Kerry Shook: Return of The King

We're in this series I'm calling Heaven We're in this series I'm calling Heaven Changes Everything. And we're looking at Changes Everything. And we're looking at Changes Everything. And we're looking at what the Bible says about eternity. What what the Bible says about eternity. What what the Bible says about eternity. What happens after you die? What will heaven happens after you die? What will heaven happens after you die? What will heaven be like? What are the rewards in heaven? be like? What are the rewards in heaven? be like? What are the rewards in heaven? And this weekend, we're looking at the And this weekend, we're looking at the And this weekend, we're looking at the second coming of Jesus Christ. Because second coming of Jesus Christ. Because second coming of Jesus Christ. Because God wants you to know about his second God wants you to know about his second God wants you to know about his second coming. He wanted everyone to know about coming. He wanted everyone to know about coming. He wanted everyone to know about his first coming 2,000 years ago. So the his first coming 2,000 years ago. So the his first coming 2,000 years ago. So the prophets in the Old Testament foretold prophets in the Old Testament foretold prophets in the Old Testament foretold that God would come as a baby in a that God would come as a baby in a that God would come as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem manger in Bethlehem manger in Bethlehem because God wanted everyone to know and because God wanted everyone to know and because God wanted everyone to know and they still missed him. And the prophets they still missed him. And the prophets they still missed him. And the prophets in the Old and New Testament have in the Old and New Testament have in the Old and New Testament have prophesied about the second coming. In prophesied about the second coming. In prophesied about the second coming. In fact, the second coming of Christ is fact, the second coming of Christ is fact, the second coming of Christ is mentioned 318 times in the New Testament mentioned 318 times in the New Testament mentioned 318 times in the New Testament alone. alone. alone. The season of Jesus second coming is the The season of Jesus second coming is the The season of Jesus second coming is the most written about period in all the most written about period in all the most written about period in all the Bible. Now, why does the Bible have so Bible. Now, why does the Bible have so Bible. Now, why does the Bible have so much to say about the return of Christ?

much to say about the return of Christ? much to say about the return of Christ? Because understanding more about his Because understanding more about his Because understanding more about his second coming changes everything. If second coming changes everything. If second coming changes everything. If you're a believer, the more you learn you're a believer, the more you learn you're a believer, the more you learn about Christ's return, the more it about Christ's return, the more it about Christ's return, the more it changes how you live on earth. If you changes how you live on earth. If you changes how you live on earth. If you understand more about the second coming, understand more about the second coming, understand more about the second coming, you'll have more confidence and less you'll have more confidence and less you'll have more confidence and less fear. You'll have more strength when you fear. You'll have more strength when you fear. You'll have more strength when you face adversity in life. You'll live more face adversity in life. You'll live more face adversity in life. You'll live more passionately, taking risks in faith passionately, taking risks in faith passionately, taking risks in faith without holding back. You'll love with without holding back. You'll love with without holding back. You'll love with no limits. You'll love the people in no limits. You'll love the people in no limits. You'll love the people in your life better. You'll experience more your life better. You'll experience more your life better. You'll experience more peace and life will make so much more peace and life will make so much more peace and life will make so much more sense. sense. sense. Now, I'm always leerary of pastors and Now, I'm always leerary of pastors and Now, I'm always leerary of pastors and teachers who tell you they know every teachers who tell you they know every teachers who tell you they know every detail of everything that's going to detail of everything that's going to detail of everything that's going to happen in the future. They get out their happen in the future. They get out their happen in the future. They get out their charts and maps and they tell you dates charts and maps and they tell you dates charts and maps and they tell you dates and times when every single event is and times when every single event is and times when every single event is going to happen. And they tie every going to happen. And they tie every going to happen. And they tie every current event to something mentioned in current event to something mentioned in current event to something mentioned in Revelation. Revelation. Revelation. There's some crazy teachings out there There's some crazy teachings out there There's some crazy teachings out there on the second coming. on the second coming. on the second coming. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't teach But that doesn't mean we shouldn't teach But that doesn't mean we shouldn't teach on it. There are many things that are on it. There are many things that are on it. There are many things that are clear in scripture. And the Bible tells clear in scripture. And the Bible tells clear in scripture. And the Bible tells us it's really important to study the us it's really important to study the us it's really important to study the second coming because the king is second coming because the king is second coming because the king is returning.

returning. returning. And I believe it could be very very And I believe it could be very very And I believe it could be very very soon. soon. soon. With everything happening in the world With everything happening in the world With everything happening in the world today, I have people ask me, Carrie, are today, I have people ask me, Carrie, are today, I have people ask me, Carrie, are we living in the last days? we living in the last days? we living in the last days? Well, the Bible calls everything after Well, the Bible calls everything after Well, the Bible calls everything after Jesus died and rose again and ascended Jesus died and rose again and ascended Jesus died and rose again and ascended to heaven the last days. So yes, we're to heaven the last days. So yes, we're to heaven the last days. So yes, we're living in the last days. The real living in the last days. The real living in the last days. The real question is, are we living in the last question is, are we living in the last question is, are we living in the last of the last days? of the last days? of the last days? The Old Testament prophets prophesied The Old Testament prophets prophesied The Old Testament prophets prophesied that Israel would return as a nation and that Israel would return as a nation and that Israel would return as a nation and Jerusalem would again be ruled by the Jerusalem would again be ruled by the Jerusalem would again be ruled by the Jewish people before Christ returns. Jewish people before Christ returns. Jewish people before Christ returns. And all that happens in Revelation is And all that happens in Revelation is And all that happens in Revelation is predicated on Israel being a nation and predicated on Israel being a nation and predicated on Israel being a nation and Jewish authority over Jerusalem. Jewish authority over Jerusalem. Jewish authority over Jerusalem. And after 2,000 years of the Jewish And after 2,000 years of the Jewish And after 2,000 years of the Jewish people being dispersed all over the people being dispersed all over the people being dispersed all over the world and not having a nation, Israel world and not having a nation, Israel world and not having a nation, Israel became a nation again in 1948. And became a nation again in 1948. And became a nation again in 1948. And Jerusalem came under Jewish rule in Jerusalem came under Jewish rule in Jerusalem came under Jewish rule in 1967, 1967, 1967, just as the Bible prophesied.

just as the Bible prophesied. just as the Bible prophesied. And before that, for hundreds of years, And before that, for hundreds of years, And before that, for hundreds of years, there were skeptics who who would read there were skeptics who who would read there were skeptics who who would read these prophecies and say, "Yeah, there's these prophecies and say, "Yeah, there's these prophecies and say, "Yeah, there's no such thing as the return of Jesus no such thing as the return of Jesus no such thing as the return of Jesus Christ." I mean, you know, there would Christ." I mean, you know, there would Christ." I mean, you know, there would have to be a Jewish nation. Israel would have to be a Jewish nation. Israel would have to be a Jewish nation. Israel would have to come back and no such thing. have to come back and no such thing. have to come back and no such thing. That'll never happen. And then in 1948, That'll never happen. And then in 1948, That'll never happen. And then in 1948, it did. 1967, it did. 1967, it did. 1967, then Jerusalem was under Jewish rule. It then Jerusalem was under Jewish rule. It then Jerusalem was under Jewish rule. It happened just as the Bible prophesied. happened just as the Bible prophesied. happened just as the Bible prophesied. 100% of biblical prophecy 100% of biblical prophecy 100% of biblical prophecy that is supposed to have already taken that is supposed to have already taken that is supposed to have already taken place has taken place. place has taken place. place has taken place. And the rest that haven't taken place, And the rest that haven't taken place, And the rest that haven't taken place, like the second coming, like the second coming, like the second coming, you can bet they're going to be 100% you can bet they're going to be 100% you can bet they're going to be 100% fulfilled. So the question is, are we fulfilled. So the question is, are we fulfilled. So the question is, are we living in the last of the last days? I living in the last of the last days? I living in the last of the last days? I think it's more than likely. think it's more than likely. think it's more than likely. Well, the Bible says there are two Well, the Bible says there are two Well, the Bible says there are two phases of Christ's return. There's the phases of Christ's return. There's the phases of Christ's return. There's the rapture and the reign. First, the rapture and the reign. First, the rapture and the reign. First, the rapture. When Christ returns to gather rapture. When Christ returns to gather rapture. When Christ returns to gather his followers up to meet him in the his followers up to meet him in the his followers up to meet him in the clouds. That's the rapture. And then I clouds. That's the rapture. And then I clouds. That's the rapture. And then I believe the scripture points to the believe the scripture points to the believe the scripture points to the seven years of great tribulation seven years of great tribulation seven years of great tribulation happening after the rapture. And those happening after the rapture. And those happening after the rapture. And those seven years are described as the most seven years are described as the most seven years are described as the most terrible time ever on earth. Then after terrible time ever on earth. Then after terrible time ever on earth. Then after the seven years of tribulation comes the the seven years of tribulation comes the the seven years of tribulation comes the second phase of Christ's return. Christ second phase of Christ's return. Christ second phase of Christ's return. Christ will then return with all Christ will then return with all Christ will then return with all Christ followers to set up his rule and his followers to set up his rule and his followers to set up his rule and his reign on this earth. And that's when reign on this earth. And that's when reign on this earth. And that's when we'll have the new heaven and the new we'll have the new heaven and the new we'll have the new heaven and the new earth. and will rule and reign with him

earth. and will rule and reign with him earth. and will rule and reign with him and all that is wrong will be made all and all that is wrong will be made all and all that is wrong will be made all right. So there are two phases of the right. So there are two phases of the right. So there are two phases of the second coming. The rapture then the second coming. The rapture then the second coming. The rapture then the reign of Christ. Now I want us to look reign of Christ. Now I want us to look reign of Christ. Now I want us to look at our key passage because it is so at our key passage because it is so at our key passage because it is so encouraging and that's one of the encouraging and that's one of the encouraging and that's one of the reasons we're to study the second coming reasons we're to study the second coming reasons we're to study the second coming is because it brings encouragement to is because it brings encouragement to is because it brings encouragement to Christ followers. So would you stand in Christ followers. So would you stand in Christ followers. So would you stand in honor of God's word? 1 Corinthians honor of God's word? 1 Corinthians honor of God's word? 1 Corinthians chapter 15, beginning with verse 51. chapter 15, beginning with verse 51. chapter 15, beginning with verse 51. The Apostle Paul says, "But let me tell The Apostle Paul says, "But let me tell The Apostle Paul says, "But let me tell you something wonderful, a mystery I'll you something wonderful, a mystery I'll you something wonderful, a mystery I'll probably never fully understand. We're probably never fully understand. We're probably never fully understand. We're not all going to die, but we all are not all going to die, but we all are not all going to die, but we all are going to be changed." You hear a blast going to be changed." You hear a blast going to be changed." You hear a blast to end all blast from a trumpet, and in to end all blast from a trumpet, and in to end all blast from a trumpet, and in the time that you look up and blink your the time that you look up and blink your the time that you look up and blink your eyes, it's over. on signal from that eyes, it's over. on signal from that eyes, it's over. on signal from that trumpet from heaven. The dead will be up trumpet from heaven. The dead will be up trumpet from heaven. The dead will be up and out of their graves beyond the reach and out of their graves beyond the reach and out of their graves beyond the reach of death, never to die again at the same of death, never to die again at the same of death, never to die again at the same moment and in the same manner will all moment and in the same manner will all moment and in the same manner will all be changed. In the resurrection scheme be changed. In the resurrection scheme be changed. In the resurrection scheme of things, this has to happen.

of things, this has to happen. of things, this has to happen. Everything perishable taken off the Everything perishable taken off the Everything perishable taken off the shelves and replaced by the shelves and replaced by the shelves and replaced by the imperishable. This mortal replaced by imperishable. This mortal replaced by imperishable. This mortal replaced by the immortal. Then the saying will come the immortal. Then the saying will come the immortal. Then the saying will come true. Death swallowed by triumphant true. Death swallowed by triumphant true. Death swallowed by triumphant life. Who got the last word? Oh death. life. Who got the last word? Oh death. life. Who got the last word? Oh death. Oh death, who's afraid of you now? It Oh death, who's afraid of you now? It Oh death, who's afraid of you now? It was sin that made death so frightening was sin that made death so frightening was sin that made death so frightening and law code guilt that gave sin its and law code guilt that gave sin its and law code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now leverage, its destructive power. But now leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of life, in a single victorious stroke of life, in a single victorious stroke of life, all three, sin, guilt, death are gone. all three, sin, guilt, death are gone. all three, sin, guilt, death are gone. The gift of our master Jesus Christ. The gift of our master Jesus Christ. The gift of our master Jesus Christ. Thank God. With all this going for us, Thank God. With all this going for us, Thank God. With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground my dear, dear friends, stand your ground my dear, dear friends, stand your ground and don't hold back. Throw yourselves and don't hold back. Throw yourselves and don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the master, confident into the work of the master, confident into the work of the master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste that nothing you do for him is a waste that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort. You can be seated. of time or effort. You can be seated. of time or effort. You can be seated. This passage is so powerful and so This passage is so powerful and so This passage is so powerful and so encouraging for all Christ followers. If encouraging for all Christ followers. If encouraging for all Christ followers. If you understand this about the second you understand this about the second you understand this about the second coming, it will change your life. It coming, it will change your life. It coming, it will change your life. It will enable you to release your fears, will enable you to release your fears, will enable you to release your fears, to renew your faith, and to refocus your to renew your faith, and to refocus your to renew your faith, and to refocus your priorities on the things that really priorities on the things that really priorities on the things that really matter. So, I want to ask a few matter. So, I want to ask a few matter. So, I want to ask a few questions today and answer them from questions today and answer them from questions today and answer them from God's word. First, what will happen when God's word. First, what will happen when God's word. First, what will happen when Christ returns?

