The Time Is Now! (7am) | Dr. Alexander E.M. Johnson

Happy Sunday, church family. I'm Riley Happy Sunday, church family. I'm Riley Malvo. Malvo. Malvo. >> I'm Willa Yuan. I'm Chris Williams. >> I'm Willa Yuan. I'm Chris Williams. >> I'm Willa Yuan. I'm Chris Williams. >> I'm Christian Whitaker. And together we >> I'm Christian Whitaker. And together we >> I'm Christian Whitaker. And together we bring you this week's edition of Avenue bring you this week's edition of Avenue bring you this week's edition of Avenue News. Are you ready to make a difference and Are you ready to make a difference and deepen your disciplehip journey? Join us deepen your disciplehip journey? Join us deepen your disciplehip journey? Join us in the Community Life Center gymnasium in the Community Life Center gymnasium in the Community Life Center gymnasium next Sunday, August 30th, after all next Sunday, August 30th, after all next Sunday, August 30th, after all three worship services with over 80 three worship services with over 80 three worship services with over 80 dynamic ministries to explore. You'll dynamic ministries to explore. You'll dynamic ministries to explore. You'll find countless ways to serve for the find countless ways to serve for the find countless ways to serve for the glory of God. Whether you're called to glory of God. Whether you're called to glory of God. Whether you're called to teach, encourage, organize, create, or teach, encourage, organize, create, or teach, encourage, organize, create, or care, there's a place just for you. care, there's a place just for you. care, there's a place just for you. Wheeler Weber family, get ready. Wheeler Weber family, get ready. Wheeler Weber family, get ready. September 4th through 6th is Wheeler September 4th through 6th is Wheeler September 4th through 6th is Wheeler Weber weekend, and we're preparing Weber weekend, and we're preparing Weber weekend, and we're preparing something special just for you. Get something special just for you. Get something special just for you. Get ready for an exciting weekend of faith, ready for an exciting weekend of faith, ready for an exciting weekend of faith, fellowship, connection, and celebration. fellowship, connection, and celebration. fellowship, connection, and celebration. We can't wait to meet you. We can't wait to meet you. We can't wait to meet you. Scripture reminds us in Colossians 4:2, Scripture reminds us in Colossians 4:2, Scripture reminds us in Colossians 4:2, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being "Devote yourselves to prayer, being "Devote yourselves to 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 vigil on Tuesday, September 1st prayer vigil on Tuesday, September 1st prayer vigil on Tuesday, September 1st from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are coming together through prayer seeking coming together through prayer seeking coming together through prayer seeking God's direction as we cover our church, God's direction as we cover our church, God's direction as we cover our church, leadership, ministries, community, and leadership, ministries, community, and leadership, ministries, community, and nation with virtual and in-person nation with virtual and in-person nation with virtual and in-person options. Volunteers are asked to commit options. Volunteers are asked to commit options. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum 2hour prayer watch. For to a minimum 2hour prayer watch. For to a minimum 2hour prayer watch. For additional information and to sign up, additional information and to sign up, additional information and to sign up, please email I prayadminerbc.org.

Are you ready to grow deeper in God's Are you ready to grow deeper in God's word? Join us for study on the Avenue, word? Join us for study on the Avenue, word? Join us for study on the Avenue, which brings together all of Christian which brings together all of Christian which brings together all of Christian education at Wheeler. It includes education at Wheeler. It includes education at Wheeler. It includes disciplehip and Bible study disciplehip and Bible study disciplehip and Bible study opportunities for adults, youth, and opportunities for adults, youth, and opportunities for adults, youth, and children. Whether you're new to the children. Whether you're new to the children. Whether you're new to the faith or ready to deepen your walk with faith or ready to deepen your walk with faith or ready to deepen your walk with Christ, there's a place for you to grow Christ, there's a place for you to grow Christ, there's a place for you to grow in faith, strengthen your biblical in faith, strengthen your biblical in faith, strengthen your biblical knowledge, and connect with others. Come knowledge, and connect with others. Come knowledge, and connect with others. Come study. Come grow. Come develop into a study. Come grow. Come develop into a study. Come grow. Come develop into a disciple who makes disciples for Jesus disciple who makes disciples for Jesus disciple who makes disciples for Jesus Christ. Register today at wheelerbc.org. Christ. Register today at wheelerbc.org. Christ. Register today at wheelerbc.org. >> Whether you're navigating the challenges >> Whether you're navigating the challenges >> Whether you're navigating the challenges of separation or divorce or grieving 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 it through alone. Our divorce care walk it through alone. Our divorce care walk it through alone. Our divorce care and grief share 11week support groups and grief share 11week support groups and grief share 11week support groups provide a safe, welcoming environment provide a safe, welcoming environment provide a safe, welcoming environment where you can find the necessary support where you can find the necessary support where you can find the necessary support to experience healing and renewed hope. to experience healing and renewed hope. to experience healing and renewed hope. Divorce care begins Tuesday, September Divorce care begins Tuesday, September Divorce care begins Tuesday, September 8th at 700 p.m. on Zoom and grief share 8th at 700 p.m. on Zoom and grief share 8th at 700 p.m. on Zoom and grief share begins Monday, September 14th at 7 p.m. begins Monday, September 14th at 7 p.m. begins Monday, September 14th at 7 p.m. Register today.

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

Bernardet Kilo for Beyond the Diagnosis. Bernardet Kilo for Beyond the Diagnosis. Seeing, supporting, and celebrating your Seeing, supporting, and celebrating your Seeing, supporting, and celebrating your child. Let's work to better understand, child. Let's work to better understand, child. Let's work to better understand, support, and celebrate our children. support, and celebrate our children. support, and celebrate our children. This fall, we're creating space for This fall, we're creating space for This fall, we're creating space for recovery, healthy relationships, and recovery, healthy relationships, and recovery, healthy relationships, and hope. Join us for Untangling hope. Join us for Untangling hope. Join us for Untangling Relationships Fall 2026, a 12-week Relationships Fall 2026, a 12-week Relationships Fall 2026, a 12-week Christian-based support group designed Christian-based support group designed Christian-based support group designed to help you recognize codependency, to help you recognize codependency, to help you recognize codependency, navigate difficult conversations, navigate difficult conversations, navigate difficult conversations, establish healthy boundaries, and build establish healthy boundaries, and build establish healthy boundaries, and build stronger relationships. Then join us stronger relationships. Then join us stronger relationships. Then join us September 17th, 18th, and 20th for our September 17th, 18th, and 20th for our September 17th, 18th, and 20th for our National Recovery Month Celebration National Recovery Month Celebration National Recovery Month Celebration Conference. A dynamic experience Conference. A dynamic experience Conference. A dynamic experience featuring God-entered activities, featuring God-entered activities, featuring God-entered activities, education, and community support. Take education, and community support. Take education, and community support. Take the next step. Register today. the next step. Register today. the next step. Register today. Join Walking Spiritual Excellence Join Walking Spiritual Excellence Join Walking Spiritual Excellence Tuesday, September 8th, from 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 8th, from 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 8th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Young adults and private to 8:00 p.m. Young adults and private to 8:00 p.m. Young adults and private life, ages 24 through 59, are invited to life, ages 24 through 59, are invited to life, ages 24 through 59, are invited to mentor emerging adults ages 18 to 23 mentor emerging adults ages 18 to 23 mentor emerging adults ages 18 to 23 through meaningful relationships, shared through meaningful relationships, shared through meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and professional and experiences, and professional and experiences, and professional and spiritual development. Whether you're spiritual development. Whether you're spiritual development. Whether you're ready to invest in the next generation, ready to invest in the next generation, ready to invest in the next generation, or receive guidance for your next or receive guidance for your next or receive guidance for your next season, Wise is for you. Wheeler Avenue.

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

brothers and sisters. brothers and sisters. >> Saturday, join us for a remember the >> Saturday, join us for a remember the >> Saturday, join us for a remember the time, the ultimate prime family reunion. time, the ultimate prime family reunion. time, the ultimate prime family reunion. Come ready for barbecue, dancing, games, Come ready for barbecue, dancing, games, Come ready for barbecue, dancing, games, and special surprise guests. and special surprise guests. and special surprise guests. >> Sunday, worship with us as we thank God >> Sunday, worship with us as we thank God >> Sunday, worship with us as we thank God for where he's brought us and look for where he's brought us and look for where he's brought us and look forward with expectation to where he's forward with expectation to where he's forward with expectation to where he's taking us. Registration opens tomorrow taking us. Registration opens tomorrow taking us. Registration opens tomorrow at noon and is required for all events. >> Join us for the seniors conference >> Join us for the seniors conference >> September 14th through the 16th. Some people skip school board elections Some people skip school board elections because the race is still small, but because the race is still small, but because the race is still small, but there's nothing small about the there's nothing small about the there's nothing small about the decisions that shape a child's future. decisions that shape a child's future. decisions that shape a child's future. Schoolboard members decide on teachers, Schoolboard members decide on teachers, Schoolboard members decide on teachers, safety, discipline, books, and budgets. safety, discipline, books, and budgets. safety, discipline, books, and budgets. Even without a child in school, educated Even without a child in school, educated Even without a child in school, educated young people strengthen our entire young people strengthen our entire young people strengthen our entire community. Know who is running, the community. Know who is running, the community. Know who is running, the policies, and the issues on the ballot.

policies, and the issues on the ballot. policies, and the issues on the ballot. Then vote like their future depends on Then vote like their future depends on Then vote like their future depends on it, because it does. There's so much it, because it does. There's so much it, because it does. There's so much taking place and we hope you stay taking place and we hope you stay taking place and we hope you stay connected. For more information, please connected. For more information, please connected. For more information, please follow us on all social media platforms. follow us on all social media platforms. follow us on all social media platforms. I'm Riley Mavo. I'm Leila Yuing. I'm I'm Riley Mavo. I'm Leila Yuing. I'm I'm Riley Mavo. I'm Leila Yuing. I'm Chris Williams. Chris Williams. Chris Williams. >> I'm Christian Whitaker. >> I'm Christian Whitaker. >> I'm Christian Whitaker. >> And this has been your Avenue News. >> And this has been your Avenue News. >> And this has been your Avenue News. >> And remember, we are Wheeler wherever. I refuse to let you come in here and I refuse to let you come in here and spend two hours and stay in darkness. spend two hours and stay in darkness. spend two hours and stay in darkness. No. No. It's too much Jesus in this room No. No. It's too much Jesus in this room No. No. It's too much Jesus in this room for you to come in and leave in the for you to come in and leave in the for you to come in and leave in the darkness of your days. I need you to darkness of your days. I need you to darkness of your days. I need you to look at somebody, put a big grin on your look at somebody, put a big grin on your look at somebody, put a big grin on your face and shout, "Good morning. Good morning, Will.

Good morning, Will. Come on and put those hands together. Come on and put those hands together. Come on and put those hands together. Did anybody come to praise the Lord this Did anybody come to praise the Lord this Did anybody come to praise the Lord this morning? We came to magnify the name of our God. We came to magnify the name of our God. Let everything that has breath praise ye Let everything that has breath praise ye Let everything that has breath praise ye the Lord. Come on and say praise the Lord. Praise Come on and say praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. Let everything praise praise the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. Praise the Lord. Let everything. Oh, praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Oh, praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Let it be. Let it be. Let it be. Come on, you do it. Praise the Lord. Come on, you do it. Praise the Lord. Come on, you do it. Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. >> Let everything. If you need a blessing, praise the Lord.

If you need a blessing, praise the Lord. >> Oh, if you need a blessing, praise the >> Oh, if you need a blessing, praise the >> Oh, if you need a blessing, praise the Lord. Oh, the Lord is having all the Lord. Oh, the Lord is having all the Lord. Oh, the Lord is having all the praises of his people. Praise him. Holy praises of his people. Praise him. Holy praises of his people. Praise him. Holy name. Praise the Lord. name. Praise the Lord. name. Praise the Lord. Praise Praise Praise everything. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. If you need a blessing, praise the Lord. If you need a blessing, praise the Lord. If you need a blessing, praise the Lord. >> Oh, if you need an answer, praise the >> Oh, if you need an answer, praise the >> Oh, if you need an answer, praise the Lord. Oh, when you praise God, Lord. Oh, when you praise God, Lord. Oh, when you praise God, everything can change. For he has all of everything can change. For he has all of everything can change. For he has all of the praise. Praise the praise. Praise the praise. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. the Lord. Praise the Lord. the Lord. Praise the Lord. Glory my

my god. Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. Oh, wonder Oh, wonder Oh, wonder the Lord. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> Don't stop singing. Hallelujah. Keep on >> Don't stop singing. Hallelujah. Keep on >> Don't stop singing. Hallelujah. Keep on singing. singing. singing. in the highest. in the highest. in the highest. We give our God. We give our God. We give our God. Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah to the Lord alone. to the Lord alone. to the Lord alone. Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah to our great God.

to our great God. to our great God. Wonderful Jesus. Wonderful Jesus. Wonderful Jesus. Mighty God Mighty God Mighty God ever father. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. praise the king. praise the king. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Glory to your name. Glory to your name. Glory to your name. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Glory bless you. Glory bless you. Glory bless you. Glory. Thank you. Glory. Thank you. Glory. Thank you. Oh mighty mighty God. Glory to you. Oh mighty mighty God. Glory to you. Oh mighty mighty God. Glory to you. Son of Jesus Son of Jesus Son of Jesus mighty God. This is the day This is the day I said this is the day.

I said this is the day. I said this is the day. This is the day that the Lord has made. This is the day that the Lord has made. This is the day that the Lord has made. Come on, let's rejoice Come on, let's rejoice Come on, let's rejoice and be glad in it. Let everything, and be glad in it. Let everything, and be glad in it. Let everything, let everything, let everything, let everything, let everything that has breath give let everything that has breath give let everything that has breath give praise unto our almighty God. praise unto our almighty God. praise unto our almighty God. He's worthy. He's worthy. He's worthy. He's worthy. He's worthy. He's worthy. I said he's worthy to be praised. I said he's worthy to be praised. I said he's worthy to be praised. From the rising of the sun to the going From the rising of the sun to the going From the rising of the sun to the going down of the saint, the name of the Lord down of the saint, the name of the Lord down of the saint, the name of the Lord is worthy to be praised. is worthy to be praised. is worthy to be praised. Now clap your hands. Now clap your hands. Now clap your hands. Lift up your voice. Lift up your voice. Lift up your voice. Say hallelujah. Say hallelujah. Say hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. This is your call to worship.

I'm asking that you would take your I'm asking that you would take your chosen prayer postures. Intercessors Intercessors are available in the aisles and along are available in the aisles and along are available in the aisles and along the walls. and they're available to you to and they're available to you to intercede for specific prayer needs. Well, there are no Well, there are no funeral or memorial services this week. But we do invite you to refer to the But we do invite you to refer to the list on the screen for all of our list on the screen for all of our list on the screen for all of our bereieved families bereieved families bereieved families and for the members with health and for the members with health and for the members with health concerns. I want to invite you that if you have a I want to invite you that if you have a chance, chance, chance, go to the website to our congregational go to the website to our congregational go to the website to our congregational care page and intercede for all of these care page and intercede for all of these care page and intercede for all of these people whenever you have the inkling or people whenever you have the inkling or people whenever you have the inkling or the urge or the uncction.

the urge or the uncction. the urge or the uncction. Would you bow your heads in prayer? Heavenly Father, we just come to say Heavenly Father, we just come to say thank you. Thank you. Thank you. If we had 10,000 tongues, we couldn't If we had 10,000 tongues, we couldn't If we had 10,000 tongues, we couldn't thank you enough. thank you enough. thank you enough. Cuz you've been good to us. I didn't understand it when I first I didn't understand it when I first heard it, but now I've lived long enough heard it, but now I've lived long enough heard it, but now I've lived long enough to understand that you've been better to to understand that you've been better to to understand that you've been better to us us us than we've been to ourselves. than we've been to ourselves. than we've been to ourselves. And so for that, we just want to say And so for that, we just want to say And so for that, we just want to say thank you thank you thank you for a reasonable portion of health and for a reasonable portion of health and for a reasonable portion of health and strength. We want to say thank you that our bed was not our cooling board.

that our bed was not our cooling board. We want to say thank you. We want to say thank you. We want to say thank you. In other words, we woke up this morning In other words, we woke up this morning In other words, we woke up this morning and now we're here clothed and in our and now we're here clothed and in our and now we're here clothed and in our right minds. Thank you Lord Father for another day to worship you. Father for another day to worship you. We say thank you. Here we are as participants in worship Here we are as participants in worship recognizing that you are an audience of recognizing that you are an audience of recognizing that you are an audience of one one one and we give you all the praise and we give you all the praise and we give you all the praise and we give you all the worship now. Lord we pray your blessings upon now. Lord we pray your blessings upon every individual every individual every individual that gives leadership in this worship. that gives leadership in this worship. that gives leadership in this worship. Bless Bless Bless everybody from the courtesy corps to everybody from the courtesy corps to everybody from the courtesy corps to communications corps. You name it, Lord. communications corps. You name it, Lord. communications corps. You name it, Lord. The choir, the praise team, you the the The choir, the praise team, you the the The choir, the praise team, you the the musicians, the band, you you you just musicians, the band, you you you just musicians, the band, you you you just please be in our midst today. Allow your please be in our midst today. Allow your please be in our midst today. Allow your Holy Spirit to take charge and control.

