### Summary

Good morning, everyone. It's a blessing to have you all connected with us today, whether you're here in person or joining us online. We are continuing our series through the book of Exodus, focusing on the plagues that God brought upon Egypt. Today, we delve into the latter plagues, starting from the plague of flies and moving through to the plague of darkness. These plagues serve as God's response to Pharaoh's question, "Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?" This question is not just ancient; it resonates with our modern culture, where many struggle with the idea of surrendering to God's authority.

Pharaoh's resistance to God's commands is a mirror of our own reluctance to fully surrender to God. We often want to bargain with God, offering partial obedience while holding back areas of our lives. This is evident in how Pharaoh tries to negotiate with Moses and Aaron, allowing them to worship but under his terms. God, however, demands full surrender and demonstrates His power and authority through these plagues.

Each plague escalates in severity, showing God's control over all creation. From the flies that swarmed Egypt but spared the land of Goshen, to the livestock plague that distinguished between Egyptian and Israelite animals, and the boils that afflicted even Pharaoh's magicians, God’s power is undeniable. Despite these clear signs, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, much like how we sometimes resist God's will even when faced with the consequences of our actions.

The plagues culminate in a darkness that can be felt, a profound metaphor for the spiritual darkness that envelops those who reject God. Yet, even in this darkness, the Israelites had light in their dwellings, symbolizing God's grace and protection for His people. This distinction underscores God's justice and mercy—He is a just judge who punishes evil but also a gracious Savior who offers redemption.

As we reflect on these events, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and the importance of full surrender to His will. The evidence of God's power and authority is overwhelming, and He calls us to respond with genuine repentance and faith. Today is the day of salvation; let us not harden our hearts but embrace the grace and mercy offered through Jesus Christ.

### Key Takeaways

1. **God's Authority and Our Surrender**: Pharaoh's question, "Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?" is a question for our times. Many of us struggle with the idea of surrendering fully to God's authority. We often want to bargain with God, offering partial obedience while holding back areas of our lives. True surrender means giving God control over every aspect of our lives, trusting in His wisdom and authority. [26:49]

2. **God's Distinction Between His People and Others**: The plagues demonstrate God's ability to distinguish between His people and others. The Israelites in Goshen were spared from the plagues that afflicted the Egyptians. This distinction highlights God's protective grace over His people, even when they are not perfect. It reminds us that God's love and faithfulness remain steadfast, even when we falter. [33:26]

3. **The Consequences of a Hardened Heart**: Pharaoh's repeated hardening of his heart despite the clear signs of God's power serves as a warning. When we resist God's will, we bring suffering upon ourselves. The plagues show that rebellion against God leads to severe consequences. We must be willing to soften our hearts and turn back to God in genuine repentance. [42:16]

4. **God's Justice and Mercy**: God is a just judge who cannot overlook evil. The plagues are a demonstration of His justice, but they also reveal His mercy. Despite the Egyptians' suffering, God gives them multiple opportunities to repent. Similarly, God offers us grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, but we must accept it while the offer stands. [58:55]

5. **The Urgency of Salvation**: The plagues culminate in a darkness that can be felt, symbolizing the spiritual darkness of rejecting God. Yet, even in this darkness, the Israelites had light, representing God's grace. Today is the day of salvation; we must not harden our hearts but embrace the grace offered through Jesus Christ. The opportunity for salvation is now, and we must not delay in responding to God's call. [55:46]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[25:14] - Introduction to the Plagues
[26:49] - Pharaoh's Question: Who is the Lord?
[28:05] - Bargaining with God
[30:59] - The Plague of Flies
[33:26] - God's Distinction: Goshen
[35:55] - Pharaoh's Reluctance
[38:57] - The Plague on Livestock
[40:29] - The Plague of Boils
[42:16] - Consequences of a Hardened Heart
[45:15] - The Plague of Hail
[48:14] - Worldly Sorrow vs. Godly Sorrow
[49:40] - The Plague of Darkness
[55:46] - The Urgency of Salvation
[58:55] - God's Justice and Mercy
[01:00:42] - The Just Judge
[01:02:22] - The Gracious Savior
[01:06:14] - Today is the Day of Salvation
[01:09:20] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
[01:13:12] - Baptism Celebration
[01:18:18] - Communion and Announcements

### Bible Reading
1. **Exodus 8:20-23** - The Plague of Flies
2. **Exodus 9:1-7** - The Plague on Livestock
3. **Exodus 10:21-23** - The Plague of Darkness

### Observation Questions
1. What was Pharaoh's initial reaction to the plagues, and how did his attitude change over time? ([30:59])
2. How did God demonstrate His authority and power through the plagues? Provide specific examples from the sermon. ([31:49])
3. What distinction did God make between the Egyptians and the Israelites during the plagues? ([33:26])
4. How did Pharaoh attempt to bargain with God, and what was God's response? ([35:01])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Pharaoh's heart remained hardened despite witnessing God's power through the plagues? ([42:16])
2. How does the distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites during the plagues reflect God's justice and mercy? ([33:26])
3. In what ways do the plagues serve as a metaphor for spiritual darkness and light in our lives today? ([49:40])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the consequences of partial obedience to God? ([35:55])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you tried to bargain with God, offering partial obedience. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your relationship with God? ([35:01])
2. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting full surrender to God's authority? What steps can you take to fully submit to Him? ([28:05])
3. How can you ensure that your repentance is genuine and not just a response to getting caught or facing consequences? ([48:14])
4. In what ways can you recognize and respond to God's protective grace in your life, even when you falter? ([33:26])
5. How can you cultivate a sense of urgency in your spiritual life, recognizing that today is the day of salvation? ([55:46])
6. Think of a specific area where you have experienced God's justice and mercy. How can you share this testimony to encourage others? ([58:55])
7. Identify one aspect of your life where you need to trust in God's wisdom and authority more fully. What practical steps can you take this week to grow in that trust? ([28:49])

Day 1: Surrendering Fully to God's Authority
Pharaoh's question, "Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?" is a question that resonates deeply in our modern culture. Many of us struggle with the idea of surrendering fully to God's authority. We often want to bargain with God, offering partial obedience while holding back areas of our lives. True surrender means giving God control over every aspect of our lives, trusting in His wisdom and authority. This is not an easy task, as it requires us to let go of our own desires and plans, and to trust that God's plans are better.

