p>> 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 giving; 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 connect to First Colony Church. Thank you for joining us today. We're glad you're here. >> Richard: Good morning, church! Why don't we all stand together and give God praise because it's all because of Jesus, amen? Nobody but Jesus! ("All because of Jesus" playing.) >> Richard: Yes! How many of you are glad, just like the Bible says? I was glad when it says go to the house of the Lord. We're happy to be here and worshiping God this morning. ("Raise a Hallelujah" playing.) ♫ yes, He is ♫ >> Richard: Yes, in the middle of the storm we're gonna praise, amen? We're going to pray and lift up our voices for the King of king and the Lord of Lords who always rescues us. Let's be seated as we prepare to take communion together. >> Herb: Good morning. My name is Herb Butrum and this is my wife Alice. We're so thankful to lead you this morning in celebrating the Lord's Supper together. Will you please pray with me? Father, we come as Your children in this place, joining with Christians across the globe to lay our hearts, burdens, praise, and thanksgiving at the feet of the cross. As we contemplate the pain and suffering of Jesus, we are mindful that through the cross You extend to each of us Your her sis and grace -- mercies and grace. In this sacred, holy place, we take this bread and cup in remembrance of Jesus. As Scripture reminds us, it was in His own love towards us while we were still sinners, Christ died for us; and we now have been justified by His blood. We have been reconciled to God through the death of His Son, and we shall be saved by His life. Father, for the new life that has been made possible through Jesus' death, we are eternally grateful. Heavenly Father, we recognize that Your love and Your mercies are new every morning. In Your blessings to us, help us to always be thankful. Help us to always be mindful that we have been placed here to be the feet and hands of Jesus in a world that so desperately needs Him. May we reflect Your love to our fellow man each day. In Jesus' Name, amen. Let us partake together. >> Alice: Today I will be reading from Psalm 43:3-5. (reading) ("O Come to the Altar" playing.) >> Richard: Why don't we all stand together and continue to worship? >> Richard: You may be seated. >> Kevin: Good morning. I was thinking about our offering time earlier in the week, getting ready for service; and I what I was rePalestine of is in the Old Testament when the Israelites bring their first fruits as an offering to God. While we don't follow the same laws that the old covenant had, we still keep the same tradition on the first day of the week. We bring to God of what He has provided to us. So I'm just reminded that and as we pray today, I remember how God is the One who takes care of us. We have lots of way you can give at the docks in the back or online texting so let's pray now and ask for God's blessing on this offering. God, thank You for the way You have provided for us. You have not failed yet so Lord, I ask You continue to do so. As we give back from that, I pray You use that for the purposes of Your kingdom, God. I pray You remind us every single week how You are the One we can rely upon and trust in You. It's in Jesus' Name we pray that. Amen. >> Joel: Amen. Well, good morning, everyone. It is so good to see you. My name is Joel Smith, and First Colony, we love children. We like to create something visual and memorable as well. So today's message or today's insight comes to us regarding your foundation. What kind of foundation are you building on? And the Scripture I wanted to focus comes to us from 1 Corinthians 3:11-13. I will summarize 11 and 12 and then focus on 13. Ultimately, no one lays a foundation which hasn't been laid other than Jesus Christ. We are to lay our foundation on Jesus Christ. And one day we'll kind of evaluate our work with fire. You're gonna see things that are wood, hay, and stubble; they will go away. Even things that you focus on like money and wealth, those things are going to go on, and they won't be; but what we put in Jesus will last. And the verse is, "Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and with the fire will test the quality of each person's work." Now, there is a gentleman at first service -- and sometimes there's a gentleman in second service -- and EVERY Sunday they're like, "Can we have fire? Can we have fire?" These aren't the kids, mind you. These are grandpa and a dad. So today we have fire. We'll have a fire test. I want to challenge you with this that you only have one life, and soar r soon it will be over but only what you do for Christ will last. Are you focusing on eternal things? We have a life that will be tested by fire. The question is: What is going to last as a result of that? Whoo-hoo! Woe! Wow, did you see that? It's not supposed to fall off the stage, but I wonder what that was. All right, well, it is a cross so this verse tells us to focus on Jesus. Today in the message you will hear more about that but essentially you have one life. What are you going to focus on? Things that are eternal or when the things of this world which are broken get in your way? Are they going to send you in the wrong direction? My prayer for you is you would focus on Jesus. Thank you very much. (Applause) >> Kevin: Thanks, Joel. All right it's memorial Day Weekend so we'll take a moment and we have a video to help us do this just to remember everyone that's gone before us that has given their lives in service of this country. So I pray you will be thinking of those that you maybe know or don't know during this