Now Lord, we pray for Dr. Johnson. Now Lord, we pray for Dr. Johnson. Bless him, Bless him, Bless him, not only in his new endeavor, but on not only in his new endeavor, but on not only in his new endeavor, but on this day this day this day to preach your word with power and to preach your word with power and to preach your word with power and conviction. conviction. conviction. Bless him. Bless him. Bless him. Empty him of himself and fill him with Empty him of himself and fill him with Empty him of himself and fill him with your Holy Spirit. Speak to him and your Holy Spirit. Speak to him and your Holy Spirit. Speak to him and through him. Use him in your service through him. Use him in your service through him. Use him in your service today like never before. bless him and today like never before. bless him and today like never before. bless him and bless us through him. bless us through him. bless us through him. We pray for our pastor. We pray for our pastor. We pray for our pastor. We thank you for him first. We thank you for him first. We thank you for him first. There's none other like him There's none other like him There's none other like him and we thank you for him and we thank you for him and we thank you for him now. Lord, bless now. Lord, bless now. Lord, bless his every move. his every move. his every move. Bless his every thought. Bless his every thought. Bless his every thought. Bless him in his leadership. Bless him in his leadership. Bless him in his leadership. not only in our church but in his home. not only in our church but in his home. not only in our church but in his home. Bless his family Lord, name by name, Bless his family Lord, name by name, Bless his family Lord, name by name, person by person. Bless right now in the person by person. Bless right now in the person by person. Bless right now in the name of Jesus.

Then Lord one more time bless our Then Lord one more time bless our service service service bless our worship bless our worship bless our worship be of power in the midst be of power in the midst be of power in the midst deliver in the name of Jesus. Heal in deliver in the name of Jesus. Heal in deliver in the name of Jesus. Heal in the name of Jesus. the name of Jesus. the name of Jesus. Set free in the name of Jesus. Set free in the name of Jesus. Set free in the name of Jesus. Right here right now is our prayer. It's Right here right now is our prayer. It's Right here right now is our prayer. It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of God in the name of Jesus the Christ of God in the name of Jesus the Christ of God we pray. Amen. I'm grateful for that name this morning. I'm grateful for that name this morning. Glory to God. Thank you, Jesus. Glory to God. Thank you, Jesus. Glory to God. Thank you, Jesus. Yes. When I think about the Lord, When I think about the Lord, how he saved me, how he raised me, how how he saved me, how he raised me, how how he saved me, how he raised me, how he filled me with the Holy Ghost, how he he filled me with the Holy Ghost, how he he filled me with the Holy Ghost, how he healed me to the other when I think healed me to the other when I think healed me to the other when I think about the Lord, about the Lord, about the Lord, how he picked me up, turn Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Thank you Jesus. >> Thank you Jesus. >> Thank you Jesus. >> Thank you Jesus. make make Heat. Heat.

Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Anybody feel like shouting on this Anybody feel like shouting on this Anybody feel like shouting on this morning? Come on. If you're not already morning? Come on. If you're not already morning? Come on. If you're not already standing, would you please stand for standing, would you please stand for standing, would you please stand for this morning's hymn? What a fellowship this morning's hymn? What a fellowship this morning's hymn? What a fellowship and what a joy divine that we can sing and what a joy divine that we can sing and what a joy divine that we can sing and we can proclaim the name of our God and we can proclaim the name of our God and we can proclaim the name of our God and lean and depend on him. Let's sing and lean and depend on him. Let's sing and lean and depend on him. Let's sing it together. What a fellowship. it together. What a fellowship. it together. What a fellowship. What a fellowship. Heat. Heat. What I

What I have I pray have I pray have I pray I everlasting. everlasting. I have blessed you. Heat. Heat. Say leaning.

Say leaning. >> We're leaning on you, Jesus. >> We're leaning on you, Jesus. >> We're leaning on you, Jesus. >> We are safe and secure. Heat. Heat. Heat. I'm leing on you, Jesus. I'm leing on you, Jesus. I am We are Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Beloved, and if you're standing, if Beloved, and if you're standing, if you're not standing and can't stand, you're not standing and can't stand, you're not standing and can't stand, let's stand for the reading of the word let's stand for the reading of the word let's stand for the reading of the word of God coming from Ephesians chapter 3, of God coming from Ephesians chapter 3, of God coming from Ephesians chapter 3, the New International Version. the New International Version. the New International Version. For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus, for the sake of you Christ Jesus, for the sake of you Christ Jesus, for the sake of you Gentiles, Gentiles, Gentiles, surely you have heard about the surely you have heard about the surely you have heard about the administration administration administration of God's grace that was given to me for of God's grace that was given to me for of God's grace that was given to me for you. you. you. That is the mystery made known to me by That is the mystery made known to me by That is the mystery made known to me by revelation revelation revelation as I have already written briefly. as I have already written briefly. as I have already written briefly. In reading this then you will be able to In reading this then you will be able to In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery understand my insight into the mystery understand my insight into the mystery of Christ which was not made known to of Christ which was not made known to of Christ which was not made known to people in other generations as it has people in other generations as it has people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the spirit of God's now been revealed by the spirit of God's now been revealed by the spirit of God's holy apostles and prophets.

holy apostles and prophets. holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel, This mystery is that through the gospel, This mystery is that through the gospel, the Gentiles are hes together with the Gentiles are hes together with the Gentiles are hes together with Israel, Israel, Israel, members together of one body and shares members together of one body and shares members together of one body and shares together in the promise in Christ Jesus. together in the promise in Christ Jesus. together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the I became a servant of this gospel by the I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the gift of God's grace given me through the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. working of his power. working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all Although I am less than the least of all Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, his grace was given the Lord's people, his grace was given the Lord's people, his grace was given me to preach to the Gentiles me to preach to the Gentiles me to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ and to the boundless riches of Christ and to the boundless riches of Christ and to make known make plain to everyone the make known make plain to everyone the make known make plain to everyone the administration administration administration of this mystery of this mystery of this mystery which for ages past has kept hidden in which for ages past has kept hidden in which for ages past has kept hidden in God who created all things. His intent God who created all things. His intent God who created all things. His intent was that now through the church the was that now through the church the was that now through the church the manifold wisdom of God should be made manifold wisdom of God should be made manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and the authorities known to the rulers and the authorities known to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms according to his in the heavenly realms according to his in the heavenly realms according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in eternal purpose that he accomplished in eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. in him and Christ Jesus our Lord. in him and Christ Jesus our Lord. in him and through faith in him we may preach God through faith in him we may preach God through faith in him we may preach God with freedom and confidence.

with freedom and confidence. with freedom and confidence. I ask you therefore I ask you therefore I ask you therefore not to be discouraged because of my not to be discouraged because of my not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you which are your glory. sufferings for you which are your glory. sufferings for you which are your glory. For this reason I kneel before the For this reason I kneel before the For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven Father from whom every family in heaven Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray and on earth derives its name. I pray and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches, he may that out of his glorious riches, he may that out of his glorious riches, he may strengthen you with power through his strengthen you with power through his strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being so that spirit in your inner being so that spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through Christ may dwell in your hearts through Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted faith. And I pray that you being rooted faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love may have power and established in love may have power and established in love may have power together with all the Lord's holy people together with all the Lord's holy people together with all the Lord's holy people to grasp how wide and how long and how to grasp how wide and how long and how to grasp how wide and how long and how high and how deep is the love of Christ high and how deep is the love of Christ high and how deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses and to know this love that surpasses and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled knowledge that you may be filled knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of to the measure of all the fullness of to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now Now to him to him to him who is able to do immeasurably more than who is able to do immeasurably more than who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine according to all we could ask or imagine according to all we could ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us. To his power that is at work within us. To his power that is at work within us. To him be glory in the church and in Christ him be glory in the church and in Christ him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever Jesus throughout all generations forever Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen. Amen. and ever. Amen. Amen. and ever. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Indeed. Let's give God >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Indeed. Let's give God >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Indeed. Let's give God praise. How many of you came to give God praise. How many of you came to give God praise. How many of you came to give God glory on today? Hallelujah. Come on. We glory on today? Hallelujah. Come on. We glory on today? Hallelujah. Come on. We all have reason to give him praise. So, all have reason to give him praise. So, all have reason to give him praise. So, we're going to give him the highest we're going to give him the highest we're going to give him the highest praise on today. Let's give him our praise on today. Let's give him our praise on today. Let's give him our hallelujah on today. Come on, put your hallelujah on today. Come on, put your hallelujah on today. Come on, put your hands together like this. Come on, give hands together like this. Come on, give hands together like this. Come on, give him praise. Hallelujah. For he deserves him praise. Hallelujah. For he deserves him praise. Hallelujah. For he deserves our praise. our praise. our praise. From the rising of the sun to the going From the rising of the sun to the going From the rising of the sun to the going down of the he came. Sing hallelujah.

You are worthy to be praised. You are worthy to be praised. Hallelujah. bow my head. bow my head. I know you Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Come on. I to to bow our head. bow our head. bow our head. It's in honor of you, Lord. It's in honor of you, Lord. It's in honor of you, Lord. Heat. All the praise

All the praise of all the glory. of all the glory. of all the glory. Hallelujah. praise right praise right now. now. now. We give you glory. We give you glory. We give you glory. We give you praise. We give you praise. We give you praise. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Yes, you're worthy.

going to be worthy. Give him a praise. going to be worthy. Give him a praise. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. That's his holy name. Well, praise the Lord everybody. Let's Well, praise the Lord everybody. Let's lift up our great God lift up our great God lift up our great God on this fifth Sunday of the month of on this fifth Sunday of the month of on this fifth Sunday of the month of August. To our God be all of the glory August. To our God be all of the glory August. To our God be all of the glory and all of the honor and all the praise. and all of the honor and all the praise. and all of the honor and all the praise. His for now and forever more. We lift up His for now and forever more. We lift up His for now and forever more. We lift up our God this Sunday morning. And what a our God this Sunday morning. And what a our God this Sunday morning. And what a mighty God we serve. Hallelujah. To God mighty God we serve. Hallelujah. To God mighty God we serve. Hallelujah. To God be the Lord. You may be seated in the be the Lord. You may be seated in the be the Lord. You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. What a joy it is presence of the Lord. What a joy it is presence of the Lord. What a joy it is to greet each of you who gathers with us to greet each of you who gathers with us to greet each of you who gathers with us on this Sunday morning here at our first on this Sunday morning here at our first on this Sunday morning here at our first service of our worship day. And what a service of our worship day. And what a service of our worship day. And what a joy it is to greet especially our first joy it is to greet especially our first joy it is to greet especially our first time visitors who gather with us. We time visitors who gather with us. We time visitors who gather with us. We always celebrate the presence of those always celebrate the presence of those always celebrate the presence of those who are first- timerrs among us. And who are first- timerrs among us. And who are first- timerrs among us. And today is no different. If you're a today is no different. If you're a today is no different. If you're a first-time visitor to Wheeler Avenue first-time visitor to Wheeler Avenue first-time visitor to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, will you please stand Baptist Church, will you please stand Baptist Church, will you please stand wherever you are so that we might see wherever you are so that we might see wherever you are so that we might see you and celebrate your presence among us you and celebrate your presence among us you and celebrate your presence among us this Lord's day. Well, look at here.

this Lord's day. Well, look at here. this Lord's day. Well, look at here. Please remain standing for just a Please remain standing for just a Please remain standing for just a moment. What a blessing. moment. What a blessing. moment. What a blessing. What a blessing. We celebrate all of you What a blessing. We celebrate all of you What a blessing. We celebrate all of you who have gathered with us for the very who have gathered with us for the very who have gathered with us for the very first time today. We thank God that out first time today. We thank God that out first time today. We thank God that out of all the places where you could have of all the places where you could have of all the places where you could have gone for worship on this Sunday. We are gone for worship on this Sunday. We are gone for worship on this Sunday. We are certainly grateful that the Lord ordered certainly grateful that the Lord ordered certainly grateful that the Lord ordered your steps to Wheeler Avenue Baptist your steps to Wheeler Avenue Baptist your steps to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Some of you came by human Church. Some of you came by human Church. Some of you came by human invitation, others of you simply by invitation, others of you simply by invitation, others of you simply by divine inspiration. Whichever the case divine inspiration. Whichever the case divine inspiration. Whichever the case may be, we were we want you to know that may be, we were we want you to know that may be, we were we want you to know that we are delighted that you have made your we are delighted that you have made your we are delighted that you have made your way to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in way to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in way to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in the third ward of Houston, Texas on this the third ward of Houston, Texas on this the third ward of Houston, Texas on this Sunday morning. So on behalf of all of Sunday morning. So on behalf of all of Sunday morning. So on behalf of all of us, we say to each of you, welcome to us, we say to each of you, welcome to us, we say to each of you, welcome to the avenue. We are so glad that you are the avenue. We are so glad that you are the avenue. We are so glad that you are here and we praise God for your here and we praise God for your here and we praise God for your presence. We got a little song just to presence. We got a little song just to presence. We got a little song just to let you know that we're glad that you're let you know that we're glad that you're let you know that we're glad that you're here on this Lord's day. Wheeler Avenue, here on this Lord's day. Wheeler Avenue, here on this Lord's day. Wheeler Avenue, will you help me serenade our first will you help me serenade our first will you help me serenade our first time? time? time? >> We welcome you. We welcome you to >> We welcome you. We welcome you to >> We welcome you. We welcome you to >> Avenue.

We represent our God. We represent our God. Oh, we are Oh, we are Oh, we are Oh, to the to the yal.

Yes, we do. Yes, we do. God bless you. Yes, we do. Yes, we do. 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. We make one final request of you Lord. We make one final request of you Lord. We make one final request of you and that is that you will text visit and that is that you will text visit and that is that you will text visit WABC to the number that will appear on WABC to the number that will appear on WABC to the number that will appear on the screen in just a moment. And if you the screen in just a moment. And if you the screen in just a moment. And if you do that with your cellular device, we'll do that with your cellular device, we'll do that with your cellular device, we'll make sure uh that we get you a even more make sure uh that we get you a even more make sure uh that we get you a even more personal welcome just to let you know personal welcome just to let you know personal welcome just to let you know how grateful we are that you came to how grateful we are that you came to how grateful we are that you came to Wheeler Avenue today. Just text that uh Wheeler Avenue today. Just text that uh Wheeler Avenue today. Just text that uh to that number and we will get back to to that number and we will get back to to that number and we will get back to you as soon as possible. I am told that you as soon as possible. I am told that you as soon as possible. I am told that Deacon Alonso and Kathleen Richardson Deacon Alonso and Kathleen Richardson Deacon Alonso and Kathleen Richardson along with Katherine James are here all along with Katherine James are here all along with Katherine James are here all the way from Miami, Florida. Where are the way from Miami, Florida. Where are the way from Miami, Florida. Where are you please? That's it. They are right you please? That's it. They are right you please? That's it. They are right there. Will you please stand once again? there. Will you please stand once again? there. Will you please stand once again? They stood up, but they're from the They stood up, but they're from the They stood up, but they're from the Antioch church all the way from Miami, Antioch church all the way from Miami, Antioch church all the way from Miami, Wheeler Ever Saints, who have come to be Wheeler Ever Saints, who have come to be Wheeler Ever Saints, who have come to be with us today. God bless you. Thank you with us today. God bless you. Thank you with us today. God bless you. Thank you so much for joining us. We are honored so much for joining us. We are honored so much for joining us. We are honored by your presence. Thank you for coming by your presence. Thank you for coming by your presence. Thank you for coming all the way from Miami, Florida, uh to all the way from Miami, Florida, uh to all the way from Miami, Florida, uh to Houston. I trying to figure out why you Houston. I trying to figure out why you Houston. I trying to figure out why you would do that, but I'm grateful uh that would do that, but I'm grateful uh that would do that, but I'm grateful uh that you've come to be with us on this Lord's you've come to be with us on this Lord's you've come to be with us on this Lord's Day. We are delighted uh that Sister Day. We are delighted uh that Sister Day. We are delighted uh that Sister Gina Henosa is here. She's candidate for Gina Henosa is here. She's candidate for Gina Henosa is here. She's candidate for governor of the great state of Texas.

