1 00:00:00,278 --> 00:00:00,914 Good morning. 2 00:00:02,347 --> 00:00:03,858 I'd like to welcome all of you to 3 00:00:03,858 --> 00:00:06,484 our worship service here at Rev United methodist 4 00:00:06,484 --> 00:00:06,961 is church. 5 00:00:07,534 --> 00:00:09,129 We welcome those who are joining with us. 6 00:00:09,369 --> 00:00:11,842 In person we welcome those who are joining 7 00:00:11,842 --> 00:00:14,076 with us online, and it's so good to 8 00:00:14,076 --> 00:00:14,449 have 9 00:00:14,889 --> 00:00:16,565 all of you with us this morning. My 10 00:00:16,565 --> 00:00:18,321 name is Steven Coleman. I'm 1 of the 11 00:00:18,321 --> 00:00:20,237 associate pastors here at Rev. 12 00:00:20,796 --> 00:00:23,565 Our other associate pastor? The Reverend bio is 13 00:00:23,923 --> 00:00:25,116 preaching this morning. 14 00:00:25,992 --> 00:00:28,538 Today, we are finishing up our Sermon series 15 00:00:28,538 --> 00:00:29,652 on at the table, 16 00:00:30,368 --> 00:00:32,539 which Jesus and we're gonna celebrate a little 17 00:00:32,619 --> 00:00:35,820 Christmas in July this morning. So merry Christmas 18 00:00:35,820 --> 00:00:36,859 to everyone today. 19 00:00:39,593 --> 00:00:42,150 Next, after this Sunday, we are starting a 20 00:00:42,150 --> 00:00:42,789 new summer, 21 00:00:43,508 --> 00:00:44,387 Sermon series, 22 00:00:45,026 --> 00:00:47,111 based on the book of Philippians, and we're 23 00:00:47,111 --> 00:00:50,129 gonna be talking a lot about, joy for 24 00:00:50,129 --> 00:00:50,947 the remaining 25 00:00:51,797 --> 00:00:53,544 weeks of this summer. So I hope you'll 26 00:00:53,544 --> 00:00:55,585 will come and join us in the weeks 27 00:00:55,783 --> 00:00:56,021 ahead. 28 00:00:56,656 --> 00:00:58,639 A few other quick announcements to make. 29 00:00:59,354 --> 00:01:01,575 We are doing our mission in the middle. 30 00:01:03,098 --> 00:01:03,598 Projects 31 00:01:04,367 --> 00:01:06,429 from 09:30 to 10:30, 32 00:01:06,826 --> 00:01:09,681 every Sunday morning next week, we will be 33 00:01:09,681 --> 00:01:10,181 packing 34 00:01:10,713 --> 00:01:12,182 about 600, 35 00:01:13,355 --> 00:01:15,744 bags of food for friends of the homeless. 36 00:01:15,903 --> 00:01:17,815 So we invite you to come and join 37 00:01:17,815 --> 00:01:19,806 us. We need all hands on deck to, 38 00:01:20,620 --> 00:01:22,459 prepare all these lunches for friends of the 39 00:01:22,459 --> 00:01:23,819 homeless. So if you can join us next 40 00:01:23,980 --> 00:01:26,859 Sunday. At 09:30, we will have donuts and 41 00:01:26,859 --> 00:01:29,420 packing foods. So please come and join us 42 00:01:29,420 --> 00:01:29,579 then. 43 00:01:30,471 --> 00:01:31,528 Also, this afternoon, 44 00:01:32,380 --> 00:01:35,006 we will be having a meeting. Our welcome 45 00:01:35,006 --> 00:01:37,017 inclusion team will be going over 46 00:01:37,568 --> 00:01:40,359 the results of the survey that we did 47 00:01:40,678 --> 00:01:41,555 a few months ago, 48 00:01:42,273 --> 00:01:44,426 so we invite you to join us for 49 00:01:44,426 --> 00:01:46,020 this meeting, we will be going over the 50 00:01:46,020 --> 00:01:47,230 results. Of that survey, 51 00:01:47,946 --> 00:01:50,516 as well as answering any questions 52 00:01:50,891 --> 00:01:53,040 that you may have. So please join us 53 00:01:53,040 --> 00:01:55,530 at 04:00 in the chapel this afternoon. 54 00:01:56,558 --> 00:01:59,350 Also, Vacation Bible school begins in this week 55 00:01:59,350 --> 00:02:02,083 ahead. So, please keep that in your prayers 56 00:02:02,540 --> 00:02:05,331 as well. And, we also had 1 of 57 00:02:05,331 --> 00:02:05,831 our 58 00:02:06,621 --> 00:02:08,853 volunteers who who has Covid, who is not 59 00:02:08,853 --> 00:02:11,642 able to serve on Monday or Tuesday of 60 00:02:11,642 --> 00:02:13,235 this week. So if you can help out, 61 00:02:13,967 --> 00:02:16,353 with vacation Bible school, we invite you to 62 00:02:16,353 --> 00:02:19,773 please contact Karen Rios, our children's director. 63 00:02:20,902 --> 00:02:23,684 Especially help out on Monday and Tuesday of 64 00:02:23,684 --> 00:02:26,148 this week. All the other announcements you'll find 65 00:02:26,148 --> 00:02:28,850 in Bulletin or on our website, and we 66 00:02:28,850 --> 00:02:29,699 invite you to 67 00:02:30,138 --> 00:02:31,893 take note of all that is happening in 68 00:02:31,893 --> 00:02:33,169 the life of our church. 69 00:02:33,807 --> 00:02:35,960 Let us now prepare our hearts and minds 70 00:02:35,960 --> 00:02:38,353 for the worship of the living god, The 71 00:02:38,353 --> 00:02:39,071 lord be with you. 72 00:02:43,859 --> 00:02:45,609 As we come to this final week in 73 00:02:45,609 --> 00:02:47,693 our Sermon series at the table with Jesus. 74 00:02:47,932 --> 00:02:50,160 I invite you to receive this invitation that 75 00:02:50,160 --> 00:02:51,194 all are welcome. 76 00:02:51,990 --> 00:02:54,059 All are welcome at the table of Jesus. 77 00:03:06,566 --> 00:03:07,066 Come 78 00:03:08,957 --> 00:03:09,435 come. 79 00:03:10,153 --> 00:03:11,587 Come to the table. 80 00:03:19,073 --> 00:03:20,129 Come without 81 00:03:31,252 --> 00:03:32,230 this table 82 00:03:33,961 --> 00:03:34,461 Welcome 83 00:03:36,431 --> 00:03:38,843 here to the table of 84 00:05:01,613 --> 00:05:03,371 I'd invite you to stand now and body 85 00:05:03,371 --> 00:05:05,529 or in spirit and join me for our 86 00:05:05,529 --> 00:05:06,408 call to worship. 87 00:05:10,337 --> 00:05:13,444 The past has gone, the future is yet 88 00:05:13,444 --> 00:05:16,632 to come, but the present is here now. 89 00:05:23,866 --> 00:05:26,982 The invitation from Jesus to the banquet is 90 00:05:26,982 --> 00:05:27,938 here now. 91 00:05:35,124 --> 00:05:36,742 Everything is ready 92 00:05:37,201 --> 00:05:37,521 now. 93 00:05:38,799 --> 00:05:41,356 Let us come and fill out the house 94 00:05:41,356 --> 00:05:41,995 of the lord. 95 00:05:42,568 --> 00:05:43,841 Us fill up the house of the Lord 96 00:05:43,841 --> 00:05:45,909 with song as we sing together him number 97 00:05:45,909 --> 00:05:47,023 2236 98 00:05:47,023 --> 00:05:49,171 in the faith we sing, gather us ascend. 99 00:08:28,439 --> 00:08:30,663 We have gathered here in the presence of 100 00:08:30,822 --> 00:08:33,047 God. So let us now confess who we 101 00:08:33,047 --> 00:08:35,766 are with our prayer of common confession, and 102 00:08:35,766 --> 00:08:37,380 then our silent personal 103 00:08:37,755 --> 00:08:39,266 confession. Let us pray. 104 00:08:40,713 --> 00:08:42,623 Loving and patient god. 105 00:08:43,419 --> 00:08:46,045 We confess that we have not put you 106 00:08:46,045 --> 00:08:47,478 first in our lives. 107 00:08:48,447 --> 00:08:49,742 We have become 108 00:08:50,274 --> 00:08:53,451 preoccupied with our own concerns and worries. 109 00:08:54,325 --> 00:08:57,581 We have made excuses to avoid the challenge. 110 00:08:57,993 --> 00:09:00,056 That come with following you. 111 00:09:00,849 --> 00:09:04,340 We have become complacent in our mission of 112 00:09:04,340 --> 00:09:05,554 spreading the gospel. 113 00:09:06,498 --> 00:09:09,543 We have taken your grace and our privilege 114 00:09:09,998 --> 00:09:11,134 to have an 115 00:09:11,509 --> 00:09:12,623 invitation for granted. 116 00:09:13,833 --> 00:09:15,210 Forgive us oh god 117 00:09:15,587 --> 00:09:17,980 and help us to focus on you. 118 00:09:18,858 --> 00:09:21,990 Help us to extend the invitation of 119 00:09:22,367 --> 00:09:23,818 salvation to our neighbors, 120 00:09:24,695 --> 00:09:27,270 help us to stop making excuses 121 00:09:27,807 --> 00:09:29,982 and to start making disciples 122 00:09:30,360 --> 00:09:33,029 our we ask this in christ fully. 123 00:10:08,701 --> 00:10:11,736 As we celebrate this day, Christmas in July. 124 00:10:11,975 --> 00:10:14,596 We remember that the light shines in the 125 00:10:14,596 --> 00:10:15,096 darkness 126 00:10:15,549 --> 00:10:17,162 and the darkness cannot 127 00:10:17,774 --> 00:10:19,943 overcome it. In the name of Jesus Christ, 128 00:10:20,262 --> 00:10:21,381 you are forgiven. 129 00:10:26,256 --> 00:10:27,055 Glory to god. 130 00:10:28,265 --> 00:10:29,853 Amen. You may be seated. 131 00:10:45,224 --> 00:10:47,450 Friends I invite you to flip into your 132 00:10:47,450 --> 00:10:51,267 him into page 33 for our baptism covenant. 133 00:10:57,091 --> 00:10:58,604 Brothers and sisters in Christ. 134 00:10:59,240 --> 00:11:02,265 Through the sac of baptism, we are initiated 135 00:11:02,265 --> 00:11:03,958 in to Christ holy church. 136 00:11:05,077 --> 00:11:07,894 We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of 137 00:11:08,114 --> 00:11:10,771 salvation and are given new birth through water 138 00:11:10,911 --> 00:11:11,790 and spirit. 139 00:11:12,760 --> 00:11:15,884 All this is God gift, offered to us 140 00:11:16,338 --> 00:11:16,974 without price. 141 00:11:18,962 --> 00:11:22,261 Today, I present Andrew Wesley Davis 142 00:11:22,715 --> 00:11:23,454 for baptism. 143 00:11:27,661 --> 00:11:28,058 Andrew, 144 00:11:28,852 --> 00:11:30,598 on behalf of the whole church I ask 145 00:11:30,598 --> 00:11:30,756 you. 146 00:11:31,709 --> 00:11:34,114 Do you reno the spiritual forces of wicked? 147 00:11:35,138 --> 00:11:37,072 Reject the evil powers of this world 148 00:11:37,448 --> 00:11:39,201 and repent of your sins if so if 149 00:11:39,201 --> 00:11:39,679 they I do. 150 00:11:41,432 --> 00:11:43,902 Do you accept the freedom and power God 151 00:11:43,902 --> 00:11:46,861 gives you to resist evil in injustice and 152 00:11:46,861 --> 00:11:49,645 oppression in whatever forms they may present themselves 153 00:11:49,645 --> 00:11:51,450 as so as they I do. Do 154 00:11:52,047 --> 00:11:54,038 Do you can confess jesus Christ as your 155 00:11:54,038 --> 00:11:54,436 savior? 