of the month, we have either Thursday of the month, we have either Thursday of the month, we have either the situation or a worship service. So, the situation or a worship service. So, the situation or a worship service. So, we love to see you there. And thank we love to see you there. And thank we love to see you there. And thank y'all for the avenue young adult y'all for the avenue young adult y'all for the avenue young adult ministry and get prepared to worship.

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

sanctuary you can't get in the stadium. sanctuary you can't get in the stadium. You got something in the sanctuary. [music] [music] >> Hey, hey, hey. Well, bless the name of the Lord, Well, bless the name of the Lord, Wheeler Avenue. Will you mind glorify Wheeler Avenue. Will you mind glorify Wheeler Avenue. Will you mind glorify his name this afternoon?

his name this afternoon? his name this afternoon? Come on, let's put our hands together Come on, let's put our hands together Come on, let's put our hands together and lift him high. of the Lord. The [music] name of the of the Lord. The [music] name of the Lord who is worthy of the name [music] of the Lord the name [music] of the Lord give [music] you [singing] [singing] [music] >> No, you won't. >> No, you won't. I love to call him. [music and singing] I love I love you. [music] you. [music] you. [music] I love you.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Everybody the name of the Lord. [music] the name of the Lord. [music] Who is worthy of the name [music] of the Lord? of the name [music] of the Lord? Who is worthy? [music] [singing] [singing] falling. falling. falling. [music] Cuz Cuz [music] I love him. [music] I love him. [music] I love him.

I love him. I love him. I love to call [music] him. I love to call [music] him. I love to call [music] him. I love to call him. I love to call him. I love to call him. [music] [music] [music] He is my father. I am my father. Yeah. I am my father. Yeah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He is my father. >> He is my father. >> He is my father. [music] [music] [music] He is [singing] my father. He is [singing] my father. He is [singing] my father. Jesus love [music and singing] love [music and singing] you. you. you. Jesus love you. Jesus love you. Jesus love you. We love [music] We love [music] We love [music] you. [music] I love you. [singing] [music] I love you. [singing] I love his name. [music] He is my father. He is my father. [music] [music] [music] The Lord is my father.

The Lord is my father. The Lord is my father. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He is not my I know. I know. He loves me. [music] He loves me. [music] He loves me. [music] He loves me. He loves me. He loves me. He loves me. He loves me. He loves me. He loves me. He loves me. He loves me. He [music] loves me. [singing] My He [music] loves me. [singing] My He [music] loves me. [singing] My lifeesus I know you [music] I know you [music] lovees I love you I love Hallelujah. I love you I love Hallelujah. [music] I love you. [music] I love you. [music] I love you.

You love me. You love me. We love you. You love me. You love me. We love you. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat.

Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Well, this is the day that the Lord has Well, this is the day that the Lord has [music] made. And I don't know about [music] made. And I don't know about [music] made. And I don't know about you, but I've come to rejoice and be you, but I've come to rejoice and be you, but I've come to rejoice and be glad in this. And [music] I believe glad in this. And [music] I believe glad in this. And [music] I believe there are a few folks who believe that there are a few folks who believe that there are a few folks who believe that there's power in that name of Jesus. there's power in that name of Jesus. there's power in that name of Jesus. Come on. Is there anybody here that Come on. Is there anybody here that Come on. Is there anybody here that believe there's power in the name of believe there's power in the name of believe there's power in the name of Jesus? that you can call them in the Jesus? that you can call them in the Jesus? that you can call them in the morning, that you [music] can call them morning, that you [music] can call them morning, that you [music] can call them in the noon day, that you can call them in the noon day, that you can call them in the noon day, that you can call them in the midnight hour, that there's in the midnight hour, that there's in the midnight hour, that there's [music] healing in the name of Jesus. [music] healing in the name of Jesus. [music] healing in the name of Jesus. There's joy in the name of Jesus. There's joy in the name of Jesus. There's joy in the name of Jesus. There's peace in the name of [music] There's peace in the name of [music] There's peace in the name of [music] Jesus. There's forgiveness in the name Jesus. There's forgiveness in the name Jesus. There's forgiveness in the name of Jesus. Somebody ought to call his of Jesus. Somebody ought to call his of Jesus. Somebody ought to call his name Jesus. [music] name Jesus. [music] name Jesus. [music] Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. The old folks would say, "The more I The old folks would say, "The more I The old folks would say, "The more I call him, the better I feel. The more I call him, the better I feel. The more I call him, the better I feel. The more I call them, the better I feel. Somebody call them, the better I feel. Somebody call them, the better I feel. Somebody told me that there is power, power, told me that there is power, power, told me that there is power, power, wonder working power in that name of wonder working power in that name of wonder working power in that name of Jesus. [music] Put those blessed hands Jesus. [music] Put those blessed hands Jesus. [music] Put those blessed hands together and let's celebrate the name of together and let's celebrate the name of together and let's celebrate the name of Jesus, the son of God, the sooncoming Jesus, the son of God, the sooncoming Jesus, the son of God, the sooncoming king, the lily of the valley, [music] king, the lily of the valley, [music] king, the lily of the valley, [music] the bright and morning star. Come on, the bright and morning star. Come on, the bright and morning star. Come on, celebrate your Jesus [music] because celebrate your Jesus [music] because celebrate your Jesus [music] because he's worthy to be praised. Heat. [music] he's worthy to be praised. Heat. [music] he's worthy to be praised. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] looking for. [singing] looking for. [singing] [music] [music] [music] Is there anybody in here that knows what Is there anybody in here that knows what Is there anybody in here that knows what happens when you call on the name of happens when you call on the name of happens when you call on the name of Jesus? [music] Jesus? [music] Jesus? [music] We call on the name of Jesus because We call on the name of Jesus because We call on the name of Jesus because he's our healer. He's [music] Jesus our he's our healer. He's [music] Jesus our he's our healer. He's [music] Jesus our provider. He's Jesus our way maker. He's provider. He's Jesus our way maker. He's provider. He's Jesus our way maker. He's Jesus the one who we can run to. He's Jesus the one who we can run to. He's Jesus the one who we can run to. He's Jesus our strong power. He's Jesus.

Jesus our strong power. He's Jesus. Jesus our strong power. He's Jesus. [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And because [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And because [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And because he's got a name that's so great because he's got a name that's so great because he's got a name that's so great because we love to call on his name. Church, we love to call on his name. Church, we love to call on his name. Church, let's call on them right now. It's let's call on them right now. It's let's call on them right now. It's prayer time. Saints, prayer time. Saints, prayer time. Saints, you can take your chosen prayer posture. you can take your chosen prayer posture. you can take your chosen prayer posture. And note also that there are And note also that there are And note also that there are intercessors [music] scattered about the intercessors [music] scattered about the intercessors [music] scattered about the room with red stones. If you desire room with red stones. If you desire room with red stones. If you desire somebody to touch and agree and to pray somebody to touch and agree and to pray somebody to touch and agree and to pray [music] with you, they're here for that. [music] with you, they're here for that. [music] with you, they're here for that. I would also like to note that we have I would also like to note that we have I would also like to note that we have two services [music] scheduled this two services [music] scheduled this two services [music] scheduled this week. Um on Tuesday, we've got services week. Um on Tuesday, we've got services week. Um on Tuesday, we've got services for Deaconist FA Buffalo here at the for Deaconist FA Buffalo here at the for Deaconist FA Buffalo here at the church [music] in the sanctuary at 11:00 church [music] in the sanctuary at 11:00 church [music] in the sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. And then on Saturday, services for a.m. And then on Saturday, services for a.m. And then on Saturday, services for Reverend Carlen [music] Al Carlen Reverend Carlen [music] Al Carlen Reverend Carlen [music] Al Carlen Alexander will be Saturday, August 22nd Alexander will be Saturday, August 22nd Alexander will be Saturday, August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary as well. at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary as well. at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary as well. Let us pray. Let us pray. Let us pray. Gracious God, merciful savior, Gracious God, merciful savior, Gracious God, merciful savior, wonderful father, mighty king, wonderful father, mighty king, wonderful father, mighty king, you are Jesus.

you are Jesus. you are Jesus. [music] [music] [music] You are Jesus. And we know that when we You are Jesus. And we know that when we You are Jesus. And we know that when we call your name that atmospheres shift. call your name that atmospheres shift. call your name that atmospheres shift. We know that when we call on the name of We know that when we call on the name of We know that when we call on the name of Jesus that demons tremble. We know that Jesus that demons tremble. We know that Jesus that demons tremble. We know that when we call on the name of Jesus that when we call on the name of Jesus that when we call on the name of Jesus that situations must change. We know that situations must change. We know that situations must change. We know that when we call on the name of Jesus, we when we call on the name of Jesus, we when we call on the name of Jesus, we ought to start to feel better because ought to start to feel better because ought to start to feel better because something happens when we call on the something happens when we call on the something happens when we call on the name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. name of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Thank you, Lord, for Jesus. And God, Thank you, Lord, for Jesus. And God, Thank you, Lord, for Jesus. And God, because we know how powerful and how because we know how powerful and how because we know how powerful and how wonderful and how strong the name of wonderful and how strong the name of wonderful and how strong the name of Jesus is. We know that there is not a Jesus is. We know that there is not a Jesus is. We know that there is not a situation that we could face. There's situation that we could face. There's situation that we could face. There's not a problem that we have that Jesus is not a problem that we have that Jesus is not a problem that we have that Jesus is not able to solve for us. And so God, we not able to solve for us. And so God, we not able to solve for us. And so God, we just want to take a little time to give just want to take a little time to give just want to take a little time to give you the glory and the praise for being a you the glory and the praise for being a you the glory and the praise for being a problem fixer and a a a heart regulator problem fixer and a a a heart regulator problem fixer and a a a heart regulator and a and a mind calmer and a and a and a mind calmer and a and a and a mind calmer and a stormtamer. God, we thank you that stormtamer. God, we thank you that stormtamer. God, we thank you that you're able to do more and exceeding you're able to do more and exceeding you're able to do more and exceeding abundantly above all that we could ever abundantly above all that we could ever abundantly above all that we could ever ask or think. We thank you, oh God, that ask or think. We thank you, oh God, that ask or think. We thank you, oh God, that you are able to fix our lives better you are able to fix our lives better you are able to fix our lives better than Ayana ever could. We thank you, oh than Ayana ever could. We thank you, oh than Ayana ever could. We thank you, oh God, that you are God.

God, that you are God. God, that you are God. And because we know that you're so great And because we know that you're so great And because we know that you're so great and so strong and so powerful, we know and so strong and so powerful, we know and so strong and so powerful, we know that we [music] can lay our burdens down that we [music] can lay our burdens down that we [music] can lay our burdens down here on this altar to you. And so God, here on this altar to you. And so God, here on this altar to you. And so God, we invite you to do what you do, oh God, we invite you to do what you do, oh God, we invite you to do what you do, oh God, to fix, to heal, to deliver, to set to fix, to heal, to deliver, to set to fix, to heal, to deliver, to set free, oh God, to break chains. Father, free, oh God, to break chains. Father, free, oh God, to break chains. Father, you know what your people stand in need you know what your people stand in need you know what your people stand in need of. And so we invite you, oh God, to do of. And so we invite you, oh God, to do of. And so we invite you, oh God, to do it again. And we have heard testimonies it again. And we have heard testimonies it again. And we have heard testimonies all week. We have seen the stories, oh all week. We have seen the stories, oh all week. We have seen the stories, oh God. We have heard your people, oh God. God. We have heard your people, oh God. God. We have heard your people, oh God. And so we know what you're capable of. And so we know what you're capable of. And so we know what you're capable of. And not only do we have to hear it from And not only do we have to hear it from And not only do we have to hear it from other people, but we've seen what you've other people, but we've seen what you've other people, but we've seen what you've done in our lives before. And so God, we done in our lives before. And so God, we done in our lives before. And so God, we invite you to do it again because we invite you to do it again because we invite you to do it again because we know that you're able. We know, God, know that you're able. We know, God, know that you're able. We know, God, that you can do it, oh God. We know that that you can do it, oh God. We know that that you can do it, oh God. We know that there is not a force on this earth there is not a force on this earth there is not a force on this earth that's [music] greater than you. You are that's [music] greater than you. You are that's [music] greater than you. You are our creator. You are the sooncoming our creator. You are the sooncoming our creator. You are the sooncoming king. You are our God. And so we put our king. You are our God. And so we put our king. You are our God. And so we put our full trust in you, oh God. Asking that full trust in you, oh God. Asking that full trust in you, oh God. Asking that you would just be God in [music] our you would just be God in [music] our you would just be God in [music] our lives. Whatever that looks like, God, lives. Whatever that looks like, God, lives. Whatever that looks like, God, you are the great I am. And so whatever you are the great I am. And so whatever you are the great I am. And so whatever the I am, we need you to be, God. We the I am, we need you to be, God. We the I am, we need you to be, God. We just ask you to do that. [music] just ask you to do that. [music] just ask you to do that. [music] God, I ask that you would breathe on God, I ask that you would breathe on God, I ask that you would breathe on this service today. I ask that every this service today. I ask that every this service today. I ask that every [music] need that's in the room will be [music] need that's in the room will be [music] need that's in the room will be met. I ask that someone's life is met. I ask that someone's life is met. I ask that someone's life is changed, that someone's heart is changed, that someone's heart is changed, that someone's heart is pricricked, [music] that there is some pricricked, [music] that there is some pricricked, [music] that there is some form of a transformation that takes form of a transformation that takes form of a transformation that takes place because they were in this room place because they were in this room place because they were in this room today. And so we just invite you to

today. And so we just invite you to today. And so we just invite you to come. Holy Spirit, come to have your come. Holy Spirit, come to have your come. Holy Spirit, come to have your way. Holy Spirit, I pray God for your way. Holy Spirit, I pray God for your way. Holy Spirit, I pray God for your man's servant who's coming to deliver man's servant who's coming to deliver man's servant who's coming to deliver [music] the word that he would preach [music] the word that he would preach [music] the word that he would preach with power and conviction. God, that he with power and conviction. God, that he with power and conviction. God, that he would stand tall. that it would be you would stand tall. that it would be you would stand tall. that it would be you that the people see, that it would be that the people see, that it would be that the people see, that it would be you that they hear [music] and not him. you that they hear [music] and not him. you that they hear [music] and not him. I pray for every soul that is under my I pray for every soul that is under my I pray for every soul that is under my voice. God, I lift up a special prayer voice. God, I lift up a special prayer voice. God, I lift up a special prayer for our first family, for our pastor, for our first family, for our pastor, for our first family, for our pastor, for his wife, for [music] his children. for his wife, for [music] his children. for his wife, for [music] his children. They pour so much into us. They have They pour so much into us. They have They pour so much into us. They have given so much of their time and their given so much of their time and their given so much of their time and their gifts and their lives for us. And I just gifts and their lives for us. And I just gifts and their lives for us. And I just ask that you would bless them a double ask that you would bless them a double ask that you would bless them a double portion for that. [music] And I ask that portion for that. [music] And I ask that portion for that. [music] And I ask that you would continue to keep them, you would continue to keep them, you would continue to keep them, continue to rock them, continue to continue to rock them, continue to continue to rock them, continue to comfort them, God, continue to cover comfort them, God, continue to cover comfort them, God, continue to cover them under your blood. And we thank you them under your blood. And we thank you them under your blood. And we thank you for all that you're doing within the for all that you're doing within the for all that you're doing within the life of our church. We thank you for life of our church. We thank you for life of our church. We thank you for [music] what you're doing specifically [music] what you're doing specifically [music] what you're doing specifically within the young adult ministry. God, within the young adult ministry. God, within the young adult ministry. God, you continue to grow us. You continue to you continue to grow us. You continue to you continue to grow us. You continue to allow [music] us to serve. You continue, allow [music] us to serve. You continue, allow [music] us to serve. You continue, oh Lord, to help us to do things like oh Lord, to help us to do things like oh Lord, to help us to do things like this and programming [music] like this, this and programming [music] like this, this and programming [music] like this, God. not just doing events but actually God. not just doing events but actually God. not just doing events but actually doing transformational ministry. And so doing transformational ministry. And so doing transformational ministry. And so Lord, we thank you. [music] We thank Lord, we thank you. [music] We thank Lord, we thank you. [music] We thank you. We thank you. We give you the glory you. We thank you. We give you the glory you. We thank you. We give you the glory because you do it. We give you the honor because you do it. We give you the honor because you do it. We give you the honor because you deserve it. It's in the because you deserve it. It's in the because you deserve it. It's in the wonderful name of Jesus that we pray.

wonderful name of Jesus that we pray. wonderful name of Jesus that we pray. Amen. >> Oh Lord, [singing] >> Oh Lord, [singing] power [music] power [music] power [music] and and and >> power >> power >> power >> is your name. >> is your name. >> is your name. >> is your name. [music] >> is your name. [music] >> is your name. [music] >> Your name is strength. >> Your name is strength. >> Your name is strength. >> Your name is strength. [singing] >> Your name is strength. [singing] >> Your name is strength. [singing] >> Your name is power. >> Your name is power. >> Your name is power. >> Your name is power. [music] >> Your name is power. [music] >> Your name is power. [music] >> Strong tower. >> Strong tower. >> Strong tower. >> Makes me say >> Makes me say >> Makes me say >> makes me. >> makes me. >> makes me. Oh Lord Oh Lord Oh Lord our [singing] Lord our [singing] Lord our [singing] Lord how excel how excel how excel >> is your [music] name is your name >> is your [music] name is your name >> is your [music] name is your name >> your name is [singing] strength >> your name is [singing] strength >> your name is [singing] strength [music] [music] [music] >> your name is power >> your name is power >> your name is power >> a strong tower >> a strong tower >> a strong tower >> strong tower [music] >> strong tower [music] >> strong tower [music] >> makes me [singing] say we sing [singing] we sing [singing] Oh, [music] [music] nobody like you, Lord.

nobody like you, Lord. nobody like you, Lord. Nobody like you, [music and singing] Nobody like you, [music and singing] Nobody like you, [music and singing] Lord. [music and singing] Nobody like you, [music and singing] Nobody like you, Lord. Lord. Lord. Lord, nobody like you, Lord. Lord, nobody like you, Lord. Lord, nobody like you, Lord. Everybody in the building say Everybody in the building say Everybody in the building say [music and singing] nobody like you Lord you [music] nobody like you Lord you [music] like you Lord you like you Lord you like you like you Lord you like you [music and singing] like >> [music] >> [music] >> Lord, [singing] [singing] [music] Nobody like you. Nobody.

Nobody like you. Nobody. Nobody like you. Nobody like you. Nobody like you. [singing and music] Good morning, church family. Please Good morning, church family. Please stand [music] to your feet this stand [music] to your feet this stand [music] to your feet this afternoon as we sing this afternoon's afternoon as we sing this afternoon's afternoon as we sing this afternoon's hymn, Amazing Grace. hymn, Amazing Grace. hymn, Amazing Grace. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Heat here. [music]

here. [music] [singing] Oh, Oh, [music] Yeah. Yeah. Heat. [music and singing] [singing] [singing] Hey, up

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

>> [music] [singing] >> Praise God. [singing] >> Praise God. [singing] Praise [music] God. [chanting] Praise [music] God. [chanting] Praise [music] God. [chanting] Praise [singing] God. Praise [singing] God. Praise [singing] God. Praise [music] God. Praise [music] God. Praise [music] God. Praise God. [singing] Praise God. [singing] Praise God. [singing] Heat [music] >> Good afternoon church family. Would you >> Good afternoon church family. Would you please remain standing for the reading please remain standing for the reading please remain standing for the reading of the word of God. Today we will be of the word of God. Today we will be of the word of God. Today we will be reading two passages of scripture from reading two passages of scripture from reading two passages of scripture from the NKJV.

the NKJV. the NKJV. Please turn with me to Jeremiah Please turn with me to Jeremiah Please turn with me to Jeremiah 17:es 1-8. The sin of Judah is written with a pen The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron. With the point of a diamond, it of iron. With the point of a diamond, it of iron. With the point of a diamond, it is engraved on the tablet of their heart is engraved on the tablet of their heart is engraved on the tablet of their heart and on the horns of your altars. While and on the horns of your altars. While and on the horns of your altars. While their children remember their altars and their children remember their altars and their children remember their altars and their wooden images by the green trees their wooden images by the green trees their wooden images by the green trees on the high hills. Oh my mountain in the on the high hills. Oh my mountain in the on the high hills. Oh my mountain in the field, I will give as plunder your field, I will give as plunder your field, I will give as plunder your wealth, all your treasures, and your wealth, all your treasures, and your wealth, all your treasures, and your high places of sin within all your high places of sin within all your high places of sin within all your borders. And you, even yourself, shall borders. And you, even yourself, shall borders. And you, even yourself, shall let go of your heritage, which I gave let go of your heritage, which I gave let go of your heritage, which I gave you. And I will cause you to serve your you. And I will cause you to serve your you. And I will cause you to serve your enemies in a land which you do not know. enemies in a land which you do not know. enemies in a land which you do not know. For you have kindled a fire in my anger, For you have kindled a fire in my anger, For you have kindled a fire in my anger, which shall burn forever. Thus says the which shall burn forever. Thus says the which shall burn forever. Thus says the Lord, "Cursed is the man who trusts the Lord, "Cursed is the man who trusts the Lord, "Cursed is the man who trusts the man and makes flesh his strength, whose man and makes flesh his strength, whose man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. For he heart departs from the Lord. For he heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall shall not see when good comes, but shall shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the inhabit the parched places in the inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, and a salt land which is not wilderness, and a salt land which is not wilderness, and a salt land which is not inhabited.

inhabited. inhabited. Blessed Blessed Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and is the man who trusts in the Lord, and is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall whose hope is in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, be like a tree planted by the waters, be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the which spreads out its roots by the which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when he comes, river, and will not fear when he comes, river, and will not fear when he comes, but his leaf will be green, and will not but his leaf will be green, and will not but his leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor be anxious in the year of drought, nor be anxious in the year of drought, nor will siege from yielding fruit. will siege from yielding fruit. will siege from yielding fruit. Now, please turn to Colossians chapter Now, please turn to Colossians chapter Now, please turn to Colossians chapter 2:es 6-7. As you therefore have received Christ As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in and built up in him, and established in and built up in him, and established in the faith as you have been taught, the faith as you have been taught, the faith as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. This abounding in it with thanksgiving. This abounding in it with thanksgiving. This is the word of God for the people of is the word of God for the people of is the word of God for the people of God. >> Come on, let's lift the praises to our >> Come on, let's lift the praises to our God. Hallelujah.

