Why Do I Need Community? | 12Stone Church

You all want to celebrate something with You all want to celebrate something with me? me? me? Listen, God is doing something unique in Listen, God is doing something unique in Listen, God is doing something unique in the next generation of our church. From the next generation of our church. From the next generation of our church. From kids to students to young adults, God's kids to students to young adults, God's kids to students to young adults, God's doing some incredible things. This week, doing some incredible things. This week, doing some incredible things. This week, we got to host our back to school bash we got to host our back to school bash we got to host our back to school bash on Wednesday. Students, if you're in the on Wednesday. Students, if you're in the on Wednesday. Students, if you're in the rooms, feel free, let us know you're rooms, feel free, let us know you're rooms, feel free, let us know you're here. Any students in the mix? I know a here. Any students in the mix? I know a here. Any students in the mix? I know a lot are at 11. There you go. Several of lot are at 11. There you go. Several of lot are at 11. There you go. Several of you. you. you. And it's it's a it's an opportunity for And it's it's a it's an opportunity for And it's it's a it's an opportunity for our students to invite their ones, the our students to invite their ones, the our students to invite their ones, the the the friends that are near to them the the friends that are near to them the the friends that are near to them but far from God. And it's like we just but far from God. And it's like we just but far from God. And it's like we just preached the gospel, man. Like it's it's preached the gospel, man. Like it's it's preached the gospel, man. Like it's it's not people showing up for games and fun, not people showing up for games and fun, not people showing up for games and fun, although there is games and fun. We just although there is games and fun. We just although there is games and fun. We just preached the gospel. And and I want to preached the gospel. And and I want to preached the gospel. And and I want to give you a couple of things to give you a couple of things to give you a couple of things to celebrate. First of all, it was the celebrate. First of all, it was the celebrate. First of all, it was the largest back to school bash in the largest back to school bash in the largest back to school bash in the history of our church, 38 years. Praise history of our church, 38 years. Praise history of our church, 38 years. Praise God. 3,621 God. 3,621 God. 3,621 students across the campuses, almost 600 students across the campuses, almost 600 students across the campuses, almost 600 firsttime guests, and here's the one firsttime guests, and here's the one firsttime guests, and here's the one we're celebrating. We had 206 we're celebrating. We had 206 we're celebrating. We had 206 salvations. Can we give Jesus the praise salvations. Can we give Jesus the praise salvations. Can we give Jesus the praise for what he's doing in our student for what he's doing in our student for what he's doing in our student ministry? ministry? ministry? Listen, if you're old like me, there's a Listen, if you're old like me, there's a Listen, if you're old like me, there's a generation rising behind us that are generation rising behind us that are generation rising behind us that are hungry for God. They've seen what the hungry for God. They've seen what the hungry for God. They've seen what the world offers and it looks shiny until world offers and it looks shiny until world offers and it looks shiny until you climb beneath the surface.

you climb beneath the surface. you climb beneath the surface. And I pray that that what God's doing in And I pray that that what God's doing in And I pray that that what God's doing in the next generation stirs up in us. I'll the next generation stirs up in us. I'll the next generation stirs up in us. I'll just give you a couple stories. There's just give you a couple stories. There's just give you a couple stories. There's a there's a football player that invited a there's a football player that invited a there's a football player that invited his buddy from his high school football his buddy from his high school football his buddy from his high school football team. and his buddy considered himself team. and his buddy considered himself team. and his buddy considered himself an atheist and was mad at God about what an atheist and was mad at God about what an atheist and was mad at God about what was happening in his own family. And he was happening in his own family. And he was happening in his own family. And he got to watch his friend on the football got to watch his friend on the football got to watch his friend on the football team stand up, bow his life to Jesus, team stand up, bow his life to Jesus, team stand up, bow his life to Jesus, and he told his friend, "I found my and he told his friend, "I found my and he told his friend, "I found my home." Praise God for that. That's home." Praise God for that. That's home." Praise God for that. That's incredible. incredible. incredible. Listen, we we had uh one of our student Listen, we we had uh one of our student Listen, we we had uh one of our student pastors stayed after back to school bash pastors stayed after back to school bash pastors stayed after back to school bash for 40 minutes with a group of guys just for 40 minutes with a group of guys just for 40 minutes with a group of guys just answering their faith questions. At the answering their faith questions. At the answering their faith questions. At the end of the night, two of them gave their end of the night, two of them gave their end of the night, two of them gave their life to Christ because they just had life to Christ because they just had life to Christ because they