Christ returns? Christ returns? Let's look at First Thessalonians 4:16. Let's look at First Thessalonians 4:16. Let's look at First Thessalonians 4:16. Paul says, "For the Lord himself will Paul says, "For the Lord himself will Paul says, "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud come down from heaven with a loud come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the command, with the voice of the command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of archangel, and with the trumpet call of archangel, and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise God, and the dead in Christ will rise God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still first. After that, we who are still first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up alive and are left will be caught up alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet together with them in the clouds to meet together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be the Lord in the air. And so we will be the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, with the Lord forever. Therefore, with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage one another with these words. encourage one another with these words. encourage one another with these words. There it is again. Encourage one another There it is again. Encourage one another There it is again. Encourage one another with these words. I'm encouraging you with these words. I'm encouraging you with these words. I'm encouraging you with these words. with these words. with these words. Now, I want you to focus on that phrase Now, I want you to focus on that phrase Now, I want you to focus on that phrase caught up in that passage. caught up in that passage. caught up in that passage. Caught up. That's where we get the word Caught up. That's where we get the word Caught up. That's where we get the word rapture from this Greek word for caught rapture from this Greek word for caught rapture from this Greek word for caught up. Harpedo. It just means caught up, up. Harpedo. It just means caught up, up. Harpedo. It just means caught up, snatched away. snatched away. snatched away. And so what will that be like? First, And so what will that be like? First, And so what will that be like? First, this passage tells us that Jesus Christ this passage tells us that Jesus Christ this passage tells us that Jesus Christ himself himself himself will come back in the clouds. It's not will come back in the clouds. It's not will come back in the clouds. It's not an angel coming back to get us. It's the an angel coming back to get us. It's the an angel coming back to get us. It's the return of the king. The first time he return of the king. The first time he return of the king. The first time he came, he came as a little baby, totally came, he came as a little baby, totally came, he came as a little baby, totally dependent and helpless. But the next dependent and helpless. But the next dependent and helpless. But the next time he comes, he's coming back as the time he comes, he's coming back as the time he comes, he's coming back as the all powerful, almighty king of kings and all powerful, almighty king of kings and all powerful, almighty king of kings and lord of lords. And the king is coming.

lord of lords. And the king is coming. lord of lords. And the king is coming. Let's look and break it down in first Let's look and break it down in first Let's look and break it down in first Thessalonians Thessalonians Thessalonians chapter 4. chapter 4. chapter 4. It says, It says, It says, "For the Lord himself will come down "For the Lord himself will come down "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven." Isn't it great to know from heaven." Isn't it great to know from heaven." Isn't it great to know that your king is coming back for you? that your king is coming back for you? that your king is coming back for you? He's coming back for you. When things He's coming back for you. When things He's coming back for you. When things get tough in this broken, sinick world, get tough in this broken, sinick world, get tough in this broken, sinick world, when life gets painful, when you feel when life gets painful, when you feel when life gets painful, when you feel alone, just remember your king is alone, just remember your king is alone, just remember your king is thinking about you and he's coming back thinking about you and he's coming back thinking about you and he's coming back for you. He hasn't forgotten you. He for you. He hasn't forgotten you. He for you. He hasn't forgotten you. He hasn't left you. He is coming for you. hasn't left you. He is coming for you. hasn't left you. He is coming for you. He loves you. He loves you. He loves you. Well, let's look at it again in 1 Well, let's look at it again in 1 Well, let's look at it again in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. It says with the Thessalonians 4:16. It says with the Thessalonians 4:16. It says with the trumpet call of God, trumpet call of God, trumpet call of God, the Jewish festival Rashashana was and the Jewish festival Rashashana was and the Jewish festival Rashashana was and still is celebrated with the chauffear, still is celebrated with the chauffear, still is celebrated with the chauffear, the ram's horn is the trumpet that they the ram's horn is the trumpet that they the ram's horn is the trumpet that they would blow. This ram's horn that they'd would blow. This ram's horn that they'd would blow. This ram's horn that they'd blow and it would assemble the people.

blow and it would assemble the people. blow and it would assemble the people. Now, when Jesus returns, God's voice is Now, when Jesus returns, God's voice is Now, when Jesus returns, God's voice is going to be the trumpet, going to be the trumpet, going to be the trumpet, and he's going to call out and all and he's going to call out and all and he's going to call out and all Christ's followers are going to be Christ's followers are going to be Christ's followers are going to be caught up to meet him in the air. I want caught up to meet him in the air. I want caught up to meet him in the air. I want you to also see that it will happen you to also see that it will happen you to also see that it will happen instantly and unexpectedly. And I'm instantly and unexpectedly. And I'm instantly and unexpectedly. And I'm talking here about the part of Christ's talking here about the part of Christ's talking here about the part of Christ's return, that's the rapture. return, that's the rapture. return, that's the rapture. It'll happen instantly and unexpectedly. It'll happen instantly and unexpectedly. It'll happen instantly and unexpectedly. In 1 Corinthians 15:52, In 1 Corinthians 15:52, In 1 Corinthians 15:52, it says, "In a flash, in the twinkling it says, "In a flash, in the twinkling it says, "In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet." Now, of an eye, at the last trumpet." Now, of an eye, at the last trumpet." Now, that Greek word for flash is atomos. And that Greek word for flash is atomos. And that Greek word for flash is atomos. And it's where we get our word atom from. it's where we get our word atom from. it's where we get our word atom from. And when we're referring to time, it And when we're referring to time, it And when we're referring to time, it means an indivisible point of time, an means an indivisible point of time, an means an indivisible point of time, an instant. According to quantum physics, instant. According to quantum physics, instant. According to quantum physics, the indivisible point of time is called the indivisible point of time is called the indivisible point of time is called plank. It's when you get to the point plank. It's when you get to the point plank. It's when you get to the point it's impossible to shorten time any it's impossible to shorten time any it's impossible to shorten time any further. further. further. It means everything is going to be going It means everything is going to be going It means everything is going to be going along as normal in life.

along as normal in life. along as normal in life. Most people aren't thinking about Most people aren't thinking about Most people aren't thinking about Christ's return. They're just doing what Christ's return. They're just doing what Christ's return. They're just doing what they've always done. Everything seems they've always done. Everything seems they've always done. Everything seems the same. And then boom, in an atomic the same. And then boom, in an atomic the same. And then boom, in an atomic second, Christ is going to return and second, Christ is going to return and second, Christ is going to return and everything's going to change. And then it says that the dead in Christ And then it says that the dead in Christ will rise first. In 1 Thessalonians will rise first. In 1 Thessalonians will rise first. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 4:16, 4:16, the dead in Christ will rise first. So the dead in Christ will rise first. So the dead in Christ will rise first. So what does this mean? All the believers what does this mean? All the believers what does this mean? All the believers who have died and their spirits have who have died and their spirits have who have died and their spirits have gone to be with the Lord in heaven are gone to be with the Lord in heaven are gone to be with the Lord in heaven are going to get a new resurrected body. going to get a new resurrected body. going to get a new resurrected body. Well, the question then is, I mean, Well, the question then is, I mean, Well, the question then is, I mean, Carrie, I mean, when you die, when a Carrie, I mean, when you die, when a Carrie, I mean, when you die, when a Christ father dies, don't they go Christ father dies, don't they go Christ father dies, don't they go immediately to heaven? I mean, they're immediately to heaven? I mean, they're immediately to heaven? I mean, they're still in their body still in the grave. still in their body still in the grave. still in their body still in the grave. And I I mean, what's going on here? Yes, And I I mean, what's going on here? Yes, And I I mean, what's going on here? Yes, the Bible says absent from the body the Bible says absent from the body the Bible says absent from the body means to be present with the Lord. So, means to be present with the Lord. So, means to be present with the Lord. So, when a Christ follower dies, instantly when a Christ follower dies, instantly when a Christ follower dies, instantly their spirit goes to heaven. They're their spirit goes to heaven. They're their spirit goes to heaven. They're recognizable spirit, who they really recognizable spirit, who they really recognizable spirit, who they really are.

are. are. But then when Christ returns, But then when Christ returns, But then when Christ returns, they'll be reunited with their body and they'll be reunited with their body and they'll be reunited with their body and they will get a new glorified, perfect they will get a new glorified, perfect they will get a new glorified, perfect body. body. body. perfect spirit, perfect body, totally perfect spirit, perfect body, totally perfect spirit, perfect body, totally perfected. See, only Jesus right now has perfected. See, only Jesus right now has perfected. See, only Jesus right now has a resurrected body. Only Jesus right now a resurrected body. Only Jesus right now a resurrected body. Only Jesus right now has that glorified body because when he has that glorified body because when he has that glorified body because when he rose from the dead, rose from the dead, rose from the dead, you remember that they could touch the you remember that they could touch the you remember that they could touch the nail scars in his hands and in his side. nail scars in his hands and in his side. nail scars in his hands and in his side. He ate fish with them, but it was a He ate fish with them, but it was a He ate fish with them, but it was a perfect glorified body. Then he could perfect glorified body. Then he could perfect glorified body. Then he could also walk through walls and and appear also walk through walls and and appear also walk through walls and and appear instantly instantly instantly because he had this heavenly body and is because he had this heavenly body and is because he had this heavenly body and is a resurrected body and and a body that a resurrected body and and a body that a resurrected body and and a body that could be on this earth. And so we won't could be on this earth. And so we won't could be on this earth. And so we won't need those glorified bodies until Christ need those glorified bodies until Christ need those glorified bodies until Christ returns because when he returns then returns because when he returns then returns because when he returns then we'll rule and reign with him on earth we'll rule and reign with him on earth we'll rule and reign with him on earth for the millennial reign. And so we'll for the millennial reign. And so we'll for the millennial reign. And so we'll have a body in heaven and earth ruling have a body in heaven and earth ruling have a body in heaven and earth ruling and reigning, that perfect glorified and reigning, that perfect glorified and reigning, that perfect glorified body.