I will your name. [music] I will your name. [music] I will lift up your name. I I will lift up your name. I I will lift up your name. I [music] [music] [music] wonder [music] [music] I will lift up your name. [singing] I will lift up your name. [singing] I will lift up your name. [singing] I will lift up your name. [music] [music] [music] >> I will call your name Jesus. I will call >> I will call your name Jesus. I will call >> I will call your name Jesus. I will call [singing] your name. [singing] your name. [singing] your name. [music] [music] [music] You are I will call your nameus. You are I will call your nameus. You are I will call your nameus. >> I [music] will call on your name Jesus. >> I [music] will call on your name Jesus. >> I [music] will call on your name Jesus. [singing] [singing] [singing] >> I will call on your name. [music] >> You are wonderful. I will call on your >> You are wonderful. I will call on your name. [music] >> I know. >> I know. I know his name is wonderful. [music] I know his name is wonderful. [music] I know his name is wonderful. [music] I know his name. I know his name. I know I know his name. I know his name. I know I know his name. I know his name. I know his name.

his name. his name. [music] [music] [music] I know. I know. I know. I know his name. I know. [music] He is a I know his name. I know. [music] He is a I know his name. I know. [music] He is a mighty God. I know. mighty God. I know. mighty God. I know. I know. I know. I know. I know. [music] I know. [music] I know. [music] God. God. God. I will lift up your name. I will lift up your name. I will lift up your name. I will lift up your name. [music] I will lift up your name. [music] I will lift up your name. [music] You are wonderful. I will lift up your You are wonderful. I will lift up your You are wonderful. I will lift up your [music] [music] [music] I will lift up your name. [singing] I will lift up your name. [singing] I will lift up your name. [singing] I will lift up your name. I will lift up your name. I will lift up your name. [music] I [music] will call on your name. I [music] will call on your name. I will call on your name. I will call on your name. I will call on your name. [music] I believe I believe you are the [music] most high.

you are the [music] most high. you are the [music] most high. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. >> [music and singing] [music] [music] >> You are [music] breaking over. [music] breaking over. You are [music] [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] >> your name.

You are wonderful. You are wonderful. [music] Yes, you are worthy. Yes, you are worthy. [music] Thank you. Thank you. [music] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] might be

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

[music] [music] >> Heat up here. here. [music] >> Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> Good afternoon, Willer family. I am >> Good afternoon, Willer family. I am Jatyrie Kimp Jatyrie Kimp Jatyrie Kimp >> and I am Teresa Wurries family. As you >> and I am Teresa Wurries family. As you >> and I am Teresa Wurries family. As you can already tell, we have been truly can already tell, we have been truly can already tell, we have been truly blessed during our young adult week in blessed during our young adult week in blessed during our young adult week in our theme, rooted in ready.

our theme, rooted in ready. our theme, rooted in ready. >> Now, Tanisha, I don't know about you, >> Now, Tanisha, I don't know about you, >> Now, Tanisha, I don't know about you, but after this week, I feel like a tree but after this week, I feel like a tree but after this week, I feel like a tree planted by the river. planted by the river. planted by the river. >> Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. >> Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. >> Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. >> What a blessing it is to be in worship >> What a blessing it is to be in worship >> What a blessing it is to be in worship together just one more time. together just one more time. together just one more time. >> We would like to take this opportunity >> We would like to take this opportunity >> We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our first time visitors. to acknowledge our first time visitors. to acknowledge our first time visitors. If this is your first time on the If this is your first time on the If this is your first time on the avenue, please stand and remain avenue, please stand and remain avenue, please stand and remain standing. standing. standing. >> Church family, let's just show them how >> Church family, let's just show them how >> Church family, let's just show them how grateful we are they have come to be grateful we are they have come to be grateful we are they have come to be with us this Sunday. [music] >> On the behalf of our senior pastor, >> On the behalf of our senior pastor, Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, and our Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, and our Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, and our executive pastor, Reverend Dr. Alexander executive pastor, Reverend Dr. Alexander executive pastor, Reverend Dr. Alexander Johnson, and our entire ministerial Johnson, and our entire ministerial Johnson, and our entire ministerial staff, we are absolutely elated for you staff, we are absolutely elated for you staff, we are absolutely elated for you to be with us this afternoon. Yes. Yes. to be with us this afternoon. Yes. Yes. to be with us this afternoon. Yes. Yes. We don't take your presence with us for We don't take your presence with us for We don't take your presence with us for granted. And as we worship together granted. And as we worship together granted. And as we worship together today, we also want to just let you know today, we also want to just let you know today, we also want to just let you know how grateful we are that you decided to how grateful we are that you decided to how grateful we are that you decided to join us. join us. join us. >> If you already have a church home, >> If you already have a church home, >> If you already have a church home, please send back your warmest greetings please send back your warmest greetings please send back your warmest greetings from your cousins on the avenue. But if from your cousins on the avenue. But if from your cousins on the avenue. But if you don't, we pray you feel the love of you don't, we pray you feel the love of you don't, we pray you feel the love of Christ here and know that Willer Avenue Christ here and know that Willer Avenue Christ here and know that Willer Avenue is more than a church, but we are the is more than a church, but we are the is more than a church, but we are the church. To stay connected, simply text church. To stay connected, simply text church. To stay connected, simply text the um the prompt that you see here on the um the prompt that you see here on the um the prompt that you see here on the screen. That way that our pastor can the screen. That way that our pastor can the screen. That way that our pastor can send you our warm regard personally.

send you our warm regard personally. send you our warm regard personally. Just letting you know again how grateful Just letting you know again how grateful Just letting you know again how grateful we are that you decided to join us we are that you decided to join us we are that you decided to join us today. today. today. >> Trisha, and let's not forget our Wheeler >> Trisha, and let's not forget our Wheeler >> Trisha, and let's not forget our Wheeler wherever wherever wherever family. Hey cousins, family. Hey cousins, family. Hey cousins, we see you. We love you and we hope that we see you. We love you and we hope that we see you. We love you and we hope that you will join us soon in the cathedral. you will join us soon in the cathedral. you will join us soon in the cathedral. And to everyone in the cathedral and to And to everyone in the cathedral and to And to everyone in the cathedral and to everyone online, we just wanted to say everyone online, we just wanted to say everyone online, we just wanted to say welcome. welcome. welcome. >> Welcome. >> Welcome. >> Welcome. [music] represent our God. represent our God. [music] Praise the Lord. [music] Clap your hand.

Praise the Lord. [music] Clap your hand. Get out of your hand. Get out of your hand. Get out of your hand. [screaming] [screaming] [screaming] Welcome to [music] the avenue. We welcome you. We welcome you. [music] >> Yes, we do. Yes, we do. We welcome you >> Yes, we do. Yes, we do. We welcome you to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And what a joy it is to greet you on this what a joy it is to greet you on this what a joy it is to greet you on this third Sunday of the month of August. And third Sunday of the month of August. And third Sunday of the month of August. And we are so delighted that each of you has we are so delighted that each of you has we are so delighted that each of you has come to be with us. as I echo the come to be with us. as I echo the come to be with us. as I echo the sentiments of those two young adults who sentiments of those two young adults who sentiments of those two young adults who welcomed all of our firsttime visitors welcomed all of our firsttime visitors welcomed all of our firsttime visitors and all those around the world who share and all those around the world who share and all those around the world who share with us this Lord's day. And each of with us this Lord's day. And each of with us this Lord's day. And each of you, my sisters and brothers, it's just you, my sisters and brothers, it's just you, my sisters and brothers, it's just good to be in church on a Sunday good to be in church on a Sunday good to be in church on a Sunday afternoon afternoon afternoon at the Wheeler Avenue church especially.

at the Wheeler Avenue church especially. at the Wheeler Avenue church especially. And I thank God for the presence of you And I thank God for the presence of you And I thank God for the presence of you all. I hope that you have turned towards all. I hope that you have turned towards all. I hope that you have turned towards somebody and brighten their afternoon somebody and brighten their afternoon somebody and brighten their afternoon since you've [music] been here. But just since you've [music] been here. But just since you've [music] been here. But just in case, look towards somebody on your in case, look towards somebody on your in case, look towards somebody on your left, on your right, in front of you, left, on your right, in front of you, left, on your right, in front of you, and behind you. Say, "I'm glad to be in and behind you. Say, "I'm glad to be in and behind you. Say, "I'm glad to be in worship with you. worship with you. worship with you. Glad to be in worship with you. [music] Glad to be in worship with you. [music] Glad to be in worship with you. [music] It's good to see you. It's good to see you. It's good to see you. It's good to see you. Glad to be in It's good to see you. Glad to be in It's good to see you. Glad to be in worship with you. worship with you. worship with you. Praise [music] the name of the Lord." Praise [music] the name of the Lord." Praise [music] the name of the Lord." And although she's been with us before, And although she's been with us before, And although she's been with us before, I dare not I dare not miss the I dare not I dare not miss the I dare not I dare not miss the opportunity [music] to celebrate royalty opportunity [music] to celebrate royalty opportunity [music] to celebrate royalty among us. She's the first lady of the among us. She's the first lady of the among us. She's the first lady of the Antioch Church in Bulmont, Texas. My Antioch Church in Bulmont, Texas. My Antioch Church in Bulmont, Texas. My dear sister, [music] first lady Dory dear sister, [music] first lady Dory dear sister, [music] first lady Dory Adolf, good to see you, sis. We praise Adolf, good to see you, sis. We praise Adolf, good to see you, sis. We praise God for you. Her beloved husband, Dr. God for you. Her beloved husband, Dr. God for you. Her beloved husband, Dr. John Robert Adolf, is a beloved friend John Robert Adolf, is a beloved friend John Robert Adolf, is a beloved friend of this church and of this pastor. He'll of this church and of this pastor. He'll of this church and of this pastor. He'll [music] be preaching our revival, one of [music] be preaching our revival, one of [music] be preaching our revival, one of the nights of our revival in the month the nights of our revival in the month the nights of our revival in the month of October. And I thank God for Dr. John of October. And I thank God for Dr. John of October. And I thank God for Dr. John Adolf from the Antioch Church who will Adolf from the Antioch Church who will Adolf from the Antioch Church who will be here in just a few weeks. And to all be here in just a few weeks. And to all be here in just a few weeks. And to all of you who have shared, who chosen to of you who have shared, who chosen to of you who have shared, who chosen to share with us this afternoon, God bless share with us this afternoon, God bless share with us this afternoon, God bless you one and all. Uh I don't know if you you one and all. Uh I don't know if you you one and all. Uh I don't know if you heard, but it's the conclusion of young heard, but it's the conclusion of young heard, but it's the conclusion of young adult week. And uh yeah, we're excited.

adult week. And uh yeah, we're excited. adult week. And uh yeah, we're excited. Every year uh during this time the young Every year uh during this time the young Every year uh during this time the young adults come together and they have a adults come together and they have a adults come together and they have a phenomenal week of fellowship of study phenomenal week of fellowship of study phenomenal week of fellowship of study of worship and of enjoying the best of of worship and of enjoying the best of of worship and of enjoying the best of one another and then they conclude on one another and then they conclude on one another and then they conclude on this Sunday with worship and they lead this Sunday with worship and they lead this Sunday with worship and they lead us in worship and uh this young adult us in worship and uh this young adult us in worship and uh this young adult music ministry is amazing, aren't they? music ministry is amazing, aren't they? music ministry is amazing, aren't they? >> Thank God for you all. Thank God for all >> Thank God for you all. Thank God for all >> Thank God for you all. Thank God for all of you soloists and the like. Our of you soloists and the like. Our of you soloists and the like. Our dancers and flag bearers don't get dancers and flag bearers don't get dancers and flag bearers don't get tired. They've got the strongest arms in tired. They've got the strongest arms in tired. They've got the strongest arms in Houston and they still hot. Look at Houston and they still hot. Look at Houston and they still hot. Look at them. All of them fanning right now. them. All of them fanning right now. them. All of them fanning right now. Every last one of them. But we thank God Every last one of them. But we thank God Every last one of them. But we thank God for all of them and for the service that for all of them and for the service that for all of them and for the service that they render in the Lord's church. To all they render in the Lord's church. To all they render in the Lord's church. To all of our young adults who have led us thus of our young adults who have led us thus of our young adults who have led us thus far in worship, thank you so much for far in worship, thank you so much for far in worship, thank you so much for what you have done. I'm going to ask all what you have done. I'm going to ask all what you have done. I'm going to ask all those ages 25 those ages 25 those ages 25 to 49, will you please stand? We need to to 49, will you please stand? We need to to 49, will you please stand? We need to see the young adults of our church. 24 see the young adults of our church. 24 see the young adults of our church. 24 24 24 24 to 40 to 39. Lord have mercy. to 40 to 39. Lord have mercy. to 40 to 39. Lord have mercy. 24-39.

24-39. 24-39. Uh, Rem Linda, bless you. [music] 24-39, Uh, Rem Linda, bless you. [music] 24-39, Uh, Rem Linda, bless you. [music] 24-39, remain standing. I just expanded the remain standing. I just expanded the remain standing. I just expanded the ministry a long way. Lord have mercy. I ministry a long way. Lord have mercy. I ministry a long way. Lord have mercy. I put everybody in the young adult put everybody in the young adult put everybody in the young adult ministry except Never mind. All right. ministry except Never mind. All right. ministry except Never mind. All right. Praise the Lord. Listen, what a joy it Praise the Lord. Listen, what a joy it Praise the Lord. Listen, what a joy it is for us to celebrate with you this is for us to celebrate with you this is for us to celebrate with you this week. We thank God for the pivotal role week. We thank God for the pivotal role week. We thank God for the pivotal role you play in the life of our church. You you play in the life of our church. You you play in the life of our church. You have done excellently with leadership have done excellently with leadership have done excellently with leadership and with service and with worship and we and with service and with worship and we and with service and with worship and we don't take it for granted. We were in a don't take it for granted. We were in a don't take it for granted. We were in a leadership meeting yesterday and we leadership meeting yesterday and we leadership meeting yesterday and we found out that the young adult found out that the young adult found out that the young adult demographic is the largest demographic demographic is the largest demographic demographic is the largest demographic in Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and we in Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and we in Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and we celebrate that. [music] celebrate that. [music] celebrate that. [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. So, thank you so much for who you are So, thank you so much for who you are So, thank you so much for who you are and for what you do. Listen, uh, we and for what you do. Listen, uh, we and for what you do. Listen, uh, we always remind the young adult ministry, always remind the young adult ministry, always remind the young adult ministry, [music] uh, that this church, Wheeler [music] uh, that this church, Wheeler [music] uh, that this church, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, which was Avenue Baptist Church, which was Avenue Baptist Church, which was organized, birthed into existence in organized, birthed into existence in organized, birthed into existence in 1962, 1962, 1962, was organized by all young adults. Young was organized by all young adults. Young was organized by all young adults. Young adults did that. The majority of the me adults did that. The majority of the me adults did that. The majority of the me charter members of our church were under charter members of our church were under charter members of our church were under 40 when they signed their names on the 40 when they signed their names on the 40 when they signed their names on the charter to begin Wheeler Avenue Baptist charter to begin Wheeler Avenue Baptist charter to begin Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Five of them was in worship were Church. Five of them was in worship were Church. Five of them was in worship were in worship with us at the 7:00 a.m.

in worship with us at the 7:00 a.m. in worship with us at the 7:00 a.m. service. And it's my prayer that as you service. And it's my prayer that as you service. And it's my prayer that as you bless our church in this season that 64 bless our church in this season that 64 bless our church in this season that 64 years from now, you some of y'all will years from now, you some of y'all will years from now, you some of y'all will still be around here blessing our church still be around here blessing our church still be around here blessing our church and worshiping each and every Sunday and worshiping each and every Sunday and worshiping each and every Sunday morning. That means you're going to live morning. That means you're going to live morning. That means you're going to live into your 90s. Anybody want that? You into your 90s. Anybody want that? You into your 90s. Anybody want that? You want that? Yeah. We're going to live want that? Yeah. We're going to live want that? Yeah. We're going to live into your 90s. The Lord bless you. Thank into your 90s. The Lord bless you. Thank into your 90s. The Lord bless you. Thank you. Young Adult Ministry of Wheeler you. Young Adult Ministry of Wheeler you. Young Adult Ministry of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. God bless you. Avenue Baptist Church. God bless you. Avenue Baptist Church. God bless you. You may be seated in the presence of the You may be seated in the presence of the You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. It's so good to see all of you. Lord. It's so good to see all of you. Lord. It's so good to see all of you. And let's celebrate their leader. She And let's celebrate their leader. She And let's celebrate their leader. She preached for us at the 10:00 service. preached for us at the 10:00 service. preached for us at the 10:00 service. The Reverend Dr. Lkesha RB Atquipio. She preached rooted and ready at the She preached rooted and ready at the first service and we thank God for the first service and we thank God for the first service and we thank God for the way that she proclaimed the word of God way that she proclaimed the word of God way that she proclaimed the word of God to us today. At the 7:00 service, our to us today. At the 7:00 service, our to us today. At the 7:00 service, our [music] fourth intern, but likewise a [music] fourth intern, but likewise a [music] fourth intern, but likewise a leader in the young adult ministry, the leader in the young adult ministry, the leader in the young adult ministry, the Reverend Jaquil Jackson preached the Reverend Jaquil Jackson preached the Reverend Jaquil Jackson preached the word. Thank you, JJ Jake.

word. Thank you, JJ Jake. word. Thank you, JJ Jake. God bless you, man. We appreciate you. God bless you, man. We appreciate you. God bless you, man. We appreciate you. And at this service, the Reverend Isaiah And at this service, the Reverend Isaiah And at this service, the Reverend Isaiah Carter, MD, is going to preach the word Carter, MD, is going to preach the word Carter, MD, is going to preach the word to us. And we're excited about his to us. And we're excited about his to us. And we're excited about his presence with us. Listen, presence with us. Listen, presence with us. Listen, just a little while ago, he graduated just a little while ago, he graduated just a little while ago, he graduated with his medical doctor's degree and he with his medical doctor's degree and he with his medical doctor's degree and he has [music] comp completed your has [music] comp completed your has [music] comp completed your residency, right? You doing an extended residency, right? You doing an extended residency, right? You doing an extended residency. What does that mean? residency. What does that mean? residency. What does that mean? Louder, please. Louder, please. Louder, please. You're still in residency. I got it. But You're still in residency. I got it. But You're still in residency. I got it. But he is Dr. Isaiah Carter, and he's going he is Dr. Isaiah Carter, and he's going he is Dr. Isaiah Carter, and he's going to preach for us this afternoon. And to preach for us this afternoon. And to preach for us this afternoon. And we're excited about that. Can't wait to we're excited about that. Can't wait to we're excited about that. Can't wait to hear what God is going to say to us hear what God is going to say to us hear what God is going to say to us through you this afternoon. Listen, through you this afternoon. Listen, through you this afternoon. Listen, Wednesday, as is our custom, we'll be in Wednesday, as is our custom, we'll be in Wednesday, as is our custom, we'll be in prayer and Bible study. Prayer [music] prayer and Bible study. Prayer [music] prayer and Bible study. Prayer [music] at 6 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. in the at 6 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. in the at 6 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. 6:00 a.m. in the virtual space, 6:00 p.m. in the uh virtual space, 6:00 p.m. in the uh virtual space, 6:00 p.m. in the uh sanctuary. That whole hour in the PM sanctuary. That whole hour in the PM sanctuary. That whole hour in the PM time slot will be devoted to prayer.

