WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.560 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:14.580 Turn with me again to Luke 15. 00:00:16.820 --> 00:00:25.019 Luke 15, last week we began looking at these famous parables about lost things, and we 00:00:25.019 --> 00:00:33.299 saw the heart of God as a treasure-hunting God who celebrates finding lost sinners in 00:00:33.299 --> 00:00:34.859 the wreckage of life. 00:00:36.100 --> 00:00:43.140 We saw the father of the prodigal son come running to embrace him and to restore his lost 00:00:43.140 --> 00:00:48.719 son, to throw a party for him, even while he's not even worked off his great debts, while 00:00:48.719 --> 00:00:51.159 he stands covered in pig filth. 00:00:51.600 --> 00:00:53.539 The father celebrates him. 00:00:53.539 --> 00:00:56.780 I love God's heart in this. 00:00:57.240 --> 00:01:04.500 I so need, we so need to remember that kind of extravagant love that he has for us. 00:01:04.519 --> 00:01:10.259 Even when we fail to love him, when we fail to honor him, that's how he loves us. 00:01:11.439 --> 00:01:19.159 It should make us draw near to God to listen to him, like it did for the tax collectors 00:01:19.159 --> 00:01:22.980 and sinners at the beginning of this chapter. 00:01:22.980 --> 00:01:27.680 They drew near to listen to hear what Jesus had to say. 00:01:28.980 --> 00:01:33.939 But remember, there's a second group around Jesus when he's telling these stories, and 00:01:33.939 --> 00:01:36.200 they're not necessarily drawing near to listen. 00:01:36.520 --> 00:01:38.960 They're grumbling, right? 00:01:39.500 --> 00:01:44.180 They're not pleased at all with who Jesus has around him. 00:01:44.180 --> 00:01:47.120 Jesus wants to address their hearts too. 00:01:48.040 --> 00:01:53.020 So he brings in the second son to this prodigal son story. 00:01:53.380 --> 00:01:57.640 We're told when the father sees the prodigal coming home, his heart is one of what? 00:01:57.900 --> 00:01:59.040 Of compassion. 00:01:59.820 --> 00:02:00.520 Verse 20. 00:02:00.519 --> 00:02:08.900 But in contrast to the father, the older brother's heart, when he hears, is full of anger. 00:02:10.099 --> 00:02:10.799 Verse 28. 00:02:12.479 --> 00:02:15.060 So we've seen God's heart. 00:02:16.199 --> 00:02:19.840 This week, we must ask, do we share it? 00:02:19.840 --> 00:02:29.599 Do our lives reflect his treasure-hunting, sinner-loving, repentance-celebrating heart? 00:02:30.159 --> 00:02:34.699 Let's read together the end of the story, and then we'll talk about that. 00:02:34.780 --> 00:02:37.300 Luke 15 at verse 25. 00:02:37.640 --> 00:02:38.580 This is God's word. 00:02:38.580 --> 00:02:44.340 Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard 00:02:44.340 --> 00:02:45.320 music and dancing. 00:02:46.180 --> 00:02:49.120 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 00:02:49.980 --> 00:02:54.680 And he said to him, your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf 00:02:54.680 --> 00:02:57.080 because he has received him back safe and sound. 00:02:58.300 --> 00:03:01.620 But he was angry and refused to go in. 00:03:02.580 --> 00:03:08.520 His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, look, these many years 00:03:08.520 --> 00:03:11.400 I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command. 00:03:11.980 --> 00:03:15.980 Yet you never gave me a young goat that I might celebrate with my friends. 00:03:16.320 --> 00:03:22.040 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the 00:03:22.040 --> 00:03:23.340 fattened calf for him. 00:03:24.820 --> 00:03:29.420 And he said to him, son, you're always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 00:03:30.120 --> 00:03:36.020 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead and is alive. 00:03:36.719 --> 00:03:37.700 He was lost. 00:03:38.520 --> 00:03:39.320 And is found. 00:03:40.380 --> 00:03:41.280 Let's pray together. 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:45.300 Father, give us your heart. 00:03:47.340 --> 00:03:48.980 Would we see it again this morning? 00:03:49.680 --> 00:03:51.939 We know more of Jesus' love. 00:03:53.760 --> 00:03:54.420 Change us. 00:03:54.600 --> 00:03:55.500 Transform us. 00:03:55.900 --> 00:03:57.560 Make us new by your spirit. 00:03:58.060 --> 00:04:01.320 As we look at your word, we ask in Jesus' name. 00:04:02.100 --> 00:04:02.379 Amen. 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:02.519 Amen. 00:04:06.019 --> 00:04:09.439 I have very little sense of direction. 00:04:10.340 --> 00:04:16.159 As a result of which, I've developed what you might call an expertise in being lost. 00:04:16.160 --> 00:04:18.939 I've learned a lot about it over the years. 00:04:19.400 --> 00:04:23.800 In fact, I've learned there are at least two very different ways you can be lost. 00:04:24.840 --> 00:04:28.700 The first is by heading in the entirely wrong direction. 00:04:28.800 --> 00:04:30.920 This is the classic version of how to be lost. 00:04:30.920 --> 00:04:36.360 I think of a shower that Christy and I were invited to when we first moved to Huntsville. 00:04:36.759 --> 00:04:43.180 And I had associated this party with one of the host families and took off driving over the mountain to Hampton Cove. 00:04:43.180 --> 00:04:48.579 Only to realize after we had crossed the mountain that it was being hosted at a home in Madison. 00:04:49.720 --> 00:04:57.680 So there we were, very lost, having gone purposefully in the wrong direction toward the wrong location. 00:04:58.780 --> 00:05:02.180 A lot, you might say, like the younger son in this story. 00:05:03.280 --> 00:05:06.180 But another way to be lost looks very different. 00:05:07.360 --> 00:05:11.519 A few years ago, I was leading a funeral service a couple of hours out of town. 00:05:11.519 --> 00:05:16.079 I had been to this funeral home before and I thought I remembered where I was going. 