governor of the great state of Texas. governor of the great state of Texas. Hey sis, God bless you. Come on and thank God for her presence Come on and thank God for her presence among us today. It's good to see you among us today. It's good to see you among us today. It's good to see you lady. lady. lady. Praise God for you. God bless you. God Praise God for you. God bless you. God Praise God for you. God bless you. God bless you. You should see by your that response. You should see by your that response. We're praying for you and we want God's We're praying for you and we want God's We're praying for you and we want God's best for you. We need you. best for you. We need you. best for you. We need you. We need you. We need you. We need you. We need you. So, we're praying that God We need you. So, we're praying that God We need you. So, we're praying that God will bless you and in this run and that will bless you and in this run and that will bless you and in this run and that you will help our state to be what we you will help our state to be what we you will help our state to be what we need to be for such a time as this. God need to be for such a time as this. God need to be for such a time as this. God bless you. This is God bless you. Praise bless you. This is God bless you. Praise bless you. This is God bless you. Praise God for you. I'm also told that Dr. God for you. I'm also told that Dr. God for you. I'm also told that Dr. Annie Bennfield is here. She's the Annie Bennfield is here. She's the Annie Bennfield is here. She's the president of the Houston Voting president of the Houston Voting president of the Houston Voting Initiative. Dr. Annie, will you stand? Initiative. Dr. Annie, will you stand? Initiative. Dr. Annie, will you stand? We're glad to have you with us today. We're glad to have you with us today. We're glad to have you with us today. Amen. God bless you. Amen. God bless you. Amen. God bless you. I am told that there are uh some games I am told that there are uh some games I am told that there are uh some games being played even with the registrations being played even with the registrations being played even with the registrations of those who are the residents of the of those who are the residents of the of those who are the residents of the great state of Texas. And so I need great state of Texas. And so I need great state of Texas. And so I need everybody to check your registration everybody to check your registration everybody to check your registration whether you've been voting for decades whether you've been voting for decades whether you've been voting for decades or not. I need you to check your or not. I need you to check your or not. I need you to check your registration. We need everybody to be registration. We need everybody to be registration. We need everybody to be secure in their registration by October secure in their registration by October secure in their registration by October 5th. So every person uh who is a member 5th. So every person uh who is a member 5th. So every person uh who is a member of our congregation who is registered to of our congregation who is registered to of our congregation who is registered to vote, just check your status as quickly vote, just check your status as quickly vote, just check your status as quickly as you possibly can. and let's make sure as you possibly can. and let's make sure as you possibly can. and let's make sure that by the time it's time for us to go that by the time it's time for us to go that by the time it's time for us to go to the polls, we are all fully and duly to the polls, we are all fully and duly to the polls, we are all fully and duly registered to vote. We need to make some

registered to vote. We need to make some registered to vote. We need to make some changes in this state, in this nation, changes in this state, in this nation, changes in this state, in this nation, in this city. And so, we want to make in this city. And so, we want to make in this city. And so, we want to make sure that we go Thank you, Deacon uh sure that we go Thank you, Deacon uh sure that we go Thank you, Deacon uh Deacon Frederick, for that information. Deacon Frederick, for that information. Deacon Frederick, for that information. And praise God for all of you. Well, I'm And praise God for all of you. Well, I'm And praise God for all of you. Well, I'm excited about this fifth Sunday. Every excited about this fifth Sunday. Every excited about this fifth Sunday. Every fifth Sunday, we have some special fifth Sunday, we have some special fifth Sunday, we have some special events going on, some special things events going on, some special things events going on, some special things happening. This Sunday is no different. happening. This Sunday is no different. happening. This Sunday is no different. Immediately following this service, we Immediately following this service, we Immediately following this service, we have our ministry fair and we're excited have our ministry fair and we're excited have our ministry fair and we're excited about that. Yesterday, we had a great uh about that. Yesterday, we had a great uh about that. Yesterday, we had a great uh spiritual gift symposium. Uh but look spiritual gift symposium. Uh but look spiritual gift symposium. Uh but look all the way over in the gymnasium. There all the way over in the gymnasium. There all the way over in the gymnasium. There are people who are waiting for all of us are people who are waiting for all of us are people who are waiting for all of us to go over uh especially those of us who to go over uh especially those of us who to go over uh especially those of us who are not yet in a ministry or in ministry are not yet in a ministry or in ministry are not yet in a ministry or in ministry uh at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and uh at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and uh at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and make your way all the way over to the make your way all the way over to the make your way all the way over to the gymnasium on the other side of our gymnasium on the other side of our gymnasium on the other side of our campus and uh check out many of the campus and uh check out many of the campus and uh check out many of the ministries that are taking place uh that ministries that are taking place uh that ministries that are taking place uh that are working here here at Wheeler Avenue are working here here at Wheeler Avenue are working here here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Get involved. Use your Baptist Church. Get involved. Use your Baptist Church. Get involved. Use your spiritual gifts, those gifts that we spiritual gifts, those gifts that we spiritual gifts, those gifts that we learned about yesterday in our spiritual learned about yesterday in our spiritual learned about yesterday in our spiritual gift symposium. use those for the glory gift symposium. use those for the glory gift symposium. use those for the glory of God and for the good of Wheeler of God and for the good of Wheeler of God and for the good of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And I hope that Avenue Baptist Church. And I hope that Avenue Baptist Church. And I hope that you will do that. If you're not in a you will do that. If you're not in a you will do that. If you're not in a ministry, make sure you make your way ministry, make sure you make your way ministry, make sure you make your way over there. If you are in ministry and over there. If you are in ministry and over there. If you are in ministry and you want to further uh your your you want to further uh your your you want to further uh your your utilization here at Wheeler Avenue utilization here at Wheeler Avenue utilization here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, we invite you to go on Baptist Church, we invite you to go on Baptist Church, we invite you to go on over immediately following this service.

over immediately following this service. over immediately following this service. Please know that tomorrow is our uh Please know that tomorrow is our uh Please know that tomorrow is our uh year-end church meeting. Our church year-end church meeting. Our church year-end church meeting. Our church year, as uh for those who do not know, year, as uh for those who do not know, year, as uh for those who do not know, begins September 1st and ends August begins September 1st and ends August begins September 1st and ends August 31st. Tomorrow is August 31st. We will 31st. Tomorrow is August 31st. We will 31st. Tomorrow is August 31st. We will have our year-end church meeting. It is have our year-end church meeting. It is have our year-end church meeting. It is a virtual meeting and every member of a virtual meeting and every member of a virtual meeting and every member of our congregation is invited and our congregation is invited and our congregation is invited and encouraged to join us. If you're not a encouraged to join us. If you're not a encouraged to join us. If you're not a member, you're just a regular visitor or member, you're just a regular visitor or member, you're just a regular visitor or you are someone who just loves our you are someone who just loves our you are someone who just loves our church. I apologize for not inviting you church. I apologize for not inviting you church. I apologize for not inviting you to this business meeting. It is just for to this business meeting. It is just for to this business meeting. It is just for the membership of our congregation. So the membership of our congregation. So the membership of our congregation. So those who are members of other those who are members of other those who are members of other congregations, I see you checking out congregations, I see you checking out congregations, I see you checking out the QR code. You are not invited to the QR code. You are not invited to the QR code. You are not invited to come. I see a friend of mine doing that. come. I see a friend of mine doing that. come. I see a friend of mine doing that. That's why I'm messing with him. you are That's why I'm messing with him. you are That's why I'm messing with him. you are not invited to come tomorrow night. Uh not invited to come tomorrow night. Uh not invited to come tomorrow night. Uh but we invite all of our membership and but we invite all of our membership and but we invite all of our membership and you will be checked when you try to you will be checked when you try to you will be checked when you try to register anyway. So you you can't just register anyway. So you you can't just register anyway. So you you can't just get in in the meeting. Amen. Praise the get in in the meeting. Amen. Praise the get in in the meeting. Amen. Praise the Lord. But come and join us tomorrow 7:00 Lord. But come and join us tomorrow 7:00 Lord. But come and join us tomorrow 7:00 as we finish out the year uh with great as we finish out the year uh with great as we finish out the year uh with great joy. Every year we have the wonderful joy. Every year we have the wonderful joy. Every year we have the wonderful privilege of sharing great news. We have privilege of sharing great news. We have privilege of sharing great news. We have no bad news to share. We thank God for no bad news to share. We thank God for no bad news to share. We thank God for that. So we look forward to tomorrow that. So we look forward to tomorrow that. So we look forward to tomorrow night's experience. Amen. Then Tuesday, night's experience. Amen. Then Tuesday, night's experience. Amen. Then Tuesday, we'll be in our prayer vigil. After we we'll be in our prayer vigil. After we we'll be in our prayer vigil. After we finish tomorrow evening uh in our year finish tomorrow evening uh in our year finish tomorrow evening uh in our year in church meeting, we'll begin uh in church meeting, we'll begin uh in church meeting, we'll begin uh Tuesday morning at 6:00 a.m. in prayer.

Tuesday morning at 6:00 a.m. in prayer. Tuesday morning at 6:00 a.m. in prayer. We'll be in the sanctuary starting at We'll be in the sanctuary starting at We'll be in the sanctuary starting at 6:00 a.m. and until 6:00 p.m. We'll be 6:00 a.m. and until 6:00 p.m. We'll be 6:00 a.m. and until 6:00 p.m. We'll be right there praying through the entire right there praying through the entire right there praying through the entire day. And we invite all of you to come day. And we invite all of you to come day. And we invite all of you to come join us uh in some moment of prayer. If join us uh in some moment of prayer. If join us uh in some moment of prayer. If you can make it for 20 minutes, 30 you can make it for 20 minutes, 30 you can make it for 20 minutes, 30 minutes, a full hour, more more than one minutes, a full hour, more more than one minutes, a full hour, more more than one hour. If you're retired and you've got hour. If you're retired and you've got hour. If you're retired and you've got some extended time to spend in prayer, some extended time to spend in prayer, some extended time to spend in prayer, come on over to the sanctuary tomorrow. come on over to the sanctuary tomorrow. come on over to the sanctuary tomorrow. our prayer ministry will be leading us our prayer ministry will be leading us our prayer ministry will be leading us and uh we look forward to a great day and uh we look forward to a great day and uh we look forward to a great day communing with our God. Uh there is a uh communing with our God. Uh there is a uh communing with our God. Uh there is a uh QR code just in case you can't make it QR code just in case you can't make it QR code just in case you can't make it to the sanctuary, but we encourage to the sanctuary, but we encourage to the sanctuary, but we encourage everyone to come on over on Tuesday everyone to come on over on Tuesday everyone to come on over on Tuesday throughout the day and let's pray throughout the day and let's pray throughout the day and let's pray together for our church. It just so together for our church. It just so together for our church. It just so happens that of uh that on we on the happens that of uh that on we on the happens that of uh that on we on the first day of our church year, we are first day of our church year, we are first day of our church year, we are scheduled for a 12-hour prayer vigil and scheduled for a 12-hour prayer vigil and scheduled for a 12-hour prayer vigil and I hope that you will share with us in I hope that you will share with us in I hope that you will share with us in that regard. And because we believe in that regard. And because we believe in that regard. And because we believe in prayer so much, on Wednesday morning, prayer so much, on Wednesday morning, prayer so much, on Wednesday morning, we'll be in prayer again at 6:00 a.m. we'll be in prayer again at 6:00 a.m. we'll be in prayer again at 6:00 a.m. and we'll pray together for those first and we'll pray together for those first and we'll pray together for those first 15 minutes of the 6:00 hour. And we hope 15 minutes of the 6:00 hour. And we hope 15 minutes of the 6:00 hour. And we hope that you will join us in prayer. At that you will join us in prayer. At that you will join us in prayer. At 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m., we'll be in 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m., we'll be in 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m., we'll be in study. And we invite you and encourage study. And we invite you and encourage study. And we invite you and encourage you to come to the church house for you to come to the church house for you to come to the church house for study. And at 6:00 p.m., the full hour study. And at 6:00 p.m., the full hour study. And at 6:00 p.m., the full hour of 6 the 6:00 hour is devoted to prayer.

of 6 the 6:00 hour is devoted to prayer. of 6 the 6:00 hour is devoted to prayer. And so we hope that you will share with And so we hope that you will share with And so we hope that you will share with us as we bathe the work of our church us as we bathe the work of our church us as we bathe the work of our church and our and our church membership in and our and our church membership in and our and our church membership in prayer. Those are our announcements for prayer. Those are our announcements for prayer. Those are our announcements for this Lord's Day. And we're excited about this Lord's Day. And we're excited about this Lord's Day. And we're excited about all the things that are happening at all the things that are happening at all the things that are happening at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And we Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And we Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And we encourage and invite you to participate encourage and invite you to participate encourage and invite you to participate in the many things that are happening in the many things that are happening in the many things that are happening just this week as we move from August just this week as we move from August just this week as we move from August into September as we move from one into September as we move from one into September as we move from one church year into the next. Next Sunday church year into the next. Next Sunday church year into the next. Next Sunday will begin a new church year experience will begin a new church year experience will begin a new church year experience and theme. and I hope that you will be and theme. and I hope that you will be and theme. and I hope that you will be with us as we begin that journey. But with us as we begin that journey. But with us as we begin that journey. But right now, it's offering time in the right now, it's offering time in the right now, it's offering time in the Lord's house and we're excited about Lord's house and we're excited about Lord's house and we're excited about giving. giving. giving. Amen. We have some of the most beautiful We have some of the most beautiful dedicated ushers, courtesy core members dedicated ushers, courtesy core members dedicated ushers, courtesy core members in all of the kingdom of God. And I in all of the kingdom of God. And I in all of the kingdom of God. And I thank God for all of them who share with thank God for all of them who share with thank God for all of them who share with us each week to ensure that there is us each week to ensure that there is us each week to ensure that there is order in the Lord's house every time we order in the Lord's house every time we order in the Lord's house every time we gather. They have envelopes in their gather. They have envelopes in their gather. They have envelopes in their hands just in case some of you want to hands just in case some of you want to hands just in case some of you want to place a paper gift therein. And once you place a paper gift therein. And once you place a paper gift therein. And once you have done that, you will deposit those have done that, you will deposit those have done that, you will deposit those envelopes into the dropboxes that line envelopes into the dropboxes that line envelopes into the dropboxes that line the walls of our church house and the the walls of our church house and the the walls of our church house and the con every every building of our campus.

con every every building of our campus. con every every building of our campus. And we invite you to utilize uh those And we invite you to utilize uh those And we invite you to utilize uh those dropboxes if you want to place a paper dropboxes if you want to place a paper dropboxes if you want to place a paper gift therein. Others of us will utilize gift therein. Others of us will utilize gift therein. Others of us will utilize the digital methods that are scrolling the digital methods that are scrolling the digital methods that are scrolling on the screens even now. And we invite on the screens even now. And we invite on the screens even now. And we invite you to choose one of those digital you to choose one of those digital you to choose one of those digital methods. And let's honor the Lord methods. And let's honor the Lord methods. And let's honor the Lord through the presentation of our tithes through the presentation of our tithes through the presentation of our tithes and offerings today. We begin with the and offerings today. We begin with the and offerings today. We begin with the tithe. That's how we begin our level of tithe. That's how we begin our level of tithe. That's how we begin our level of stewardship. We recognize that God has stewardship. We recognize that God has stewardship. We recognize that God has required of us to bring the first tenth required of us to bring the first tenth required of us to bring the first tenth of our increase to the Lord's house to of our increase to the Lord's house to of our increase to the Lord's house to ensure that there's progress, ensure that there's progress, ensure that there's progress, productivity, uh that the church of the productivity, uh that the church of the productivity, uh that the church of the Lord will continue to prosper. And so we Lord will continue to prosper. And so we Lord will continue to prosper. And so we ask that you will bring that tithe first ask that you will bring that tithe first ask that you will bring that tithe first of all. And then beyond the tithe, we of all. And then beyond the tithe, we of all. And then beyond the tithe, we give an offering that goes beyond our give an offering that goes beyond our give an offering that goes beyond our minimum requirement that speaks to our minimum requirement that speaks to our minimum requirement that speaks to our level of commitment to the church and to level of commitment to the church and to level of commitment to the church and to its progress. And then finally, we give its progress. And then finally, we give its progress. And then finally, we give to missions and mercy. Every single to missions and mercy. Every single to missions and mercy. Every single week, we ask that you will help us to week, we ask that you will help us to week, we ask that you will help us to help somebody else, those who are less help somebody else, those who are less help somebody else, those who are less fortunate than we. And you do that with fortunate than we. And you do that with fortunate than we. And you do that with such diligence, with such commitment, such diligence, with such commitment, such diligence, with such commitment, such so much so that we're able to bless such so much so that we're able to bless such so much so that we're able to bless thousands of people every year because thousands of people every year because thousands of people every year because of your generosity and your commitment of your generosity and your commitment of your generosity and your commitment to giving the missions and mercy to giving the missions and mercy to giving the missions and mercy offering. So I want to consecrate all offering. So I want to consecrate all offering. So I want to consecrate all these gifts that we give to the Lord these gifts that we give to the Lord these gifts that we give to the Lord this Sunday as is our custom. So won't this Sunday as is our custom. So won't this Sunday as is our custom. So won't you now bow with me in a moment of you now bow with me in a moment of you now bow with me in a moment of prayer. Gracious God, how we thank you prayer. Gracious God, how we thank you prayer. Gracious God, how we thank you for the privilege of giving. You have for the privilege of giving. You have for the privilege of giving. You have shown us by example that you are a shown us by example that you are a shown us by example that you are a giving God and we thank you that you giving God and we thank you that you giving God and we thank you that you continue to give to us every single day continue to give to us every single day continue to give to us every single day of our lives. We honor you this Lord's of our lives. We honor you this Lord's of our lives. We honor you this Lord's day for the giving of your son Jesus who

