The Decisive Cross: A Review of John 12 at Trinity Baptist

[00:00:00] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
What did it say?
[00:00:17] Huh.

[00:00:52] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
... ...
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[00:01:31] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
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[00:07:24] Thank you for watching!

[00:09:34] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Let us pray.

[00:09:59] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let us pray.
[00:10:41] Amen.
[00:11:31] In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
[00:11:59] Amen.
[00:12:32] The Gospel of the Apostles

[00:13:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_09]:
For over 40 years, Disaster Response has been one of the driving forces behind Baptists on Mission.
[00:13:07] Your gifts to the North Carolina Missions Offering provide general support for Disaster Response and all other ministries of Baptists on Mission.
[00:13:17] In the aftermath of Hurricane Halim last year, volunteers wearing yellow shirts and Tyvek suits responded immediately.

[00:13:25] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
We've been getting water tankers in different places in western North Carolina because there's multiple towns that have no water.
[00:13:33] We also have many volunteers cutting trees off houses, ripping out insulation from underhouses, taking out cabinets and walls that have been drenched by the floodwaters.

[00:13:45] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
If you go and look at different areas in our county, the whole land layout looks different.
[00:13:49] It doesn't even look like the same place.
[00:13:50] The rivers are widened, roads are completely gone, railroad tracks completely washed out.

[00:13:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
This is one of three large feeding sites.
[00:13:58] Today, there'll be over 40,000 meals that will be prepared and given to hungry people in many of these areas of Western North Carolina.

[00:14:06] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
We just want to try our best to take care of the needs of people, to offer them hope in the name of the Lord.

[00:14:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_09]:
In the three months after Helene hit, 13,000 people, including those from other states, volunteered through Baptists on Mission.
[00:14:24] The response was unprecedented.

[00:14:27] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_10]:
This is the church.
[00:14:28] Y'all are beautiful showing up here.
[00:14:31] To have all this destruction and then you see a bunch of yellow shirts and a smiling face, it is beautiful.
[00:14:39] And it really warms my heart.
[00:14:41] And I know that God sends His people where they're needed.

[00:14:44] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
The relief is unexplainable.
[00:14:47] I really thought that I couldn't make it through this, but for me and all the others that's being helped by this organization, I want to say thank you.

[00:14:59] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
It's going to be a long time for us to rebuild here, so don't forget about us.

[00:15:04] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
Please continue to remember people in Western North Carolina, to pray for them, to give, and to be prepared to come and help.
[00:15:11] We want to be here three, four, five years from now helping people in Jesus' name.

[00:15:18] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_09]:
Living sent means seeing a need, responding to the need, and offering hope in Jesus' name.
[00:15:28] Your gifts to the North Carolina Missions Offering help make that possible.

[00:15:38] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
I think all over the country people have been remembering this one year anniversary of Helene and the damage that took place in western North Carolina and other places as well.
[00:15:51] But I have to tell you, indeed as you watch that video,
[00:15:57] They referenced North Carolina Baptist on Mission as an organization.
[00:16:02] You know it is far more than an organization.
[00:16:06] It is the power of God's Holy Spirit working through His people to minister in a way that is absolutely phenomenal.
[00:16:14] And many of you
[00:16:15] have been a part of that.
[00:16:17] So I hope you recognize that today, again, as I mentioned in my article yesterday, we have an opportunity in September to give our North Carolina Missions offering.
[00:16:26] You've been watching videos all month.
[00:16:28] I think this is sort of the capstone, if you will, that gives the picture of things that we do across the state week in and week out that go even beyond disaster relief.
[00:16:40] But I think that to all of the world,
[00:16:42] The power of God's Spirit is what is making the difference.
[00:16:48] And it's still happening.
[00:16:49] Just the last two weeks ago, I guess it was, a group was in Western North Carolina continuing to help with the rebuild and help folks get back in their homes because there's still so many that are without.
[00:17:00] And I've been in Western North Carolina this weekend actually at a Salt and Light Conference.
[00:17:05] And the church, it was actually held at a church where they have been, was really ground zero in Mary in McDowell County for the work that went on.
[00:17:15] So I want to just say thank you for all you've already done, but thank you in advance for what you're going to be able to do even through this North Carolina Missions offering and all of the great work that you are doing.
[00:17:28] Well, let me say with that a welcome to you.
[00:17:30] If you're visiting with us today, we want to bid you a warm welcome in the name of the Lord and on behalf of our Trinity Baptist family.
[00:17:37] In fact, if you are visiting with us this morning, there's some things that we want to put in your hands.
[00:17:42] Our deacons have got a couple of gift bags that they would love to share with those of you who are visiting with us this morning.
[00:17:48] And you'll find in there some things that we hope you'll take home and it'll help you remember.
[00:17:51] uh your visit here at trinity uh but also there's a guest card as part of that bag and we want you to take that and take a moment and fill it out place an offering plate when it comes by just a little bit later in the service service so if you are visiting with us today just lift your hand about like this as our ushers make their way down the aisle and just hold your hand up high enough and long enough for them to spot you and they'll put this in your hand and again
[00:18:14] We are grateful that you have chosen to be a part of what God is doing here today.
[00:18:19] As you can see, we're going to be sharing in the Lord's Supper as part of our service this morning, and we're very thrilled and honored to be able to do that as well.
[00:18:27] So if you're joining us via live stream, we want to welcome you into the sanctuary here at Trinity this morning, and we're thankful that you've chosen to be a part of what God's doing here.
[00:18:36] and we invite you to participate in every aspect of this service when we sing in a moment we want you to sing along with us when we pray you join us in going to the Lord in prayer and then when we open God's Word in a few minutes we hope that you will follow along with us and the series through the Gospel of John as we continue to see the words of Jesus just unfold right before our eyes so again we're thankful that you are joining with us today well will you join with me as we go to the Lord in prayer and just begin our service here this morning
[00:19:07] Father, we are so grateful for the privilege that we have to be able to bow before you and worship you in spirit and in truth.
[00:19:20] Father, as we have witnessed even in the video this morning, it really is true that your spirit has worked through believers across this country and in our own way here in Western North Carolina over the last year.
[00:19:37] To really and truly seek to impact the lives of people through helping meet real needs in their lives but never failing to share the most important need in their lives and that is Jesus.
[00:19:52] That they would see Jesus moving in their community, working in their midst to make sure they have a roof over their head
[00:20:01] And Father, I just thank you so much for men and women of faith that stand in the gap and recognize that we are with the power of Christ working through us of force in this community and in this country that will indeed make an impact.
[00:20:18] And Lord, I pray that this morning, as we've gathered here in your name, that you would just invade this very place with your presence and with your power.
[00:20:26] And that Father, when we lift our voices in a few moments, that we would truly be lifting them to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
[00:20:35] And as we open Your Word to study, that we would just seek the power of Your Spirit to convict us of sin where that is needed, to rebuke us where that is needed, to comfort us where that is needed, Lord, and to hold us up where that is needed.
[00:20:49] You know the needs of every individual under the sound of my voice this morning.
[00:20:53] And Lord, You know the circumstances they're walking through.
[00:20:57] And I just pray that Your Word today
[00:21:00] God bless you.
[00:21:06] Amen.
[00:21:22] Amen well listen if you have children with you that are preschool through third grade we'd love to invite them to join right over here to my right and your left so when we stand to greet one another in just a few moments I hope you will allow the children to come and join us in children's church right over here so stand to your feet right where you are turn around shake a few hands hug a few necks make each other welcome in the house of the Lord this morning as we've come to worship