time slot will be devoted to prayer. time slot will be devoted to prayer. just a few minutes, 15 minutes to be just a few minutes, 15 minutes to be just a few minutes, 15 minutes to be sure, in the AM time frame, but all of sure, in the AM time frame, but all of sure, in the AM time frame, but all of us are going to pray together on us are going to pray together on us are going to pray together on Wednesday [music] if you're so inclined Wednesday [music] if you're so inclined Wednesday [music] if you're so inclined to do so. And please know that study on to do so. And please know that study on to do so. And please know that study on the Avenue takes place at both 12:00 the Avenue takes place at both 12:00 the Avenue takes place at both 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. And I hope that you noon and 7:00 p.m. And I hope that you noon and 7:00 p.m. And I hope that you will come and share with us in the study will come and share with us in the study will come and share with us in the study of God's word throughout this uh [music] of God's word throughout this uh [music] of God's word throughout this uh [music] this Wednesday's experiences. Please this Wednesday's experiences. Please this Wednesday's experiences. Please know that Crucial Conversations is know that Crucial Conversations is know that Crucial Conversations is coming up on Saturday. It is uh the time coming up on Saturday. It is uh the time coming up on Saturday. It is uh the time when our social justice ministry brings when our social justice ministry brings when our social justice ministry brings us together so we might think very us together so we might think very us together so we might think very critically about what's happening in our critically about what's happening in our critically about what's happening in our world and how we can address as the world and how we can address as the world and how we can address as the people of God the injustices of our people of God the injustices of our people of God the injustices of our world so that we might continue to world so that we might continue to world so that we might continue to according to scripture let justice run according to scripture let justice run according to scripture let justice run down like waters and righteousness like down like waters and righteousness like down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. And so we want you to a mighty stream. And so we want you to a mighty stream. And so we want you to be here this coming Saturday register be here this coming Saturday register be here this coming Saturday register for crucial conversations. It is for crucial conversations. It is for crucial conversations. It is entitled hijacked faith power politics entitled hijacked faith power politics entitled hijacked faith power politics and the church especially [music] and the church especially [music] and the church especially [music] talking about white nationalism and we talking about white nationalism and we talking about white nationalism and we hope that you will be here to be with us hope that you will be here to be with us hope that you will be here to be with us in that experience. documentary will be in that experience. documentary will be in that experience. documentary will be shown called Bad Faith at the top of the shown called Bad Faith at the top of the shown called Bad Faith at the top of the day [music] and then by midday we have a day [music] and then by midday we have a day [music] and then by midday we have a powerp packed stellar panel discussion powerp packed stellar panel discussion powerp packed stellar panel discussion uh of individual panel of [music] uh of individual panel of [music] uh of individual panel of [music] individuals who will give to us a individuals who will give to us a individuals who will give to us a discussion to help us think about uh the discussion to help us think about uh the discussion to help us think about uh the placement of the church of [music] this placement of the church of [music] this placement of the church of [music] this kind of church in the millu of white kind of church in the millu of white kind of church in the millu of white Christian nationalism. And I hope that Christian nationalism. And I hope that Christian nationalism. And I hope that you'll be here to be with us on Saturday you'll be here to be with us on Saturday you'll be here to be with us on Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. And then the beginning at 9:00 a.m. And then the beginning at 9:00 a.m. And then the [music] very last Saturday of this [music] very last Saturday of this [music] very last Saturday of this month, December August 29th, on August month, December August 29th, on August month, December August 29th, on August 29th, we'll have a spiritual gifts 29th, we'll have a spiritual gifts 29th, we'll have a spiritual gifts discovery. And I hope that [music] you,

discovery. And I hope that [music] you, discovery. And I hope that [music] you, if you do not yet know what your if you do not yet know what your if you do not yet know what your spiritual gift is or what your spiritual spiritual gift is or what your spiritual spiritual gift is or what your spiritual gifts are, that you will be with us in gifts are, that you will be with us in gifts are, that you will be with us in that spiritual gifts discovery, a that spiritual gifts discovery, a that spiritual gifts discovery, a morningong [music] experience where Dr. morningong [music] experience where Dr. morningong [music] experience where Dr. Piles and her team will make sure that Piles and her team will make sure that Piles and her team will make sure that all of us leave the church house knowing all of us leave the church house knowing all of us leave the church house knowing what our spiritual gifts are. heart. I what our spiritual gifts are. heart. I what our spiritual gifts are. heart. I hope that you will join us in that hope that you will join us in that hope that you will join us in that experience. The very next day on the experience. The very next day on the experience. The very next day on the 30th of August, we will have our 30th of August, we will have our 30th of August, we will have our ministry fair. [music] That's when you ministry fair. [music] That's when you ministry fair. [music] That's when you take those spiritual gifts you just take those spiritual gifts you just take those spiritual gifts you just learned about on Saturday and you locate learned about on Saturday and you locate learned about on Saturday and you locate them in a ministry on Sunday so that you them in a ministry on Sunday so that you them in a ministry on Sunday so that you can continue to do the great work that can continue to do the great work that can continue to do the great work that the church is called upon to do for such the church is called upon to do for such the church is called upon to do for such a time as this. And [music] we look a time as this. And [music] we look a time as this. And [music] we look forward to that experience. And then the forward to that experience. And then the forward to that experience. And then the very next day on the 31st, it's our very next day on the 31st, it's our very next day on the 31st, it's our year-end church meeting. And we want all year-end church meeting. And we want all year-end church meeting. And we want all the members of our church uh to register the members of our church uh to register the members of our church uh to register for our year-end church meeting and be for our year-end church meeting and be for our year-end church meeting and be with us in the virtual space at 7 pm as with us in the virtual space at 7 pm as with us in the virtual space at 7 pm as we together discuss the great things we together discuss the great things we together discuss the great things that have happened in this [music] that have happened in this [music] that have happened in this [music] church year. For those who do not know, church year. For those who do not know, church year. For those who do not know, our church year starts September 1st and our church year starts September 1st and our church year starts September 1st and it goes to August 31st. So on August it goes to August 31st. So on August it goes to August 31st. So on August 31st, we'll gather on that last Monday 31st, we'll gather on that last Monday 31st, we'll gather on that last Monday of the month and we'll talk about the of the month and we'll talk about the of the month and we'll talk about the great [music] things that have happened great [music] things that have happened great [music] things that have happened and look forward to the great things and look forward to the great things and look forward to the great things that will happen in the days ahead. The that will happen in the days ahead. The that will happen in the days ahead. The very next day on September 1st, which is very next day on September 1st, which is very next day on September 1st, which is Tuesday, we'll have a 12-h hour prayer Tuesday, we'll have a 12-h hour prayer Tuesday, we'll have a 12-h hour prayer vigil here at the church. We'll begin at vigil here at the church. We'll begin at vigil here at the church. We'll begin at 6:00 a.m. in [music] the sanctuary, and 6:00 a.m. in [music] the sanctuary, and 6:00 a.m. in [music] the sanctuary, and we'll stay all day in prayer until 6:00 we'll stay all day in prayer until 6:00 we'll stay all day in prayer until 6:00 p.m. And you're invited to come by the p.m. And you're invited to come by the p.m. And you're invited to come by the church at any point during that time, church at any point during that time, church at any point during that time, and let's pray together as the people of and let's pray together as the people of and let's pray together as the people of God. Amen.

God. Amen. God. Amen. >> Well, those are our announcements for >> Well, those are our announcements for >> Well, those are our announcements for this Sunday, and I hope that you will be this Sunday, and I hope that you will be this Sunday, and I hope that you will be mindful of them. Right now, it's mindful of them. Right now, it's mindful of them. Right now, it's offering time in the Lord's house, and offering time in the Lord's house, and offering time in the Lord's house, and we're excited about giving. [music] we're excited about giving. [music] we're excited about giving. [music] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Well, well, not so much. That was fair. >> Well, well, not so much. That was fair. >> Well, well, not so much. That was fair. That was [music] tepid at best. I That was [music] tepid at best. I That was [music] tepid at best. I thought I was at Wheeler Avenue Baptist thought I was at Wheeler Avenue Baptist thought I was at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church cuz Wheeler Avenue knows that God Church cuz Wheeler Avenue knows that God Church cuz Wheeler Avenue knows that God loves a cheerful giver. So, let me try loves a cheerful giver. So, let me try loves a cheerful giver. So, let me try it again. It's offering time on the it again. It's offering time on the it again. It's offering time on the avenue. That's [music] the church I'm avenue. That's [music] the church I'm avenue. That's [music] the church I'm used to. That's the church I'm used to. used to. That's the church I'm used to. used to. That's the church I'm used to. Our ushers are moving through the aisles Our ushers are moving through the aisles Our ushers are moving through the aisles now just in case you need an envelope now just in case you need an envelope now just in case you need an envelope into which you'll place a paper gift. into which you'll place a paper gift. into which you'll place a paper gift. Keep playing that, please. In case you Keep playing that, please. In case you Keep playing that, please. In case you need a paper gift. Uh if you need an need a paper gift. Uh if you need an need a paper gift. Uh if you need an envelope into which you'll place your envelope into which you'll place your envelope into which you'll place your paper gift uh if you have cash or check paper gift uh if you have cash or check paper gift uh if you have cash or check uh good check we want you to take the uh good check we want you to take the uh good check we want you to take the envelopes and uh utilize them for your envelopes and uh utilize them for your envelopes and uh utilize them for your [music] offering unto the Lord. Others [music] offering unto the Lord. Others [music] offering unto the Lord. Others of us are using the digital methods. of us are using the digital methods. of us are using the digital methods. You'll see them scrolling on the screens You'll see them scrolling on the screens You'll see them scrolling on the screens and we invite you to utilize those and we invite you to utilize those and we invite you to utilize those methods if they better suit your needs methods if they better suit your needs methods if they better suit your needs on this Sunday afternoon. All of us on this Sunday afternoon. All of us on this Sunday afternoon. All of us though are going to worship the Lord though are going to worship the Lord though are going to worship the Lord through the presentation of tithes and through the presentation of tithes and through the presentation of tithes and offerings [music] and gifts to missions offerings [music] and gifts to missions offerings [music] and gifts to missions and mercy. The tithe is the first how and mercy. The tithe is the first how and mercy. The tithe is the first how many%.

many%. many%. >> 10% of our increase. [music] And as we >> 10% of our increase. [music] And as we >> 10% of our increase. [music] And as we give that unto God, we recognize that give that unto God, we recognize that give that unto God, we recognize that God makes a promise that's attached to God makes a promise that's attached to God makes a promise that's attached to the tithe. He said, "When you bring the the tithe. He said, "When you bring the the tithe. He said, "When you bring the tithe into the storehouse, I'll open up tithe into the storehouse, I'll open up tithe into the storehouse, I'll open up the windows of heaven and pour you out a the windows of heaven and pour you out a the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing you don't have room enough to blessing you don't have room enough to blessing you don't have room enough to receive." That's [music] Malachi 3:10. receive." That's [music] Malachi 3:10. receive." That's [music] Malachi 3:10. And then we give an offering beyond And then we give an offering beyond And then we give an offering beyond that. God says in that very same that. God says in that very same that. God says in that very same chapter, you've robbed me in tithes and chapter, you've robbed me in tithes and chapter, you've robbed me in tithes and offerings. And so we give our offerings offerings. And so we give our offerings offerings. And so we give our offerings unto the Lord in that very same vein. unto the Lord in that very same vein. unto the Lord in that very same vein. And then [music] by finally, in a third And then [music] by finally, in a third And then [music] by finally, in a third way, we give to those who are less way, we give to those who are less way, we give to those who are less fortunate than we. It's our missions and fortunate than we. It's our missions and fortunate than we. It's our missions and mercy offering whereby we help other mercy offering whereby we help other mercy offering whereby we help other brothers and sisters who are in need. brothers and sisters who are in need. brothers and sisters who are in need. And I'm so grateful to serve a church And I'm so grateful to serve a church And I'm so grateful to serve a church that takes very seriously looking after that takes very seriously looking after that takes very seriously looking after the least, the last, the looked over, the least, the last, the looked over, the least, the last, the looked over, and the looked and the left out. Thank and the looked and the left out. Thank and the looked and the left out. Thank you so much for being that kind of you so much for being that kind of you so much for being that kind of church. And as a consequence, we have church. And as a consequence, we have church. And as a consequence, we have the blessed privilege of serving the blessed privilege of serving the blessed privilege of serving countless individuals every single week countless individuals every single week countless individuals every single week of the year through the missions and of the year through the missions and of the year through the missions and mercy gifts that you bring to the mercy gifts that you bring to the mercy gifts that you bring to the church. Thank you so much for your church. Thank you so much for your church. Thank you so much for your faithfulness in that regard. [music] But faithfulness in that regard. [music] But faithfulness in that regard. [music] But all of it must be consecrated unto God.

all of it must be consecrated unto God. all of it must be consecrated unto God. So whether you're giving through the So whether you're giving through the So whether you're giving through the envelopes, whether you're giving through envelopes, whether you're giving through envelopes, whether you're giving through the digital means, all of it must be the digital means, all of it must be the digital means, all of it must be consecrated as an act of worship under consecrated as an act of worship under consecrated as an act of worship under God. So let's pray. God. So let's pray. God. So let's pray. Gracious God, how we thank you for the Gracious God, how we thank you for the Gracious God, how we thank you for the wonderful gift of [music] life and the wonderful gift of [music] life and the wonderful gift of [music] life and the gift of life everlasting. gift of life everlasting. gift of life everlasting. We thank you that if that wasn't enough, We thank you that if that wasn't enough, We thank you that if that wasn't enough, you keep on giving us gift after gift you keep on giving us gift after gift you keep on giving us gift after gift after gift. Every breath we take, every after gift. Every breath we take, every after gift. Every breath we take, every time we can think a thought, speak a time we can think a thought, speak a time we can think a thought, speak a word. word. word. Every time we engage in fellowship and Every time we engage in fellowship and Every time we engage in fellowship and relationship with one another, that's a relationship with one another, that's a relationship with one another, that's a gift from you. And we [music] thank you gift from you. And we [music] thank you gift from you. And we [music] thank you for it. Each of our financial resources, for it. Each of our financial resources, for it. Each of our financial resources, whatever they may be, has been a gift whatever they may be, has been a gift whatever they may be, has been a gift from you. And now we return these gifts from you. And now we return these gifts from you. And now we return these gifts back to you so they might be used to back to you so they might be used to back to you so they might be used to build the kingdom of God through Wheeler build the kingdom of God through Wheeler build the kingdom of God through Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Will you bless Avenue Baptist Church. Will you bless Avenue Baptist Church. Will you bless each gift and each giver so that no one each gift and each giver so that no one each gift and each giver so that no one will lack as a consequence of what we will lack as a consequence of what we will lack as a consequence of what we give this Sunday afternoon. Return to give this Sunday afternoon. Return to give this Sunday afternoon. Return to your sons and daughters and we will your sons and daughters and we will your sons and daughters and we will testify with our elders that we [music] testify with our elders that we [music] testify with our elders that we [music] can't beat God giving no matter how we can't beat God giving no matter how we can't beat God giving no matter how we try. We thank you for victory in our try. We thank you for victory in our try. We thank you for victory in our finances and we claim it [music] so in finances and we claim it [music] so in finances and we claim it [music] so in Jesus name. Let the church say amen.

Jesus name. Let the church say amen. Jesus name. Let the church say amen. Amen. Well, it's third Sunday. We're Amen. Well, it's third Sunday. We're Amen. Well, it's third Sunday. We're going to do throwback Thursday. [music] going to do throwback Thursday. [music] going to do throwback Thursday. [music] These brothers been playing this song These brothers been playing this song These brothers been playing this song and you got to have been in church or and you got to have been in church or and you got to have been in church or you had to be listening to gospel music you had to be listening to gospel music you had to be listening to gospel music a long time to remember a song called a long time to remember a song called a long time to remember a song called Having You There. Brothers and sisters, Having You There. Brothers and sisters, Having You There. Brothers and sisters, thank you, Jamie. They've been playing. thank you, Jamie. They've been playing. thank you, Jamie. They've been playing. If you know it, I want you to [music] If you know it, I want you to [music] If you know it, I want you to [music] sing it. Just having you there. sing it. Just having you there. sing it. Just having you there. Come on. We [music] have come, we have Come on. We [music] have come, we have Come on. We [music] have come, we have come to praise [music] and magnify come to praise [music] and magnify come to praise [music] and magnify the [singing] Lord for [music] all [singing] for [music] all [singing] that he has done. Yep. And for [music] that he has done. Yep. And for [music] that he has done. Yep. And for [music] the victory the victory the victory we have won. we have won. we have won. In [music] the good times and in the In [music] the good times and in the In [music] the good times and in the bad. bad. bad. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> We have to bring that back for season >> We have to bring that back for season saint Sunday. [music] saint Sunday. [music] saint Sunday. [music] That's prime of life music right there. That's prime of life music right there. That's prime of life music right there. We're prime of life. [cheering] We're prime of life. [cheering] We're prime of life. [cheering] Everybody over 45 just bouncing. Everybody over 45 just bouncing. Everybody over 45 just bouncing. Seven people up there heard that song Seven people up there heard that song Seven people up there heard that song before in their lives and that was when before in their lives and that was when before in their lives and that was when their mas and daddies were playing it in their mas and daddies were playing it in their mas and daddies were playing it in the kitchen. Lord have mercy. But I the kitchen. Lord have mercy. But I the kitchen. Lord have mercy. But I thank God for the old school. We joked thank God for the old school. We joked thank God for the old school. We joked about that. You know, we laugh and joke about that. You know, we laugh and joke about that. You know, we laugh and joke over there all the time. When they over there all the time. When they over there all the time. When they played Amazing Grace as the hymn for played Amazing Grace as the hymn for played Amazing Grace as the hymn for Young Adult Sunday, I said, "This is the Young Adult Sunday, I said, "This is the Young Adult Sunday, I said, "This is the season saints hymn." But y'all sang it season saints hymn." But y'all sang it season saints hymn." But y'all sang it right nicely this afternoon cuz somebody right nicely this afternoon cuz somebody right nicely this afternoon cuz somebody knows something about the grace of God knows something about the grace of God knows something about the grace of God in this church. [music] Anybody know in this church. [music] Anybody know in this church. [music] Anybody know something about the unmarited favor of something about the unmarited favor of something about the unmarited favor of the Lord? You know, you didn't deserve the Lord? You know, you didn't deserve the Lord? You know, you didn't deserve all those blessings, but God gave you all those blessings, but God gave you all those blessings, but God gave you his amazing grace. and we thank God for his amazing grace. and we thank God for his amazing grace. and we thank God for it. Listen, he has served in ministry it. Listen, he has served in ministry it. Listen, he has served in ministry with young adults for several years. He

with young adults for several years. He with young adults for several years. He was even the immediate past president was even the immediate past president was even the immediate past president [music] [music] [music] of the young adult ministry. But today, of the young adult ministry. But today, of the young adult ministry. But today, he's our preacher for the hour. And he's our preacher for the hour. And he's our preacher for the hour. And we're so grateful that the doctor Isaiah we're so grateful that the doctor Isaiah we're so grateful that the doctor Isaiah Carter, minister of the Lord's church, Carter, minister of the Lord's church, Carter, minister of the Lord's church, is ready to preach the word of God to us is ready to preach the word of God to us is ready to preach the word of God to us today. [music] today. [music] today. [music] Right after this choir sings a song Right after this choir sings a song Right after this choir sings a song that's more appropriate for the young that's more appropriate for the young that's more appropriate for the young adult ministry and demographic. Then the adult ministry and demographic. Then the adult ministry and demographic. Then the Reverend Dr. Isaiah Carter will preach Reverend Dr. Isaiah Carter will preach Reverend Dr. Isaiah Carter will preach the word of God to us. Watch this. >> Heat. >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat.

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

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

[music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. up up [music] here.

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

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

[music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat Heat >> [music] [music] [music] >> up here. >> Heat.

>> Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] Praise God.

Praise God. If he's been a great God, [music] If he's been a great God, [music] If he's been a great God, [music] you go ahead and praise him. If he's you go ahead and praise him. If he's you go ahead and praise him. If he's been a little God, then give him little been a little God, then give him little been a little God, then give him little praise. But if he's been a great God, praise. But if he's been a great God, praise. But if he's been a great God, why don't [music] you give him great why don't [music] you give him great why don't [music] you give him great praise all over the cathedral and all praise all over the cathedral and all praise all over the cathedral and all praise him for what he's done for you. praise him for what he's done for you. praise him for what he's done for you. Praise him that he's open door for you. Praise him that he's open door for you. Praise him that he's open door for you. Praise him that he's made a way for you. Praise him that he's made a way for you. Praise him that he's made a way for you. Praise him that he allows you to have Praise him that he allows you to have Praise him that he allows you to have health in your bodies. Praise him that health in your bodies. Praise him that health in your bodies. Praise him that he allows you to be regulated in your he allows you to be regulated in your he allows you to be regulated in your body. Praise him for everything that he body. Praise him for everything that he body. Praise him for everything that he does. Praise him. >> [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat.