day for the giving of your son Jesus who day for the giving of your son Jesus who has redeemed us, saved us, who's given has redeemed us, saved us, who's given has redeemed us, saved us, who's given to us access to eternal life. And we to us access to eternal life. And we to us access to eternal life. And we thank you that even today we celebrate thank you that even today we celebrate thank you that even today we celebrate that in this sacred space. And now we that in this sacred space. And now we that in this sacred space. And now we thank you that as he has demonstrated thank you that as he has demonstrated thank you that as he has demonstrated what giving should be like, as you have what giving should be like, as you have what giving should be like, as you have continued to demonstrate what our giving continued to demonstrate what our giving continued to demonstrate what our giving should look like, we ask, oh God, that should look like, we ask, oh God, that should look like, we ask, oh God, that we will emulate you as we give back to we will emulate you as we give back to we will emulate you as we give back to you a portion of what you have first you a portion of what you have first you a portion of what you have first given to us. Bless each gift and each given to us. Bless each gift and each given to us. Bless each gift and each giver. Let no one lack as a consequence giver. Let no one lack as a consequence giver. Let no one lack as a consequence of what we give this Sunday morning. of what we give this Sunday morning. of what we give this Sunday morning. Return to your sons and daughters and we Return to your sons and daughters and we Return to your sons and daughters and we will testify to the world that we can't will testify to the world that we can't will testify to the world that we can't beat God giving no matter how we try. We beat God giving no matter how we try. We beat God giving no matter how we try. We thank you for victory in our finances thank you for victory in our finances thank you for victory in our finances and we pray your continued prosperity on and we pray your continued prosperity on and we pray your continued prosperity on this congregation and each member this congregation and each member this congregation and each member herein. In Jesus' name we pray. May the herein. In Jesus' name we pray. May the herein. In Jesus' name we pray. May the church say amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. church say amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. church say amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Praise the Lord. Just received note that Praise the Lord. Just received note that Praise the Lord. Just received note that we have with us today Texas State we have with us today Texas State we have with us today Texas State Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons with us. My apologies my dear sis for with us. My apologies my dear sis for with us. My apologies my dear sis for missing you. There she is there on the missing you. There she is there on the missing you. There she is there on the front row. Sister Gina, we praise God front row. Sister Gina, we praise God front row. Sister Gina, we praise God for your presence ma'am. Thank you for for your presence ma'am. Thank you for for your presence ma'am. Thank you for being with us. Thank you for the work being with us. Thank you for the work being with us. Thank you for the work that you do and may the Lord bless you that you do and may the Lord bless you that you do and may the Lord bless you as you continue to serve this present as you continue to serve this present as you continue to serve this present age and run for the work that must be age and run for the work that must be age and run for the work that must be done in our state. God bless you one and done in our state. God bless you one and done in our state. God bless you one and all. I don't know if your heads were all. I don't know if your heads were all. I don't know if your heads were bowed and your eyes were closed when I bowed and your eyes were closed when I bowed and your eyes were closed when I got that note. Uh but uh you know I saw got that note. Uh but uh you know I saw got that note. Uh but uh you know I saw felt somebody coming up to my left hand felt somebody coming up to my left hand felt somebody coming up to my left hand side. You know I'm from the south side

side. You know I'm from the south side side. You know I'm from the south side of Chicago and even with my eyes closed of Chicago and even with my eyes closed of Chicago and even with my eyes closed I can feel people coming up on me. I can feel people coming up on me. I can feel people coming up on me. Uh me and the Lord got a real Uh me and the Lord got a real Uh me and the Lord got a real relationship. You understand? relationship. You understand? relationship. You understand? So I was able to open one eye while he So I was able to open one eye while he So I was able to open one eye while he walked up on me, even while I was walked up on me, even while I was walked up on me, even while I was praying to God. That was our executive praying to God. That was our executive praying to God. That was our executive pastor doing what he does and what he pastor doing what he does and what he pastor doing what he does and what he has been doing for 13 years at Wheeler has been doing for 13 years at Wheeler has been doing for 13 years at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Yeah. Avenue Baptist Church. Yeah. Avenue Baptist Church. Yeah. That's what he's been doing. That's what he's been doing. That's what he's been doing. That's what he's been doing. That's what he's been doing. That's what he's been doing. for 13 years for 13 years for 13 years at the Wheeler Avenue Church. at the Wheeler Avenue Church. at the Wheeler Avenue Church. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. History cannot recount History cannot recount >> the many ways that Dr. Alexander Emit >> the many ways that Dr. Alexander Emit >> the many ways that Dr. Alexander Emit Maurice Johnson I has contributed to the Maurice Johnson I has contributed to the Maurice Johnson I has contributed to the work and worth of Wheeler Avenue Baptist work and worth of Wheeler Avenue Baptist work and worth of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Church. Church. the details will never be written down the details will never be written down the details will never be written down all the ways that God has used him to all the ways that God has used him to all the ways that God has used him to make Wheeler Avenue what she is today. make Wheeler Avenue what she is today. make Wheeler Avenue what she is today. But we are so grateful that uh a child But we are so grateful that uh a child But we are so grateful that uh a child of this church reared right here at 3826 has served has served in such a way that now he has been in such a way that now he has been in such a way that now he has been called upon to take his ministry of called upon to take his ministry of called upon to take his ministry of excellence to the Brentwood Baptist excellence to the Brentwood Baptist excellence to the Brentwood Baptist Church of Houston, Texas. Church of Houston, Texas. Church of Houston, Texas. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> We are grateful for >> We are grateful for >> We are grateful for his education, his education, his education, >> for now his elevation >> for now his elevation >> for now his elevation >> and we are praying that God will >> and we are praying that God will >> and we are praying that God will continue to expand the edification continue to expand the edification continue to expand the edification >> of the membership of the Brentwood >> of the membership of the Brentwood >> of the membership of the Brentwood Church as a consequence of this moment Church as a consequence of this moment Church as a consequence of this moment in time.

in time. in time. This his last Sunday at Wheeler Avenue This his last Sunday at Wheeler Avenue This his last Sunday at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Baptist Church. Baptist Church. Yeah. Collective awe goes across the Yeah. Collective awe goes across the Yeah. Collective awe goes across the room. There are some members of room. There are some members of room. There are some members of Brentwood who came to make sure that he Brentwood who came to make sure that he Brentwood who came to make sure that he was leaving. was leaving. was leaving. They are in church today. They said, They are in church today. They said, They are in church today. They said, "Let's make sure that everything's in "Let's make sure that everything's in "Let's make sure that everything's in order." So, they came to check him out order." So, they came to check him out order." So, they came to check him out at this first service. If you're a at this first service. If you're a at this first service. If you're a member of the Brentwood Church, will you member of the Brentwood Church, will you member of the Brentwood Church, will you please stand? We need to see you and please stand? We need to see you and please stand? We need to see you and thank God for you. There's tail fair thank God for you. There's tail fair thank God for you. There's tail fair right there. There a couple folk right right there. There a couple folk right right there. There a couple folk right there. there. there. Amen. God bless you. The chairman of the Amen. God bless you. The chairman of the Amen. God bless you. The chairman of the trustees who was in most inspirational trustees who was in most inspirational trustees who was in most inspirational and effective with the uh in with the and effective with the uh in with the and effective with the uh in with the pastoral candidate search process is pastoral candidate search process is pastoral candidate search process is brother Laurent Snowden. And I'm brother Laurent Snowden. And I'm brother Laurent Snowden. And I'm grateful that he has come to be with us grateful that he has come to be with us grateful that he has come to be with us today. God bless you, Mr. Chairman. God today. God bless you, Mr. Chairman. God today. God bless you, Mr. Chairman. God bless you. And uh we're excited about bless you. And uh we're excited about bless you. And uh we're excited about all the things that God is about to do all the things that God is about to do all the things that God is about to do in the work and witness of Dr. Johnson in the work and witness of Dr. Johnson in the work and witness of Dr. Johnson and the Brentwood Church. So immediately and the Brentwood Church. So immediately and the Brentwood Church. So immediately following the ministry of music of the following the ministry of music of the following the ministry of music of the baddest brothers in town. Thank God for baddest brothers in town. Thank God for baddest brothers in town. Thank God for the mighty men of Wheeler Avenue. God the mighty men of Wheeler Avenue. God the mighty men of Wheeler Avenue. God bless you brothers.

Some folk like y'all. I thank God for Some folk like y'all. I thank God for you. Immediately following their you. Immediately following their you. Immediately following their ministry of music, Johnson's going to ministry of music, Johnson's going to ministry of music, Johnson's going to preach the word of God. Hope you brought preach the word of God. Hope you brought preach the word of God. Hope you brought a special gift for him today. I'm going a special gift for him today. I'm going a special gift for him today. I'm going to ask him uh to retreat to the uh to to ask him uh to retreat to the uh to to ask him uh to retreat to the uh to the farthest doors of the cathedral the farthest doors of the cathedral the farthest doors of the cathedral immediately following uh the invitation. immediately following uh the invitation. immediately following uh the invitation. And if you have a gift for him, they'll And if you have a gift for him, they'll And if you have a gift for him, they'll be uh he'll be there waiting for you be uh he'll be there waiting for you be uh he'll be there waiting for you with armed guards to make sure that with armed guards to make sure that with armed guards to make sure that everything is all right. But we invite everything is all right. But we invite everything is all right. But we invite you to to be a blessing to him as he has you to to be a blessing to him as he has you to to be a blessing to him as he has been such an amazing blessing to us. been such an amazing blessing to us. been such an amazing blessing to us. Let's all be blessed now as we further Let's all be blessed now as we further Let's all be blessed now as we further go in worship. Amen. If it wasn't for the Lord, where would I If it wasn't for the Lord, where would I be?

be? be? My life was nothing until he set me My life was nothing until he set me My life was nothing until he set me free. free. free. What a change What a change What a change in my life. in my life. in my life. No one compromised No one compromised No one compromised the wrong or the right. If it wasn't for the Lord, where would I If it wasn't for the Lord, where would I be? be? be? My life was nothing until you no.

no. I am not I don't I don't know. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. I am I am you.

If you're glad about the difference that If you're glad about the difference that the Lord has made in your life, the Lord has made in your life, the Lord has made in your life, what a change has been made. We thank what a change has been made. We thank what a change has been made. We thank God for his witness and his grace and God for his witness and his grace and God for his witness and his grace and his grandeur. And we give God glory cuz his grandeur. And we give God glory cuz his grandeur. And we give God glory cuz he's worthy of it all. To God be the he's worthy of it all. To God be the he's worthy of it all. To God be the glory. glory. glory. You may be seated in the presence of our You may be seated in the presence of our You may be seated in the presence of our of our God. What a joy it is to to greet of our God. What a joy it is to to greet of our God. What a joy it is to to greet you on this Lord's day. Will you help me you on this Lord's day. Will you help me you on this Lord's day. Will you help me thank God for this ministry of music? thank God for this ministry of music? thank God for this ministry of music? These brothers, one of the best men's choirs in the one of the best men's choirs in the city. city. city. Amen. Amen. Amen. I have to have qualifiers like that. I have to have qualifiers like that. I have to have qualifiers like that. Now, Now, Now, will you thank God for will you thank God for will you thank God for this band and this ministry this band and this ministry this band and this ministry of music, worship, and arts? Minister of music, worship, and arts? Minister of music, worship, and arts? Minister Lewis, God be praised for you, sir. Uh, Lewis, God be praised for you, sir. Uh, Lewis, God be praised for you, sir. Uh, very briefly, um, I suspect I'm expected very briefly, um, I suspect I'm expected very briefly, um, I suspect I'm expected to to give some preparatory remarks, um, to to give some preparatory remarks, um, to to give some preparatory remarks, um, because of this farewell sermon. Uh, because of this farewell sermon. Uh, because of this farewell sermon. Uh, someone asked me yesterday, uh, so how someone asked me yesterday, uh, so how someone asked me yesterday, uh, so how do you feel about preaching your last do you feel about preaching your last do you feel about preaching your last sermon at Wheeler? I said it. Nobody sermon at Wheeler? I said it. Nobody sermon at Wheeler? I said it. Nobody said it's my last sermon.

Says farewell sermon. I by faith I'll be Says farewell sermon. I by faith I'll be invited back one day. Um, invited back one day. Um, invited back one day. Um, uh, Amen, somebody. uh, Amen, somebody. uh, Amen, somebody. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Can't wait to get that check. Uh, this is other duties as assigned. Um, this is other duties as assigned. Um, all right. Well, um, will you help me all right. Well, um, will you help me all right. Well, um, will you help me thank God for the Wheeler Avenue Church? thank God for the Wheeler Avenue Church? thank God for the Wheeler Avenue Church? You all have been a tremendous blessing You all have been a tremendous blessing You all have been a tremendous blessing to to me, to to me, to to me, to my family. to my family. to my family. We are grateful for all of the We are grateful for all of the We are grateful for all of the kindnesses kindnesses kindnesses uh over the entirety of the expanse of uh over the entirety of the expanse of uh over the entirety of the expanse of my life um that have been afforded to us my life um that have been afforded to us my life um that have been afforded to us and I am grateful for that reality and I and I am grateful for that reality and I and I am grateful for that reality and I honor I I honor uh my family who's here, honor I I honor uh my family who's here, honor I I honor uh my family who's here, my mother, my sister, my father, my my mother, my sister, my father, my my mother, my sister, my father, my friends. Uh God be praised for you. Uh friends. Uh God be praised for you. Uh friends. Uh God be praised for you. Uh y'all tell them bye. Tell them bye.

y'all tell them bye. Tell them bye. y'all tell them bye. Tell them bye. They coming with me. All right. They coming with me. All right. They coming with me. All right. Um, we we thank God for the Wheeler Um, we we thank God for the Wheeler Um, we we thank God for the Wheeler Avenue Church. Um, you all have not Avenue Church. Um, you all have not Avenue Church. Um, you all have not always made my job easy, always made my job easy, always made my job easy, but you've always made it fun. You've but you've always made it fun. You've but you've always made it fun. You've always made it interesting and I thank always made it interesting and I thank always made it interesting and I thank God for each one of you. Uh, we want to God for each one of you. Uh, we want to God for each one of you. Uh, we want to thank God for this staff. It has been a thank God for this staff. It has been a thank God for this staff. It has been a joy to work with these preachers, joy to work with these preachers, joy to work with these preachers, to work with those who serve in other to work with those who serve in other to work with those who serve in other areas of the ministry at Wheeler Avenue areas of the ministry at Wheeler Avenue areas of the ministry at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Uh we we profess that Baptist Church. Uh we we profess that Baptist Church. Uh we we profess that excellence is the standard and to see us excellence is the standard and to see us excellence is the standard and to see us um to know to work alongside those who um to know to work alongside those who um to know to work alongside those who attempt to maintain that standard on a attempt to maintain that standard on a attempt to maintain that standard on a consistent basis uh has been a blessing consistent basis uh has been a blessing consistent basis uh has been a blessing and I am grateful to to each of you for and I am grateful to to each of you for and I am grateful to to each of you for the varying contributions that you have the varying contributions that you have the varying contributions that you have made uh to make me the person I am and made uh to make me the person I am and made uh to make me the person I am and the administrator and I am grateful. I the administrator and I am grateful. I the administrator and I am grateful. I want to thank God for those members of want to thank God for those members of want to thank God for those members of the Brentwood Baptist Church who are the Brentwood Baptist Church who are the Brentwood Baptist Church who are present. uh to each of you. God be present. uh to each of you. God be present. uh to each of you. God be praised for you, brother chairman, praised for you, brother chairman, praised for you, brother chairman, your honor. God bless you one and all.

your honor. God bless you one and all. your honor. God bless you one and all. And to this pastor, uh to my leader, to And to this pastor, uh to my leader, to And to this pastor, uh to my leader, to my father in the ministry, the man who my father in the ministry, the man who my father in the ministry, the man who married me to my wife, ordained me to married me to my wife, ordained me to married me to my wife, ordained me to Christian ministry, who has afforded me Christian ministry, who has afforded me Christian ministry, who has afforded me the opportunity to serve alongside him the opportunity to serve alongside him the opportunity to serve alongside him for these past 13 years. Thank you. Uh for these past 13 years. Thank you. Uh for these past 13 years. Thank you. Uh words are insufficient to express my words are insufficient to express my words are insufficient to express my gratitude. Uh so I will just say thank gratitude. Uh so I will just say thank gratitude. Uh so I will just say thank you. I am overwhelmingly grateful for you. I am overwhelmingly grateful for you. I am overwhelmingly grateful for all that you mean to my life and for uh all that you mean to my life and for uh all that you mean to my life and for uh my family. We honor you, for the way by my family. We honor you, for the way by my family. We honor you, for the way by which you have so consistently honored which you have so consistently honored which you have so consistently honored us and blessed us. And I thank God for us and blessed us. And I thank God for us and blessed us. And I thank God for it. Um that's enough cuz I got to preach it. Um that's enough cuz I got to preach it. Um that's enough cuz I got to preach and it's my allergies is bothering me and it's my allergies is bothering me and it's my allergies is bothering me all morning. It's weird. Um, all right. all morning. It's weird. Um, all right. all morning. It's weird. Um, all right. Ephesians chapter 3 has been read in our Ephesians chapter 3 has been read in our Ephesians chapter 3 has been read in our hearing. I want to revisit those hearing. I want to revisit those hearing. I want to revisit those concluding verses, but I really want to concluding verses, but I really want to concluding verses, but I really want to think through the entirety of the think through the entirety of the think through the entirety of the chapter. So, if you would keep your chapter. So, if you would keep your chapter. So, if you would keep your Bible open, we'll walk through it and Bible open, we'll walk through it and Bible open, we'll walk through it and then we'll then we'll then we'll we'll get to going.