In the story of the plagues, Pharaoh's resistance to God's commands is a mirror of our own reluctance to fully surrender to God. Pharaoh tried to negotiate with Moses and Aaron, allowing them to worship but under his terms. However, God demands full surrender and demonstrates His power and authority through the plagues. This serves as a powerful reminder that partial obedience is not enough; God desires our complete and wholehearted submission to His will. [26:49]

Exodus 10:3-4 (ESV): "So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and said to him, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me. For if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 2: God's Protective Grace
The plagues demonstrate God's ability to distinguish between His people and others. The Israelites in Goshen were spared from the plagues that afflicted the Egyptians. This distinction highlights God's protective grace over His people, even when they are not perfect. It reminds us that God's love and faithfulness remain steadfast, even when we falter.

God's distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians serves as a powerful reminder of His grace and protection. Despite the chaos and suffering around them, the Israelites were shielded from the plagues. This protection was not because of their own righteousness, but because of God's covenant and faithfulness. It is a comforting thought that, even in our imperfections, God remains faithful and extends His grace to us. [33:26]

Exodus 8:22-23 (ESV): "But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people dwell, so that no swarms of flies shall be there, that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. Thus I will put a division between my people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall happen."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection or grace in your life. How did it impact your faith and trust in Him?


Day 3: The Danger of a Hardened Heart
Pharaoh's repeated hardening of his heart despite the clear signs of God's power serves as a warning. When we resist God's will, we bring suffering upon ourselves. The plagues show that rebellion against God leads to severe consequences. We must be willing to soften our hearts and turn back to God in genuine repentance.

The story of Pharaoh's hardened heart is a sobering reminder of the dangers of resisting God's will. Despite witnessing numerous miracles and signs, Pharaoh continued to harden his heart, leading to greater suffering for himself and his people. This serves as a warning to us about the consequences of a hardened heart. When we resist God's will, we not only distance ourselves from Him but also bring unnecessary suffering into our lives. It is crucial to remain open and responsive to God's guidance, allowing Him to soften our hearts and lead us in His ways. [42:16]

Exodus 9:34-35 (ESV): "But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. So the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people of Israel go, just as the Lord had spoken through Moses."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you have been resisting God's will? What steps can you take today to soften your heart and turn back to Him in genuine repentance?


Day 4: God's Justice and Mercy
God is a just judge who cannot overlook evil. The plagues are a demonstration of His justice, but they also reveal His mercy. Despite the Egyptians' suffering, God gives them multiple opportunities to repent. Similarly, God offers us grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, but we must accept it while the offer stands.

The plagues serve as a powerful demonstration of God's justice and mercy. While they were a form of judgment against Egypt's oppression and idolatry, they also provided multiple opportunities for repentance. God's justice demands that evil be addressed, but His mercy offers a way out through repentance and faith. This duality of justice and mercy is also evident in the gospel message. Through Jesus Christ, we are offered grace and forgiveness, but we must accept it while the offer stands. It is a reminder that God's justice and mercy go hand in hand, and we are called to respond to His grace with genuine repentance and faith. [58:55]

Exodus 34:6-7 (ESV): "The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.'"

Reflection: How do you see God's justice and mercy at work in your own life? Are there areas where you need to seek His forgiveness and embrace His grace?


Day 5: The Urgency of Salvation
The plagues culminate in a darkness that can be felt, symbolizing the spiritual darkness of rejecting God. Yet, even in this darkness, the Israelites had light, representing God's grace. Today is the day of salvation; we must not harden our hearts but embrace the grace offered through Jesus Christ. The opportunity for salvation is now, and we must not delay in responding to God's call.

The final plague of darkness serves as a profound metaphor for the spiritual darkness that envelops those who reject God. This darkness was so intense that it could be felt, yet the Israelites had light in their dwellings. This contrast highlights the urgency of salvation and the grace that God offers. Today is the day of salvation, and we must not harden our hearts but embrace the grace offered through Jesus Christ. The opportunity for salvation is now, and we must not delay in responding to God's call. It is a reminder that God's grace is available to us, but we must choose to accept it and walk in His light. [55:46]

Isaiah 60:1-2 (ESV): "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about the urgency of salvation? How can you share the message of God's grace and light with them today?

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Isn't it? That's really a 2024 question for our culture here in America that people are asking. They're really threatened by the idea that there is actually an authority, God, who could actually have rule over them and their lives and the particulars of their everyday life. And even if some people in the church are really battling with this idea, who is the Lord that he could have that kind of place in my life? And that kind of authority that I should have to surrender to him in all things. I mean, our culture can tolerate the idea of God as long as he minds his own business. Right? Stays out of my life. The personal stuff I've got going on. As long as he stays out of that, I'm good with the idea that there's a God." [26:49] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


2. "When he asks us to step out of our comfort zone, step into areas where we can't see ahead of time how this is going to work. And we're not even convinced it's going to be good if we do that. What gives him the right to tell us to do those things? To insist on it in our lives? It's fine to believe in God as long as he has no real authority. Or says, And the everyday functions of our lives. In fact, we think sometimes that we would make a better God than him. Now, we don't say that out loud. But we live like it a lot of times. We know what God says about this, but we think we know better. And we're going to do it our way. The world's way. The culture's way. Because we actually think, without saying it out loud, that we're making a better God for ourselves than the true God." [28:05] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


3. "You can have this God, but not that. You can have that part, but not that part. And God wants it all. He wants full surrender in all those areas. And that's why Pharaoh is going to understand that doesn't solve his problem when he tries to bargain with God. God's going to teach him that lesson. Moses and Aaron, they say to Pharaoh, that wouldn't be right. We can't worship God here in this land because your people will be offended by our worship of God. And God told us to go away from here to worship him. That's what we're supposed to do. And Pharaoh keeps trying to bargain and make it work some other way than full surrender to God." [37:24] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


4. "The evidence is overwhelming for God. The evidence is overwhelming for the reliability of Scripture. The evidence is overwhelming for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The evidence is overwhelming for the reliability of Scripture. The evidence is overwhelming for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The evidence is there. The only thing that could keep you from God is you hardening your heart against him in spite of the evidence." [55:46] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