I don't know about y'all, but I feel the I don't know about y'all, but I feel the presence of the Lord in this building presence of the Lord in this building presence of the Lord in this building right now. right now. right now. No, we don't want to quench the spirit. No, we don't want to quench the spirit. No, we don't want to quench the spirit. If you feel something upon your heart If you feel something upon your heart If you feel something upon your heart and you just have to make some noise, and you just have to make some noise, and you just have to make some noise, then go ahead and praise him. then go ahead and praise him. then go ahead and praise him. This is [music] God's house. Whatever he This is [music] God's house. Whatever he This is [music] God's house. Whatever he wants to do, he can do. Heat wants to do, he can do. Heat wants to do, he can do. Heat [music] Let us

Let us let us pray and enter into the presence let us pray and enter into the presence let us pray and enter into the presence of the Lord. of the Lord. of the Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Heavenly Father, >> Heavenly Father, >> Heavenly Father, you are worthy of our praise. [cheering] you are worthy of our praise. [cheering] you are worthy of our praise. [cheering] We thank you for the great God that you We thank you for the great God that you We thank you for the great God that you are. You're the alpha and the omega. are. You're the alpha and the omega. are. You're the alpha and the omega. You're the beginning and the end. You're You're the beginning and the end. You're You're the beginning and the end. You're the first and the last, Lord God. And we the first and the last, Lord God. And we the first and the last, Lord God. And we praise you just for who you are, Lord praise you just for who you are, Lord praise you just for who you are, Lord God. We thank you for what you have been God. We thank you for what you have been God. We thank you for what you have been doing over this past week in young adult doing over this past week in young adult doing over this past week in young adult week, Lord God, as we've had young week, Lord God, as we've had young week, Lord God, as we've had young adults from this city, this state, this adults from this city, this state, this adults from this city, this state, this nation, and across the world celebrating nation, and across the world celebrating nation, and across the world celebrating you and getting rooted and ready here at you and getting rooted and ready here at you and getting rooted and ready here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Now, Holy Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Now, Holy Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Now, Holy Spirit, speak to your people. Spirit, speak to your people. Spirit, speak to your people. >> I pray right now, Lord God, that I >> I pray right now, Lord God, that I >> I pray right now, Lord God, that I decrease and that you increase. I am the decrease and that you increase. I am the decrease and that you increase. I am the microphone, you are the preacher. microphone, you are the preacher. microphone, you are the preacher. Please use this empty vessel, Lord God, Please use this empty vessel, Lord God, Please use this empty vessel, Lord God, for your glory.

for your glory. for your glory. >> And we pray that in all this, God, you >> And we pray that in all this, God, you >> And we pray that in all this, God, you will be glorified. And we pray that we will be glorified. And we pray that we will be glorified. And we pray that we pray that your people will be edified. pray that your people will be edified. pray that your people will be edified. >> In Jesus' name we pray. >> In Jesus' name we pray. >> In Jesus' name we pray. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Good morning, Wheeler Avenue Baptist >> Good morning, Wheeler Avenue Baptist >> Good morning, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church family. First giving honor and reverence to my First giving honor and reverence to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the King of Kings. He is the Lord of Lords, King of Kings. He is the Lord of Lords, King of Kings. He is the Lord of Lords, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Without him, none of this and the end. Without him, none of this and the end. Without him, none of this would be possible. would be possible. would be possible. And then we have to give a special And then we have to give a special And then we have to give a special thanks to our shepherd, the angel of thanks to our shepherd, the angel of thanks to our shepherd, the angel of this house, our pastor, the Reverend Dr. this house, our pastor, the Reverend Dr. this house, our pastor, the Reverend Dr. Marcus B. Cosby, the mighty man of Marcus B. Cosby, the mighty man of Marcus B. Cosby, the mighty man of faith. Come on, you can do a better job faith. Come on, you can do a better job faith. Come on, you can do a better job for that. for that. for that. >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> You can tell the love that God has for a >> You can tell the love that God has for a >> You can tell the love that God has for a congregation based off of the pastor congregation based off of the pastor congregation based off of the pastor that he puts in position. And he chose that he puts in position. And he chose that he puts in position. And he chose such a mighty man of God such as this. I such a mighty man of God such as this. I such a mighty man of God such as this. I believe that there's nations and believe that there's nations and believe that there's nations and generations that have been impacted by generations that have been impacted by generations that have been impacted by the life of Marcus D. Thousand.

the life of Marcus D. Thousand. the life of Marcus D. Thousand. Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir. Father in the ministry, mentor, leader, Father in the ministry, mentor, leader, Father in the ministry, mentor, leader, thank you for all that you do and the thank you for all that you do and the thank you for all that you do and the standard that you have set. Also standard that you have set. Also standard that you have set. Also giving thanks to the rest of our clergy giving thanks to the rest of our clergy giving thanks to the rest of our clergy team to our executive pastor, the team to our executive pastor, the team to our executive pastor, the Reverend Dr. Alexander EM Johnson, Reverend Dr. Alexander EM Johnson, Reverend Dr. Alexander EM Johnson, the hardest working executive pastor in the hardest working executive pastor in the hardest working executive pastor in the land. Thank you, sir, for all that the land. Thank you, sir, for all that the land. Thank you, sir, for all that you do. And of course, giving honor to you do. And of course, giving honor to you do. And of course, giving honor to our young adult minister, the Reverend our young adult minister, the Reverend our young adult minister, the Reverend Dr. Lkesha Raquio, Dr. Lkesha Raquio, Dr. Lkesha Raquio, the fearless leader of the young adult the fearless leader of the young adult the fearless leader of the young adult ministry. ministry. ministry. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> See, I've been working with her long >> See, I've been working with her long >> See, I've been working with her long enough to know what the R stands for, enough to know what the R stands for, enough to know what the R stands for, but I'm not going to put it out here for but I'm not going to put it out here for but I'm not going to put it out here for public display now. But thank you, public display now. But thank you, public display now. But thank you, ma'am, for all that you do and all that ma'am, for all that you do and all that ma'am, for all that you do and all that you've been to this ministry. you've been to this ministry. you've been to this ministry. >> To the rest of the clergy team, thank >> To the rest of the clergy team, thank >> To the rest of the clergy team, thank you for all the hard work that all of you for all the hard work that all of you for all the hard work that all of you all do, helping to lead this church you all do, helping to lead this church you all do, helping to lead this church and making sure that we're all rooted and making sure that we're all rooted and making sure that we're all rooted and ready. From the young adults to the and ready. From the young adults to the and ready. From the young adults to the senior saints to the prime of life to senior saints to the prime of life to senior saints to the prime of life to the youth, we're all rooted and ready.

the youth, we're all rooted and ready. the youth, we're all rooted and ready. And to the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church And to the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church And to the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church family, thank you one and all. Thank family, thank you one and all. Thank family, thank you one and all. Thank you. And also a special thanks to my you. And also a special thanks to my you. And also a special thanks to my family that's here as well. Thank you family that's here as well. Thank you family that's here as well. Thank you for praying for me. for praying for me. for praying for me. My parents over there, the Reverend My parents over there, the Reverend My parents over there, the Reverend Arthur Carter II, and my mother, Sister Arthur Carter II, and my mother, Sister Arthur Carter II, and my mother, Sister Tiffany Carter. Thank you so much for Tiffany Carter. Thank you so much for Tiffany Carter. Thank you so much for praying for me and continuing to do so. So the word of the Lord for us today So the word of the Lord for us today [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] >> will be coming from Jeremiah 17 >> will be coming from Jeremiah 17 >> will be coming from Jeremiah 17 7-8 7-8 7-8 >> and Colossians 2:es 6-7. >> and Colossians 2:es 6-7. >> and Colossians 2:es 6-7. >> Okay. Now we've already had it read but >> Okay. Now we've already had it read but >> Okay. Now we've already had it read but I believe for the edification of God's I believe for the edification of God's I believe for the edification of God's people we can read it again. people we can read it again. people we can read it again. >> Jeremiah 17:7. >> Jeremiah 17:7. >> Jeremiah 17:7. Blessed is the man Blessed is the man Blessed is the man >> who trusts in the Lord >> who trusts in the Lord >> who trusts in the Lord >> and whose hope is the Lord.

>> and whose hope is the Lord. >> and whose hope is the Lord. >> He shall be like a tree planted by the >> He shall be like a tree planted by the >> He shall be like a tree planted by the waters which spreads out its roots by waters which spreads out its roots by waters which spreads out its roots by the river and he will not fear when heat the river and he will not fear when heat the river and he will not fear when heat comes comes comes cuz his leaf will be green and he will cuz his leaf will be green and he will cuz his leaf will be green and he will not be anxious in the year of drought not be anxious in the year of drought not be anxious in the year of drought nor will cease from yielding fruit. nor will cease from yielding fruit. nor will cease from yielding fruit. >> Amen. And then Colossians 2:es 6-7 and >> Amen. And then Colossians 2:es 6-7 and >> Amen. And then Colossians 2:es 6-7 and these are on the screen as well. these are on the screen as well. these are on the screen as well. Starting at verse 6, as you therefore Starting at verse 6, as you therefore Starting at verse 6, as you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, have received Christ Jesus the Lord, have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, so walk in him, so walk in him, >> rooted and built up in him and >> rooted and built up in him and >> rooted and built up in him and established in the faith as you've been established in the faith as you've been established in the faith as you've been taught, taught, taught, >> abounding in it with thanksgiving. >> abounding in it with thanksgiving. >> abounding in it with thanksgiving. Amen to the reading of God's word and Amen to the reading of God's word and Amen to the reading of God's word and for God's people. Amen. So, church for God's people. Amen. So, church for God's people. Amen. So, church family, I want to talk to you today from family, I want to talk to you today from family, I want to talk to you today from the subject. It's pretty simple, but I the subject. It's pretty simple, but I the subject. It's pretty simple, but I want to make sure that we hear it for want to make sure that we hear it for want to make sure that we hear it for edification. And the subject is this.

edification. And the subject is this. edification. And the subject is this. Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready? Okay. Okay. Okay. All right. Now, this summer, I found All right. Now, this summer, I found All right. Now, this summer, I found myself fascinated by the World Cup myself fascinated by the World Cup myself fascinated by the World Cup activities this year. See, it was activities this year. See, it was activities this year. See, it was actually a wonderful event that brought actually a wonderful event that brought actually a wonderful event that brought people from all across the world people from all across the world people from all across the world together to embrace humanity and together to embrace humanity and together to embrace humanity and excellence. Now, regardless of the excellence. Now, regardless of the excellence. Now, regardless of the sport, I've always found it exciting sport, I've always found it exciting sport, I've always found it exciting watching worldclass athletes who have watching worldclass athletes who have watching worldclass athletes who have honed their bodies to the peak of honed their bodies to the peak of honed their bodies to the peak of physical conditioning performing at the physical conditioning performing at the physical conditioning performing at the highest level. Now, when we think about highest level. Now, when we think about highest level. Now, when we think about these individuals, this happens on these individuals, this happens on these individuals, this happens on stages such as the Olympics, different stages such as the Olympics, different stages such as the Olympics, different arenas, but I couldn't help to think arenas, but I couldn't help to think arenas, but I couldn't help to think about all the hard work and dedication about all the hard work and dedication about all the hard work and dedication that is required to perform on the that is required to perform on the that is required to perform on the grandest stage of them all. You see, grandest stage of them all. You see, grandest stage of them all. You see, each of these players from the age of each of these players from the age of each of these players from the age of four years old has spent tireless hours, four years old has spent tireless hours, four years old has spent tireless hours, blood, sweat, and tears to prepare for blood, sweat, and tears to prepare for blood, sweat, and tears to prepare for that very moment. like the Michael that very moment. like the Michael that very moment. like the Michael Jordans and the Simone Biles of the Jordans and the Simone Biles of the Jordans and the Simone Biles of the world, they had to master their craft.

world, they had to master their craft. world, they had to master their craft. You know, there's a saying that it takes You know, there's a saying that it takes You know, there's a saying that it takes around 10,000 hours for an individual to around 10,000 hours for an individual to around 10,000 hours for an individual to accomplish mastery over a given field of accomplish mastery over a given field of accomplish mastery over a given field of endeavor. Now, these individuals that endeavor. Now, these individuals that endeavor. Now, these individuals that were performing on this field, they done were performing on this field, they done were performing on this field, they done their 10,000 hours. They put in the work their 10,000 hours. They put in the work their 10,000 hours. They put in the work and now they were at performing at the and now they were at performing at the and now they were at performing at the highest level. Now I was thinking about highest level. Now I was thinking about highest level. Now I was thinking about this firm foundation that they need to this firm foundation that they need to this firm foundation that they need to have to perform and operate and it made have to perform and operate and it made have to perform and operate and it made me think about us as believers in the me think about us as believers in the me think about us as believers in the body of Christ. You see if world body of Christ. You see if world body of Christ. You see if world champion level athletes have to have a champion level athletes have to have a champion level athletes have to have a firm foundation to perform at the firm foundation to perform at the firm foundation to perform at the highest level then what about us? You highest level then what about us? You highest level then what about us? You see, as believers in Christ, we require see, as believers in Christ, we require see, as believers in Christ, we require a similar type of firm foundation in a similar type of firm foundation in a similar type of firm foundation in order to operate and work in a world order to operate and work in a world order to operate and work in a world that's going through challenging seasons that's going through challenging seasons that's going through challenging seasons and situations. You see, as we speak and situations. You see, as we speak and situations. You see, as we speak worldwide, we are experiencing a worldwide, we are experiencing a worldwide, we are experiencing a seemingly endless war in Iran, seemingly endless war in Iran, seemingly endless war in Iran, resurgences of childhood diseases like resurgences of childhood diseases like resurgences of childhood diseases like measles, parasitic germs on our foods, measles, parasitic germs on our foods, measles, parasitic germs on our foods, collapsing ecosystems, endless fires, collapsing ecosystems, endless fires, collapsing ecosystems, endless fires, earthquakes, floods, and even earthquakes, floods, and even earthquakes, floods, and even hurricanes.

hurricanes. hurricanes. And interestingly enough, society and And interestingly enough, society and And interestingly enough, society and culture around us is progressively culture around us is progressively culture around us is progressively decaying because of poverty, oppression, decaying because of poverty, oppression, decaying because of poverty, oppression, hatred, and greed. It would seem to me, hatred, and greed. It would seem to me, hatred, and greed. It would seem to me, child of God, that now more than ever, child of God, that now more than ever, child of God, that now more than ever, the world needs the children of God to the world needs the children of God to the world needs the children of God to be able to perform and operate at the be able to perform and operate at the be able to perform and operate at the highest level. highest level. highest level. >> You see, God's called us to make a >> You see, God's called us to make a >> You see, God's called us to make a positive change with the kingdom of God positive change with the kingdom of God positive change with the kingdom of God on this earth. on this earth. on this earth. >> See, this whole week, we've been talking >> See, this whole week, we've been talking >> See, this whole week, we've been talking about rooted and ready, and it's talking about rooted and ready, and it's talking about rooted and ready, and it's talking about this. What are you being ready about this. What are you being ready about this. What are you being ready for? for? for? >> That means to answer the call that God >> That means to answer the call that God >> That means to answer the call that God has over your life. The mission that he has over your life. The mission that he has over your life. The mission that he has given each and every one of you. has given each and every one of you. has given each and every one of you. >> You all have a call. You all have an >> You all have a call. You all have an >> You all have a call. You all have an assignment. whether you're a young adult assignment. whether you're a young adult assignment. whether you're a young adult or not. And you have to be rooted and or not. And you have to be rooted and or not. And you have to be rooted and ready. ready. ready. >> See, Romans 8:19 says that all creation >> See, Romans 8:19 says that all creation >> See, Romans 8:19 says that all creation is waiting with eager anticipation for is waiting with eager anticipation for is waiting with eager anticipation for the children of God to be revealed. the children of God to be revealed. the children of God to be revealed. >> See, it is incumbent upon us as >> See, it is incumbent upon us as >> See, it is incumbent upon us as believers today to be rooted and ready believers today to be rooted and ready believers today to be rooted and ready in order to be change agents in a world in order to be change agents in a world in order to be change agents in a world that is increasingly crying out for that is increasingly crying out for that is increasingly crying out for help.

help. help. >> See, we see examples of this in our >> See, we see examples of this in our >> See, we see examples of this in our scripture readings in the Old and New scripture readings in the Old and New scripture readings in the Old and New Testament. See, Jeremiah and Paul, who Testament. See, Jeremiah and Paul, who Testament. See, Jeremiah and Paul, who was talking to Colossians, were two was talking to Colossians, were two was talking to Colossians, were two individuals that were rooted and ready individuals that were rooted and ready individuals that were rooted and ready to combat the respective challenges that to combat the respective challenges that to combat the respective challenges that was affecting their generations. was affecting their generations. was affecting their generations. >> Now, both young or young adults around >> Now, both young or young adults around >> Now, both young or young adults around the time they were called, they were the time they were called, they were the time they were called, they were speaking to two different but somewhat speaking to two different but somewhat speaking to two different but somewhat similar communities in order to address similar communities in order to address similar communities in order to address and combat this spiritual sickness that and combat this spiritual sickness that and combat this spiritual sickness that is plaguing the body of believers. See, is plaguing the body of believers. See, is plaguing the body of believers. See, they were appointed to be a voice of God they were appointed to be a voice of God they were appointed to be a voice of God to a generation that was struggling and to a generation that was struggling and to a generation that was struggling and turning way to other gods and other turning way to other gods and other turning way to other gods and other influencers. influencers. influencers. >> See, they were rooted and ready to >> See, they were rooted and ready to >> See, they were rooted and ready to answer the call of God. And they went answer the call of God. And they went answer the call of God. And they went about the mission that he gave him. about the mission that he gave him. about the mission that he gave him. >> With Jeremiah the prophet, he was >> With Jeremiah the prophet, he was >> With Jeremiah the prophet, he was speaking to the people of Judah and speaking to the people of Judah and speaking to the people of Judah and encouraging encouraging them to turn encouraging encouraging them to turn encouraging encouraging them to turn away from the rampant idolatry that has away from the rampant idolatry that has away from the rampant idolatry that has spread across the land. See, called at a spread across the land. See, called at a spread across the land. See, called at a young age, Jeremiah was given the young age, Jeremiah was given the young age, Jeremiah was given the responsibility to speak truth to power responsibility to speak truth to power responsibility to speak truth to power to a generation that was increasingly to a generation that was increasingly to a generation that was increasingly rebelling against God.

rebelling against God. rebelling against God. >> See, Jeremiah was approximately in his >> See, Jeremiah was approximately in his >> See, Jeremiah was approximately in his late 20s to 30s around the time when he late 20s to 30s around the time when he late 20s to 30s around the time when he was speaking to the nation and he had to was speaking to the nation and he had to was speaking to the nation and he had to deal with harsh criticism coming from a deal with harsh criticism coming from a deal with harsh criticism coming from a group of people that did not want to group of people that did not want to group of people that did not want to heed his warnings. heed his warnings. heed his warnings. >> Now, I want to put a pen right here >> Now, I want to put a pen right here >> Now, I want to put a pen right here about this idea of adversity. You know, about this idea of adversity. You know, about this idea of adversity. You know, I know many of us here today have dealt I know many of us here today have dealt I know many of us here today have dealt with our own challenges, setbacks, our with our own challenges, setbacks, our with our own challenges, setbacks, our own criticisms, disappointments, and own criticisms, disappointments, and own criticisms, disappointments, and delays. And I want to let you know delays. And I want to let you know delays. And I want to let you know something today. Don't give up. something today. Don't give up. something today. Don't give up. >> See, we see in this example of Jeremiah >> See, we see in this example of Jeremiah >> See, we see in this example of Jeremiah that he was a brother that was not that he was a brother that was not that he was a brother that was not unaccustomed to suffering. unaccustomed to suffering. unaccustomed to suffering. >> You see, he dealt with significant >> You see, he dealt with significant >> You see, he dealt with significant burden. He was an outcast for doing what burden. He was an outcast for doing what burden. He was an outcast for doing what was right. People conspired against him. was right. People conspired against him. was right. People conspired against him. He was beaten and humiliated publicly. He was beaten and humiliated publicly. He was beaten and humiliated publicly. He was thrown in prison. He was accused He was thrown in prison. He was accused He was thrown in prison. He was accused of treason. And he was even mocked and of treason. And he was even mocked and of treason. And he was even mocked and ridiculed. Like in Old Testament version ridiculed. Like in Old Testament version ridiculed. Like in Old Testament version of Colin Kaepernick, he would not bend of Colin Kaepernick, he would not bend of Colin Kaepernick, he would not bend his proverbial knee to the wicked rulers his proverbial knee to the wicked rulers his proverbial knee to the wicked rulers and leaders of the time. And because of and leaders of the time. And because of and leaders of the time. And because of it, he suffered.

it, he suffered. it, he suffered. >> Now there was a reason he was called the >> Now there was a reason he was called the >> Now there was a reason he was called the weeping prophet. weeping prophet. weeping prophet. >> But in spite of it all of this, he was >> But in spite of it all of this, he was >> But in spite of it all of this, he was able to stay rooted and ready. able to stay rooted and ready. able to stay rooted and ready. >> He did not waver in his call. He did not >> He did not waver in his call. He did not >> He did not waver in his call. He did not go quietly into the good night. He did go quietly into the good night. He did go quietly into the good night. He did not give up without a fight. He remained not give up without a fight. He remained not give up without a fight. He remained faithful to the mission that God had faithful to the mission that God had faithful to the mission that God had called him to do, speaking truth to called him to do, speaking truth to called him to do, speaking truth to power to leaders and kings and even power to leaders and kings and even power to leaders and kings and even using his own body as public using his own body as public using his own body as public demonstrations of God's judgment against demonstrations of God's judgment against demonstrations of God's judgment against Judah. Judah. Judah. >> See this brother Jeremiah, he was >> See this brother Jeremiah, he was >> See this brother Jeremiah, he was willing to not give up. And that's the willing to not give up. And that's the willing to not give up. And that's the same call that God has for us today. no same call that God has for us today. no same call that God has for us today. no matter what adversity you're matter what adversity you're matter what adversity you're experiencing. Now, around this time experiencing. Now, around this time experiencing. Now, around this time period, the people, as I mentioned, had period, the people, as I mentioned, had period, the people, as I mentioned, had abandoned their one true god and turned abandoned their one true god and turned abandoned their one true god and turned to idolizing many of the pagan gods of to idolizing many of the pagan gods of to idolizing many of the pagan gods of the neighboring communities. Now, this the neighboring communities. Now, this the neighboring communities. Now, this is not a new occurrence, but rather is not a new occurrence, but rather is not a new occurrence, but rather represents an inflection point in the represents an inflection point in the represents an inflection point in the troubled history of God's people. You troubled history of God's people. You troubled history of God's people. You see, when you scan through the history see, when you scan through the history see, when you scan through the history of the Old Testament, one can see how of the Old Testament, one can see how of the Old Testament, one can see how God's people have gone through this God's people have gone through this God's people have gone through this repeated cycle of rebellion, repeated cycle of rebellion, repeated cycle of rebellion, consequences, and divine deliverance.