[00:22:57] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
How great the chasm that lay between us How high the mountain I could not climb In desperation I turned to heaven And spoke your name into the night
[00:23:25] Then through the darkness Your lovingkindness Saw through the shadows of my soul The work is finished, the end is written Jesus Christ, my living hope
[00:23:57] Who could imagine so great a mercy?
[00:24:04] What heart could fathom such boundless grace?
[00:24:11] The God of ages stepped down from glory To wear my sin and bear my shame The cross has spoken, I am forgiven The King of kings calls me his own
[00:24:41] Jesus Christ, my living hope
[00:24:56] Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me You have broken every chain There's salvation in your name Jesus Christ, my living hope
[00:25:21] Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me You have broken every chain There's salvation in your name Jesus Christ, my living hope
[00:25:55] Then came the morning That sealed the promise Your buried body
[00:26:07] Began to breathe Out of the silence the roaring lion Declared the grave has no claim on me Then came the morning that sealed the promise
[00:26:32] Your very body began to breathe Out of the silence the roaring lion Declared the grave has no claim on thee
[00:26:55] Jesus, yours is the victory!
[00:27:06] Hallelujah, praise the one who set me free Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me You have broken every chain There's salvation in your name Jesus Christ, my living hope
[00:27:34] Hallelujah!
[00:27:49] Praise the one who set me free!
[00:27:50] Hallelujah!
[00:27:50] Death has lost its grip on me!
[00:27:51] You have broken me!
[00:27:51] Jesus Christ, my living hope Jesus Christ, my living hope God, you are my living hope

[00:28:24] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
What a praise this morning is!

[00:28:46] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness I dare not trust a sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus' name On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand
[00:29:14] All other ground is sinking sand When darkness veils His lovely face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor
[00:29:37] All other ground is sinking sand.
[00:29:54] All other ground is sinking sand.
[00:29:57] His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood.
[00:30:23] When all around my soul His way, He then is all my hope and stay.
[00:30:24] On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.
[00:30:25] All other ground is the King's
[00:30:33] He shall come with trumpet sound O may I live in Him be found Dressed in His righteousness alone God bless to stand before the throne On Christ the sovereign rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand
[00:31:01] All other ground is sinking sad.

[00:31:10] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
Amen.
[00:31:11] You may be seated.

[00:31:18] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
This is the time in our service when we collect our tithes and offerings and those that prefer to can give online at trinitybaptist.com.
[00:31:26] Let's pray.
[00:31:28] Father in heaven we do give thanks for the many blessings you continue to pour out upon us and we thank you for this day that you've given us together with fellow believers just to praise, to worship you and we continue with our worship by bringing our tithes and offerings to the storehouse as you've commanded us to do.
[00:31:45] Lord, you've just blessed us so much, both individually and as a church.
[00:31:51] Your word says that to those that have been given much, much is required.
[00:31:54] And I pray that we'll be found faithful in spreading the gospel message to others and be good stewards of what you've entrusted to us.
[00:32:03] We do ask that you bless and multiply our tithes and offerings for the expanding of your kingdom and bringing others to the saving grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
[00:32:13] Father, there are many within our fellowship that have had health concerns this past week or experienced loss of loved ones.
[00:32:19] We pray that you'll just continue to be our comforter, our healer, our provider.
[00:32:25] And Lord, just draw us in close and let us feel your presence and your love today.
[00:32:29] Now, be with our pastor as he brings a message.
[00:32:34] We know that your word that goes out doesn't return without accomplishing what you intend it to.
[00:32:39] We know that hearts and lives will be changed today as we leave here.
[00:32:44] Lord, we just pray that you draw us closer and let us be better prepared to be your witnesses and to share the good news with those that we come in contact with this week.
[00:32:53] And it's all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that we offer these prayers.
[00:32:57] Amen.

[00:33:14] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Christ alone, Christ alone, what is our only confidence?
[00:33:27] That our souls to Him belong.

[00:33:30] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Who holds our days within His hand What comes apart from His command And what will keep us to the end The love of Christ in which we stand
[00:34:00] Oh sing hallelujah now and ever we confess

[00:34:26] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
God is good!

[00:34:50] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
God is good!
[00:34:50] Where is His grace and goodness known?

[00:34:51] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
In our great Redeemer's blood, Who holds our faith when tears arise, Who stands above the stormy tide, Who sends the waves that bring us nigh,
[00:35:04] Alleluia!
[00:35:09] Our hope springs rejoicing!

[00:35:29] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
To the grave what will we sing?

[00:35:37] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Christ He lives!

[00:35:38] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Christ the Lord, and what reward will heaven bring?

[00:36:01] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Everlasting life we'll give, and we will rise to meet the Lord, and sin and death will be destroyed, and we will feast in endless joy, for Christ is our Lord.