5. "The thing about the grace of God, it's amazing. It is limitless. It doesn't matter where you've been, what you've done, where I've been, what I've done. God's grace is sufficient for anything that we have in our lives that needs to be forgiven and paid for. He has offered us payment through his son Jesus on the cross. He has offered us payment through his son Jesus on the cross. But understand this offer today. The offer is being made. There will be a time where the offer is not available anymore. And here's how it's going to happen. Either we die first, the offer is gone, we didn't take advantage of it, or Jesus comes back first. And once that happens, that's the end of the age where this grace offer of forgiveness is given through Jesus." [01:06:14] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


### Quotes for Members

1. "So what was the question? Who is the Lord? That I should obey him. And God, in his mercy and in his judgment, is saying, so that you may know that I'm the Lord. And here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to do exactly these things that I'm telling you I was going to do. To show you, to prove to you, that I have every right to hold that position of authority and rule over you. And all that I have created. And so this week, we're going to pick up with those next plagues that came. Because each time in those first three, Pharaoh kind of relented a little bit. Then he decided, no, no, his heart was hardened again. And he wouldn't let the people go. Remember Moses and Abraham. They're going to Pharaoh. Asking that Pharaoh does what God said to do, which was to let the people go and worship him." [30:12] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


2. "Now, you have to understand, Goshen is right in the middle of everybody else. So for this distinction to be made is amazing that God was going to draw that line around just that area of Goshen. And they were not going to experience these plagues starting with the flies. Now, up until then, the Israelites had suffered with the Egyptians. You have to remember, the Israelites weren't innocent either. All right? They ended up in Egypt. They ended up in Egypt because of their rebellion and their sin against God. So God allows them to suffer some consequences of their choices. But now he says, I'm going to draw a great distinction here to answer that question, who is the Lord, that I should obey him. Now, I'm going to talk about this again in a few minutes, but I want you to understand that distinction also means that even when we failed and we're imperfect and we've made mistakes, what happens with God? His love still stays. His love stays true for his people. He still loves his people. Even when we've not always been faithful to him, he is faithful to those who belong to him." [33:26] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


3. "Oftentimes, remember, when we're suffering consequences for bad things in our lives, whether we admit it's our fault or not, we ask God to help us. And God calls us to repentance, to turn back to him through those bad things that happen. And we go through the motions of repentance. Without real repentance taking place. Maybe you've done this, maybe you've seen people do this, where the Bible puts it this way. There is worldly sorrow and there's godly sorrow, right? Worldly sorrow, he says, leads to death. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to life. It's like asking your child, are you sorry for what you've done, or are you just sorry that you got caught? Right? A lot of times what we're calling repentance is just we're sorry that we got caught and we're having to pay a price for it. That's not repentance. That's worldly sorrow. That only leads to death. Godly sorrow produces a change. That's repentance. Where we're not going to keep doing that anymore. We're going to turn our lives around. We're going to start going a different direction now than what we were going before." [48:14] (81 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


4. "The Lord is the true God. Remember back in Exodus 3, when God first appeared to Moses and said, I want you to go back to your people, tell them that I sent you to go before Pharaoh and tell them to let you go from your bondage and your slavery. And one of the things Moses asked sounded a lot like Pharaoh. Who shall I say sent me? If they don't believe me, what do I tell them? Who should I say sent me to you? Who is it that gives me the authority to do this? Who is it that they need to be listening to when I say I'm from you? And he says, remember in Exodus 3, 14, I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites. I am has sent you. I am who I am. I be who I be. Because the tense in the Hebrew here, when we say I am, it is I am being who I have always been. I am the Lord God. Friends, he's saying to Moses in that statement that so that you may know that I am the Lord God, you go back and do this. So that my people may know that I am the Lord God, you go back and do this. So that Pharaoh may know with his question about who I am that he should submit to me. You go back because I am going to continue to show the world I am the true God. And he's still showing us that evidence even today, over and over again, that he is the true God." [57:31] (99 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


5. "He's a just God. And a just God will not allow evil to go unpunished. He will not. You see, Israel had done evil too, and they're going to have to suffer for that, and they have. And a just God is still there today with the evil that's going on in the world today. So don't think that God is weakening at evil and turning his head from it because he is a just God. And in order to be just, you cannot turn your head to evil. You have to address it. And God does address evil in the world. I love how he has demonstrated to Pharaoh and to his own people and to all of Egypt and now to the whole world through Scripture how God in his justice demands payment for evil. Why is that such a big deal? It's because that's what the cross is all about, friends. You see, in order for sin to be forgiven, in order for sin to be atoned for, payment had to be made. If he wasn't a just God, payment would not have to be made. But because he's a just God, payment for sin has to be made. The wages of sin is what? Death. He's a just God." [01:02:22] (89 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Amen. Good morning again, everyone. We're so glad you're connected with us here today online. Smyrna Campus, we love you guys. Glad you're able to connect there and be a part of that.

We've got lots of people connecting online today. I was back there before coming out on the live chat with the live stream. And we've got a lot of people traveling and able to connect online while they're out of town. We've got Daniel at work. Hey, Daniel, he's connecting while he was at work. And we're glad. Isn't that great? He's got a workplace where they'll let him connect online and have a connection with us in our service here today.

We've got others connecting with us. Phillip and Candice Britton are connecting with us. They're members here. And they are today up at Centennial Hospital. Phillip's brother-in-law, Morris, has been battling cancer and recently suffered a stroke. And he's there at the hospital. And Phillip and Candice are able to be there with Morris and his wife, Tina. So we're going to pray for them. And also, Norma Vincent, this is Ann Young's mom, is in the hospital at Summit. We want to be praying for her as well.

I know there are many other prayer requests within the church family. Let's take a moment right now just to lift up those needs within our church family to God in prayer.

Father, we just come before you. We just thank you that through technology, we're able to have people connect even when they can't be with us in person. It's a blessing, Father. And we want them to know we still are thinking about them and praying for them and caring about them. We just want to lift up these needs that we mentioned already. But there's so many other needs within our church family.

How many they are or how great the needs are, you, Father, are the source and the provider for everything that's needed through all circumstances. So we lift up these needs to you. We know that you're faithful to hear and answer our prayers. And we give you all the glory as you answer them. In Jesus' name, amen.

Well, we're continuing our series through the book of Exodus. He draws us out to draw us in. Today, we're going to be looking at the middle of talking about the plagues. Again, Exodus chapter 8, if you want to turn there and have that ready. Exodus chapter 8, we're going to be picking up in verse 20 today as we look at, we looked at the first three plagues already. Now, we're going to look at all the rest up until the Passover. Next week, we'll be focusing especially on the Passover.