consequences, and divine deliverance. consequences, and divine deliverance. >> See, they would obey God for a season, >> See, they would obey God for a season, >> See, they would obey God for a season, >> then they'd rebel, they face >> then they'd rebel, they face >> then they'd rebel, they face consequences, they repent, and then God consequences, they repent, and then God consequences, they repent, and then God delivered. delivered. delivered. >> You see, this cycle is something many of >> You see, this cycle is something many of >> You see, this cycle is something many of us may even be able to relate to. See, us may even be able to relate to. See, us may even be able to relate to. See, are there times in our lives where we are there times in our lives where we are there times in our lives where we told God we would not do something that told God we would not do something that told God we would not do something that we've been doing over and over and over we've been doing over and over and over we've been doing over and over and over again, yet just to do it again, even again, yet just to do it again, even again, yet just to do it again, even though we said we never would. though we said we never would. though we said we never would. You see that there was individuals and a You see that there was individuals and a You see that there was individuals and a crew that, you know, you're not supposed crew that, you know, you're not supposed crew that, you know, you're not supposed to hang out with, but you just didn't to hang out with, but you just didn't to hang out with, but you just didn't want to miss out. See, there were want to miss out. See, there were want to miss out. See, there were certain things that you felt convicted certain things that you felt convicted certain things that you felt convicted to stop eating because it wasn't to stop eating because it wasn't to stop eating because it wasn't healthy, but you kept doing it anyway. healthy, but you kept doing it anyway. healthy, but you kept doing it anyway. You know, we said we stopped responding You know, we said we stopped responding You know, we said we stopped responding to those late night 1:00 a.m. texts to those late night 1:00 a.m. texts to those late night 1:00 a.m. texts asking what we're doing, but we had a asking what we're doing, but we had a asking what we're doing, but we had a thirst that water couldn't quench. thirst that water couldn't quench. thirst that water couldn't quench. So, it seems like many of us may know So, it seems like many of us may know So, it seems like many of us may know about these cycles. about these cycles. about these cycles. What you have to understand is Judah, What you have to understand is Judah, What you have to understand is Judah, they went on this cycle for they went on this cycle for they went on this cycle for approximately 345 approximately 345 approximately 345 years. And now it's reached a tipping years. And now it's reached a tipping years. And now it's reached a tipping point where their disobedience is point where their disobedience is point where their disobedience is outweighing their obedience. They are outweighing their obedience. They are outweighing their obedience. They are worshiping gods now formed from their worshiping gods now formed from their worshiping gods now formed from their own imaginations and from human hands.

own imaginations and from human hands. own imaginations and from human hands. See, because of this disobedience, Judah See, because of this disobedience, Judah See, because of this disobedience, Judah will soon be taken into Babylonian will soon be taken into Babylonian will soon be taken into Babylonian captivity and exile. And Jeremiah, captivity and exile. And Jeremiah, captivity and exile. And Jeremiah, faithful Jeremiah, he's the man on the faithful Jeremiah, he's the man on the faithful Jeremiah, he's the man on the wall proclaiming to a rebellious people wall proclaiming to a rebellious people wall proclaiming to a rebellious people that it's not too late to turn back to that it's not too late to turn back to that it's not too late to turn back to God. Now, let me just make a point here God. Now, let me just make a point here God. Now, let me just make a point here as a word of encouragement to somebody as a word of encouragement to somebody as a word of encouragement to somebody that it's never too late to come home. >> It does not matter what you've done. It >> It does not matter what you've done. It does not matter the poor decisions that does not matter the poor decisions that does not matter the poor decisions that you've made, the bad things that you've you've made, the bad things that you've you've made, the bad things that you've entertained, the temptations that you've entertained, the temptations that you've entertained, the temptations that you've succumbed to. There is never too late a succumbed to. There is never too late a succumbed to. There is never too late a point where you cannot come home to God. point where you cannot come home to God. point where you cannot come home to God. He never gives up on you. He never He never gives up on you. He never He never gives up on you. He never forgets about you and he never stops forgets about you and he never stops forgets about you and he never stops loving you. You see, Judah messed up for loving you. You see, Judah messed up for loving you. You see, Judah messed up for 345 years, y'all. And yet, God was still 345 years, y'all. And yet, God was still 345 years, y'all. And yet, God was still saying that they can come home to him. saying that they can come home to him. saying that they can come home to him. So, if God's saying that to them, then So, if God's saying that to them, then So, if God's saying that to them, then what is he saying for us today? It's what is he saying for us today? It's what is he saying for us today? It's never too late to come home.

never too late to come home. never too late to come home. And so, Jeremiah here is using the And so, Jeremiah here is using the And so, Jeremiah here is using the metaphor of a tree planted by rivers of metaphor of a tree planted by rivers of metaphor of a tree planted by rivers of water that is fortified against harsh water that is fortified against harsh water that is fortified against harsh adversity and bears lasting fruit. You adversity and bears lasting fruit. You adversity and bears lasting fruit. You see as a bit of a u I would say see as a bit of a u I would say see as a bit of a u I would say burgeoning horiculturist I have become burgeoning horiculturist I have become burgeoning horiculturist I have become fascinated with the life cycle and fascinated with the life cycle and fascinated with the life cycle and development of seeds. Now what I found development of seeds. Now what I found development of seeds. Now what I found is the success of the seed being planted is the success of the seed being planted is the success of the seed being planted is in direct correlation with the is in direct correlation with the is in direct correlation with the quality of soil is planted into. You see quality of soil is planted into. You see quality of soil is planted into. You see let's talk about this y'all. See, seeds let's talk about this y'all. See, seeds let's talk about this y'all. See, seeds planted in moist and fertile soil with planted in moist and fertile soil with planted in moist and fertile soil with easy access to water tend to grow easy access to water tend to grow easy access to water tend to grow faster, reach higher, and build stronger faster, reach higher, and build stronger faster, reach higher, and build stronger with beautiful fruit being produced. with beautiful fruit being produced. with beautiful fruit being produced. >> However, seeds planted in dry, decaying, >> However, seeds planted in dry, decaying, >> However, seeds planted in dry, decaying, and crack cracked soil with dubious and crack cracked soil with dubious and crack cracked soil with dubious water access tend to be stunted in their water access tend to be stunted in their water access tend to be stunted in their growth and development. growth and development. growth and development. >> They have little fruit to show for it. >> They have little fruit to show for it. >> They have little fruit to show for it. >> See, it's all about the soil.

>> See, it's all about the soil. >> See, it's all about the soil. Tell your neighbor it's all about the Tell your neighbor it's all about the Tell your neighbor it's all about the soil. soil. soil. So this metaphor of the tree planted by So this metaphor of the tree planted by So this metaphor of the tree planted by rivers of water represents the blessed rivers of water represents the blessed rivers of water represents the blessed life that believers are able to life that believers are able to life that believers are able to experience when they turn away from experience when they turn away from experience when they turn away from their sin and turn back to their firm their sin and turn back to their firm their sin and turn back to their firm foundation that's found only in God. foundation that's found only in God. foundation that's found only in God. >> You see, when we think about the blessed >> You see, when we think about the blessed >> You see, when we think about the blessed life today, it means being fruitful and life today, it means being fruitful and life today, it means being fruitful and glorifying God in all that we do. You glorifying God in all that we do. You glorifying God in all that we do. You see, this looks like having godly see, this looks like having godly see, this looks like having godly relationships that edify and keep us relationships that edify and keep us relationships that edify and keep us accountable. accountable. accountable. >> It looks like being excellent in our >> It looks like being excellent in our >> It looks like being excellent in our jobs and serving like we have an jobs and serving like we have an jobs and serving like we have an audience of one. audience of one. audience of one. >> It means getting rooted and serving in >> It means getting rooted and serving in >> It means getting rooted and serving in our church, helping to build up those our church, helping to build up those our church, helping to build up those around us. around us. around us. >> This is the blessed life. And in the >> This is the blessed life. And in the >> This is the blessed life. And in the same way that we see this talked about same way that we see this talked about same way that we see this talked about in Jeremiah, Paul in many ways is in Jeremiah, Paul in many ways is in Jeremiah, Paul in many ways is encouraging believers as well in the encouraging believers as well in the encouraging believers as well in the book of Colossians to come back to this book of Colossians to come back to this book of Colossians to come back to this same type of firm foundation. You see, same type of firm foundation. You see, same type of firm foundation. You see, this idea Paul is addressing is dealing this idea Paul is addressing is dealing this idea Paul is addressing is dealing with this plague and societal sickness with this plague and societal sickness with this plague and societal sickness that is running through the Colossian that is running through the Colossian that is running through the Colossian church in the form of rampant and church in the form of rampant and church in the form of rampant and pervasive heresies that have infiltrated pervasive heresies that have infiltrated pervasive heresies that have infiltrated the community. You see, you have the community. You see, you have the community. You see, you have influencers that are spreading false influencers that are spreading false influencers that are spreading false gospels and spiritual practices that are gospels and spiritual practices that are gospels and spiritual practices that are going against the word and will of God.

going against the word and will of God. going against the word and will of God. You see, it's engaging in angel worship, You see, it's engaging in angel worship, You see, it's engaging in angel worship, mystical tradition, strict legalism, and mystical tradition, strict legalism, and mystical tradition, strict legalism, and the core principle behind these lies is the core principle behind these lies is the core principle behind these lies is is that Christ is not enough. is that Christ is not enough. is that Christ is not enough. >> See, the the influencers are prescribing >> See, the the influencers are prescribing >> See, the the influencers are prescribing a theology that is in many ways kind of a theology that is in many ways kind of a theology that is in many ways kind of antichrist. It's about doing what we antichrist. It's about doing what we antichrist. It's about doing what we want for the pleasure that we seek and want for the pleasure that we seek and want for the pleasure that we seek and hoping everything works out in the end. hoping everything works out in the end. hoping everything works out in the end. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] But Paul is challenging these believers But Paul is challenging these believers But Paul is challenging these believers to return to their firm foundation to return to their firm foundation to return to their firm foundation >> in the teachings of Jesus Christ >> in the teachings of Jesus Christ >> in the teachings of Jesus Christ >> and reject the lies that they are being >> and reject the lies that they are being >> and reject the lies that they are being indoctrinated with. See, these passages indoctrinated with. See, these passages indoctrinated with. See, these passages are especially important to us as are especially important to us as are especially important to us as believers today because we are dealing believers today because we are dealing believers today because we are dealing with societal woes and spiritual with societal woes and spiritual with societal woes and spiritual sickness in our own communities. You sickness in our own communities. You sickness in our own communities. You see, we're living in a culture where see, we're living in a culture where see, we're living in a culture where some of our favorite influencers, some of our favorite influencers, some of our favorite influencers, podcasters, YouTubers, celebrities are podcasters, YouTubers, celebrities are podcasters, YouTubers, celebrities are pushing theologies and belief systems pushing theologies and belief systems pushing theologies and belief systems that go against the very will of God and that go against the very will of God and that go against the very will of God and his plan for our lives. See, culture his plan for our lives. See, culture his plan for our lives. See, culture promotes the idolatry of fame, promotes the idolatry of fame, promotes the idolatry of fame, >> money, power, lust, pleasure as the keys >> money, power, lust, pleasure as the keys >> money, power, lust, pleasure as the keys to success and happiness. Is there any to success and happiness. Is there any to success and happiness. Is there any wonder why many young adults today are wonder why many young adults today are wonder why many young adults today are struggling with identity, happiness, struggling with identity, happiness, struggling with identity, happiness, fulfillment, career advancement, and fulfillment, career advancement, and fulfillment, career advancement, and relationship wos?

See, we're inundated almost 24/7 with See, we're inundated almost 24/7 with media and culture that encourages media and culture that encourages media and culture that encourages self-centered living, the pursuit of self-centered living, the pursuit of self-centered living, the pursuit of fame and success at all cost, fame and success at all cost, fame and success at all cost, materialistic priorities, and materialistic priorities, and materialistic priorities, and superficial relationships. superficial relationships. superficial relationships. See, the metaphorical houses that we are See, the metaphorical houses that we are See, the metaphorical houses that we are being called to build are lopsided and being called to build are lopsided and being called to build are lopsided and easily torn down because the foundation easily torn down because the foundation easily torn down because the foundation is shaky and hollow. is shaky and hollow. is shaky and hollow. [applause and cheering] >> So, we need to come back to our firm >> So, we need to come back to our firm foundation. foundation. foundation. >> Our generation needs the same spiritual >> Our generation needs the same spiritual >> Our generation needs the same spiritual reckoning that Paul is describing in reckoning that Paul is describing in reckoning that Paul is describing in Colossians, and that's to come back Colossians, and that's to come back Colossians, and that's to come back home. come back to our firm foundation home. come back to our firm foundation home. come back to our firm foundation in Jesus Christ. in Jesus Christ. in Jesus Christ. >> Now, it's my contention that Paul in his >> Now, it's my contention that Paul in his >> Now, it's my contention that Paul in his letter to the Colossian church provides letter to the Colossian church provides letter to the Colossian church provides an antidote for this spiritual sickness. an antidote for this spiritual sickness. an antidote for this spiritual sickness. >> See, he prescribes what I want to say >> See, he prescribes what I want to say >> See, he prescribes what I want to say are four prescriptions are four prescriptions are four prescriptions >> to the sickness that we're experiencing >> to the sickness that we're experiencing >> to the sickness that we're experiencing in our communities.

in our communities. in our communities. >> And so, I want to talk about this >> And so, I want to talk about this >> And so, I want to talk about this medicine that we need to take. medicine that we need to take. medicine that we need to take. >> Tell your neighbor, "Take your >> Tell your neighbor, "Take your >> Tell your neighbor, "Take your medicine." medicine." medicine." >> See, Prescription >> See, Prescription >> See, Prescription number one number one number one >> means recognizing Jesus Christ as Lord. >> means recognizing Jesus Christ as Lord. >> means recognizing Jesus Christ as Lord. >> Now lordship when we break it down is >> Now lordship when we break it down is >> Now lordship when we break it down is fundamental submission to God's fundamental submission to God's fundamental submission to God's sovereign authority, power and rule. sovereign authority, power and rule. sovereign authority, power and rule. >> Now first and foremost it requires that >> Now first and foremost it requires that >> Now first and foremost it requires that you submit every area of your life to you submit every area of your life to you submit every area of your life to him. him. him. >> It means you give him all of you. See, >> It means you give him all of you. See, >> It means you give him all of you. See, this should not be hard when we think of this should not be hard when we think of this should not be hard when we think of the insurmountable love of God. See, the insurmountable love of God. See, the insurmountable love of God. See, when someone loves and cares for you when someone loves and cares for you when someone loves and cares for you unconditionally, unconditionally, unconditionally, >> then submission and obedience should be >> then submission and obedience should be >> then submission and obedience should be a natural response. a natural response. a natural response. [applause] See, God is metaphorically See, God is metaphorically serenating us and saying that all of me serenating us and saying that all of me serenating us and saying that all of me >> loves all of you.

>> loves all of you. >> loves all of you. And because of that, all he's requiring And because of that, all he's requiring And because of that, all he's requiring for us is to submit to him. for us is to submit to him. for us is to submit to him. >> See, your body is the temple of the Holy >> See, your body is the temple of the Holy >> See, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. And he needs your submission. Spirit. And he needs your submission. Spirit. And he needs your submission. See, he wants you to give him your mind, See, he wants you to give him your mind, See, he wants you to give him your mind, >> your body, your thoughts, your >> your body, your thoughts, your >> your body, your thoughts, your ambitions, your wants, your desires, ambitions, your wants, your desires, ambitions, your wants, your desires, your attractions, the things you think your attractions, the things you think your attractions, the things you think about at night, the things you do that about at night, the things you do that about at night, the things you do that no one knows about, your habits that you no one knows about, your habits that you no one knows about, your habits that you don't want shared publicly, even the don't want shared publicly, even the don't want shared publicly, even the people that you go to bed with. God people that you go to bed with. God people that you go to bed with. God wants all of you. wants all of you. wants all of you. >> He wants all of us. [cheering] You see, lordship, moreover, requires You see, lordship, moreover, requires listening and obedience. listening and obedience. listening and obedience. >> See, listening is rooted in prayer and >> See, listening is rooted in prayer and >> See, listening is rooted in prayer and intimacy. intimacy. intimacy. >> You see, prayer is a two-way >> You see, prayer is a two-way >> You see, prayer is a two-way conversation. conversation. conversation. >> We talk to God and guess what? He talks >> We talk to God and guess what? He talks >> We talk to God and guess what? He talks back to us.

back to us. back to us. >> See, this cultivates relationship. Has >> See, this cultivates relationship. Has >> See, this cultivates relationship. Has anyone ever noticed that the more time anyone ever noticed that the more time anyone ever noticed that the more time that you spend with someone, the more that you spend with someone, the more that you spend with someone, the more you start to think, act, and talk like you start to think, act, and talk like you start to think, act, and talk like them? them? them? >> See, this is because you've had >> See, this is because you've had >> See, this is because you've had prolonged contact and intimacy. This is prolonged contact and intimacy. This is prolonged contact and intimacy. This is not accomplished through one-sided not accomplished through one-sided not accomplished through one-sided communication. See, has anyone ever communication. See, has anyone ever communication. See, has anyone ever experienced or struggled with connecting experienced or struggled with connecting experienced or struggled with connecting with individuals in your lives? They with individuals in your lives? They with individuals in your lives? They only talk to you when they need only talk to you when they need only talk to you when they need something. something. something. They only hit you up when they want They only hit you up when they want They only hit you up when they want something from you. all day. They don't something from you. all day. They don't something from you. all day. They don't know you, but between the hours of 12:00 know you, but between the hours of 12:00 know you, but between the hours of 12:00 to 3:00 am, they can't stop calling your to 3:00 am, they can't stop calling your to 3:00 am, they can't stop calling your name. See, it's a a parasitic name. See, it's a a parasitic name. See, it's a a parasitic relationship. You might just say that relationship. You might just say that relationship. You might just say that they're toxic. they're toxic. they're toxic. >> Well, guess what? Sometimes we do the >> Well, guess what? Sometimes we do the >> Well, guess what? Sometimes we do the same thing to God. same thing to God. same thing to God. >> You see, sometimes we only talk to him >> You see, sometimes we only talk to him >> You see, sometimes we only talk to him when we want something. when we want something. when we want something. >> You only call his name when you want >> You only call his name when you want >> You only call his name when you want your prayers answered. your prayers answered. your prayers answered. You think about there's a promotion that You think about there's a promotion that You think about there's a promotion that you've been dreaming about or there's a you've been dreaming about or there's a you've been dreaming about or there's a boo that you just have to have.

boo that you just have to have. boo that you just have to have. >> You see, we only talk to God to get an >> You see, we only talk to God to get an >> You see, we only talk to God to get an answer for our prayer and we don't even answer for our prayer and we don't even answer for our prayer and we don't even wait for a response cuz we don't want to wait for a response cuz we don't want to wait for a response cuz we don't want to give him the opportunity to say no. give him the opportunity to say no. give him the opportunity to say no. >> Have you ever prayed those type of >> Have you ever prayed those type of >> Have you ever prayed those type of prayers? prayers? prayers? >> Now, God is trying to tell you the same >> Now, God is trying to tell you the same >> Now, God is trying to tell you the same thing that you need to share with some thing that you need to share with some thing that you need to share with some of the friends in your life. And hear me of the friends in your life. And hear me of the friends in your life. And hear me when I say this. I'm trying to when I say this. I'm trying to when I say this. I'm trying to articulate this well for the young articulate this well for the young articulate this well for the young adults. adults. adults. >> Stop being toxic. >> God wants you to spend time with him. He >> God wants you to spend time with him. He wants to develop a relationship on you wants to develop a relationship on you wants to develop a relationship on you with you. And he wants you to talk to with you. And he wants you to talk to with you. And he wants you to talk to him and listen for a response. And him and listen for a response. And him and listen for a response. And here's the thing. When he does respond, here's the thing. When he does respond, here's the thing. When he does respond, obey what he says. obey what he says. obey what he says. [applause] >> I'm going say it again. >> I'm going say it again. Obey Obey Obey what he says. what he says. what he says. >> Don't ask 10 times to be sure. Don't >> Don't ask 10 times to be sure. Don't >> Don't ask 10 times to be sure. Don't wait to see if your friends confirm it. wait to see if your friends confirm it. wait to see if your friends confirm it. You don't have to gather the sister You don't have to gather the sister You don't have to gather the sister circle to pray about it. Just obey circle to pray about it. Just obey circle to pray about it. Just obey quickly.