00:05:16.599 --> 00:05:22.859 So I took off and drove there and got to town and thought I was in the right place. 00:05:22.939 --> 00:05:27.079 But just couldn't see the building that I had pictured in my mind anywhere. 00:05:27.959 --> 00:05:32.379 So after a few minutes, in order to avoid being late, I pulled off in a parking lot. 00:05:32.779 --> 00:05:37.419 Parked the car and pulled out my phone to call the funeral home and ask how to get there. 00:05:37.420 --> 00:05:42.680 So I sat there talking with the lady and she started to describe what to look for. 00:05:42.819 --> 00:05:44.879 And sure enough, Arby's across the street. 00:05:46.540 --> 00:05:48.780 Yet, a car parts store next door. 00:05:48.920 --> 00:05:50.780 Yet, yes, yes. 00:05:51.420 --> 00:05:54.800 You're, I'm actually in your parking lot right now, aren't I? 00:05:54.900 --> 00:05:55.360 I am. 00:05:55.680 --> 00:05:55.860 Yep. 00:05:56.500 --> 00:05:57.259 Never mind. 00:05:57.340 --> 00:05:58.240 I'll be in in just a second. 00:05:58.240 --> 00:06:05.040 You can be parked right nearby, having made all the right turns. 00:06:05.759 --> 00:06:10.319 And if you don't recognize where you are, you can still be lost. 00:06:11.780 --> 00:06:16.980 And this is what we see in the older son, the older brother in our story. 00:06:17.139 --> 00:06:19.540 Where do we find him when the party starts? 00:06:20.439 --> 00:06:22.160 He's not far off somewhere, is he? 00:06:22.160 --> 00:06:26.260 He's right home in the fields, working. 00:06:27.700 --> 00:06:28.740 Good kid. 00:06:29.620 --> 00:06:30.600 Working hard. 00:06:31.160 --> 00:06:32.120 Right at home. 00:06:33.680 --> 00:06:42.640 But we're about to see, even though he's nearby, he has a profoundly distant relationship with his father. 00:06:42.800 --> 00:06:45.180 And isn't that the epitome of lostness? 00:06:46.480 --> 00:06:50.320 To have that distance in his relationship with God? 00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:52.980 Jesus says it's not about how you're performing. 00:06:53.379 --> 00:06:56.659 It's really about your relationship with God. 00:06:56.899 --> 00:06:58.040 Look at verse 29. 00:06:58.199 --> 00:07:02.439 The father comes out to talk to him, and the son says, look. 00:07:04.879 --> 00:07:11.879 Sound like the respectful, endearing term of address for the head of the household that you love so much? 00:07:13.180 --> 00:07:14.019 It's not. 00:07:14.920 --> 00:07:17.920 It's exactly like what it sounds like in English. 00:07:17.920 --> 00:07:26.020 And when the father addresses him in verse 31, the father changes for the first time in this story the Greek word for son. 00:07:26.900 --> 00:07:29.560 Several times it's been this endearing term for son. 00:07:29.640 --> 00:07:31.460 Now one that's perhaps more generic. 00:07:32.340 --> 00:07:32.980 Offspring. 00:07:33.640 --> 00:07:35.100 My male descendant. 00:07:35.639 --> 00:07:43.439 There seems to be some distance in the relationship, or at least some question about the relationship. 00:07:43.439 --> 00:07:50.920 Last week we noticed three aspects of the willful lostness of the younger brother. 00:07:51.600 --> 00:07:55.120 But those same things can be true right at home. 00:07:55.279 --> 00:07:56.600 Let's see them here. 00:07:56.740 --> 00:08:01.199 First, determining his own path apart from the father. 00:08:01.980 --> 00:08:04.579 This older brother says he's never disobeyed. 00:08:04.579 --> 00:08:10.959 But he won't come into the party, even as his father pleads with him to do so. 00:08:11.919 --> 00:08:15.919 He doesn't like the decision his father has made to kill the fattened calf, does he? 00:08:16.259 --> 00:08:21.139 Remember, the younger brother has taken his portion of the inheritance and gone off. 00:08:21.339 --> 00:08:24.259 So now, who's entitled to everything that's left? 00:08:24.259 --> 00:08:28.959 All of it is a part of what's coming to the older brother. 00:08:29.219 --> 00:08:35.299 And he doesn't like any more than the younger brother how the father is managing what will eventually come to him, does he? 00:08:36.559 --> 00:08:38.200 He wants to make his own decisions. 00:08:39.799 --> 00:08:43.460 How about wanting the father's things more than the father? 00:08:45.019 --> 00:08:46.360 Can't you hear that in his voice? 00:08:47.220 --> 00:08:50.700 He's earned something being there at home, hasn't he? 00:08:50.700 --> 00:08:59.800 Something good, a party like this perhaps, by all his serving, working away dutifully to get. 00:09:02.500 --> 00:09:04.280 Not enough, apparently. 00:09:06.640 --> 00:09:08.960 Finding the father's provision inadequate. 00:09:10.840 --> 00:09:16.920 Oh, he stayed at home, but apparently not because of his fondness for his father's generosity, right? 00:09:16.919 --> 00:09:22.399 Not even a young goat so that I can have a good time with some friends. 00:09:24.240 --> 00:09:35.099 His own positive evaluation of himself, his own goodness, as it were, is keeping him from the father even while he lives at home. 00:09:36.339 --> 00:09:42.379 It's a huge hindrance to his sharing his father's heart, that gracious, forgiving heart, 00:09:42.379 --> 00:09:46.220 that heart that embraces a prodigal instead of disowning him. 00:09:46.559 --> 00:09:51.379 And the older brother says, this son of yours, he's no brother of mine. 00:09:54.240 --> 00:09:58.480 Man, I can understand good behavior keeping you from God's heart. 00:09:59.600 --> 00:10:01.080 I grew up in the church. 00:10:01.779 --> 00:10:04.320 Always tried to do all the right things. 00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:08.640 At least whenever someone would notice what I was doing. 00:10:09.140 --> 00:10:12.540 That's what really made a big difference to me most of the time. 00:10:13.280 --> 00:10:18.420 And so grace was this neat thing that I'd heard about and some people needed. 00:10:19.080 --> 00:10:23.740 But experientially, grace was kind of hard for me. 00:10:24.600 --> 00:10:26.560 I have a strong sense of justice. 