[Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Music] good morning First Baptist family today we continue our study in the book of Colossians we're finally made our way to chapter three and today we're going to talk about the difference that being different can make join me in one of our many services today [Music] [Applause] well good morning first BST family as always how grateful it is what a blessing it is that we've gathered today for our first Worship Hour for those you may not be aware we have a wonderful problem here at First Baptist Church of opaa that in days past and present we have more people wanting to worship than we've had seats and so there's actually a Contemporary Service happening downstairs in 316 simultaneously with this one but we are grateful you're in this place to worship alongside of us today particularly if you are a guest or a visitor if you find yourself today in one of those categories we would love the privilege of inviting you to Our Guest reception immediately following the worship service it's a kind of a quick experience we'd love to give you just a token of gratitude for being here but here's the most important part we just want to hear your story each and every week we meet those that are brand new to our community those that have been here for a season of time those that are visiting family and friends whatever your story is it would be great just spend a few moments with you and give you that little goodie bag that I was talking about for those that are watching online what a privilege some of you are literally across the street some of you around the world some of you are driving around town and listening on the radio whatever the story is wherever you are today do not think of yourself as being out there you are with us you worshiping with us you are part of the first First Baptist family today it is a privilege that you've joined us let's pray heavenly father as We Gather in this place Lord we know that even at this moment even our own local body are worshiping simultaneously yet in different venues and yet Lord it just it's unfathomable to understand that you are everywhere at all times observing and seeing and so Lord we pray today that our worship would be pleasing to you God we pray that as we lift up the name of Jesus Lord as we recognize today there is coming a day where every knee will bow and every tongue will confess God we pray that today if not already that would happen in our respective lives may you be lifted up and today may you gather all under yourself it is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray amen [Music] the name of Jesus at the name of Jesus shall [Music] with at the name of Jesus the of [Music] Jus in heav [Music] shall and every Tong shall conf and CHR [Music] every shall and every [Music] T the name of Jesus the of Jesus [Applause] [Music] the of [Music] Jesus let's all stand as We Worship the Lord one day we'll see Jesus face to face [Music] one day you w everything new Jesus one day you will B every for shall all [Music] pass tear one day you'll makeus one day every question every an thought left behind [Music] when we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be when we all see Jesus Will Sing and Shout the victory one day we will see face to face Jesus is there a great vision of [Music] GRA in a moment we shall be change on that day one day we'll be freee inde Jesus one day all strugle will ceas and we will see your glory re on that [Applause] [Music] day when we all get toen a day of rejoicing and the when we all see Jesus Will Sing and Shout the victory when we all when we all get to heav a day of rejoicing that will be when we all see Jesus Will Sing and Shout the victory We Sing and Shout the victory [Music] [Applause] [Music] I ofen where pain is GS the stre to look upon the one who led to save and with for all there will be a day there will be a day when all will be when there will be no more standing face to face with Di and rose again holy holy is the Lord and every pray we pray in desperation the songs of fa we s [Music] through in end we see that it was wor he returns to [Music] away there will be a day when all will B for him there will be a day when there will be no more stand face to face with Di and rose again holy holy is the [Music] Lord and on that day we join the resurrection and stand beside the heroes of the f with one voice [Music] [Applause] athy is the Lamb who was SL on that day join the resurrection and stand beside the heroes of the F with one [Music] singy forever he [Music] [Applause] shall so let it be today we shout the of heaven with we ra Mighty Glory To Our God who G beyond the gra holy holy is the Lord holy holy all the saints adore thee casting down their gold and ground [Music] [Applause] [Music] theing down before thee with wor and [Music] our shall be so let it be today we shall the with angels and the saint we ra glory to our god king the gra holy holy is the Lord holy holy is the Ho Holy is the would you pray with me father God we love you father thank you so much for this beautiful day you've given us um where we can come and gather as a church family and just sing praises to you father um we just we're so thankful for the hope and the promise that we have of an eternity in heaven with you and as we've sung this morning we long for that day where we can be face to face with Jesus forever more father we just thank you for this time that we have to give back I just pray that you'll bless these tithes and offerings and be bring glory and honor to you in Jesus name amen you [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] the shall UNF [Music] declaring [Music] his the star shall applaud [Music] him with thunders of praise the sweet light in his sh shall enhance those [Music] awaiting and we shall Behold [Music] Him then face to face we shall be [Music] we shall be hold face to face in all of his [Music] glory we shall be [Music] yes we shall [Music] be PR [Music] to our Savior and Lord the Angels sh sound and the shout of his coming the sleeping shall rise for all their [Music] sling [Music] and they shall be changes in all [Music] and we shall [Music] be then to we shall be oh yes we shall [Music] be to in all of his [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] shall we shall [Music] be to our Savior and Lord [Music] We Shall Behold our s and our savior [Music] [Applause] [Music] saor let's pray together heavenly father as we read through your word Lord what an ending Lord your word ends with even so come Lord Jesus and Lord even though that is our hope and that is our heart and that is our passion we know that until that day a curse or this is a dark world to navigate this is a tough world to navigate but you did not leave us without very explicit instructions through your word and so God today I pray you've prepared us for the reading of your word you've prepared us for the preaching of word you have prepared us for the doing of your word God now I pray when we open it and we follow suit that we would take your words as your words and nothing else it is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray amen the Apostle Paul spoke to numerous congregations and multitudes of Believers during the earliest days of the Church of Jesus Christ however one Church truly Echoes the struggles of today's Believers the church at [Music] colasse the Believers at colasse were being pressured by their secular culture to re-evaluate their beliefs and relegate Christ to a secondary position these distractions from the gospel were prevalent and everpresent and the attacks often seemed personal therefore Colossians challenge es us to evaluate all relationships perspectives and the struggles of our lives through the lens of scripture and the supremacy of Christ this morning I do want to invite you to open your Bibles to the book of Colossians there in the New Testament as we continue a study through a relatively short section of your Bible known as the book of Colossians but one things that we've discovered in recent days is is a very timely study if you're here as a guest or visitor or maybe you're worshiping with us for the first time in sometime I want to welcome you to such a study why is it that the book of Colossians is so timely well the first reason is this it is written directly to those who are already Believers in Jesus Christ it is not written to the lost world it is not written to try to convict those that have rebelled against Jesus or rejected him uh to do so but no it is written to those who already claim the name of Jesus it is written uh to those who are already what we would deem as Believers or as acts 11 says those that have been called by the world Christians and it's written to Believers as a warning it's actually a a entire book warning us that in the world that we're navigating not to compromise the truth why is it that they would compromise why is it that we would well to begin with the Believers in coloss they were statistically outnumbered they were the minority position of belief in the respective world as we are in this culture and context secondly they had a major trade route that W that came through their Community which provided not just goods and services but more importantly it opened them up to ideas and constructs philosophies often times which were contrary to the message of God's word and today even though technically in our community physically here we do have an interstate every one of us here every one of us online doesn't matter where you are in our world of technology we basically have trade routes running through our phones our tablets our computers etc every idea construct philosophy you can dream of is literally at your fingertips and so it is a warning to them that in the midst of all the chaos and can we just agree with all the information we are subjected to it is chaotic out there in the midst of all the chaos in the midst of all the confusion of who to believe who not to believe do not compromise the faith in other words do not take the Eternal truth of Jesus Christ the Eternal truth of God's word and allow it to be circumvented by some run-of-the-mill fattish idea or philosophy that comes by the wayside that being said today as we turn to chapter three yes Colossians is a warning to us but we're going to discover something about ourselves as Believers today in verses 1-4 we're going to see the difference that being different can make in other words as a believer in Jesus Christ we have been called to live differently we've been called to speak differently we've been called to act out differently and today we're going to be challenged what does it look like to live a life that is different and what difference can that make beginning in verse one it says if you then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sth on the right hand of God set your affection on things above not on the things of the Earth for you are dead and you're life is hid with Christ and God when Christ who is our life shall appear then shall you also appear with him in glory I know it's four just what we might call Simple verses but there are three incredibly profound truths that we discover here and the first one is this every single one of us as a believer in Jesus Christ you're saved you're born again you're going to heaven one day but all of us every single one of us struggles with one primary issue it's your mind every one of us as we think we often quote follow in fact in Romans chapter 12 incredible statement says I beseech you by the way that's just a fancy word for I'm begging you I'm pleading with you I beseech you therefore Brethren by the mercies of God that you commit to yourself as a Living Sacrifice Lord holy acceptable which is your reasonable service be not conformed to this world but be transformed by