DISCLAIMER: This text is not a verbatim transcript. Communication Access Real Time Translation (CART) is provided in order to facilitate communication credibility and may not be a totally verbatim record of the proceedings. >> You can also download our church app. Just search for "First Colony Church of Christ" in the App Store or on Google Play. The app is a great resource where you can stay connected to First Colony Church. Thank you for joining us today. We're glad you're here. >> Thank you for joining us today. We want to let you know about a few items of interest. First, go to our website, firstcolonychurch.org, and go there often. You'll find links to our worship services; Bible study options; online givings; and our podcast, Anchor Point. You can also download our church app. Just search for "First Colony Church of Christ" in the App Store or on Google Play. The app is a great resource where you can stay connected to First Colony Church. Thank you for joining us today. We're glad you're here. >> Richard: Good morning, church! Let's all stand together and give God praise! He alone is worthy, amen? Faithful God! Faithful King! (every Giant Will Fall" playing) >> Richard: Thank You, Lord God! Nothing is impossible for our God, amen, church? All things are possible with the Lord Jesus. ("Great Are You, Lord" playing) ♫ With all the earth ♫ >> Richard: Only to the Lord Jesus, amen, church? Only to You do we give praise. As our leaders come forward for communion, let's be seated. >> Mark: Good morning, Chuck. My name is Mark, and this is my wife, sherry. We will lead you in communion today. One thing I want to talk about one second, though, is kindness. There's so many people in this world today are just desperately needing someone to say a kind word to them or to say, you know, "You matter." And in this world right now, we have so many people that are going through difficulties like in Ukraine and everywhere in this world there's people just desperate for someone to say, "I care." As we take this Lord's Supper today, I just want y'all to remember what you say to somebody may make a difference in that person saying, "Maybe I want what they have." "I want faith." "I want something I can hold onto and not what is in the world." And I think everyone in this church has been kind to us and so many others. There are lot of good people here in this congregation. Dear Heavenly Father, we're so grateful for all that You do for us. You're a God that is with just so much love, kindness, and sees all the good and only wants the best for us. Lord, You took, when You were on the cross and died for our sins, You went through so much pain and agony; but You did that for us. As we take this Lord's Supper, help us to always be focused on what really matters is You and You will make a difference and we can make a difference in other people's lives and bring others to Christ. In Christ's Name we pray, amen. >> Sherry: Good morning. This morning's Scripture reading is from 1 John 16:18. It is John just being passionate to testify about Jesus and the one that goes before us and after us. So the Scripture says: (reading) ("Chain Breaker" playing) (Applause) >> Kevin: Amen. I can testify. That song says that God has broken chains in my life. We're about to take up our contribution. You can give online or texting. We have boxes in the back. That's one of the ways I can testify God has freed me. I used to be so concerned I was the one that had to take care of myself or family. Every week we have a moment we pray for giving. I remember God freed me and He provides, which is how we freely provide. Let's reflect on that and ask God to bless what we give for His kingdom work. Thank You so much for how we provided. We didn't deserve Jesus. We praise You and thank You for it. As we give today, I pray You take what is given whether it's the money or time and You would use it to bring Your kingdom about. We want to see Your kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We pray that in Jesus' Name. Amen. >> Joel: Amen. Good morning, everyone. It is so good to be with you again this Sunday. Just a quick note: this spring or winter/spring we have challenged our students to memorize some Bible verses. If they memorized these Bible verses, it's basically the Gospel. We're taking them out for a reward. So at this point I think I have about seven students this Tuesday where we will go to Baskin Robbins and can pick whatever they want unless it's an ice cream cake in the freezer. (Laughter) Anything they want -- five-dip sundae, whatever. I have an object lesson because this is the kids' spot, and I'm actually going to use one of the verses in our core Bible verse memorizing set. All right. It is coming to us from Philippians 1:6, a verse that every kid should know. If you're an adult, you were a kid once and should know this, too. "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." How many of you have ever failed? And you have messed up? And you're like, "Oh, man! What am I gonna do? I'm like ruined." Well, Peter is an example of that. Peter got to spend time with Jesus; and