[00:36:11] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
O sing hallelujah!

[00:36:22] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Our hope springs eternal!
[00:36:25] O sing hallelujah!
[00:36:33] Oh sing hallelujah Our hope springs eternal Oh sing hallelujah Now and ever we confess Christ our hope in life and death Now and ever we confess

[00:37:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Well, amen and amen.
[00:37:17] Thank you, choir, for blessing us this morning.
[00:37:20] Turn in your Bibles, if you will, to the Gospel of John, the 12th chapter.
[00:37:24] The Gospel of John, chapter 12, is where we find ourselves this morning as we continue in our series through.
[00:37:32] This great book that has been given to us and as we're moving this morning we pick up really where we left off last week in verse 30 and it's interesting because we had just heard the voice of God that spoke once again giving credence and giving absolute authority of who Jesus really is
[00:37:57] and Jesus answered him back in verse 30 and said this voice did not come because of me but for your sake so I want you to stand and honor the reading of the Word of God as we pick up here where we left off last week in verse 31 and following again Jesus had said in verse 30 this voice did not come because of me but for your sake
[00:38:26] Now is the judgment of this world.
[00:38:31] Now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
[00:38:36] And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
[00:38:45] This he said, signifying by what death he would die.
[00:38:51] Verse 34.
[00:38:53] The people answered him, We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever.
[00:39:00] And how can you say the Son of Man must be lifted up?
[00:39:06] Who is this Son of Man?
[00:39:10] Then Jesus said to them, A little while longer the light is with you.
[00:39:16] Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you.
[00:39:21] He who walks in darkness does not know where he's going.
[00:39:27] While you have the light, believe in the light that you may become sons of light.
[00:39:38] And then it concludes by saying in verse 36, These things Jesus spoke and departed and was hidden from them.
[00:39:52] Father, I just pray in these next few moments that you would truly prepare our hearts for what will happen at this table.
[00:40:02] Father, that you would let your word just really sink into our hearts and into our minds and affect us as we come to this table recognizing and understanding what happened that night when Jesus met with his disciples.
[00:40:19] Lord, thank you for your word.
[00:40:22] that causes us to realize that you haven't left us to figure it out on our own, but you have provided the way, the truth, and the life.
[00:40:34] And I just thank you that here today that you would speak to us even as we worship you in spirit and in truth.
[00:40:41] And I pray personally, Lord, that you'd let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, Lord, let them be pleasing in your sight.
[00:40:49] In Jesus' name I pray.
[00:40:52] Amen.
[00:40:53] You may be seated.
[00:40:56] These really, in the words that you and I just read, we need to understand, these are really the very last words Jesus spoke in a public way to the world.
[00:41:12] In other words, we find here toward the end of this 12th chapter, the final word that God brings
[00:41:21] to a lost and dying world.
[00:41:23] And I gotta tell you that final word of God to man is the cross of Golgotha.
[00:41:31] Make sure you understand that.
[00:41:34] When God gives his final public word to the world as recorded here in the Gospel of John, we find that word is pointing to the cross of Golgotha.
[00:41:49] And what a word it is.
[00:41:50] In fact, it's been said that the cross of Jesus is the most eloquent word in the vocabulary of God.
[00:41:59] Because, see, if you really want to understand who God is, if you really want to understand what God is all about, you always have to go to the cross of Calvary.
[00:42:12] And so Jesus closes out his words to the public in general, focusing on the fact that he is going to die on the cross.
[00:42:23] And in verse 36, as we just read, you notice that Jesus did what after he spoke these words?
[00:42:32] He departed, it says, and he was hidden from them.
[00:42:36] That's very important that you note that.
[00:42:40] well wait a minute mark what was the result of God's message on the cross well according to verse 37 we didn't read that far but you can look down at it it says but although he had done so many signs before them they did not believe in him so there were those who did not believe there were those that rejected
[00:43:09] Jesus and his message about the cross but then if you drop on down to verse 42 again read on further we didn't read that together but it says nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in him but because of the pharisees they did not confess him lest they should be put out of the synagogue
[00:43:33] Isn't that interesting?
[00:43:35] Verse 37 says there were those who did not believe in him.
[00:43:39] Verse 42 tells us there were those who did believe in him and believe in that message of the cross.
[00:43:47] And you know it's the same way today.
[00:43:49] Same way 2,000 years later.
[00:43:53] I mean the cross of Jesus Christ is preached and proclaimed and when it is preached and proclaimed some receive that message and are saved.
[00:44:04] Some reject that message and they are not saved.
[00:44:11] It's always that way because the cross of Jesus always brings people to a point of decision.
[00:44:20] They must say yes to the claims of Jesus or they must say no to those claims.
[00:44:27] And this morning as you and I are gathered here in front of me being this table of the Lord and we're going to share in the bread and the cup here in just a few moments, I want you to look with me specifically at the words that Jesus offers here in verse 31 through 36 because I believe He is defining to the world in His final word
[00:44:50] What the cross of Calvary actually means.
[00:44:58] There's several things that took place and Jesus is stating it up front.
[00:45:04] If you're a note taker this morning, I want you to jot down a couple of things with me if you will.
[00:45:08] Number one, Jesus teaches that this cross is a place of doom.
[00:45:17] A place of doom.
[00:45:19] You say, what do you mean it's a place of doom?
[00:45:20] Well look what verse 31 says.
[00:45:23] He says, now is the judgment of this world.
[00:45:28] In other words, this verse says the world is doomed.
[00:45:34] I want you to circle that word world for a moment if you will.
[00:45:37] Because when you see that word world that is used right here, it's not talking about the world of nature.
[00:45:45] It's not talking about the sun and the moon and the birds and the bees.
[00:45:48] Not talking about the world of nature.
[00:45:50] In fact, it's not primarily talking about the world of humanity.
[00:45:55] It's not talking about people per se.
[00:45:58] But it is speaking primarily of a world system.
[00:46:04] Make sure you get that.
[00:46:05] A world system.
[00:46:07] In other words, a society which has organized itself apart from God.
[00:46:15] I mean everything that is opposed to God and His Word.
[00:46:19] That is what He's talking about, this world system.
[00:46:24] And it is set up to try to destroy and ruin individuals.
[00:46:29] That's why the Bible declares love not,
[00:46:34] The world.
[00:46:35] Now again, he's not talking about the world of nature.
[00:46:37] He's not talking about the world of people or humanity.
[00:46:40] He's talking about this world system that is society that is organized against the things of God.
[00:46:48] And if you think about it, every one of us is born into this world, right?
[00:46:55] I mean, we grew up in this world.
[00:46:58] We're many times unaware of the influences that this world system is having on us.
[00:47:05] In fact, if we're honest this morning, most of us fall prey to the enticements and the allures of this world.
[00:47:12] You say, what do you mean, Mark?
[00:47:14] I mean we give in to the world.
[00:47:16] We yield to the world.
[00:47:19] We tend to go along with the thinking of the world.
[00:47:26] But when Jesus came,
[00:47:31] Son, it was different.
[00:47:34] Because Jesus understood what this world system was all about.
[00:47:44] Jesus understood that this world is not our friend.
[00:47:50] And so when he came, you remember what happened when he first came?
[00:47:55] The world tried to fascinate him.
[00:47:59] But that didn't work.
[00:48:02] And so what did they decide to do?
[00:48:05] To fight Him.
[00:48:07] When the world system didn't fascinate Him, they purely decided to fight Him.
[00:48:15] And all through His life and ministry, you will find the Lord Jesus in an antagonistic relationship with this world.
[00:48:28] Now again, listen to me carefully.
[00:48:31] You and I, we already said it, came into this world system.
[00:48:35] We were born into it.
[00:48:37] We were influenced by it.
[00:48:39] We don't understand what it's actually doing.
[00:48:42] And yet the Bible says when you and I come to Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, Jesus delivers us from this present world.
[00:48:58] That's part of the good news of the gospel.
[00:49:00] He delivers us.
[00:49:01] He plucks us out of this world system.
[00:49:05] He empowers us to see this world for what it is.