going to church I'm just seeing if y'all are awake down in 3:16 too be not conformed to this world but be transformed by making sure you sing every song We Sing no what does it say be transformed by the renewing of your mind you know sometimes the greatest difference uh to Traverse in our lives is 18 in from our heart to our mind notice what it says the position here in verse one if you be then risen with Christ in other words one of the hardest things to grasp one of the hardest things to wrap our mind around is this fact that no matter where you're seated right here you can be upstairs in the Worship Center downstairs in 3:16 you can be listening on the radio watching online from another continent if you are a believer in Jesus Christ you're actually risen with him and you're seated in the heavenlies that's what Ephesians chapter 2 says verse 6 it says you are seated in the heavenlies in other words what is so hard for us and and it's hard for me as well is wrapping my mind around the fact that this is not my home this is not where I'm seated this is not my Dwelling Place this is not my forever this is simply a temporary conduct through time and space so what's the plea he says if you be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sth on the right hand of God now that's easier said than done but allow me to explain that for a moment we understand as Believers we're seated in the heavenlies we understand we're risen with Christ so seek those things which are above have you ever asked yourself this question if not I'm going to ask it for you what is it that originated and exists in heaven that I actually have access to on Earth what is it that is above that I can seek out and have it a part of my life you know there's only one thing and you held it in your hand right here that's it why because the Bible makes it clear that it was inspired by God it's preserved by God and we have his words we have his instruction manual so when it says seek those things which are above it does not mean go lay out in the front yard and just stare at the stars that's not what it means it means to make sure that our lives are being transformed and fall into Conformity not with the world but with the word now many of you are new to us and we're grateful that you're coming alongside of us and worshiping with us and being a part of our faith family you may not know because we promoted it early in the year but I want to kind of give a reup here that we as a church family we as a body of Believers this year we've challenged ourselves to take the entirety of scripture and to place it into memory why because Psalm 119 says we do so so that we will not sin against him and we're doing it chapter by chapter and person by chapter and such and if you're not a part of it we'd love you to join in and let's be honest with ourselves it's a it's a tough roow placing scripture in fact the older you get the harder it is can we all testify to that one but nonetheless why is it that seeking out that which is above why is it that seeking out scripture is so powerful in our lives because it's really difficult to be conformed to this world when scriptures running through your mind it's really difficult to walk the way of this world when as you're taking those steps God brings his word to your mind the most important issue the primary issue that you and I struggle with is our mind but there's a second issue here in verse two it says set your affection on things above not on the things of the earth you know why your mind has difficulty you know why it's such an issue because of your eyes because what you see typically if not always will direct your path some of you may know the old hym writer Fanny Crosby Fanny Crosby is known for some of the great hymns of the faith you may not know that she was blind she could not see physically she did not have the distractions of this physical world she didn't have the delusions of this physical world she was not able to see physically that which so hinders most of us in fact Jesus taught us in The Sermon on the Mount Matthew chap 6:22 he says the eye makes the body single what he was saying is this that what you see with your eyes will take over your life and it becomes the light of your life so in other words if all you look at is fear you become fear if all you look at is debauchery you become debauchery if all you look at is the Lord you become guess what that's right righteous and Sanctified in him where you place your eyes changes everything now it's an interesting position mentioned here in verse two it says set your affections on the things above you'll go all the way back in the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles chapter 29 you begin to read there with all the details of the temple and worship and such one of the things it says is I have set my affection on the house of God I have allowed my eyes to see I my focus is on the house of the Lord you know it's interesting you go all the way back to the Book of Revelation 11: 19 it says right now in the house of the Lord what we call the throne room is the Ark of his Testament in other words our eyes are to be focused not just on the things of God and the God himself but on the house of God that which one day is our dwelling place that which we one day long for all of eternity what's interesting here is the plea that is put before us not on the things of this Earth in other words what it's saying here is our eyes should be on the things of God our eyes should be on the things of him on his Dwelling Place his house not on the stuff of this quote Earth you know in second Peter chapter 3 makes a pretty emphatic prophetic statement it says there's coming a day there's coming a day where everything that we know physically everything our eyes have seen everything our ears have heard everything our hands have touched everything we know According to second Peter chapter 31 one day is