00:10:26.700 --> 00:10:29.400 Anyone else in here got a strong sense of justice? 00:10:30.000 --> 00:10:31.000 There are more than that. 00:10:31.080 --> 00:10:31.660 Raise your hands. 00:10:31.960 --> 00:10:32.440 Strong sense. 00:10:32.520 --> 00:10:33.020 Yeah, okay. 00:10:33.019 --> 00:10:35.860 That can be a great quality. 00:10:36.480 --> 00:10:40.579 Especially when it drives you to fight for the oppressed and the mistreated. 00:10:41.299 --> 00:10:46.279 But it can be devastating when it makes you hate God's gracious heart. 00:10:47.659 --> 00:10:49.720 Maybe you've felt this before. 00:10:50.639 --> 00:10:55.159 When you struggle to see forgiveness as anything more than enabling. 00:10:56.899 --> 00:11:00.159 Enabling those who haven't performed as well as you. 00:11:00.159 --> 00:11:05.799 I remember going to class and studying for this exam in seminary. 00:11:06.240 --> 00:11:09.219 And all the other kids had been skipping school. 00:11:09.519 --> 00:11:10.860 They hadn't been going to class. 00:11:10.959 --> 00:11:11.679 They didn't have to. 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:13.059 They hadn't been studying. 00:11:13.139 --> 00:11:14.919 They were going to use my study guide at the end. 00:11:15.639 --> 00:11:17.100 And so here came the final exam. 00:11:17.179 --> 00:11:19.819 And the professor walks in and says, you know what? 00:11:19.839 --> 00:11:21.019 I've decided I'm through grading. 00:11:21.240 --> 00:11:22.079 The exam is canceled. 00:11:22.159 --> 00:11:23.459 I'm giving you all an A on the final. 00:11:23.460 --> 00:11:23.900 What? 00:11:25.900 --> 00:11:26.800 Not fair! 00:11:27.379 --> 00:11:30.160 After all my work, you're just going to give me an A? 00:11:30.300 --> 00:11:31.240 I was angry. 00:11:34.240 --> 00:11:38.019 When everyone in the office, even the new hires who aren't pulling their weight yet, 00:11:38.080 --> 00:11:39.120 get the same bonus. 00:11:41.200 --> 00:11:42.160 Come on. 00:11:42.680 --> 00:11:44.660 Don't you even see all that I'm doing? 00:11:45.060 --> 00:11:46.000 Does no one notice? 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:52.000 All of a sudden, grace becomes hard to stomach, doesn't it? 00:11:53.000 --> 00:11:55.299 It's like the parable Jesus tells in Matthew. 00:11:55.539 --> 00:11:59.559 When the workers who start at different times of day all get the same wage. 00:11:59.740 --> 00:12:01.940 And the ones who started in the morning say, what? 00:12:02.480 --> 00:12:03.480 It's not fair! 00:12:04.320 --> 00:12:05.100 We protest! 00:12:06.919 --> 00:12:11.840 And the master's response is, do you begrudge my generosity? 00:12:11.840 --> 00:12:21.160 Sometimes we begrudge God's grace, His generosity, don't we? 00:12:21.759 --> 00:12:24.180 And it's our Father's heartbeat. 00:12:25.120 --> 00:12:26.060 It's who He is. 00:12:26.320 --> 00:12:29.440 Oh yes, God is a God of justice for sure also. 00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:32.060 But He leads with grace. 00:12:32.860 --> 00:12:34.600 He's quick to forgive. 00:12:34.980 --> 00:12:38.900 His heart is full of compassion for the lost cause. 00:12:38.899 --> 00:12:43.259 And ours is often angry first. 00:12:44.079 --> 00:12:48.100 He's throwing a party for little brother and we're pouting outside. 00:12:50.159 --> 00:12:52.899 I know you love grace on the books. 00:12:54.059 --> 00:12:56.439 You're at a grace church, right? 00:12:57.840 --> 00:13:01.179 But do you really love it in real life? 00:13:02.259 --> 00:13:04.120 Do you celebrate it? 00:13:04.120 --> 00:13:10.320 The religious leaders aren't being critiqued for their bad theology here, are they? 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:13.460 What's being pushed on? 00:13:14.980 --> 00:13:17.899 It's that they're not in the party. 00:13:18.200 --> 00:13:21.399 They're not willing to celebrate the same people. 00:13:22.019 --> 00:13:24.120 They're absent from God's party. 00:13:25.179 --> 00:13:28.919 Are you theologically close to the kingdom of God? 00:13:28.919 --> 00:13:32.860 And in your heart, in your life, far away? 00:13:36.500 --> 00:13:38.139 Ask yourself, what makes you angry? 00:13:40.139 --> 00:13:41.939 Others getting more than they deserve? 00:13:43.939 --> 00:13:46.759 People who haven't worked as hard as you getting a break? 00:13:50.039 --> 00:13:51.459 What about on the other side of your heart? 00:13:51.500 --> 00:13:52.279 What makes you joyful? 00:13:52.360 --> 00:13:53.379 What do you really celebrate? 00:13:55.299 --> 00:13:55.959 Very little? 00:13:55.960 --> 00:14:00.840 Having everything neat, tidy and under your control? 00:14:01.100 --> 00:14:01.720 Then it's okay. 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:08.120 Making sure you can get what you deserve and work for each time in every situation? 00:14:10.660 --> 00:14:13.400 Do you secretly feel sometimes, if you're honest, 00:14:13.759 --> 00:14:19.560 that a little bit more of God's blessings coming towards you would be honestly kind of fair? 00:14:19.559 --> 00:14:26.000 After all you've done, all you've sacrificed, all you've invested? 00:14:26.799 --> 00:14:28.239 It's going to pay off, right? 00:14:31.739 --> 00:14:35.299 Does your life convict you of being a little bit like the older brother? 00:14:36.039 --> 00:14:36.979 Standing outside? 00:14:38.119 --> 00:14:44.539 Research shows 93% of people in church on a rainy time change morning have this particular struggle. 00:14:44.539 --> 00:14:48.559 And 98% of pastors. 00:14:50.559 --> 00:14:52.199 Let me warn you of something. 00:14:52.519 --> 00:14:56.599 If that's you, if you see that in your heart, I'm very familiar with it. 00:14:57.759 --> 00:15:04.919 And I do this, and you're likely to try to fix the problem by performing differently, 00:15:04.919 --> 00:15:06.599 because that's your drug of choice. 00:15:06.600 --> 00:15:11.440 Let me go do some more things for the Father. 