How many of you have ever seen the comedian that does the "Here's Your Sign" comedy? Have you seen those? Yeah, I really like those. One comment. What God is doing with Pharaoh is like saying, "Here's your sign," right? I've given you all the evidence. I've given you and the Egyptians and the Israelites all the evidence. Here's your sign. I am the true God.

I was looking at some examples of the "Here's Your Sign" kind of thing. This one didn't come from that comedian, but it was really good. It was from the British Columbia Transit Authority. And they had this sign up in their bus stop of the Transit Authority, and it said this: "Failure to be at the bus stop at the scheduled time will result in missing the bus." Duh. I mean, right? You don't need a sign for that, do you? That should be just something that you understand, that you know. That's why they have a schedule. That's why you're supposed to show up at that time if you want to catch the bus that's running at that time.

Well, when God is working on Pharaoh and the Egyptians and his own people to remind them of who he was, last week we started looking at his answer to that by looking at the plagues.

Well, when God is working on Pharaoh and the Egyptians and his own people to remind them of who he was, last week we started looking at his answer to that by looking at the plagues that God brought. Now, this week we're going to, like I said, pick up. We looked at the first three already, but now we're going to look at the rest leading up to the Passover.

But we highlighted this question that Pharaoh asked back in chapter 5 and verse 2. But Pharaoh said, "Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice?" I mean, that's really, even though we don't think of it that way, when Pharaoh asked the question it was so long ago, that's really a modern-day question. Isn't it? That's really a 2024 question for our culture here in America that people are asking.

They're really threatened by the idea that there is actually an authority, God, who could actually have rule over them and their lives and the particulars of their everyday life. And even if some people in the church are really battling with this idea, who is the Lord that he could have that kind of place in my life? And that kind of authority that I should have to surrender to him in all things.

I mean, our culture can tolerate the idea of God as long as he minds his own business, right? Stays out of my life. The personal stuff I've got going on. As long as he stays out of that, I'm good with the idea that there's a God. And he can have his way in other things, but don't mess with my time and my space and what I want to do with my life. The particulars of all of it.

I love that. We're okay with God as long as he never asks us to do things that we're not comfortable doing, right? When he asks us to step out of our comfort zone, step into areas where we can't see ahead of time how this is going to work. And we're not even convinced it's going to be good if we do that. What gives him the right to tell us to do those things? To insist on it in our lives?

It's fine to believe in God as long as he has no real authority or says, and the everyday functions of our lives. In fact, we think sometimes that we would make a better God than him. Now, we don't say that out loud. But we live like it a lot of times. We know what God says about this, but we think we know better. And we're going to do it our way. The world's way. The culture's way.

Because we actually think, without saying it out loud, that we're making a better God for ourselves than the true God of the Bible. That we should be able to pick and choose those things that we obey or don't obey and how we live out our lives. That we refrain from or don't refrain from in our lives. That we actually have to do or don't do in our lives.

And so last week, God is answering that question. Who is the Lord that I should obey him? And he answered it by bringing the first three plagues. Remember, what were the first three? Blood. And then what? Frogs. And then what? Gnats. I hate gnats. By the way, after the sermon last week, I got more emails and text messages about how to get rid of gnats. I've never seen that many before. People that had their own. And there's some pretty good ideas. I've got one I'm going to try, but never mind.

They couldn't get rid of those gnats. It had to be God doing that for them. It was such a bad plague for them. So all of those plagues were answering that question. And I pointed out last week. And in every plague, you'll see some variation of the sentence from God. So that you might know that I am the Lord.

I mean, go back and read through them. With all of these plagues, he says, some variation of this: So that you might know that I am the Lord. So what was the question? Who is the Lord? That I should obey him. And God, in his mercy and in his judgment, is saying, so that you may know that I'm the Lord. And here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to do exactly these things that I'm telling you I was going to do. To show you, to prove to you, that I have every right to hold that position of authority and rule over you and all that I have created.

And so this week, we're going to pick up with those next plagues that came. Because each time in those first three, Pharaoh kind of relented a little bit. Then he decided, no, no, his heart was hardened again. And he wouldn't let the people go. Remember Moses and Aaron. They're going to Pharaoh. Asking that Pharaoh does what God said to do, which was to let the people go and worship him. And he refuses to let them go.

So let's pick up in chapter 8 and verse 20. The next plague that he brings is the plague of flies. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Get up early in the morning and confront Pharaoh as he goes to the river. And say to him, this is what the Lord says: Let my people go so that they may worship me. If you do not let my people go, I will send swarms of flies on you and your officials, on your people, and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians will be full of flies. Even the ground will be covered with them."

I want to stop there for a minute. They just got rid of what? Gnats. And now what comes up? Flies. Now gnats are a bother, aren't they? You know what I hate worse about the flies? Is you can hear them buzzing right around your ears, right? They're right there again. The way these flies were, it was so numerous that they covered everything with flies.

But there's a difference in this plague. I want you to notice in verse 22. "But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live. No swarms of flies will be there. So that you will know that I am the Lord. That I, the Lord, am in this land. I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow."

Ah, God's taking it up a notch. Another level here. To show that he is the Lord. You see, not only is he going to send flies as a plague all over Egypt, but there's a section there in Egypt called Goshen. That's where the Israelites lived. That's where they had very meager homes for them to stay in, in that area of Egypt. And they were a slave labor for Pharaoh, but they had their own area, a little village-like area where they lived in Goshen.

And he said, "I'm going to show you even more distinctly that I'm God. Because not only are you going to have all these flies to deal with, but I'm going to put a hedge around my people, where they're not going to have the flies where they live."

Now, you have to understand, Goshen is right in the middle of everybody else. So for this distinction to be made is amazing that God was going to draw that line around just that area of Goshen. And they were not going to experience these plagues starting with the flies.

Now, up until then, the Israelites had suffered with the Egyptians. You have to remember, the Israelites weren't innocent either. All right? They ended up in Egypt. They ended up in Egypt because of their rebellion and their sin against God. So God allows them to suffer some consequences of their choices. But now he says, "I'm going to draw a great distinction here to answer that question, who is the Lord, that I should obey him."

Now, I'm going to talk about this again in a few minutes, but I want you to understand that distinction also means that even when we failed and we're imperfect and we've made mistakes, what happens with God? His love still stays. His love stays true for his people. He still loves his people. Even when we've not always been faithful to him, he is faithful to those who belong to him.