going to be burned up it's all going to be burned up all of the things that we acquire are not going with us all the aspirations all the trophies we receive one day are going to be consumed in fact you go to Revelation chapter 20 there in verse 10 it says I saw him Seated on the throne and Heaven and Earth had passed away from him in other words that's when that prophecy is fulfilled one day which means this that any desire any ambition that you find here in the temporal and the timely known as Earth it doesn't matter what preparations you've made it doesn't matter how you have fortified that to last for generations and generations guess what one day it's all going to burn up it's all going to be gone so what does he say make sure that your eyes are looking on him and not on the things of this earth now let me illustrate this by utilizing a little self-deprecating store you say self-deprecate story well for some of you you may not know most of you are probably aware that for 3 years as a college student I spent my life on a football field I was not wearing shoulder pads and I was not wearing a helmet I was on the sidelines that's right it makes my children so proud that I was a college cheerleader for three years yes I was and I know and you know that when you go to a football game it doesn't matter if your favorite team's playing or just some random team usually typically most likely you don't pay a whole lot of attention to those that are on the sideline unless they're your kids I I understand that but nonetheless allow me to share with you something that the next time you watch a game or the next time you attend a game if you so are inclined to look at the sidelines let me share a little insight that you may not be aware when those young men take those young ladies and and they throw them above their head I know some of you are thinking you know the guys are big and the girls are little did you know that the average college female cheer weighs about the equivalent of a sack of concrete why don't you go out in your yard today and throw a sack of concrete over your head for four hours okay see how that goes now we had a statement back then I don't know if they still use it but back then here's what we used to joke around because you can imagine some of the statements one of the things we used to say was this any man can hold a Woman by her hand takes a real man to hold her by her feet now that being said when you're at a game you're attend you're watching the sidelines one things you'll discover is very often said young man who takes said young lady and he will toss her and place her literally above his head where she is standing above his head resting upon his hand now I will make you a promise next time you're at a game next time you're watching a game if you see a young lady standing on the hand or the hands of a young man below I will make you a promise if she is standing above him he's looking up you're like what oh yeah he's looking up and it may not be for the reasons you think I'll just get that out there come on let me tell you why because it doesn't matter how big he is how small she is it doesn't matter how strong he is or how much balance she has all it takes for her to come crashing down is for him to just drop his eyes it's all it takes you got some young lady up there it's you know commercial break whatever it may be and one of your buddies from the St yells at you and you you look at him guess where she's going straight down every single time without fail it does not matter if the guy can bench press 400 lounds did you know your physical strength cannot overcome your eyes can't do it it doesn't matter how much experience he's got he's been doing it for years and years and years experience cannot supersede your eyes see if you allow me to bring it into our context of Colossians today there are some of you you've been walking with the Lord since methusa hopefully you get that joke and you laugh at it you've been walking with the Lord that long you go I got this you don't it doesn't matter how strong you are doesn't matter how passionate you are it doesn't matter how long you've been walking with Jesus the moment your eyes come off of him guess what it all comes crashing down and guess what on the sidelines if it comes crashing down somebody's going to get hurt and in our Our Lives what do we do we not only hurt our own walk with the Lord we hurt the body of Christ alongside us so what is that plea he says set your factions above and do not look to the things of this Earth why because as soon as we do as soon as our Focus comes to that which is temporal and within the realm of time no longer our affections above and it will come Crashing Down so our our major problem is our eyes and our mind and eyes are so connected that we discover in verse three and four a really interesting perspective it says for you are dead and your life is hid with Christ and God when Christ who is our life shall appear then shall you also appear with him in glory now that's an interesting statement you're dead now I know that when it comes to the death of our loved ones the death of our friends it's a painful experience there's nothing fun about it there's nothing enjoyable about it it is difficult at best so please in the midst of personal pain work with this illustration with me did you know that there is nobody laying in a cemetery who checks their bank account daily there is nobody in a cemetery who looks at their trophies daily there is nobody laying in a cemetery whose eyes are distracted on the things of this Earth why because when we pass from it says you are dead you know what Paul said in Galatians Chapter 2 he says I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live you know it's interesting you hear a lot of people make statements about this life compared to next and death and such and you've heard people say and I think they mean it seriously