body. body. And then it also says we will meet And then it also says we will meet And then it also says we will meet Christ in the air. In 1 Thessalonians Christ in the air. In 1 Thessalonians Christ in the air. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, it says after that, we who are 4:17, it says after that, we who are 4:17, it says after that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught still alive and are left will be caught still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to up together with them in the clouds to up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. meet the Lord in the air. meet the Lord in the air. And so it will be sort of like And so it will be sort of like And so it will be sort of like a giant magnet. Christ will be like the a giant magnet. Christ will be like the a giant magnet. Christ will be like the giant magnet as he returns in that giant magnet as he returns in that giant magnet as he returns in that atomic second, in a flash, in the atomic second, in a flash, in the atomic second, in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, like a thief in the twinkling of an eye, like a thief in the twinkling of an eye, like a thief in the night. Boom. He'll return like the huge night. Boom. He'll return like the huge night. Boom. He'll return like the huge magnet. And every Christ follower has magnet. And every Christ follower has magnet. And every Christ follower has the Holy Spirit. You see, if you have the Holy Spirit. You see, if you have the Holy Spirit. You see, if you have the Holy Spirit in you, when you receive the Holy Spirit in you, when you receive the Holy Spirit in you, when you receive Christ, the Holy Spirit of God comes to Christ, the Holy Spirit of God comes to Christ, the Holy Spirit of God comes to live in your life. The Holy Spirit is live in your life. The Holy Spirit is live in your life. The Holy Spirit is like the metal that's attracted to the like the metal that's attracted to the like the metal that's attracted to the magnet. And when the magnet appears, the magnet. And when the magnet appears, the magnet. And when the magnet appears, the metal of the Holy Spirit in us metal of the Holy Spirit in us metal of the Holy Spirit in us will be raised up to be connected to the will be raised up to be connected to the will be raised up to be connected to the magnet. The magnet will draw us to magnet. The magnet will draw us to magnet. The magnet will draw us to himself himself himself when he returns. We will be caught up, when he returns. We will be caught up, when he returns. We will be caught up, raptured up to meet him in the air.

raptured up to meet him in the air. raptured up to meet him in the air. Well, what will happen after Christ Well, what will happen after Christ Well, what will happen after Christ returns? returns? returns? Jesus tells us what is going to happen Jesus tells us what is going to happen Jesus tells us what is going to happen in Matthew 24:21. It says, "For then in Matthew 24:21. It says, "For then in Matthew 24:21. It says, "For then there'll be a great tribulation such as there'll be a great tribulation such as there'll be a great tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of has not occurred since the beginning of has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will." the world until now, nor ever will." the world until now, nor ever will." So after the rapture, there'll be seven So after the rapture, there'll be seven So after the rapture, there'll be seven years of what the Bible calls the great years of what the Bible calls the great years of what the Bible calls the great tribulation. It's a seven-year period tribulation. It's a seven-year period tribulation. It's a seven-year period that will be unimaginable terror and that will be unimaginable terror and that will be unimaginable terror and disaster after disaster after disaster. disaster after disaster after disaster. disaster after disaster after disaster. Be total chaos in the world. Be total chaos in the world. Be total chaos in the world. Now, I have to say that Christian Now, I have to say that Christian Now, I have to say that Christian theologians disagree about when the theologians disagree about when the theologians disagree about when the tribulation will take place. Everyone tribulation will take place. Everyone tribulation will take place. Everyone knows it's seven years. The Bible says knows it's seven years. The Bible says knows it's seven years. The Bible says that real clearly. And I believe that that real clearly. And I believe that that real clearly. And I believe that the rapture is going to take place the rapture is going to take place the rapture is going to take place before the seven years of tribulation. before the seven years of tribulation. before the seven years of tribulation. Yet, Christ followers will be caught up Yet, Christ followers will be caught up Yet, Christ followers will be caught up before the tribulation. The Bible before the tribulation. The Bible before the tribulation. The Bible doesn't specifically say that, but doesn't specifically say that, but doesn't specifically say that, but there's several passages that lead me to there's several passages that lead me to there's several passages that lead me to believe that. But there are some believe that. But there are some believe that. But there are some theologians that believe there's a theologians that believe there's a theologians that believe there's a mid-tribulation rapture. They believe mid-tribulation rapture. They believe mid-tribulation rapture. They believe Christ's followers will go through the Christ's followers will go through the Christ's followers will go through the first three and a half years of the first three and a half years of the first three and a half years of the great tribulation. Then Christ will great tribulation. Then Christ will great tribulation. Then Christ will return and there'll be the last three return and there'll be the last three return and there'll be the last three and a half years of tribulation. And and a half years of tribulation. And and a half years of tribulation. And then there are those who believe that then there are those who believe that then there are those who believe that Christians will go through all seven Christians will go through all seven Christians will go through all seven years of the terrible tribulation before years of the terrible tribulation before years of the terrible tribulation before Christ returns. No one knows for sure.

Christ returns. No one knows for sure. Christ returns. No one knows for sure. But I certainly hope it's not the last But I certainly hope it's not the last But I certainly hope it's not the last one, you know. But I I do believe, not one, you know. But I I do believe, not one, you know. But I I do believe, not just because of that, I do believe that just because of that, I do believe that just because of that, I do believe that in the context of scripture, it points in the context of scripture, it points in the context of scripture, it points more clearly to Christ coming back for more clearly to Christ coming back for more clearly to Christ coming back for believers before the seven years of believers before the seven years of believers before the seven years of tribulation. Look at Revelation 3:10. tribulation. Look at Revelation 3:10. tribulation. Look at Revelation 3:10. And by the way, before this, And by the way, before this, And by the way, before this, you know, it um talks about Christ you know, it um talks about Christ you know, it um talks about Christ followers, then it talks about Christ followers, then it talks about Christ followers, then it talks about Christ coming back, coming back, coming back, the rapture, and then after that, the rapture, and then after that, the rapture, and then after that, Revelation talks about the great Revelation talks about the great Revelation talks about the great tribulation. after the rapture has tribulation. after the rapture has tribulation. after the rapture has occurred. And Revelation 3:10, it says, occurred. And Revelation 3:10, it says, occurred. And Revelation 3:10, it says, "Since you have kept my command to "Since you have kept my command to "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you endure patiently, I will also keep you endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to from the hour of trial that is going to from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the come on the whole world to test the come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth." And that inhabitants of the earth." And that inhabitants of the earth." And that leads me to believe that the rapture leads me to believe that the rapture leads me to believe that the rapture takes place. Christ's followers are takes place. Christ's followers are takes place. Christ's followers are caught up, taken out, and then the seven caught up, taken out, and then the seven caught up, taken out, and then the seven years of tribulation occurs. It makes years of tribulation occurs. It makes years of tribulation occurs. It makes sense to me that God wouldn't leave his sense to me that God wouldn't leave his sense to me that God wouldn't leave his followers on this earth to experience followers on this earth to experience followers on this earth to experience judgment. judgment. judgment. Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ."

no condemnation for those in Christ." no condemnation for those in Christ." Now, what are the signs of Christ's Now, what are the signs of Christ's Now, what are the signs of Christ's return? All throughout scripture, I return? All throughout scripture, I return? All throughout scripture, I mean, all throughout history, people mean, all throughout history, people mean, all throughout history, people have tried to look at scripture and have tried to look at scripture and have tried to look at scripture and predict the exact time that Christ is predict the exact time that Christ is predict the exact time that Christ is going to come back. But the scripture going to come back. But the scripture going to come back. But the scripture clearly says that no one knows the day clearly says that no one knows the day clearly says that no one knows the day nor the hour, only the father. And that nor the hour, only the father. And that nor the hour, only the father. And that the father hasn't even yet revealed it the father hasn't even yet revealed it the father hasn't even yet revealed it to the son, Jesus. Jesus has chosen not to the son, Jesus. Jesus has chosen not to the son, Jesus. Jesus has chosen not to know the day of his return. But there to know the day of his return. But there to know the day of his return. But there will come a day when the father will say will come a day when the father will say will come a day when the father will say to the son, "Okay, it's time to get our to the son, "Okay, it's time to get our to the son, "Okay, it's time to get our children. It's time for you to return, children. It's time for you to return, children. It's time for you to return, King of Kings. It's time for you to go King of Kings. It's time for you to go King of Kings. It's time for you to go get our children and gather them up. get our children and gather them up. get our children and gather them up. Bring them home." Now, whenever a Bible Bring them home." Now, whenever a Bible Bring them home." Now, whenever a Bible teacher or some spiritual guru says, teacher or some spiritual guru says, teacher or some spiritual guru says, "I've got all the charts and the maps. "I've got all the charts and the maps. "I've got all the charts and the maps. I've broken the secret Bible code. I I've broken the secret Bible code. I I've broken the secret Bible code. I know exactly when Christ is coming back. know exactly when Christ is coming back. know exactly when Christ is coming back. I know the date for the end of the I know the date for the end of the I know the date for the end of the world. And we've heard that several world. And we've heard that several world. And we've heard that several times, haven't I? I I've heard it in my times, haven't I? I I've heard it in my times, haven't I? I I've heard it in my lifetime several times. There was a NASA lifetime several times. There was a NASA lifetime several times. There was a NASA scientist, Edgar Wizen, that wrote a scientist, Edgar Wizen, that wrote a scientist, Edgar Wizen, that wrote a book in 1987 called 88 Reasons Why Jesus book in 1987 called 88 Reasons Why Jesus book in 1987 called 88 Reasons Why Jesus is Coming Back in 1988.

is Coming Back in 1988. is Coming Back in 1988. It sounded really good. This dude was a It sounded really good. This dude was a It sounded really good. This dude was a scientist from NASA and sounded really scientist from NASA and sounded really scientist from NASA and sounded really good and a lot of people believe it. Was good and a lot of people believe it. Was good and a lot of people believe it. Was a bestseller in 1987, a bestseller in 1987, a bestseller in 1987, but after 1988, didn't sell a copy. I but after 1988, didn't sell a copy. I but after 1988, didn't sell a copy. I don't think you know don't think you know don't think you know unless someone didn't realize the date but whenever someone says hey I know but whenever someone says hey I know figured it out done the math this is the figured it out done the math this is the figured it out done the math this is the date when Christ is coming back you can date when Christ is coming back you can date when Christ is coming back you can guarantee it's not going to be that date guarantee it's not going to be that date guarantee it's not going to be that date you don't know when but it's certainly you don't know when but it's certainly you don't know when but it's certainly not going to be that one because the not going to be that one because the not going to be that one because the Bible says no one knows the day or the Bible says no one knows the day or the Bible says no one knows the day or the hour hour hour but Jesus and the scripture give us some but Jesus and the scripture give us some but Jesus and the scripture give us some signs that we need to be aware of that signs that we need to be aware of that signs that we need to be aware of that means we're getting close. And he told means we're getting close. And he told means we're getting close. And he told us the one big sign that means we're us the one big sign that means we're us the one big sign that means we're really, really close at that point. really, really close at that point. really, really close at that point. After this sign, drop the mic. It's After this sign, drop the mic. It's After this sign, drop the mic. It's time. time. time. So, let's look at it. Jesus said this in So, let's look at it. Jesus said this in So, let's look at it. Jesus said this in Matthew 24:5. Matthew 24:5. Matthew 24:5. For many will come in my name, claiming, For many will come in my name, claiming, For many will come in my name, claiming, I am the Messiah, and will deceive many.