So I want you to note that separation. So here you've got these flies, and the flies are just overwhelming. And it doesn't take long before Pharaoh is saying, "Enough of the flies, okay? Let's get rid of that, Moses, Aaron. Please go pray to your God, get rid of the flies."

And so when Pharaoh... When Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron, he said, "Go sacrifice to your God here in the land." So what's happening here is he's beginning to bargain with Moses and Aaron. Actually, he's bargaining with God. Now, he's not willing to admit that yet. But God is showing the distinction that he's God, that he's the one that has authority.

And now Pharaoh is saying, "Well, I'll let you worship him, but do it here. You don't have to go anywhere else to do that." You see, that's how we know we are a lot like Pharaoh. It's easy to point the finger at Pharaoh and say, "Oh, that's not what God said, Pharaoh." Pharaoh said he had to let him go. God said, "Pharaoh, you have to let him go." God said, "Pharaoh, let my people go and worship me away from here."

And Pharaoh would say, "Oh, yeah, but I know better. Let's let him worship you here. Let's do it the way I think would be best." He's still not willing to surrender completely to the authority of God. He's still trying to control at least part of what's going on here. He can't control the flies. He's already learned that. That's why he's called Moses and Aaron in there.

But he's still trying to hold on to some control. Doesn't that sound a little bit like how we treat God? God, I don't want the flies, but I don't want to let you have full control either. I don't want the plagues in my life. I don't want the suffering in my life, but I don't really want to conform completely to what you're telling me to do, how you're calling on me to live, the changes you're wanting me to make.

I want to hold back a little something for myself to be in control of. It may be your dating life. It may be your sexual activity. It may be how you handle your money. It may be how you deal with your workplace situation. It may be how you interact in commerce with other people. There's so many areas in life where we may pick an area and say, "I know God says to do it this way, but I'm going to do it this way."

But God, I'll obey you in some other areas, right? I'll still worship you, just maybe not exactly the way you said to worship you in that area of my life. You see, that's what you see happening now in the plagues, is Pharaoh is trying to bargain with God the way we sometimes try to bargain.

You can have this God, but not that. You can have that part, but not that part. And God wants it all. He wants full surrender in all those areas. And that's why Pharaoh is going to understand that doesn't solve his problem when he tries to bargain with God. God's going to teach him that lesson.

Moses and Aaron, they say to Pharaoh, "That wouldn't be right. We can't worship God here in this land because your people will be offended by our worship of God. And God told us to go away from here to worship him. That's what we're supposed to do."

And Pharaoh keeps trying to bargain and make it work some other way than full surrender to God. Well, finally, he tries to act like he's relenting, but he doesn't really relent. And then Moses and Aaron pray, and they take the flies away. But then, because he hardens his heart again, God says to Moses and Aaron again, "Let's go back. Let's do this another time."

He's going to bring another plague on them. Let's pick up in chapter 9 and verse 1. The Lord said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and say to him, this is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews says." Well, more identification, more distinction, okay? "Let my people go so that they may worship me. If you refuse to let them go and continue to hold them back, the hand of the Lord will bring a terrible plague on your livestock in the field, on your horses, donkeys, and camels. On your cattle, sheep, and goats. But the Lord will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and that of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die."

Wow, what a distinction. The Lord set a time and said, "Tomorrow the Lord will do this in the land." And the next day the Lord did it, and the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died. Pharaoh investigated and found that not even one of the animals belonging to the Israelites had died, yet his heart was unyielding, and he would not let the people go.

How stubborn can you be? How hard-hearted can you be? God is just giving him so much clear evidence of who he is and his power and his authority, even over the animals that they needed for their livelihood. And here they are. They are all dying, and Pharaoh's heart is still hardened before God.

So God says, "There's more." Verse 8, the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Take handfuls of soot from a furnace and have Moses toss it in the air in the presence of Pharaoh. It will become fine dust over the whole land of Egypt, and festering boils will break out on people and animals throughout the land."

So they took from a furnace, took soot from a furnace and stood before Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Moses, Moses tossed it in the air, and festering boils broke out on people and animals. If you read on a little bit, the magicians, you remember Pharaoh's magicians, they kept trying to imitate all these things that Moses and Aaron were doing. It says they couldn't even come before Moses and Aaron that time, because they're covered with boils themselves. Take that.

You see, God is not being mean, but God is showing who's really in control. Pharaoh thinks he's this all-powerful guy. And God is saying, "No, you're not. And your magicians are nothing compared to my power and my rule and my authority."

I'm afraid that sometimes in the church today, what we've done is we've made our God way too small. We don't recognize him and have the awe of him and the respect of him that we ought to have. We've made it so casual to come before God. And that way we approach him instead of realizing he is so great and so powerful. And he has all authority, all power, and he rules over everything. And he should be awed and respected and worshiped in a respectful way.

And Pharaoh is still not learning that lesson. Even when all the animals are dying, even when their livelihood is evaporating in front of his eyes, he's too stubborn to let go. And sometimes we do that with God too. We're choosing to go outside God's will and when bad things happen and we suffer the negative consequences, we're still too proud to admit that we're the ones that rebelled. We're the ones that stepped outside the boundaries. We're the ones that brought this on ourselves.

These consequences came because we were living in rebellion and disobedience to God. But we still want to worship God. We still want him to love us. We still want him to bless us while we walk outside of his will continuously in our lives.

Pharaoh doesn't want this plague to continue, but he hardens his heart again and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron. Well, God says there's another one coming, Pharaoh. Look at verse 13. The Lord said, "Get up early in the morning, confront Pharaoh and say to him, this is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews says, let my people go so they may worship me. Or this time I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people."

Wait a minute. He hasn't done his full force yet. Did you read the others? Did you see what happened already? And God's been holding back the whole time. The whole time he could have done more. The whole time he could have created even greater suffering or loss, but he held back just trying to get Pharaoh to finally listen and relent.

"I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people so that you may know that there's no one like me in all the earth." Remember the question, who is the Lord? I'm going to show you again, Pharaoh. "For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth."

God's saying, "Pharaoh, I've been holding back. I could have wiped you off the earth anytime I chose to do that. You and your whole nation, I could have completely destroyed. You think America needs to hear this right now? Yeah."