just had questions about Jesus. They bowed their questions about Jesus. They bowed their questions about Jesus. They bowed their life to Jesus. And this is my favorite life to Jesus. And this is my favorite life to Jesus. And this is my favorite one because it's just only God could do one because it's just only God could do one because it's just only God could do this. There's a day maker at our this. There's a day maker at our this. There's a day maker at our Hamilton Mill campus. His name's Derek. Hamilton Mill campus. His name's Derek. Hamilton Mill campus. His name's Derek. Serves in student ministry and he he Serves in student ministry and he he Serves in student ministry and he he reached out to his student pastor and reached out to his student pastor and reached out to his student pastor and said, "Listen, I'm not going to be able said, "Listen, I'm not going to be able said, "Listen, I'm not going to be able to be there at back- tochool bash. I to be there at back- tochool bash. I to be there at back- tochool bash. I know, I hate it, but my dad's flying know, I hate it, but my dad's flying know, I hate it, but my dad's flying into town and he's he's an atheist and into town and he's he's an atheist and into town and he's he's an atheist and he's not going to come to church and so he's not going to come to church and so he's not going to come to church and so I can't be there Wednesday night." Well, I can't be there Wednesday night." Well, I can't be there Wednesday night." Well, grandpa flies into town. They they meet grandpa flies into town. They they meet grandpa flies into town. They they meet up and Dererick's daughter is like, up and Dererick's daughter is like, up and Dererick's daughter is like, "Wait, this is back to school bash week.

"Wait, this is back to school bash week. "Wait, this is back to school bash week. I'm not missing that." And like only a I'm not missing that." And like only a I'm not missing that." And like only a granddaughter can do. She told her granddaughter can do. She told her granddaughter can do. She told her grandfather, "Hey, we're going to grandfather, "Hey, we're going to grandfather, "Hey, we're going to church." church." church." And so, dad, grandpa, and daughter all And so, dad, grandpa, and daughter all And so, dad, grandpa, and daughter all go to back to school bash. And at the go to back to school bash. And at the go to back to school bash. And at the end of the night, they're offering a end of the night, they're offering a end of the night, they're offering a salvation response moment like, "Listen, salvation response moment like, "Listen, salvation response moment like, "Listen, if you want to give your life to Jesus, if you want to give your life to Jesus, if you want to give your life to Jesus, stand up." up and a bunch of middle stand up." up and a bunch of middle stand up." up and a bunch of middle schoolers stood up schoolers stood up schoolers stood up and Dererick looked down the row and his and Dererick looked down the row and his and Dererick looked down the row and his dad Eddie stood up with a bunch of dad Eddie stood up with a bunch of dad Eddie stood up with a bunch of middle schoolers and said, "I need middle schoolers and said, "I need middle schoolers and said, "I need Jesus, too." And he gave his life to Jesus, too." And he gave his life to Jesus, too." And he gave his life to Jesus. Praise God. Jesus. Praise God. Jesus. Praise God. And listen, this this is what revival And listen, this this is what revival And listen, this this is what revival looks like. And and God's just getting looks like. And and God's just getting looks like. And and God's just getting started. In fact, welcome to church. started. In fact, welcome to church. started. In fact, welcome to church. This week is is sort of a big week in This week is is sort of a big week in This week is is sort of a big week in our calendar because the next three our calendar because the next three our calendar because the next three nights we have revival nights. We'll be nights we have revival nights. We'll be nights we have revival nights. We'll be gathering at 7 o'clock every night. gathering at 7 o'clock every night. gathering at 7 o'clock every night. Monday, there's Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Monday, there's Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Monday, there's Sunday, Monday, Tuesday across uh Lawrenceville and a couple across uh Lawrenceville and a couple across uh Lawrenceville and a couple other campuses that you'll know about. other campuses that you'll know about. other campuses that you'll know about. And and and the reality of that is every And and and the reality of that is every And and and the reality of that is every night's going to be a little bit unique. night's going to be a little bit unique. night's going to be a little bit unique. So, this is not like pick one like if So, this is not like pick one like if So, this is not like pick one like if you can be there, be there for all you can be there, be there for all you can be there, be there for all three. We think God's going to do three. We think God's going to do three. We think God's going to do something unique. Also, we're starting a something unique. Also, we're starting a something unique. Also, we're starting a liquid fast today after lunch. So, if liquid fast today after lunch. So, if liquid fast today after lunch. So, if you've never done a fast before, we've you've never done a fast before, we've you've never done a fast before, we've got some resources online you can look got some resources online you can look got some resources online you can look up online. Here's the point. We want to up online. Here's the point. We want to up online. Here's the point. We want to take authority over the appetites of our take authority over the appetites of our take authority over the appetites of our flesh.