you know nobody's ever been on their deathbed and said I wish I'd worked more can I be honest with you Baptist nobody's ever been on their deathbed and said I wish I'd have dieted more nobody but we realize that once this life is over there are no reduce there is no circling back there are no Mulligans what does he say here you're dead a't that interesting that really the perspective that we should have and by the way I don't know if y'all know this but for those who come to faith in Jesus Christ from competitive Fai other world religions that are prominent many times their families actually have a funeral service for them they are considered dead because they've converted to Jesus Christ and that's really what's being import here and it makes an interesting statement as far as our position it says and your life is hid with Christ in God it's interesting that when he used that statement that we're hid in him basically what that's saying is that we take on his identity I know 1 Corinthians 6 says that we as Believers of the body of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwells within us we're his Temple but it says we're hid with him you know I've already done a little bit of self-deprecating but so let me go ahead and go down that road when I was participating and said extracurricular activities in college there was one basketball game I'll be honest with you I never was on the sidelines of a basketball game game I just I was football only but there was one basketball game that during halftime Squad was a little frisky coach wasn't paying a whole lot of attention and I got in the mascot uniform I sure did uh-huh you know what I discovered it's a lot harder and hotter in there than you could ever imagine and you know what I found out real quickly I was able to do things in that uniform I would never do outside of it why because my identity was masked by what was around me and I know some of you thinking I I just I can't look away I can't turn away I I'm captivated you know when you're in that mascot uniform and by the way I don't know what it's like being the one that's locally here but I can just testify to my experience you got two little holes about the size of a half dollar you're looking through and that's it and I got news for you what happens inside of that if you look somewhere other than those holes I can testify I fell down the steps right there in the middle of the third quarter here's the great news they thought it was a skit they didn't realize I just clumsy and didn't know what I was doing so what's the plea notice what it says you're hid in Christ when Christ who is our life shall appear then we shall appear with him in glory you know one of the great chapters in your Bible is found in John chapter 15 we call part of the farewell discourse if you're not familiar beginning in Chapter 13 Jesus gathers the apostles in the upper room he washes their feet he begins to instruct them about what's about to happen there in chapter 14 he talks about the blessing the expediency the Holy Spirit coming so that he will dwell within them and then chapter 15 it's a famous famous message of Jesus but it took place literally within 24 hours of his crucifixion he makes this statement he says I'm the vine speaking of himself you are the branches and there in verse 5 he encourages us to Bear much fruit listen to this for apart from me you can do nothing can I put that in the context of Colossians chapter 3 anytime our eyes are on this world and we fulfill the things of the world we're basically running errands for a corpse is all that we're doing and when you get the perspective that you are risen with him but currently Dead with him then it changes everything you know it's no secret unless you're brand new to us that one of Tracy and I's favorite movie to watch when we just need a good laugh it's called The Replacements if you're not familiar with the movie The Replacements U it is the story about football it's a story about professional football players who and I know this will be completely surprising to you are a little bit on the greedy side they want a little bit more but nonetheless they're seeking bigger contracts and they decide to go on strike and there in the movie hence the title there's a bunch of replacement players bunch of never was never got drafted never got picked up off waivers they got a second chance to do what they loved and if you've never seen the movie minus some language issues it is hysterical watching these guys but nonetheless when they get to the final game they have the opportunity if they win the game now remember they're replacement players if they win the game they get to go the playoffs if they lose the game they don't here's the problem the team they're going to play is the formidable team that in least in this movie is presented as the best team and all of the starters and all of the PO real players have crossed the picket line they're going to have to play the Real Deal they're outmatched outskilled outsized they're they're faster every metric you can put on the quote drawing board they don't have it and one of my favorite scenes not just in that movie but in life is when that coach gets in the middle of those players right before they step out on the field and he makes this statement he says for you there is no tomorrow and that makes you very dangerous people now let me unpack that for just a moment for you tomorrow there is no bank account that makes you dangerous for you tomorrow there is no trophies or accolades that makes you very dangerous people for you your life does not end with your last breath and that makes you very dangerous people why because the things of this world should not distract us they should not deter us they should not Captivate Us because our tomorrow is risen with him we are crucified with him we are dead in him and why because one day we shall appear with him most of us remember