I am the Messiah, and will deceive many. I am the Messiah, and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of You will hear of wars and rumors of You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you're not wars, but see to it that you're not wars, but see to it that you're not alarmed. Such things must happen but the alarmed. Such things must happen but the alarmed. Such things must happen but the end is still to come. Nation will rise end is still to come. Nation will rise end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdoms against against nation and kingdoms against against nation and kingdoms against kingdom. There will be famines and kingdom. There will be famines and kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these earthquakes in various places. All these earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. are the beginning of birth pains. are the beginning of birth pains. He's saying there's several signs that He's saying there's several signs that He's saying there's several signs that we're getting closer to the end. Doesn't we're getting closer to the end. Doesn't we're getting closer to the end. Doesn't mean the end is here yet. It just means mean the end is here yet. It just means mean the end is here yet. It just means we're getting closer. we're getting closer. we're getting closer. He he says it's kind of like a woman He he says it's kind of like a woman He he says it's kind of like a woman going into labor. going into labor. going into labor. There hasn't been delivery yet, but when There hasn't been delivery yet, but when There hasn't been delivery yet, but when she goes into labor, you know, these she goes into labor, you know, these she goes into labor, you know, these labor pains and as they get closer, you labor pains and as they get closer, you labor pains and as they get closer, you know, delivery is getting closer. know, delivery is getting closer. know, delivery is getting closer. He says one of the signs will be false He says one of the signs will be false He says one of the signs will be false teachers and gurus who will come on the teachers and gurus who will come on the teachers and gurus who will come on the scene and say they have a new scene and say they have a new scene and say they have a new enlightenment, enlightenment, enlightenment, a new way, and and they'll lead many a new way, and and they'll lead many a new way, and and they'll lead many astray. There are a lot of false astray. There are a lot of false astray. There are a lot of false teachers today. And then it says teachers today. And then it says teachers today. And then it says there'll be wars and rumors of wars, there'll be wars and rumors of wars, there'll be wars and rumors of wars, conflict and chaos constantly. And conflict and chaos constantly. And conflict and chaos constantly. And that's for sure happening today. He says that's for sure happening today. He says that's for sure happening today. He says there'll be famines and earthquakes.

there'll be famines and earthquakes. there'll be famines and earthquakes. Without a doubt, we see that constantly Without a doubt, we see that constantly Without a doubt, we see that constantly more and more. more and more. more and more. And and but he says, "Okay, these are And and but he says, "Okay, these are And and but he says, "Okay, these are signs. It's getting close, but the end's signs. It's getting close, but the end's signs. It's getting close, but the end's not here yet. Don't be alarmed. Just be not here yet. Don't be alarmed. Just be not here yet. Don't be alarmed. Just be ready." But then he tells us the big ready." But then he tells us the big ready." But then he tells us the big sign in Matthew 24:14. sign in Matthew 24:14. sign in Matthew 24:14. and this gospel of the kingdom will be and this gospel of the kingdom will be and this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a preached in the whole world as a preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the testimony to all nations and then the testimony to all nations and then the end will come. end will come. end will come. He says the gospel is going to go out to He says the gospel is going to go out to He says the gospel is going to go out to the whole world to all nations and and the whole world to all nations and and the whole world to all nations and and really that could be translated better really that could be translated better really that could be translated better people groups all people groups all over people groups all people groups all over people groups all people groups all over the world. The gospel will go out all the world. The gospel will go out all the world. The gospel will go out all over the world and once that happens over the world and once that happens over the world and once that happens then the end will come. And because of then the end will come. And because of then the end will come. And because of technology, we're now able to get the technology, we're now able to get the technology, we're now able to get the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, and his free gift of forgiveness in and his free gift of forgiveness in and his free gift of forgiveness in heaven one day to every part of the heaven one day to every part of the heaven one day to every part of the world. Did you realize you're living in world. Did you realize you're living in world. Did you realize you're living in the first generation in which Jesus the first generation in which Jesus the first generation in which Jesus could come back tonight? The king could could come back tonight? The king could could come back tonight? The king could return tonight. When the gospel is return tonight. When the gospel is return tonight. When the gospel is preached to all the people groups all preached to all the people groups all preached to all the people groups all over the world, then Christ will come over the world, then Christ will come over the world, then Christ will come back. Now, do you see what that means?

back. Now, do you see what that means? back. Now, do you see what that means? It means that God is waiting in his It means that God is waiting in his It means that God is waiting in his love, in his patience, in his loving love, in his patience, in his loving love, in his patience, in his loving kindness for everyone who's going to kindness for everyone who's going to kindness for everyone who's going to come into his family to come to him. He come into his family to come to him. He come into his family to come to him. He wants everyone to be part of his family. wants everyone to be part of his family. wants everyone to be part of his family. God says, "I'm not returning until the God says, "I'm not returning until the God says, "I'm not returning until the gospel is preached to the whole world, gospel is preached to the whole world, gospel is preached to the whole world, to all people groups." God's saying, to all people groups." God's saying, to all people groups." God's saying, "I'm holding off because I want everyone "I'm holding off because I want everyone "I'm holding off because I want everyone to come into my family." God is so to come into my family." God is so to come into my family." God is so loving and so merciful. loving and so merciful. loving and so merciful. But you need to understand the last big But you need to understand the last big But you need to understand the last big sign before the king returns is being sign before the king returns is being sign before the king returns is being fulfilled right before our eyes. This is fulfilled right before our eyes. This is fulfilled right before our eyes. This is the first generation in the history of the first generation in the history of the first generation in the history of the world where Jesus could come back the world where Jesus could come back the world where Jesus could come back tonight. tonight. tonight. You know it may be 20 years from now. It You know it may be 20 years from now. It You know it may be 20 years from now. It may be two months from now. It may be may be two months from now. It may be may be two months from now. It may be two days from now. It may be tonight. two days from now. It may be tonight. two days from now. It may be tonight. And the scripture says we need to be And the scripture says we need to be And the scripture says we need to be ready. ready. ready. It also tells us what society and It also tells us what society and It also tells us what society and culture will be like right before Christ culture will be like right before Christ culture will be like right before Christ returns. returns. returns. Look at it with me. Second Timothy 3 Look at it with me. Second Timothy 3 Look at it with me. Second Timothy 3 verse one. But mark this. There will be verse one. But mark this. There will be verse one. But mark this. There will be terrible times in the last days. People terrible times in the last days. People terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of will be lovers of themselves, lovers of will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, money, boastful, proud, abusive, money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, disobedient to their parents, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, ungrateful, unholy, without love, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without unforgiving, slanderous, without unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the self-control, brutal, not lovers of the self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, good, treacherous, rash, conceited, good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but God, having a form of godliness but God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do

denying its power. Have nothing to do denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. That pretty much with such people. That pretty much with such people. That pretty much describes my newsfeed. How about you? describes my newsfeed. How about you? describes my newsfeed. How about you? That's our culture that we're living in That's our culture that we're living in That's our culture that we're living in today. today. today. So, how should I live because of So, how should I live because of So, how should I live because of Christ's return? We want to go back to 1 Christ's return? We want to go back to 1 Christ's return? We want to go back to 1 Corinthians 15. Corinthians 15. Corinthians 15. In verse 54, it says, "Death swallowed In verse 54, it says, "Death swallowed In verse 54, it says, "Death swallowed by triumphant life." Who got the last by triumphant life." Who got the last by triumphant life." Who got the last word? Oh, death. Oh, death. Who's afraid word? Oh, death. Oh, death. Who's afraid word? Oh, death. Oh, death. Who's afraid of you? Now, the first thing that we of you? Now, the first thing that we of you? Now, the first thing that we need to do because Christ is returning. need to do because Christ is returning. need to do because Christ is returning. If you're a Christ follower, release If you're a Christ follower, release If you're a Christ follower, release your fears. Our greatest fear is the your fears. Our greatest fear is the your fears. Our greatest fear is the fear of death. But Christ conquered fear of death. But Christ conquered fear of death. But Christ conquered death. When Christ died on the cross and death. When Christ died on the cross and death. When Christ died on the cross and rose again, he defeated death. He became rose again, he defeated death. He became rose again, he defeated death. He became the king over death. the king over death. the king over death. But we don't have to fear death anymore. But we don't have to fear death anymore. But we don't have to fear death anymore. Got to fear a wasted life if you're a Got to fear a wasted life if you're a Got to fear a wasted life if you're a Christ follower. Christ follower. Christ follower. You will experience fear at times in You will experience fear at times in You will experience fear at times in these days, but you don't have to focus these days, but you don't have to focus these days, but you don't have to focus on those fears. You can release your on those fears. You can release your on those fears. You can release your fears to God because he's conquered all fears to God because he's conquered all fears to God because he's conquered all your fears. And when the fear starts your fears. And when the fear starts your fears. And when the fear starts rising, you get to choose what you focus rising, you get to choose what you focus rising, you get to choose what you focus on. You can focus on that fear or you on. You can focus on that fear or you on. You can focus on that fear or you can focus on Christ. Focused on focus on can focus on Christ. Focused on focus on can focus on Christ. Focused on focus on Christ and let those fears evaporate Christ and let those fears evaporate Christ and let those fears evaporate because we have heaven one day and the because we have heaven one day and the because we have heaven one day and the king is returning.

king is returning. king is returning. Did you know 365 times in scripture the Did you know 365 times in scripture the Did you know 365 times in scripture the words fear not or don't be afraid, do words fear not or don't be afraid, do words fear not or don't be afraid, do not be afraid are mentioned. That's one not be afraid are mentioned. That's one not be afraid are mentioned. That's one for every day of the year. God's trying for every day of the year. God's trying for every day of the year. God's trying to tell us something there to tell us something there to tell us something there that every single day when fear begins that every single day when fear begins that every single day when fear begins to fill your life, to fill your life, to fill your life, focus on God, the returning king, the focus on God, the returning king, the focus on God, the returning king, the all powerful one, the one who is still all powerful one, the one who is still all powerful one, the one who is still in control, when things look like in control, when things look like in control, when things look like they're out of control, they're out of control, they're out of control, and release those fears and live all out and release those fears and live all out and release those fears and live all out for him. Max Lukeo in his book fearless for him. Max Lukeo in his book fearless for him. Max Lukeo in his book fearless said, "When fear shapes our lives, said, "When fear shapes our lives, said, "When fear shapes our lives, safety becomes our god. We worship the safety becomes our god. We worship the safety becomes our god. We worship the risk-free life. Can the safety lover do risk-free life. Can the safety lover do risk-free life. Can the safety lover do anything great for God and others? No. anything great for God and others? No. anything great for God and others? No. The fearfilled cannot love deeply The fearfilled cannot love deeply The fearfilled cannot love deeply because love is really risky. They because love is really risky. They because love is really risky. They cannot give generously. Benevolence has cannot give generously. Benevolence has cannot give generously. Benevolence has no guarantee of return. The fearfilled no guarantee of return. The fearfilled no guarantee of return. The fearfilled cannot dream wildly. What if their cannot dream wildly. What if their cannot dream wildly. What if their dreams sputter and fall from the sky?

dreams sputter and fall from the sky? dreams sputter and fall from the sky? The worship of safety emasculates The worship of safety emasculates The worship of safety emasculates greatness. greatness. greatness. God has called us with his power alone God has called us with his power alone God has called us with his power alone to do great things. to do great things. to do great things. And we can't do that when we're filled And we can't do that when we're filled And we can't do that when we're filled with fear and we shrink back or we're with fear and we shrink back or we're with fear and we shrink back or we're always waiting to live. God wants you to always waiting to live. God wants you to always waiting to live. God wants you to live passionately. No wonder Jesus came live passionately. No wonder Jesus came live passionately. No wonder Jesus came to set us free. Free from our fears, to set us free. Free from our fears, to set us free. Free from our fears, free from our doubts, free from our free from our doubts, free from our free from our doubts, free from our worries, so that we can live with no worries, so that we can live with no worries, so that we can live with no limits. Following him, obeying him. limits. Following him, obeying him. limits. Following him, obeying him. 1 Corinthians 1 Corinthians 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God. He 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God. He 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord gives us the victory through our Lord gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Jesus Christ." Jesus Christ." We have the victory through our Lord We have the victory through our Lord We have the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. In 2022, Jesus Christ. In 2022, Jesus Christ. In 2022, I was watching game six of the World I was watching game six of the World I was watching game six of the World Series, the Astros playing the Phillies, Series, the Astros playing the Phillies, Series, the Astros playing the Phillies, and it was really tight. I mean, we got and it was really tight. I mean, we got and it was really tight. I mean, we got behind by a run and I would have worried behind by a run and I would have worried behind by a run and I would have worried it all. I knew we were going to win. I it all. I knew we were going to win. I it all. I knew we were going to win. I had this inner peace, you know, this had this inner peace, you know, this had this inner peace, you know, this confidence, this faith. I just knew, you confidence, this faith. I just knew, you confidence, this faith. I just knew, you know, I just knew it. You know, when you know, I just knew it. You know, when you know, I just knew it. You know, when you know something, you just know it. And I know something, you just know it. And I know something, you just know it. And I just knew it. I knew. So, I wasn't even just knew it. I knew. So, I wasn't even just knew it. I knew. So, I wasn't even worried. And people around me, you know, worried. And people around me, you know, worried. And people around me, you know, really, you know, it's like, I don't really, you know, it's like, I don't really, you know, it's like, I don't know. Do they know? Do they know for know. Do they know? Do they know for know. Do they know? Do they know for sure?