He says, "But I've raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. You still set yourself against my power. I'm going to show you my power. I'm going to show you my people and you will not let them go. Therefore, at this time tomorrow, I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt from the day it was founded till now. Give an order now."

He even gives them this warning. "Give an order now to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter because the hell will fall on every person, animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field and they will die."

Those officials of Pharaoh, who feared the Lord, the word of the Lord, hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside. But those who ignored the word of the Lord left their slaves and livestock in the field.

Wow. Now, hell doesn't sound too bad if you've never been in a bad hailstorm before. But a hailstorm like what he describes here would just completely destroy any crops that were left from the locusts would have been beaten down completely. Any sheds that weren't real sturdy buildings, any animals that were left out in the open that had not died already when he stopped that plague, they all would have been destroyed.

And so God says, "I'm going to show you something like you've never seen before." They had never seen a hailstorm like this in the history of their land, as bad as this. So they couldn't just say it was a freak of the weather. It was a freak storm that blew up, right? This is something like they've never seen before.

See, we always try to explain away bad stuff and make excuses for it as if that couldn't have been what God said it was going to be. And that's what Pharaoh tries to do. And he can't because it's so bad. And he asks Moses and Aaron again, "Please relent, let the storm stop. We'll let you go." You know how he says that sometimes and he still doesn't follow through with it like he said he was going to do.

So he says, "Okay, there's one more to come." Before he gets to that final one we'll look at next week. And that's the plague of darkness. Look at verse 21. But those who ignore the word of the Lord, remember, left their slaves and their livestock out in the field.

The Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that hell will fall over Egypt." So they have all of that that happens. And then it says in verse 27, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. "This time I've sinned," he said to them. "The Lord is right and I and my people in the wrong. Pray to the Lord, pray to the Lord, pray to the Lord, pray to the Lord, for I've had enough thunder and hail and will let you go. You don't have to stay any longer."

I love that. But Moses, before this next plague, gives Pharaoh some insight that he's not fooled by Pharaoh's words anymore. That he doesn't believe what Pharaoh's saying is true in Pharaoh's heart. He believes that Pharaoh is not going to, once the hell's gone, once everything is settled down again, Moses says to him, "I know that you and your officials still do not fear the Lord."

Now the reason I brought that up before looking at this next one, the darkness, is this. Oftentimes, remember, when we're suffering consequences for bad things in our lives, whether we admit it's our fault or not, we ask God to help us. And God calls us to repentance, to turn back to him through those bad things that happen.

And we go through the motions of repentance without real repentance taking place. Maybe you've done this, maybe you've seen people do this, where the Bible puts it this way. There is worldly sorrow and there's godly sorrow, right? Worldly sorrow, he says, leads to death. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to life.

It's like asking your child, "Are you sorry for what you've done, or are you just sorry that you got caught?" Right? A lot of times what we're calling repentance is just we're sorry that we got caught and we're having to pay a price for it. That's not repentance. That's worldly sorrow. That only leads to death. Godly sorrow produces a change. That's repentance. Where we're not going to keep doing that anymore. We're going to turn our lives around. We're going to start going a different direction now than what we were going before.

Moses is saying to Pharaoh, "I understand that you're sorry about all this, but this is not godly sorrow I'm seeing in you, Pharaoh. And that's why God's not done with you yet. He's not finished."

So in chapter 10, let's look at verse 21 here. The Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that the darkness spreads over Egypt." Look at this next phrase in verse 21. Darkness that can be what? Felt. Have you ever felt darkness? I have. There have been a few situations in my life where I actually felt the darkness.

One was when I was just a young man, eight years old, and I went on a trip with our little league team to caves, to explore caves. I'd never been there before. We went up to Kentucky and went to some caves there. And the tour guide of the cave was leading our group of these tough young baseball players, you know, little league baseball players. We want to act all tough.

They got us down into the deepest part of the cave. We're on this little narrow walkway in the cave. He shows us while the lights are still on this deep cavern over the edge of the narrow pathway we're walking on. Now there's a rail there, but we're walking on this narrow path and there's a deep cavern on just the other side of the path there.

And he dropped the rock off the side and it seemed like it took it forever before you could hear it land at the bottom of how deep this cavern was there in the cave. Then he says, "Now in this part of the cave, we're far enough down, no light gets in from the surface at all. And I want to show you how dark it is."

He said, "It won't be long. Don't move. Don't go anywhere. Stay right where you are." He told us to join hands. Us boys aren't going to join hands, right? We're too brave for that. We're too tough for that. Nobody joined hands. He said, "Stick together. I'm going to turn off the lights for just a few seconds."

And he turned off the lights. We're going to go down in the depth of that cave. And at first, we're all just kind of giggling, you know, trying to act all tough. And then all of a sudden, I realized how dark it really was. I did this and could not see anything at all. I mean, I began, and it wasn't long. I don't know how long he actually left them off. It wasn't long, but it started seeming like it was a really long time to be in that deep darkness that was there.

And when he turned those lights on, I didn't want to admit it to any of my friends, but I was so happy to see light, to be able to have that light back on again. It was a darkness that was heavy. You could feel it. That's what's being described here.

It says in verse 22, "So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. No one could see anyone else or move about. Yet all the Israelites, listen to this, had light in the places where they lived."

Who could do that? Who could control light and darkness so precisely that in one little section of Egypt, they have light and nowhere else in Egypt did they have light? Total darkness, except for that land of Goshen, where God's people were. Only a God, like the God of the Bible, could do something like what he's doing here. To prove to Pharaoh, when he asked the question, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey him?" He's showing him.

In verse 25, but Moses said, well, let's pick up in verse 24, Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, "Go worship the Lord. Even your women and children may go with you." Still bargaining, listen. "But leave your flocks and your herds behind." He's still trying to control it, isn't he? He's still trying to control it, isn't he? He still won't let go. He still won't let God have everything his way.

He's determined to still rule as much as he can, even in the face of this darkness. But Moses said, "You must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the Lord our God. Our livestock too must go with us. Not a hoof is to be left behind. We have to use some of them in worshiping the Lord our God. Until we get there, we will not know what we are to use to worship the Lord."

But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart. He was not willing to let them go. Pharaoh said to Moses, "Get out of my sight. Make sure you do not appear before me again. The day you see my face, you will die." He's still trying to rule, isn't he? Still trying to be in control.