it's a warning most of us are running errands for a corpse when we should be walking with a resurrected Savior and that changes everything let's pray with our heads bow our eyes closed today as we come this time of the service whether you're here with us in person whether you're watching online or even listening by way of radio I know that today primarily was a message to those that have already believed to those as the Bible said are already saved they're reconciled they're redeemed but today maybe you're that Soul who saw the dichotomy of this world to the next and realize that you put all your hope and all your faith and all your trust and that which you can see that which you can touch that which you can grasp in your very arms and maybe today the spirit of God took the word of God and made it very clear that eternity is way too long to be wrong the Bible says in Romans chap 10:13 whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved it doesn't say whoever joins a church whoever gets baptized whoever starts this stops that it just says if you call on the name of the Lord you'll be saved in other words if you're willing to recognize that you're the problem that you have sinned against a holy God and that out of his love for you he was willing to come and live and die and raised from the dead to save you and to forgive you then you can and you will be now when it comes to calling on the name of the lord it's not about reading a script it's not about taking what I would say or somebody else would say and just simply repeating it word by word it's a Hearts cry you don't have to do it out loud you don't have to use the words I would use or somebody else would use but maybe today your heart's cry go a little something like this God today I realize from the reading of your word I've sinned against you God I've been places I should have never been Lord I participated in things I should have never been a part of God you know the words I've spoken and the thoughts I've had according to your word the wages the result of my sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ Our Lord God today I confess I got a sin problem that only Jesus can fix God I want you to know I believe I believe that Jesus is the only answer God I believe that Jesus Christ loved me so much that he was willing to come on my behalf God I believe that Jesus Christ loved me so much he was willing to live a sinless life he was willing to die sacrificial death God today I believe that when Jesus Christ allowed himself to be nailed to his cross he was bearing the pain he was bearing the punishment of my sin and my Rebellion against you but God today I believe that 3 days later when Jesus Christ Rose from the grave he made it feasible he made it possible for my sin to be forgiven and my soul to be saved God today I don't have all the answers to all the struggles and the problems of this whole world but there's one thing I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I've got a sin problem that only Jesus can fix so the best way I know how I'm asking you to forgive me I'm asking you to save me I just God I just want to turn my life over to you with our heads still bowed our eyes still closed maybe today is the day for the very first time you cried out for Jesus to save you in just a moment I'm going to pray for us we're going to stand together we're going to we're going to sing but if you're that one who cried out to Jesus can I encourage you just to step out and step forward we'll have some folks down here at the front we would love the privilege of just hearing what God's done in your life more importantly the privilege of just praying with you and praying for you today many of you may saywell Pastor I've been saved for quite a while now and maybe for you you've been debating even within your own mind this thing known as baptism maybe today's the day to sit down and just have a conversation with somebody about what it means and and why somebody would even fall through with it or maybe today you're that individual you're that couple that family that we meet each and every week said this this is our church home this is our family of Faith what what does it mean to quote formalize that we would love to have that discussion or maybe today you'd be honest with God and yourself and others around you say man I'm just tapped out I've prayed about something so much I cannot pray about it anymore I want you to know we have people set aside who are willing to give of their time to hear your story and just pray with you and pray for you whatever decision we just want the privilege of being a part about what God's doing in your life today Lord Jesus is we come to this time in our service Lord we know that according to the prophet Isaiah you inspired him to write that your words do not return void Lord You've spoken to us through your word the question is will we respond appropriately so God today I pray that in the midst of a very distracting confusing chaotic World The only voice we would hear and the only voice we would respond to would be your and none other it is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray amen if you would stand with us whatever decision we'll be here at the front oh Soul are you wey and Tred no light in the darkness you see there's light for us I look at the Savior and life more abundant and Free Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace through death into life [Music] [Laughter] Everlasting he passed and we follow him there over us sin no more hath Dominion for more than conquerors we are Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus look full in his wonderful face [Music] and the things of Earth will grow strange L him in the light of his glory and gra church family if you'll be seated for just a moment you might be that individual that couple that family that today uh maybe the Lord was weighing a decision heavy upon your heart