sure? sure? I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. I knew we were going to win. And sure I knew we were going to win. And sure I knew we were going to win. And sure enough, Jordan Alvarez hit a home run enough, Jordan Alvarez hit a home run enough, Jordan Alvarez hit a home run over the centerfield fence, we got the over the centerfield fence, we got the over the centerfield fence, we got the lead. And in the last inning, lead. And in the last inning, lead. And in the last inning, I remember that foul pop up and Kyle I remember that foul pop up and Kyle I remember that foul pop up and Kyle Tucker, God rest his soul, he he caught Tucker, God rest his soul, he he caught Tucker, God rest his soul, he he caught that ball. He caught that ball and we I that ball. He caught that ball and we I that ball. He caught that ball and we I just went nuts. But I knew it all along just went nuts. But I knew it all along just went nuts. But I knew it all along because I was watching a replay. That's because I was watching a replay. That's because I was watching a replay. That's why I was so That's why I was so at why I was so That's why I was so at why I was so That's why I was so at peace. peace. peace. But some loving, wonderful person at But some loving, wonderful person at But some loving, wonderful person at church invited Chris and I to go to that church invited Chris and I to go to that church invited Chris and I to go to that game. And at that game, I was nervous as game. And at that game, I was nervous as game. And at that game, I was nervous as all get out. Okay? I mean, I was nervous all get out. Okay? I mean, I was nervous all get out. Okay? I mean, I was nervous for Mattress Mac. I didn't want him to for Mattress Mac. I didn't want him to for Mattress Mac. I didn't want him to lose millions of dollars. I was nervous lose millions of dollars. I was nervous lose millions of dollars. I was nervous for everybody, you know, just nervous. for everybody, you know, just nervous. for everybody, you know, just nervous. But when I watched it on replay, I knew. But when I watched it on replay, I knew. But when I watched it on replay, I knew. And it felt so good to watch it on And it felt so good to watch it on And it felt so good to watch it on replay. I want you to know, you go to replay. I want you to know, you go to replay. I want you to know, you go to the back of the book, get that Bible the back of the book, get that Bible the back of the book, get that Bible out, go to the back of the book. We win out, go to the back of the book. We win out, go to the back of the book. We win in the end. You don't have to worry now in the end. You don't have to worry now in the end. You don't have to worry now because we win in the end. The king is because we win in the end. The king is because we win in the end. The king is returning and he's in control and you returning and he's in control and you returning and he's in control and you can be at peace and you can live all out can be at peace and you can live all out can be at peace and you can live all out for him because we have the victory in for him because we have the victory in for him because we have the victory in Jesus Christ. And here on this earth, Jesus Christ. And here on this earth, Jesus Christ. And here on this earth, we're not victims. We're victors because we're not victims. We're victors because we're not victims. We're victors because of what Christ has done. We overcome. In of what Christ has done. We overcome. In of what Christ has done. We overcome. In this world, you will have trouble, but this world, you will have trouble, but this world, you will have trouble, but Jesus Christ said, "You will overcome Jesus Christ said, "You will overcome Jesus Christ said, "You will overcome the world because I have overcome the the world because I have overcome the the world because I have overcome the world."

world." world." Now, if you don't know Christ, if you Now, if you don't know Christ, if you Now, if you don't know Christ, if you don't know that the metal of the Holy don't know that the metal of the Holy don't know that the metal of the Holy Spirit is in your life because you've Spirit is in your life because you've Spirit is in your life because you've invited Christ into your life and you invited Christ into your life and you invited Christ into your life and you placed your life upon him, then you placed your life upon him, then you placed your life upon him, then you ought to be afraid. ought to be afraid. ought to be afraid. You ought to be afraid. You ought to be afraid. You ought to be afraid. That's why it's so important to get it That's why it's so important to get it That's why it's so important to get it settled today. And you can. The Bible settled today. And you can. The Bible settled today. And you can. The Bible says, "These things are written, you may says, "These things are written, you may says, "These things are written, you may know you have eternal life." You can know you have eternal life." You can know you have eternal life." You can trust Christ today. You can commit your trust Christ today. You can commit your trust Christ today. You can commit your life to Christ today life to Christ today life to Christ today and you say, "Well, maybe I'll do that and you say, "Well, maybe I'll do that and you say, "Well, maybe I'll do that later. Right now, you know, I I don't later. Right now, you know, I I don't later. Right now, you know, I I don't really want to do that right now. Maybe really want to do that right now. Maybe really want to do that right now. Maybe I'll do that sometime." Well, you don't I'll do that sometime." Well, you don't I'll do that sometime." Well, you don't know. You have someday because this is know. You have someday because this is know. You have someday because this is your day. Christ could return tonight. your day. Christ could return tonight. your day. Christ could return tonight. And the scripture says, "Be ready. Be And the scripture says, "Be ready. Be And the scripture says, "Be ready. Be ready." ready." ready." But the great encouraging news is you But the great encouraging news is you But the great encouraging news is you can trust Christ today and you can know can trust Christ today and you can know can trust Christ today and you can know the Holy Spirit of God will be in your the Holy Spirit of God will be in your the Holy Spirit of God will be in your life and you'll be that Holy Spirit of life and you'll be that Holy Spirit of life and you'll be that Holy Spirit of God will be attracted to the great God will be attracted to the great God will be attracted to the great magnet and you'll be caught up with him magnet and you'll be caught up with him magnet and you'll be caught up with him when he returns or if you die before he when he returns or if you die before he when he returns or if you die before he returns you go immediately to be with returns you go immediately to be with returns you go immediately to be with him forever perfect place in heaven. So him forever perfect place in heaven. So him forever perfect place in heaven. So what is it time to do if you're a Christ what is it time to do if you're a Christ what is it time to do if you're a Christ follower? Release your fears and then follower? Release your fears and then follower? Release your fears and then secondly renew your faith. Let's go back secondly renew your faith. Let's go back secondly renew your faith. Let's go back to first Corinthians again.

to first Corinthians again. to first Corinthians again. Always give yourself fully to the work Always give yourself fully to the work Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your of the Lord because you know that your of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Give labor in the Lord is not in vain. Give labor in the Lord is not in vain. Give yourself fully. Live for Christ yourself fully. Live for Christ yourself fully. Live for Christ passionately. Love him with all your passionately. Love him with all your passionately. Love him with all your heart. Love your family passionately. heart. Love your family passionately. heart. Love your family passionately. Love your friends and your neighbors Love your friends and your neighbors Love your friends and your neighbors passionately. Don't hold back. Don't passionately. Don't hold back. Don't passionately. Don't hold back. Don't hold back. You were made to live hold back. You were made to live hold back. You were made to live passionately, passionately, passionately, not living in a comfort zone, which is not living in a comfort zone, which is not living in a comfort zone, which is the death zone. To live passionately, the death zone. To live passionately, the death zone. To live passionately, all out for God, taking risks in faith, all out for God, taking risks in faith, all out for God, taking risks in faith, being fully alive. being fully alive. being fully alive. It's why it's really important to love It's why it's really important to love It's why it's really important to love your neighbor as yourself. Because when your neighbor as yourself. Because when your neighbor as yourself. Because when you love the people in your life, you you love the people in your life, you you love the people in your life, you want to share Christ with them. You want want to share Christ with them. You want want to share Christ with them. You want them to know Christ before he returns. them to know Christ before he returns. them to know Christ before he returns. Because this is real. And you want them Because this is real. And you want them Because this is real. And you want them to know Christ before he returns. Heaven to know Christ before he returns. Heaven to know Christ before he returns. Heaven is real. The second coming is real and we want The second coming is real and we want our friends and neighbors. That's why our friends and neighbors. That's why our friends and neighbors. That's why you ought to invite him to church and you ought to invite him to church and you ought to invite him to church and take a risk. That's why you ought to take a risk. That's why you ought to take a risk. That's why you ought to share Christ with your loved ones.

share Christ with your loved ones. share Christ with your loved ones. And that's why we need to renew our And that's why we need to renew our And that's why we need to renew our faith because maybe you're not as close faith because maybe you're not as close faith because maybe you're not as close to the Lord as you once were. to the Lord as you once were. to the Lord as you once were. And you think back on a time when you And you think back on a time when you And you think back on a time when you were very passionate for the Lord, but were very passionate for the Lord, but were very passionate for the Lord, but you haven't been lately. Haven't been you haven't been lately. Haven't been you haven't been lately. Haven't been really consistent at spending time in really consistent at spending time in really consistent at spending time in God's word. you haven't been consistent God's word. you haven't been consistent God's word. you haven't been consistent coming to church. Maybe you're not in a coming to church. Maybe you're not in a coming to church. Maybe you're not in a life group. Haven't been really growing life group. Haven't been really growing life group. Haven't been really growing as a disciple. It's time to renew your as a disciple. It's time to renew your as a disciple. It's time to renew your faith. It's time to say, "Lord God, I'm faith. It's time to say, "Lord God, I'm faith. It's time to say, "Lord God, I'm coming back to you. I want to be close coming back to you. I want to be close coming back to you. I want to be close to you. I want to be committed to you to you. I want to be committed to you to you. I want to be committed to you and follow you so you can be ready for and follow you so you can be ready for and follow you so you can be ready for his return." Look at Revelation his return." Look at Revelation his return." Look at Revelation 16 verse 15. 16 verse 15. 16 verse 15. Jesus says, "Look, I will come as Jesus says, "Look, I will come as Jesus says, "Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Blessed are all unexpectedly as a thief. Blessed are all unexpectedly as a thief. Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their who are watching for me, who keep their who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready, so they will not have to clothing ready, so they will not have to clothing ready, so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed." walk around naked and ashamed." walk around naked and ashamed." He's saying, "Believer, be ready. Be as He's saying, "Believer, be ready. Be as He's saying, "Believer, be ready. Be as close to me as you've ever been. When I close to me as you've ever been. When I close to me as you've ever been. When I come back, you'll be ready with no come back, you'll be ready with no come back, you'll be ready with no regrets."

regrets." regrets." How sad to be really cold and and not How sad to be really cold and and not How sad to be really cold and and not close to God and not having victory over close to God and not having victory over close to God and not having victory over sin. And then Christ returns sin. And then Christ returns sin. And then Christ returns all the regrets. And so saying be as all the regrets. And so saying be as all the regrets. And so saying be as close to God as you can. This is real. close to God as you can. This is real. close to God as you can. This is real. And then thirdly, because Christ is And then thirdly, because Christ is And then thirdly, because Christ is returning soon, refocus your priorities. returning soon, refocus your priorities. returning soon, refocus your priorities. When you realize that eternity is what When you realize that eternity is what When you realize that eternity is what it's all about, then you realize that a it's all about, then you realize that a it's all about, then you realize that a lot of things you do here on this earth lot of things you do here on this earth lot of things you do here on this earth aren't going to matter, aren't worth it. aren't going to matter, aren't worth it. aren't going to matter, aren't worth it. I mean, we need to live here today with I mean, we need to live here today with I mean, we need to live here today with all of our might in Christ. But then we all of our might in Christ. But then we all of our might in Christ. But then we need to have our focus on eternity. need to have our focus on eternity. need to have our focus on eternity. Having, you know, living in light of Having, you know, living in light of Having, you know, living in light of eternity to know what's going to really eternity to know what's going to really eternity to know what's going to really matter because your priorities are so matter because your priorities are so matter because your priorities are so important and relationships are the most important and relationships are the most important and relationships are the most important thing. Your relationship with important thing. Your relationship with important thing. Your relationship with God, your relationship to the people in God, your relationship to the people in God, your relationship to the people in your life, all those accomplishments, your life, all those accomplishments, your life, all those accomplishments, all those achievements don't compare. all those achievements don't compare. all those achievements don't compare. It's all about what you do with Christ It's all about what you do with Christ It's all about what you do with Christ determines your eternity.