we'll get to going. we'll get to going. Ephesians chapter 3, please stand if Ephesians chapter 3, please stand if Ephesians chapter 3, please stand if you're able. you're able. you're able. verses 20 and 21 from verses 20 and 21 from verses 20 and 21 from uh the screen says New International. uh the screen says New International. uh the screen says New International. That's where we read from. I'm going to That's where we read from. I'm going to That's where we read from. I'm going to read these these verses from the King read these these verses from the King read these these verses from the King James version. >> Now unto him, >> Now unto him, >> that is able to do exceeding abundantly >> that is able to do exceeding abundantly >> that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, above all that we ask or think, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that workketh in according to the power that workketh in according to the power that workketh in us. unto him be glory in the church by us. unto him be glory in the church by us. unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. without end. without end. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. As you take your seat, would you >> Amen. As you take your seat, would you >> Amen. As you take your seat, would you announce the title with me and declare announce the title with me and declare announce the title with me and declare the time is now. >> Praise the Lord. >> Praise the Lord. Representative and Hosa, Representative Representative and Hosa, Representative Representative and Hosa, Representative Simmons, God bless you. Thank you for Simmons, God bless you. Thank you for Simmons, God bless you. Thank you for being with us this day. I'm sorry he's being with us this day. I'm sorry he's being with us this day. I'm sorry he's not preaching. I I didn't make it not preaching. I I didn't make it not preaching. I I didn't make it schedule.

schedule. schedule. Uh class is back in session. Those of Uh class is back in session. Those of Uh class is back in session. Those of you who may be unfamiliar, I have the you who may be unfamiliar, I have the you who may be unfamiliar, I have the privilege of of serving on the faculty privilege of of serving on the faculty privilege of of serving on the faculty at the University of Houston in the at the University of Houston in the at the University of Houston in the African-American studies department. I African-American studies department. I African-American studies department. I please please please I this semester uh I'm teaching my I this semester uh I'm teaching my I this semester uh I'm teaching my course on the black church in America. course on the black church in America. course on the black church in America. >> Uh I've been teaching this course since >> Uh I've been teaching this course since >> Uh I've been teaching this course since 2017 when uh brother James Conjurs 2017 when uh brother James Conjurs 2017 when uh brother James Conjurs tapped me and asked me uh who he's now tapped me and asked me uh who he's now tapped me and asked me uh who he's now with the Lord but he asked that I would with the Lord but he asked that I would with the Lord but he asked that I would serve as adjunct in 2017 and since that serve as adjunct in 2017 and since that serve as adjunct in 2017 and since that time I've had opportunity to teach this time I've had opportunity to teach this time I've had opportunity to teach this course. It's it's always an enlightening course. It's it's always an enlightening course. It's it's always an enlightening experience when I asked the contextual experience when I asked the contextual experience when I asked the contextual question, the question of my students question, the question of my students question, the question of my students social location. How many of you are social location. How many of you are social location. How many of you are familiar with the black church? How are familiar with the black church? How are familiar with the black church? How are you familiar with the black church? And you familiar with the black church? And you familiar with the black church? And this Thursday was was pretty average this Thursday was was pretty average this Thursday was was pretty average when in polling the class, it became when in polling the class, it became when in polling the class, it became evident that while the majority the vast evident that while the majority the vast evident that while the majority the vast majority of the students in the class majority of the students in the class majority of the students in the class had at one time in their lives been had at one time in their lives been had at one time in their lives been associated with or affiliated with a a associated with or affiliated with a a associated with or affiliated with a a black church. The vast majority no black church. The vast majority no black church. The vast majority no longer maintained that association.

longer maintained that association. longer maintained that association. The vast majority of these students The vast majority of these students The vast majority of these students acknowledged person after person that acknowledged person after person that acknowledged person after person that they were no longer a member of anyone's they were no longer a member of anyone's they were no longer a member of anyone's church. I prefer to be spiritual than church. I prefer to be spiritual than church. I prefer to be spiritual than religious. I I consider myself agnostic. religious. I I consider myself agnostic. religious. I I consider myself agnostic. Person after person had grown up in the Person after person had grown up in the Person after person had grown up in the black church and somewhere along the way black church and somewhere along the way black church and somewhere along the way became disaffected and disconnected. became disaffected and disconnected. became disaffected and disconnected. something transpired in their experience something transpired in their experience something transpired in their experience that made them want to move their that made them want to move their that made them want to move their membership. And while it was membership. And while it was membership. And while it was interesting, it was not alarming. interesting, it was not alarming. interesting, it was not alarming. Scholarship suggests that right here in Scholarship suggests that right here in Scholarship suggests that right here in America, despite what we experience at America, despite what we experience at America, despite what we experience at Wheeler Avenue every Sunday, don't let Wheeler Avenue every Sunday, don't let Wheeler Avenue every Sunday, don't let this fool you. Statistics suggest that this fool you. Statistics suggest that this fool you. Statistics suggest that every major black denomination is every major black denomination is every major black denomination is declining with the exception of declining with the exception of declining with the exception of non-denominational and Pentecostal non-denominational and Pentecostal non-denominational and Pentecostal churches. Every major black denomination churches. Every major black denomination churches. Every major black denomination is losing members.

is losing members. is losing members. And and while such is the case And and while such is the case And and while such is the case nationally, there are still churches who nationally, there are still churches who nationally, there are still churches who choose to uphold exclusionary practices, choose to uphold exclusionary practices, choose to uphold exclusionary practices, denying membership and denying rights denying membership and denying rights denying membership and denying rights and privileges to those with whom they and privileges to those with whom they and privileges to those with whom they take issue, those who don't meet their take issue, those who don't meet their take issue, those who don't meet their standards. Churches open in the name of standards. Churches open in the name of standards. Churches open in the name of Jesus Christ excluding folks turning Jesus Christ excluding folks turning Jesus Christ excluding folks turning away wouldbe members because they don't away wouldbe members because they don't away wouldbe members because they don't meet the requirements as to those who meet the requirements as to those who meet the requirements as to those who would be included in that body of would be included in that body of would be included in that body of believers. It's unfortunate that in the believers. It's unfortunate that in the believers. It's unfortunate that in the year of our Lord 2026 we still have year of our Lord 2026 we still have year of our Lord 2026 we still have churches that operate with more of a churches that operate with more of a churches that operate with more of a country club mentality than that of a country club mentality than that of a country club mentality than that of a hospital. It's it it's a real shame that there are It's it it's a real shame that there are folks who would rather have a dead folks who would rather have a dead folks who would rather have a dead church than a diverse church. church than a diverse church. church than a diverse church. And such is And such is And such is such an experience as tragic as it is such an experience as tragic as it is such an experience as tragic as it is isn't a new one. The early church had to isn't a new one. The early church had to isn't a new one. The early church had to deal with this same crisis as we see in deal with this same crisis as we see in deal with this same crisis as we see in our text this Sunday. This is what our text this Sunday. This is what our text this Sunday. This is what scholars Ephesians call a captivity scholars Ephesians call a captivity scholars Ephesians call a captivity epistle. It's written most likely during epistle. It's written most likely during epistle. It's written most likely during Paul's Roman imprisonment around AD60 or Paul's Roman imprisonment around AD60 or Paul's Roman imprisonment around AD60 or AD62 alongside Philippians, Colossians, AD62 alongside Philippians, Colossians, AD62 alongside Philippians, Colossians, and Phileimon. Paul is now under house and Phileimon. Paul is now under house and Phileimon. Paul is now under house arrest, chained to a Roman guard,

arrest, chained to a Roman guard, arrest, chained to a Roman guard, awaiting a hearing before Caesar awaiting a hearing before Caesar awaiting a hearing before Caesar himself. Now, notice something curious. himself. Now, notice something curious. himself. Now, notice something curious. Paul doesn't call himself a prisoner of Paul doesn't call himself a prisoner of Paul doesn't call himself a prisoner of Rome. He doesn't say, "I'm a prisoner of Rome. He doesn't say, "I'm a prisoner of Rome. He doesn't say, "I'm a prisoner of Nero." He says, "The prisoner of Christ Nero." He says, "The prisoner of Christ Nero." He says, "The prisoner of Christ Jesus." That's that's not poetic Jesus." That's that's not poetic Jesus." That's that's not poetic license. That's a theological statement. license. That's a theological statement. license. That's a theological statement. Rome may hold his body, but Rome does Rome may hold his body, but Rome does Rome may hold his body, but Rome does not hold his purpose. He he has been not hold his purpose. He he has been not hold his purpose. He he has been captive to the will of God and captive to the will of God and captive to the will of God and commissioned by the word of God. He's commissioned by the word of God. He's commissioned by the word of God. He's captive to the will of God, which means captive to the will of God, which means captive to the will of God, which means his chains are subordinate to a higher his chains are subordinate to a higher his chains are subordinate to a higher claim on his life. He's commissioned by claim on his life. He's commissioned by claim on his life. He's commissioned by the word of God, which means even in the word of God, which means even in the word of God, which means even in bondage, he's still under orders and bondage, he's still under orders and bondage, he's still under orders and still has an assignment on his life. still has an assignment on his life. still has an assignment on his life. Church, I need you to understand the man Church, I need you to understand the man Church, I need you to understand the man writing about inclusion is himself writing about inclusion is himself writing about inclusion is himself locked out of his own freedom. Paul is locked out of his own freedom. Paul is locked out of his own freedom. Paul is preaching open doors to people while preaching open doors to people while preaching open doors to people while sitting behind a shut one. That's that's sitting behind a shut one. That's that's sitting behind a shut one. That's that's the credibility of this text. This isn't the credibility of this text. This isn't the credibility of this text. This isn't theory from a comfortable pool pit. This theory from a comfortable pool pit. This theory from a comfortable pool pit. This is theology forged in a prison cell. And is theology forged in a prison cell. And is theology forged in a prison cell. And you can see just how authentic Paul and you can see just how authentic Paul and you can see just how authentic Paul and his relationship with God really is his relationship with God really is his relationship with God really is because while locked up, he still has because while locked up, he still has because while locked up, he still has the unmitigated God to declare God is the unmitigated God to declare God is the unmitigated God to declare God is still able.

still able. still able. I wonder how many of us would be able to I wonder how many of us would be able to I wonder how many of us would be able to declare God is able with our backs up declare God is able with our backs up declare God is able with our backs up against the wall. I wonder how many of against the wall. I wonder how many of against the wall. I wonder how many of us would be able to declare that God is us would be able to declare that God is us would be able to declare that God is able when things are falling apart all able when things are falling apart all able when things are falling apart all around us. Is there a witness this around us. Is there a witness this around us. Is there a witness this Sunday morning who can testify that you Sunday morning who can testify that you Sunday morning who can testify that you don't have it all together right now? don't have it all together right now? don't have it all together right now? But that doesn't mean that God is any But that doesn't mean that God is any But that doesn't mean that God is any less able and any moment now, God is less able and any moment now, God is less able and any moment now, God is able to turn your whole life around. Who able to turn your whole life around. Who able to turn your whole life around. Who am I talking to who knows that God is am I talking to who knows that God is am I talking to who knows that God is able? able? able? But before but before we can shout about But before but before we can shout about But before but before we can shout about God being able, we have to deal with God being able, we have to deal with God being able, we have to deal with some theological tension in the text. some theological tension in the text. some theological tension in the text. Look, looking at the text, the first Look, looking at the text, the first Look, looking at the text, the first thing we see is Paul's position. Someone thing we see is Paul's position. Someone thing we see is Paul's position. Someone say Paul's position. say Paul's position. say Paul's position. >> Paul is arguing for the inclusion of >> Paul is arguing for the inclusion of >> Paul is arguing for the inclusion of Gentiles in the church, which at at that Gentiles in the church, which at at that Gentiles in the church, which at at that point was not just irregular, it was point was not just irregular, it was point was not just irregular, it was scandalous. It was acrimonious. He he scandalous. It was acrimonious. He he scandalous. It was acrimonious. He he even calls it a mystery. Not not a even calls it a mystery. Not not a even calls it a mystery. Not not a mystery in the sense of a who done it, mystery in the sense of a who done it, mystery in the sense of a who done it, but a mystery in the technical Pauline but a mystery in the technical Pauline but a mystery in the technical Pauline sense. A truth once hidden in God's sense. A truth once hidden in God's sense. A truth once hidden in God's counsel, now unveiled in Christ. And counsel, now unveiled in Christ. And counsel, now unveiled in Christ. And what is this mystery? That's a great what is this mystery? That's a great what is this mystery? That's a great question. Verse six tells us that the question. Verse six tells us that the question. Verse six tells us that the Gentiles are now hes together with Gentiles are now hes together with Gentiles are now hes together with Israel, members together of one body and Israel, members together of one body and Israel, members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in

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

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

have everlasting life." It was Dr. have everlasting life." It was Dr. Gardner C. Taylor who said, "I'm not Gardner C. Taylor who said, "I'm not Gardner C. Taylor who said, "I'm not bold enough to come behind God and put bold enough to come behind God and put bold enough to come behind God and put qualifiers on whosoever." In the preceding chapter, Paul writes, In the preceding chapter, Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved "For it is by grace you have been saved "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from through faith, and this is not from through faith, and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God, not yourselves. It is the gift of God, not yourselves. It is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." by works, so that no one can boast." by works, so that no one can boast." Here's the the universal truth regarding Here's the the universal truth regarding Here's the the universal truth regarding grace. You want to hear it? grace. You want to hear it? grace. You want to hear it? >> None of us deserves it. >> None of us deserves it. >> None of us deserves it. >> Not the Gentile, not the Jew, not the >> Not the Gentile, not the Jew, not the >> Not the Gentile, not the Jew, not the deacon, not the preacher, not you, not deacon, not the preacher, not you, not deacon, not the preacher, not you, not me. And yet and still, there was this me. And yet and still, there was this me. And yet and still, there was this notion among the very people who had notion among the very people who had notion among the very people who had been recipients of the grace of God to been recipients of the grace of God to been recipients of the grace of God to exclude others because they not like us. exclude others because they not like us. exclude others because they not like us. Isn't Isn't Isn't it insane Isn't Isn't Isn't it insane Isn't Isn't Isn't it insane >> that people who were saved by grace can >> that people who were saved by grace can >> that people who were saved by grace can start guarding grace like it's theirs to start guarding grace like it's theirs to start guarding grace like it's theirs to dispense?

dispense? dispense? >> Paulo Friier in his work pedagogy of the >> Paulo Friier in his work pedagogy of the >> Paulo Friier in his work pedagogy of the oppressed speaks to this tendency. The oppressed speaks to this tendency. The oppressed speaks to this tendency. The tendency of those who had previously tendency of those who had previously tendency of those who had previously experienced oppression and been experienced oppression and been experienced oppression and been liberated from it to become the liberated from it to become the liberated from it to become the oppressor. oppressor. oppressor. Now, now you must remember who's Now, now you must remember who's Now, now you must remember who's proclaiming this mysterious boundary proclaiming this mysterious boundary proclaiming this mysterious boundary breaking grace. It's Paul. breaking grace. It's Paul. breaking grace. It's Paul. >> But, but he hadn't always been Paul, >> But, but he hadn't always been Paul, >> But, but he hadn't always been Paul, >> just like you haven't always been who >> just like you haven't always been who >> just like you haven't always been who you are now. Saul Saul was a persecutor of the Saul Saul was a persecutor of the church. Saul held the coats while Steven church. Saul held the coats while Steven church. Saul held the coats while Steven was stoned to death. Saul went houseto was stoned to death. Saul went houseto was stoned to death. Saul went houseto house dragging believers off to prison. house dragging believers off to prison. house dragging believers off to prison. Saul breathed out murderous threats Saul breathed out murderous threats Saul breathed out murderous threats against the very people he now calls against the very people he now calls against the very people he now calls brothers and sisters. And yet here he is brothers and sisters. And yet here he is brothers and sisters. And yet here he is clearly consumed by the grace of God. We clearly consumed by the grace of God. We clearly consumed by the grace of God. We we recall Paul's encounter with grace is we recall Paul's encounter with grace is we recall Paul's encounter with grace is one of note. He he was given a thorn in one of note. He he was given a thorn in one of note. He he was given a thorn in his flesh and he prayed to God. It was his flesh and he prayed to God. It was his flesh and he prayed to God. It was given to keep him from becoming arrogant given to keep him from becoming arrogant given to keep him from becoming arrogant or exceedingly puffed up. And three or exceedingly puffed up. And three or exceedingly puffed up. And three times he prayed to God that God would times he prayed to God that God would times he prayed to God that God would remove that thorn. And God said, "I'm remove that thorn. And God said, "I'm remove that thorn. And God said, "I'm not going to remove the thorn. My grace not going to remove the thorn. My grace not going to remove the thorn. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power, my is sufficient for you, for my power, my is sufficient for you, for my power, my strength is made perfect in weakness."