"Just as you say," Moses replied, "I will never appear before you again." Now Moses knew that God had promised that he was coming next at this point, most likely. But he knew that if Pharaoh didn't want to deal with him anymore, God was not done yet because they were still captive. They still weren't free.

This plague and all of these plagues were saying so that you may know that I am the Lord. Let me show you this. This whole Bible, and it tells us this in the Word, is written that you may know that the Lord is God. He is the one true God. The evidence upon evidence upon evidence. And if you don't believe it, I understand. If you've got doubts, I understand. God allows you to have some doubts, but what he wants you to do with your doubt is to seek the truth. Look at the evidence.

The evidence is overwhelming for God. The evidence is overwhelming for the reliability of Scripture. The evidence is overwhelming for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The evidence is overwhelming for the reliability of Scripture. The evidence is overwhelming for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The evidence is there.

The only thing that could keep you from God is you hardening your heart against him in spite of the evidence. So I want to close with four lessons real quick that we can learn from what we just saw today. Four lessons we all need to be reminded of that God was saying to Pharaoh. He was teaching all the Egyptians these lessons. He was teaching and reminding his own people and us through these teachings, these four things.

The first one is this. The Lord is the true God. Remember back in Exodus 3, when God first appeared to Moses and said, "I want you to go back to your people, tell them that I sent you to go before Pharaoh and tell them to let you go from your bondage and your slavery." And one of the things Moses asked sounded a lot like Pharaoh. "Who shall I say sent me? If they don't believe me, what do I tell them? Who should I say sent me to you? Who is it that gives me the authority to do this? Who is it that they need to be listening to when I say I'm from you?"

And he says, remember in Exodus 3:14, "I am who I am." This is what you are to say to the Israelites. "I am has sent you. I am who I am." I be who I be. Because the tense in the Hebrew here, when we say I am, it is I am being who I have always been. I am the Lord God. Friends, he's saying to Moses in that statement that so that you may know that I am the Lord God, you go back and do this.

So that my people may know that I am the Lord God, you go back and do this. So that Pharaoh may know with his question about who I am that he should submit to me. You go back because I am going to continue to show the world I am the true God. And he's still showing us that evidence even today, over and over again, that he is the true God.

The second lesson is this. The Lord is also the mighty creator. In every one of these plagues, he's demonstrating power over everything he created. Over the water in the Nile River, over the light and the darkness, over the insects, the flies and the gnats, over the herds, all the animals there. He's showing authority and rule over everything that exists that he has created in the world. He is the mighty creator, God.

Psalm 96:5 says, "For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens." Nehemiah 9:6, he says, "You are alone of the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry hosts, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to every one of them."

You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you, and God is demonstrating and giving us all the evidence we need that he rules over all creation. Do you remember what they said about Jesus? The apostles, that they were so amazed, those first ones that were with him on the boat when the storm came? You remember that? The storm came and they were afraid they were going to die. Where was Jesus while the storm was going? He's asleep down on the bottom of the boat there. He's not afraid of the storm. Why? He's the God of the storm.

But they're so scared they wake up Jesus and he goes up on the boat and he says, "But so that you will know," he said to the storm, "Peace, be still." And what happened? It calmed down immediately. And you know what they said? "Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey him." He's the one true God. He's the creator God, the mighty creator over everything.

He's also, thirdly, we need to be reminded of this through these teachings and others. He is a just judge as well. Sometimes we have so glossed over this part of God in the modern church that we forget that he is a just judge. Now I say just because God hates injustice. He teaches us that in his word. He hates injustice. So his judgments are just.

So what he does with Israel, what he does with Egypt, what he does with Pharaoh is all just according to a just God. I love, I want to go back to one of the plagues, the boils in Exodus 9:8. Remember how that happened? The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Take handfuls of soot from a furnace and have Moses toss it in the air in the presence of Pharaoh." Remember the soot becomes what? Boils all over everybody.

Nobody should say use soot from a furnace. I got to thinking about that, and I can't prove this. I'm going to ask God when I get there. If I see Moses, I'll talk to him about it too. Here's the thing. Remember when the Israelites started multiplying so greatly in Egypt and Pharaoh wanted to stop it? Remember how when he wanted to stop it, he tried to put more burden on them to get them from multiplying and prospering so much in the land?

He wanted them to keep making bricks, but they had to gather their own straw to make the bricks. You know where they made the bricks? They would be baked in a what? An oven. So he tells them, "Get soot from the oven, throw it up in the air, and it becomes boils over all the Egyptians."

It's almost like throwing soot in the face of Pharaoh, right? You thought you were controlling us, but God was in control of the whole world. So he tells them, "Get soot from the oven, throw it up in the air, and it becomes boils over all the Egyptians." You thought you were controlling us, but God was in control of the whole world.

So he tells them, "Get soot from the oven, throw it up in the air, and it becomes boils over all the Egyptians." You thought you were controlling us, but God was in control of the whole world.

So he tells them, "Get soot from the oven, throw it up in the air, and it becomes boils over all the Egyptians." You thought you were controlling us, but God was in control of the whole world.

So he tells them, "Get soot from the oven, throw it up in the air, and it becomes boils over all the Egyptians." You thought you were controlling us, but God was in control of the whole world.

So he tells them, "Get soot from the oven, throw it up in the air, and it becomes boils over all the Egyptians."

Forgiveness from God. He's a just God, and a just God will not allow evil to go unpunished. He will not. You see, Israel had done evil too, and they're going to have to suffer for that, and they have. And a just God is still there today with the evil that's going on in the world today.

So don't think that God is weakening at evil and turning his head from it because he is a just God. And in order to be just, you cannot turn your head to evil. You have to address it. And God does address evil in the world.

I love how he has demonstrated to Pharaoh and to his own people and to all of Egypt and now to the whole world through Scripture how God in his justice demands payment for evil. Why is that such a big deal? It's because that's what the cross is all about, friends.

You see, in order for sin to be forgiven, in order for sin to be atoned for, payment had to be made. If he wasn't a just God, payment would not have to be made. But because he's a just God, payment for sin has to be made. The wages of sin is what? Death.

He's a just God, but the fourth one is he's also a gracious savior. He's a gracious savior. He demonstrates that over and over again, especially I remember in Exodus 8:22 and 23. "On that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen where my people live. No swarm of flies will be there."

Remember he separates out. He has this distinction where he's showing grace and mercy to his people in the middle of this. Did they deserve it? No, they're guilty too. But he's also a gracious God. He's a just God who is gracious. He is both of those things.