00:15:12.700 --> 00:15:14.259 That's how I'm going to make this right. 00:15:14.300 --> 00:15:14.860 I see that. 00:15:14.940 --> 00:15:15.740 Oh, I've got a problem. 00:15:17.060 --> 00:15:17.480 Wait. 00:15:18.320 --> 00:15:19.040 Slow down. 00:15:20.100 --> 00:15:27.659 He's inviting us to lay down, to repent of those good things we think put us in His good graces, 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:32.699 to stop rushing to do for the Father, 00:15:33.519 --> 00:15:38.120 and first to be with the Father. 00:15:39.159 --> 00:15:40.139 Slow down. 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:44.980 Read His Word and learn His heart. 00:15:46.199 --> 00:15:46.779 Let's He love. 00:15:48.259 --> 00:15:52.240 Pray and ask Him to give you His heart. 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:59.899 Because, see, the Father's loving, gracious, generous, forgiving heart is for you, too, 00:16:00.460 --> 00:16:02.740 if you'll only receive it. 00:16:03.159 --> 00:16:06.539 He doesn't leave His house only for the younger son, does He? 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:10.419 He comes out to plead with the older son, too. 00:16:11.019 --> 00:16:15.220 He leaves the party and steps out to invite you in. 00:16:15.220 --> 00:16:21.320 His call, His invitation for all is to repent. 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:23.720 That's what He celebrates. 00:16:24.700 --> 00:16:26.180 Is it your heart, too? 00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:33.080 He's pleading for you to come in and celebrate and be with Him. 00:16:34.620 --> 00:16:35.360 Where? 00:16:36.779 --> 00:16:37.820 Where is He? 00:16:39.060 --> 00:16:40.560 At the party. 00:16:41.500 --> 00:16:44.840 To celebrate the lost being found. 00:16:45.220 --> 00:16:52.740 The invitation is to lay down our sufficiency, our superiority, our self-righteousness, 00:16:52.860 --> 00:16:56.840 and to come in to God's party for the prodigal. 00:16:58.840 --> 00:17:05.220 I recently heard this story that sociologist, author, pastor, Tony Campolo, 00:17:05.860 --> 00:17:09.920 wrote about his experience in Honolulu one night. 00:17:09.920 --> 00:17:16.820 Tony entered the only restaurant dive that he could find open late at night. 00:17:16.980 --> 00:17:18.680 And he went in and sat down at the counter. 00:17:18.860 --> 00:17:19.740 And he writes this. 00:17:19.740 --> 00:17:25.259 As I sat there munching on my donut and sipping my coffee at 3.30 in the morning, 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:28.640 the door of the diner suddenly swung open, and to my discomfort, 00:17:28.859 --> 00:17:32.440 in marched eight or nine provocative and boisterous prostitutes. 00:17:32.440 --> 00:17:36.220 It was a small place, and they sat on either side of me. 00:17:36.220 --> 00:17:38.019 Their talk was loud and crude. 00:17:38.120 --> 00:17:41.140 I felt completely out of place and was just about to make my getaway. 00:17:41.460 --> 00:17:43.660 When I overheard the woman beside me say, 00:17:44.400 --> 00:17:45.500 Tomorrow's my birthday. 00:17:45.559 --> 00:17:46.539 I'm going to be 39. 00:17:47.779 --> 00:17:50.420 Her friend responded in a nasty tone, 00:17:50.759 --> 00:17:51.779 So what do you want from me? 00:17:52.080 --> 00:17:53.059 A birthday party? 00:17:53.279 --> 00:17:53.880 What do you want? 00:17:54.059 --> 00:17:55.840 You want me to get you a cake and sing happy birthday? 00:17:55.839 --> 00:17:59.699 Come on, said the woman sitting next to me. 00:17:59.720 --> 00:18:00.679 Why do you have to be so mean? 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:02.099 I was just telling you that's all. 00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:04.279 Why do you have to put me down? 00:18:04.599 --> 00:18:05.939 I was just telling you it was my birthday. 00:18:06.099 --> 00:18:07.299 I don't want anything from you. 00:18:07.359 --> 00:18:09.480 I mean, why should you give me a birthday party? 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:11.480 I've never had a birthday party in my whole life. 00:18:11.539 --> 00:18:12.599 Why should I have one now? 00:18:14.399 --> 00:18:15.919 When I heard that, I made a decision. 00:18:16.639 --> 00:18:18.839 I sat and waited until the women had left. 00:18:18.939 --> 00:18:21.439 Then I called over Harry, the guy behind the counter, 00:18:21.579 --> 00:18:22.299 and I asked him, 00:18:22.919 --> 00:18:24.079 Do they come in here every night? 00:18:24.079 --> 00:18:26.079 Yeah, he answered. 00:18:26.859 --> 00:18:29.079 The one right next to me, does she come here every night? 00:18:29.679 --> 00:18:30.720 Yeah, he said, that's Agnes. 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.679 Yeah, she comes in here every night. 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:33.359 Why do you want to know? 00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:37.319 Because I heard her say that tomorrow's her birthday, I told him. 00:18:38.619 --> 00:18:40.819 What do you say you and I do something about that? 00:18:40.919 --> 00:18:43.159 What do you think about us throwing a birthday party for her, 00:18:43.259 --> 00:18:44.579 right here, tomorrow night? 00:18:46.099 --> 00:18:48.439 Cute smile slowly crossed his chubby cheeks, 00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:50.539 and he answered with measured delight, 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:52.099 That's great, I like it. 00:18:52.099 --> 00:18:53.279 That's a great idea. 00:18:54.079 --> 00:18:55.980 So he tells his wife, the cook, 00:18:56.399 --> 00:18:57.439 who says, that's wonderful. 00:18:57.559 --> 00:19:00.379 You know, Agnes is one of those people who's really nice and kind, 00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:02.579 and nobody does anything nice and kind for her. 00:19:03.500 --> 00:19:05.000 They offered to make her a cake. 00:19:06.679 --> 00:19:09.179 At 2.30 the next morning, I was back at the diner. 