strength is made perfect in weakness." strength is made perfect in weakness." Paul Paul self-identifies as less than Paul Paul self-identifies as less than Paul Paul self-identifies as less than the least of all the Lord's people. He the least of all the Lord's people. He the least of all the Lord's people. He He recognizes that his past could have He recognizes that his past could have He recognizes that his past could have disqualified him by human standards from disqualified him by human standards from disqualified him by human standards from serving as spokesman for the Savior. But serving as spokesman for the Savior. But serving as spokesman for the Savior. But he also realizes that his life is a life he also realizes that his life is a life he also realizes that his life is a life that has been marked by being gripped by that has been marked by being gripped by that has been marked by being gripped by grace. And and Paul Paul ain't the only grace. And and Paul Paul ain't the only grace. And and Paul Paul ain't the only one whose life has been marked by being one whose life has been marked by being one whose life has been marked by being gripped by grace. God has looked beyond gripped by grace. God has looked beyond gripped by grace. God has looked beyond your faults and time and time again met your faults and time and time again met your faults and time and time again met your needs and blessed you beyond what your needs and blessed you beyond what your needs and blessed you beyond what you could have ever imagined you deserve you could have ever imagined you deserve you could have ever imagined you deserve because God's grace is so sufficient because God's grace is so sufficient because God's grace is so sufficient that in spite of you, God has covered that in spite of you, God has covered that in spite of you, God has covered you. God has kept you. God has sustained you. God has kept you. God has sustained you. God has kept you. God has sustained you. God has upheld you. And here you you. God has upheld you. And here you you. God has upheld you. And here you are on a Sunday morning looking like are on a Sunday morning looking like are on a Sunday morning looking like you're looking clothed and in your right you're looking clothed and in your right you're looking clothed and in your right mind because God didn't treat you mind because God didn't treat you mind because God didn't treat you fairly. God treated you with favor. Is there a witness? You you you know why Is there a witness? You you you know why I like Paul in this passage for the I like Paul in this passage for the I like Paul in this passage for the pastor? Because Paul's acknowledgment of pastor? Because Paul's acknowledgment of pastor? Because Paul's acknowledgment of God's grace isn't used as a way of God's grace isn't used as a way of God's grace isn't used as a way of elevating himself above others or elevating himself above others or elevating himself above others or considering himself greater than those considering himself greater than those considering himself greater than those who haven't experienced the same grace who haven't experienced the same grace who haven't experienced the same grace in the same way he has. Paul is clear in the same way he has. Paul is clear in the same way he has. Paul is clear that grace isn't something to make him that grace isn't something to make him that grace isn't something to make him puffed up and proud. But grace is a puffed up and proud. But grace is a puffed up and proud. But grace is a reminder that if it had not been for the reminder that if it had not been for the reminder that if it had not been for the Lord on his side, he wouldn't be who he Lord on his side, he wouldn't be who he Lord on his side, he wouldn't be who he is. He wouldn't have what he has. He is. He wouldn't have what he has. He is. He wouldn't have what he has. He wouldn't know what he was. And even in wouldn't know what he was. And even in wouldn't know what he was. And even in prison, he's clear that the grace of God

prison, he's clear that the grace of God prison, he's clear that the grace of God has been doled out upon him. And he's has been doled out upon him. And he's has been doled out upon him. And he's been the recipient of that which he been the recipient of that which he been the recipient of that which he knows he never deserves. Who am I knows he never deserves. Who am I knows he never deserves. Who am I talking to this Sunday who can look back talking to this Sunday who can look back talking to this Sunday who can look back over your life and realize that at every over your life and realize that at every over your life and realize that at every major intersection of your life, it was major intersection of your life, it was major intersection of your life, it was the grace of God that guided you and the grace of God that guided you and the grace of God that guided you and guarded you and gripped you. And when guarded you and gripped you. And when guarded you and gripped you. And when you wrap your mind around that reality, you wrap your mind around that reality, you wrap your mind around that reality, it gives new meaning to the saying of it gives new meaning to the saying of it gives new meaning to the saying of the old saints. But for the grace of the old saints. But for the grace of the old saints. But for the grace of God, there go I. God, there go I. God, there go I. Somebody ought to thank God for grace. Somebody ought to thank God for grace. Somebody ought to thank God for grace. Thank God for favor. Thank God for Thank God for favor. Thank God for Thank God for favor. Thank God for blessings. Thank God for his benefits blessings. Thank God for his benefits blessings. Thank God for his benefits and his bounty and his benevolence. This this is the gift of God that Paul This this is the gift of God that Paul seeks to share with those whom others seeks to share with those whom others seeks to share with those whom others suggested were outside of the scope of suggested were outside of the scope of suggested were outside of the scope of God's saving grace. And when we get to God's saving grace. And when we get to God's saving grace. And when we get to verse 10, Paul says, "Now verse 10, Paul says, "Now verse 10, Paul says, "Now >> is the time >> is the time >> is the time >> for the church to show the manifold >> for the church to show the manifold >> for the church to show the manifold wisdom of God to the rulers and wisdom of God to the rulers and wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities in heavenly realms according authorities in heavenly realms according authorities in heavenly realms according to his eternal purpose that was to his eternal purpose that was to his eternal purpose that was accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord."

accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." Now, now, now is the time Now, now, now is the time Now, now, now is the time >> that that word manifold literally means >> that that word manifold literally means >> that that word manifold literally means multicolored, multicolored, multicolored, varagated, ultra diverse with with varagated, ultra diverse with with varagated, ultra diverse with with varying expressions. And it it's used to varying expressions. And it it's used to varying expressions. And it it's used to speak of the wisdom of God. Only here is speak of the wisdom of God. Only here is speak of the wisdom of God. Only here is it used to do so. Paul helps us to see it used to do so. Paul helps us to see it used to do so. Paul helps us to see that the multi-dimensional, that the multi-dimensional, that the multi-dimensional, multivariagated, diversified wisdom of multivariagated, diversified wisdom of multivariagated, diversified wisdom of God is only able to be fully expressed God is only able to be fully expressed God is only able to be fully expressed and realized when the church breaks down and realized when the church breaks down and realized when the church breaks down barriers and exhibits a sense of unity barriers and exhibits a sense of unity barriers and exhibits a sense of unity in Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul says, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul says, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul says, "The mystery that is the limitlessness "The mystery that is the limitlessness "The mystery that is the limitlessness of the grace of God is to be put on full of the grace of God is to be put on full of the grace of God is to be put on full display by the church which joins display by the church which joins display by the church which joins together and brings with them each together and brings with them each together and brings with them each person individually their own experience person individually their own experience person individually their own experience and knowledge of the wisdom of God such and knowledge of the wisdom of God such and knowledge of the wisdom of God such that when we all get together, we that when we all get together, we that when we all get together, we realize collectively the degree to which realize collectively the degree to which realize collectively the degree to which God knows all and created all and is in God knows all and created all and is in God knows all and created all and is in all and controls all and ordains all and all and controls all and ordains all and all and controls all and ordains all and orders all. And when each of us comes orders all. And when each of us comes orders all. And when each of us comes together to testify just how much God together to testify just how much God together to testify just how much God has been God, it it when all of us get has been God, it it when all of us get has been God, it it when all of us get together, we can help we can't help but together, we can help we can't help but together, we can help we can't help but leave with the conclusion that there leave with the conclusion that there leave with the conclusion that there really is nothing too hard for our God.

really is nothing too hard for our God. really is nothing too hard for our God. When we all with our varying experiences When we all with our varying experiences When we all with our varying experiences and knowledge of just how good God is and knowledge of just how good God is and knowledge of just how good God is get together and testify to that get together and testify to that get together and testify to that reality, we'll all be able to leave with reality, we'll all be able to leave with reality, we'll all be able to leave with the confidence that Paul is trying to the confidence that Paul is trying to the confidence that Paul is trying to instill in the believers. Let let me let instill in the believers. Let let me let instill in the believers. Let let me let me say it let me say it this way. Where me say it let me say it this way. Where me say it let me say it this way. Where are the cancer survivors in the room? are the cancer survivors in the room? are the cancer survivors in the room? Would you stand? Where are the folks who Would you stand? Where are the folks who Would you stand? Where are the folks who were broke once but God has been your were broke once but God has been your were broke once but God has been your provider? Where where are the folks who provider? Where where are the folks who provider? Where where are the folks who almost lost your mind, but God kept you almost lost your mind, but God kept you almost lost your mind, but God kept you in perfect peace once you kept your mind in perfect peace once you kept your mind in perfect peace once you kept your mind stayed on him? Where are the folks who stayed on him? Where are the folks who stayed on him? Where are the folks who faced discrimination, but you still faced discrimination, but you still faced discrimination, but you still experienced promotion and elevation? experienced promotion and elevation? experienced promotion and elevation? Where are the folks who although you Where are the folks who although you Where are the folks who although you almost threw in the towel, God snatched almost threw in the towel, God snatched almost threw in the towel, God snatched you from the hand of the enemy? Where you from the hand of the enemy? Where you from the hand of the enemy? Where are the folks who made some silly are the folks who made some silly are the folks who made some silly mistakes that could have ended your mistakes that could have ended your mistakes that could have ended your life, but the grace of God was life, but the grace of God was life, but the grace of God was sufficient for you? Where are the folks sufficient for you? Where are the folks sufficient for you? Where are the folks who have experienced some setbacks, but who have experienced some setbacks, but who have experienced some setbacks, but your setback was a setup for a comeback? your setback was a setup for a comeback? your setback was a setup for a comeback? Where are the folks who have experienced Where are the folks who have experienced Where are the folks who have experienced the goodness of God and you can the goodness of God and you can the goodness of God and you can articulate that all your life God's been articulate that all your life God's been articulate that all your life God's been faithful? Where are the folks who've faithful? Where are the folks who've faithful? Where are the folks who've been healed? Where are the folks who've been healed? Where are the folks who've been healed? Where are the folks who've been delivered? Where are the folks been delivered? Where are the folks been delivered? Where are the folks who've been set free? Where are the who've been set free? Where are the who've been set free? Where are the folks who've experienced the the folks who've experienced the the folks who've experienced the the supernatural, unexplainable, undeniable supernatural, unexplainable, undeniable supernatural, unexplainable, undeniable favor of the Lord over your life?

favor of the Lord over your life? favor of the Lord over your life? Where are the folks who've been Where are the folks who've been Where are the folks who've been restored? Where are the folks who've restored? Where are the folks who've restored? Where are the folks who've been revitalized? Where are the folks been revitalized? Where are the folks been revitalized? Where are the folks who've been rejuvenated? Where are the who've been rejuvenated? Where are the who've been rejuvenated? Where are the folks who've been redeemed? folks who've been redeemed? folks who've been redeemed? Well, let the redeemed of the Lord open Well, let the redeemed of the Lord open Well, let the redeemed of the Lord open up your mouth and say, "So, can I get a witness that there is can I get a witness that there is nothing too hard for our God?" Paul says, "Now Paul says, "Now >> is the time for the church to let the >> is the time for the church to let the >> is the time for the church to let the angels know just how unmatched, angels know just how unmatched, angels know just how unmatched, unparalleled, unfathomable, unparalleled, unfathomable, unparalleled, unfathomable, uncontainable is the wisdom of our God." uncontainable is the wisdom of our God." uncontainable is the wisdom of our God." Who am I talking to who can testify and Who am I talking to who can testify and Who am I talking to who can testify and say it with your chest? Can't nobody do say it with your chest? Can't nobody do say it with your chest? Can't nobody do me like Jesus. Can't nobody do me like me like Jesus. Can't nobody do me like me like Jesus. Can't nobody do me like the Lord. Paul Paul Paul outlines his theology of grace and Paul outlines his theology of grace and Paul outlines his theology of grace and the sufficiency thereof made manifest in the sufficiency thereof made manifest in the sufficiency thereof made manifest in the inclusion of those who had at one the inclusion of those who had at one the inclusion of those who had at one point been excluded and ostracized. But point been excluded and ostracized. But point been excluded and ostracized. But Paul but Paul Paul knows people >> and when you know people you know people >> and when you know people you know people have odd tendencies sometimes.

have odd tendencies sometimes. have odd tendencies sometimes. So Paul Paul moves from theology and he So Paul Paul moves from theology and he So Paul Paul moves from theology and he says it's prayer time. says it's prayer time. says it's prayer time. >> Uh uh Paul understands something that >> Uh uh Paul understands something that >> Uh uh Paul understands something that some of us may have forgotten and that some of us may have forgotten and that some of us may have forgotten and that is information does not automatically is information does not automatically is information does not automatically produce transformation. >> You you can you can explain inclusion >> You you can you can explain inclusion and still practice prejudice. and still practice prejudice. and still practice prejudice. You can testify to the love of God and You can testify to the love of God and You can testify to the love of God and still exhibit hate. You can quote still exhibit hate. You can quote still exhibit hate. You can quote scripture and still have bitterness. You scripture and still have bitterness. You scripture and still have bitterness. You can sit in church every Sunday and still can sit in church every Sunday and still can sit in church every Sunday and still have a heart that has never been have a heart that has never been have a heart that has never been enlarged by the love of God. So So Paul enlarged by the love of God. So So Paul enlarged by the love of God. So So Paul says it's it's time to pray. says it's it's time to pray. says it's it's time to pray. >> You You do know prayer changes things. >> You You do know prayer changes things. >> You You do know prayer changes things. >> I said you do know prayer changes >> I said you do know prayer changes >> I said you do know prayer changes things. Paul Paul Paul Paul really things. Paul Paul Paul Paul really things. Paul Paul Paul Paul really proves that he's a preacher. preachers. proves that he's a preacher. preachers. proves that he's a preacher. preachers. >> He He provides this prayer and it's it's >> He He provides this prayer and it's it's >> He He provides this prayer and it's it's a really simple prayer, a really simple prayer, a really simple prayer, >> but his language is expansive and >> but his language is expansive and >> but his language is expansive and fanciful and it just goes on and on and fanciful and it just goes on and on and fanciful and it just goes on and on and on.

on. on. >> That's Paul. >> That's Paul. >> That's Paul. >> He He's really just saying, "I pray that >> He He's really just saying, "I pray that >> He He's really just saying, "I pray that you know God's love so you can show you know God's love so you can show you know God's love so you can show God's love." >> That's the whole prayer. >> That's the whole prayer. But but he breaks it down into four But but he breaks it down into four But but he breaks it down into four parts. He says,"I pray that God would parts. He says,"I pray that God would parts. He says,"I pray that God would strengthen you with power through his strengthen you with power through his strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being." This is not spirit in your inner being." This is not spirit in your inner being." This is not surface strength, not not gym strength, surface strength, not not gym strength, surface strength, not not gym strength, not performance strength, but strength not performance strength, but strength not performance strength, but strength in the part of you that nobody sees. in the part of you that nobody sees. in the part of you that nobody sees. >> That part that's a little too weak for >> That part that's a little too weak for >> That part that's a little too weak for God to be glorified because what God is God to be glorified because what God is God to be glorified because what God is asking of you is heavier than you wish asking of you is heavier than you wish asking of you is heavier than you wish it really was. and and deep down on the it really was. and and deep down on the it really was. and and deep down on the inside there's that piece of you that's inside there's that piece of you that's inside there's that piece of you that's love resistant. love resistant. love resistant. >> That that piece of you that will still >> That that piece of you that will still >> That that piece of you that will still tell folks where to go and how to get tell folks where to go and how to get tell folks where to go and how to get there. there. there. >> That piece of you that if she says the >> That piece of you that if she says the >> That piece of you that if she says the wrong thing one more time, you going to wrong thing one more time, you going to wrong thing one more time, you going to give her a piece of your mind. That that give her a piece of your mind. That that give her a piece of your mind. That that piece of you on the inside that you're piece of you on the inside that you're piece of you on the inside that you're hiding but holding on to. Paul says you hiding but holding on to. Paul says you hiding but holding on to. Paul says you need strength and power to through the need strength and power to through the need strength and power to through the spirit to let go of that so that spirit to let go of that so that spirit to let go of that so that ultimately you can be led by the love of ultimately you can be led by the love of ultimately you can be led by the love of God and uh able to lavish that love on God and uh able to lavish that love on God and uh able to lavish that love on others instead of being one bad day away others instead of being one bad day away others instead of being one bad day away from messing up God's reputation because from messing up God's reputation because from messing up God's reputation because folks know you claim to be a Christian.

folks know you claim to be a Christian. folks know you claim to be a Christian. >> Huh? I pray God would strengthen you in in I pray God would strengthen you in in your inner spirit through the power of your inner spirit through the power of your inner spirit through the power of the spirit in your inner being the spirit in your inner being the spirit in your inner being >> that Christ may dwell richly in your >> that Christ may dwell richly in your >> that Christ may dwell richly in your heart through faith. heart through faith. heart through faith. >> That word dwell means to to settle down >> That word dwell means to to settle down >> That word dwell means to to settle down permanently permanently permanently >> to make a home. The implication of the >> to make a home. The implication of the >> to make a home. The implication of the text, the pastor, is that Paul is text, the pastor, is that Paul is text, the pastor, is that Paul is praying against the tendency that some praying against the tendency that some praying against the tendency that some of us may have to treat Jesus like a of us may have to treat Jesus like a of us may have to treat Jesus like a visitor and not a resident. visitor and not a resident. visitor and not a resident. >> And it's clear that for some of us, >> And it's clear that for some of us, >> And it's clear that for some of us, Christ is moving in and moving out and a Christ is moving in and moving out and a Christ is moving in and moving out and a temporary resident at best because light temporary resident at best because light temporary resident at best because light and darkness can't occupy the same and darkness can't occupy the same and darkness can't occupy the same space. And if you got a nasty attitude space. And if you got a nasty attitude space. And if you got a nasty attitude and no joy and you're rude and can't and no joy and you're rude and can't and no joy and you're rude and can't speak to folks when they walk by and you speak to folks when they walk by and you speak to folks when they walk by and you think you better than other folks, then think you better than other folks, then think you better than other folks, then Paul is praying that you make room for Paul is praying that you make room for Paul is praying that you make room for the Christ who wants to dwell and not the Christ who wants to dwell and not the Christ who wants to dwell and not just dine and dash. The songwriter said, just dine and dash. The songwriter said, just dine and dash. The songwriter said, "Lord, I want to be a Christian in my "Lord, I want to be a Christian in my "Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart."