[00:49:11] Remember before Jesus came into our lives, we become easy prey.
[00:49:16] We become easy pickings for the world.
[00:49:19] We fall right into its traps.
[00:49:21] We don't really understand what's happening.
[00:49:24] But when Jesus Christ comes into your life, He gives you a whole different perspective.
[00:49:29] You're able to see the world system for what it really is.
[00:49:34] And that's why the Bible teaches we are not to love the world.
[00:49:39] We are not to be conformed to this world.
[00:49:46] So you see, Jesus came to the cross of Calvary
[00:49:52] And in his death, with outstretched hands, nails in his hands and his feet, a spear ultimately thrust into his side, Jesus doomed the world.
[00:50:14] He doomed the world.
[00:50:17] Right here in verse 31.
[00:50:19] Underline it if you haven't already.
[00:50:21] Now is the world brought into judgment.
[00:50:26] Now, to be totally transparent, let's be clear.
[00:50:32] It didn't look much like it, did it?
[00:50:35] I mean, it honestly didn't.
[00:50:37] I mean, when Jesus was tried and Jesus was convicted and Jesus was put on a cross, it appeared that the world was actually putting Jesus
[00:50:49] In judgment.
[00:50:50] But if you notice the verses carefully, you find Jesus is not the one being judged.
[00:50:56] Oh, no, no, no, no.
[00:50:57] He is the judge himself.
[00:51:02] In fact, drop down to verse 47 and 48.
[00:51:04] I want you to look down at it real quick.
[00:51:07] Notice it says, same chapter, And if anyone hears my words and does not believe, I do not judge him, for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
[00:51:20] He who rejects me and does not receive my words has that which judges him.
[00:51:28] The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.
[00:51:37] You see what verse 47 and 48 are saying?
[00:51:40] The world system is on its way out.
[00:51:45] The world is doomed at the cross of Jesus.
[00:51:50] And by the way, the end of verse 31, Satan is defeated at the cross.
[00:51:54] You notice at the end of verse 31, he's very specific when he talks about it here.
[00:52:00] Not only is the judgment of this world, now the ruler of this world will be what, class?
[00:52:06] Cast out.
[00:52:08] God's Word is very clear that Satan is defeated at the cross.
[00:52:15] The Bible, by the way, right here is very clear that there is a real personality of evil in existence.
[00:52:22] Some of you know him as the devil.
[00:52:25] Some of you speak of him as Satan.
[00:52:29] He is referred to in the Bible here as the ruler of this world.
[00:52:34] Some talk in terms of the prince of this world.
[00:52:37] But in other words, the devil is the one who is pulling the strings of this world.
[00:52:46] And yet when Jesus Christ died on the cross, he declared, now is the ruler of this world what?
[00:52:55] Cast out.
[00:52:59] Now again, all transparency.
[00:53:06] Doesn't seem that way, does it?
[00:53:10] I mean, really.
[00:53:12] When Jesus hung on that cross, it seemed like the devil got the upper hand.
[00:53:21] But the devil didn't know what was going on.
[00:53:24] See, let me explain, just so we're all clear on this from a worldview perspective.
[00:53:32] Back in the Garden of Eden, at creation, God gave humanity dominion over this world, right?
[00:53:44] It was given to man right there in the Garden of Eden.
[00:53:50] But when humanity, Adam and Eve, when they disobeyed God, the Bible teaches that man lost that dominion and the world came under the dominion of Satan.
[00:54:04] That's why Jesus came and the devil tempted him in the wilderness.
[00:54:09] You remember that.
[00:54:10] And he tempted him with several things.
[00:54:12] But one of the temptations you recall is the devil was able to say, bow down and worship me and I'll give you dominion over all these kingdoms of this world.
[00:54:26] He had dominion.
[00:54:30] And yet when Jesus Christ died on the cross, the devil lost his power of dominion at that point.
[00:54:45] Now hear me straight.
[00:54:47] The devil is very real and still very active.
[00:54:53] But I am telling you that at the cross, at the cross, at the cross of Jesus, there was a process that was started and at Calvary's cross that will result in the final overthrow and defeat of the devil once and for all.
[00:55:13] When the devil looks at the cross now and he knows there is a resurrected Christ who is at the right hand of the Father interceding for you and for me, the devil knows he is doomed.
[00:55:26] He is doomed.
[00:55:28] And that's the victory that we have in Jesus Christ.
[00:55:33] And that's what you've got to make sure you understand.
[00:55:37] The devil was doomed at the cross.
[00:55:42] The very night that Jesus was arrested, just hours before he would hang on the cross, Jesus said to those who came to get him and arrest him in the Garden of Gethsemane, he says, now, now is your hour.
[00:56:00] The power of darkness.
[00:56:04] And what Jesus is saying, this is it, man.
[00:56:07] You've come to your hour, buddy.
[00:56:09] This is the climax of your efforts against me.
[00:56:18] Why is that so important to you?
[00:56:21] Why is that so important to me?
[00:56:24] Because when you give your life to the Lord Jesus Christ,
[00:56:28] You move from the kingdom of the devil to the kingdom of God and the devil gets kicked out of your life once and for all.
[00:56:41] Oh, I thank God for the cross because Jesus is teaching us right here in these verses that the cross is a place of doom.
[00:56:51] A place of doom.
[00:56:56] But he also tells us something here that I want you to recognize.
[00:57:01] That Jesus teaches that the cross is a place of distinction.
[00:57:05] You say, what do you mean a place of distinction?
[00:57:07] Look at verse 32.
[00:57:09] He says, And if I am lifted up from the earth,
[00:57:15] will draw all people to myself.
[00:57:20] And notice he says, this he said signifying what death he would die.
[00:57:28] In other words, Jesus speaks of the cross as what?
[00:57:34] A lifting up.
[00:57:37] You say, but Mark, how in the world could Jesus talk in terms of the cruel cross as being a place of distinction?
[00:57:46] Let me ask you, who was hanging on that cross?
[00:57:52] Who is this?
[00:57:54] No ordinary man was this.
[00:57:57] This is the Son of Man, Jesus, on that cross.
[00:58:02] This is the Son of God, Jesus, on that cross.
[00:58:10] See, this cross distinguishes
[00:58:16] Jesus.
[00:58:18] I mean, I don't know about you, but I never get enough Jesus.
[00:58:23] I never tire of learning more and more and getting to know Jesus Christ in a more intimate way.
[00:58:32] But I gotta tell you, whoever you are here this morning, you can know a lot about Jesus.
[00:58:42] I've known people that study great world religions
[00:58:46] And shame to say it, but they probably have studied and learned more about Jesus than I know.
[00:58:52] But you can know everything you want to know about Jesus, but I promise you this.
[00:58:59] You will never, ever understand who Jesus is and all of His glory and all of His splendor
[00:59:12] until you have come to the cross of Calvary and seen Him lifted up on that cross for your sins.
[00:59:26] If you've never really stopped and pictured Jesus Christ hanging on the cross for your sin, no matter whatever else you've learned about Him,
[00:59:43] You've never understood Him.
[00:59:47] See, when you come to the cross, you really see the why of why He came into the world.
[00:59:57] If you really want to answer the question of why did He come, you've got to go to the cross.
[01:00:04] He came into the world, why?
[01:00:06] To solve the sin problem.
[01:00:11] I mean, listen, if there's ever been a question, there's ever been a problem that has to be resolved, it's the sin problem.
[01:00:20] Romans 3.23 says, all of sin and come short of the glory of God.
[01:00:25] Romans 6.23 says, the wages of sin is death.
[01:00:30] That's a pretty bleak picture.
[01:00:32] We all got an issue with it.
[01:00:34] Everybody.
[01:00:35] And the cost of it?
[01:00:37] Death.
[01:00:39] But that's why the cross is so magnificent.
[01:00:43] Because it's here at the cross that your sin problem, sir, your sin problem, ma'am, is actually solved.
[01:00:53] Because at the cross Jesus paid the debt of sin.
[01:00:58] At the cross Jesus settled your account once and for all.
[01:01:06] That's what you need this morning.
[01:01:10] You need to be set free from the shackles of sin.
[01:01:14] You need to be set free from the destruction of sin.
[01:01:17] You need to be set free ultimately from the wages of sin.
[01:01:23] And right here at the cross is where a man or a woman finds that freedom.
[01:01:35] Oh listen, I know, I'm human.
[01:01:41] There's pleasure, and you're going to find a time of pleasure in your sin.
[01:01:50] In fact, the Bible calls it a season, and there's been plenty of time in your life where you enjoyed the pleasure of sin.
[01:02:01] But again, the Bible calls it a season, and then it turns ugly.
[01:02:08] The consequences turn very ugly.
[01:02:12] And that season that you're enjoying the pleasure of your sin, those consequences come.
[01:02:22] And then sin, your sin becomes a burden.
[01:02:25] And then your sin becomes a heartache.
[01:02:29] And then your sin becomes a serious hardship on you, probably on your family,
[01:02:38] Probably on all those that are close to you.
[01:02:42] And you find yourself enslaved by it.
[01:02:48] Now listen, let's just be transparent this morning.