156 00:11:54,914 --> 00:11:57,144 Put your whole trust in his grace and 157 00:11:57,144 --> 00:11:59,055 promise to serve him as your lord in 158 00:11:59,055 --> 00:12:01,962 union with the church? Which Christ has opened 159 00:12:02,261 --> 00:12:05,076 to people of all ages nations and races 160 00:12:05,135 --> 00:12:06,891 if so, say, I do. I. 161 00:12:10,814 --> 00:12:13,353 And now to you as christ the church, 162 00:12:15,019 --> 00:12:17,294 reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your 163 00:12:17,414 --> 00:12:18,132 commitment to Christ. 164 00:12:21,163 --> 00:12:23,077 We're you nurture 1 another in the Christian 165 00:12:23,077 --> 00:12:26,188 faith in life and include Andrew now before 166 00:12:26,188 --> 00:12:27,065 you in your care. 167 00:12:28,276 --> 00:12:29,232 With God's health, 168 00:12:29,790 --> 00:12:30,529 we roll 169 00:12:30,986 --> 00:12:31,805 good news 170 00:12:32,181 --> 00:12:34,971 and live according to example of christ. 171 00:12:35,783 --> 00:12:37,399 Who are sounds person 172 00:12:37,856 --> 00:12:39,392 or beauty above 173 00:12:40,885 --> 00:12:43,059 a grow his trust 174 00:12:44,488 --> 00:12:46,344 found faithful in a service 175 00:12:47,919 --> 00:12:48,557 will pray. 176 00:13:49,727 --> 00:13:51,480 Do you believe in the holy spirit? 177 00:14:18,671 --> 00:14:19,626 The lord be with you. 178 00:14:20,660 --> 00:14:21,160 Also 179 00:14:22,251 --> 00:14:22,887 Let us pray. 180 00:14:24,331 --> 00:14:26,949 Eternal father when nothing existed, but chaos. 181 00:14:27,583 --> 00:14:29,567 You flipped across the dark water than brought 182 00:14:29,567 --> 00:14:30,201 forth light. 183 00:14:31,412 --> 00:14:33,807 In the days of Noah, you saved those 184 00:14:33,807 --> 00:14:34,924 on the arc water. 185 00:14:35,962 --> 00:14:37,478 After of the flood you set in the 186 00:14:37,478 --> 00:14:38,436 clouds of rainbow. 187 00:14:39,646 --> 00:14:41,317 When you saw your people as slaves in 188 00:14:41,556 --> 00:14:43,863 Egypt, you led them to freedom through the 189 00:14:43,863 --> 00:14:44,102 sea. 190 00:14:45,215 --> 00:14:47,383 Their are children you brought, through the Jordan 191 00:14:47,383 --> 00:14:49,222 to the land which you promised. 192 00:14:56,349 --> 00:14:58,661 In the fullness of time you sent Jesus, 193 00:14:59,060 --> 00:15:00,814 nurtured in the water of a womb. 194 00:15:01,691 --> 00:15:04,083 He was baptized by John and anointed by 195 00:15:04,083 --> 00:15:04,641 your spirit. 196 00:15:05,694 --> 00:15:07,691 He called his disciples to share and the 197 00:15:07,691 --> 00:15:09,869 baptism of his death and resurrection 198 00:15:10,328 --> 00:15:12,486 and to make disciples of all nations. 199 00:15:19,750 --> 00:15:21,661 Pour out your holy spirit to bless his 200 00:15:21,661 --> 00:15:24,062 gift of water and for Andy who will 201 00:15:24,062 --> 00:15:26,608 receive it. To wash away his sin and 202 00:15:26,608 --> 00:15:27,744 cloth him in righteousness, 203 00:15:28,278 --> 00:15:31,005 throughout his life, that dying and being raised 204 00:15:31,005 --> 00:15:33,320 with Christ that he may share in his 205 00:15:33,320 --> 00:15:34,198 final victory. 206 00:15:43,526 --> 00:15:45,296 Live in rain forever. 207 00:15:46,543 --> 00:15:46,702 Amen. 208 00:15:47,908 --> 00:15:49,177 Andy, I'd like to have you to Neil. 209 00:15:53,935 --> 00:15:55,045 Andrew Wesley Davis, 210 00:15:56,173 --> 00:15:57,686 I ba baptized you in the name of 211 00:15:57,686 --> 00:15:58,244 the father. 212 00:16:00,157 --> 00:16:01,671 I ba baptized you in the name of 213 00:16:01,671 --> 00:16:02,069 the son. 214 00:16:03,359 --> 00:16:05,348 And I ba baptized you in the name 215 00:16:05,348 --> 00:16:05,848 of 216 00:16:06,223 --> 00:16:07,098 the holy spirit. 217 00:16:10,677 --> 00:16:11,393 Let us pray andy. 218 00:16:12,284 --> 00:16:13,718 And everyone, I'd like to invite you all 219 00:16:13,718 --> 00:16:15,390 to extend the hand to Andy at this 220 00:16:15,390 --> 00:16:15,629 moment. 221 00:16:18,019 --> 00:16:19,374 God, we thank you so much for this 222 00:16:19,374 --> 00:16:21,467 day. We thank you for this opportunity 223 00:16:21,779 --> 00:16:24,360 that Andrew Wesley Davis, your child, your son 224 00:16:24,580 --> 00:16:27,220 has come to join us in this community 225 00:16:27,220 --> 00:16:28,580 and in his family of the believers. 226 00:16:29,393 --> 00:16:31,381 Please watch over him for... Throughout all the 227 00:16:31,381 --> 00:16:32,097 days of his life. 228 00:16:32,972 --> 00:16:35,279 Keep him safe. Keep him protected. Know that 229 00:16:35,279 --> 00:16:37,127 he is loved. And in that same note, 230 00:16:37,287 --> 00:16:39,202 watch over him and his family as Andy 231 00:16:39,202 --> 00:16:41,538 steps into a new chapter of his life 232 00:16:41,676 --> 00:16:44,230 as a member of this community of believers. 233 00:16:44,644 --> 00:16:46,155 We thank you God for his day. We 234 00:16:46,155 --> 00:16:48,224 celebrate this moment and we lift up our 235 00:16:48,224 --> 00:16:49,577 prayers to you and the name of your 236 00:16:49,577 --> 00:16:50,850 son Jesus Christ star Lord. 237 00:16:51,566 --> 00:16:53,157 And the people of God all said. 238 00:16:54,688 --> 00:16:54,848 Man. 239 00:16:55,886 --> 00:16:59,321 So Andy, ordinarily, we would carry you around 240 00:16:59,321 --> 00:16:59,881 on our shoulder. 241 00:17:01,969 --> 00:17:03,881 And we would say child of blessing child 242 00:17:03,881 --> 00:17:04,200 from. 243 00:17:04,917 --> 00:17:06,670 Yeah Yeah. You're little too happy for that. 244 00:17:06,829 --> 00:17:08,821 I know. So what we're going to do 245 00:17:08,821 --> 00:17:11,147 because Andy still is a child of blessing 246 00:17:11,147 --> 00:17:12,584 and a child of promise. I'd like to 247 00:17:12,584 --> 00:17:14,339 invite you all to sing with me as 248 00:17:14,499 --> 00:17:16,334 Andy now a member of this community, 249 00:17:16,892 --> 00:17:19,372 shout of blessing and child of promise, and 250 00:17:19,372 --> 00:17:21,036 he just stand right over here. Let everyone 251 00:17:21,036 --> 00:17:22,462 think... Let everybody sing me to. You. 252 00:18:03,891 --> 00:18:06,913 Through baptism, you are incorporated by the holy 253 00:18:06,913 --> 00:18:07,231 spirit. 254 00:18:07,883 --> 00:18:10,665 Into God's new creation and made to share 255 00:18:10,665 --> 00:18:12,175 in Christ royal priest. 256 00:18:13,050 --> 00:18:15,378 We are all 1 in Christ jesus 257 00:18:16,008 --> 00:18:19,042 with joy and things given Andy, we welcome 258 00:18:19,042 --> 00:18:19,542 you 259 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:21,996 into the member at a member into this 260 00:18:21,996 --> 00:18:23,273 family of Christ. 261 00:18:30,085 --> 00:18:30,825 You come 262 00:18:32,644 --> 00:18:35,288 as you come and join the congregation. We 263 00:18:35,288 --> 00:18:36,637 invite you to all you... 264 00:18:37,272 --> 00:18:39,573 Respond to some questions says you come and 265 00:18:39,573 --> 00:18:40,843 become a part of this congregation. 266 00:18:42,054 --> 00:18:44,214 As a member of Christ's Universal Church, will 267 00:18:44,214 --> 00:18:45,974 you be loyal to the United Methodist church 268 00:18:45,974 --> 00:18:47,894 and do all in your power to strengthen 269 00:18:47,894 --> 00:18:48,934 its ministries? I will. 270 00:18:50,384 --> 00:18:52,295 And as a member of this congregation, will 271 00:18:52,295 --> 00:18:55,003 you faithfully participate in his ministries by your 272 00:18:55,003 --> 00:18:57,870 prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service. 273 00:18:58,442 --> 00:18:58,840 I will. 274 00:19:00,113 --> 00:19:02,022 And now members of the household of God, 275 00:19:02,341 --> 00:19:04,648 I commend Andy to your love and care 276 00:19:04,648 --> 00:19:06,557 do all in your power to increase his 277 00:19:06,557 --> 00:19:06,796 faith. 278 00:19:07,609 --> 00:19:10,166 Confirm his hope and perfect him in love. 279 00:19:11,204 --> 00:19:13,761 We give thanks for all that God has 280 00:19:13,761 --> 00:19:14,980 already given you 281 00:19:15,293 --> 00:19:17,694 and we welcome you in Christian love 282 00:19:18,303 --> 00:19:21,156 as members together with you in the body 283 00:19:21,156 --> 00:19:21,710 of Christ, 284 00:19:22,439 --> 00:19:23,257 and in this 285 00:19:23,632 --> 00:19:25,778 congregation of the United Methodist church. 286 00:19:26,494 --> 00:19:27,926 We renew our covenant, 287 00:19:28,562 --> 00:19:31,742 faithfully to participate in the ministries of the 288 00:19:31,742 --> 00:19:31,981 church. 289 00:19:32,874 --> 00:19:36,231 By our prayers, our presence, our gifts and 290 00:19:36,231 --> 00:19:37,050 our service 291 00:19:37,669 --> 00:19:40,866 that in everything God may be glorified through 292 00:19:41,026 --> 00:19:41,745 Jesus Christ. 293 00:19:42,559 --> 00:19:44,000 And now the God of all grace who 294 00:19:44,000 --> 00:19:46,179 has called us to eternal glory in Christ 295 00:19:46,240 --> 00:19:48,960 established and strengthen you by the power of 296 00:19:48,960 --> 00:19:51,134 the holy spirit. That you may live in 297 00:19:51,134 --> 00:19:53,855 grace and peace. All god's people say. Oh, 298 00:19:54,014 --> 00:19:54,174 man. 299 00:20:09,846 --> 00:20:10,639 I'll get. You're good to go. 300 00:20:11,986 --> 00:20:13,750 We'd like to invite our children and our 301 00:20:13,750 --> 00:20:15,589 director of children's ministries Karen Rio up to 302 00:20:15,589 --> 00:20:16,549 the front for a message. 