determines your eternity. determines your eternity. And what you do for Christ determines And what you do for Christ determines And what you do for Christ determines all your rewards in eternity. all your rewards in eternity. all your rewards in eternity. That's why giving makes such a That's why giving makes such a That's why giving makes such a difference. Because every time you give difference. Because every time you give difference. Because every time you give to bring someone to heaven, every time to bring someone to heaven, every time to bring someone to heaven, every time you give to make a difference in you give to make a difference in you give to make a difference in someone's life, every time you give, you someone's life, every time you give, you someone's life, every time you give, you send it on ahead. It's a great send it on ahead. It's a great send it on ahead. It's a great investment for all eternity. Don't investment for all eternity. Don't investment for all eternity. Don't invest for the next 50 years, 20 years. invest for the next 50 years, 20 years. invest for the next 50 years, 20 years. Invest for all eternity. Invest for all eternity. Invest for all eternity. I mean, all that's important, but invest I mean, all that's important, but invest I mean, all that's important, but invest for all eternity. for all eternity. for all eternity. That's why it's so important to refocus That's why it's so important to refocus That's why it's so important to refocus your priorities on what's most important your priorities on what's most important your priorities on what's most important or you have a lot of regrets. or you have a lot of regrets. or you have a lot of regrets. Look at Revelations 1:3. God blesses the one who reads the words God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church and he of this prophecy to the church and he of this prophecy to the church and he blesses all who listen to its message blesses all who listen to its message blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says for the time is and obey what it says for the time is and obey what it says for the time is near. And so it says God bless God near. And so it says God bless God near. And so it says God bless God blesses the one who reads the words the blesses the one who reads the words the blesses the one who reads the words the prophecy to the church. So that's me. I prophecy to the church. So that's me. I prophecy to the church. So that's me. I get blessed. get blessed. get blessed. But then just the same, he says he But then just the same, he says he But then just the same, he says he blesses all those who listen and then do blesses all those who listen and then do blesses all those who listen and then do it and obey what it says. He blesses all it and obey what it says. He blesses all it and obey what it says. He blesses all of us if we listen and obey what it of us if we listen and obey what it of us if we listen and obey what it says. And so we're to obey what God's says. And so we're to obey what God's says. And so we're to obey what God's word says. That's how you get your word says. That's how you get your word says. That's how you get your priorities in line. You put God first by priorities in line. You put God first by priorities in line. You put God first by obeying him. And when God's word says obeying him. And when God's word says obeying him. And when God's word says something, you just do it. Whether it something, you just do it. Whether it something, you just do it. Whether it makes sense to you or not, you just do makes sense to you or not, you just do makes sense to you or not, you just do it. Obedience brings blessing. You just it. Obedience brings blessing. You just it. Obedience brings blessing. You just obey. That blessing comes from obey. That blessing comes from obey. That blessing comes from obedience. [snorts] And the first step

obedience. [snorts] And the first step obedience. [snorts] And the first step of obedience after you receive Christ is of obedience after you receive Christ is of obedience after you receive Christ is baptism. We're all commanded to be baptism. We're all commanded to be baptism. We're all commanded to be baptized after we receive Christ into baptized after we receive Christ into baptized after we receive Christ into our lives to show that he's in our our lives to show that he's in our our lives to show that he's in our lives. It's our public profession of lives. It's our public profession of lives. It's our public profession of faith. That's why the last thing Jesus faith. That's why the last thing Jesus faith. That's why the last thing Jesus said on this earth before he ascended to said on this earth before he ascended to said on this earth before he ascended to heaven. heaven. heaven. Last words or lasting words Last words or lasting words Last words or lasting words was the great commission. Matthew was the great commission. Matthew was the great commission. Matthew 28:18-20. 28:18-20. 28:18-20. Then Jesus came to them and said,"All Then Jesus came to them and said,"All Then Jesus came to them and said,"All authority in heaven and on earth has authority in heaven and on earth has authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make been given to me. Therefore, go and make been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them disciples of all nations, baptizing them disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son in the name of the Father and of the Son in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I've commanded them to obey everything I've commanded them to obey everything I've commanded you. And surely I'm with you always to you. And surely I'm with you always to you. And surely I'm with you always to the very end of the age. So, we're all the very end of the age. So, we're all the very end of the age. So, we're all commanded to be baptized commanded to be baptized commanded to be baptized because that's our public profession of because that's our public profession of because that's our public profession of faith." And I said last week when you're faith." And I said last week when you're faith." And I said last week when you're baptized in our public celebration as so baptized in our public celebration as so baptized in our public celebration as so many of you are going to be today, many of you are going to be today, many of you are going to be today, you're taking your stand for Jesus you're taking your stand for Jesus you're taking your stand for Jesus Christ and you're saying, "I want Christ and you're saying, "I want Christ and you're saying, "I want everyone to know that I'm a Christ everyone to know that I'm a Christ everyone to know that I'm a Christ follower. I want everyone to know that follower. I want everyone to know that follower. I want everyone to know that Christ died, was buried, rose again, Christ died, was buried, rose again, Christ died, was buried, rose again, he's alive in my life, and I will be he's alive in my life, and I will be he's alive in my life, and I will be resurrected one day.

resurrected one day. resurrected one day. I want everyone to know that my sins I want everyone to know that my sins I want everyone to know that my sins have been washed away by him. I'm not have been washed away by him. I'm not have been washed away by him. I'm not ashamed of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "If ashamed of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "If ashamed of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "If you're ashamed of me on this earth, I'll you're ashamed of me on this earth, I'll you're ashamed of me on this earth, I'll be ashamed of you when you get to be ashamed of you when you get to be ashamed of you when you get to eternity." And so, that public eternity." And so, that public eternity." And so, that public profession of faith in Jesus Christ is profession of faith in Jesus Christ is profession of faith in Jesus Christ is commanded. And so, you can't do the God commanded. And so, you can't do the God commanded. And so, you can't do the God thing your way. God says after you thing your way. God says after you thing your way. God says after you receive Christ, you're to be baptized to receive Christ, you're to be baptized to receive Christ, you're to be baptized to show that you are a Christian, that show that you are a Christian, that show that you are a Christian, that Christ has saved you by his grace. Now Now I know that I know that I know that around the world today there are a lot around the world today there are a lot around the world today there are a lot of people being persecuted for being of people being persecuted for being of people being persecuted for being baptized. In communist countries and baptized. In communist countries and baptized. In communist countries and many Muslim countries it's against law many Muslim countries it's against law many Muslim countries it's against law to be baptized and when you're baptized to be baptized and when you're baptized to be baptized and when you're baptized and you know back in in the early church and you know back in in the early church and you know back in in the early church the Roman government and the religious the Roman government and the religious the Roman government and the religious leaders would see these public baptisms leaders would see these public baptisms leaders would see these public baptisms and then you knew when you were baptized and then you knew when you were baptized and then you knew when you were baptized you'd be persecuted. Well today it's you'd be persecuted. Well today it's you'd be persecuted. Well today it's going on more than ever. There are more going on more than ever. There are more going on more than ever. There are more martyrs for the faith than ever before martyrs for the faith than ever before martyrs for the faith than ever before at any time in history. We just don't at any time in history. We just don't at any time in history. We just don't think about it because we have freedom think about it because we have freedom think about it because we have freedom of religion. And so we support the of religion. And so we support the of religion. And so we support the persecuted church and our missions and persecuted church and our missions and persecuted church and our missions and resources that we give to our resources that we give to our resources that we give to our missionaries in areas where can't even missionaries in areas where can't even missionaries in areas where can't even talk about it.

talk about it. talk about it. But it's amazing what God is doing and But it's amazing what God is doing and But it's amazing what God is doing and the courage they have. And and when the courage they have. And and when the courage they have. And and when someone is baptized in those places someone is baptized in those places someone is baptized in those places against the law, and many times they're against the law, and many times they're against the law, and many times they're in prison, sometimes they're killed, in prison, sometimes they're killed, in prison, sometimes they're killed, persecuted for their faith, but they're persecuted for their faith, but they're persecuted for their faith, but they're saying, "I am baptized. I want everyone saying, "I am baptized. I want everyone saying, "I am baptized. I want everyone to know I love Jesus Christ. I'm not to know I love Jesus Christ. I'm not to know I love Jesus Christ. I'm not ashamed of him. I don't want him to be ashamed of him. I don't want him to be ashamed of him. I don't want him to be ashamed of me. I'm making my public ashamed of me. I'm making my public ashamed of me. I'm making my public profession of faith in Christ." And that profession of faith in Christ." And that profession of faith in Christ." And that obedience obedience obedience is the key. And so when you're baptized is the key. And so when you're baptized is the key. And so when you're baptized today, all you being baptized today, today, all you being baptized today, today, all you being baptized today, you're standing with them. Even though you're standing with them. Even though you're standing with them. Even though we don't get persecuted, praise God, we we don't get persecuted, praise God, we we don't get persecuted, praise God, we have freedom to worship. You're standing have freedom to worship. You're standing have freedom to worship. You're standing with them to say, "I'm not ashamed of with them to say, "I'm not ashamed of with them to say, "I'm not ashamed of Christ. I don't want him to be ashamed Christ. I don't want him to be ashamed Christ. I don't want him to be ashamed of me. I want everyone to know that I'm of me. I want everyone to know that I'm of me. I want everyone to know that I'm a Christ follower." And so, we're to be a Christ follower." And so, we're to be a Christ follower." And so, we're to be baptized after the Bible says you baptized after the Bible says you baptized after the Bible says you receive Christ because it's that public receive Christ because it's that public receive Christ because it's that public profession of faith in Christ. It's your profession of faith in Christ. It's your profession of faith in Christ. It's your decision. Every baptism of the Bible is decision. Every baptism of the Bible is decision. Every baptism of the Bible is after they receive Christ. And I know after they receive Christ. And I know after they receive Christ. And I know many of you at will in church were many of you at will in church were many of you at will in church were sprinkled or baptized as babies. and sprinkled or baptized as babies. and sprinkled or baptized as babies. and your parents did a great thing when they your parents did a great thing when they your parents did a great thing when they stood before the church, had you stood before the church, had you stood before the church, had you baptized, saying, "We're going to do baptized, saying, "We're going to do baptized, saying, "We're going to do everything we can to raise our child to everything we can to raise our child to everything we can to raise our child to fall in love with Christ, fall in love with Christ, fall in love with Christ, but you had no clue what was going on.

but you had no clue what was going on. but you had no clue what was going on. And once you make your once you come to And once you make your once you come to And once you make your once you come to Christ and receive Christ and his free Christ and receive Christ and his free Christ and receive Christ and his free gift of forgiveness in your life, then gift of forgiveness in your life, then gift of forgiveness in your life, then you're to be baptized because it's your you're to be baptized because it's your you're to be baptized because it's your decision. It's your public profession of decision. It's your public profession of decision. It's your public profession of faith." And so, I really challenge you. faith." And so, I really challenge you. faith." And so, I really challenge you. I know many of you who were sprinkled or I know many of you who were sprinkled or I know many of you who were sprinkled or baptized as babies. You're you're going baptized as babies. You're you're going baptized as babies. You're you're going to be biblically baptized, rebaptized. to be biblically baptized, rebaptized. to be biblically baptized, rebaptized. Doesn't take away from what your parents Doesn't take away from what your parents Doesn't take away from what your parents did. It just completes it and it follows did. It just completes it and it follows did. It just completes it and it follows God's word. And so if you have never God's word. And so if you have never God's word. And so if you have never been baptized by immersion after you been baptized by immersion after you been baptized by immersion after you received Christ, maybe you received received Christ, maybe you received received Christ, maybe you received Christ 20 years ago, baptized as a baby, Christ 20 years ago, baptized as a baby, Christ 20 years ago, baptized as a baby, then you know when you grew up, you then you know when you grew up, you then you know when you grew up, you received Christ, but you haven't been received Christ, but you haven't been received Christ, but you haven't been biblically baptized yet. biblically baptized yet. biblically baptized yet. I just challenge you today, I just challenge you today, I just challenge you today, get rebaptized. I challenge you get rebaptized. I challenge you get rebaptized. I challenge you biblically, get rebaptized. That biblically, get rebaptized. That biblically, get rebaptized. That obedience brings blessing. Don't skip obedience brings blessing. Don't skip obedience brings blessing. Don't skip what God says you have to do. So, be what God says you have to do. So, be what God says you have to do. So, be baptized today. And by the way, I know baptized today. And by the way, I know baptized today. And by the way, I know many of you came ready to be baptized to many of you came ready to be baptized to many of you came ready to be baptized to celebrate, but also know that some of celebrate, but also know that some of celebrate, but also know that some of you, God's speaking to you right now.