as you know in the story Peter, he did amazing things with Jesus and then you remember at the end of -- not the end of the story but at the end of the story, Peter denies Jesus. I mean, he cusses and says, "I don't even know Jesus. I don't care." Just so mad. Well, the rooster crows; Peter knows he has failed; he's devastated; and what is fascinating is that when the angel tells that Jesus has risen, the angel actually says, "Go tell the disciples and Peter." You know why they did that? Because Peter would say, "You know what? I failed so bad I don't even qualify as a disciple anymore." So what do you do when you fail? You go back, spend time with Jesus, and do the next right thing. And when you to the next right thing, soon, in theory -- (Laughter) -- sometimes it takes a long time. And that's why we go back to Jesus. (Laughter) You know, you guys are special. (Laughter) That's why we go back to Jesus. You know, I actually had something set up and it was behind the stage. And I went back there and someone had thrown it all away and couldn't it. (audience groans) Fortunately I was able to rebuild this on the fly, but it's not as strong; but let's try it again. What do you do? You go back, you spend time with Jesus, and do the next right thing. And when you do that -- I don't know if you can tell, but it's coming back and will come back. This, by the way, is the liquid dusting solution. Boys and girls, don't try it at home; but if you do with your parents, wear glasses. (Laughter) All right. So the message is clear: we will alls me up. Do you give up and say "I quit; I'm not worthy of God anymore"? No, you spend time with Jesus and do the next right thing. Today in the message you will hear part two of what Peter did. It's pretty incredible. Thank you very much. (Applause) >> This is my church, and I volunteer on Sunday morning. (music playing) >> At our church, services on Sunday mornings don't just happen. There are faithful and Ted Kateed volunteers -- dedicated volunteers that assemble every week so we can have our Sunday morning experience at First Colony Church of Christ. >> This is my church. I sing on Sunday morning. >> This is my church, and I run lyrics on Sunday mornings. >> I run lights on Sunday morning. >> I run switcher on Sunday mornings because this is my church. >> I run camera Sunday morning. >> I play keys because this is my church. >> I run camera on Sunday morning because this is my church. >> This is my church so I play guitar. >> So I play bass. >> At our church, we are singers; camera operators; we run lyrics; we play drums; bass; and guitar; we greet; and we serve. >> This is my church. >> This is my church. >> This is my church. >> This is my church. >> This is my church. >> This is my church. >> This is my church. >> This is my church. >> This is my church. That's why I serve on Sunday morning. >> This is OUR church, and it takes ALL of us! Sign up to volunteer for our church today. >> Kevin: It work with first service. It was there; I saw it is; it was real. We will have Main Street Live so if you're a kid first through fifth grade, make your way back with Ms. Nancy. If you're a parent who needs to check them in, you can do that right now. When we stand up, if you have a question about anything of what is going on in church and is new here, ask anybody around you. They will direct you to know where to find the answer. After service, you can go to "New Here? Start Here" to answer questions you may have. When we stand up right now, how about you turn and tell somebody, what is your favorite thing about church? Maybe it's a person or something going on. Let's greet each other and share your favorite part of church. ("Glorious Day" playing) >> Richard: Thank you, church, for worshiping with us! You may be seated! >> Amen! I love that song. You know who else loved that song? Gary Pinetti. We had his memorial service Thursday. What an example of the joy of the Lord and he ran out of that grave and how wonderful. So good to be together this morning. Welcome, everyone here. Everyone online, so glad to have you with us. Who needs sleep, anyway, right? You're here; you're on time. How many of you, you know, meant to go to first service? (Laughter) Okay. I don't know. Hey, real quick, about that video that played, the volunteer work that needs to be done here, as we're getting back into life and back into action here, I think there's a little meeting that Richard is calling behind the southbound after service if you want to talk to them how to do lyrics or camera operator or greeter or whatever. Go back there and talk to them because we could use your help for sure. It's good to be here and we have new member to announce today Bill and Christina Keeler, daughters Grace Joy. Please stand and let us welcome you to the family. (Applause) Thank you. So good to have you here. Let's get to the Book of Act and the story of the first followers of Jesus. We have seen in the first two chapters the coming of the Holy Spirit with great power, okay? We have seen an explosion of church growth, 3,000 baptisms. We have seen that picture of