One of our highest priorities is to train the next generation to take the Gospel to every sector of society.

We often think of waiting on God as time wasted. Instead, picture attending a guest of honor. You would stand by, anticipating and fulfilling their every desire.

If we've learned anything in the last 15 messages of our series "Called to Be With Him," we've learned God chooses ordinary people and empowers them to do extraordinary things. However, this empowerment does not come to the casual and carnal. One day, Jesus turned to a group of followers and said, "If anyone comes after me..." and then He started talking about death and sacrifice. Many of them turned around and walked away. So, let me ask you, "Will you decide to keep following Jesus?"

Are you ever dragged down by the world and its stress, anxiety, and distractions? In this bonus episode, we dive into Philippians 4 to discover how God is our refuge, and no matter what goes on in this world, He is our provision.

I propose that the most hideous aspect of human character is treason--biting the hand that feeds you or stabbing the back of the mentor who trained you.

But nothing compares to the act of betrayal against the precious Lamb of God by Judas Iscariot. His name is synonymous with everything dark and heinous.

The most terrifying thing is he had a choice. His story warns us of the potential in each of us to trade everything pure and precious for a fistful of coins. And yet HIs grace and love are still reaching.

How would you like to be sandwiched between Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot? To make matters worse...you have the same name as the traitor. This could be why Judas (NOT Iscariot!) was nicknamed "Thaddaeus" which means (among other things) "heart of a young lion." It took a guy with a big, strong, yet tender heart to be in his position and fulfill his calling. Thad had one question-and it's still being asked by the nation of Israel today. Only difference is, Thad obeyed Jesus from the heart and he got THE ANSWER.

Simon must have a been a muscled mass of passion and purpose. When it came to the Roman occupation, he echoed King David in saying, "I hate them with a perfect hatred."

James. Not the brother of John, not the brother of Jesus...the other one. What do we know of him? Practically nothing. More is known of his family, his friends, and even Judas the traitor.

Everyone knows Doubting Thomas. He's the guy who skipped church and said, "I will not believe." Well, he did say the latter, but the former...more on that later.

GraceWay welcomes you this patriotic weekend. May our time of worship together convict and convince us to