[01:02:53] Some of you know exactly what I'm talking about.
[01:02:57] There was a point that you enjoyed your sin.
[01:03:04] But now,
[01:03:07] You no longer enjoy your sin.
[01:03:11] You wish you could get out.
[01:03:14] You want to figure a way out.
[01:03:16] In fact, at least a hundred times you've said, I'm going to stop it.
[01:03:21] At least a hundred times you've said, I'm going to quit.
[01:03:25] At least a hundred times you've said, I can't do this anymore.
[01:03:33] But you can't stop it.
[01:03:36] because it's now made a slave out of you.
[01:03:42] That's what sin does.
[01:03:49] That's the shackles being put on.
[01:03:57] But listen, the cross of which Jesus is speaking is a place of distinction
[01:04:06] Because it's here that Jesus brings to you and to me the power to conquer our sin.
[01:04:14] In fact, let me put it to you this way.
[01:04:16] On the surface, the cross doesn't make a bit of sense, does it?
[01:04:21] I mean, on the surface, there was no justice at the cross.
[01:04:25] Here's the Lord Jesus, the only person who ever lived a perfect life.
[01:04:30] The only person that never had a thought he shouldn't have.
[01:04:34] The only person that never took an action he shouldn't have taken.
[01:04:38] And yet, look at what they did to him.
[01:04:41] They nailed him to a cross.
[01:04:44] The one who healed the sick.
[01:04:47] The one who was helping the hurting.
[01:04:50] The one who literally raised the dead.
[01:04:53] The one who was always reaching out to those in need.
[01:04:57] And what did they do?
[01:04:58] They took him and they smashed him on a cross.
[01:05:04] Doesn't make a bit of sense.
[01:05:09] But you see, what they didn't know
[01:05:14] is that Jesus transformed Calvary.
[01:05:22] Jesus transformed Golgotha.
[01:05:27] And since that time, the cross of Golgotha has transformed everything else that it touches.
[01:05:43] That's the power of the cross.
[01:05:47] That's the power of the cross.
[01:05:50] And the ultimate solution to the tragedies, the ultimate solution to the mysteries of life is to look at the cross where God's own Son for six hours hung there wounded, bleeding, and dying for the sorrow and the sin and the mysteries of life.
[01:06:11] I'm here to tell you the cross is a place of doom
[01:06:15] Jesus wanted to make sure people understood the world was doomed Satan was doomed all of that at the cross but it was also a place of distinction because it was there that the perfect Son of God would pay for your sin and it was there that the perfect Son of God wants to empower you to overcome your sin and you no longer have to live with those shackles
[01:06:46] You no longer have to be a slave.
[01:06:50] And the last thing I'll say, and then we're gonna move to this table very quickly, is that right here in these words, look at verse 32.
[01:06:59] Jesus is teaching at the end of this verse that the cross is also a place of drawing power.
[01:07:06] You say, what do you mean a place of drawing power?
[01:07:08] Look at verse 32.
[01:07:09] He said, and if I am lifted up from the earth,
[01:07:17] will draw all people to myself.
[01:07:24] See, the cross is a place of drawing power.
[01:07:27] There's a magnetism of the cross.
[01:07:30] There's this drawing power about the cross.
[01:07:33] In fact, the word here in the Greek literally means to draw by an inward power.
[01:07:40] In the Greek, when he talks about this drawing, it literally means to lead.
[01:07:45] It literally means to compel.
[01:07:47] Jesus is saying, if you lift me up on that cross, I will draw all men to myself.
[01:07:55] There's something about the cross that draws people.
[01:08:00] You say, but wait a minute, Mark.
[01:08:02] Why are some people not coming?
[01:08:04] Why are not all saved?
[01:08:07] That's what Jesus says right here.
[01:08:09] He said, if I be lifted up on the cross, I will draw all men unto myself.
[01:08:13] Listen, when he uses that word all, I want you to circle that word because he's talking about all without distinction will be drawn unto me.
[01:08:25] That means wherever the message of the cross of Jesus is preached, all kinds of people are gonna be drawn to that cross.
[01:08:34] I promise you, you go into the palaces of the high and mighty and you preach the message of the cross and the rich and the famous will be drawn to Jesus and many of them will be saved.
[01:08:48] You take that same message of the cross and you go to the nastiest and filthiest street in this country and you preach that message of the cross and the lowliest, the lowliest of low will be drawn to Him and many of them will be saved.
[01:09:08] You can share it with the young and young people will be drawn and many will be saved.
[01:09:14] You share it with the elderly
[01:09:16] The elderly are going to be drawn and many will be saved.
[01:09:20] Share it with white people, share it with black people, share it with brown people, share it with green people, blue people, anything else you want to do.
[01:09:28] And you know what?
[01:09:29] They're going to be drawn to Jesus.
[01:09:33] When he says, I will draw all people, he's saying without distinction, you lift up the cross and I will draw all men to myself.
[01:09:46] You say, wait a minute though, Mark.
[01:09:51] But why isn't everybody coming to the cross and being saved?
[01:10:00] Because listen to me.
[01:10:04] Jesus promised this.
[01:10:07] Everybody is drawn.
[01:10:13] But it doesn't mean
[01:10:16] that all receive the message of the cross.
[01:10:28] All are drawn but not everyone receives the message.
[01:10:36] We know that from the scene on Golgotha.
[01:10:39] There were two people that died on either side of Jesus that day.
[01:10:43] On one side there was a thief
[01:10:46] who died in blasphemy.
[01:10:48] He said, if you are the Son of God, get us all down from here.
[01:10:55] But the other one, he died believing.
[01:11:00] He said, Lord, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
[01:11:10] Both were drawn to the center cross, amen?
[01:11:16] Both were drawn to the center cross for the answer.
[01:11:21] One died in blasphemy and one died believing.
[01:11:27] But both were drawn to the cross.
[01:11:31] And so it is today.
[01:11:33] When the message of the cross is shared, people will be drawn to the message and the invitation.
[01:11:44] But not everybody will accept.
[01:11:50] Not everybody will accept.
[01:11:53] And that's what we see when we come to this table.
[01:11:57] Jesus made it very clear on the night that He met to have the Passover with the disciples.
[01:12:09] And in the midst of that supper, Jesus stopped.
[01:12:15] He took the bread and He broke it.
[01:12:19] He took the cup and He offered it.
[01:12:29] The blood, the cup, was for all.
[01:12:40] But Jesus said many will receive.
[01:12:45] but not all.
[01:12:48] Would you bow your heads right where you are please?
[01:12:51] Heads bowed and eyes closed.
[01:12:53] Right where you are.
[01:12:54] I want you to just to pause for a moment where you are with heads bowed and eyes closed because this is the moment to prepare our hearts for this table.
[01:13:15] This is the moment that if you've never given your life to Jesus, this is a moment that you can say yes to Him.
[01:13:24] This is a moment that you can pray and say, Lord, I realize I'm a sinner and I need a Savior.
[01:13:31] And Lord, I repent of my sin.
[01:13:33] I place my faith in Jesus and Jesus alone.
[01:13:38] Come into my heart right now and save me.
[01:13:45] It may be that the Lord's laying on your heart the need to ask for His forgiveness and the opportunity for you to be saved.
[01:14:03] Maybe you're already a believer and as a believer you're going to partake of this bread and this cup.
[01:14:11] But this is a perfect time for you to examine yourself.
[01:14:14] This is a perfect time for you to allow the Holy Spirit, just allow Him to do a heart check.
[01:14:21] But let it be from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.
[01:14:25] And let Him convict you of anything that you need to confess before Him right now.
[01:14:32] So that as you take this bread, as you take this cup, you do so with a clean heart.
[01:14:39] Having just put it all in His hands, He is the living God and He meets you right at your point of need this morning.
[01:14:51] We're going to celebrate Jesus at this table.
[01:14:57] But as I said before, you can't really know Him unless you know Him in the cross.
[01:15:06] You can't really understand the why.
[01:15:09] If you don't understand the cross, you can't really experience Him until you've come to the cross.
[01:15:27] So just repent.
[01:15:30] Ask Him right now as you prepare your hearts for what He wants you to do.
[01:15:38] Father, I pray in these moments that You would simply lead us as we wait upon You.
[01:15:44] In Jesus' name, Amen.
[01:16:14] Over in Matthew's Gospel, the 26th chapter lays out what happened that night.
[01:16:22] We're not going to go through the entire event of the Passover that was being celebrated, but just know in verse 26 of Matthew 26 it says, And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed, and broke it.
[01:16:39] and gave it to the disciples and said take eat this is my body today I ask you to receive this bread and share the body of Christ was broken for you father just as you bless the bread that night we ask your blessing upon this supper
[01:17:09] upon this bread that reminds us and takes us to the cross knowing that your body was broken.
[01:17:21] Amen.