the first beautiful Christian community they had last week. God is on the move. His Spirit is working powerfully, and His people are responding with confident faith. We'll pick up the story today through chapters 3 and 4 -- at least most of it -- and the Power of the Spirit ramps up even more, okay? So does the courage and boldness of their faith. Let's begin Acts 3 when we first see the disciples of Jesus engaging in a bold ministry, okay? Here Peter and John encounter a beggar who was crippled from birth and he asked them from money. (reading) Amen? You know, when all people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized that's the same guy who used to sit, begging at the tell it will gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what happened to him. What an incredible story! Have you ever seen God do more than you imagined? Have you ever seen God do more than you even ask Him to do? Yeah, give put up! Yea! God does amazing things! How did you respond? This guy responds in the most appropriate way, giving glory and praise to God. The people were amazed. That's a nice story, isn't it? And if only Peter and John had just walked away at that point, right? Take the win; go on your way, right? But No. They lived out their faith in Spirit-led action and bold ministry but did not stop there. They didn't just live their faith; they spoke the message. They left no room for other interpretations or lesser explanations. They witnessed about Jesus. They connected this event to the Resurrection power of Jesus and followed their bold ministry with a bold message. The crowd fathers and Peter said, why are you surprised? As if we made this man walk by our own power. And then he points to Jesus and says, "Jesus, whom God has glorified but you have disowned" -- look at verse 15. (reading) And then Peter said in verses 19 and 20 (reading) So Peter sees the moment and spoke the life-give Truth about Jesus. Here's what I want to say to us about this today: Are we willing to speak the words that explain our faith? Is there someone in your life that knows you're a follower of Jesus and know you go to church; but maybe you have never spoken to them to tell them why? Why are you here this morning? Why are you a follower of Jesus? You know, it doesn't have to be a complicated speech; in fact, it's better if it's not fancy talk. You have a testimony. You are the best witness for how Jesus has changed your life, okay? What following Jesus means to YOU. What you were like before Jesus became Lord of your life, what caused you to seek Jesus out and cry out to God and what God has done to shape and grow you since you said no more to the old way of life and yes to following Jesus. How has that changed your life? So do this this week, church: Pray for someone you know that needs the Lord; don't pray for the opportunity to come up to talk to them. I mean, yes, you can do that; but what about not doing just that? How about reaching out to someone and saying, "Hey, I'd like to talk. There's some stuff really important to me I have been wanting to share with you." You know, it's a nice story, again; and now, okay, it's all wrapped up nicely, right? Nope. Peter and John were about to take it up another notch from bold ministry and a bold message to a bold kind of faith that requires the courage of ordinary men. So those religious leaders were not happy because the teaching about Jesus' Resurrection undermined their power, undermined their authority and their teaching. As we move into chapter 4, we see they threw Peter and And John in jail but many who heard the message believed and the number who believed is 5,000. The church is growing, but Peter and John are haul into court and asked, "By what power or name did you do this miracle?" Let's read verses 8 through 12. (reading) And there it is, the hinge point right there. That's the bold, no-compromise position that Jesus requires all of us to contend with, okay? It's a fork in the road, and you must take it. Is there anyone or anything else that can save you? And will you testify about it? Is there anyone or anything else greater than Jesus? Is anything else king? Check out the next verse. (reading) How cool is that? Note the courage of ordinary people who have been with Jesus. It's noteworthy. It was then; it is now. And when we speak up and say why Jesus is changing our like, it becomes even more potent. When we do it with the boldness and also the love that comes from Christ towards the people we want to reach, it's even more powerful. Verses 17 and 18 they tell them, "Stop this message from spreading anymore" and command them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and John have another easy way out. "Just stop talking about this Jesus guy." Will they take the comfortable, safe way? What do you think? Listen again to the words of the courageous, unschooled, ordinary man. Verse 19. (reading) They were so impacted by the life and teachings and resurrection of Jesus they couldn't stop talk about Him. Hmm, amazingly, they were let go because it says all the people were praising God and the man who