quickly. quickly. >> Obey when it's easy. Obey when it's >> Obey when it's easy. Obey when it's >> Obey when it's easy. Obey when it's hard. hard. hard. >> And sometimes this means that you're >> And sometimes this means that you're >> And sometimes this means that you're going to have to turn down and sacrifice going to have to turn down and sacrifice going to have to turn down and sacrifice some of the things that you want. some of the things that you want. some of the things that you want. >> Now, I put it like this, sisters. I know >> Now, I put it like this, sisters. I know >> Now, I put it like this, sisters. I know homeboy looks good and drives a Bugatti, homeboy looks good and drives a Bugatti, homeboy looks good and drives a Bugatti, but he's not going where you're going. but he's not going where you're going. but he's not going where you're going. Let him go. Let him go. Let him go. Brothers, I know baby girl is fine like Brothers, I know baby girl is fine like Brothers, I know baby girl is fine like a glass of wine all the time. a glass of wine all the time. a glass of wine all the time. But you need to let her go. You can't But you need to let her go. You can't But you need to let her go. You can't save her. She don't want to be saved. save her. She don't want to be saved. save her. She don't want to be saved. Move on. [cheering] See, God requires us to obey obey even See, God requires us to obey obey even when it's inconvenience. when it's inconvenience. when it's inconvenience. And we obey every time because obedience And we obey every time because obedience And we obey every time because obedience is the prerequisite to the miraculous. is the prerequisite to the miraculous. is the prerequisite to the miraculous. See, we cannot claim to want to See, we cannot claim to want to See, we cannot claim to want to experience manifested miracles in our experience manifested miracles in our experience manifested miracles in our lives if we are unwilling to be obedient lives if we are unwilling to be obedient lives if we are unwilling to be obedient to him. And here's the thing, the more to him. And here's the thing, the more to him. And here's the thing, the more time you spend with him and obeying what time you spend with him and obeying what time you spend with him and obeying what he says, the more you start to think and he says, the more you start to think and he says, the more you start to think and move like him. Pretty soon you already move like him. Pretty soon you already move like him. Pretty soon you already know what God thinks about a certain know what God thinks about a certain know what God thinks about a certain topic before you even ask him. And when topic before you even ask him. And when topic before you even ask him. And when you pray, you're not praying necessarily you pray, you're not praying necessarily you pray, you're not praying necessarily for an answer, but rather to confirm for an answer, but rather to confirm for an answer, but rather to confirm what God has already told you.

what God has already told you. what God has already told you. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] >> That's what it rec means to recognize >> That's what it rec means to recognize >> That's what it rec means to recognize Jesus as Lord. Jesus as Lord. Jesus as Lord. >> Now, here's the second prescription. >> Now, here's the second prescription. >> Now, here's the second prescription. >> Walk in him. >> Walk in him. >> Walk in him. I'm going to repeat that. I'm going to repeat that. I'm going to repeat that. >> Walk in him. >> Walk in him. >> Walk in him. >> Walk in Christ. >> Walk in Christ. >> Walk in Christ. >> Walk in the one who is the great I am. >> Walk in the one who is the great I am. >> Walk in the one who is the great I am. >> The one who is the alpha and the omega, >> The one who is the alpha and the omega, >> The one who is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. Walk in him. the beginning and the end. Walk in him. the beginning and the end. Walk in him. >> See, what does it mean to walk in >> See, what does it mean to walk in >> See, what does it mean to walk in Christ? Now, the term to walk in comes Christ? Now, the term to walk in comes Christ? Now, the term to walk in comes from the original Greek word parapetail. from the original Greek word parapetail. from the original Greek word parapetail. Now, this speaks of a person's manner of Now, this speaks of a person's manner of Now, this speaks of a person's manner of life. It's not just about physical life. It's not just about physical life. It's not just about physical movement, but rather the trajectory and movement, but rather the trajectory and movement, but rather the trajectory and character of one's own existence. character of one's own existence. character of one's own existence. >> See, when scripture says to walk in him, >> See, when scripture says to walk in him, >> See, when scripture says to walk in him, Christ, it is literally and figuratively Christ, it is literally and figuratively Christ, it is literally and figuratively referring to the quality of taking on referring to the quality of taking on referring to the quality of taking on his character and attributes. his character and attributes. his character and attributes. >> See, we are supposed to imitate him in >> See, we are supposed to imitate him in >> See, we are supposed to imitate him in how we act and move. how we act and move. how we act and move. >> We're supposed to represent the image of >> We're supposed to represent the image of >> We're supposed to represent the image of the invisible God upon the earth.

the invisible God upon the earth. the invisible God upon the earth. >> And here's the great thing. Jesus >> And here's the great thing. Jesus >> And here's the great thing. Jesus provided us an example to follow. provided us an example to follow. provided us an example to follow. >> Now, let's just do a little exercise >> Now, let's just do a little exercise >> Now, let's just do a little exercise here. Jesus is loving, so that means here. Jesus is loving, so that means here. Jesus is loving, so that means we're supposed to be we're supposed to be we're supposed to be >> loving. >> loving. >> loving. >> Good job. Great class participation. >> Good job. Great class participation. >> Good job. Great class participation. Jesus is merciful, so that means we're Jesus is merciful, so that means we're Jesus is merciful, so that means we're supposed to be supposed to be supposed to be >> merciful. >> merciful. >> merciful. >> Jesus is forgiving, so we're supposed to >> Jesus is forgiving, so we're supposed to >> Jesus is forgiving, so we're supposed to be be be >> forgiving. >> forgiving. >> forgiving. >> Jesus is faithful, so we're supposed to >> Jesus is faithful, so we're supposed to >> Jesus is faithful, so we're supposed to be be be >> faithful. >> faithful. >> faithful. >> Jesus is holy. What? And we're supposed >> Jesus is holy. What? And we're supposed >> Jesus is holy. What? And we're supposed to be to be to be >> holy. Jesus is pure and so we're >> holy. Jesus is pure and so we're >> holy. Jesus is pure and so we're supposed to be supposed to be supposed to be >> pure. >> pure. >> pure. >> See, Jesus is the head of the body of >> See, Jesus is the head of the body of >> See, Jesus is the head of the body of Christ Christ Christ >> and we're his members. >> and we're his members. >> and we're his members. >> And as the head goes, the body should >> And as the head goes, the body should >> And as the head goes, the body should follow. follow. follow. >> Now, here's the great thing, though, >> Now, here's the great thing, though, >> Now, here's the great thing, though, y'all. We don't have to do this in our y'all. We don't have to do this in our y'all. We don't have to do this in our own strength. own strength. own strength. >> See, we're empowered by this individual. >> See, we're empowered by this individual. >> See, we're empowered by this individual. He's known as the Holy Spirit. He's known as the Holy Spirit. He's known as the Holy Spirit. Now, the Holy Spirit, he's the third Now, the Holy Spirit, he's the third Now, the Holy Spirit, he's the third member of the Trinity member of the Trinity member of the Trinity >> and God's power on the earth.

>> and God's power on the earth. >> and God's power on the earth. >> You see, he's our teacher, our advocate, >> You see, he's our teacher, our advocate, >> You see, he's our teacher, our advocate, our strength, and our comforter. And he our strength, and our comforter. And he our strength, and our comforter. And he is the one that transforms our hearts is the one that transforms our hearts is the one that transforms our hearts through the word and aligns us with the through the word and aligns us with the through the word and aligns us with the will of God. will of God. will of God. >> That way, we can be imitators of Christ. >> That way, we can be imitators of Christ. >> That way, we can be imitators of Christ. >> See, he transforms our minds and hearts >> See, he transforms our minds and hearts >> See, he transforms our minds and hearts so we can be a new creation. so we can be a new creation. so we can be a new creation. >> That's why the things you struggled with >> That's why the things you struggled with >> That's why the things you struggled with in the past, you won't struggle with in the past, you won't struggle with in the past, you won't struggle with anymore. anymore. anymore. Addictions that kept you bound won't Addictions that kept you bound won't Addictions that kept you bound won't bind you anymore. [cheering] bind you anymore. [cheering] bind you anymore. [cheering] Insecurities that you wrestled with Insecurities that you wrestled with Insecurities that you wrestled with won't overcome you anymore. won't overcome you anymore. won't overcome you anymore. And temptations that defeated you won't And temptations that defeated you won't And temptations that defeated you won't defeat you anymore. defeat you anymore. defeat you anymore. >> It's because of the power of the Holy >> It's because of the power of the Holy >> It's because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. >> That's why we walk in him. >> That's why we walk in him. >> That's why we walk in him. >> Prescription number three. >> Prescription number three. >> Prescription number three. >> Be rooted and established in the faith >> Be rooted and established in the faith >> Be rooted and established in the faith as we've been taught. Now, this idea of as we've been taught. Now, this idea of as we've been taught. Now, this idea of being rooted and established in the being rooted and established in the being rooted and established in the faith draws back to this tree analogy faith draws back to this tree analogy faith draws back to this tree analogy Jeremiah highlighted in chapter 17. You Jeremiah highlighted in chapter 17. You Jeremiah highlighted in chapter 17. You see, the scripture describes a rooted see, the scripture describes a rooted see, the scripture describes a rooted tree that will not fear when heat comes, tree that will not fear when heat comes, tree that will not fear when heat comes, but its leaf will be green but its leaf will be green but its leaf will be green >> and will not be anxious in the year of >> and will not be anxious in the year of >> and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding drought, nor will cease from yielding drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.

fruit. fruit. >> Now, you see, man, I love the word of >> Now, you see, man, I love the word of >> Now, you see, man, I love the word of God. This tree is able to overcome harsh God. This tree is able to overcome harsh God. This tree is able to overcome harsh adversity and drought because it has a adversity and drought because it has a adversity and drought because it has a firm foundation. firm foundation. firm foundation. >> It's tapped into the right source. >> It's tapped into the right source. >> It's tapped into the right source. >> See, we the same way as believers are to >> See, we the same way as believers are to >> See, we the same way as believers are to stay rooted in our firm foundation, stay rooted in our firm foundation, stay rooted in our firm foundation, which is the word of God. which is the word of God. which is the word of God. >> See, the word of God is our absolute >> See, the word of God is our absolute >> See, the word of God is our absolute standard for our lives. It is a blade standard for our lives. It is a blade standard for our lives. It is a blade that cuts through the lies and that cuts through the lies and that cuts through the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Now, you see, deceptions of the enemy. Now, you see, deceptions of the enemy. Now, you see, heart transformation is like spiritual heart transformation is like spiritual heart transformation is like spiritual surgery. And guess what? Our pastor is surgery. And guess what? Our pastor is surgery. And guess what? Our pastor is the chief of surgery. the chief of surgery. the chief of surgery. >> You see, y'all think he's just a >> You see, y'all think he's just a >> You see, y'all think he's just a preacher, but he's also a spiritual preacher, but he's also a spiritual preacher, but he's also a spiritual surgeon. surgeon. surgeon. >> And his scalpel is the word of God. See, >> And his scalpel is the word of God. See, >> And his scalpel is the word of God. See, he uses that to cut out any necrotic or he uses that to cut out any necrotic or he uses that to cut out any necrotic or cancerous lies that have infected the cancerous lies that have infected the cancerous lies that have infected the body [cheering] body [cheering] body [cheering] [applause] and bring malfunctioning [applause] and bring malfunctioning [applause] and bring malfunctioning members back into alignment. Have you members back into alignment. Have you members back into alignment. Have you ever wondered why the word of God is ever wondered why the word of God is ever wondered why the word of God is referred to as a blade?

referred to as a blade? referred to as a blade? >> That's because when you go through >> That's because when you go through >> That's because when you go through surgery, you have to be cut in order to surgery, you have to be cut in order to surgery, you have to be cut in order to be made whole. be made whole. be made whole. [cheering and applause] >> [applause and cheering] >> [applause and cheering] >> And here's the thing, Dr. Ataquio, the >> And here's the thing, Dr. Ataquio, the >> And here's the thing, Dr. Ataquio, the anesthesia is the grace and mercy of anesthesia is the grace and mercy of anesthesia is the grace and mercy of God. So that even when you are being God. So that even when you are being God. So that even when you are being cut, you won't feel the pain. [cheering] cut, you won't feel the pain. [cheering] cut, you won't feel the pain. [cheering] [applause] See, that's why Jesus that's why Jesus See, that's why Jesus that's why Jesus came in grace and truth. came in grace and truth. came in grace and truth. >> See, grace is to numb the pain and truth >> See, grace is to numb the pain and truth >> See, grace is to numb the pain and truth is to do the cutting. is to do the cutting. is to do the cutting. >> See, here's the thing. When the word of >> See, here's the thing. When the word of >> See, here's the thing. When the word of God takes root on the inside, we're able God takes root on the inside, we're able God takes root on the inside, we're able to overcome the attacks and tactics of to overcome the attacks and tactics of to overcome the attacks and tactics of the enemy. the enemy. the enemy. >> See, the word of God is the sword of the >> See, the word of God is the sword of the >> See, the word of God is the sword of the spirit. You know, similar to soldiers spirit. You know, similar to soldiers spirit. You know, similar to soldiers that go into combat with weapons in that go into combat with weapons in that go into combat with weapons in their hands, if they go into battle their hands, if they go into battle their hands, if they go into battle unarmed, they will be ineffective in unarmed, they will be ineffective in unarmed, they will be ineffective in fighting against the enemy.

fighting against the enemy. fighting against the enemy. >> See, it's the same way for us as >> See, it's the same way for us as >> See, it's the same way for us as soldiers in the army of God. soldiers in the army of God. soldiers in the army of God. >> Our weapon is his word. [cheering] >> Our weapon is his word. [cheering] >> Our weapon is his word. [cheering] >> This is the way when the enemy attacks >> This is the way when the enemy attacks >> This is the way when the enemy attacks us with lies or deceptions, we can cut us with lies or deceptions, we can cut us with lies or deceptions, we can cut it down with the truth. it down with the truth. it down with the truth. >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Jesus gave us an example. >> Jesus gave us an example. >> Jesus gave us an example. When he was tempted by the devil after When he was tempted by the devil after When he was tempted by the devil after fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, >> the devil started to tempt him with all >> the devil started to tempt him with all >> the devil started to tempt him with all kinds of lies and deceptions and grand kinds of lies and deceptions and grand kinds of lies and deceptions and grand temptations. And with each one, he temptations. And with each one, he temptations. And with each one, he responded with the truth, with what the responded with the truth, with what the responded with the truth, with what the word says. word says. word says. >> You ever wonder why our pastor is always >> You ever wonder why our pastor is always >> You ever wonder why our pastor is always talking about what the Bible says? talking about what the Bible says? talking about what the Bible says? >> It's because that's our weapon. >> It's because that's our weapon. >> It's because that's our weapon. >> Our general doesn't want us to go into >> Our general doesn't want us to go into >> Our general doesn't want us to go into combat without our weapon. [cheering] And And >> so it's the same way for us. The word of >> so it's the same way for us. The word of >> so it's the same way for us. The word of God is like our spiritual immune system. God is like our spiritual immune system. God is like our spiritual immune system. >> You see, our natural immune system uses >> You see, our natural immune system uses >> You see, our natural immune system uses these white blood cells called these white blood cells called these white blood cells called fagosytes. fagosytes. fagosytes. >> And fagosytes job is to kill any foreign >> And fagosytes job is to kill any foreign >> And fagosytes job is to kill any foreign invader such as a virus, a bacteria or invader such as a virus, a bacteria or invader such as a virus, a bacteria or fungus that enters our body.

fungus that enters our body. fungus that enters our body. >> Fagosytes identify the invader. They >> Fagosytes identify the invader. They >> Fagosytes identify the invader. They track the foreign agent and they destroy track the foreign agent and they destroy track the foreign agent and they destroy it on site. it on site. it on site. >> Somebody say on site. >> Somebody say on site. >> Somebody say on site. >> On site. >> On site. >> On site. >> Well, guess what? The word of God is our >> Well, guess what? The word of God is our >> Well, guess what? The word of God is our spiritual immune system. spiritual immune system. spiritual immune system. >> See, the truth has been deposited on the >> See, the truth has been deposited on the >> See, the truth has been deposited on the inside. inside. inside. >> And its job is to locate and eradicate >> And its job is to locate and eradicate >> And its job is to locate and eradicate all the lies that the enemy bring up all the lies that the enemy bring up all the lies that the enemy bring up against us. against us. against us. [applause] I like to call it our counteratt attack. I like to call it our counteratt attack. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] >> And the game plan is when the enemy >> And the game plan is when the enemy >> And the game plan is when the enemy attacks you with a lie, you respond to attacks you with a lie, you respond to attacks you with a lie, you respond to it with the truth. it with the truth. it with the truth. >> Now lie says I'm a failure. The truth >> Now lie says I'm a failure. The truth >> Now lie says I'm a failure. The truth says I'm more than a conqueror in says I'm more than a conqueror in says I'm more than a conqueror in Christ. Christ. Christ. Lie says I'm ugly and outcast. Truth Lie says I'm ugly and outcast. Truth Lie says I'm ugly and outcast. Truth says I am beautifully and wonderfully says I am beautifully and wonderfully says I am beautifully and wonderfully made. made. made. >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> [cheering] >> Lie says I am depressed and anxious. >> Lie says I am depressed and anxious. >> Lie says I am depressed and anxious. Truth says the joy of the Lord is my Truth says the joy of the Lord is my Truth says the joy of the Lord is my strength.

strength. strength. >> Lie says that sickness will destroy my >> Lie says that sickness will destroy my >> Lie says that sickness will destroy my body. Truth says that by his stripes we body. Truth says that by his stripes we body. Truth says that by his stripes we are healed. are healed. are healed. Lie says I will be stuck in the bondage Lie says I will be stuck in the bondage Lie says I will be stuck in the bondage of sin forever. Truth says whom the son of sin forever. Truth says whom the son of sin forever. Truth says whom the son has set free [cheering] has set free [cheering] has set free [cheering] is free indeed. is free indeed. is free indeed. Lie says that there are multiple Lie says that there are multiple Lie says that there are multiple pathways to heaven. Truth says Jesus is pathways to heaven. Truth says Jesus is pathways to heaven. Truth says Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The the way, the truth, and the life. The the way, the truth, and the life. The only way of the father is through him. only way of the father is through him. only way of the father is through him. Lie says that I am unwanted and unloved. Lie says that I am unwanted and unloved. Lie says that I am unwanted and unloved. Truth says that God so loved the world Truth says that God so loved the world Truth says that God so loved the world >> that he gave his only begotten son so >> that he gave his only begotten son so >> that he gave his only begotten son so that whoever believes in him shall not that whoever believes in him shall not that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. perish but have everlasting life. perish but have everlasting life. >> I love that Wheeler is a Bible reading >> I love that Wheeler is a Bible reading >> I love that Wheeler is a Bible reading church. Praise the Lord. That's a sign church. Praise the Lord. That's a sign church. Praise the Lord. That's a sign of good leadership. Amen. Reject the of good leadership. Amen. Reject the of good leadership. Amen. Reject the lies with the truth. lies with the truth. lies with the truth. >> The truth is your firm foundation. >> The truth is your firm foundation. >> The truth is your firm foundation. Now Now Now >> we're at prescription number four. >> we're at prescription number four. >> we're at prescription number four. >> And this is about abounding in it with >> And this is about abounding in it with >> And this is about abounding in it with thanksgiving.

thanksgiving. thanksgiving. >> Now you see abounding defined means >> Now you see abounding defined means >> Now you see abounding defined means existing in large number very plentiful existing in large number very plentiful existing in large number very plentiful and to overflow. and to overflow. and to overflow. >> Now within the context of this scripture >> Now within the context of this scripture >> Now within the context of this scripture we are to abound in the truth that we we are to abound in the truth that we we are to abound in the truth that we have been given with joy. See, I have been given with joy. See, I have been given with joy. See, I personally believe that this is what a personally believe that this is what a personally believe that this is what a miraculous life looks like. miraculous life looks like. miraculous life looks like. >> See, isn't this the year of manifested >> See, isn't this the year of manifested >> See, isn't this the year of manifested miracles? miracles? miracles? >> See, if we want to talk about what it >> See, if we want to talk about what it >> See, if we want to talk about what it means to live a miraculous life, it's means to live a miraculous life, it's means to live a miraculous life, it's about abounding in the faith that's been about abounding in the faith that's been about abounding in the faith that's been deposited in us. deposited in us. deposited in us. >> See, this means getting rooted in our >> See, this means getting rooted in our >> See, this means getting rooted in our church and serving with joy unto the church and serving with joy unto the church and serving with joy unto the Lord. This means getting discipled in Lord. This means getting discipled in Lord. This means getting discipled in our relationship with God and eventually our relationship with God and eventually our relationship with God and eventually disciping others. Come on, ya. 600. This disciping others. Come on, ya. 600. This disciping others. Come on, ya. 600. This means cultivating godly relationships means cultivating godly relationships means cultivating godly relationships that encourage, exhort, and sharpen us. that encourage, exhort, and sharpen us. that encourage, exhort, and sharpen us. And this means working unto the Lord in And this means working unto the Lord in And this means working unto the Lord in excellence in whatever we do, whether we excellence in whatever we do, whether we excellence in whatever we do, whether we like the job or not. like the job or not. like the job or not. >> It means even forgiving others when they >> It means even forgiving others when they >> It means even forgiving others when they don't have the decency to apologize.