heart." heart." that that you being rooted and that that you being rooted and that that you being rooted and established in love may have power to established in love may have power to established in love may have power to grasp how long grasp how long grasp how long >> and high and deep is the love of God. >> and high and deep is the love of God. >> and high and deep is the love of God. >> How wide and long and high and deep is >> How wide and long and high and deep is >> How wide and long and high and deep is four dimensions. Paul again prays for four dimensions. Paul again prays for four dimensions. Paul again prays for the believer to have power to be able to the believer to have power to be able to the believer to have power to be able to attain the full expanse of the love of attain the full expanse of the love of attain the full expanse of the love of Christ. four dimensions that suggests Christ. four dimensions that suggests Christ. four dimensions that suggests the impossibility of escaping the the impossibility of escaping the the impossibility of escaping the vastness of the love of Christ. And Paul vastness of the love of Christ. And Paul vastness of the love of Christ. And Paul starts this portion off by praying that starts this portion off by praying that starts this portion off by praying that you're first rooted and established in you're first rooted and established in you're first rooted and established in love. love. love. >> That that that love is the firm >> That that that love is the firm >> That that that love is the firm foundation from which you're operating. foundation from which you're operating. foundation from which you're operating. That love is that which nourishes and uh That love is that which nourishes and uh That love is that which nourishes and uh and and keeps you grounded. And when and and keeps you grounded. And when and and keeps you grounded. And when that becomes your reality, Paul says, "I that becomes your reality, Paul says, "I that becomes your reality, Paul says, "I pray that you may have power along with pray that you may have power along with pray that you may have power along with all of the other different folks."

all of the other different folks." all of the other different folks." That's the literal translation. All of That's the literal translation. All of That's the literal translation. All of the other different folks, all the the other different folks, all the the other different folks, all the saints is what it's translated, y'all, saints is what it's translated, y'all, saints is what it's translated, y'all, with all with all with all be able to fully comprehend be able to fully comprehend be able to fully comprehend >> just how much >> just how much >> just how much >> Christ really loves you. >> Christ really loves you. >> Christ really loves you. that that you may know this love that that you may know this love that that you may know this love >> that surpasses knowledge >> that surpasses knowledge >> that surpasses knowledge >> that you may be filled to the measure of >> that you may be filled to the measure of >> that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. all the fullness of God. all the fullness of God. >> It's it's an intentional paradox. Paul >> It's it's an intentional paradox. Paul >> It's it's an intentional paradox. Paul prays that we would know what surpasses prays that we would know what surpasses prays that we would know what surpasses knowing because the way God's love is knowing because the way God's love is knowing because the way God's love is the way we love God. The the way let me the way we love God. The the way let me the way we love God. The the way let me say it this way. The way God's love is say it this way. The way God's love is say it this way. The way God's love is not the way we love. The way God loves not the way we love. The way God loves not the way we love. The way God loves is not the way we love. is not the way we love. is not the way we love. >> We don't naturally know or practice >> We don't naturally know or practice >> We don't naturally know or practice godlike love. We we are works in godlike love. We we are works in godlike love. We we are works in progress and and our love most often has progress and and our love most often has progress and and our love most often has limits.

limits. limits. >> And yet Paul prays that we come to know >> And yet Paul prays that we come to know >> And yet Paul prays that we come to know this love that surpasses knowledge to this love that surpasses knowledge to this love that surpasses knowledge to the end that we become the experience the end that we become the experience the end that we become the experience and we become the experience the and we become the experience the and we become the experience the manifestation of the image and likeness manifestation of the image and likeness manifestation of the image and likeness of God in and through our humanity. Paul of God in and through our humanity. Paul of God in and through our humanity. Paul says the church needs to look more like says the church needs to look more like says the church needs to look more like Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus who upset traditionalism and Jesus who upset traditionalism and Jesus who upset traditionalism and conventional mores. Jesus who associated conventional mores. Jesus who associated conventional mores. Jesus who associated with others deemed beneath him. Jesus with others deemed beneath him. Jesus with others deemed beneath him. Jesus who provided free healthc care to the who provided free healthc care to the who provided free healthc care to the sick. Jesus who fed the hungry. Jesus sick. Jesus who fed the hungry. Jesus sick. Jesus who fed the hungry. Jesus who provided mental health services to who provided mental health services to who provided mental health services to those in need. Jesus who put others those in need. Jesus who put others those in need. Jesus who put others before himself. Jesus who put people before himself. Jesus who put people before himself. Jesus who put people before policies. Jesus who loved without before policies. Jesus who loved without before policies. Jesus who loved without limits. Anybody want to look and live limits. Anybody want to look and live limits. Anybody want to look and live and love more like Jesus? and love more like Jesus? and love more like Jesus? now now now unto him. unto him. unto him. Paul Paul has to establish all of that Paul Paul has to establish all of that Paul Paul has to establish all of that foundation, all of that framework. Paul foundation, all of that framework. Paul foundation, all of that framework. Paul has to establish the theology and he has to establish the theology and he has to establish the theology and he prays his prayer and then he gets to his prays his prayer and then he gets to his prays his prayer and then he gets to his praise, his his praise. He says, "Now praise, his his praise. He says, "Now praise, his his praise. He says, "Now unto him," unto him," unto him," >> Paul Paul says, "Once we conclude that >> Paul Paul says, "Once we conclude that >> Paul Paul says, "Once we conclude that God's love is limitless and God's grace God's love is limitless and God's grace God's love is limitless and God's grace is accessible to all who call upon his is accessible to all who call upon his is accessible to all who call upon his name, we can move from prayer to name, we can move from prayer to name, we can move from prayer to praise." And this isn't some praise just praise." And this isn't some praise just praise." And this isn't some praise just slapped on top of a good message about slapped on top of a good message about slapped on top of a good message about what church should look like. This isn't what church should look like. This isn't what church should look like. This isn't an informed praise. We We ought to first

an informed praise. We We ought to first an informed praise. We We ought to first praise him because he's able. Rewind. Rewind. Press play. Press play. Press play. >> This is an informed praise. >> This is an informed praise. >> This is an informed praise. >> We ought to first praise God because God >> We ought to first praise God because God >> We ought to first praise God because God is able. >> Even when you're not able, God is able. >> Even when you're not able, God is able. When your friends ain't able, God is When your friends ain't able, God is When your friends ain't able, God is able. When your resources are limited, able. When your resources are limited, able. When your resources are limited, God is able. When you can't see your way God is able. When you can't see your way God is able. When you can't see your way through, God is able. God is able. God through, God is able. God is able. God through, God is able. God is able. God is able. Who am I talking to who can is able. Who am I talking to who can is able. Who am I talking to who can help me close this message and declare, help me close this message and declare, help me close this message and declare, "God is able." "God is able." "God is able." A and God God is superlative in said A and God God is superlative in said A and God God is superlative in said ability. Hey Kim, God is superlative in ability. Hey Kim, God is superlative in ability. Hey Kim, God is superlative in this ability. God is able to do this ability. God is able to do this ability. God is able to do exceeding. exceeding. exceeding. One scholar suggests that Paul Paul is One scholar suggests that Paul Paul is One scholar suggests that Paul Paul is grasping for language that doesn't grasping for language that doesn't grasping for language that doesn't exist.

exist. exist. >> So he says, "I want y'all to know God is >> So he says, "I want y'all to know God is >> So he says, "I want y'all to know God is able." able." able." >> That's not good enough. God is able >> That's not good enough. God is able >> That's not good enough. God is able to do. to do. to do. >> That doesn't quite get it. God is able >> That doesn't quite get it. God is able >> That doesn't quite get it. God is able to do exceeding. to do exceeding. to do exceeding. >> H not quite enough. God is able to do >> H not quite enough. God is able to do >> H not quite enough. God is able to do exceeding abundantly. exceeding abundantly. exceeding abundantly. Doesn't quite get it. God is able to do Doesn't quite get it. God is able to do Doesn't quite get it. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above. exceeding abundantly above. exceeding abundantly above. Still not quite there. God is able to do Still not quite there. God is able to do Still not quite there. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all. Something's missing. God is able to do Something's missing. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you can exceeding abundantly above all you can exceeding abundantly above all you can ask. Not quite getting it. God is able ask. Not quite getting it. God is able ask. Not quite getting it. God is able to do above all that you can think or to do above all that you can think or to do above all that you can think or imagine. Ahm imagine. Ahm imagine. Ahm close enough. God is able. He he Paul close enough. God is able. He he Paul close enough. God is able. He he Paul gives to us this superlative example of gives to us this superlative example of gives to us this superlative example of the ability of God that this is the God the ability of God that this is the God the ability of God that this is the God who can not just meet the need but do so who can not just meet the need but do so who can not just meet the need but do so extravagantly and excessively and extravagantly and excessively and extravagantly and excessively and extraordinarily. This This is the God extraordinarily. This This is the God extraordinarily. This This is the God who does stuff that leaves you who does stuff that leaves you who does stuff that leaves you scratching your head wondering how in scratching your head wondering how in scratching your head wondering how in the world God did that because God's the world God did that because God's the world God did that because God's ability overwhelms human calculations.

ability overwhelms human calculations. ability overwhelms human calculations. Where are the saints who have ever Where are the saints who have ever Where are the saints who have ever experienced an only God could do it experienced an only God could do it experienced an only God could do it testimony? Can I testify on a Sunday morning, he'll Can I testify on a Sunday morning, he'll do more than you ever expected. do more than you ever expected. do more than you ever expected. I'm talking eyepopping, jaw-dropping, I'm talking eyepopping, jaw-dropping, I'm talking eyepopping, jaw-dropping, mindblowing, context shifting, mindblowing, context shifting, mindblowing, context shifting, atmosphere changing, next level, atmosphere changing, next level, atmosphere changing, next level, supernatural, inexplicable blessings. supernatural, inexplicable blessings. supernatural, inexplicable blessings. Who am I talking to who knows that he'll Who am I talking to who knows that he'll Who am I talking to who knows that he'll do more than you ever expected? But wait, there's more. But wait, there's more. Paul says, "This isn't according to some Paul says, "This isn't according to some Paul says, "This isn't according to some power that doesn't yet exist in our power that doesn't yet exist in our power that doesn't yet exist in our midst. midst. midst. >> This is according to the power that's at >> This is according to the power that's at >> This is according to the power that's at work within us. work within us. work within us. The power is already present. The power is already present. The power is already present. >> The Holy Spirit is already active. The >> The Holy Spirit is already active. The >> The Holy Spirit is already active. The resurrection power that raised Jesus resurrection power that raised Jesus resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is already working among from the dead is already working among from the dead is already working among God's people. The church is not waiting God's people. The church is not waiting God's people. The church is not waiting for power. The church that is loving and for power. The church that is loving and for power. The church that is loving and liberating already has power.

liberating already has power. liberating already has power. And when you realize you've got the And when you realize you've got the And when you realize you've got the power, you recognize that God deserves power, you recognize that God deserves power, you recognize that God deserves the praise. To him be glory in the the praise. To him be glory in the the praise. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout church and in Christ Jesus throughout church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen. all generations forever and ever. Amen. all generations forever and ever. Amen. Because when grace reaches people who Because when grace reaches people who Because when grace reaches people who didn't deserve it, God gets glory. When didn't deserve it, God gets glory. When didn't deserve it, God gets glory. When sinners become saints, God gets glory. sinners become saints, God gets glory. sinners become saints, God gets glory. When wounded people find healing, God When wounded people find healing, God When wounded people find healing, God gets glory. When broken people find gets glory. When broken people find gets glory. When broken people find restoration, God gets glory. When lost restoration, God gets glory. When lost restoration, God gets glory. When lost people discover salvation, God gets people discover salvation, God gets people discover salvation, God gets glory. And Paul says that glory won't glory. And Paul says that glory won't glory. And Paul says that glory won't last for a season. It won't last for a last for a season. It won't last for a last for a season. It won't last for a generation. It won't last for an era. generation. It won't last for an era. generation. It won't last for an era. but unto all generations forever and but unto all generations forever and but unto all generations forever and ever. Which means Caesar's glory faded, ever. Which means Caesar's glory faded, ever. Which means Caesar's glory faded, Rome's glory faded, empires rose and Rome's glory faded, empires rose and Rome's glory faded, empires rose and fell, presidents come and go. fell, presidents come and go. fell, presidents come and go. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> Kingdoms appeared and disappeared. But >> Kingdoms appeared and disappeared. But >> Kingdoms appeared and disappeared. But the glory of God is still shining. That the glory of God is still shining. That the glory of God is still shining. That same God that saved Paul. That same God same God that saved Paul. That same God same God that saved Paul. That same God that opened doors for Gentiles. That that opened doors for Gentiles. That that opened doors for Gentiles. That same God that's sustained the early same God that's sustained the early same God that's sustained the early church. That same God that carried your church. That same God that carried your church. That same God that carried your grandmother through. That same God who grandmother through. That same God who grandmother through. That same God who brought you through danger seen and brought you through danger seen and brought you through danger seen and unseen. That same God who woke you up unseen. That same God who woke you up unseen. That same God who woke you up this morning. He's still able. Able to this morning. He's still able. Able to this morning. He's still able. Able to save, able to set free, able to heal, save, able to set free, able to heal, save, able to set free, able to heal, able to deliver, able to keep you in

able to deliver, able to keep you in able to deliver, able to keep you in your right mind, able to reconcile and your right mind, able to reconcile and your right mind, able to reconcile and restore and sustain and make a way out restore and sustain and make a way out restore and sustain and make a way out of nowhere. Is there anybody who can of nowhere. Is there anybody who can of nowhere. Is there anybody who can thank God that God is able? >> I'm in my seat. I'm in my seat. But but >> I'm in my seat. I'm in my seat. But but remember Paul is writing this remember Paul is writing this remember Paul is writing this >> from prison. >> from prison. >> from prison. Which means even if your immediate Which means even if your immediate Which means even if your immediate context doesn't suggest that God is context doesn't suggest that God is context doesn't suggest that God is hable, if you've got faith enough to hable, if you've got faith enough to hable, if you've got faith enough to know who your God is, you don't have to know who your God is, you don't have to know who your God is, you don't have to wait until the battle is over. But you can shout right now for every But you can shout right now for every mountain he's brought you over, for mountain he's brought you over, for mountain he's brought you over, for every trial he's seen you through, for every trial he's seen you through, for every trial he's seen you through, for every blessing. every blessing. every blessing. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Give him glory. Give him honor. Give him Give him glory. Give him honor. Give him Give him glory. Give him honor. Give him praise. Now unto him who is able

Come on and celebrate our able God on a Come on and celebrate our able God on a Sunday morning. Sunday morning. Sunday morning. Celebrate our able God this Sunday Celebrate our able God this Sunday Celebrate our able God this Sunday morning. morning. morning. What a mighty God we serve. What a mighty God we serve. What a mighty God we serve. How we thank God for the word of God How we thank God for the word of God How we thank God for the word of God >> presented to the people of God from the >> presented to the people of God from the >> presented to the people of God from the man of God who is Dr. Alexander EM man of God who is Dr. Alexander EM man of God who is Dr. Alexander EM Johnson. What a blessing today. Thank Johnson. What a blessing today. Thank Johnson. What a blessing today. Thank God for the word. God for the word. God for the word. Amen. That God who includes Jew and Gentile That God who includes Jew and Gentile alike. alike. alike. That God who never excludes but always never excludes but always includes, always invites. includes, always invites. includes, always invites. >> Whosoever will let her come, let him >> Whosoever will let her come, let him >> Whosoever will let her come, let him come. come. come. >> Same invitation that we give on this >> Same invitation that we give on this >> Same invitation that we give on this Sunday morning. Sunday morning. Sunday morning. If there's some person, some brother, If there's some person, some brother, If there's some person, some brother, some sister who has not yet engaged in some sister who has not yet engaged in some sister who has not yet engaged in relationship with the God who says, relationship with the God who says, relationship with the God who says, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are "Come unto me all ye that labor and are "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."

heavy laden and I will give you rest." heavy laden and I will give you rest." Door of the church stands open to you. Door of the church stands open to you. Door of the church stands open to you. The McMillan are going to come and stand The McMillan are going to come and stand The McMillan are going to come and stand with me now. And as they stand here with with me now. And as they stand here with with me now. And as they stand here with me, they literally extend from this me, they literally extend from this me, they literally extend from this pullpit and to all the pews of across pullpit and to all the pews of across pullpit and to all the pews of across our church along with other leaders who our church along with other leaders who our church along with other leaders who stand throughout the cathedral, they stand throughout the cathedral, they stand throughout the cathedral, they extend an invitation to some sister, extend an invitation to some sister, extend an invitation to some sister, some brother who says, "I need to be in some brother who says, "I need to be in some brother who says, "I need to be in relationship with that God that Dr. Jay relationship with that God that Dr. Jay relationship with that God that Dr. Jay just preached about. I need to be in just preached about. I need to be in just preached about. I need to be in relationship with the God who never relationship with the God who never relationship with the God who never turns anyone away." What a mighty God we turns anyone away." What a mighty God we turns anyone away." What a mighty God we serve. serve. serve. who never tell tells anyone that you're who never tell tells anyone that you're who never tell tells anyone that you're not welcome in the family. Sister, if not welcome in the family. Sister, if not welcome in the family. Sister, if that's you, I invite you to come toward that's you, I invite you to come toward that's you, I invite you to come toward me now. If that's you, my brother, I me now. If that's you, my brother, I me now. If that's you, my brother, I invite you to come toward me right now. invite you to come toward me right now. invite you to come toward me right now. If you're in the balcony, that's not too If you're in the balcony, that's not too If you're in the balcony, that's not too far to walk. Come on down these stairs far to walk. Come on down these stairs far to walk. Come on down these stairs to your left, to your right. If you're to your left, to your right. If you're to your left, to your right. If you're in the on the first floor of the in the on the first floor of the in the on the first floor of the cathedral, follow the hands that are cathedral, follow the hands that are cathedral, follow the hands that are extended to you and make your way down extended to you and make your way down extended to you and make your way down here. here. here. Let me introduce you to a God who loves Let me introduce you to a God who loves Let me introduce you to a God who loves you far beyond what you could ever you far beyond what you could ever you far beyond what you could ever imagine.