was healed was over 40 years old. I used to think 40 was old. (Laughter) It's very young. So now the disciples relax and hunker down and keep quiet. "Whew, we dodged a bullet. We're okay." Not quite. Peter and John go back and tell more than 5,000 believers that, you know, all about this; and it says they raised their voices together in prayer. Listen to their bold prayer, jumping in here at verse 29. A bold prayer. (reading) This has got to be the greatest, boulders, double-down, triple-down in church history. I mean, the place was shaken; and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word to have God, BOLDLY. Well, that's the story. It's a great one. I want to walk us through some reflections, maybe some takeaways, and really two main things I will go through quickly. One is how not to be a bold witness for Jesus and also how TO be a bold witness for Jesus. We'll start with the don'ts and then move into the dos. Here's a little instructional video that may help clear things up. >> When we started off in evangelism we were like, "Hey, you're going to hell if you die tonight." >> Mm-hmm. >> You okay with that? >> One way I like to mix it up on them is "If you die tomorrow will you go to hell? Was" because they're expecting tonight because it's immediate. But sometimes that really throws them off. >> Mm-hmm. >> ♫ Oh, when the saints go marching in ♫ >> Everybody! ♫ Oh, I want to be in that number ♫ >> We like to use various Bible stories as models for evangelism. >> Mm-hmm. >> There's one, Kevin, in pour office. We Marched around him because he, God showed me he was our Jericho. >> And I'm kind of the worshiper of the couple. >> Mm-hmm. >> So I went in front of him -- >> Yeah. >> -- just singing and dangs and then he followed. >> Blow the trumpet in Zion. (singing) >> Sinner. >> On the eighth day, he transferred to ma a and we never saw him again. (continuing to sting muse >> Jesus loves you. ♫ Sound the ♫ >> If you died tomorrow, would you go to heaven or hell? >> So, uh -- >> I think something happened there. I think -- >> Mm-hmm. >> -- his heart was touched. >> I do, too. >> He is spreading the love of Jesus in Omaha is my best guess. >> Sinners? God loves you. Very much. (sing) >> Almost got him. >> All right, don't do it that way. (Laughter) Richard, he made that video years ago and we were talking about this message. He said, "I've got a video; I don't know if you want to use it." "Oh, yeah, I want to use it." But seriously, how to not be -- that's the caricature and is fun. First, don't be a jerk. You know, Peter, the preacher in this story that we just read, he was a real hot-head before all this. And yet in the letter he writes in 1 Peter gives pointed teaching on how we are to conduct ourselves, even mistreated or cancelled or persecuted. 1 Peter 2:12 he says " (reading) Remember, this is the same guy from our story today and think of the hardships and persecution he went through in his life; yet he wrist other words I will read in 1 Peter. (reading) ) Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who gives to give the reason for the hope you have but do this with gentleness and respect. He said, dear friend, don't be surprised as though something change were happening to you but rejoice as you participate in the sufferings of Christ. And if you are insulted because of the Name of Christ, you are blessed for the Spirit of Glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed; but praise God that you bear that Name." With what an amazing testimony from Peter. We're not victims; we have the victory in Jesus! Can I get an amen for that, please! >> Amen! >> We have the victory in Jesus! But that road to victory can be really hard. So in being bold, vocal, courageous follower of Jesus, we wanted to do it while displaying the character of Christ, okay? Let's bring more light than heat. You know, it's easy to complain; it's easy to fumble; it's easy to hit back; what if we try to connect with people and serve them and love them as gents of reconciliation and redemption? As if God was making His appeal through us? While standing firmly in the humble confidence we have in Christ. So don't be a jerk and secondly, don't be a know-it-all. Like I said before, a personal story is better than a poll picked argument any day anyway. It's okay to say, "I'm not sure about that question you have; can we look into it together?" And third, don't be a self-righteous hypocrite whether the accusation is fair or not, regardless, the most effective response -- do you know the most effective response to a charge of hypocrisy? Own our faults. Just admit that we're far from perfect and in fact, that's a really good transition to talking about our testimony and how we need salvation that comes by the grace of God as much as the next person. That gives you an entry into your testimony and your story. So sometimes we have to apologize for the jerks. Sometimes I am the jerk, and I just got to admit it. All right, now, briefly, how to be a bold witness for Jesus. First, put your confidence in the Lord, not in yourself; not in your abilities; or the