flesh. flesh. We want to starve our flesh and say, We want to starve our flesh and say, We want to starve our flesh and say, "Jesus, only you can satisfy." And we're "Jesus, only you can satisfy." And we're "Jesus, only you can satisfy." And we're we're it's it's sort of a it's a it puts we're it's it's sort of a it's a it puts we're it's it's sort of a it's a it puts ourselves in a disposition of listen, ourselves in a disposition of listen, ourselves in a disposition of listen, when I am weak, you are strong. And and when I am weak, you are strong. And and when I am weak, you are strong. And and and and to me, when I fast, it's me and and to me, when I fast, it's me and and to me, when I fast, it's me saying, "God, I'm desperate for saying, "God, I'm desperate for saying, "God, I'm desperate for something more of you. And I hope you something more of you. And I hope you something more of you. And I hope you show up the next three nights show up the next three nights show up the next three nights desperate." And if you're a young adult, desperate." And if you're a young adult, desperate." And if you're a young adult, 18 to 25 years old, on Tuesday night 18 to 25 years old, on Tuesday night 18 to 25 years old, on Tuesday night after revival nights, we're going to after revival nights, we're going to after revival nights, we're going to break our fast together with a feast and break our fast together with a feast and break our fast together with a feast and a kickoff to what God's doing in that 18 a kickoff to what God's doing in that 18 a kickoff to what God's doing in that 18 to 25 year old world and in young to 25 year old world and in young to 25 year old world and in young adults. So, you're going to want to be adults. So, you're going to want to be adults. So, you're going to want to be there and be a part of that. So, for the there and be a part of that. So, for the there and be a part of that. So, for the past couple weeks, we've been walking past couple weeks, we've been walking past couple weeks, we've been walking through the book of Acts and revival and through the book of Acts and revival and through the book of Acts and revival and talking about what God's doing. And talking about what God's doing. And talking about what God's doing. And we're going to do the same thing today. we're going to do the same thing today. we're going to do the same thing today. And we've been using these three strands And we've been using these three strands And we've been using these three strands that are always present anytime God that are always present anytime God that are always present anytime God brings revival. They're also sort of the brings revival. They're also sort of the brings revival. They're also sort of the the language of what we would look at as the language of what we would look at as the language of what we would look at as a as a fully devoted follower, disciple a as a fully devoted follower, disciple a as a fully devoted follower, disciple of Jesus. And the three words, you've of Jesus. And the three words, you've of Jesus. And the three words, you've heard them already. Biblical knowledge. heard them already. Biblical knowledge. heard them already. Biblical knowledge. Pastor Steve taught last weekend. We're Pastor Steve taught last weekend. We're Pastor Steve taught last weekend. We're Bible people here. What the Bible says, Bible people here. What the Bible says, Bible people here. What the Bible says, we believe. Uh holy obedience. We're we believe. Uh holy obedience. We're we believe. Uh holy obedience. We're talking about that one today. And here's talking about that one today. And here's talking about that one today. And here's what that means. We don't just read the what that means. We don't just read the what that means. We don't just read the word, we do the word. There's an word, we do the word. There's an word, we do the word. There's an obedience required. And then lastly, we obedience required. And then lastly, we obedience required. And then lastly, we started with this one. Spiritual started with this one. Spiritual started with this one. Spiritual intimacy. that we believe you can know intimacy. that we believe you can know intimacy. that we believe you can know God, walk with God, you can actually God, walk with God, you can actually God, walk with God, you can actually have a relationship with God, not just have a relationship with God, not just have a relationship with God, not just as a foreign dictator in heaven, but as a foreign dictator in heaven, but as a foreign dictator in heaven, but your father in heaven that you can know.