video so y'all can take a look at the screen. >> To the brave men and women who stood up for freedom; who answered the call and fought for our nation; who paid the ultimate price and never came back; to the American soldier, we thank you. To the mothers and fathers who raised a hero; to the brothers and sisters with an empty space; to the sons and daughters who have only memory; to the wives and husbands who bear the void with pride; to all who have lost a soldier they love -- no gift could repay your sacrifice; no tribute could match our admiration. No word can contain our gratitude, but still, it deserves to be said. We remember you. We salute you, and we honor you today. (Applause) >> Kevin: All right. I want to say a couple of things about if you're a new guest here, we're super glad you're here. But for everybody present, you see the Connection cards in front of the pews. You can scan and do it online or fill it out in person. We'd love to have a record you're here and also if you have questions or prayer requests, you can fill those out there. You can also turn them in at the "New Here? Start Here" behind the back door in the lobby. You can find out information and questions about that. At this time, we'll have our children first through fifth grade head to Main Street Live! So you have some of your Main Street Live crew in the back so if you want to stand up and make your way out the back -- parents, if you need to check them in, go with them. Everyone else, here's your conversation question for each other: What to you think of the new podium? Thumbs up or thumbs down? And if anybody gives you a thumbs down, just call them a stick and the mud and turn to the neighbor on the other side of you. Everyone, stand up, and you guys can greet your neighbors, okay? ("Victory in Jesus" playing.) >> Richard: Thank you, church, for worshiping with us! You may be seated! >> Shane: Shane: Keep it going. You're good. That's awesome. Wow, what a great worship time this morning, everybody! Hey, I'm Shane, the Connections and Pastoral Care Minister. I'm happy to be here with you this morning and so glad you're with us. I'm excited to share God's Word with you this morning. To our guests, again, thank you for being with us. We would really love for you to take that Connection cards and take it to "New Here? Start Here." Let us meet you real quick, a quick how day. Also, if you're new here and want to learn more about the church, the New Member Session is next Sunday at 9:a, a great opportunity for y'all to get to know us. It's in the "New Here? Start Here" room across the lobby, great next step for people who want to know more about our church, okay? A little family business here -- I see Matt and Rachel Semanek over there. Their kids Miranda and Brennan. Sadly, they're moving to Arkansas after being with us for 14 years -- would you guys stand? This is the Semanek family, everybody. (cheers and applause) You guys have been fantastic church members; you are wonderful servants; you always jump in to so many different places to serve and to help and you guys -- it is our loss that some church in Arkansas will gain from having you there. But you go with our blessing, and we appreciate you guys. Thank you so much. Yeah. (applause) We're not clapping because you're leaving. (Laughter) We're thankful that you were a part of us for a while. It's confusing; you know, you're not sure. What a fray thing to have church members like that and so many we have here. Today as we begin, we have some breaking good news, okay? You have heard people say "I've got some good news and some bad news." Well, here's a video of some news anchors who have JUST some good news to share, okay? Just good news. Let's watch this video. >> Tax day has been moved from April 15 to August 42, which really isn't a real day so you're off the hook! Nice. >> This just in -- your friends got together and agreed you need to post more pictures of yourself on social media. >> In sports the Orlando magic decided to change their name to the Orlando You. Well, because you're magical. >> Breaking news -- that crying baby on the cross-country flight just stopped, look willed around, and said, "Wow, that was pretty annoying." Sorry, everybody. And slept peacefully for the rest of the trip. >> This just in -- your favorite sports team can now hear your suggestions through the television and they love the helpful advice. Next time you yell "How about playing some real defense?" You can expect to see some real defense. >> You know how you make plans with your friend but now you don't really feel like going out and if you cancel again will seem like a total flake? Get this -- your friend just cancelled. Isn't that the best? >> Breaking news -- everybody won the lottery, even if you didn't buy a ticket, your friend bought one for you so you won as well. Ticket holders will each receive 4 bajillion dollars. >> TSA announced all lines a @ airport will immediately turn into continue tabellions. Ay carumba. >>some sports news you can slam dunk and will make a fire ball like NBA Jam. Boomshakalaka. >> Raw cookie dough is legally considered a vegetable so if anyone judges you from eating it straight out of the fridge, they're an idiot. >> This just in -- stressed possessed backwards is desserts. Think about it. >> A record number of drivers have been pulled over this month to be told their driving is fantastic; keep up the great driving, America. >> Republicans and Democrats have signed a new law that requires all of your Facebook friends to be doing slightly worse than you. Not too bad; just enough so you're doing the best. Way to go, Tiger. >> And finally tonight, you're a good