things of men. Secondly, keep your focus on Jesus -- not on yourself; not on your pet peeves; not your favorite issues. The world in Peter and John's time was mess with horrible things but couldn't stop talk about Jesus. We can put our confidence in the Lord in all circumstances. That's the third thing: Act, speak, and love boldly like Peter and John. Follow their example. We have to love boldly because we're not only engaging idea; we're engaging people, people who are made in the image of God; people that Christ calls us to love and to serve. We can't claim to love our neighbors without a real demonstration of that love. So love for God and love for others must be what moves us to speak and to act. You know, speaking of a courageous, bold, you know, ordinary men and women, I have been following the story of a church in Ukraine that sprang into bold action in the crisis with the Russian army invading their country. Now, this last week, pretty much reducing their town to rubble. They have. Acting and serving and loving with great boldness and courage as many so Christians are over there. There have been Bible church and non-denominational church like ours. On the map, it's a suburb of Kyiv and like the Sugarland of Houston. The video looks like a video report. They were given the report three months ago of the new building that was almost finished. Following that, there's obvious what is their "Welcome to Church" video showing fellowship and worshiptime and letting people know about their church. Finally, I added snippets of songs during worship service. I want you to take note these worship clips are from their service on February 20, a few days before the invasion began. As you watch this video, I think you will be struck like I was by how similar their church seems to ourself, even though there's obviously a language difference. A few weeks ago, they worshiped and fellowshipped together, much like we're doing today. That was a few weeks ago. After the video, I will share updates from their church. Let's watch. (music playing) speaking non-English language) ("Amazing Grace" version sung in native language) (song sung in native language) ("What a wonderful name it is"" in native language) >> Shane: That gets me. (sniffs) Oh, dear. I mean -- you see the youth group; you see the kids' ministry; you see the worship ministry. That was three weeks ago. We got a couple of people here die that could tell us what some of those Ukrainian words were. Under great threat, they continued to do the worship and the mission of good God's church. They helped evacuate people. They fed people; they sheltered 200 people every night for a couple of weeks; and they continued to worship, though in the underground basement to gather together and had baptism in the midst of a war. I will read some updates to you from the past few weeks as photos are put on the screen. First from the lady who leads the kitchen team: "Our church has been taking care of people since the war fan, namely cooking food because even such an ordinary thing is a bright testimony for God's care for us. People who come to our shelter bring everything from their fridge to be shared. Our team decided nothing should go bad so we used even stale bread for vanilla pudding, which impressed the shelter inhabitants." "Sometimes people bring products almost defrozen and urgently need to do something. We made lady dumpling from defrozen items which brought joy to the kids and pregnant women. Because of working so late, my husband and I have to sneak home in darkness along the side streets to see our own kids. Every day we get more and more courageous." This is from one of the ministers: "In these times of severe tests we experience God's protection and guidance. Our Lord is more powerful than circumstances. Our Lord is the Lord of miracles. Some years ago we met in a round building made of glass which would be of no use in our current reality; so we are thankful for God for our new build. Thanks to people's donations, we were able to buy fuel to evacuate more than 600 adults and kids and also bought medicines and fuel. Your prayers for peace are literally priceless. Thank you for interceding for us before God in the midst of this, God has placed us and our city to serve. We still have a lot of work to do, but let's take care of today; tomorrow is in the hand of the Lord." I discovered this church because I found an article on the Gospel Coalition website from one guy who is a U.S. and Ukrainian citizen who is a minister and missionary there. His article was titled "Why We're Staying." Those updates were from one and two weeks ago. Just this past week, the warfare has been so great that most everyone sheltering in the church, except for a couple of guys, just a few; they have had to evacuate completely and leave town. They were the church gathered even in wartime and now they're the church scattered because the Russian advance has come right through their suburb on its way to Kyiv now. (sighs) Last -- someone ask after first service, the last update says that the apartment building across the street from them