[01:17:34] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
O to see the dawn of the darkest day Christ on the road to Calvary Tried by sinful men, torn and beaten then
[01:17:58] Nailed to a cross of wood This the power of the cross Christ became
[01:18:15] Sin for us took the blame, For the wrath we stand forgiven at the cross.
[01:18:33] Oh, to see the pain
[01:18:36] of Christ Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Christ of Latter-day Saints
[01:19:06] Christ became sin for us, took the blame, bore the wrath, we stand forgiven at the cross.
[01:19:38] Now the daylight flees, now the ground beneath Quakes as its maker bows his head Curtain torn in two, dead all race to life
[01:20:02] The power of the cross Christ became
[01:20:16] Sin for us took the blame, For the wrath we stand forgiven at the cross.
[01:20:40] O to see my name Written in the wounds For through your suffering I am free Death is crushed to death Life is mine to live Won through your selfless love This the path
[01:21:11] of the Cross, Son of God, slain for us, what a life, what a cost, we stand forgiven,
[01:21:29] We stand forgiven at the cross We stand forgiven at the cross We stand forgiven at the cross

[01:22:31] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
...to the disciples that night in the midst of the Passover meal.
[01:22:38] He said, this is my body which is broken for you.
[01:22:43] Take ye and eat ye all of it.
[01:22:55] Scripture then reveals that he picked up the cup
[01:22:59] He gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of their sins.
[01:23:13] Again, just like we said in the message, Jesus said, If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to myself.
[01:23:21] And he does.
[01:23:22] The drawing power of the cross.
[01:23:26] Wasn't the blood of Jesus shed for everyone?
[01:23:30] It was.
[01:23:32] But not everyone receives his forgiveness.
[01:23:36] Not everyone accepts what he did in their place on the cross.
[01:23:44] So he says, this is my blood of the new covenant which is shed for many for the remission of their sins.
[01:23:52] As you receive the cup and then pass it to the person beside you today, would you just simply give a witness?
[01:24:00] The blood of Jesus was shed for you.
[01:24:05] Father, just as you blessed the cup that night, we ask you to bless this cup that everyone under the sound of my voice this morning would hear and understand the power of the cross.
[01:24:26] In Jesus' name, Amen.