person. Seriously; I know you have your doubts sometimes, but everyone in the world was just talking it over, and we unanimously agreed you're the best. >> Shane: All right. Some good news. You know, here's the thing: I've got even BETTER news for you. I've got some really good news for you, and it's this: God loves you SO much. He loves you so much He sent Jesus to pay the price for your sin and rebellion against God; and Jesus died so that you can be reconciled to God. But there's more. Jesus did not stay in the grave. He defeated death; He rose again, and that changes everything. Not only did Help defeated death; he defeated sin; He defeated the powers of darkness; and that's good news for you and me for sure. As pastor and awe thousand Timothy Keller said so well "The Gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope." And that is Gospel truth right there. Today in our continuing journey through the New Testament book of Acts, we're in chapter 13. Apostle Paul will give this good news message there in a town called Posideon Antioch. Paul will go from the greatest enemy to ambassador. He and Barnabas have been set apart and called and will go on the first of several missionary journeys Paul will take part nor. After the dust-up with the sorcerer last week -- remember that -- they have traveled to Pisidia Antioch in modern-day turkey. You can see the map so far and where that is. This town is 110 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea and the regional hub of trade with good Roman roads. It was the Roman colony with a large Jewish population. Paul and Barnabas go first to the synagogue and are invited to share a message. We begin reading in Acts 13:16. "Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand. Fellow Israelite and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me." He goes on to chronicle the history of the people of Israel. When God led them out of Egyptian slavery and land He promiseds their forefather, Abraham. Paul continues his history lesson and reminds them of when Israel asks for a king but how that went bad and that first king, Saul, was removed because God was anointing David as king because David was a man after God's own heart. In verse 23 Paul tells them, "From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised." From David's descendants Read with me from verse 26. "Fellow children of ina ham and God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us this message of salvation has been sent. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophet that are read every Sabbath. Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they ask Pilate to have him executed. When they carried out that was written about Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb." "But God raised Him from the dead, and for many days He was seen by those who had traveled with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now onces to our people." "We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestor He has fulfilled for us, their children by raising up Jesus." Can I get an amen? >> Amen! >> Shane: Raising up Jesus. That's the message of good news. Verse 36. "Now, when David served God's purpose in His own generation, he fell asleep and buried with his ancestors and his body decayed; but the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you." "Through Him, everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses." Now, this is good news indeed. God raised Jesus to life. Our sins are forgiven, a pardon from sin greater than what the law of Moses can do is available to you and me, a King greater than David has come to set us free and give us eternal life. And indeed the text says they invited Paul and Barnabas to speak the next week and they did and says the whole city gathered to hear the Word of the Lord. Here's what happened next: The juice became jealous and opposed Paul and Barnabas so Paul and Barnabas boldly told them, we spoke God's Word to you first but you rejected it so we're going to the Gentiles with the message. When they did, they believed and became followers of Jesus. There's a Gospel explosion here. It says the Word of the Lord spread to the whole region. But then the Jewish leaders stirred up persecution against Paul and parent but so they went to the next town but said the disciples were filled with joy and Holy Spirit. We'll see this whole cycle repeat itself, okay, during Paul's missionary journeys. Gospel proclamation; salvation and church growth; opposition and persecution; but then the Holy Spirit will come and power and the cycle will continue as the Word of the Lord spreads ALL OVER the land. So that's today's reading in Acts. You know, I could, of course, just wrap with it up here and say, "Okay, we're good. We're done," right? But what would be in that? You guys aren't hungry for lunch yet, are you? Don't answer that. Scott's thinking about it. Yeah. You know, we really should dig in a little bit, at least, to this Good News, okay, God has for us. So first, we know about this Good News that we are saved by the Gospel. We are saved by the Gospel. Romans 1 Paul says that the Gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes in Jesus. Chapter 3 he writes, we all have Sunday and fall short of the glory of God; but we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came through Christ Jesus. Romans 5:8 says but God demonstrates His own love in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. I'm so thankful for that verse -- you know why? Because Jesus didn't die for me just when I had it all together when I was all just fine. He died for me not just in my best moments; He died for me when I was at