was shelled and destroyed and just some shrapnel hit the church building; but that was from several days ago. Here's an update the church leaders sent out the last few days. "May peace be upon you. This is how the apostles greeted the church when the world was not peaceful for Christian and how we greet you today. Wherever we are today we remain a church because it's not the building that makes us a family. I have a word for you my dear children; not only the body needs protection but also the soul; and therefore I advise you wherever you have scattered, join the local church. If there are no church where you are, look for small groups or someone you can read the Bible or pray with. Do not stand alone; do not be left without spiritual food; encourage others; be a part of the light that overcomes the darkness." Now, just like we will see coming up in Asks, the first Christian, even under great hardship when they were scattered brought the light of the kingdom of Jesus with them. Let me read one last message: "Love is a verb. Everything that is going on is very scary. However, we must have a word from God that love drives away fear, as 1 John 4:18 said there's no fear in love but perfect love drives away fear." In the face of a terrible threat to our live and to the existence of Ukraine, find this resource, this spiritual adrenaline: Love. Look around and you'll see someone who feels worse than you; someone who is more scared than you; and help these people. This is the way to overcome fear. This is love to our neighbors and to Christ and to love is to act." Many people don't know that the church in Ukraine, there's evangelical churches all over Ukraine. Ukraine has the second most Baptist churches of any church in Europe; and all those places and other places around the world, of course, the church is acting with courage and loving with boldness, even in the worst of circumstances. Love is a verb and to love is to act is what they're showing us. There are no guarantees for them for us; not for safety; not for confident ors brotherty or even for peace in this life; but I just marvel at their courage, don't you? Don't you marvel at their courage? And the strength they find in Christ? The courage of ordinary men and women filled with the Spirit of God, doing bold ministry in dangerous times, sharing the Gospel boldly. Let's continue to pray; and yes, church, we will have some information about how we will send some help and some recommended ways to support. That's coming. It is. But wow. as I was preparing the message of Acts 3 and 4 and following the story of this church, you can see how it comes together and they're living the story of Jesus in these hard times. As Robert Beasley comes to lead us in prayers, I will challenge us with a final point of how to be a bold witness for Jesus, not only for Ukraine but people in our own lives. Pray bold prayer, if you dare. We're here today because we believe that the Good News of Jesus tells a better story than what the world has to offer; and salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ. Can I get an amen? >> Amen! >> That's the only hope. We say the gospel creates a beautiful culture, community; life-change transformation; a world-shake mission for us to open park upon together. So the question for us today, First Colony Church, is this: Will we tell that Gospel story? Will we create that Gospel-shaped community here? Will we live out that Gospel mission? So church, let's be courageous; let's be bold; let's be brave; let's be different; let's shine our light brightly; let's tell the reason behind the hope we have. Let's speak the words that explain our faith. Let's be like Peter says, a peculiar people. Church, I'm sayin' let's be weird. (Laughter) Yeah. Easy for me, I know; but come on, let's be weird. (Laughter) But let's be wisely weird in a winsome way, shall we? Robert, church, let's pray boldly now in the Name of King Jesus. >> Rocket: Thank you, Shane. Amen. Let's pray. Sovereign Lord, God, our Father; our Lord Jesus Christ, who is for us and with us; Holy Spirit, our Comforter; we praise You because You Are worthy of praise, as our Creator but also our Savior; our Merciful Redeemer; the One who IS and who was and is still to come. We lay all of ourself and all of our fears before You. The nations do rage, Lord, but they have raged for centuries and Your Truth and Mercy always triumphs and always will. Your Light shines in darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. We trust in You because throughout history, You have been the Refuge for the oppressed. You bring down rulers from their throne and lift up the humble. As the songs say, You, O God, see the trouble of the afflicted; the stricts commit themselves to You. You Are the Helper of the fatherless; break the arm of the wicked; call the evil-doer to account. May his violence come down on his own head. You Are King forever and forever and hear the desire of the afflicted. You listen and listen to their cry and defend the fatherless and oppressed so mere mortals will never again strike terror. So sovereign Lord, we're not