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:12.379 I had picked up some crepe paper decorations at the store, 00:19:12.419 --> 00:19:14.980 and had made a sign out of big pieces of cardboard that read, 00:19:15.079 --> 00:19:16.539 Happy Birthday, Agnes! 00:19:17.079 --> 00:19:19.359 I decorated the diner from one end to the other. 00:19:19.359 --> 00:19:22.419 The woman who did the cooking must have gotten the word out on the street, 00:19:22.500 --> 00:19:25.979 because by 3.15 every prostitute in Honolulu was in the place. 00:19:27.879 --> 00:19:30.679 At 3.30 on the dot, the door of the diner swung open, 00:19:30.759 --> 00:19:32.279 and in came Agnes and her friend. 00:19:32.479 --> 00:19:35.059 I had everybody ready, and when they came in, 00:19:35.139 --> 00:19:36.099 we all screamed, 00:19:36.579 --> 00:19:37.299 Happy Birthday! 00:19:37.299 --> 00:19:42.099 Never have I seen a person so flabbergasted, 00:19:42.299 --> 00:19:44.220 so stunned, so shaken. 00:19:44.659 --> 00:19:45.720 Her mouth fell open, 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:47.099 her legs seemed to buckle a bit, 00:19:47.319 --> 00:19:49.240 her friend grabbed her arm to steady her. 00:19:50.099 --> 00:19:52.460 As she was led to sit on one of the stools along the counter, 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:53.519 we all sang, 00:19:53.919 --> 00:19:55.159 Happy Birthday to her. 00:19:56.039 --> 00:19:57.720 As we came to the end of our singing with, 00:19:58.139 --> 00:19:59.599 Happy Birthday, dear Agnes, 00:19:59.740 --> 00:20:00.980 Happy Birthday to you, 00:20:01.079 --> 00:20:02.359 her eyes moistened. 00:20:03.180 --> 00:20:04.480 Then when the birthday cake, 00:20:04.899 --> 00:20:06.119 with all the candles on it, 00:20:06.119 --> 00:20:06.979 was carried out, 00:20:07.199 --> 00:20:08.059 she lost it, 00:20:08.479 --> 00:20:09.919 and just openly cried. 00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:12.599 Harry gruffly mumbled, 00:20:12.919 --> 00:20:14.000 Blow out the candles, Agnes, 00:20:14.079 --> 00:20:15.059 come on, blow out the candles. 00:20:15.139 --> 00:20:16.099 If you don't blow out the candles, 00:20:16.179 --> 00:20:17.359 I'm going to have to blow out the candles. 00:20:18.359 --> 00:20:20.299 And after an endless few seconds, he did. 00:20:21.339 --> 00:20:23.039 Then he handed her a knife and told her, 00:20:23.119 --> 00:20:23.939 Cut the cake, Agnes, 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:24.439 show Agnes, 00:20:24.479 --> 00:20:25.359 we all want some cake. 00:20:26.439 --> 00:20:27.779 Agnes looked down at the cake, 00:20:27.859 --> 00:20:29.479 and without taking her eyes off it, 00:20:29.919 --> 00:20:31.439 she slowly and softly said, 00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:33.659 Look, Harry, is it all right with you if I, 00:20:34.839 --> 00:20:35.839 I mean, is it okay if I, 00:20:35.839 --> 00:20:36.500 I kind of, 00:20:36.980 --> 00:20:38.480 what I want to ask you is, 00:20:39.139 --> 00:20:41.579 is it okay if I keep the cake a little while? 00:20:42.639 --> 00:20:44.259 I mean, is it all right if we don't eat it right away? 00:20:45.599 --> 00:20:46.799 Harry shrugged and answered, 00:20:47.119 --> 00:20:48.379 Sure, it's okay. 00:20:48.379 --> 00:20:49.279 If you want to keep the cake, 00:20:49.339 --> 00:20:49.779 keep the cake. 00:20:49.839 --> 00:20:50.740 Take it home if you want to. 00:20:51.379 --> 00:20:51.859 Can I? 00:20:52.559 --> 00:20:53.119 She asked. 00:20:54.059 --> 00:20:54.859 Then looking at me, 00:20:54.899 --> 00:20:55.159 she said, 00:20:55.199 --> 00:20:56.919 I live just a couple doors down. 00:20:57.379 --> 00:20:58.859 I want to take the cake home, okay? 00:20:58.879 --> 00:20:59.740 I'll be right back. 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:00.679 Honest. 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:03.840 She got off the stool, 00:21:03.940 --> 00:21:04.600 picked up the cake, 00:21:04.680 --> 00:21:06.539 and carrying it like it was the Holy Grail, 00:21:06.900 --> 00:21:08.299 walked slowly toward the door. 00:21:08.960 --> 00:21:10.740 As we all just stood there motionless, 00:21:10.820 --> 00:21:11.360 she left. 00:21:12.259 --> 00:21:13.180 When the door closed, 00:21:13.259 --> 00:21:15.500 there was a stunned silence in the place. 00:21:16.519 --> 00:21:17.539 Not knowing what else to do, 00:21:17.600 --> 00:21:19.000 I broke the silence by saying, 00:21:19.060 --> 00:21:20.120 What do you say we pray? 00:21:21.880 --> 00:21:22.960 Looking back on it now, 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:24.140 it seems more than strange 00:21:24.140 --> 00:21:26.440 for a sociologist to be leading a prayer meeting 00:21:26.440 --> 00:21:27.720 with a bunch of prostitutes 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:28.980 in a diner in Honolulu 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:30.320 at 3.30 in the morning, 00:21:30.580 --> 00:21:32.620 but then it just felt like 00:21:32.620 --> 00:21:33.779 the right thing to do. 00:21:34.240 --> 00:21:35.500 I prayed for Agnes. 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:37.519 I prayed for her salvation. 00:21:38.640 --> 00:21:40.519 I prayed that her life would be changed 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:43.220 and that God would be good to her. 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:46.259 When I finished, 00:21:46.360 --> 00:21:47.360 Harry leaned over the counter 00:21:47.360 --> 00:21:49.440 and with a trace of hostility in his voice, 00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:49.840 he said, 00:21:50.700 --> 00:21:52.240 Hey, you never told me you were a preacher. 