303 00:20:24,951 --> 00:20:28,218 Good morning, Revel United Methodist church. And all 304 00:20:28,218 --> 00:20:29,971 of you visiting us online If there are 305 00:20:29,971 --> 00:20:31,006 any children present, 306 00:20:31,658 --> 00:20:33,980 Please move a little closer to your screen 307 00:20:34,668 --> 00:20:36,649 because this message is for you as well. 308 00:20:39,605 --> 00:20:41,684 Well, it is nice seeing all of you 309 00:20:41,684 --> 00:20:42,184 guys 310 00:20:42,565 --> 00:20:42,965 today. 311 00:20:43,525 --> 00:20:43,924 You know, 312 00:20:44,485 --> 00:20:45,305 I thought 313 00:20:45,765 --> 00:20:46,664 that maybe 314 00:20:47,699 --> 00:20:49,694 I'd bring my phone up because I'm waiting 315 00:20:49,694 --> 00:20:51,531 for Olivia to text me a couple of 316 00:20:51,531 --> 00:20:53,606 things. You think that's okay for me to 317 00:20:53,606 --> 00:20:54,506 be up here 318 00:20:54,884 --> 00:20:55,363 with a phone? 319 00:20:58,247 --> 00:20:59,940 Why See some heads shaking, 320 00:21:00,315 --> 00:21:02,702 that's actually the right answer. 321 00:21:04,388 --> 00:21:06,720 This is time for god and 322 00:21:07,415 --> 00:21:08,451 Olivia can wait. 323 00:21:11,398 --> 00:21:13,882 Alrighty. If you guys know Olivia, that probably 324 00:21:13,882 --> 00:21:14,996 is not the best thing for me to 325 00:21:14,996 --> 00:21:15,951 say, but she can wait. 326 00:21:17,702 --> 00:21:19,533 Today, you know, Buyer's is gonna talk about 327 00:21:19,692 --> 00:21:20,648 Christmas in July. 328 00:21:21,855 --> 00:21:23,441 What is 1 of the things that we 329 00:21:23,441 --> 00:21:25,424 love about Christmas? What do we love about 330 00:21:25,583 --> 00:21:25,979 Christmas? 331 00:21:29,173 --> 00:21:30,609 Okay. Go for it Louise. 332 00:21:32,923 --> 00:21:33,881 She said church. 333 00:21:35,238 --> 00:21:37,087 And I think that is so sweet I 334 00:21:37,087 --> 00:21:38,517 don't think that was what I was going 335 00:21:38,517 --> 00:21:40,741 for, but it is okay that she said 336 00:21:40,741 --> 00:21:43,203 that. Man, I love the fact that you 337 00:21:43,203 --> 00:21:45,269 could teach this children's message for me today, 338 00:21:45,428 --> 00:21:45,904 Male louise. 339 00:21:46,794 --> 00:21:47,592 I think it's awesome. 340 00:21:48,311 --> 00:21:50,726 Actually, but I will ask you who likes 341 00:21:50,865 --> 00:21:53,739 sitting down to dinner, Christmas dinner? Anything special? 342 00:21:53,978 --> 00:21:55,415 You love it. Okay. Great. 343 00:21:56,067 --> 00:21:57,123 What about 344 00:21:57,894 --> 00:21:59,325 giving gifts to other people? 345 00:22:04,901 --> 00:22:07,201 Okay. Tell me 1 thing, leslie. What is 346 00:22:07,201 --> 00:22:07,280 it? 347 00:22:08,232 --> 00:22:08,471 Okay. 348 00:22:13,009 --> 00:22:14,065 But you. 349 00:22:15,391 --> 00:22:17,535 Okay. So on Christmas eve, you cannot open 350 00:22:17,535 --> 00:22:18,805 the present, but you can shake it. 351 00:22:20,171 --> 00:22:22,237 I love that. Thank you so much. 352 00:22:23,031 --> 00:22:26,528 Who likes to get present? See Wesley Son. 353 00:22:26,846 --> 00:22:28,569 Okay. You can raise your hand lap. You 354 00:22:28,689 --> 00:22:30,121 go wanna raise it up, we we know 355 00:22:30,121 --> 00:22:31,950 we love presence. As a matter of fact, 356 00:22:32,030 --> 00:22:33,939 revel, don't we all love getting presents. 357 00:22:34,655 --> 00:22:35,052 Awesome. 358 00:22:35,784 --> 00:22:37,220 You know, this reminded me of a time 359 00:22:37,220 --> 00:22:39,614 that I got to visit Central America. 360 00:22:40,093 --> 00:22:41,369 And there were a group of children that 361 00:22:41,529 --> 00:22:42,965 I got to go and spend time with. 362 00:22:43,618 --> 00:22:45,451 And when I visited their classroom, they had 363 00:22:45,451 --> 00:22:46,646 about 20 in a room, but they got 364 00:22:46,646 --> 00:22:49,594 to share only 1 Crayon box. Can you 365 00:22:49,594 --> 00:22:50,094 imagine 366 00:22:50,550 --> 00:22:52,462 20 children sharing 1 crayon box. 367 00:22:53,592 --> 00:22:54,785 And 1 pair of scissors. 368 00:22:55,898 --> 00:22:59,657 And I remember leaving thinking about how blessed 369 00:22:59,873 --> 00:23:02,277 we are in America that your parents have 370 00:23:02,277 --> 00:23:05,470 now received supply list, and everybody's gonna go 371 00:23:05,470 --> 00:23:07,705 out and purchase for the class or for 372 00:23:07,705 --> 00:23:09,461 you personally your own. 373 00:23:10,193 --> 00:23:12,024 We are truly so blessed. 374 00:23:12,900 --> 00:23:13,400 And 375 00:23:13,776 --> 00:23:15,368 I wanted to take a moment to just 376 00:23:15,368 --> 00:23:17,358 think about that that 1 of the beautiful 377 00:23:17,358 --> 00:23:21,187 things about Christmas and getting gifts and giving 378 00:23:21,187 --> 00:23:23,570 gifts is the fact that we understand that 379 00:23:23,570 --> 00:23:25,317 we are so blessed. That something people are 380 00:23:25,317 --> 00:23:27,382 not getting gifts on Christmas. 381 00:23:27,954 --> 00:23:30,907 Some people are having to do exactly what 382 00:23:30,907 --> 00:23:32,583 it is when we don't have a lot 383 00:23:32,583 --> 00:23:34,818 of things then we learned to cling to 384 00:23:34,978 --> 00:23:36,095 Jesus, Christ. 385 00:23:36,829 --> 00:23:40,106 And so I brought a special little something 386 00:23:40,106 --> 00:23:42,104 for you guys that I'm a hand out, 387 00:23:43,143 --> 00:23:46,075 and it's something for you to understand that 388 00:23:46,274 --> 00:23:49,012 when we get given the many things that 389 00:23:49,391 --> 00:23:50,930 God wants to give us 390 00:23:51,789 --> 00:23:54,665 that we want to say thank you, and 391 00:23:54,665 --> 00:23:56,597 it's a reminder that all of our good 392 00:23:56,597 --> 00:23:57,793 things come from Jesus, 393 00:23:58,910 --> 00:24:01,701 and we get so distracted that we don't 394 00:24:01,701 --> 00:24:04,572 always... I'm gonna give you actually cross C. 395 00:24:06,737 --> 00:24:08,249 All of the all of those things. 396 00:24:09,124 --> 00:24:09,624 So 397 00:24:13,196 --> 00:24:14,630 Alright. I'm gonna give this to you for 398 00:24:14,710 --> 00:24:15,108 Mason. 399 00:24:17,418 --> 00:24:17,656 Okay. 400 00:24:18,453 --> 00:24:18,612 Okay. 401 00:24:19,329 --> 00:24:20,125 Can we pray? 402 00:24:22,853 --> 00:24:23,732 Heavenly father, 403 00:24:25,490 --> 00:24:27,488 thank you for the gift of Jesus. 404 00:24:28,048 --> 00:24:30,046 Thank you for the gift of Jesus. And 405 00:24:30,046 --> 00:24:30,765 for Christmas. 406 00:24:31,259 --> 00:24:33,560 And for Christmas. Which reminds us. 407 00:24:34,115 --> 00:24:36,043 Which reminds us? That you 408 00:24:36,575 --> 00:24:38,003 and you are the give? 409 00:24:39,130 --> 00:24:40,005 Of all good things. 410 00:24:41,914 --> 00:24:42,232 Amen. 411 00:24:43,425 --> 00:24:44,777 Alright. You guys can go back to your 412 00:24:44,777 --> 00:24:45,174 seats. 413 00:24:45,731 --> 00:24:46,606 Cling to that cross. 414 00:24:47,178 --> 00:24:47,737 Be thankful. 415 00:25:07,869 --> 00:25:11,250 Please join me in praying the prayer for 416 00:25:11,710 --> 00:25:11,950 illumination. 417 00:25:14,838 --> 00:25:15,816 Lord God 418 00:25:16,591 --> 00:25:19,381 help us to open the doors in our 419 00:25:19,381 --> 00:25:20,816 lives to greet you. 420 00:25:21,710 --> 00:25:24,830 Open the homes in our hearts to receive 421 00:25:24,830 --> 00:25:25,330 you 422 00:25:25,710 --> 00:25:28,910 and open our tables to feast with you. 423 00:25:30,043 --> 00:25:30,521 I'm amen. 424 00:25:34,181 --> 00:25:37,363 Today's first scripture reading is from the book 425 00:25:37,363 --> 00:25:38,318 of revelation. 426 00:25:39,128 --> 00:25:40,105 Chapter 19 427 00:25:41,037 --> 00:25:43,024 versus 5 through 9. 428 00:25:44,455 --> 00:25:46,625 This may be found on page 429 00:25:47,413 --> 00:25:49,168 1006 430 00:25:49,168 --> 00:25:50,444 of your pew bible. 431 00:25:53,316 --> 00:25:54,534 Heaven rejoice 432 00:25:54,911 --> 00:25:56,448 over god's judgment 433 00:25:57,559 --> 00:25:58,059 against 434 00:25:58,440 --> 00:25:58,840 Rome. 435 00:26:01,880 --> 00:26:03,259 And from the throne 436 00:26:03,720 --> 00:26:04,619 came a voice 437 00:26:05,093 --> 00:26:09,069 saying praise our god all gives you his 438 00:26:09,069 --> 00:26:09,466 servants, 439 00:26:10,261 --> 00:26:12,192 and all who fear him 440 00:26:12,567 --> 00:26:13,839 small and great. 441 00:26:15,209 --> 00:26:16,088 Than I heard. 442 00:26:16,727 --> 00:26:19,124 What seemed to be the voice of a 443 00:26:19,124 --> 00:26:20,104 great multitude 444 00:26:20,962 --> 00:26:22,900 like the sound of many waters 445 00:26:23,214 --> 00:26:26,032 and like the sound of mighty thunder appeals 446 00:26:26,331 --> 00:26:27,630 crying out Hallelujah 447 00:26:29,048 --> 00:26:31,845 for the Lord our God, the almighty. 448 00:26:32,339 --> 00:26:32,839 Reign. 449 00:26:34,336 --> 00:26:35,795 Let us rejoice 450 00:26:36,174 --> 00:26:38,991 and ex and give him the glory 451 00:26:39,624 --> 00:26:42,278 for the marriage of the lamb has come 452 00:26:42,975 --> 00:26:44,113 and his bride 453 00:26:44,491 --> 00:26:46,566 has made herself ready. 454 00:26:47,379 --> 00:26:50,335 To her, it has been granted to be 455 00:26:50,335 --> 00:26:50,835 cloth 456 00:26:51,374 --> 00:26:53,552 with fine linen bright 457 00:26:53,931 --> 00:26:54,650 and pure. 458 00:26:55,542 --> 00:26:56,814 For the fine linen, 459 00:26:57,371 --> 00:26:57,871 Linen 460 00:26:58,485 --> 00:27:01,269 is the righteous deeds of the saints. 