don't have the decency to apologize. don't have the decency to apologize. >> See, abounding in it with thanksgiving >> See, abounding in it with thanksgiving >> See, abounding in it with thanksgiving means to put into action the faith that means to put into action the faith that means to put into action the faith that has God has deposited into each of us. has God has deposited into each of us. has God has deposited into each of us. >> Put the faith to work. >> Put the faith to work. >> Put the faith to work. >> See, fa faith works when you work it, >> See, fa faith works when you work it, >> See, fa faith works when you work it, y'all. And here's the thing about y'all. And here's the thing about y'all. And here's the thing about abounding. When you do so, you start to abounding. When you do so, you start to abounding. When you do so, you start to experience the manifested miracles of experience the manifested miracles of experience the manifested miracles of God in your lives. God in your lives. God in your lives. >> See, let me break this down here. >> See, let me break this down here. >> See, let me break this down here. >> Jesus is the perfect example of this. >> Jesus is the perfect example of this. >> Jesus is the perfect example of this. Now, as Jesus abounded in faith, let's Now, as Jesus abounded in faith, let's Now, as Jesus abounded in faith, let's check the record. The blind could see, check the record. The blind could see, check the record. The blind could see, >> the lame could walk, >> the lame could walk, >> the lame could walk, >> the multitudes were fed, >> the multitudes were fed, >> the multitudes were fed, >> the demon-possessed were delivered, >> the demon-possessed were delivered, >> the demon-possessed were delivered, >> the dead were raised, >> the dead were raised, >> the dead were raised, >> and the storms were tamed. So this is >> and the storms were tamed. So this is >> and the storms were tamed. So this is apparently what it means to be apparently what it means to be apparently what it means to be abounding. abounding. abounding. >> So when we start abounding in the faith >> So when we start abounding in the faith >> So when we start abounding in the faith and living a manifested life, there is a and living a manifested life, there is a and living a manifested life, there is a proper response that's required. You proper response that's required. You proper response that's required. You see, even in scripture, when Jesus see, even in scripture, when Jesus see, even in scripture, when Jesus worked a miracle in the lives of others, worked a miracle in the lives of others, worked a miracle in the lives of others, they would respond by rejoicing and they would respond by rejoicing and they would respond by rejoicing and praising God.

praising God. praising God. >> We call it thanksgiving. See, this is >> We call it thanksgiving. See, this is >> We call it thanksgiving. See, this is the response to the miraculous. Rejoice the response to the miraculous. Rejoice the response to the miraculous. Rejoice and praise God. The same way it applied and praise God. The same way it applied and praise God. The same way it applied then is the same way it applies now. then is the same way it applies now. then is the same way it applies now. >> So let me tell you something. When God >> So let me tell you something. When God >> So let me tell you something. When God helps you to overcome addictions in your helps you to overcome addictions in your helps you to overcome addictions in your life, rejoice and praise God. [cheering] life, rejoice and praise God. [cheering] life, rejoice and praise God. [cheering] >> When he helps you to defeat thoughts of >> When he helps you to defeat thoughts of >> When he helps you to defeat thoughts of anxiety and depression, rejoice and anxiety and depression, rejoice and anxiety and depression, rejoice and praise God. We helps you to conquer fear praise God. We helps you to conquer fear praise God. We helps you to conquer fear and insecurity. Rejoice and praise God. and insecurity. Rejoice and praise God. and insecurity. Rejoice and praise God. We helps you to break the bondage of We helps you to break the bondage of We helps you to break the bondage of lust. Rejoice and praise God. We helps lust. Rejoice and praise God. We helps lust. Rejoice and praise God. We helps you to forgive and release bitterness in you to forgive and release bitterness in you to forgive and release bitterness in your heart. Rejoice and praise God. your heart. Rejoice and praise God. your heart. Rejoice and praise God. >> He helps you to pray when you don't have >> He helps you to pray when you don't have >> He helps you to pray when you don't have the words to say. Rejoice and praise the words to say. Rejoice and praise the words to say. Rejoice and praise God. God. God. >> We helped you to run when you are tired >> We helped you to run when you are tired >> We helped you to run when you are tired and weary. Rejoice and praise God. We and weary. Rejoice and praise God. We and weary. Rejoice and praise God. We helps you to fight when you lack helps you to fight when you lack helps you to fight when you lack strength. Rejoice and praise God. We strength. Rejoice and praise God. We strength. Rejoice and praise God. We help you to love people that aren't help you to love people that aren't help you to love people that aren't lovable. Rejoice and praise God. We help lovable. Rejoice and praise God. We help lovable. Rejoice and praise God. We help you to break generational curses that you to break generational curses that you to break generational curses that have affected your families. Rejoice and have affected your families. Rejoice and have affected your families. Rejoice and praise God.

praise God. praise God. Praise him. Rejoice and praise God Praise him. Rejoice and praise God Praise him. Rejoice and praise God in everything that you do. Rejoice and in everything that you do. Rejoice and in everything that you do. Rejoice and praise him. And here's the thing. When praise him. And here's the thing. When praise him. And here's the thing. When you take all your medicines you take all your medicines you take all your medicines >> and you are abounding in the faith that >> and you are abounding in the faith that >> and you are abounding in the faith that you've been rooted and ready in, there's you've been rooted and ready in, there's you've been rooted and ready in, there's time to answer the call that God has on time to answer the call that God has on time to answer the call that God has on your lives. You see, I'm reminded of the your lives. You see, I'm reminded of the your lives. You see, I'm reminded of the call of the prophet Isaiah call of the prophet Isaiah call of the prophet Isaiah >> in Isaiah 6. He is ushered into a vision >> in Isaiah 6. He is ushered into a vision >> in Isaiah 6. He is ushered into a vision in the throne room of heaven. in the throne room of heaven. in the throne room of heaven. >> And he says that he sees God high and >> And he says that he sees God high and >> And he says that he sees God high and lifted up and his train filling the lifted up and his train filling the lifted up and his train filling the temple. temple. temple. >> I don't have time to break down the >> I don't have time to break down the >> I don't have time to break down the train, y'all, but that's a whole message train, y'all, but that's a whole message train, y'all, but that's a whole message in of itself. in of itself. in of itself. >> But as he's sitting in the throne room, >> But as he's sitting in the throne room, >> But as he's sitting in the throne room, he sees angels flying in the air. he sees angels flying in the air. he sees angels flying in the air. They're called saraphins. They're called saraphins. They're called saraphins. >> They have six wings. >> They have six wings. >> They have six wings. >> With two wings, they covered their face. >> With two wings, they covered their face. >> With two wings, they covered their face. with two wings they covered their feet with two wings they covered their feet with two wings they covered their feet >> and with two wings they did fly >> and with two wings they did fly >> and with two wings they did fly >> and here's the thing he hears God >> and here's the thing he hears God >> and here's the thing he hears God bellowing out into the heavens and God bellowing out into the heavens and God bellowing out into the heavens and God is saying whom shall I send is saying whom shall I send is saying whom shall I send >> whom will go for us >> whom will go for us >> whom will go for us >> and then Isaiah says here I am Lord >> and then Isaiah says here I am Lord >> and then Isaiah says here I am Lord >> send me well guess what everyone I came here to well guess what everyone I came here to tell you today at Wheeler Avenue Baptist tell you today at Wheeler Avenue Baptist tell you today at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church 3826 6 Willer Avenue, Houston, Church 3826 6 Willer Avenue, Houston, Church 3826 6 Willer Avenue, Houston, Texas 77004, Texas 77004, Texas 77004, where the Reverend Dr. Marcus E. Cosby where the Reverend Dr. Marcus E. Cosby where the Reverend Dr. Marcus E. Cosby is my pastor to let you know that God is is my pastor to let you know that God is is my pastor to let you know that God is looking at all the pain, destruction,

looking at all the pain, destruction, looking at all the pain, destruction, and carnage in the world. And he's and carnage in the world. And he's and carnage in the world. And he's looking at each of us and saying, "Whom looking at each of us and saying, "Whom looking at each of us and saying, "Whom shall I send? Whom will go for us?" And shall I send? Whom will go for us?" And shall I send? Whom will go for us?" And the response he's waiting on the response he's waiting on the response he's waiting on is, "Send me." Who here is willing to be is, "Send me." Who here is willing to be is, "Send me." Who here is willing to be sent by God today? Who here is willing sent by God today? Who here is willing sent by God today? Who here is willing to fight the good fight for God today? to fight the good fight for God today? to fight the good fight for God today? Send me, Lord. Send me to preach good Send me, Lord. Send me to preach good Send me, Lord. Send me to preach good tidings to the poor. Send me to bind up tidings to the poor. Send me to bind up tidings to the poor. Send me to bind up the brokenhearted. Send me to proclaim the brokenhearted. Send me to proclaim the brokenhearted. Send me to proclaim liberty to the captives. Send me to open liberty to the captives. Send me to open liberty to the captives. Send me to open the prisons to them that are bound. Send the prisons to them that are bound. Send the prisons to them that are bound. Send me to proclaim the acceptable year of me to proclaim the acceptable year of me to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Send me to say the day of the Lord. Send me to say the day of the Lord. Send me to say the day of vengeance of my God. Send me Lord. Send vengeance of my God. Send me Lord. Send vengeance of my God. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me Lord. Send me. Send me. Who here is Lord. Send me. Send me. Who here is Lord. Send me. Send me. Who here is willing to answer the call? Who here is willing to answer the call? Who here is willing to answer the call? Who here is willing to do big things for the kingdom willing to do big things for the kingdom willing to do big things for the kingdom of God? To spread the gospel of the of God? To spread the gospel of the of God? To spread the gospel of the Lord. To fight the good fight of faith.

Lord. To fight the good fight of faith. Lord. To fight the good fight of faith. to be the ones that are the change to be the ones that are the change to be the ones that are the change agents in the world that is being agents in the world that is being agents in the world that is being destroyed today, who is willing to destroyed today, who is willing to destroyed today, who is willing to answer the call. And here's the thing, answer the call. And here's the thing, answer the call. And here's the thing, whomever God calls, whomever God calls, whomever God calls, he empowers to do his will. he empowers to do his will. he empowers to do his will. >> You see, you know, he's got all power in >> You see, you know, he's got all power in >> You see, you know, he's got all power in his hand, right? The word says that he's his hand, right? The word says that he's his hand, right? The word says that he's what? The king of glory. What's that what? The king of glory. What's that what? The king of glory. What's that mean? Who is the king of glory, the mean? Who is the king of glory, the mean? Who is the king of glory, the [screaming] Lord strong and mighty, the [screaming] Lord strong and mighty, the [screaming] Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your hands, oh ye takes, and lifting up the hands, oh ye takes, and lifting up the hands, oh ye takes, and lifting up the everlasting doors. For the King of glory everlasting doors. For the King of glory everlasting doors. For the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? shall come in. Who is the King of glory? shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. He is the King of mighty in battle. He is the King of mighty in battle. He is the King of glory. glory. glory. We serve the King of glory. [cheering and applause] [cheering and applause] And here's the thing, everyone. This And here's the thing, everyone. This And here's the thing, everyone. This same King of glory same King of glory same King of glory >> is our God that broke himself down to >> is our God that broke himself down to >> is our God that broke himself down to human form 2,000 years ago human form 2,000 years ago human form 2,000 years ago >> so that each and every one of us can be >> so that each and every one of us can be >> so that each and every one of us can be saved.

saved. saved. >> Now he's calling us to return to our >> Now he's calling us to return to our >> Now he's calling us to return to our firm foundation. firm foundation. firm foundation. >> To be rooted and ready to cultivate a >> To be rooted and ready to cultivate a >> To be rooted and ready to cultivate a relationship with him. relationship with him. relationship with him. >> All he's waiting on is for us to take >> All he's waiting on is for us to take >> All he's waiting on is for us to take the first step. the first step. the first step. >> The only question is, are you ready? >> The only question is, are you ready? >> The only question is, are you ready? >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] [applause] >> If you're able to stand, stand with us >> If you're able to stand, stand with us all over the church. all over the church. all over the church. >> If you're not yet standing, stand with >> If you're not yet standing, stand with >> If you're not yet standing, stand with us all over the church. us all over the church. us all over the church. What a challenge What a challenge What a challenge >> and what a charge >> and what a charge >> and what a charge >> the Reverend Dr. Carter has given us >> the Reverend Dr. Carter has given us >> the Reverend Dr. Carter has given us today. today. today. Thank you, sir, for blessing us with the Thank you, sir, for blessing us with the Thank you, sir, for blessing us with the strength [applause] of our meds.

strength [applause] of our meds. strength [applause] of our meds. Amen. Amen. Amen. [applause] Dr. Carter just prescribed medication Dr. Carter just prescribed medication for all of us. >> Ask your pew partner, you taking your >> Ask your pew partner, you taking your meds? We can tell. We can tell that. Take your We can tell. We can tell that. Take your meds. meds. meds. Thank you, preacher man. God bless you. Thank you, preacher man. God bless you. Thank you, preacher man. God bless you. Thank you so much. Longtime servants of our church, the Longtime servants of our church, the Howards are coming to stand with me now. Howards are coming to stand with me now. Howards are coming to stand with me now. As they come to stand with me now, As they come to stand with me now, As they come to stand with me now, someone may someone may someone may need to know of the goodness and grace need to know of the goodness and grace need to know of the goodness and grace that that that Dr. Carter mentioned to us in that Dr. Carter mentioned to us in that Dr. Carter mentioned to us in that message today.

message today. message today. at grace. It serves [music] as at grace. It serves [music] as at grace. It serves [music] as anesthesia anesthesia anesthesia while the truth is doing its work. while the truth is doing its work. while the truth is doing its work. Maybe you're here this afternoon. You Maybe you're here this afternoon. You Maybe you're here this afternoon. You say, "Pastor, I've never given the Lord say, "Pastor, I've never given the Lord say, "Pastor, I've never given the Lord Jesus my life, and I've never said yes Jesus my life, and I've never said yes Jesus my life, and I've never said yes to a relationship with him. to a relationship with him. to a relationship with him. I heard he loves me. I heard he loves me. I heard he loves me. >> I know he loves me. I I feel it. I can >> I know he loves me. I I feel it. I can >> I know he loves me. I I feel it. I can tell he loves me, but I've never tell he loves me, but I've never tell he loves me, but I've never embraced that love. I've never said yes embraced that love. I've never said yes embraced that love. I've never said yes to a relationship with Jesus Christ. If to a relationship with Jesus Christ. If to a relationship with Jesus Christ. If that's you, dear friend, I want you to that's you, dear friend, I want you to that's you, dear friend, I want you to start walking toward me this afternoon. start walking toward me this afternoon. start walking toward me this afternoon. Come on down to this altar, and I want Come on down to this altar, and I want Come on down to this altar, and I want you to give the Lord Jesus your life. you to give the Lord Jesus your life. you to give the Lord Jesus your life. Or you say, "Pastor, oh, I've done that. Or you say, "Pastor, oh, I've done that. Or you say, "Pastor, oh, I've done that. I've given him my life. I did that when I've given him my life. I did that when I've given him my life. I did that when I was a child. I did that several years I was a child. I did that several years I was a child. I did that several years ago, but I don't have a church right now ago, but I don't have a church right now ago, but I don't have a church right now where I'm growing and maturing and where I'm growing and maturing and where I'm growing and maturing and developing and becoming the Christian developing and becoming the Christian developing and becoming the Christian that God wants me to become." Well, we that God wants me to become." Well, we that God wants me to become." Well, we can fix all that this afternoon. We can fix all that this afternoon. We can fix all that this afternoon. We invite you to a relationship with church invite you to a relationship with church invite you to a relationship with church where you can grow and develop and where you can grow and develop and where you can grow and develop and mature and become all that God wants you mature and become all that God wants you mature and become all that God wants you to be. Come on toward me even now.

to be. Come on toward me even now. to be. Come on toward me even now. While they're moving, we're celebrating. While they're moving, we're celebrating. While they're moving, we're celebrating. While they're walking, we're While they're walking, we're While they're walking, we're celebrating. [applause and music] Come celebrating. [applause and music] Come celebrating. [applause and music] Come on. Right now, God bless you. Praise the on. Right now, God bless you. Praise the on. Right now, God bless you. Praise the Lord for you. Praise the Lord for you. Lord for you. Praise the Lord for you. Lord for you. Praise the Lord for you. Come on. They're still walking. Are you Come on. They're still walking. Are you Come on. They're still walking. Are you still celebrating? They're still still celebrating? They're still still celebrating? They're still walking. Are you still celebrating? walking. Are you still celebrating? walking. Are you still celebrating? >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> It's still coming. You're still praising >> It's still coming. You're still praising >> It's still coming. You're still praising God. God. God. The [music] preacher said there should The [music] preacher said there should The [music] preacher said there should be an abundance of joy and thanksgiving. be an abundance of joy and thanksgiving. be an abundance of joy and thanksgiving. >> Get to know him. >> Get to know him. >> Get to know him. Today. Today. [music] Right now. Today. There's nothing better than knowing There's nothing better than knowing Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] God bless you. Nothing better than God bless you. Nothing better than God bless you. Nothing better than knowing Jesus. knowing Jesus. knowing Jesus. [music] He gets sweeter as the days go [music] He gets sweeter as the days go [music] He gets sweeter as the days go by. God bless you. God bless you. by. God bless you. God bless you. by. God bless you. God bless you. Go by. Go by. Go by. You ought to know him.

Get to know him. God bless you on the Get to know him. God bless you on the front row. [music] Yeah. Right now, front row. [music] Yeah. Right now, front row. [music] Yeah. Right now, today these have already made their way. I these have already made their way. I know that the schools have begun session know that the schools have begun session know that the schools have begun session again. Maybe there's a student here who again. Maybe there's a student here who again. Maybe there's a student here who says, "Pastor, I'm saved and I got a says, "Pastor, I'm saved and I got a says, "Pastor, I'm saved and I got a church home. My church home is back church home. My church home is back church home. My church home is back home. I'm here for school. [music] I'm home. I'm here for school. [music] I'm home. I'm here for school. [music] I'm only here for a limited time, but while only here for a limited time, but while only here for a limited time, but while I'm here, I need to be under watch I'm here, I need to be under watch I'm here, I need to be under watch care." That means we'll watch over you care." That means we'll watch over you care." That means we'll watch over you and care for you while you're in and care for you while you're in and care for you while you're in Houston. [music] And when it's time for Houston. [music] And when it's time for Houston. [music] And when it's time for you to return to your native home, we'll you to return to your native home, we'll you to return to your native home, we'll send you back with joy. If you're one of send you back with joy. If you're one of send you back with joy. If you're one of those students and you want to be those students and you want to be those students and you want to be covered like many students have covered like many students have covered like many students have throughout the years, I want you to come throughout the years, I want you to come throughout the years, I want you to come on down this way. And while you're on down this way. And while you're on down this way. And while you're walking, we're going to be celebrating. walking, we're going to be celebrating. walking, we're going to be celebrating. Look at this line of believers coming Look at this line of believers coming Look at this line of believers coming this way. Come on and thank God for them this way. Come on and thank God for them this way. Come on and thank God for them while they walk this way. If you're one while they walk this way. If you're one while they walk this way. If you're one of those students that needs to be of those students that needs to be of those students that needs to be covered while you're here, come on. You covered while you're here, come on. You covered while you're here, come on. You ought to know him.

ought to know him. ought to know him. [music] [music] [music] >> Get to know him. >> Get to know him. >> Get to know him. >> Get to know him >> Get to know him >> Get to know him >> right now. Today. today. [music] >> right now. Today. today. [music] >> right now. Today. today. [music] Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Now, here's our call to everybody. Come Now, here's our call to everybody. Come Now, here's our call to everybody. Come on. Come on. [music] Come on. Come on. on. Come on. [music] Come on. Come on. on. Come on. [music] Come on. Come on. Come on. [singing] Come on. [singing] Come on. [singing] Come on. Come on. Come on. [music] Come on. Come on. Come on. [music] Come on. Come on. Come on. [music] God bless you, brothers. So happy for God bless you, brothers. So happy for God bless you, brothers. So happy for you right now. Today. [music] you right now. Today. [music] you right now. Today. [music] Just come. They're coming from the Just come. They're coming from the Just come. They're coming from the balcony. You ought to be celebrating balcony. You ought to be celebrating balcony. You ought to be celebrating when [music] they walk past you. Come when [music] they walk past you. Come when [music] they walk past you. Come on. [singing] >> Sing it again. Somebody is still >> Sing it again. Somebody is still wrestling with this thing. Come on. wrestling with this thing. Come on. wrestling with this thing. Come on. [music] There. Still coming. It's still coming There. Still coming. It's still coming right now. [music] Come on dear sister right now. [music] Come on dear sister right now. [music] Right now God bless you. God bless you right now.