fearful because we remember that You have made a covenant with mankind through the blood of Your own Son and Your love for humanity, Your pond for us and with us is too strong to allow us to destroy ourselves. But WE, who are followers of Jesus, who are being transformed by Your love and Your Spirit, we are ambassadors to others of Your love. We have the Good News of Your covenant love. So we're thankful to be participants with You and we're so thankful that we are not alone; that You are with us; Your powerful Spirit is working here in this church and in churches all over the world. May we here in this church of Yours, this church that You have blessed in so many ways and has been such a blessing to so many in this community; may we, in this church, be peacemakers. May we spread the aroma of Jesus. May we be bold to be kind and loving and forgiving and reconcilers; and may we be bold to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We pray especially right now for the people of Ukraine. We pray that You will make this war cease and break the bow and shatter the spear. Please be with those who are brokering for peace and provide a path for a peaceful resolution. I pray that You will bring down evil rulers and place God-fearing people in leadership in Russia. Please protect the people of Ukraine. Please protect these, this church we just saw. Please bring the bombing and the fighting to a halt quickly. We also pray for the people of Russia, that truth will spread and win out; and we pray that You will provide the path for the Good News of Your grace and Truth to spread and give hope for the people of Russia and Ukraine and China and Sugarland and Houston and throughout the world. Stretch out Your hand and heal the nations through the Name of Your Holy Servant Jesus Christ. We pray. Amen. >> Kevin: Amen. Not only does the body need protection but so does the soul. The announcements we do every week is how we protect to soul. We encourage each other and try to go out in the community and care for the souls of other people. So the first announcement Robert is involved in, Bible study based on a book he wrote. Why don't you tell me the first thing with the Huddle? >> Robert: Yeah, Billy Grannville and Kevin and others have been meeting with this group Huddle on Thursday morning but will have a special six-week study of 1 Peter. You don't have to be a part of Huddle to join us. We will start March 24 at 6:00 a.m., a Zoom meeting. I know it's early but get coffee. It's a great way to start. We'll to a devotional study of 1 Peter and as we talked about today you know, Peter was an ordinary guy who had his issues. The first time Jesus met Peter, his name was Simon. Jesus called him Peter, which means "Rock." He was anything but a rock; but by being with Jesus and being transformed, he became a rock to his family, his church and his community. 1 Peter is a unique study because it really addresses some of the key questions we have in our life. What is life for? What do we do with suffering? And how do we live? Peter has some practical advice for you. If you're a guy, please come and join us Thursday mornings starting March 24 at 6:00 a.m. >> Kevin: Cool. A lot of men's groups. This is a Zoom one online and there are groups of men that meet in the mornings for breakfast and some that met Wednesday night in the building so if you're looking for a group of men to join all three, there are awesome options. Information is at "New Here? Start Here" or the website. Class at 9:45, we want to invite you whether you're a kid or student or an adult. There's classes for all ages across the building at 9:45. If you're online, we have the Conversation. You can stay there. At 12:30, Kyle will jump in and do a Bible class for everybody online that you can join. Speaking of groups, this Wednesday for spring break we're not having any programming at the building so everything that normally happens on Wednesday nights, there's nothing going on. If you come to door, they will be closed up. Just spend time with family and friends and encourage each other that way this week. Also, we have a clothing drive coming up so if you're spring cleaning, it's on March 27. You can bring your clothes that you can donate and bless other people with those. Kind of get that together. That might be a good project to have at home. One more thing about students is we're going to main event ow, big fun event. Bring your friends. If you're sixth through 12th grade for $10 we're going to Main Event next Sunday at the end of spring break so plan for that. Information is on the website as well. And then if you don't know, we have a podcast that Kyle runs called Anchor Point. He and I did a recording of this that will drop tomorrow it will be about escapism: Why do we want to escape the things of life? How do we go about that and what is our response to story to escape the hard things of this world? How about we stand and sing one more song on our way out of here this morning? >> Richard: Amen! Let's all stand together! ("Glorious Day" playing) >> Richard: Thank you, church! You are dismissed!