[01:24:43] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
Please sing with me.
[01:24:45] What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul.
[01:24:55] What wondrous love is this, O my soul.
[01:25:04] God, wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of Plains to bear the dreadful curse.
[01:25:18] For my soul, for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse.
[01:25:34] When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down When I was sinking down, sinking down
[01:25:53] When I was sinking down beneath God's righteous crown, Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul.
[01:26:11] Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.
[01:26:22] To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing To God and to the Lamb I will sing
[01:26:41] To God and to the Lamb Who is the Great I Am While millions join the theme I will sing, I will sing While millions join the theme I will sing
[01:27:10] And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joy fill me
[01:27:41] And through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on And through eternity I'll sing on

[01:28:35] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Thank you for watching!
[01:29:20] God Bless!

[01:30:01] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Jesus said this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of their sins take ye and drink ye all of it the scripture says that when the disciples had finished the Passover meal Judas of course had already left
[01:30:30] Jesus having spent that time with them they left that upper room and we learned in previous weeks that they sang a psalm this is the day the Lord has made because that would be the psalm that marked the day of all days the day that would separate all of human history because from that day every person forward
[01:30:59] would be drawn to a cross, but they would have to decide whether to receive it or whether to reject it.
[01:31:10] That's what the cross of Jesus Christ really means.
[01:31:16] Whether it's posted in a church, whether it's worn around your neck, whether it's on a bracelet, make sure you really understand
[01:31:30] The cross is a place of doom.
[01:31:33] It's a place of distinction.
[01:31:36] But it's a place of drawing power, drawn to Christ.
[01:31:43] Would you stand to your feet?
[01:31:45] Because we're going to sing a hymn today as Brother Grant leads us.
[01:31:48] This is a hymn of decision for us today.
[01:31:50] This is a hymn of invitation for us today.
[01:31:54] And it's an opportunity for me to invite you to come and give your life to Christ.
[01:32:00] This altar's open.
[01:32:01] If you want to get alone with God and just share with Him what's on your heart today, come.
[01:32:08] Come to the altar.
[01:32:10] Come to the cross.
[01:32:12] There's power in the cross of Jesus as we sing.