your father in heaven that you can know. your father in heaven that you can know. And so I want to I want to start our And so I want to I want to start our And so I want to I want to start our conversation today around holy conversation today around holy conversation today around holy obedience. And if you have a Bible of obedience. And if you have a Bible of obedience. And if you have a Bible of your own, you can turn to Acts chapter your own, you can turn to Acts chapter your own, you can turn to Acts chapter 5. If you want to grab a worship center 5. If you want to grab a worship center 5. If you want to grab a worship center Bible, we're going to be in Acts chapter Bible, we're going to be in Acts chapter Bible, we're going to be in Acts chapter 5, starting in verse 29, worship center 5, starting in verse 29, worship center 5, starting in verse 29, worship center Bibles, page 939. Bibles, page 939. Bibles, page 939. And I want you to follow along with me And I want you to follow along with me And I want you to follow along with me because again when we read this, this is because again when we read this, this is because again when we read this, this is not my ideas. This is not my not my ideas. This is not my not my ideas. This is not my suggestions. This is God's word inspired suggestions. This is God's word inspired suggestions. This is God's word inspired and written by human hands, but inspired and written by human hands, but inspired and written by human hands, but inspired by the spirit of God. And we're talking by the spirit of God. And we're talking by the spirit of God. And we're talking about holy obedience. Acts 5 verse 29. about holy obedience. Acts 5 verse 29. about holy obedience. Acts 5 verse 29. And what happened right before these And what happened right before these And what happened right before these verses is that is that Peter and the verses is that is that Peter and the verses is that is that Peter and the apostles were teaching in the streets apostles were teaching in the streets apostles were teaching in the streets and the religious leaders called them in and the religious leaders called them in and the religious leaders called them in and said, ' Listen, you got to stop with and said, ' Listen, you got to stop with and said, ' Listen, you got to stop with all this Jesus stuff. Like, you better all this Jesus stuff. Like, you better all this Jesus stuff. Like, you better listen to us and stop preaching. And listen to us and stop preaching. And listen to us and stop preaching. And here's what their response is. In verse here's what their response is. In verse here's what their response is. In verse 29, Peter and the other apostles 29, Peter and the other apostles 29, Peter and the other apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than replied, "We must obey God rather than replied, "We must obey God rather than human beings." I could just stop there human beings." I could just stop there human beings." I could just stop there and go, "That's the teaching today.

and go, "That's the teaching today. and go, "That's the teaching today. We must obey God rather than human We must obey God rather than human We must obey God rather than human beings. The God of our ancestors raised beings. The God of our ancestors raised beings. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead whom you killed by Jesus from the dead whom you killed by Jesus from the dead whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him hanging him on a cross. God exalted him hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as prince and to his own right hand as prince and to his own right hand as prince and savior that he Jesus might bring Israel savior that he Jesus might bring Israel savior that he Jesus might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We to repentance and forgive their sins. We to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things. And so is are witnesses of these things. And so is are witnesses of these things. And so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to the Holy Spirit whom God has given to the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who what? To those who obey him. those who what? To those who obey him. those who what? To those who obey him. It's the reading of God's word and it it It's the reading of God's word and it it It's the reading of God's word and it it gets us into our conversation. Listen, gets us into our conversation. Listen, gets us into our conversation. Listen, there there's a there's a calling if you there there's a there's a calling if you there there's a there's a calling if you follow Jesus to not just walk in follow Jesus to not just walk in follow Jesus to not just walk in spiritual intimacy, not just be knowers spiritual intimacy, not just be knowers spiritual intimacy, not just be knowers like biblical knowledge, knowowers of like biblical knowledge, knowowers of like biblical knowledge, knowowers of the word, but to to live in holy the word, but to to live in holy the word, but to to live in holy obedience to God. And I I want to just obedience to God. And I I want to just obedience to God. And I I want to just be really clear off the top. Holy be really clear off the top. Holy be really clear off the top. Holy obedience