God bless you. God bless you right now. [music] They're still coming. Are you still They're still coming. Are you still rejoicing? You're [music] still walking rejoicing? You're [music] still walking rejoicing? You're [music] still walking this. God [music] bless you right now. right God [music] bless you right now. right now. now. now. Oh, [music] there it is. Oh, [music] there it is. Oh, [music] there it is. Come on. This is the time today. Today. Come on. This is the time today. Today. Come on. This is the time today. Today. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Right now. [music] Right now. [music] Right now. [music] This is your opportunity, sis. Come on. This is your opportunity, sis. Come on. This is your opportunity, sis. Come on. Come on, brother. We've been praying Come on, brother. We've been praying Come on, brother. We've been praying [music] for you. Come on. [music] for you. Come on. [music] for you. Come on. Yep. Yep. Right now. >> [music] >> today and they have come. Look at there. Look and they have come. Look at there. Look at here. at here. at here. I said they're here. Come on. Let's I said they're here. Come on. Let's I said they're here. Come on. Let's celebrate what God has done. [cheering] celebrate what God has done. [cheering] celebrate what God has done. [cheering] Yep. Yep. God bless you. God bless you. Yep. Yep. God bless you. God bless you. Yep. Yep. God bless you. God bless you. Listen to each of you who stands before Listen to each of you who stands before Listen to each of you who stands before us this afternoon. I want to welcome you us this afternoon. I want to welcome you us this afternoon. I want to welcome you to your new church family. [music] We're to your new church family. [music] We're to your new church family. [music] We're called Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

called Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. called Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And we thank God that we have the And we thank God that we have the And we thank God that we have the opportunity to welcome each one of you opportunity to welcome each one of you opportunity to welcome each one of you who has made a decision for Christ and who has made a decision for Christ and who has made a decision for Christ and for his church this day. We recognize for his church this day. We recognize for his church this day. We recognize that it sometimes comes with a bit of that it sometimes comes with a bit of that it sometimes comes with a bit of anxiety, sometime a little pressure when anxiety, sometime a little pressure when anxiety, sometime a little pressure when we walk down the aisles. But I thank God we walk down the aisles. But I thank God we walk down the aisles. But I thank God that you stepped out by faith and you that you stepped out by faith and you that you stepped out by faith and you made your way down here today. I can't made your way down here today. I can't made your way down here today. I can't wait to see how God [music] is going to wait to see how God [music] is going to wait to see how God [music] is going to use you as he blesses you as a part of use you as he blesses you as a part of use you as he blesses you as a part of the family. Come on, praise the Lord for the family. Come on, praise the Lord for the family. Come on, praise the Lord for you. Walk him on down, sis. God bless you. Walk him on down, sis. God bless you. Walk him on down, sis. God bless you. you. you. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. I'm excited about your future. I'm I'm excited about your future. I'm I'm excited about your future. I'm excited about the things that God wants excited about the things that God wants excited about the things that God wants to do in you, with you, through you, and to do in you, with you, through you, and to do in you, with you, through you, and for you because you're now an official for you because you're now an official for you because you're now an official part of the family of Wheeler Avenue part of the family of Wheeler Avenue part of the family of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. You're going to hear Baptist Church. You're going to hear Baptist Church. You're going to hear some more information in the back in some more information in the back in some more information in the back in just a minute. But just know that on just a minute. But just know that on just a minute. But just know that on this Sunday afternoon at this service, this Sunday afternoon at this service, this Sunday afternoon at this service, I'm so [music] excited to serve as your I'm so [music] excited to serve as your I'm so [music] excited to serve as your pastor. And these folk around you are pastor. And these folk around you are pastor. And these folk around you are excited to be your new found family excited to be your new found family excited to be your new found family members at Wheeler Avenue Baptist members at Wheeler Avenue Baptist members at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And I can prove it right now.

Church. And I can prove it right now. Church. And I can prove it right now. [music] [music] [music] [applause and cheering] Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Welcome to your new church home. Now, Welcome to your new church home. Now, Welcome to your new church home. Now, there's a distinguished gentleman right there's a distinguished gentleman right there's a distinguished gentleman right there. That's Deacon Lionel Howard. And there. That's Deacon Lionel Howard. And there. That's Deacon Lionel Howard. And he's going to take all of you to new me he's going to take all of you to new me he's going to take all of you to new me in in induction room. And they're going in in induction room. And they're going in in induction room. And they're going to introduce you to some practical to introduce you to some practical to introduce you to some practical principles about new membership at principles about new membership at principles about new membership at Wheeler [music] Avenue. So will you, my Wheeler [music] Avenue. So will you, my Wheeler [music] Avenue. So will you, my friends, please follow that friends, please follow that friends, please follow that distinguished gentleman right there. And distinguished gentleman right there. And distinguished gentleman right there. And as you follow him, his beloved wife Don as you follow him, his beloved wife Don as you follow him, his beloved wife Don Armau is going to make sure everybody Armau is going to make sure everybody Armau is going to make sure everybody gets to where they need to go. But as gets to where they need to go. But as gets to where they need to go. But as you go, we're going to celebrate. Come you go, we're going to celebrate. Come you go, we're going to celebrate. Come on, church. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. Yep. [music] Big dot diagnose us today for what Big dot diagnose us today for what the diagnosis and the prescriptions have the diagnosis and the prescriptions have the diagnosis and the prescriptions have been given this afternoon and we thank been given this afternoon and we thank been given this afternoon and we thank you sir for blessing us. There are so you sir for blessing us. There are so you sir for blessing us. There are so many gifted people [music] in the young many gifted people [music] in the young many gifted people [music] in the young adult ministry of Wheeler Avenue Baptist adult ministry of Wheeler Avenue Baptist adult ministry of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And I want to thank God for Church. And I want to thank God for Church. And I want to thank God for every one of them that has served today.

every one of them that has served today. every one of them that has served today. There's some people up there in that There's some people up there in that There's some people up there in that choir stand with those t-shirts on who choir stand with those t-shirts on who choir stand with those t-shirts on who have been here since 5 something this have been here since 5 something this have been here since 5 something this morning [applause] morning [applause] morning [applause] and they don't look like everything and they don't look like everything and they don't look like everything they've been through. They still they've been through. They still they've been through. They still smiling. smiling. smiling. They still half awake They still half awake They still half awake and I thank God for them half. Yeah, a and I thank God for them half. Yeah, a and I thank God for them half. Yeah, a little bit. But to all of you who have little bit. But to all of you who have little bit. But to all of you who have served, thank God to all these precious served, thank God to all these precious served, thank God to all these precious people [music] who have rendered service people [music] who have rendered service people [music] who have rendered service in the Lord's church today. Like Dr. in the Lord's church today. Like Dr. in the Lord's church today. Like Dr. Quo, Dr. Dr. Qufield, you have a great Quo, Dr. Dr. Qufield, you have a great Quo, Dr. Dr. Qufield, you have a great ministry of sisters and brothers and we ministry of sisters and brothers and we ministry of sisters and brothers and we thank God for your leadership, dear thank God for your leadership, dear thank God for your leadership, dear woman of God. God bless you. Thank you woman of God. God bless you. Thank you woman of God. God bless you. Thank you for your leadership. for your leadership. for your leadership. [music and applause] [music and applause] [music and applause] Well, it was many years ago when I asked Well, it was many years ago when I asked Well, it was many years ago when I asked the first person [music] the first person [music] the first person [music] under my pastor to give leadership to under my pastor to give leadership to under my pastor to give leadership to youth and young adults at Wheeler Avenue youth and young adults at Wheeler Avenue youth and young adults at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. It's a long time ago. Baptist Church. It's a long time ago. Baptist Church. It's a long time ago. Long time ago, but he decided to come Long time ago, but he decided to come Long time ago, but he decided to come back home this afternoon after preaching back home this afternoon after preaching back home this afternoon after preaching down there at Antioch in Bumont. The down there at Antioch in Bumont. The down there at Antioch in Bumont. The Reverend Dr. Terry Eugene Mackey was the Reverend Dr. Terry Eugene Mackey was the Reverend Dr. Terry Eugene Mackey was the first youth and young adult minister first youth and young adult minister first youth and young adult minister under my pastor.

under my pastor. under my pastor. Amen. Amen. Amen. I thank God for him. I thank God for him. I thank God for him. [applause and music] What years were you [applause and music] What years were you [applause and music] What years were you here, sir? here, sir? here, sir? >> 82. >> 82. >> 82. >> He said 82. What years were you here? >> He said 82. What years were you here? >> He said 82. What years were you here? >> 2006. >> 2006. >> 2006. >> 2006. Till >> 2006. Till >> 2006. Till >> when did you go to Riceville? >> when did you go to Riceville? >> when did you go to Riceville? >> Riceville 2010. >> Riceville 2010. >> Riceville 2010. >> 2010. For four years, he served as >> 2010. For four years, he served as >> 2010. For four years, he served as youth, the young adult minister. youth, the young adult minister. youth, the young adult minister. Then he went across town to Riceville, Then he went across town to Riceville, Then he went across town to Riceville, Mount Olive Baptist Church. He was their Mount Olive Baptist Church. He was their Mount Olive Baptist Church. He was their pastor for a season. And now he serves pastor for a season. And now he serves pastor for a season. And now he serves uh at the Pilgrim Rest Church of uh at the Pilgrim Rest Church of uh at the Pilgrim Rest Church of Phoenix, Arizona. And we are grateful Phoenix, Arizona. And we are grateful Phoenix, Arizona. And we are grateful that he is back in Houston this day. that he is back in Houston this day. that he is back in Houston this day. Just happened to come on Young Adult Just happened to come on Young Adult Just happened to come on Young Adult Sunday. Amen. You worked that out. You Sunday. Amen. You worked that out. You Sunday. Amen. You worked that out. You and God worked that thing out quite and God worked that thing out quite and God worked that thing out quite nicely. And we thank God for him and for nicely. And we thank God for him and for nicely. And we thank God for him and for what he has meant to us. Anybody was what he has meant to us. Anybody was what he has meant to us. Anybody was here when Re Mackey was here? Dr. Mackey here when Re Mackey was here? Dr. Mackey here when Re Mackey was here? Dr. Mackey was here. 13 people. Praise the Lord. was here. 13 people. Praise the Lord. was here. 13 people. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. You've been gone a long Praise the Lord. You've been gone a long Praise the Lord. You've been gone a long time, Reverend. But we thank God for his time, Reverend. But we thank God for his time, Reverend. But we thank God for his ministry. Listen, been a great week, ministry. Listen, been a great week, ministry. Listen, been a great week, young adults. Thank you so much for your young adults. Thank you so much for your young adults. Thank you so much for your leadership. We praise God for you.

leadership. We praise God for you. leadership. We praise God for you. I want you to have an absolutely I want you to have an absolutely I want you to have an absolutely magnificent magnificent magnificent week this week. Thank you so much. I week this week. Thank you so much. I week this week. Thank you so much. I appreciate that. I want you to bless appreciate that. I want you to bless appreciate that. I want you to bless somebody who somebody who somebody who >> cannot bless you back. [music] Make sure >> cannot bless you back. [music] Make sure >> cannot bless you back. [music] Make sure you bless somebody's life this week. you bless somebody's life this week. you bless somebody's life this week. That's what the Lord is is calling for That's what the Lord is is calling for That's what the Lord is is calling for is requiring of us who are rooted and is requiring of us who are rooted and is requiring of us who are rooted and ready. ready. ready. >> We do not just keep our lights hidden >> We do not just keep our lights hidden >> We do not just keep our lights hidden under a bushel. We do not just keep our under a bushel. We do not just keep our under a bushel. We do not just keep our salt of the earth to ourselves. We go salt of the earth to ourselves. We go salt of the earth to ourselves. We go savor this world for the glory of God. savor this world for the glory of God. savor this world for the glory of God. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> So go forth as you are now rooted in >> So go forth as you are now rooted in >> So go forth as you are now rooted in Christ. You are ready to do good works Christ. You are ready to do good works Christ. You are ready to do good works [music] for Christ. And I pray God's [music] for Christ. And I pray God's [music] for Christ. And I pray God's choices blessings upon you. I'm going to choices blessings upon you. I'm going to choices blessings upon you. I'm going to ask your forbearance. I've got to slip ask your forbearance. I've got to slip ask your forbearance. I've got to slip out. I got a 6:00 flight and I ain't out. I got a 6:00 flight and I ain't out. I got a 6:00 flight and I ain't packed a thing yet. packed a thing yet. packed a thing yet. Oh, I'll make it. It's fine. But I'm Oh, I'll make it. It's fine. But I'm Oh, I'll make it. It's fine. But I'm going to slip out. I can't shake any going to slip out. I can't shake any going to slip out. I can't shake any hands this afternoon. I love you all and hands this afternoon. I love you all and hands this afternoon. I love you all and I thank God for you. And as we get ready I thank God for you. And as we get ready I thank God for you. And as we get ready to go, let's praise God from whom all to go, let's praise God from whom all to go, let's praise God from whom all blessings flow.

[music] [music] >> Now may the Lord our God bless you and >> Now may the Lord our God bless you and >> Now may the Lord our God bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to keep you. May the Lord make his face to keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. shine upon you and be gracious unto you. shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift the light of his May the Lord lift the light of his May the Lord lift the light of his countenance upon you and give you his countenance upon you and give you his countenance upon you and give you his peace in your going out and in your peace in your going out and in your peace in your going out and in your coming in, in your labor and in your coming in, in your labor and in your coming in, in your labor and in your leisure, in your joy as well as in your leisure, in your joy as well as in your leisure, in your joy as well as in your sorrow, [music] sorrow, [music] sorrow, [music] in your laughter, and likewise in your in your laughter, and likewise in your in your laughter, and likewise in your tears. Until that day when we meet the tears. Until that day when we meet the tears. Until that day when we meet the Lord face to face and cry holy, holy, Lord face to face and cry holy, holy, Lord face to face and cry holy, holy, hope to the Lord of hosts. Until that hope to the Lord of hosts. Until that hope to the Lord of hosts. Until that day, my brothers, my sisters, go in day, my brothers, my sisters, go in day, my brothers, my sisters, go in peace. Go in [music] love. Go in joy. peace. Go in [music] love. Go in joy. peace. Go in [music] love. Go in joy. And may the very God of peace, love, and And may the very God of peace, love, and And may the very God of peace, love, and joy go with you now and forever more joy go with you now and forever more joy go with you now and forever more [music] in Jesus name. Let's sing [music] in Jesus name. Let's sing [music] in Jesus name. Let's sing together. Amen. together. Amen. together. Amen. [music] Amen.

Amen. [music] >> God bless you. That thing still scares >> God bless you. That thing still scares me. And I knew it was What's going on, Will Wheeler family? What's going on, Will Wheeler family? Welcome to Rooted and Ready Sunday post Welcome to Rooted and Ready Sunday post Welcome to Rooted and Ready Sunday post worship connection and reflection. I worship connection and reflection. I worship connection and reflection. I have the privilege to be uh with Fattius have the privilege to be uh with Fattius have the privilege to be uh with Fattius and Ariel. How are y'all doing today? and Ariel. How are y'all doing today? and Ariel. How are y'all doing today? >> I'm great. How are you? >> I'm great. How are you? >> I'm great. How are you? >> I'm doing well, thank you. Thank y'all >> I'm doing well, thank you. Thank y'all >> I'm doing well, thank you. Thank y'all for joining me this afternoon. So, I for joining me this afternoon. So, I for joining me this afternoon. So, I have a few questions I would like to ask have a few questions I would like to ask have a few questions I would like to ask y'all just to reflect about how the week y'all just to reflect about how the week y'all just to reflect about how the week was and even how service was. So, how was and even how service was. So, how was and even how service was. So, how did today's message encourage or did today's message encourage or did today's message encourage or challenge you?

challenge you? challenge you? Um, today's message encouraged me to be Um, today's message encouraged me to be Um, today's message encouraged me to be consistent. Uh, when you think about consistent. Uh, when you think about consistent. Uh, when you think about prescription and medicine, you take it, prescription and medicine, you take it, prescription and medicine, you take it, you know, enough to be where you're you know, enough to be where you're you know, enough to be where you're supposed to be. So, yes, it just supposed to be. So, yes, it just supposed to be. So, yes, it just encouraged me to be consistent. encouraged me to be consistent. encouraged me to be consistent. >> Consistent. Keep you well. All right. >> Consistent. Keep you well. All right. >> Consistent. Keep you well. All right. Question for you. Looking back over Question for you. Looking back over Question for you. Looking back over young adult week, where have you seen young adult week, where have you seen young adult week, where have you seen God move the most? God move the most? God move the most? >> Uh, I think in the healthy community >> Uh, I think in the healthy community >> Uh, I think in the healthy community that um was established um being around that um was established um being around that um was established um being around like-minded people with the mentality to like-minded people with the mentality to like-minded people with the mentality to go after Jesus with everything that we go after Jesus with everything that we go after Jesus with everything that we have. I think that was uh pretty good. have. I think that was uh pretty good. have. I think that was uh pretty good. >> Phenomenal. Phenomenal. Okay. Y'all just >> Phenomenal. Phenomenal. Okay. Y'all just >> Phenomenal. Phenomenal. Okay. Y'all just moved here. Y'all just moved from moved here. Y'all just moved from moved here. Y'all just moved from Philly, correct? Philly, correct? Philly, correct? >> Yes. Y >> Yes. Y >> Yes. Y >> and y'all joined recently, right? Was it >> and y'all joined recently, right? Was it >> and y'all joined recently, right? Was it this week or last week y'all joined? this week or last week y'all joined? this week or last week y'all joined? >> This week. this week with uh younger >> This week. this week with uh younger >> This week. this week with uh younger week. week. week. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yeah. That's absolutely phenomenal. So, >> Yeah. That's absolutely phenomenal. So, >> Yeah. That's absolutely phenomenal. So, let's ask this question here. What has let's ask this question here. What has let's ask this question here. What has the ministry meant to you personally? the ministry meant to you personally? the ministry meant to you personally? >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Um well, coming from Philly, we did not >> Um well, coming from Philly, we did not >> Um well, coming from Philly, we did not have like a big uh young adult community have like a big uh young adult community have like a big uh young adult community or no, we didn't really know any other or no, we didn't really know any other or no, we didn't really know any other young adult married couple. So, just young adult married couple. So, just young adult married couple. So, just coming here and being able to see that coming here and being able to see that coming here and being able to see that and see that it's like an option, um and see that it's like an option, um and see that it's like an option, um yeah, it means a lot to us. We've been yeah, it means a lot to us. We've been yeah, it means a lot to us. We've been searching for it. We've been praying for searching for it. We've been praying for searching for it. We've been praying for it. So, we definitely feel like this is it. So, we definitely feel like this is it. So, we definitely feel like this is an answer of prayer.

an answer of prayer. an answer of prayer. >> That's a blessing. What about you, Dis? >> That's a blessing. What about you, Dis? >> That's a blessing. What about you, Dis? >> Yeah, I would echo the sentiments of my >> Yeah, I would echo the sentiments of my >> Yeah, I would echo the sentiments of my wife. Um, being around young adult wife. Um, being around young adult wife. Um, being around young adult married couples is so important. Um, married couples is so important. Um, married couples is so important. Um, just for encouragement and community and just for encouragement and community and just for encouragement and community and fellowship, and we felt like God really fellowship, and we felt like God really fellowship, and we felt like God really answered our prayers by putting us answered our prayers by putting us answered our prayers by putting us around uh a solid community um since we around uh a solid community um since we around uh a solid community um since we just uh moved to the Houston area. So, I just uh moved to the Houston area. So, I just uh moved to the Houston area. So, I think this was a blessing. I'm so glad think this was a blessing. I'm so glad think this was a blessing. I'm so glad y'all made Willer y'all home and y'all y'all made Willer y'all home and y'all y'all made Willer y'all home and y'all feel welcomed here and hoping to get feel welcomed here and hoping to get feel welcomed here and hoping to get y'all engaged very soon. Yeah. y'all engaged very soon. Yeah. y'all engaged very soon. Yeah. >> Talking about being engaged. Nope. >> Talking about being engaged. Nope. >> Talking about being engaged. Nope. Actually, we have one more question. I'm Actually, we have one more question. I'm Actually, we have one more question. I'm going skip your question. What would you going skip your question. What would you going skip your question. What would you say to a young adult who is searching say to a young adult who is searching say to a young adult who is searching for a church home? for a church home? for a church home? >> I would say pray. Uh I would say be >> I would say pray. Uh I would say be >> I would say pray. Uh I would say be prayerful and I would also say um don't prayerful and I would also say um don't prayerful and I would also say um don't be afraid to uh experience something be afraid to uh experience something be afraid to uh experience something new. Um, being at Wheeler was a new new. Um, being at Wheeler was a new new. Um, being at Wheeler was a new experience, but um, be mindful that God experience, but um, be mindful that God experience, but um, be mindful that God may be answering your prayers. So, um, may be answering your prayers. So, um, may be answering your prayers. So, um, we prayed about it. We talked to God and we prayed about it. We talked to God and we prayed about it. We talked to God and God uh, impressed on us that Wheeler uh, God uh, impressed on us that Wheeler uh, God uh, impressed on us that Wheeler uh, was the place for us to be, uh, rooted, was the place for us to be, uh, rooted, was the place for us to be, uh, rooted, rooted and ready. So, rooted and ready. So, rooted and ready. So, >> rooted and ready.

>> rooted and ready. >> rooted and ready. >> We're blessed that he uh, placed us in >> We're blessed that he uh, placed us in >> We're blessed that he uh, placed us in this community and um, we're looking this community and um, we're looking this community and um, we're looking forward to seeing how God will grow us forward to seeing how God will grow us forward to seeing how God will grow us here at uh, Wheeler. here at uh, Wheeler. here at uh, Wheeler. >> Absolutely. With that sentiment and that >> Absolutely. With that sentiment and that >> Absolutely. With that sentiment and that connection, pastor had noted that we are connection, pastor had noted that we are connection, pastor had noted that we are going to have I serve ministry fair going to have I serve ministry fair going to have I serve ministry fair August 30th. That is the perfect August 30th. That is the perfect August 30th. That is the perfect opportunity to come visit the young opportunity to come visit the young opportunity to come visit the young adults table to get connected. We have adults table to get connected. We have adults table to get connected. We have several teams and we would love for you several teams and we would love for you several teams and we would love for you to operate in your gifts as best as to operate in your gifts as best as to operate in your gifts as best as possible. Um, thank y'all for joining. possible. Um, thank y'all for joining. possible. Um, thank y'all for joining. We appreciate y'all. We love y'all. God We appreciate y'all. We love y'all. God We appreciate y'all. We love y'all. God bless. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. bless. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. bless. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. Thank you guys.