imagine. imagine. Will you say, "Pastor, I'm saved. I have Will you say, "Pastor, I'm saved. I have Will you say, "Pastor, I'm saved. I have a relationship with that God already, a relationship with that God already, a relationship with that God already, but I need a church family. I need a but I need a church family. I need a but I need a church family. I need a church home where I can grow and mature church home where I can grow and mature church home where I can grow and mature and develop and become the Christian and develop and become the Christian and develop and become the Christian that I need to become." We invite you to that I need to become." We invite you to that I need to become." We invite you to come to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church come to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church come to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and be a part of our church family. Here and be a part of our church family. Here and be a part of our church family. Here comes some even now. God bless you, dear comes some even now. God bless you, dear comes some even now. God bless you, dear sister, as you walk this way. Praise the sister, as you walk this way. Praise the sister, as you walk this way. Praise the Lord for your decision this Sunday Lord for your decision this Sunday Lord for your decision this Sunday morning. morning. morning. If you're here in the cathedral and you If you're here in the cathedral and you If you're here in the cathedral and you like my dear sister need to come and say like my dear sister need to come and say like my dear sister need to come and say yes to a great love, a love that is so yes to a great love, a love that is so yes to a great love, a love that is so amazing, now is the time. Sister, won't amazing, now is the time. Sister, won't amazing, now is the time. Sister, won't you come? Brother, won't you come? And you come? Brother, won't you come? And you come? Brother, won't you come? And as you come, we're going to sing this as you come, we're going to sing this as you come, we're going to sing this familiar song of the church and familiar song of the church and familiar song of the church and celebrate your presence among us. celebrate your presence among us. celebrate your presence among us. Whosoever will let her come. Whosoever Whosoever will let her come. Whosoever Whosoever will let her come. Whosoever will let him come. My friends, God is will let him come. My friends, God is will let him come. My friends, God is able to do able to do able to do just what he said he would do. He's going to fulfill this. God bless He's going to fulfill this. God bless you.

you. you. Praise the Lord for your decision. Praise the Lord for your decision. Praise the Lord for your decision. Praise the Lord. God bless you. Don't Praise the Lord. God bless you. Don't Praise the Lord. God bless you. Don't give up on God. Don't give up on God. give up on God. Don't give up on God. give up on God. Don't give up on God. Don't give up on. That's good news every day. That's good news every day. He's able. Come on and sing it like you He's able. Come on and sing it like you He's able. Come on and sing it like you know he's able. know he's able. know he's able. I'm so glad I know that to be true. I've I'm so glad I know that to be true. I've I'm so glad I know that to be true. I've seen the Lord's ability over and over. seen the Lord's ability over and over. seen the Lord's ability over and over. God is able to do God is able to do God is able to do a just what he said. Is there nothing this morning brother Is there nothing this morning brother insisted? Come on. Don't give up. insisted? Come on. Don't give up. insisted? Come on. Don't give up. We won't give up on you. We won't give up on you. We won't give up on you. Somebody sing it with perfect. Somebody sing it with perfect. Somebody sing it with perfect. Yeah.

Heat. Heat. Heat. is able. is able. God bless you. There you go. God bless you. There you go. God bless you. There you go. Praise the Lord. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give

Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Let me sing that again. Don't give up. Let me sing that again. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. He won't give up. He won't give up. He won't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give Don't give up. Don't give up. Don't give up. Oh God. up. Oh God. up. Oh God. cuz he won't be around. Sing it, church. cuz he won't be around. Sing it, church. cuz he won't be around. Sing it, church. He's able. He's able. He's able. Thank God for the ability of our great Thank God for the ability of our great Thank God for the ability of our great God. Church, Church, our family just got expanded to include our family just got expanded to include our family just got expanded to include three sisters. three sisters. three sisters. Can you celebrate our sisters this Can you celebrate our sisters this Can you celebrate our sisters this morning? morning? morning? Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. My dear sisters, on behalf of this My dear sisters, on behalf of this My dear sisters, on behalf of this entire congregation, this congregation entire congregation, this congregation entire congregation, this congregation that you can hear is celebrating your that you can hear is celebrating your that you can hear is celebrating your presence among us already. Welcome to presence among us already. Welcome to presence among us already. Welcome to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, your new Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, your new Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, your new church family. And we use that word church family. And we use that word church family. And we use that word intentionally because we are sisters and intentionally because we are sisters and intentionally because we are sisters and brothers one to another. So on behalf of brothers one to another. So on behalf of brothers one to another. So on behalf of all of us, we say to each one of you, all of us, we say to each one of you, all of us, we say to each one of you, welcome to Wheeler Avenue. We're glad welcome to Wheeler Avenue. We're glad welcome to Wheeler Avenue. We're glad you're here. I can't wait to see how you're here. I can't wait to see how you're here. I can't wait to see how your lives are going to be made better your lives are going to be made better your lives are going to be made better because you are part of our family and because you are part of our family and because you are part of our family and how our life as a congregation will be how our life as a congregation will be how our life as a congregation will be impacted because you're now here as impacted because you're now here as impacted because you're now here as members of the Wheeler Avenue Church. On members of the Wheeler Avenue Church. On members of the Wheeler Avenue Church. On behalf of all of us, we say to each of behalf of all of us, we say to each of behalf of all of us, we say to each of the three of you, welcome to Wheeler the three of you, welcome to Wheeler the three of you, welcome to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Come on, family.

Avenue Baptist Church. Come on, family. Avenue Baptist Church. Come on, family. Celebrate our new sisters. Celebrate our new sisters. Celebrate our new sisters. Praise the Lord for them. Deacon Mack, Praise the Lord for them. Deacon Mack, Praise the Lord for them. Deacon Mack, won't you raise your hand? That's Deacon won't you raise your hand? That's Deacon won't you raise your hand? That's Deacon McMillan. Will you follow him, please? McMillan. Will you follow him, please? McMillan. Will you follow him, please? and his beloved wife, Deus McMillan, and his beloved wife, Deus McMillan, and his beloved wife, Deus McMillan, going to follow all of you to make sure going to follow all of you to make sure going to follow all of you to make sure everybody gets where you need to be. And everybody gets where you need to be. And everybody gets where you need to be. And we're going to praise God for the we're going to praise God for the we're going to praise God for the trilogy of sisters that have come to be trilogy of sisters that have come to be trilogy of sisters that have come to be with us this Sunday morning. Amen. Amen. with us this Sunday morning. Amen. Amen. with us this Sunday morning. Amen. Amen. Well, thank God for the word of God that Well, thank God for the word of God that Well, thank God for the word of God that has been preached to us today by Doc has been preached to us today by Doc has been preached to us today by Doc Johnson. Amen. God bless you, bud. Johnson. Amen. God bless you, bud. Johnson. Amen. God bless you, bud. Praise God for you. Such a gifted man of Praise God for you. Such a gifted man of Praise God for you. Such a gifted man of God. God. God. and I celebrate the gift that he has and I celebrate the gift that he has and I celebrate the gift that he has been to us and that he will soon be to been to us and that he will soon be to been to us and that he will soon be to the Brentwood Church. Uh, and I'm the Brentwood Church. Uh, and I'm the Brentwood Church. Uh, and I'm grateful I many of you who've been here, grateful I many of you who've been here, grateful I many of you who've been here, you have the historical reflection and you have the historical reflection and you have the historical reflection and remembrance that it was more than 46 remembrance that it was more than 46 remembrance that it was more than 46 years ago that our founding pastor uh years ago that our founding pastor uh years ago that our founding pastor uh sent Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff to Brentwood sent Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff to Brentwood sent Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff to Brentwood to be their pastor. He served them for to be their pastor. He served them for to be their pastor. He served them for 46 years. And now we have the privilege 46 years. And now we have the privilege 46 years. And now we have the privilege of deputizing this great preacher and of deputizing this great preacher and of deputizing this great preacher and servant of God to go to do the same servant of God to go to do the same servant of God to go to do the same thing for the next iteration of the life thing for the next iteration of the life thing for the next iteration of the life of Brentwood Baptist Church and how we of Brentwood Baptist Church and how we of Brentwood Baptist Church and how we praise God for that. You'll hear more praise God for that. You'll hear more praise God for that. You'll hear more information about installation. They've information about installation. They've information about installation. They've got a lot of things that they've got got a lot of things that they've got got a lot of things that they've got going on. They got to celebrate Dr.

going on. They got to celebrate Dr. going on. They got to celebrate Dr. retirement, Dr. Ratner's retirement. retirement, Dr. Ratner's retirement. retirement, Dr. Ratner's retirement. They've got church anniversary coming They've got church anniversary coming They've got church anniversary coming up. Which church anniversary is this, up. Which church anniversary is this, up. Which church anniversary is this, Brother Lawrence? I should know. No, let Brother Lawrence? I should know. No, let Brother Lawrence? I should know. No, let me ask Dr. Johnson. Which church me ask Dr. Johnson. Which church me ask Dr. Johnson. Which church anniversary is coming up? Huh? Say anniversary is coming up? Huh? Say anniversary is coming up? Huh? Say again. I didn't think so. Which one is again. I didn't think so. Which one is again. I didn't think so. Which one is No. What? Which one's coming up? 62. No. What? Which one's coming up? 62. No. What? Which one's coming up? 62. Praise the Lord. They got their 62nd Praise the Lord. They got their 62nd Praise the Lord. They got their 62nd church anniversary coming up next month. church anniversary coming up next month. church anniversary coming up next month. Is that right? Next month. All right. Is that right? Next month. All right. Is that right? Next month. All right. There's 62. We're 64. Almost 65. And There's 62. We're 64. Almost 65. And There's 62. We're 64. Almost 65. And then they're going to celebrate pastor's then they're going to celebrate pastor's then they're going to celebrate pastor's installation. And we going to have all installation. And we going to have all installation. And we going to have all the information about that. and we're the information about that. and we're the information about that. and we're going to go over and celebrate uh in going to go over and celebrate uh in going to go over and celebrate uh in grand fashion what God is doing in the grand fashion what God is doing in the grand fashion what God is doing in the life of the Brentwood Church through Dr. life of the Brentwood Church through Dr. life of the Brentwood Church through Dr. Alexander Ian Johnson. Boy, I can't Alexander Ian Johnson. Boy, I can't Alexander Ian Johnson. Boy, I can't wait. Can't wait. Praise the Lord. Come wait. Can't wait. Praise the Lord. Come wait. Can't wait. Praise the Lord. Come on, man. Let's go. Let's make your way on, man. Let's go. Let's make your way on, man. Let's go. Let's make your way back to the back of the church and uh back to the back of the church and uh back to the back of the church and uh and uh let's go down this center. Look and uh let's go down this center. Look and uh let's go down this center. Look at her. He's so excited.

But chairman, we got a deacon to stand But chairman, we got a deacon to stand with him. We got a deacon to stand. with him. We got a deacon to stand. with him. We got a deacon to stand. Okay, chairman's going to stand with Okay, chairman's going to stand with Okay, chairman's going to stand with him. Praise the Lord. Our chairman's him. Praise the Lord. Our chairman's him. Praise the Lord. Our chairman's going to stand with him. If you have a going to stand with him. If you have a going to stand with him. If you have a gift, if you got a hug, got a word of gift, if you got a hug, got a word of gift, if you got a hug, got a word of encouragement, share it with him today. encouragement, share it with him today. encouragement, share it with him today. Whatever you're led to share with him, Whatever you're led to share with him, Whatever you're led to share with him, we invite you and encourage you to do we invite you and encourage you to do we invite you and encourage you to do that. Listen, we want to also thank God that. Listen, we want to also thank God that. Listen, we want to also thank God for one of the singest singingest for one of the singest singingest for one of the singest singingest ministries of music in all of Houston, ministries of music in all of Houston, ministries of music in all of Houston, Texas. Our mass choir has been asked to Texas. Our mass choir has been asked to Texas. Our mass choir has been asked to go to Austin, Texas tonight to celebrate go to Austin, Texas tonight to celebrate go to Austin, Texas tonight to celebrate the 100th church anniversary of St. John the 100th church anniversary of St. John the 100th church anniversary of St. John Church. Is that right? St. James Baptist Church. Is that right? St. James Baptist Church. Is that right? St. James Baptist Church. And so they're getting on a bus Church. And so they're getting on a bus Church. And so they're getting on a bus after the third service and they're after the third service and they're after the third service and they're going all the way to Austin. They're going all the way to Austin. They're going all the way to Austin. They're going to sing concert tonight. Will you going to sing concert tonight. Will you going to sing concert tonight. Will you pray for our music ministry, our mass pray for our music ministry, our mass pray for our music ministry, our mass choir as they get ready to go? Yeah. choir as they get ready to go? Yeah. choir as they get ready to go? Yeah. Thank you, Minister Lewis, for your Thank you, Minister Lewis, for your Thank you, Minister Lewis, for your leadership. Thank you. You can see they leadership. Thank you. You can see they leadership. Thank you. You can see they already have on there. I'm going to get already have on there. I'm going to get already have on there. I'm going to get them black. They got their black ready, them black. They got their black ready, them black. They got their black ready, boy, I tell you. And so, they're ready boy, I tell you. And so, they're ready boy, I tell you. And so, they're ready to go down and celebrate. I want you to to go down and celebrate. I want you to to go down and celebrate. I want you to have an absolutely amazing week. And have an absolutely amazing week. And have an absolutely amazing week. And know that there's a whole lot going on know that there's a whole lot going on know that there's a whole lot going on in Wheeler Avenue this week. Tomorrow in Wheeler Avenue this week. Tomorrow in Wheeler Avenue this week. Tomorrow night, of course, is our church meeting.

night, of course, is our church meeting. night, of course, is our church meeting. Tuesday is our prayer vigil. Wednesday Tuesday is our prayer vigil. Wednesday Tuesday is our prayer vigil. Wednesday is our uh day of prayer and study. And I is our uh day of prayer and study. And I is our uh day of prayer and study. And I hope that you will be a part of all that hope that you will be a part of all that hope that you will be a part of all that is taking place, especially over these is taking place, especially over these is taking place, especially over these next three days as we as a church next three days as we as a church next three days as we as a church strengthen our hands and our resolve to strengthen our hands and our resolve to strengthen our hands and our resolve to do the work of ministry as we move from do the work of ministry as we move from do the work of ministry as we move from one church year into the next. Our one church year into the next. Our one church year into the next. Our ushers and others have baskets back ushers and others have baskets back ushers and others have baskets back there just in case you have a gift uh there just in case you have a gift uh there just in case you have a gift uh that you want to place in that for Dr. that you want to place in that for Dr. that you want to place in that for Dr. Johnson. Uh but go in peace, my father's Johnson. Uh but go in peace, my father's Johnson. Uh but go in peace, my father's children, as we together love and serve children, as we together love and serve children, as we together love and serve the Lord. The Lord bless you. The Lord the Lord. The Lord bless you. The Lord the Lord. The Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. The Lord make his face to keep you. The Lord make his face to keep you. 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. The Lord lift the light of his The Lord lift the light of his 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, in your laughter, and likewise sorrow, in your laughter, and likewise sorrow, in your laughter, and likewise in your tears. Until that day when we in your tears. Until that day when we in your tears. Until that day when we meet the Lord face to face and cry holy, meet the Lord face to face and cry holy, meet the Lord face to face and cry holy, holy, holy to the Lord of hosts. Until holy, holy to the Lord of hosts. Until holy, holy to the Lord of hosts. Until that day, my brothers, my sisters, go in that day, my brothers, my sisters, go in that day, my brothers, my sisters, go in peace, go in love, go in joy. And may peace, go in love, go in joy. And may peace, go in love, go in joy. And may the very God of peace, love, and joy go the very God of peace, love, and joy go the very God of peace, love, and joy go with you now and forever in Jesus' name.

with you now and forever in Jesus' name. with you now and forever in Jesus' name. Amen. God bless you. Have a great week. Amen. God bless you. Have a great week. Amen. God bless you. Have a great week. We're leaving from the rear of the We're leaving from the rear of the We're leaving from the rear of the cathedral first. Those in the front of cathedral first. Those in the front of cathedral first. Those in the front of the cathedral, just share with one the cathedral, just share with one the cathedral, just share with one another for a little while. Dig it out, another for a little while. Dig it out, another for a little while. Dig it out, folks.