you, God's speaking to you right now. you, God's speaking to you right now. You didn't come to be baptized. You You didn't come to be baptized. You You didn't come to be baptized. You didn't know we're having a big super didn't know we're having a big super didn't know we're having a big super summer baptism, but God knew. He planned summer baptism, but God knew. He planned summer baptism, but God knew. He planned that you'd be here. He planned you'd be that you'd be here. He planned you'd be that you'd be here. He planned you'd be in one of our campuses. He planned it in one of our campuses. He planned it in one of our campuses. He planned it before he created the heavens and the before he created the heavens and the before he created the heavens and the earth. He planned it. And now you're in earth. He planned it. And now you're in earth. He planned it. And now you're in a divine moment, a defining moment, and a divine moment, a defining moment, and a divine moment, a defining moment, and God's putting on your heart. And we have God's putting on your heart. And we have God's putting on your heart. And we have an instant baptism. We have shorts and an instant baptism. We have shorts and an instant baptism. We have shorts and shirts, dark shorts, dark shirts of shirts, dark shorts, dark shirts of shirts, dark shorts, dark shirts of every size. I promise you, we got every size. I promise you, we got every size. I promise you, we got everything you need. every all the everything you need. every all the everything you need. every all the things in our dressing rooms, everything things in our dressing rooms, everything things in our dressing rooms, everything you need. you need. you need. And so God's speaking to your heart, And so God's speaking to your heart, And so God's speaking to your heart, go for it. Go for it. go for it. Go for it. go for it. Go for it. You know, last night, You know, last night, You know, last night, you know, we had I think it was like 150 you know, we had I think it was like 150 you know, we had I think it was like 150 people and going to the water. Last people and going to the water. Last people and going to the water. Last night, night, night, a 95year-old a 95year-old a 95year-old man, Felix, went into the water. man, Felix, went into the water. man, Felix, went into the water. >> [applause] >> his son >> his son uh Marcel was part of baptizing and uh Marcel was part of baptizing and uh Marcel was part of baptizing and Marcel been baptized here at Wilden Marcel been baptized here at Wilden Marcel been baptized here at Wilden Church received Christ was baptized Church received Christ was baptized Church received Christ was baptized uh Felix's grandson and granddaughter uh Felix's grandson and granddaughter uh Felix's grandson and granddaughter were baptized here were baptized here were baptized here and Felix was sprinkled as a baby and at and Felix was sprinkled as a baby and at and Felix was sprinkled as a baby and at 95 years old he said I want to be bib 95 years old he said I want to be bib 95 years old he said I want to be bib biblically baptized 95 years of age biblically baptized 95 years of age biblically baptized 95 years of age just much

to baptize you in the name of the to baptize you in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit to father, the son, and the holy spirit to father, the son, and the holy spirit to be buried with Christ in baptism and be buried with Christ in baptism and be buried with Christ in baptism and raised into new life. ONE MORE people got baptized. I hope you get a people got baptized. I hope you get a holy wet hug from them. holy wet hug from them. holy wet hug from them. >> That amazing. What's your excuse? You >> That amazing. What's your excuse? You >> That amazing. What's your excuse? You know, know, know, I mean, how powerful. And you know, I mean, how powerful. And you know, I mean, how powerful. And you know, we're we're going to baptize married we're we're going to baptize married we're we're going to baptize married couples today together who say we're couples today together who say we're couples today together who say we're going to build our marriage on Jesus going to build our marriage on Jesus going to build our marriage on Jesus Christ. We're going to baptize single Christ. We're going to baptize single Christ. We're going to baptize single adults who say, "I'm going to stand adults who say, "I'm going to stand adults who say, "I'm going to stand strong in this culture for Christ. I'm strong in this culture for Christ. I'm strong in this culture for Christ. I'm not ashamed of him." We're going to not ashamed of him." We're going to not ashamed of him." We're going to baptize families of five, six, seven out baptize families of five, six, seven out baptize families of five, six, seven out there in the water today to say, "You there in the water today to say, "You there in the water today to say, "You know what? entire family is being built know what? entire family is being built know what? entire family is being built on the Lord. on the Lord. on the Lord. And I'm so excited. Such a powerful And I'm so excited. Such a powerful And I'm so excited. Such a powerful testimony that Christ died, was buried, testimony that Christ died, was buried, testimony that Christ died, was buried, rose again, your sins have been washed rose again, your sins have been washed rose again, your sins have been washed away, and he's alive in your life.

away, and he's alive in your life. away, and he's alive in your life. Look at this passage. After the Apostle Look at this passage. After the Apostle Look at this passage. After the Apostle Paul came to Christ, Paul came to Christ, Paul came to Christ, Ananas, who led him to the Lord, said Ananas, who led him to the Lord, said Ananas, who led him to the Lord, said this in Acts 22:16, "What are you this in Acts 22:16, "What are you this in Acts 22:16, "What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. waiting for? Get up and be baptized. waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on Have your sins washed away by calling on Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord. the name of the Lord. the name of the Lord. He's saying, "What are you waiting for? He's saying, "What are you waiting for? He's saying, "What are you waiting for? Right after you receive Christ, you can Right after you receive Christ, you can Right after you receive Christ, you can be baptized. be baptized. be baptized. Show your sins have been washed away. Show your sins have been washed away. Show your sins have been washed away. What are you waiting for?" So, I want to What are you waiting for?" So, I want to What are you waiting for?" So, I want to say to you, if you came not ready to be say to you, if you came not ready to be say to you, if you came not ready to be baptized, God's ready. baptized, God's ready. baptized, God's ready. And he says, "Your heart's ready. What And he says, "Your heart's ready. What And he says, "Your heart's ready. What are you waiting for?" Oh, I'm going to are you waiting for?" Oh, I'm going to are you waiting for?" Oh, I'm going to wait till, you know, it's more wait till, you know, it's more wait till, you know, it's more convenient and all that. What are you convenient and all that. What are you convenient and all that. What are you waiting for? What are you waiting for? waiting for? What are you waiting for? waiting for? What are you waiting for? You want to be ready when the king You want to be ready when the king You want to be ready when the king returns to be close to him, to obey him, returns to be close to him, to obey him, returns to be close to him, to obey him, to follow him. to follow him. to follow him. What are you waiting for? Today is your What are you waiting for? Today is your What are you waiting for? Today is your day. The scripture says, "Today is the day. The scripture says, "Today is the day. The scripture says, "Today is the day of salvation." I want you to watch day of salvation." I want you to watch day of salvation." I want you to watch three of our young adults at Woodland three of our young adults at Woodland three of our young adults at Woodland Church who grew up in our student Church who grew up in our student Church who grew up in our student ministry, came to Christ, and were ministry, came to Christ, and were ministry, came to Christ, and were baptized, and man, they're growing in baptized, and man, they're growing in baptized, and man, they're growing in Christ. And now these three are interns Christ. And now these three are interns Christ. And now these three are interns in our Woodlands Seminary internship in our Woodlands Seminary internship in our Woodlands Seminary internship program. And I mean, our students are program. And I mean, our students are program. And I mean, our students are growing strong in Christ. Our young growing strong in Christ. Our young growing strong in Christ. Our young adults are growing strong in Christ.

adults are growing strong in Christ. adults are growing strong in Christ. Just watch. Growing up, my family was Christian, but Growing up, my family was Christian, but I didn't really understand I didn't really understand I didn't really understand um kind of just like who Jesus was in my um kind of just like who Jesus was in my um kind of just like who Jesus was in my life. life. life. >> Being from a Nigerian household, I grew >> Being from a Nigerian household, I grew >> Being from a Nigerian household, I grew up a lot in the church. Uh that was just up a lot in the church. Uh that was just up a lot in the church. Uh that was just what I was born into. And it was a great what I was born into. And it was a great what I was born into. And it was a great experience, but I believe I wasn't truly experience, but I believe I wasn't truly experience, but I believe I wasn't truly a believer because I just did everything a believer because I just did everything a believer because I just did everything my parents told me to do as a child. I my parents told me to do as a child. I my parents told me to do as a child. I grew up here at the Woodlands Church grew up here at the Woodlands Church grew up here at the Woodlands Church going since I was a child and continuing going since I was a child and continuing going since I was a child and continuing throughout my junior high in high school throughout my junior high in high school throughout my junior high in high school as well. My sophomore year of high as well. My sophomore year of high as well. My sophomore year of high school, I was just coming off a year of school, I was just coming off a year of school, I was just coming off a year of really learning who Christ was. My really learning who Christ was. My really learning who Christ was. My freshman year, I kind of accepted it freshman year, I kind of accepted it freshman year, I kind of accepted it into my heart for the first time. And so into my heart for the first time. And so into my heart for the first time. And so that whole year was learning of what's that whole year was learning of what's that whole year was learning of what's my way, what's God's way, discerning my way, what's God's way, discerning my way, what's God's way, discerning what's actually correct. Going into that what's actually correct. Going into that what's actually correct. Going into that eighth grade year, freshman year of high eighth grade year, freshman year of high eighth grade year, freshman year of high school, uh I pro I really found God for school, uh I pro I really found God for school, uh I pro I really found God for myself and I learned a lot of what it myself and I learned a lot of what it myself and I learned a lot of what it means to actually have a relationship means to actually have a relationship means to actually have a relationship with God other than just to know who God with God other than just to know who God with God other than just to know who God is.

is. is. >> Towards my sophomore year, I got really >> Towards my sophomore year, I got really >> Towards my sophomore year, I got really plugged into the church and I started plugged into the church and I started plugged into the church and I started going to Wednesday night service. It was going to Wednesday night service. It was going to Wednesday night service. It was kind of just like God speaking to me kind of just like God speaking to me kind of just like God speaking to me right then and there of this is where right then and there of this is where right then and there of this is where you're supposed to be. This is where I you're supposed to be. This is where I you're supposed to be. This is where I want you. And he kind of just grabbed a want you. And he kind of just grabbed a want you. And he kind of just grabbed a hold of my heart. Baptism was always hold of my heart. Baptism was always hold of my heart. Baptism was always something I was interested in because something I was interested in because something I was interested in because growing up my sisters who are older than growing up my sisters who are older than growing up my sisters who are older than me got baptized at a younger age and I me got baptized at a younger age and I me got baptized at a younger age and I didn't fall into that pattern. I hadn't didn't fall into that pattern. I hadn't didn't fall into that pattern. I hadn't gotten baptized yet and I was always gotten baptized yet and I was always gotten baptized yet and I was always wondering okay what does that look like? wondering okay what does that look like? wondering okay what does that look like? What are the steps exactly? Why haven't What are the steps exactly? Why haven't What are the steps exactly? Why haven't I? Why should I? And it was really cool I? Why should I? And it was really cool I? Why should I? And it was really cool to just as I grew in my faith continue to just as I grew in my faith continue to just as I grew in my faith continue and see that it was a declaration of my and see that it was a declaration of my and see that it was a declaration of my faith and me making it public and a faith and me making it public and a faith and me making it public and a standing on that as a fact. standing on that as a fact. standing on that as a fact. >> I had two older brothers got baptized >> I had two older brothers got baptized >> I had two older brothers got baptized when I was a lot younger so I got to see when I was a lot younger so I got to see when I was a lot younger so I got to see that. But I really didn't know what it that. But I really didn't know what it that. But I really didn't know what it was. I just knew it was something that was. I just knew it was something that was. I just knew it was something that Christians did. So, I didn't really Christians did. So, I didn't really Christians did. So, I didn't really exactly know what it was for me exactly know what it was for me exactly know what it was for me personally, but I just knew that maybe personally, but I just knew that maybe personally, but I just knew that maybe one day I was going to get baptized one day I was going to get baptized one day I was going to get baptized myself. myself. myself. >> Whenever he kind of grabbed a hold of >> Whenever he kind of grabbed a hold of >> Whenever he kind of grabbed a hold of me, I knew that from that moment me, I knew that from that moment me, I knew that from that moment forward, I didn't want anything else but forward, I didn't want anything else but forward, I didn't want anything else but him. Um, I knew that for the first time him. Um, I knew that for the first time him. Um, I knew that for the first time in my life, I finally understood what in my life, I finally understood what in my life, I finally understood what the cross meant and what his salvation the cross meant and what his salvation the cross meant and what his salvation meant. It was like the final stamp of meant. It was like the final stamp of meant. It was like the final stamp of this is my profession of faith. This is this is my profession of faith. This is this is my profession of faith. This is what I believe. And so the next step for what I believe. And so the next step for what I believe. And so the next step for me was baptism.