461 00:27:02,634 --> 00:27:04,615 And the angel said to me. 462 00:27:05,566 --> 00:27:06,359 Write this, 463 00:27:08,103 --> 00:27:09,316 blessed are those 464 00:27:09,784 --> 00:27:12,521 who are invited to the married supper 465 00:27:13,060 --> 00:27:13,859 of the lamb. 466 00:27:15,377 --> 00:27:16,836 And he said to me 467 00:27:17,947 --> 00:27:21,288 these are true words of god. 468 00:27:24,884 --> 00:27:26,025 The word of God 469 00:27:26,884 --> 00:27:28,164 for the people of God. 470 00:27:29,285 --> 00:27:30,805 Thanks, be to God. 471 00:27:38,641 --> 00:27:40,393 Our second reading for the morning comes from 472 00:27:40,393 --> 00:27:42,884 the Gospel of Luke, chapter 14 473 00:27:43,752 --> 00:27:45,975 birth 12 through 24. 474 00:27:46,611 --> 00:27:48,674 Friends here again for the word of god. 475 00:27:50,501 --> 00:27:51,930 Then Jesus is said to his host. 476 00:27:53,056 --> 00:27:54,486 When you give a lunch or dinner, 477 00:27:55,280 --> 00:27:57,742 do not invite your friends, your brothers, 478 00:27:58,219 --> 00:28:01,316 your sisters, to relatives, or your rich neighbors. 479 00:28:02,444 --> 00:28:04,674 If you do, they may invite you back 480 00:28:04,674 --> 00:28:06,267 and so you will be repaid. 481 00:28:07,382 --> 00:28:08,577 But when you give a banquet, 482 00:28:09,294 --> 00:28:10,192 invite the poor 483 00:28:10,568 --> 00:28:11,307 the crippled 484 00:28:11,778 --> 00:28:14,245 the lame and the blind, and you will 485 00:28:14,245 --> 00:28:14,802 be blessed. 486 00:28:15,837 --> 00:28:18,622 Although they cannot repay you, you will be 487 00:28:18,622 --> 00:28:21,423 repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. 488 00:28:22,936 --> 00:28:24,926 When 1 at a table with him heard 489 00:28:24,926 --> 00:28:25,165 this, 490 00:28:25,882 --> 00:28:26,837 he said to Jesus, 491 00:28:27,807 --> 00:28:29,557 Blessed is the 1 who will eat at 492 00:28:29,557 --> 00:28:31,307 the feast in the kingdom of God. 493 00:28:32,977 --> 00:28:33,773 Jesus replied. 494 00:28:34,663 --> 00:28:36,912 A certain man with preparing a great banquet 495 00:28:37,287 --> 00:28:38,559 and invited many guests. 496 00:28:39,831 --> 00:28:41,739 At the time of the banquet, he sent 497 00:28:41,739 --> 00:28:43,568 his servant to tell those who had been 498 00:28:43,568 --> 00:28:44,068 invited 499 00:28:44,694 --> 00:28:46,835 come for everything is now ready, 500 00:28:47,787 --> 00:28:49,769 but they all alike began to make excuses. 501 00:28:50,721 --> 00:28:51,435 The first said, 502 00:28:52,403 --> 00:28:54,234 I have just bought a field, and I 503 00:28:54,234 --> 00:28:55,031 must go and see it. 504 00:28:55,747 --> 00:28:56,544 Please excuse me. 505 00:28:57,977 --> 00:28:59,888 Another said, I have Jeff bought 5 yoke 506 00:28:59,888 --> 00:29:00,548 of oxen 507 00:29:00,859 --> 00:29:02,136 and I'm on my way to try them 508 00:29:02,136 --> 00:29:02,376 out. 509 00:29:03,094 --> 00:29:04,132 Please excuse me. 510 00:29:05,329 --> 00:29:06,447 Still another 1 said, 511 00:29:07,085 --> 00:29:09,320 I just got married, so I can't come. 512 00:29:10,528 --> 00:29:12,356 The servant came back and reported this to 513 00:29:12,356 --> 00:29:12,992 his master. 514 00:29:13,786 --> 00:29:15,693 Then the owner of the house became angry 515 00:29:15,693 --> 00:29:16,909 and ordered his servants 516 00:29:17,457 --> 00:29:19,364 go out quickly into the streets and alleys 517 00:29:19,364 --> 00:29:21,510 of the town and bring in to pour 518 00:29:21,510 --> 00:29:23,497 the crippled the blind and the lame. 519 00:29:24,610 --> 00:29:25,802 Sir, the servant said, 520 00:29:26,694 --> 00:29:29,172 what you ordered has been done, but there's 521 00:29:29,172 --> 00:29:29,651 still room. 522 00:29:30,850 --> 00:29:32,288 Then the master told his service, 523 00:29:33,088 --> 00:29:34,686 go out to the roads and country lanes 524 00:29:34,686 --> 00:29:35,885 and compel them to come in. 525 00:29:36,616 --> 00:29:38,544 And so that my house will be full 526 00:29:39,394 --> 00:29:41,616 who I tell you, not 1 of those 527 00:29:41,616 --> 00:29:43,599 who were invited will get a taste of 528 00:29:43,599 --> 00:29:44,155 my banquet. 529 00:29:45,122 --> 00:29:46,709 Friends, this is the word of God for 530 00:29:46,709 --> 00:29:48,058 us to people of God. 531 00:29:49,249 --> 00:29:50,042 Thanks be to God. 532 00:29:50,757 --> 00:29:51,392 Let us pray. 533 00:29:54,266 --> 00:29:56,178 Lord Go, we thank you for yet another 534 00:29:56,178 --> 00:29:58,089 day, but we can all gather it together 535 00:29:58,089 --> 00:29:59,545 in Christian fellowship. 536 00:30:00,638 --> 00:30:02,152 Lord, we ask for you to open our 537 00:30:02,152 --> 00:30:04,155 eyes and open our ears, so we can 538 00:30:04,155 --> 00:30:05,744 see in here what it is that you're 539 00:30:05,744 --> 00:30:08,129 calling us to do and who you are 540 00:30:08,129 --> 00:30:09,401 shaping us to be. 541 00:30:10,528 --> 00:30:11,875 Lord to the speaker of the morning, I 542 00:30:11,875 --> 00:30:13,142 asked you to let the words in my 543 00:30:13,142 --> 00:30:15,678 mouth. An invitation of all of Our hearts 544 00:30:15,678 --> 00:30:17,183 gathered here to be acceptable. 545 00:30:17,834 --> 00:30:19,905 In your sight. Because Lord you are our 546 00:30:19,905 --> 00:30:22,614 strength. You are our rock, and you are 547 00:30:22,614 --> 00:30:23,251 our redeem. 548 00:30:23,969 --> 00:30:25,164 We lived up our prayer to you and 549 00:30:25,164 --> 00:30:26,757 the name of your son Jesus Christ, Our 550 00:30:26,917 --> 00:30:27,417 Lord 551 00:30:27,728 --> 00:30:29,081 and the people of god all said. 552 00:30:31,549 --> 00:30:34,437 Well, friends, Stephen already said it. Merry Christmas. 553 00:30:36,183 --> 00:30:38,578 Look, I don't know anything about all of 554 00:30:38,578 --> 00:30:41,132 you, but 1 thing I love is a 555 00:30:41,132 --> 00:30:43,687 good excuse to be in the christmas spirit 556 00:30:43,687 --> 00:30:44,086 early. 557 00:30:45,376 --> 00:30:47,920 I'm a firm believer that you can choose 558 00:30:47,920 --> 00:30:49,533 to be in the Christmas spirit 559 00:30:50,067 --> 00:30:50,305 anytime. 560 00:30:51,101 --> 00:30:53,088 And 1 person I know that's always in 561 00:30:53,088 --> 00:30:54,304 the Christmas spirit 562 00:30:54,614 --> 00:30:56,313 if my good old fellow associate 563 00:30:56,692 --> 00:30:57,411 Stephen Coleman. 564 00:30:59,170 --> 00:31:00,209 I don't know you've had him in to 565 00:31:00,209 --> 00:31:01,887 talk with him today, but Steve has got 566 00:31:01,887 --> 00:31:03,645 on a Christmas tie. I'm telling you he 567 00:31:03,645 --> 00:31:06,529 has channel his Christmas spirit for the day. 568 00:31:06,689 --> 00:31:08,521 You should seen how many times, he'd been 569 00:31:08,521 --> 00:31:10,274 singing Christmas songs under his breath. 570 00:31:11,071 --> 00:31:12,603 So what thing I want is to do, 571 00:31:12,683 --> 00:31:14,361 you know, in the spirit of Christmas for 572 00:31:14,361 --> 00:31:15,081 crying out sake. 573 00:31:15,720 --> 00:31:17,578 I figured let's all 574 00:31:17,958 --> 00:31:20,435 sing together a familiar Christmas song, 575 00:31:20,929 --> 00:31:23,238 in Jingle bells. How'd, that sound Daniel. 576 00:31:25,945 --> 00:31:27,617 Jingle go all the way. 577 00:31:30,179 --> 00:31:30,816 Here you are. 578 00:31:33,681 --> 00:31:34,078 My man. 579 00:31:36,878 --> 00:31:37,275 So friends, 580 00:31:37,990 --> 00:31:39,499 I'm sure you all probably wondering. 581 00:31:40,848 --> 00:31:43,810 Why I'm talking about Christmas right now, especially 582 00:31:44,183 --> 00:31:47,062 in probably the hottest month of the year 583 00:31:47,062 --> 00:31:49,529 and dear friends, I am glad you asked. 584 00:31:50,723 --> 00:31:51,758 Let me briefly share. 585 00:31:52,729 --> 00:31:54,506 How the term Christmas in July 586 00:31:55,123 --> 00:31:55,442 originated. 587 00:31:56,639 --> 00:31:59,273 And all began at a summer Christmas party 588 00:31:59,273 --> 00:32:00,071 at Ohio f 589 00:32:00,964 --> 00:32:02,900 And an all growth camp in North Carolina 590 00:32:03,118 --> 00:32:03,937 held annually. 591 00:32:04,953 --> 00:32:08,039 And later on, large retail company than businesses 592 00:32:08,238 --> 00:32:10,544 hopped on the griffith in July trend by 593 00:32:10,544 --> 00:32:13,169 giving summer discounts in all of their stores. 594 00:32:13,566 --> 00:32:15,713 So slowly, you can see how it's snowball, 595 00:32:16,111 --> 00:32:16,986 no pun intended. 596 00:32:18,514 --> 00:32:19,233 Some of y'all got it. 597 00:32:20,591 --> 00:32:21,070 However, 598 00:32:21,709 --> 00:32:23,147 friends in the 19 forties, 599 00:32:24,106 --> 00:32:27,311 Calvary baptist church, a mission focused church and 600 00:32:27,471 --> 00:32:28,507 Washington Dc, 601 00:32:29,384 --> 00:32:32,174 decided to take advantage of the summer retail 602 00:32:32,174 --> 00:32:32,971 store discounts, 603 00:32:33,543 --> 00:32:35,873 and used it as an opportunity to serve 604 00:32:35,929 --> 00:32:36,486 other people. 605 00:32:37,838 --> 00:32:40,384 They created a Christmas in July mission drive, 606 00:32:40,702 --> 00:32:41,736 mission donation drive, 607 00:32:42,309 --> 00:32:45,126 and encourage their members to buy discounted goods 608 00:32:45,265 --> 00:32:48,161 and send them to under areas all around 609 00:32:48,221 --> 00:32:48,700 the world. 610 00:32:50,073 --> 00:32:53,510 In simple words, they recognized their own privilege. 611 00:32:54,469 --> 00:32:57,185 And through their privilege, they invited others to 612 00:32:57,185 --> 00:32:58,200 experience god's 613 00:32:58,798 --> 00:32:59,276 unconditional love. 614 00:33:00,073 --> 00:33:02,386 So hold on to that word privilege because 615 00:33:02,386 --> 00:33:05,017 privilege is gonna frame just about everything single 616 00:33:05,017 --> 00:33:06,692 thing I'm talking to you about this morning. 