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:54.840 What kind of church do you belong to? 00:21:54.839 --> 00:21:57.259 In one of those moments 00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:58.659 when just the right words came, 00:21:58.759 --> 00:21:59.199 I answered, 00:21:59.779 --> 00:22:00.639 I belong to a church 00:22:00.639 --> 00:22:01.919 that throws birthday parties 00:22:01.919 --> 00:22:04.119 for prostitutes at 3.30 in the morning. 00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:07.220 Harry waited a moment 00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:09.199 and then almost sneered as he answered, 00:22:10.179 --> 00:22:10.679 No, you don't. 00:22:11.939 --> 00:22:13.379 There's no church like that. 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:15.059 If there was, 00:22:15.939 --> 00:22:16.759 I'd join it. 00:22:19.319 --> 00:22:21.480 I think Jesus' desire here 00:22:21.480 --> 00:22:22.639 in this story 00:22:22.640 --> 00:22:24.900 is to tell us 00:22:24.900 --> 00:22:26.120 that there's a God 00:22:26.120 --> 00:22:27.560 like that 00:22:27.560 --> 00:22:28.560 who says 00:22:28.560 --> 00:22:30.720 we must celebrate 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:33.100 for the dead is alive, 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:35.020 the lost is found, 00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:36.640 we have to celebrate. 00:22:37.560 --> 00:22:39.420 And so there ought to be 00:22:39.420 --> 00:22:40.020 churches 00:22:40.020 --> 00:22:41.860 like that. 00:22:44.080 --> 00:22:45.660 What could that look like here? 00:22:45.660 --> 00:22:49.000 Well, it might start 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:49.820 with homes 00:22:49.820 --> 00:22:52.400 where sorrowful repentance 00:22:52.400 --> 00:22:53.340 is praised 00:22:53.340 --> 00:22:55.200 as much as dutiful obedience. 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:57.600 Where parents repent 00:22:57.600 --> 00:22:58.279 to each other 00:22:58.279 --> 00:23:00.019 and kids see grace 00:23:00.019 --> 00:23:00.640 extended. 00:23:02.240 --> 00:23:02.720 Have you ever gone out 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:03.259 for ice cream 00:23:03.259 --> 00:23:04.060 because someone said 00:23:04.060 --> 00:23:04.540 I'm sorry? 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:10.559 And then what happens 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:12.220 is people experiencing 00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:13.359 grace like that 00:23:13.359 --> 00:23:13.940 at home 00:23:13.940 --> 00:23:15.920 or in a small group 00:23:15.920 --> 00:23:17.859 gather together 00:23:17.859 --> 00:23:19.599 and throw a shower 00:23:19.599 --> 00:23:21.399 for the single teenage mom. 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:23.980 They gather together 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:26.279 and throw a graduation party 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:27.399 for the ex-con 00:23:27.399 --> 00:23:29.259 jobs for life graduate. 00:23:30.659 --> 00:23:32.079 They gather together 00:23:32.079 --> 00:23:33.359 and celebrate people 00:23:33.359 --> 00:23:34.500 no one else celebrates 00:23:34.500 --> 00:23:35.319 and love them 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:36.240 towards repentance. 00:23:37.359 --> 00:23:38.279 They gather together 00:23:38.279 --> 00:23:39.219 and throw a party 00:23:39.219 --> 00:23:42.519 for the kid at school 00:23:42.519 --> 00:23:43.979 who's never had one. 00:23:45.179 --> 00:23:46.299 They gather together 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:46.919 and pray 00:23:46.919 --> 00:23:47.679 for their neighbors 00:23:47.679 --> 00:23:48.740 who don't know Jesus. 00:23:51.079 --> 00:23:52.079 Jesus is doing 00:23:52.079 --> 00:23:52.939 some of that here. 00:23:55.419 --> 00:23:56.899 I hope Harry comes. 00:23:58.199 --> 00:23:59.000 He'd like it. 00:23:59.740 --> 00:24:01.079 I'd love him to join us. 00:24:01.079 --> 00:24:03.539 But would you join me 00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:04.599 in dreaming about 00:24:04.599 --> 00:24:06.659 what that could look like 00:24:06.659 --> 00:24:07.460 at Southwood 00:24:07.460 --> 00:24:08.359 and in Huntsville? 00:24:08.980 --> 00:24:09.919 We're not like we 00:24:09.919 --> 00:24:11.199 ought to be in this. 00:24:12.279 --> 00:24:14.099 How could we seek the lost 00:24:14.099 --> 00:24:15.500 as our older brother 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:17.740 has come to seek us? 00:24:18.599 --> 00:24:20.639 How could our lives together 00:24:20.639 --> 00:24:21.939 better reflect 00:24:21.939 --> 00:24:23.919 God's treasure hunting, 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:25.500 sinner loving, 00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:28.419 repentance celebrating heart? 00:24:28.420 --> 00:24:31.080 Would you like to be 00:24:31.080 --> 00:24:32.400 on that party planning committee 00:24:32.400 --> 00:24:33.500 to figure out 00:24:33.500 --> 00:24:33.940 whom we're going 00:24:33.940 --> 00:24:34.820 to celebrate next? 00:24:35.980 --> 00:24:36.700 You never thought 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:37.560 you'd be on a church committee, 00:24:37.660 --> 00:24:37.900 did you? 00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:38.600 You'll be on that one. 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:41.620 Ask things like, 00:24:41.700 --> 00:24:42.539 do we consistently 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:44.259 seek out broken people 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:45.779 to celebrate? 