me was baptism. me was baptism. >> It was just really seeing who I was >> It was just really seeing who I was >> It was just really seeing who I was before I met Christ. And in that time of before I met Christ. And in that time of before I met Christ. And in that time of transition to having a better transition to having a better transition to having a better relationship with Christ, [music] just relationship with Christ, [music] just relationship with Christ, [music] just saying that I want to declare this to saying that I want to declare this to saying that I want to declare this to other people because I wanted to other other people because I wanted to other other people because I wanted to other people to know who I changed to be by people to know who I changed to be by people to know who I changed to be by knowing Christ. knowing Christ. knowing Christ. >> I was at a point where I was like, "Yes, >> I was at a point where I was like, "Yes, >> I was at a point where I was like, "Yes, I love the Lord. I want the Lord. He is I love the Lord. I want the Lord. He is I love the Lord. I want the Lord. He is everything I am. So it's, okay, let's go everything I am. So it's, okay, let's go everything I am. So it's, okay, let's go do it. Let's jump into it." And I knew do it. Let's jump into it." And I knew do it. Let's jump into it." And I knew beach week would be such a cool place to beach week would be such a cool place to beach week would be such a cool place to do it. being baptized at the beach, do it. being baptized at the beach, do it. being baptized at the beach, being baptized in the ocean. It was being baptized in the ocean. It was being baptized in the ocean. It was super cool because as I looked to my super cool because as I looked to my super cool because as I looked to my left, there was about 15 people. And left, there was about 15 people. And left, there was about 15 people. And then on my right were another 15. I was then on my right were another 15. I was then on my right were another 15. I was surrounded by a bunch of other people surrounded by a bunch of other people surrounded by a bunch of other people getting baptized. We all felt bonded on getting baptized. We all felt bonded on getting baptized. We all felt bonded on the one same thing that we all agree in, the one same thing that we all agree in, the one same thing that we all agree in, and that that is Jesus is our God, Jesus and that that is Jesus is our God, Jesus and that that is Jesus is our God, Jesus is our king, and that we are giving our is our king, and that we are giving our is our king, and that we are giving our lives fully to him. It just hit me all lives fully to him. It just hit me all lives fully to him. It just hit me all at one moment like, wow, like this is at one moment like, wow, like this is at one moment like, wow, like this is really what I want to do. I want to be really what I want to do. I want to be really what I want to do. I want to be baptized. I want everyone here and baptized. I want everyone here and baptized. I want everyone here and everyone back home to know that I'm everyone back home to know that I'm everyone back home to know that I'm finally home. I'm finally where I want finally home. I'm finally where I want finally home. I'm finally where I want to be. so I can move on and just be a to be. so I can move on and just be a to be. so I can move on and just be a new person. new person. new person. >> I remember just being under the water >> I remember just being under the water >> I remember just being under the water and getting up and feeling so free and and getting up and feeling so free and and getting up and feeling so free and um a sense of peace that I had never um a sense of peace that I had never um a sense of peace that I had never felt before. I think baptism is just a felt before. I think baptism is just a felt before. I think baptism is just a different form of obedience. Whenever different form of obedience. Whenever different form of obedience. Whenever God calls you to do something, you step God calls you to do something, you step God calls you to do something, you step out of obedience. And I think that out of obedience. And I think that out of obedience. And I think that that's what baptism is.

that's what baptism is. that's what baptism is. >> Baptism to me is just jumping in the >> Baptism to me is just jumping in the >> Baptism to me is just jumping in the water and giving it all to God and water and giving it all to God and water and giving it all to God and seeing what he does with that life truly seeing what he does with that life truly seeing what he does with that life truly given to him. For God so loved For God so loved the world he gave his son the world he gave his son the world he gave his son and [music] and [music] and [music] his name his name his name for everyone. for everyone. for everyone. He came and died, was buried He came and died, was buried He came and died, was buried [singing and music] in my place. [singing and music] in my place. [singing and music] in my place. I'll testify his sacrifice has made way. Go to good old Go to good old by the son of man by the son of man by the son of man death put to rest by his own nail death put to rest by his own nail death put to rest by his own nail [music] rose again.

rose again. He rolled the stone away. He rolled the stone away. He rolled the stone away. He tore [singing] the veil defeated hell He tore [singing] the veil defeated hell He tore [singing] the veil defeated hell and made away. Oh hallelu. Oh hallelu. The son has set me free. [music] The son has set me free. [music] The son has set me free. [music] And who the son is free And who the son is free And who the son is free is truly free indeed. My ransom has been is truly free indeed. My ransom has been is truly free indeed. My ransom has been paid. Jesus [music] has the final say. I paid. Jesus [music] has the final say. I paid. Jesus [music] has the final say. I praise the one whose perfect love has praise the one whose perfect love has praise the one whose perfect love has made way. He's coming [singing and music] back for He's coming [singing and music] back for me. me. me. And I will see my resurrected And I will see my resurrected And I will see my resurrected king. king. king. And [singing] as I [music] wait, I And [singing] as I [music] wait, I And [singing] as I [music] wait, I worship night and day.

worship night and day. worship night and day. I need [music] I need [music] I need [music] amazing [singing] grace has made the amazing [singing] grace has made the amazing [singing] grace has made the way. has set me free has set me free and the son set free is truly [music] and the son set free is truly [music] and the son set free is truly [music] free. free. free. My resurrection with paid. Jesus [music] My resurrection with paid. Jesus [music] My resurrection with paid. Jesus [music] has the fin. I pray the world has the fin. I pray the world has the fin. I pray the world has made. the sun has set me free. the sun has set me free. And who the sun set free is truly free. And who the sun set free is truly free. And who the sun set free is truly free. Res. [music] Res. [music] Res. [music] Jesus has a fire to say. I pray you burn Jesus has a fire to say. I pray you burn Jesus has a fire to say. I pray you burn love has made the way. [music] love has made the way. [music] love has made the way. [music] I pray you perfect love has made the I pray you perfect love has made the I pray you perfect love has made the way.

way. way. Oh Jesus Christ, your perfect [music] Oh Jesus Christ, your perfect [music] Oh Jesus Christ, your perfect [music] love has made. That is what it's all about right there. That is what it's all about right there. It's about life change. It's about God It's about life change. It's about God It's about life change. It's about God changing your life because he loves you changing your life because he loves you changing your life because he loves you and he's real. That's the greatest thing and he's real. That's the greatest thing and he's real. That's the greatest thing we do at Wilden Church. we do at Wilden Church. we do at Wilden Church. God does the work, but we get to God does the work, but we get to God does the work, but we get to baptize. baptize. baptize. And when you're baptized, [music] the And when you're baptized, [music] the And when you're baptized, [music] the Bible says you preach a message without Bible says you preach a message without Bible says you preach a message without saying a word that Christ died, was saying a word that Christ died, was saying a word that Christ died, was buried, rose again, he's alive in your buried, rose again, he's alive in your buried, rose again, he's alive in your life, and he's going to resurrect you. life, and he's going to resurrect you. life, and he's going to resurrect you. Your sins have been washed away. No more Your sins have been washed away. No more Your sins have been washed away. No more regrets. regrets. regrets. I want you to be seated. Here's the last I want you to be seated. Here's the last I want you to be seated. Here's the last verse I want to give you. 1 Corinthians verse I want to give you. 1 Corinthians verse I want to give you. 1 Corinthians 15:58. With all this going for us, my 15:58. With all this going for us, my 15:58. With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. dear, dear friends, stand your ground. dear, dear friends, stand your ground. Don't hold back. Throw yourselves into Don't hold back. Throw yourselves into Don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the master, confident that the work of the master, confident that the work of the master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of nothing you do for him is a waste of nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.

time or effort. time or effort. We don't have to hold back. We don't We don't have to hold back. We don't We don't have to hold back. We don't know all the future holds, but we know know all the future holds, but we know know all the future holds, but we know who holds the future, and that's our who holds the future, and that's our who holds the future, and that's our king, Jesus Christ. [music] And the king king, Jesus Christ. [music] And the king king, Jesus Christ. [music] And the king is returning. The first time he came, he is returning. The first time he came, he is returning. The first time he came, he came as little baby. He came as a came as little baby. He came as a came as little baby. He came as a suffering servant. He came as the suffering servant. He came as the suffering servant. He came as the crucified one. But when he comes back, crucified one. But when he comes back, crucified one. But when he comes back, he's coming as king. And he will wear he's coming as king. And he will wear he's coming as king. And he will wear the crown, not the crown of thorns, but the crown, not the crown of thorns, but the crown, not the crown of thorns, but the crown of glory, the royal diadem, the crown of glory, the royal diadem, the crown of glory, the royal diadem, because he is the king of kings and the because he is the king of kings and the because he is the king of kings and the lord of lords. [applause] And the Bible lord of lords. [applause] And the Bible lord of lords. [applause] And the Bible says that one day every knee will bow, says that one day every knee will bow, says that one day every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus every tongue will confess that Jesus every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Christ is Lord to the glory of God the father. The question is, will you bow father. The question is, will you bow father. The question is, will you bow now or will you be forced to bow when now or will you be forced to bow when now or will you be forced to bow when it's too late? If you've never received it's too late? If you've never received it's too late? If you've never received Christ, today is your day. Christ, today is your day. Christ, today is your day. Let's bow our [music] heads. And if you Let's bow our [music] heads. And if you Let's bow our [music] heads. And if you not sure, maybe you're just not sure, not sure, maybe you're just not sure, not sure, maybe you're just not sure, get it settled today, get it settled today, get it settled today, right now. Just pray this prayer right now. Just pray this prayer right now. Just pray this prayer silently to God after me. Dear Jesus silently to God after me. Dear Jesus silently to God after me. Dear Jesus Christ, Christ, Christ, I need you to forgive me of [music] my I need you to forgive me of [music] my I need you to forgive me of [music] my sins. Thank you for dying on the cross.

sins. Thank you for dying on the cross. sins. Thank you for dying on the cross. Thank you that you rose again. I [music] Thank you that you rose again. I [music] Thank you that you rose again. I [music] ask you to come live inside my life ask you to come live inside my life ask you to come live inside my life through your Holy Spirit. through your Holy Spirit. through your Holy Spirit. Lord, I I thank you for your salvation. Lord, I I thank you for your salvation. Lord, I I thank you for your salvation. I thank you, Lord, for the free gift of I thank you, Lord, for the free gift of I thank you, Lord, for the free gift of heaven. I accept it. I could never earn heaven. I accept it. I could never earn heaven. I accept it. I could never earn it. And Lord, I want to follow you. I it. And Lord, I want to follow you. I it. And Lord, I want to follow you. I place my whole life upon you, my place my whole life upon you, my place my whole life upon you, my eternity on you, and ask you to be the eternity on you, and ask you to be the eternity on you, and ask you to be the Lord of my life from now on. Lord of my life from now on. Lord of my life from now on. And then Lord, I I just pray for all And then Lord, I I just pray for all And then Lord, I I just pray for all those who haven't been biblically those who haven't been biblically those who haven't been biblically baptized after they've received you that baptized after they've received you that baptized after they've received you that today they would be baptized to show today they would be baptized to show today they would be baptized to show they're not ashamed of you. And Lord, I they're not ashamed of you. And Lord, I they're not ashamed of you. And Lord, I know you're going to bless them. That know you're going to bless them. That know you're going to bless them. That obedience brings blessing. So give them obedience brings blessing. So give them obedience brings blessing. So give them that courage to take one little step, that courage to take one little step, that courage to take one little step, Lord, and take them the rest of the way Lord, and take them the rest of the way Lord, and take them the rest of the way for your glory. For it's in Jesus name for your glory. For it's in Jesus name for your glory. For it's in Jesus name we pray. Amen.