617 00:33:08,463 --> 00:33:10,540 Before I continue my friends, I I wanna 618 00:33:10,540 --> 00:33:11,898 a preface that I'm not here to add 619 00:33:11,898 --> 00:33:14,396 a negative twist or put a negative connotation 620 00:33:14,455 --> 00:33:16,148 on the word. Because I know sometimes when 621 00:33:16,148 --> 00:33:17,746 you bring it up in church, everyone kinda 622 00:33:17,746 --> 00:33:19,664 gets a little tight. Okay? I wanna make 623 00:33:19,664 --> 00:33:21,501 sure I'm practicing this for you that I'm 624 00:33:21,501 --> 00:33:22,460 not here to put it in a twist 625 00:33:22,460 --> 00:33:24,473 on him. Privilege You know, in fact, in 626 00:33:24,473 --> 00:33:26,310 some way, shape or form, 627 00:33:27,109 --> 00:33:28,648 many of us have been the 628 00:33:29,267 --> 00:33:30,545 beneficiaries of privilege. 629 00:33:31,919 --> 00:33:32,638 For example, 630 00:33:33,197 --> 00:33:34,635 some of us here have gone to the 631 00:33:34,635 --> 00:33:35,834 best schools in a nation. 632 00:33:36,633 --> 00:33:37,772 Some of us were born 633 00:33:38,231 --> 00:33:39,350 in into generational wealth. 634 00:33:40,565 --> 00:33:42,884 Some of us have had the opportunity to 635 00:33:42,884 --> 00:33:45,365 ming with people of high societal status and 636 00:33:45,365 --> 00:33:46,164 other privileges. 637 00:33:47,698 --> 00:33:50,574 But on that same note. And recognizing that 638 00:33:50,574 --> 00:33:53,370 privilege is often the exception and not the 639 00:33:53,370 --> 00:33:53,690 norm. 640 00:33:54,341 --> 00:33:55,848 There are also some of us who weren't 641 00:33:55,848 --> 00:33:57,831 born into these same privileges and have had 642 00:33:57,831 --> 00:34:00,132 to earn every single thing that they have. 643 00:34:01,893 --> 00:34:05,147 Privilege isn't limited solely to material wealth and 644 00:34:05,147 --> 00:34:05,544 status. 645 00:34:07,370 --> 00:34:10,243 Geographic location and country of Origin are also 646 00:34:10,243 --> 00:34:12,387 privileges that we can either benefit or suffer 647 00:34:12,387 --> 00:34:12,625 from. 648 00:34:13,578 --> 00:34:14,530 Just to give an example, 649 00:34:15,324 --> 00:34:17,889 America, or other countries in the northern hemisphere 650 00:34:18,359 --> 00:34:21,639 are experiencing summertime from June to August That's 651 00:34:21,639 --> 00:34:22,920 that's what we're in the middle of right 652 00:34:22,920 --> 00:34:26,119 now. Well, other countries in the southern hemisphere 653 00:34:26,119 --> 00:34:27,239 like South America, 654 00:34:27,654 --> 00:34:30,545 and, excuse south Africa and Australia 655 00:34:31,160 --> 00:34:33,232 experienced winter during these same months. So right 656 00:34:33,232 --> 00:34:35,399 now, in June to August, we're in lie 657 00:34:35,399 --> 00:34:36,838 right now. Right now down there in a 658 00:34:36,838 --> 00:34:40,274 southern hemisphere, it's cold winter weather. And in 659 00:34:40,274 --> 00:34:42,512 fact, this is what prompted calvary ba as 660 00:34:42,512 --> 00:34:43,630 to act in the first place. 661 00:34:44,844 --> 00:34:45,742 See privilege 662 00:34:46,678 --> 00:34:48,295 impacts many different facets 663 00:34:48,831 --> 00:34:49,549 in our world. 664 00:34:51,144 --> 00:34:53,378 So friend regardless of whether you find yourself 665 00:34:53,378 --> 00:34:55,701 a 1 end of the or not regarding 666 00:34:55,701 --> 00:34:56,098 privilege. 667 00:34:56,654 --> 00:34:58,640 We all have places in our lives where 668 00:34:58,640 --> 00:34:59,775 privilege has positively 669 00:35:00,467 --> 00:35:02,317 or and and or negatively 670 00:35:02,691 --> 00:35:05,009 impacted our quality from of life. 671 00:35:06,041 --> 00:35:07,786 So what I want us to understand this 672 00:35:07,786 --> 00:35:09,295 morning, because this where I'm near. I'm going 673 00:35:09,295 --> 00:35:10,191 with with privilege 674 00:35:10,564 --> 00:35:13,356 is that privilege is not the problem The 675 00:35:13,356 --> 00:35:16,235 problem itself is not privilege. It's what we 676 00:35:16,448 --> 00:35:19,168 do with privilege that really genuinely matters 677 00:35:19,540 --> 00:35:20,016 the most. 678 00:35:22,103 --> 00:35:23,861 So in the world of our text this 679 00:35:23,861 --> 00:35:24,181 morning, 680 00:35:24,740 --> 00:35:27,057 Jesus while having dinner at a Ph house, 681 00:35:27,617 --> 00:35:29,375 share the parable about a certain man. 682 00:35:30,109 --> 00:35:32,581 Who prepared a great banquet and invited many 683 00:35:32,581 --> 00:35:32,820 people. 684 00:35:34,017 --> 00:35:35,453 When the time came for the banquet when 685 00:35:35,453 --> 00:35:37,606 he sent his servant to go and tell 686 00:35:37,606 --> 00:35:40,174 the people who received the first invitation that 687 00:35:40,174 --> 00:35:41,852 it was now time for the feast, and 688 00:35:41,852 --> 00:35:43,210 it was just waiting for their arrival. 689 00:35:44,489 --> 00:35:45,208 However, though, 690 00:35:46,007 --> 00:35:46,965 1 by 1, 691 00:35:48,017 --> 00:35:50,878 these people began to ex excused themselves from 692 00:35:50,878 --> 00:35:51,356 the supper. 693 00:35:52,706 --> 00:35:55,012 The first 1 shares that he just bought 694 00:35:55,012 --> 00:35:56,601 land and they must go to it. 695 00:35:57,888 --> 00:35:59,557 The second person shared that they just bought 696 00:35:59,557 --> 00:36:01,863 5 yoke of Oxen, and they wanna go 697 00:36:01,863 --> 00:36:02,420 try the out. 698 00:36:03,771 --> 00:36:05,520 The third person shared that they were just 699 00:36:05,520 --> 00:36:08,010 recently married. And as a result, they can 700 00:36:08,010 --> 00:36:08,730 no longer come. 701 00:36:10,650 --> 00:36:12,809 Before we continue on to the next part 702 00:36:12,809 --> 00:36:13,530 of our passage. 703 00:36:14,344 --> 00:36:16,179 Let's take a negative look. Let's take a 704 00:36:16,179 --> 00:36:17,318 look at the negative 705 00:36:17,775 --> 00:36:20,728 representation of privilege in both the host and 706 00:36:20,728 --> 00:36:21,606 his invited guest. 707 00:36:23,456 --> 00:36:24,891 So just based on the reading, 708 00:36:25,529 --> 00:36:27,364 we can safely assume that the host is 709 00:36:27,364 --> 00:36:29,757 someone who's privileged enough to have a home 710 00:36:29,757 --> 00:36:32,125 large enough to accommodate many people 711 00:36:32,884 --> 00:36:35,040 He also had a servant that he sends 712 00:36:35,040 --> 00:36:37,677 out to do whatever y whenever he wants. 713 00:36:39,369 --> 00:36:41,123 He invites people to his home for a 714 00:36:41,123 --> 00:36:43,835 banquet and this particular group of people seemed 715 00:36:43,835 --> 00:36:46,648 to be privileged enough to purchase land 716 00:36:47,106 --> 00:36:48,382 and 5 yoke of oxen. 717 00:36:49,672 --> 00:36:52,137 Just from this, we can also assume and 718 00:36:52,137 --> 00:36:54,365 infer that the invited guests are people who 719 00:36:54,365 --> 00:36:56,115 are within a specific tax bracket. 720 00:36:56,686 --> 00:36:59,232 And social economic status and class that is 721 00:36:59,232 --> 00:37:01,539 not open to all people. It's only open 722 00:37:01,539 --> 00:37:02,334 to a select few. 723 00:37:03,464 --> 00:37:05,220 I mean, we aren't told what the occasion 724 00:37:05,220 --> 00:37:06,577 for this banquet was 4. 725 00:37:07,775 --> 00:37:10,010 But this leaves us to speculate on whether 726 00:37:10,010 --> 00:37:11,925 these people were actual friends of the host. 727 00:37:12,737 --> 00:37:14,725 Or if the host viewed their attendance at 728 00:37:14,725 --> 00:37:16,554 his banquet adam a mood to enhance his 729 00:37:16,554 --> 00:37:16,952 status. 730 00:37:18,542 --> 00:37:19,178 Either way, 731 00:37:19,894 --> 00:37:21,802 these people begin to slowly drop out. 732 00:37:22,454 --> 00:37:24,629 With each excuse Sounding much more ridiculous 733 00:37:25,166 --> 00:37:26,043 than the last 1. 734 00:37:27,160 --> 00:37:29,712 The first 1 shared that they just recently 735 00:37:29,712 --> 00:37:31,786 bought land and you needed to go see 736 00:37:31,786 --> 00:37:31,865 it. 737 00:37:32,757 --> 00:37:34,033 I mean, let's be real for a second. 738 00:37:35,069 --> 00:37:36,664 Who buys land without looking at it. 739 00:37:38,338 --> 00:37:40,251 The second person shared that they bought 5 740 00:37:40,251 --> 00:37:41,940 yoke of Oxen and you need to go 741 00:37:41,940 --> 00:37:42,577 try them out. 742 00:37:44,172 --> 00:37:46,723 Who buys Oxen without knowing if they're able 743 00:37:46,723 --> 00:37:48,477 and capable to do the work. 744 00:37:50,642 --> 00:37:53,028 The third person shares that they recently got 745 00:37:53,028 --> 00:37:54,619 married and just couldn't come. 746 00:37:55,813 --> 00:37:58,224 However, this third person excuse why it was 747 00:37:58,224 --> 00:38:00,625 much more of a societal concern out opposed 748 00:38:00,625 --> 00:38:02,545 to an economic 1, like the first q 749 00:38:02,545 --> 00:38:02,864 people. 750 00:38:03,344 --> 00:38:05,880 The fact remains that the host did send 751 00:38:06,159 --> 00:38:08,077 2 invitations to all these people. 752 00:38:08,636 --> 00:38:10,793 So this third person just like the rest 753 00:38:10,793 --> 00:38:13,750 of them also accepted the first invitation, 754 00:38:14,404 --> 00:38:16,559 So I accept the invitation if you knew 755 00:38:16,559 --> 00:38:18,635 that you're wedding my conflict with the date. 756 00:38:20,949 --> 00:38:23,598 And summary friends, what we're seeing here, is 757 00:38:23,598 --> 00:38:26,945 how the privileges that we prioritize in our 758 00:38:26,945 --> 00:38:28,936 lives can pre occupy us. 759 00:38:30,211 --> 00:38:32,203 The first 3 people were pre preoccupied by 760 00:38:32,203 --> 00:38:35,168 their own economic and societal, status and privileges. 