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:48.259 Do we pray for 00:24:48.259 --> 00:24:49.320 and engage 00:24:49.320 --> 00:24:50.480 with our lost friends 00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:51.039 and neighbors 00:24:51.039 --> 00:24:52.620 as though we have a party 00:24:52.620 --> 00:24:53.500 we can't wait 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:54.779 to invite them into? 00:24:54.779 --> 00:24:56.359 What if we each 00:24:56.359 --> 00:24:56.920 just picked 00:24:56.920 --> 00:24:58.399 one person this year 00:24:58.399 --> 00:24:59.059 that we were going 00:24:59.059 --> 00:24:59.759 to make sure 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.680 is celebrated 00:25:00.680 --> 00:25:02.559 and prayed for this year? 00:25:05.720 --> 00:25:07.379 Do we confess our sin 00:25:07.379 --> 00:25:08.099 to each other 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:09.099 and celebrate 00:25:09.099 --> 00:25:10.379 God's grace together 00:25:10.379 --> 00:25:11.440 enough that there's 00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:12.399 a party that we'd 00:25:12.399 --> 00:25:13.259 actually be inviting 00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:13.759 them into? 00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:17.259 Do we ever have 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:18.220 people grumbling 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:20.319 or wondering 00:25:20.319 --> 00:25:21.879 because of the kinds 00:25:21.879 --> 00:25:23.039 of people we celebrate 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:24.000 and love? 00:25:24.779 --> 00:25:27.019 See, that's what 00:25:27.019 --> 00:25:28.559 Jesus produces 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:30.000 when we really 00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:31.500 take his grace 00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:33.319 seriously, isn't it? 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:35.599 He produces tables 00:25:35.599 --> 00:25:37.059 in our kitchens 00:25:37.059 --> 00:25:39.240 and in this sanctuary 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:41.500 with all sorts 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.859 of people around them. 00:25:43.480 --> 00:25:44.259 All sorts of very 00:25:44.259 --> 00:25:45.220 different people 00:25:45.220 --> 00:25:46.579 who may not often 00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:47.500 be expected 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:49.240 to be around the table 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:50.759 and it can be 00:25:50.759 --> 00:25:51.639 a bit unnerving 00:25:51.639 --> 00:25:52.339 sometimes 00:25:52.339 --> 00:25:53.839 but because this 00:25:53.839 --> 00:25:55.259 is the Father's party 00:25:55.259 --> 00:25:56.879 because he's the one 00:25:56.879 --> 00:25:57.500 hosting it 00:25:57.500 --> 00:25:58.859 and sending the invitations 00:25:58.859 --> 00:26:00.679 if you come to this table 00:26:00.679 --> 00:26:01.220 this morning 00:26:01.220 --> 00:26:02.279 you should be warned. 00:26:02.879 --> 00:26:03.759 You will be coming 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:05.959 and I can just look out here 00:26:05.959 --> 00:26:07.039 and tell you 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:08.379 with liars 00:26:08.379 --> 00:26:11.059 with prostitutes 00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:13.720 with adulterers 00:26:13.720 --> 00:26:16.240 with gluttons 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:19.039 with the proud 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:22.980 with the short tempered 00:26:22.980 --> 00:26:25.200 with older brothers 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:28.200 and God 00:26:28.200 --> 00:26:29.759 rejoices 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:29.859 Jesus. 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:32.140 He celebrates 00:26:32.140 --> 00:26:33.259 that 00:26:33.259 --> 00:26:34.240 and the reason 00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:35.259 he celebrates 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:36.160 is because 00:26:36.160 --> 00:26:37.279 those who come 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:38.299 around this table 00:26:38.299 --> 00:26:40.240 he no longer identifies 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:42.039 by any of those sins 00:26:42.039 --> 00:26:42.500 does he? 00:26:42.980 --> 00:26:44.759 Because they all come 00:26:44.759 --> 00:26:46.720 repenting of their sin 00:26:46.720 --> 00:26:47.799 and clinging 00:26:47.799 --> 00:26:48.740 to their Savior 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:49.700 Jesus Christ 00:26:49.700 --> 00:26:51.140 and so they come 00:26:51.140 --> 00:26:52.440 with a new identity 00:26:52.440 --> 00:26:53.599 that is the same 00:26:53.599 --> 00:26:55.740 all of them the same 00:26:55.740 --> 00:26:58.140 beloved children 00:26:58.140 --> 00:26:59.620 of God 00:26:59.620 --> 00:27:01.400 precious 00:27:01.400 --> 00:27:02.720 sons 00:27:02.720 --> 00:27:04.059 and daughters 00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:05.559 of the treasure 00:27:05.559 --> 00:27:06.380 hunting 00:27:06.380 --> 00:27:07.140 God 00:27:07.140 --> 00:27:08.539 who has found them 00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:10.160 and rejoices 00:27:10.160 --> 00:27:11.400 over them. 00:27:13.740 --> 00:27:14.519 Listen 00:27:14.519 --> 00:27:15.759 I know enough 00:27:15.759 --> 00:27:16.799 of our stories 00:27:16.799 --> 00:27:17.460 in this room 00:27:17.460 --> 00:27:18.019 to tell you 00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:19.059 some of the types 00:27:19.059 --> 00:27:19.940 of sinners 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:20.680 who come 00:27:20.680 --> 00:27:21.440 to that Savior 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:22.740 and come to this table. 