my worst; and He died for you when you were at your worst. We're saved by the Gospel and no way on our own to be forgiven and could not be reconciled to God by our own efforts. Without the saving death and resurrection of Christ, we would have no hope of eternal life; but the Good News, this gospel, is while I was a sinner who rebelled against God, Jesus paid the price for my sins. I'm forgiven through Christ, justified, made right before God; and then I'm given new life that lasts forever. It's a gift. It is grace and costs Jesus His life but free to you and to me. It's Good News and are meant to embrace and receive it. So friends, I just want to ask you this: Have you received this grace, this gift from Jesus, today as you sit here? Have you received this gift from Jesus? If not, I really hope you will come talk to us afterwards, and we would love to tell you more about this wonderful Good News of Jesus and how to respond to it. Become one of Jesus' saved people, people Jesus has saved from sin and death. So we're saved by the Gospel of Jesus but also meant to be shaped by this Good News. That's my next pointed -- we're shaped by the Gospel because it shapes in many ways. Let me highlight a few, okay? First, we are shaped as we gather together in worship like right now. With every song and baptism, every time we take communion together, the message we proclaim each week, even in our offering we are re-enacting the Gospel of Jesus. As we come here, we're meant to re-enact the Gospel, okay? So when we come here and we worship together, you know, as apprentices of Jesus, this time should not just encourage us but should shape you and form you to become more like your Master. So pay attention, friends. Let the Gospel form you today as we take communion, as we sing the songs, as we have fellowship together. We should not leave here the same as we came. The Gospel -- God is wanting to form and shape us through this Gospel and Good News. We're also shaped as we gather together in smaller groups, okay? For fellowship, for deeper connection -- you know, and God's calling for some of you today may be to join one of our Connection groups or small groups where you can be in a Gospel community to help one another grow. For others of you, God's calling might be as we get into the fall, especially and need new group to help new people get connected and grow together; maybe your calling is to lead a group. I hope you will prayerfully consider it because each of our Connection groups is a Gospel community, a circle of friends that exists not just to enjoy good food and fellowship together -- although that's wonderful. That's great. . But our groups can be so much more. The Lord can use your friends, your group, to shape you into Christ-likeness if you let it. So I have a simple but profound, I think, Biblical practice. I want to ask all of our Connection groups and Bible classes and small groups to do this, okay? That's to pray together, to pray for one another. Grow an intersyces rei prayer but not just for the things you want but pray for the things that God wants to shape you into Christ-likeness. How does God want to shape you? Praying together in our smaller groups is a powerful opportunity for spiritual formation. We're shaped as we gather together in our large worship. It's meant to shape us into the Gospel and be a Gospel-shaped people but also smaller circles of friends. We're also shaped as we grow in spiritual formation. You do know, don't you, we're all being discipled by something all the time? We're all being shaped and formed, okay? But these days we can be shaped by SO MANY things other than Jesus, so many thing this vying our time and attention and passion and priorities. There are plenty of modern-day false Gospels and unGodly ideologies trying to influence us through culture; through modern philosophy and thought; and through even our news and our politics; and even our entertainment -- it's shaping us. We might not say out loud, "Okay, I'm looking for these things to save me; I'm looking for these things to shape me," but they're the false gospels of our culture and deep idols sometimes in our hearts. We may think deep down, for example, that life only has meaning or only have worth if I have enough approval or power or accomplishments or comfort or financial stability or you fill in the plank. You know, life is okay and I have meaning and I have -- if I have these things. You know, some people put their hopes falsely in political ideology, everything from socialism to nationalism. All these ideologies that cannot deliver what they promise, friends, because they don't have what God has. Of course, we have materialism and consumerism running rampant in our culture today, and those are potent, false ideologies as well. And we would be foolish to not recognize how they are trying to shape us. And what about good old American individualism? You know, I'm fine, we say, when I'm not. And these days, individual choice reigs. My rights, what I want, what I need to express -- I, me, me, mine. Individualism may just be the most dangerous "Ism" out there in America today. I don't know, there's a lot running for the most dangerous "Ism" but that's one that is under everything right now. But we are called to a selfless, Gospel community way of life rather than self-centeredness, okay? So another major false message that runs deeply in our culture, I would say, is one that says this -- tell me if you have ever heard this. "Follow your heart." Ah, Yes. it seems like this is the message of every other pop song and animated kids' movie. The message is "Follow your heart." But it's terrible advice. Kids, young at