761 00:38:36,445 --> 00:38:37,184 The host 762 00:38:37,561 --> 00:38:39,715 seemed to only invite people from his social 763 00:38:39,715 --> 00:38:42,108 circles and clearly didn't listen to Jesus in 764 00:38:42,108 --> 00:38:45,142 verse 12 when Jesus said, when you hold 765 00:38:45,142 --> 00:38:48,315 a lunch or dinner. Do not invite your 766 00:38:48,315 --> 00:38:52,617 friends, your brothers, your sisters, your relatives or 767 00:38:52,617 --> 00:38:53,490 your rich neighbors. 768 00:38:54,443 --> 00:38:55,953 If you do, they may invite you back 769 00:38:55,953 --> 00:38:57,065 and you will be repaid. 770 00:38:58,415 --> 00:38:59,447 In the host instance, 771 00:39:00,260 --> 00:39:02,500 He was not invited back, and he was 772 00:39:02,500 --> 00:39:03,940 only repaid by their absence. 773 00:39:05,539 --> 00:39:07,460 When the host servant came back and informed 774 00:39:07,460 --> 00:39:09,149 him that his guess, the he... That they 775 00:39:09,149 --> 00:39:10,816 were no longer coming. He would have absolutely 776 00:39:10,816 --> 00:39:13,197 live it. And understandably saw, I mean, he 777 00:39:13,197 --> 00:39:15,817 probably spent a great amount of resources and 778 00:39:15,817 --> 00:39:18,143 time, preparing for this banquet that he thought 779 00:39:18,143 --> 00:39:19,578 that people are gonna be coming to. 780 00:39:21,252 --> 00:39:22,150 While the host 781 00:39:22,607 --> 00:39:24,360 was understandably angered. We get him. 782 00:39:25,172 --> 00:39:26,603 By their last minute cancellation. 783 00:39:27,399 --> 00:39:30,182 What he does in light of this inconvenience 784 00:39:30,182 --> 00:39:32,750 show how 1 can use their privilege 785 00:39:33,219 --> 00:39:34,970 for the greater good. So we just talked 786 00:39:34,970 --> 00:39:37,039 a little bit about some negative representation of 787 00:39:37,039 --> 00:39:37,358 privilege. 788 00:39:37,915 --> 00:39:40,564 Now let us talk more about positive 789 00:39:40,940 --> 00:39:42,793 representation, how we can use our privilege 790 00:39:43,104 --> 00:39:43,902 for the greater good. 791 00:39:46,135 --> 00:39:48,288 In verse 13 through 14, in verses 13 792 00:39:48,288 --> 00:39:51,319 through 14, G encourages the ph around the 793 00:39:51,319 --> 00:39:54,122 table to invite the poor the crippled, the 794 00:39:54,122 --> 00:39:56,032 lame and the blind and they will be 795 00:39:56,032 --> 00:39:56,349 blessed. 796 00:39:57,702 --> 00:39:59,372 These people cannot repay them. 797 00:40:00,104 --> 00:40:02,097 But G promises that they will be repaid 798 00:40:02,097 --> 00:40:03,453 at the resurrection of the righteous. 799 00:40:04,968 --> 00:40:06,323 Just to give this more context. 800 00:40:06,961 --> 00:40:08,929 Ji sent all of this to a table 801 00:40:09,049 --> 00:40:11,686 full of ph who in their own ways 802 00:40:11,686 --> 00:40:14,402 were privileged to be highly educated and well 803 00:40:14,402 --> 00:40:15,760 respected members of society. 804 00:40:17,293 --> 00:40:19,770 Jesus have telling them not to invite their 805 00:40:19,770 --> 00:40:20,270 friends 806 00:40:20,729 --> 00:40:22,887 or to invite people of equal or higher 807 00:40:22,887 --> 00:40:24,485 societal status and is instead, 808 00:40:25,059 --> 00:40:27,077 encouraging them to invite those deemed 809 00:40:27,776 --> 00:40:28,655 as less than. 810 00:40:30,494 --> 00:40:31,313 For a ph, 811 00:40:32,092 --> 00:40:33,471 this can be hard to comprehend. 812 00:40:34,344 --> 00:40:36,842 As they were often consumed with their own 813 00:40:36,901 --> 00:40:39,138 images and the privileges that came with being 814 00:40:39,138 --> 00:40:40,655 high up on the social food chain. 815 00:40:42,028 --> 00:40:44,900 I mean, to to invite someone whose society 816 00:40:44,900 --> 00:40:47,714 deemed as less than others into their home 817 00:40:48,012 --> 00:40:48,970 at the table. 818 00:40:49,623 --> 00:40:52,117 Would undoubtedly, I mean, be damaging 819 00:40:52,495 --> 00:40:53,532 to their reputation. 820 00:40:55,208 --> 00:40:55,686 However, 821 00:40:56,498 --> 00:40:59,378 the hosts after being slightly by his seemingly 822 00:40:59,434 --> 00:41:00,385 privileged peers, 823 00:41:01,338 --> 00:41:02,631 decides to listen to Jesus 824 00:41:03,242 --> 00:41:04,353 and invites the poor. 825 00:41:05,083 --> 00:41:05,798 Invites the crippled, 826 00:41:06,356 --> 00:41:08,345 invites the blind and the lame from the 827 00:41:08,345 --> 00:41:10,254 streets from the alley from the country lanes 828 00:41:10,254 --> 00:41:10,970 and all the roads, 829 00:41:12,179 --> 00:41:14,511 His servant even shared that there's still room 830 00:41:14,569 --> 00:41:16,641 left for others to join them at banquet. 831 00:41:17,517 --> 00:41:19,907 And the host sends him out again to 832 00:41:19,907 --> 00:41:21,581 invite all people until his house. 833 00:41:22,154 --> 00:41:22,713 Is full. 834 00:41:23,909 --> 00:41:26,644 See the host sacrifice his status and youth 835 00:41:26,702 --> 00:41:29,596 his privilege to give others the privilege 836 00:41:29,989 --> 00:41:30,888 of experiencing, 837 00:41:31,665 --> 00:41:32,165 god's 838 00:41:32,543 --> 00:41:33,022 unconditional love. 839 00:41:35,894 --> 00:41:37,331 I know what you all partly thinking. 840 00:41:38,224 --> 00:41:40,617 I mean, I can't possibly imagine inviting complete 841 00:41:40,617 --> 00:41:43,009 strangers into my home and commuting with them. 842 00:41:43,568 --> 00:41:44,445 I mean, let's be real. 843 00:41:45,243 --> 00:41:47,317 Similar to these ph, there's likely a part 844 00:41:47,317 --> 00:41:50,207 of us that's struggles to see how realistic 845 00:41:50,207 --> 00:41:51,266 g has been 846 00:41:51,646 --> 00:41:52,445 in this parable. 847 00:41:54,043 --> 00:41:55,402 If this is you, because I wanna share 848 00:41:55,402 --> 00:41:57,973 it's okay. We're processing this all together. If 849 00:41:57,973 --> 00:41:59,090 this is you, and if this is where 850 00:41:59,090 --> 00:42:01,561 you find yourself, friends let me share a 851 00:42:01,561 --> 00:42:03,555 quick story from my own life. From when 852 00:42:03,635 --> 00:42:05,947 I was once complete stranger, and I was 853 00:42:05,947 --> 00:42:06,346 welcomed, 854 00:42:06,838 --> 00:42:07,710 and if someone's home. 855 00:42:10,090 --> 00:42:11,043 Before I came to Rev, 856 00:42:11,757 --> 00:42:15,065 I've spent several summers on multiple church internship 857 00:42:15,264 --> 00:42:17,659 in different parts of Virginia to better discern 858 00:42:17,659 --> 00:42:19,335 my call to vocational ministry. 859 00:42:20,772 --> 00:42:22,847 In the summer of 20 22, I was 860 00:42:22,847 --> 00:42:24,146 presenting you with an opportunity 861 00:42:24,536 --> 00:42:26,519 intern and a church in Alexandria of Virginia, 862 00:42:26,995 --> 00:42:28,820 known as the Wood faith united in Methodist 863 00:42:28,820 --> 00:42:28,978 church. 864 00:42:30,882 --> 00:42:33,043 While I was super stoked and super excited 865 00:42:33,043 --> 00:42:35,536 to begin this internship, 2 challenges 866 00:42:36,472 --> 00:42:37,668 immediately presented themselves? 867 00:42:38,546 --> 00:42:38,865 First, 868 00:42:39,982 --> 00:42:41,896 how am I gonna financially sustain myself? 869 00:42:42,707 --> 00:42:44,217 And where in the world was I gonna 870 00:42:44,217 --> 00:42:44,375 live. 871 00:42:45,805 --> 00:42:48,665 As a full time seminary student with no 872 00:42:48,665 --> 00:42:50,174 time to work because always in them books. 873 00:42:51,380 --> 00:42:53,363 I was genuinely hard pressed to find the 874 00:42:53,363 --> 00:42:53,601 money. 875 00:42:54,791 --> 00:42:56,457 Fortunately, I was able to work with The 876 00:42:56,616 --> 00:42:58,858 Virginia Annual Conference and they were able to 877 00:42:58,858 --> 00:43:00,534 provide me with a s and live off 878 00:43:00,534 --> 00:43:01,492 for for those 3 months. 879 00:43:03,407 --> 00:43:06,042 While this s helped, the high living cost 880 00:43:06,042 --> 00:43:09,265 of Northern Virginia still made it virtually impossible 881 00:43:09,720 --> 00:43:11,709 to pay rent. And so I I started 882 00:43:11,709 --> 00:43:13,380 praying. I started to turn I like God 883 00:43:13,380 --> 00:43:14,987 helped me. I don't know how I'm gonna 884 00:43:14,987 --> 00:43:15,945 be able to do it is I see 885 00:43:15,945 --> 00:43:17,779 this opportunity, but how am I gonna... How 886 00:43:17,779 --> 00:43:18,736 am I gonna get there? 887 00:43:19,614 --> 00:43:20,650 Fortunately for me. 888 00:43:21,369 --> 00:43:23,601 1 of my mentors would previously served an 889 00:43:23,601 --> 00:43:24,101 appointment 890 00:43:24,494 --> 00:43:25,213 in Ana, 891 00:43:25,772 --> 00:43:27,769 reached out on my behalf the people he 892 00:43:27,769 --> 00:43:28,968 knew in the area, 893 00:43:29,527 --> 00:43:31,305 and it only took him 1 day 894 00:43:31,697 --> 00:43:33,228 it took him 1 day 895 00:43:33,600 --> 00:43:36,218 to find people who were willing to open 896 00:43:36,218 --> 00:43:36,956 their doors 897 00:43:37,646 --> 00:43:38,835 to a complete stranger. 898 00:43:40,675 --> 00:43:43,453 These people, their names are mark and bradley, 899 00:43:43,691 --> 00:43:44,985 2 of the most hospitable 900 00:43:45,437 --> 00:43:46,786 and kindness people I know. 901 00:43:47,440 --> 00:43:49,860 They welcomed me a complete stranger 902 00:43:50,320 --> 00:43:53,219 into their home of nothing but grace compassion 903 00:43:53,760 --> 00:43:54,400 and kindness. 904 00:43:55,611 --> 00:43:57,603 Even after, Almost blew up their house, the 905 00:43:57,603 --> 00:43:59,117 first night there because I didn't know the 906 00:43:59,117 --> 00:44:01,347 difference between a gas stove and electric 1. 