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:25.099 I may not have named 00:27:25.099 --> 00:27:26.740 yours particularly 00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:28.099 but whatever 00:27:28.099 --> 00:27:29.119 your sin 00:27:29.119 --> 00:27:30.439 struggle is 00:27:30.439 --> 00:27:31.559 whatever it is 00:27:31.559 --> 00:27:32.579 that's keeping you 00:27:32.579 --> 00:27:33.519 from the Father 00:27:33.519 --> 00:27:35.019 Jesus 00:27:35.019 --> 00:27:36.419 delights 00:27:36.419 --> 00:27:38.319 in forgiving you 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:39.319 and restoring you. 00:27:39.500 --> 00:27:40.480 If you will turn 00:27:40.480 --> 00:27:41.299 from that sin 00:27:41.299 --> 00:27:42.599 and trust in Jesus 00:27:42.599 --> 00:27:43.079 alone 00:27:43.079 --> 00:27:44.359 please come share 00:27:44.359 --> 00:27:44.959 this celebration 00:27:44.959 --> 00:27:45.819 with us. 00:27:47.039 --> 00:27:48.259 If that's not 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:48.839 where you are 00:27:48.839 --> 00:27:49.980 if you're not 00:27:49.980 --> 00:27:51.039 willing to trust 00:27:51.039 --> 00:27:51.539 him today 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:52.539 to turn from 00:27:52.539 --> 00:27:53.539 the pigsty 00:27:53.539 --> 00:27:55.079 of the far country 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:56.699 or to leave 00:27:56.699 --> 00:27:57.339 the fields 00:27:57.339 --> 00:27:57.779 where you're 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:58.539 still working 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:59.980 to earn enough 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.419 to earn 00:28:00.419 --> 00:28:01.699 that young goat 00:28:01.699 --> 00:28:03.779 then don't come 00:28:03.779 --> 00:28:04.720 to this table. 00:28:06.159 --> 00:28:06.779 Don't take 00:28:06.779 --> 00:28:07.519 these elements 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:09.199 rather consider 00:28:09.199 --> 00:28:09.659 Jesus 00:28:09.659 --> 00:28:10.539 consider 00:28:10.539 --> 00:28:11.759 his sacrifice 00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:12.740 for you 00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:14.039 as potentially 00:28:14.039 --> 00:28:15.299 being the only 00:28:15.299 --> 00:28:15.799 thing 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:16.460 that could 00:28:16.460 --> 00:28:17.299 restore your 00:28:17.299 --> 00:28:17.939 relationship 00:28:17.939 --> 00:28:19.059 with the Father 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:20.240 and you're still 00:28:20.240 --> 00:28:21.019 welcome to come 00:28:21.019 --> 00:28:21.519 forward 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:22.460 to these tables 00:28:22.460 --> 00:28:22.919 this morning 00:28:22.919 --> 00:28:23.559 just ask us 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:23.940 to pray 00:28:23.940 --> 00:28:24.460 with you 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:25.700 instead of 00:28:25.700 --> 00:28:26.240 taking these 00:28:26.240 --> 00:28:26.539 elements 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:27.019 we'd love 00:28:27.019 --> 00:28:27.440 to pray 00:28:27.440 --> 00:28:27.919 with you 00:28:27.919 --> 00:28:29.799 as you 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:30.179 consider 00:28:30.179 --> 00:28:30.679 Jesus 00:28:30.679 --> 00:28:32.119 come 00:28:32.119 --> 00:28:33.539 let us 00:28:33.539 --> 00:28:33.899 pray with 00:28:33.899 --> 00:28:34.240 you about 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:34.460 it. 00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:35.179 Let's pray 00:28:35.179 --> 00:28:35.399 and then 00:28:35.399 --> 00:28:35.799 we'll come 00:28:35.799 --> 00:28:36.220 to the 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:36.619 sacrament. 00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:39.179 Father we 00:28:39.179 --> 00:28:40.000 come dependent 00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:40.579 on you 00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:40.919 and we 00:28:40.919 --> 00:28:41.419 come to 00:28:41.419 --> 00:28:41.859 receive 00:28:41.859 --> 00:28:42.700 your gifts 00:28:42.700 --> 00:28:45.399 it's the 00:28:45.399 --> 00:28:45.819 body and 00:28:45.819 --> 00:28:46.159 blood of 00:28:46.159 --> 00:28:46.759 your son 00:28:46.759 --> 00:28:48.019 that's been 00:28:48.019 --> 00:28:48.799 given for us 00:28:48.799 --> 00:28:49.200 and so 00:28:49.200 --> 00:28:49.819 would you 00:28:49.819 --> 00:28:50.279 take this 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:50.639 bread 00:28:50.640 --> 00:28:51.800 and this 00:28:51.800 --> 00:28:52.200 juice 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:52.800 and set 00:28:52.800 --> 00:28:53.420 them apart 00:28:53.420 --> 00:28:55.840 they're common 00:28:55.840 --> 00:28:56.520 elements but 00:28:56.520 --> 00:28:57.440 we ask that 00:28:57.440 --> 00:28:58.100 your spirit 00:28:58.100 --> 00:28:58.620 would use 00:28:58.620 --> 00:28:59.300 them for a 00:28:59.300 --> 00:29:00.160 sacred purpose 00:29:00.160 --> 00:29:00.920 in our hearts 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:01.820 to strengthen 00:29:01.820 --> 00:29:02.400 our faith 00:29:02.400 --> 00:29:02.900 that a God 00:29:02.900 --> 00:29:03.259 would even 00:29:03.259 --> 00:29:04.040 love someone 00:29:04.040 --> 00:29:04.900 like us 00:29:04.900 --> 00:29:06.160 as bad 00:29:06.160 --> 00:29:06.940 as we are 00:29:06.940 --> 00:29:09.060 as good 00:29:09.060 --> 00:29:09.580 as we've 00:29:09.580 --> 00:29:10.140 thought we 00:29:10.140 --> 00:29:10.620 were 00:29:10.620 --> 00:29:12.100 that you 00:29:12.100 --> 00:29:12.860 would still 00:29:12.860 --> 00:29:14.180 love us 00:29:14.180 --> 00:29:16.220 in Jesus 00:29:16.220 --> 00:29:16.620 name 00:29:16.620 --> 00:29:17.580 amen 00:29:17.579 --> 00:29:22.019 for more 00:29:22.019 --> 00:29:22.539 information 00:29:22.539 --> 00:29:23.339 visit us 00:29:23.339 --> 00:29:23.839 online 00:29:23.839 --> 00:29:24.220 at 00:29:24.220 --> 00:29:25.139 southwood.org