heart, adults -- folks, everybody of all age -- don't trust your heart, okay? Please don't. Our hearts deceive us, and we are all very familiar with how we rationalize and justify things we really want in our hearts, even when we know they're wrong. Have you done that? And you rationalized and justified "I want that?" But we're following our heart. And we rationalized it. We don't find our true shelves by looking -- selves by looking within and find our true identity in Christ Jesus as children of the Living God. Rather than following our hearts, we need to become a new person in Christ with a new heart that the Lord wants to give you and follow His heart. Here's another phrase I think that gives voice to modern-day false gospel messages. Have you ever heard this? "But he's a good person." "But she's a good person." Friends, no, he's not a good person. No, she's not a good person. Johnny Spiegel -- you're my friend; I love you; I respect you; you're not a good person. Laura just nod like really quick like -- don't look at -- I'm not a good person. I mean, sometimes I'm good. Sometimes I'm not -- okay, a lot of times I'm not. And you're not -- we're not -- I'm never going to be good enough to save myself, right? Am I going to be good enough? I was created to be good but am a rebellious sinner, but the Good News of Jesus can shape me and form me to become more like Christ. That's the thing. I'm saved because -- not because of the kind of person I am but because of Who Jesus was. Let me say that again and better get a loud amen. I'm saved not because of the kind of person I am but because of Who Jesus is. >> Amen! >> Shane: Amen. Here's one more. Think of those times when some public figure -- maybe a celebrity; a sports star; maybe a politician -- they mess up BIG in a public way. You can probably think of a recent example pretty easily. What statement do they always put out -- I'm sure it's put out and carefully crafted by their PR team, but what do they say? They say there somewhere in there "This does not represent who we am. That's not who I am." "I did this bad thing, but that's not who I am." Okay, that's also not true, folks, in a very real sense. When we mess up and sin, it DOES represent part of who we are, but we don't want to admit it; and I hope you're never judged publicly on your worst public moment because that's not right; but our sins, public AND private, are part of who we are. It's not ALL of who we are and if that's what they mean, fair enough; but our sins are part of who we are and the truth is, to really appreciate the Good News God has for us, we have to really contend with how bad the bad news is about me. I have to understand that. The Bible is full of Scriptures that stay our actions and even the way we speak actually reveals what is in our heart and what we do and say reveal what is in our heart. So we need to own that. We need to ask the Lord to change our hearts through His powerful Gospel shaping. You know, just once I'd love to hear the public figure say "I was wrong; there's no excuse for that; that's not a good part of me, and I need to change." Easy enough to, you know, pick at them, but I need to say that, too. I need to change. Of course Jesus has good news for this because not only does the Gospel save us but also shapes us. He's ready to help us become more like Christ. A repentant heart, a recognition you're not okay, being able to say "I'm not okay" can open you up and be more reacceptive to the Good News God loves you; He forgives you; and He want to restore and shape you into someone more like Christ. So put your faith and confidence in Christ, friends, not in these lesser things. Find your significance and value and purpose and identity in Jesus than ANY other kind of ideology. Look at Paul writing in Colossianss 2:8. "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than Christ." Settle for nothing less than Christ. Paul continues saying that while we were dead in our sin, God made us alive in Christ, forgiving our sins, and nailing them to the cross. That is the Gospel, folks; and it is Good News indeed. Our victory, as we were saying, is in Jesus. Death is defeated; the King is alive! So let's sing a little louder, right? Dear friends, if you have been putting your trust in anything other than the Good News of Jesus Christ, then I implore you to replace that false gospel with the true one. Put your hope in the Living Lord, King Jesus who is alive and rose for you. Put your trust in the Good News of Jesus and let it shape you through worship; through community; through being together with other followers of Jesus as we shape one another and God's spirit works together to shape and grow us and form us into Christ-likeness. Finally today, we know that as we are saved and shaped by the Gospel, we are also sent. We're sent with the Good News Message of Jesus. As we go, take this Gospel to the ends of the earth like Paul and early church did. Of course, news is meant to be shared. We're called to be His ambassadors and His witnesses. It may sound like a cliche but is true. When you hear good news, you want to share it. So why don't we share this news more? Could it be we have minimized it in our own hearts we have kind of let this good, wonderful news lose its shine? It's kind of hard -- it's kind of a hard point to sit with for a second, isn't it? But I think we need to contend with it. Have we forgotten how great and wonderful and beautiful this Good News is? Again, that's why we come here this morning. That's why you're here to re-enact the Gospel, to be re-Gospeled, okay? That's why we get together in community with other believers, to remember, "Oh, this is our