907 00:44:02,960 --> 00:44:04,179 They embodied god's 908 00:44:04,800 --> 00:44:05,599 unconditional love for me. 909 00:44:06,960 --> 00:44:07,920 See to Bradley least, 910 00:44:08,640 --> 00:44:10,179 these people... They were homeowners, 911 00:44:11,294 --> 00:44:12,967 They were empty nest. I mean, they'd raised 912 00:44:12,967 --> 00:44:14,401 up all of their children and now their 913 00:44:14,401 --> 00:44:15,437 kids rolled out in the world, 914 00:44:16,393 --> 00:44:18,226 and they were avid world travelers. I mean, 915 00:44:18,306 --> 00:44:21,134 they had so many privileges. So many things 916 00:44:21,272 --> 00:44:24,244 that could have blocked them and preoccupied them 917 00:44:24,302 --> 00:44:25,760 from opening their doors 918 00:44:26,536 --> 00:44:27,812 to a stranger like me. 919 00:44:29,820 --> 00:44:32,289 But what God I believe wants us to 920 00:44:32,289 --> 00:44:33,564 understand if people have put it in our 921 00:44:33,564 --> 00:44:35,316 own way. Ka this Been getting that all 922 00:44:35,316 --> 00:44:37,069 morning. I want you to hold on to 923 00:44:37,069 --> 00:44:37,387 this 1. 924 00:44:38,754 --> 00:44:39,254 Sometimes 925 00:44:39,706 --> 00:44:41,452 we have to step out of our own 926 00:44:41,452 --> 00:44:42,324 places of privilege, 927 00:44:42,880 --> 00:44:45,498 so we can invite others and allow them 928 00:44:45,498 --> 00:44:46,291 to have the privilege. 929 00:44:46,784 --> 00:44:48,403 Of knowing and experiencing 930 00:44:49,021 --> 00:44:49,521 god's 931 00:44:49,900 --> 00:44:50,380 unconditional love. 932 00:44:51,898 --> 00:44:53,256 I'm I'm a say I 1 again, Could 933 00:44:53,416 --> 00:44:53,816 I like it? 934 00:44:54,855 --> 00:44:55,688 So sometimes 935 00:44:56,063 --> 00:44:57,733 we have to step out of our own 936 00:44:57,733 --> 00:44:58,687 places of privilege, 937 00:44:59,243 --> 00:45:01,947 so we can invite and allow others to 938 00:45:01,947 --> 00:45:02,923 have the privilege 939 00:45:03,234 --> 00:45:05,173 of knowing and experiencing 940 00:45:05,791 --> 00:45:06,291 god's 941 00:45:06,670 --> 00:45:07,150 unconditional love. 942 00:45:09,068 --> 00:45:10,666 If jab Bride leaves then open their home 943 00:45:10,666 --> 00:45:11,785 to meet 2 summers ago, 944 00:45:12,438 --> 00:45:13,551 I don't think I'd be able to be 945 00:45:13,551 --> 00:45:14,664 here as your pass through today. 946 00:45:15,936 --> 00:45:18,322 If Calvary Baptist church didn't utilize Christmas in 947 00:45:18,561 --> 00:45:20,946 July as a mission opportunity to share Christmas 948 00:45:20,946 --> 00:45:21,741 joy with the world, 949 00:45:22,554 --> 00:45:24,795 There might still be children who didn't receive 950 00:45:24,795 --> 00:45:26,074 a Christmas present time. 951 00:45:27,594 --> 00:45:29,934 And the Shu host didn't open his home 952 00:45:30,074 --> 00:45:32,489 to these strangers to poured a mind, the 953 00:45:32,489 --> 00:45:33,210 lame and a sick. 954 00:45:33,849 --> 00:45:36,190 They may not have been able to experience 955 00:45:36,250 --> 00:45:37,869 sitting at the table with Jesus 956 00:45:38,489 --> 00:45:40,489 at the resurrection of the righteous. 957 00:45:43,219 --> 00:45:45,135 Friends before I conclude my method for the 958 00:45:45,135 --> 00:45:45,374 morning. 959 00:45:46,172 --> 00:45:47,848 I want direct our attention back to 1 960 00:45:47,848 --> 00:45:49,466 of the statements made in verse 961 00:45:49,777 --> 00:45:51,683 which prompted Jesus to share the parable in 962 00:45:51,683 --> 00:45:52,397 the first place. 963 00:45:53,032 --> 00:45:55,494 It reads blessed is the 1 who will 964 00:45:55,494 --> 00:45:57,240 eat at the table at the faith in 965 00:45:57,240 --> 00:45:58,114 the kingdom of god. 966 00:45:59,795 --> 00:46:01,882 See g shared this parable for the ph 967 00:46:02,017 --> 00:46:03,842 and also for us as the church to 968 00:46:03,842 --> 00:46:06,717 see that it's simply not enough to assume 969 00:46:06,717 --> 00:46:09,110 that blessings will flow because we know of 970 00:46:09,110 --> 00:46:09,987 the kingdom of God. 971 00:46:11,422 --> 00:46:13,895 Inviting others to experience the kingdom of god 972 00:46:13,895 --> 00:46:15,591 is where the blessings will truly 973 00:46:15,904 --> 00:46:16,143 flow. 974 00:46:17,659 --> 00:46:20,371 In the 20 fourth verse, the host shares 975 00:46:20,371 --> 00:46:23,242 that those were invited will not have a 976 00:46:23,242 --> 00:46:25,156 taste of his banquet. And for us, 977 00:46:25,969 --> 00:46:27,269 this served as a warning 978 00:46:27,809 --> 00:46:29,809 to realize that while we're all invited to 979 00:46:29,809 --> 00:46:31,250 sit at the table by God's grace. 980 00:46:31,889 --> 00:46:34,050 If we're not mindful of how we all 981 00:46:34,050 --> 00:46:34,550 prioritize 982 00:46:35,010 --> 00:46:35,465 our. 983 00:46:36,536 --> 00:46:38,837 Our preoccupation with Him can call us to 984 00:46:38,837 --> 00:46:39,496 miss out 985 00:46:39,869 --> 00:46:41,083 on the troop privilege 986 00:46:41,455 --> 00:46:42,670 of sitting with Jesus 987 00:46:43,217 --> 00:46:45,628 and inviting our neighbors to have 988 00:46:46,083 --> 00:46:47,198 the same opportunity. 989 00:46:49,188 --> 00:46:49,507 Friends, 990 00:46:50,143 --> 00:46:50,382 today, 991 00:46:51,275 --> 00:46:52,875 We saw our brother in Christ, 992 00:46:53,434 --> 00:46:54,575 andrew andrew 993 00:46:55,115 --> 00:46:55,595 Davis, 994 00:46:56,235 --> 00:46:58,015 get baptized and welcomed 995 00:46:58,315 --> 00:46:59,675 into this community of believers. 996 00:47:01,048 --> 00:47:03,362 What's also significant about this is that our 997 00:47:03,362 --> 00:47:04,639 growing young adult community, 998 00:47:05,118 --> 00:47:07,991 vibrant life came to witness this event. 999 00:47:09,202 --> 00:47:11,351 Friends, our members of Vibrant life are not 1000 00:47:11,351 --> 00:47:12,306 all united a Methodist. 1001 00:47:13,261 --> 00:47:15,591 Not all of them are avid Sunday worshipers. 1002 00:47:16,859 --> 00:47:19,579 A number of them have experienced real church 1003 00:47:19,579 --> 00:47:19,819 herd, 1004 00:47:20,380 --> 00:47:21,900 and the only time they stepped into a 1005 00:47:21,900 --> 00:47:24,139 church is on our Wednesday night small group 1006 00:47:24,139 --> 00:47:24,539 gatherings. 1007 00:47:26,307 --> 00:47:29,012 What significant about them being here is that 1008 00:47:29,012 --> 00:47:31,398 once upon a time, we were all strangers. 1009 00:47:32,448 --> 00:47:35,019 But through the power of a simple invitation 1010 00:47:35,316 --> 00:47:38,821 and intentional relationship building with each other, they 1011 00:47:38,821 --> 00:47:40,972 all came here today to see their friend 1012 00:47:41,052 --> 00:47:42,583 Andy. Get baptized. 1013 00:47:44,501 --> 00:47:45,220 As the church, 1014 00:47:46,019 --> 00:47:47,457 we have to ask ourselves, 1015 00:47:48,016 --> 00:47:50,820 how can we use the faces of privilege 1016 00:47:50,820 --> 00:47:53,389 in our own lives to extend the table 1017 00:47:53,684 --> 00:47:55,275 and invite others to join us. 1018 00:47:56,563 --> 00:47:57,619 How can we 1019 00:47:57,994 --> 00:47:59,823 take the next step in the business of 1020 00:47:59,823 --> 00:48:01,913 being in ministry with the stranger 1021 00:48:02,606 --> 00:48:05,946 instead of only doing ministry for the stranger? 1022 00:48:07,714 --> 00:48:10,186 What's stopping us friends? What is stopping enough 1023 00:48:10,186 --> 00:48:12,977 from inviting people that we know are trying 1024 00:48:12,977 --> 00:48:15,391 to find their voice and in their way 1025 00:48:15,783 --> 00:48:16,420 in the church. 1026 00:48:19,046 --> 00:48:20,161 My friend fear the good news. 1027 00:48:21,115 --> 00:48:23,663 The promise of the resurrection is not only 1028 00:48:23,663 --> 00:48:24,538 for elect few. 1029 00:48:25,429 --> 00:48:27,929 It is for everyone who will chooses 1030 00:48:28,309 --> 00:48:29,349 to follow Jesus. 1031 00:48:30,710 --> 00:48:33,349 The real challenge for us lies and discerning 1032 00:48:33,349 --> 00:48:35,603 how we can use the areas of privilege 1033 00:48:35,603 --> 00:48:36,959 in our own life, because we don't all 1034 00:48:36,959 --> 00:48:38,235 have the same privilege. I don't know what 1035 00:48:38,235 --> 00:48:40,230 privilege you have in your life or in 1036 00:48:40,230 --> 00:48:41,746 comparison to mind, but we all have different 1037 00:48:41,746 --> 00:48:44,065 ones. The real challenge for us lies and 1038 00:48:44,065 --> 00:48:45,733 discern how we can use these areas of 1039 00:48:45,733 --> 00:48:48,592 privilege in our lives to help others experience 1040 00:48:48,592 --> 00:48:50,735 the privilege of sitting at the table of 1041 00:48:50,735 --> 00:48:51,474 the 1 1042 00:48:51,943 --> 00:48:52,818 who loves this all, 1043 00:48:53,853 --> 00:48:54,251 unconditionally. 1044 00:48:56,002 --> 00:48:57,833 Just like Calvary Baptist church, 1045 00:48:58,390 --> 00:49:01,273 shared God's love through Christmas joy around the 1046 00:49:01,273 --> 00:49:03,105 world with the given of Christmas gifts. 1047 00:49:03,981 --> 00:49:06,610 We as the church must discern how we 1048 00:49:06,610 --> 00:49:09,974 can share the good news everywhere. With our 1049 00:49:09,974 --> 00:49:11,255 own god given gifts. 1050 00:49:12,775 --> 00:49:13,515 When we 1051 00:49:13,815 --> 00:49:14,855 extend our tables, 1052 00:49:15,974 --> 00:49:17,255 open our homes, 1053 00:49:17,748 --> 00:49:19,736 and invite others to be a part of 1054 00:49:19,736 --> 00:49:20,769 building up the kingdom. 1055 00:49:21,644 --> 00:49:23,655 That is how we can be a part 1056 00:49:23,711 --> 00:49:25,858 of bringing forth the feast of the Lord 1057 00:49:25,858 --> 00:49:26,892 here on Earth. 