maybe today you say you know I've just got some questions I'd like to talk to somebody or maybe today you're overwhelmed by a struggle and issue in life say I just I just really need somebody to come alongside and pray with me or pray for me we want you to know the opportunity has not come to a close in fact in just a moment uh Kate Ferris is going to come and close our service and to my right your left uh you're going to see a group of people pretty easily identifiable today if you're a guest with us those are the ones if you'll go through that door we'd love uh to meet you in our guest reception but can I tell you what's more important than that we have a room set aside with a team of people set aside to listen to you and to pray with you whatever God is doing and working in your life we just want to be a part of it just a moment Miss Megan's going to come on the screen with just a few timely announcements in the life of our church uh but a couple things I want you to be aware of the first one is this we know that Fall Fest is coming October 27th you have been faithful with the candy continue to bring the candy uh but if you are willing we have some yard signs available at The Visitor Center if you do not have one uh we'd love for you to put that in your yard or for those of you that either have a business or have access to somebody who has a business that be willing to put one of the the posters up in the window we have those as well and last thing I want you to be aware of is this you have been so generous when it comes to disaster relief if you're not aware last Thursday we filled an entire 18-wheeler full of goods to go to what we know is North Carolina we filled it and we still had leftovers today at 2:00 we're going to load another truck and send it to Florida and so I just want to thank each and every one of you for your generosity and for you're giving you have no idea what those supplies alongside somebody sharing the gospel is going to do in people's lives in the days and weeks ahead and I want to thank you thank you and thank you again here's Miss Megan for the few announcements but before Miss Megan Jeff don't go anywhere we want to thank you it's Pastor appreciation month I had no idea this was coming I got him all right it's Pastor appreciation month I got you sneaky sneaky but we appreciate all that you do Jeff as our senior pastor it's a joy to serve with you on staff here and so first bab Church let's honor our pastor and thank him for his leadership in our lives so well thank you I had no idea well thank you you're you're you're good you're good you're good all right thank [Applause] you all right you're sneaky man that's all I got to say that's all I have now can I throw it to Miss Megan yes here's Miss Megan on the screen be seated [Music] good morning First Baptist we are so happy you're here today if you are new to our church we would love to connect with you be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter and texting service at FBC oola.com stayconnected to stay informed about all the things happening at fbco let's take a look at what is coming up our fourth annual Fall Festival on the Square is quickly approaching join us on Sunday October 27th from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. in downtown opala enjoy food trucks Sweet Treats exciting inflatables for the kids live music and the gospel presented to the whole Community our candy collection for fall festival is in full swing help us reach our goal of 5,000 lbs of Candy by bringing in your donations you can drop off candy in the bins located at the welcome desk 316 desk the children building or the well for more details and to check out our Amazon wish list visit fca.com Fall Festival join us for online prayer time every weekday in October at 12:00 p.m. we will gather to pray online for the gospel presentation leading up to our fall festival we encourage you to dedicate 12 minutes each day to pray for this CommunityWide event and specific request save the date for an evening with James span Sunday November 10th at 6:00 p.m. in the Worship Center this is a free event for a full list of our events and how to get involved visit fbcf fla.com events thanks for worshiping with us this morning if you would like to meet the pastor after service you can do so right outside of the Worship Center in The Parlor join us tonight at 6 p.m. for evening service in the Worship Center have a great afternoon I want to invite you to stand with me now as Jeff said in his message at the end there is a room set aside if you need prayer want to join our church Church anything going on in your life we're here to support you also if you'd like to meet Jeff just walk out these doors you'll see the folks set aside with the blue Hospitality lanterns around their necks they'll take you into the guest reception there and also there's still some yard signs and some posters to promote fallfest would you pray with me Father we want to thank you for your goodness in our lives and God we do thank you for our pastor Lord thank you for his bold preaching of the word of God Lord thank you for how much fun he is to be around Lord for his faithfulness and God thank you that he is um our pastor and Lord help us to honor him not just this month Lord but every uh time that we gather together God thank you for this staff thank you for the volunteers thank you for this church God for placing us here to be salt and light in this community Lord As We Go From Here let us be just that Lord let us set our minds on things above and be useful for your kingdom Lord we pray all these things in Jesus name name amen did e [Music] hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey [Music] [Music] he he [Music] [Music] hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey he [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] oh [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music]