Gospel community and people I'm with and people of God." But it doesn't end there. We have to sing a little louder. So let me ask you friends, can a Gospel-centered worship and formation, can that rekindle the wonder and beauty of the Gospel within us? You bet it can! Can the Holy Spirit re-awaken that Gospel mission in our hearts as we ourselves are Gospel again? Yes! The Holy Spirit has been doing that for ages and He can do it again in your heart today. Xerox I will ask you to come on up and be ready to pray for us, but as we close I want to say, church, as a Christian, you are disciple of Jesus Christ. You are student; you are follower of Jesus; you are an apprentice of Jesus. Let Him shape you. We are ambassadors and witnesses of this Good News message, this Gospel Message that we were lost but now are found. We were broken but now are being healed and being made whole. Thissed good News Message, Gospel of Jesus Christ, is the Hope of mankind. We carry it wherever we go, even as we're being Gospel ourselves. We're being shaped and transformed by this Good News of Jesus. So one more time, church, the Good News: Do you know it? Do you need to respond to it today? In some way? Do you know just how much our Father God loves you; that He can save you and wants to shape you and help you become everything you're meant to be in Christ? We've got Good News to share today. Church, let's be shaped by it, and let's go share it. >> Steve: Let's pray. Dear Heavenly, gracious, loving Father, we thank You for this time and lesson we heard from your Son, from Shane Gage, and the message you put on his heart. It is truly timely. We thank you that we have You as our God and Loving Father; that You came here and You did sacrifice. From day one You create cd everything, everything that we enjoy and everything that we walk on, everything that we have. It is Yours. It is truly Yours. And we give You honor. We give You that yet credit that You deserve it. As You credit us, Father, You made us just like Shane said in Your image and we give You thanks for that. We do have a heart; we do have a mind and thoughts just like You that are pure and loving and are kind that put others first. We pray we will continue to have those traits, have those characteristics that will move us and will show others that You Are our God. Lord, You also showed us, again, through this timely Good News message that You loved the One, Your Son Jesus, Who was placed on the cross to die for us and so sacrifice. You sacrificed Him because You loved us so much. We just don't hear that every Sunday; we should pree that in our hearts every day, we should breathe that in our hearts every day. We pray that we do that, Father. God, as we do remember You and the sacrifice that You had for Your Son so He can die and be raised and for us to spend eternity with You, our Loving God; we also know that this earth is broken. You say that so many times in Scripture, that we need You as our firm foundation. It's confusing right now because there are so many things this week, so many emotions that we have dealt with as we celebrate our loved ones that have graduated from high school and those nice and pleasing memories -- sad at times but mostly pleasing. We also celebrate our wonderful armed services individuals that have given up their life to sacrifice so we can have the freedom here; and then we find out several days ago we have had a tragedy, a tragedy that has impacted not just the 21 people but the families and friends that are connected to that are conduits, with those family members and two teachers and children. God, You have overcome that. It goes back to Your Son. You had the same feeling and emotions when You put Your Son on that cross. The same pain. Father, we pray those family, those loved ones, will come to You for that comforted and for that love and for that peace that they deserve and need. Overpower their thoughts and especially overpower their heart so they can come to You. We pray this prayer in Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen. >> Kevin: Amen. Thank you, Steve. We have a lot of great things going on. In fact, one thing to do with Steve's family, his niece Hannah Noble is an intern this summer. She arrived this weekend. One of Joel's children is arriving and we have another intern at the end of the week. Lots are exciting things. If you didn't come to class at 9:45 today, I want to invite you to come next week. My pitch is this, that there is some community that happens when we show up to worship together and deeper community that happens when we get in a classroom and discuss what God's Word says and shares what is on our minds and lives. So I just want to encourage you if you haven't done that, feel free to come to class. We have children and student classes. We have classes for adults around the building and and we have 9:00 conversations" at 12:30 Kyle will lead today. I want you to know about that. A couple of events out there, for marriages the Weekend to Remember is coming up. Register online at firstcolonychurch.org. We have our Vacation Bible School so sign up your kids and sign up to help in some way. There's different jobs you can do. There's a women's and apologetics conference Missy will host. You can register online as well. And then our New Member Info Session like Shane said next week during class time and will be out here in the "New Here? Start Here" room. Sign up for that so they know what is happening and you know what is happening at church. Let's sing one more song before we go. >> Richard: All right. >> (victory in Jesus" playing) >> Richard: Thank you for worshiping with us today, church! You are dismissed!