And because he's gracious, he is willing to provide for us a way for payment to be made without us having to make it ourselves. That's how gracious he is. In 2 Corinthians 6, verses 1 and 2, it says this: "As God's co-workers, we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, 'In the time of our death, we will not be able to receive God's.'"

The thing about the grace of God, it's amazing. It is limitless. It doesn't matter where you've been, what you've done, what I've been, what I've done. God's grace is sufficient for anything that we have in our lives that needs to be forgiven and paid for. He has offered us payment through his son Jesus on the cross.

He has offered us payment through his son Jesus on the cross. But understand this offer today. The offer is being made. There will be a time where the offer is not available anymore. And here's how it's going to happen: either we die first, the offer is gone, we didn't take advantage of it, or Jesus comes back first.

And once that happens, that's the end of the age where this grace offer of forgiveness is given through Jesus. And that's why I'm telling you today, I'm telling you today, I'm telling you today, I'm telling you today, when the offer itself, how much you deserve hope you receive.

That's why in 2 Corinthians, Paul is saying we urge you. We want you to understand how precious and valuable this window of opportunity is for you. That while you have the chance, while God is offering this gracious gift of his son, make sure you understand now is the time of God's favor. Today is the day of salvation. You don't know there'll be another opportunity beyond today. Don't miss it.

You see, because he's a just God, he didn't even have to offer the alternative. Like he said to Pharaoh, "At any point, I could have wiped you off the face of the earth, your whole nation, but I chose not to. I held back." At any point, he could have called us to pay for our own sin, but he chose not to. He chose to offer us grace and mercy and forgiveness at the highest of prices that could be paid, the death of his own son on the cross.

Friends, today is the day. Let's pray.

Father, we thank you. We thank you that we've been reminded in your word that you are the Lord God. You are a just God. You are the mighty creator God, but you are also a gracious God. And you've demonstrated, you've demonstrated it over and over again. You've given us so many opportunities, so many chances, but today, Father, you are offering your grace, your mercy for those who would reach out and willingly accept your offer.

I pray that if there's anyone today who's ready and willing to take that step, that your spirit would prompt them to come in repentance and profession of their faith. They could be today, even today, baptized into Christ and rise up, new creatures in your kingdom added to your family, even today.

Father, for those of us who have received that grace already, help us not to abuse your grace, Father. Help us to live a life worthy of that calling, of that price that was paid for our redemption. May we give you glory and honor and praise. May we offer you worship, the worship of our lives, holding nothing back from this day forward. In Jesus' name, amen.

We're going to stand and sing. We're going to offer you this time of invitation where if you have a decision to make, maybe you want to become part of the church family, maybe you haven't been baptized yet, you're ready to take that step, whatever that next step is for you. As we stand and sing, we invite you to come right up front.

He seems to hide His face on His unchanging grace. In stormy days, Christ alone, cornerstone, weak made strong. In the Savior's love, through the storm, He is Lord, Lord of all.

Have a seat, please, except you, Sophia. Come right up here. You got it on? All right. Tell everybody your name.

I'm so grateful she was here. She's been here for the summer with her grandparents who are members here. And we're so thankful that Jim and Rose were able to have her here this summer. She's been attending Lakeshore and learning and growing. And really, I've got to tell you, I see, you don't know all I see while I'm preaching, okay?

I see a lot of stuff going on while I'm preaching. And I see her really listening. I see her leaning in and taking it to the Lord. THEN. AND SHE COMES TODAY TO MAKE A PROFESSION OF HER FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AND TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE CHRIST.

SOFIAH, FOR OUR BENEFIT, I'M GOING TO ASK YOU TO REPEAT A PROFESSION OF YOUR FAITH. "I BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, HE'S THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD, AND I DO ACCEPT HIM AS MY PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR."

GOD BLESS YOU. GOD BLESS YOU. I'M GOING TO HAVE YOU GO BACK AND GET READY FOR YOUR BAPTISM. SUANNE, WILL YOU GO BACK WITH HER THERE? HELP HER GET READY. THERE YOU GO. GO RIGHT OVER THERE.

THANK YOU. OH, WE LOVE CELEBRATING THESE DECISIONS, DON'T WE? IT'S A GREAT CELEBRATION. ANGELS IN HEAVEN ARE REJOICING AND WE REJOICE WITH THEM EVERY TIME A DECISION IS MADE LIKE THAT.

WHILE WE'RE GETTING READY FOR THE BAPTISM, DR. ED IS GOING TO COME AND LEAD US IN A TIME OF COMMUNION TOGETHER.

SOFIA, IT IS BASED UPON YOUR PROFESSION OF FAITH THAT YOU DO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR, THAT I NOW BAPTIZE YOU IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF YOUR SINS AND THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

MY FAVORITE PART OF BEING A PASTOR. AMEN. WE'RE SO THANKFUL YOU'RE WITH US. YOU'RE WITH US TODAY FOR THIS CELEBRATION.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE WORSHIPING THROUGH THE GIVING OF AN OFFERING, WE HAVE OFFERING BOXES AVAILABLE, ONE IN THE BACK OF THE AUDITORIUM, ONE IN THE HALLWAY. AND AS YOU EXIT, YOU CAN JUST DROP YOUR OFFERING IN THE TOP SLOT OF THOSE BOXES.

I'M GOING TO HAVE JEREMY COME UP AND LEAD US IN SOME ANNOUNCEMENTS AND THEN CLOSE US OUT WITH PRAYER. BEFORE HE DOES, I JUST WANT TO QUICKLY SAY WE ARE GETTING GOOD RESPONSE TO THE GAP SCHOLARSHIP OFFER THROUGH POINT UNIVERSITY. BUT WE HAVE A COUPLE OF SLOTS LEFT.

IF THERE'S ANYBODY ELSE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THAT SCHOLARSHIP, IF YOU JUST EMAIL US AT INFO AT LAKESHORECHRISTIAN.COM, WE WILL GET WITH YOU AND GO THROUGH ANY DETAILS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THAT MIGHT WORK WELL FOR YOU.

SO JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THERE'S JUST A FEW SLOTS LEFT. SO IF YOU'RE INTERESTED, JUST GO AHEAD AND LET US KNOW AS SOON AS YOU CAN ON THAT. JEREMY, COME ON UP, MAN.