1058 00:49:27,704 --> 00:49:28,743 As it is in heaven. 1059 00:49:29,862 --> 00:49:31,401 It all just began 1060 00:49:31,780 --> 00:49:34,518 with stepping out of our areas of preoccupation 1061 00:49:34,577 --> 00:49:36,575 with privileges, whatever those may be for us, 1062 00:49:37,627 --> 00:49:39,479 and extending an invitation 1063 00:49:40,172 --> 00:49:40,889 to the stranger. 1064 00:49:41,843 --> 00:49:43,275 Now I'd like to extend an invitation to 1065 00:49:43,275 --> 00:49:43,434 you. 1066 00:49:44,721 --> 00:49:46,071 Friends come to the table, 1067 00:49:46,866 --> 00:49:47,898 all who are faithful. 1068 00:49:49,249 --> 00:49:50,305 Come to the table 1069 00:49:50,917 --> 00:49:52,903 and behold the king of angels. 1070 00:49:54,268 --> 00:49:55,324 Come to the table 1071 00:49:55,776 --> 00:49:56,808 and let us the door, 1072 00:49:57,443 --> 00:49:58,316 Christ our lord. 1073 00:49:59,586 --> 00:49:59,983 I'm amen. 1074 00:50:09,682 --> 00:50:11,587 In that same spirit, let us stand together 1075 00:50:11,587 --> 00:50:14,776 it's those words, Come all y faithful. Using 1076 00:50:14,776 --> 00:50:16,205 him number 02:34 1077 00:50:16,205 --> 00:50:18,030 stance as 1 3 and 4. 1078 00:54:50,742 --> 00:54:52,594 Here, I'd like to name just a few 1079 00:54:52,651 --> 00:54:54,737 concerns for us this day. I, 1080 00:54:55,454 --> 00:54:57,448 I would like to invite us today and 1081 00:54:57,448 --> 00:54:59,123 in the weeks in the week to come 1082 00:54:59,123 --> 00:55:01,357 to be in prayer for pastor Keith Edmunds. 1083 00:55:01,596 --> 00:55:03,431 Many of you may know that he is 1084 00:55:03,431 --> 00:55:06,791 the former pastor of our partner, church, Koi 1085 00:55:06,951 --> 00:55:07,827 Christian church, 1086 00:55:08,543 --> 00:55:08,942 and 1087 00:55:09,977 --> 00:55:12,526 or community church. And he is in his 1088 00:55:12,526 --> 00:55:15,570 last day or so. He has entered into 1089 00:55:15,570 --> 00:55:15,969 hospice, 1090 00:55:16,447 --> 00:55:18,840 and is in under hospice care. I met 1091 00:55:18,840 --> 00:55:21,630 with him yesterday along with his wife, Michelle 1092 00:55:21,630 --> 00:55:24,438 and assured them that you and I that 1093 00:55:24,438 --> 00:55:26,693 we together would be in prayer for him 1094 00:55:27,230 --> 00:55:27,789 this day. 1095 00:55:28,587 --> 00:55:30,913 We also want to be in prayer for 1096 00:55:30,913 --> 00:55:32,847 our nation given the attempted 1097 00:55:33,223 --> 00:55:36,330 assassination yesterday or former president Trump and pray 1098 00:55:36,330 --> 00:55:38,775 for him for all those who are 1099 00:55:39,532 --> 00:55:42,324 struggling with this including our nation today. And 1100 00:55:42,324 --> 00:55:44,477 to do that, I would like to incorporate 1101 00:55:44,477 --> 00:55:45,217 a prayer 1102 00:55:45,594 --> 00:55:48,067 that I have found from S saint. Do 1103 00:55:48,226 --> 00:55:50,629 Catholic church that I think is helpful for 1104 00:55:50,629 --> 00:55:51,981 all of us this day. 1105 00:55:53,015 --> 00:55:54,049 Let us pray together. 1106 00:55:57,163 --> 00:55:59,384 Lord we pray this day in the face 1107 00:55:59,384 --> 00:56:01,526 of political violence in our country. 1108 00:56:03,446 --> 00:56:05,752 In your mercy, will you comfort, heal and 1109 00:56:05,752 --> 00:56:06,944 bless all those injured, 1110 00:56:08,534 --> 00:56:11,079 receive into your mercy, those who have lost 1111 00:56:11,079 --> 00:56:11,715 their lives. 1112 00:56:13,243 --> 00:56:15,957 And comfort those grieving the loss of loved 1113 00:56:15,957 --> 00:56:16,276 ones. 1114 00:56:17,873 --> 00:56:19,948 We ask that you protect all people from 1115 00:56:19,948 --> 00:56:21,405 the evil of violence 1116 00:56:21,718 --> 00:56:23,174 and for life changing 1117 00:56:23,710 --> 00:56:24,210 conversion 1118 00:56:24,666 --> 00:56:27,295 from political in all forms of violence. 1119 00:56:28,744 --> 00:56:31,000 We pray also for the grace to purge 1120 00:56:31,218 --> 00:56:33,532 ourselves of all violence and our own thoughts 1121 00:56:33,532 --> 00:56:34,432 and actions 1122 00:56:35,528 --> 00:56:36,485 in our family life, 1123 00:56:37,377 --> 00:56:38,331 in our friendships, 1124 00:56:39,127 --> 00:56:40,740 in relationships with others 1125 00:56:41,514 --> 00:56:43,954 in our national life as we commit our 1126 00:56:44,074 --> 00:56:46,693 cells to refrain from these violent acts or 1127 00:56:46,693 --> 00:56:49,155 words and teach others to do the same. 1128 00:56:50,584 --> 00:56:52,568 Lord, as your church we gathered this day 1129 00:56:52,568 --> 00:56:54,592 also in prayer for, our 1130 00:56:55,599 --> 00:56:57,742 friend, our brother, pastor Keith Edmonds. 1131 00:56:59,011 --> 00:57:00,932 And we ask you Lord to your hand 1132 00:57:00,932 --> 00:57:03,005 upon him as he makes this transition from 1133 00:57:03,005 --> 00:57:04,360 this life to your eternity. 1134 00:57:05,237 --> 00:57:06,991 Watch over his wife, Michelle watch over his 1135 00:57:06,991 --> 00:57:08,346 family watch over his church. 1136 00:57:09,238 --> 00:57:11,950 And may your grace abide in all things. 1137 00:57:13,625 --> 00:57:15,858 We also take this out time in prayer 1138 00:57:15,858 --> 00:57:18,432 today, Lord to recognize that we have received 1139 00:57:18,490 --> 00:57:19,781 the gift of privilege. 1140 00:57:21,376 --> 00:57:22,115 We have 1141 00:57:22,971 --> 00:57:23,847 so much of lord, 1142 00:57:24,485 --> 00:57:26,558 and so much opportunity to do so much 1143 00:57:26,558 --> 00:57:27,276 for your kingdom. 1144 00:57:28,089 --> 00:57:30,166 And it is our prayer this day that 1145 00:57:30,166 --> 00:57:31,385 you would humble us 1146 00:57:32,084 --> 00:57:34,501 and enable us to be great stewards 1147 00:57:35,534 --> 00:57:36,275 of this 1148 00:57:36,654 --> 00:57:38,894 invitation you have given to us into this 1149 00:57:38,894 --> 00:57:39,694 gospel feast, 1150 00:57:40,654 --> 00:57:42,574 and not only to us Lord, but all 1151 00:57:42,574 --> 00:57:44,255 those who are around us. 1152 00:57:45,068 --> 00:57:47,613 As you have invited us a lord, 1153 00:57:48,806 --> 00:57:50,499 enable us to invite others 1154 00:57:51,192 --> 00:57:53,394 as we encounter as we meet and may 1155 00:57:53,593 --> 00:57:55,420 every word that we offer, be, 1156 00:57:56,215 --> 00:57:57,509 embracing of your 1157 00:57:57,883 --> 00:58:00,107 invitation to hope, your invitation to love and 1158 00:58:00,107 --> 00:58:01,560 to your invitation and possibility. 1159 00:58:02,426 --> 00:58:03,958 In a world that is struggling 1160 00:58:04,730 --> 00:58:07,192 to find that hope of which we confess 1161 00:58:07,192 --> 00:58:08,146 we take for granted. 1162 00:58:09,273 --> 00:58:11,023 For these prayers and others, O Lord, we 1163 00:58:11,023 --> 00:58:12,851 lift up for our nation for ourselves for 1164 00:58:12,851 --> 00:58:14,362 our church and for our community. 1165 00:58:15,158 --> 00:58:17,066 In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord 1166 00:58:17,066 --> 00:58:18,736 who taught us to pray together saying, 1167 00:58:19,467 --> 00:58:20,264 our father, 1168 00:58:20,901 --> 00:58:21,857 who arts in heaven. 1169 00:58:22,654 --> 00:58:23,848 Hall would be thy name. 1170 00:58:24,724 --> 00:58:25,760 Thy kingdom come, 1171 00:58:26,636 --> 00:58:27,592 Thy I will be done. 1172 00:58:28,403 --> 00:58:30,073 On earth as it is in heaven. 1173 00:58:30,948 --> 00:58:33,435 Give us this stay, our daily bread 1174 00:58:33,969 --> 00:58:35,582 and forgive us our tres. 1175 00:58:36,449 --> 00:58:39,079 As we forgive those who tres paths against 1176 00:58:39,079 --> 00:58:39,579 us 1177 00:58:40,116 --> 00:58:42,268 and lead us sn into temptation, 1178 00:58:42,985 --> 00:58:44,261 but deliver us from evil. 1179 00:58:44,994 --> 00:58:46,453 For thin is the kingdom 1180 00:58:46,832 --> 00:58:47,731 and the power 1181 00:58:48,110 --> 00:58:49,469 and the glory forever. 1182 00:58:50,507 --> 00:58:50,667 Amen. 1183 00:58:51,546 --> 00:58:53,556 This time we invite our Usher come forward 1184 00:58:53,556 --> 00:58:56,102 now as we receive our morning offering. 1185 01:02:29,010 --> 01:02:29,144 So 1186 01:06:24,170 --> 01:06:26,250 Lord god, you have been so very good 1187 01:06:26,250 --> 01:06:28,945 to us. You have poured gift upon gift 1188 01:06:29,063 --> 01:06:31,681 grace upon Grace upon us, it is our 1189 01:06:31,681 --> 01:06:34,139 prayer this day that you would use these 1190 01:06:34,139 --> 01:06:36,597 gifts and also use our lives. 1191 01:06:37,409 --> 01:06:39,726 To be an open invitation to all who 1192 01:06:39,726 --> 01:06:41,724 are around that we may be a living 1193 01:06:41,724 --> 01:06:44,042 testimony to the love and the invitation which 1194 01:06:44,042 --> 01:06:45,640 you have given to us. For we give 1195 01:06:45,640 --> 01:06:48,208 you thanks for all things as we commit 1196 01:06:48,208 --> 01:06:50,519 these gifts to you through Christ Jesus our 1197 01:06:50,599 --> 01:06:50,838 Lord. 1198 01:06:51,555 --> 01:06:51,954 I'm amen. 1199 01:06:52,830 --> 01:06:55,079 As remained standing as we offer final him 1200 01:06:55,079 --> 01:06:57,337 together number 733 1201 01:06:57,556 --> 01:07:00,432 marching design versus 1 3 and 4. 1202 01:09:34,913 --> 01:09:37,647 My friends, let us leave this place knowing 1203 01:09:37,706 --> 01:09:38,742 of our privilege. 1204 01:09:39,220 --> 01:09:41,215 But in that way, knowing that we can 1205 01:09:41,215 --> 01:09:44,246 use our privilege for god's, greater good. 1206 01:09:45,373 --> 01:09:45,770 I'm amen. 1207 01:09:46,800 --> 01:09:47,512 Merry Christmas.