[01:32:28] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
My faith has found a resting place, not in device or creed.
[01:32:38] I trust the ever-living One, His words for me shall plead.
[01:32:51] I need no other argument, I need no other plea.
[01:32:57] It is enough that
[01:33:04] of Christ Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
[01:33:28] In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
[01:33:52] Amen.
[01:33:52] My heart is leaning on the Word, the living Word of God.
[01:33:53] Salvation by my Savior's name Salvation through His blood I need no one
[01:34:11] It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.
[01:34:24] My great position heals the sick, the lost he came to save.
[01:34:43] For me his precious blood he shed, for me his life he gave.
[01:34:44] I need no
[01:34:50] I trust the ever-living one
[01:35:16] This world for me shall play I need no other argument I need no other plea It is enough that Jesus died
[01:35:38] of Christ Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
[01:35:55] I need no other argument, I need no other plea It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me
[01:36:19] My heart is leaning on the Word The living Word of God Salvation by my Savior's name Salvation through this blood I need no other argument
[01:36:45] I need no other plea It is enough that Jesus died And that He died for me

[01:37:02] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Amen.
[01:37:02] Would you be seated just one moment, please?
[01:37:05] It is certainly my pleasure to introduce these two young people that are standing here today.
[01:37:10] This is Zachary Hatchet that is standing here and Manraj Kaur who is standing here with me today.
[01:37:19] And I asked them if they were married or engaged or dating.
[01:37:23] I may have probably got into areas I didn't need to get, but they're dating.
[01:37:27] But they are dating each other and I'm very grateful for them coming.
[01:37:30] And this is what you love to see when God is working in young people and working in their lives.
[01:37:36] Zachary is a believer and already has accepted Christ as a Savior.
[01:37:39] He's been baptized and he's wanting to join our church.
[01:37:42] Coming by letter from Denver Baptist here in our area.
[01:37:46] Munraj has prayed to receive Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and she's coming today wanting to be baptized.
[01:37:59] And again, it is just a testimony.
[01:38:01] They've been faithful.
[01:38:02] They've been coming week in and week out.
[01:38:04] They've been coming to prayer meeting on Wednesday night.
[01:38:06] They've just been feeding in the Word.
[01:38:08] They had an opportunity to talk with Brother Robert.
[01:38:10] And Robert walked through the Gospel and everything with them.
[01:38:14] I just have to tell you, this is a great, great praise today to see them taking this step of faith in their own lives and the commitment in their walk with Him.
[01:38:22] So, what's your pleasure in affirming Zachary and Munraj today as they come?
[01:38:27] Motion made.
[01:38:27] Second?
[01:38:28] All in favor, lift your hands.
[01:38:29] Well, there's your friends.
[01:38:31] All right?
[01:38:31] God bless you, Munraj.
[01:38:33] God bless you, buddy.
[01:38:34] We're so thankful for you coming.
[01:38:36] And I'm going to invite you at the end, if you will follow me up there.
[01:38:39] I know the folks want to speak to you on their way out.
[01:38:41] And we're so thankful for you.
[01:38:43] Let me ask you to stand to your feet, if you will, right where you are.
[01:38:46] I do want to mention something in closing today that does need to be mentioned.
[01:38:50] Many of you realize this week that our church was sort of the victim of a scam, an email scam, that an email, well, basically what they did is they created a fake email
[01:39:02] I hope you got the follow-up emails that warned that it was a scam, but I want you to know that there were some folks that did
[01:39:23] and so the police are involved and police are investigating that to try to get us to a conclusion of where we need to be but please just know I'm never going to send you an email
[01:39:38] And I'm never going to ask, even if it's for a good cause, that's not the way we operate here.
[01:39:48] It's not the way we'll be communicating here.
[01:39:50] And I want to make sure that all of you are protected and safe and share with all of your other friends
[01:39:57] As well here at the church.
[01:39:59] It was an unfortunate situation.
[01:40:01] It has hopefully been resolved and is continuing to be resolved.
[01:40:04] To my knowledge at this point nobody actually got stung and there was no money transacted.
[01:40:09] It was caught before that happened which is a great blessing and just the hand of the Lord that protected from that.
[01:40:15] But just be aware and I wanted to say a word about that today because we live in a crazy world full of evil.
[01:40:22] and we want to be wise in all that we do.
[01:40:26] But thank you for your faithfulness.
[01:40:27] Thank you for as you continue to stand for the Lord and serve the Lord faithfully here.
[01:40:31] And Brother Robert's going to give us a closing word and Brother Grant's going to sing us out and I'm going to invite Zachary and Minrash to join me right back here at the back.

[01:40:44] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Amen.
[01:40:44] Thank you, Pastor Mark.
[01:40:46] You know, they say imitation is the highest form of flattery, but we don't want any of that kind of imitation going around, that's for sure.
[01:40:53] Today our benediction comes from the book of Hebrews, chapter 2, starting in verse 9.
[01:40:57] It truly is a beautiful passage that encapsulates this service really well.
[01:41:01] Starting in verse 9, the word of the Lord.
[01:41:04] But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels,
[01:41:10] Namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
[01:41:22] For it was fitting that he for whom and by whom all things exist in bringing many sons to glory should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.
[01:41:35] For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.
[01:41:40] That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, I will tell of your name to my brothers.
[01:41:46] In the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise, and again I will put my trust in him.
[01:41:52] And again, behold, I and the children God has given me.
[01:41:57] Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
[01:42:18] Would you pray with me?
[01:42:22] Father God, you alone are worthy of all honor, glory and praise.
[01:42:29] We were made from you, Lord.
[01:42:31] We were made for you, God, to give you that proper honor, glory and praise.
[01:42:36] Thank you, Father, for the cross.
[01:42:38] Thank you, Lord, that it set us free from our slavery to sin and death.
[01:42:43] And God, our benediction, our prayer today, as we leave these doors today, we could go out into the highways and byways of life to those who are still held in bondage and proclaim that there is a Christ, there is a cross-shaped key that can unlock those shackles.
[01:42:59] Help us to be bold to proclaim your truth, Lord, to live out our mission statement, to know you, Jesus, and make you known.
[01:43:06] Father, it's in your Son's mighty name we ask this prayer.
[01:43:09] Jesus Christ, our Messiah.
[01:43:10] Amen.

[01:43:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]:
This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made.
[01:43:29] We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it, and be glad in it.
[01:43:37] This is the day that the Lord has made.
[01:43:42] We will rejoice and be glad in it.
[01:43:46] This is the day.
[01:43:48] This is the day that the Lord has made.