doesn't mean sinless and obedience doesn't mean sinless and obedience doesn't mean sinless and perfect. Because if that was the perfect. Because if that was the perfect. Because if that was the standard, we're all in trouble. Myself standard, we're all in trouble. Myself standard, we're all in trouble. Myself included. Paul called himself the chief included. Paul called himself the chief included. Paul called himself the chief among sinners. The chief sinner. The guy among sinners. The chief sinner. The guy among sinners. The chief sinner. The guy who wrote the majority of the New who wrote the majority of the New who wrote the majority of the New Testament. So it's obviously not saying Testament. So it's obviously not saying Testament. So it's obviously not saying you're going to live perfectly. But it's you're going to live perfectly. But it's you're going to live perfectly. But it's a life that is striving to be holy as a life that is striving to be holy as a life that is striving to be holy as God is holy. And I want to today God is holy. And I want to today God is holy. And I want to today literally just teach us how do we live a literally just teach us how do we live a literally just teach us how do we live a life like this? How do we actually live life like this? How do we actually live life like this? How do we actually live out holy obedience? And there's three out holy obedience? And there's three out holy obedience? And there's three sort of ways that I want to help us sort of ways that I want to help us sort of ways that I want to help us understand it. I'll give you the first understand it. I'll give you the first understand it. I'll give you the first two now and we'll end with the third two now and we'll end with the third two now and we'll end with the third one. So here's the first two. How do we one. So here's the first two. How do we one. So here's the first two. How do we live holy obedience? First is this. We live holy obedience? First is this. We live holy obedience? First is this. We live in line with God's word and then we live in line with God's word and then we live in line with God's word and then we live in step with God's spirit. We live live in step with God's spirit. We live live in step with God's spirit. We live in line with God's word and then in step

in line with God's word and then in step in line with God's word and then in step with God's spirit. Let me just unpack with God's spirit. Let me just unpack with God's spirit. Let me just unpack those. Here's the first one. We live in those. Here's the first one. We live in those. Here's the first one. We live in line with God's word. When I say God's line with God's word. When I say God's line with God's word. When I say God's word, the Bible, word, the Bible, word, the Bible, there's great podcasts. There's great there's great podcasts. There's great there's great podcasts. There's great other books. There's Christian authors. other books. There's Christian authors. other books. There's Christian authors. There's church fathers. All great stuff. There's church fathers. All great stuff. There's church fathers. All great stuff. But at the end of the day, we believe But at the end of the day, we believe But at the end of the day, we believe this is the inspired uh perfect uh word this is the inspired uh perfect uh word this is the inspired uh perfect uh word of God that was given to us handed down. of God that was given to us handed down. of God that was given to us handed down. You can go look at the scrolls. You can You can go look at the scrolls. You can You can go look at the scrolls. You can go look at the Dead Sea Scrolls, go look at the Dead Sea Scrolls, go look at the Dead Sea Scrolls, historically accurate from all the way historically accurate from all the way historically accurate from all the way back. Pastor Steve talked about last back. Pastor Steve talked about last back. Pastor Steve talked about last weekend. Go rewatch if you missed it. weekend. Go rewatch if you missed it. weekend. Go rewatch if you missed it. But listen, we need to have biblical But listen, we need to have biblical But listen, we need to have biblical knowledge so we can know right from knowledge so we can know right from knowledge so we can know right from wrong. And we have to live in line with wrong. And we have to live in line with wrong. And we have to live in line with God's word. What is the authority of God's word. What is the authority of God's word. What is the authority of your life? It's a good question to ask your life? It's a good question to ask your life? It's a good question to ask because you can't be obedient to because you can't be obedient to because you can't be obedient to something that you don't know. And and something that you don't know. And and something that you don't know. And and just hearing, by the way, hearing the just hearing, by the way, hearing the just hearing, by the way, hearing the word obedient is like a cuss word in our word obedient is like a cuss word in our word obedient is like a cuss word in our culture. Imagine if someone walked up to culture. Imagine if someone walked up to culture. Imagine if someone walked up to you and go, "You're going to obey me." I you and go, "You're going to obey me." I you and go, "You're going to obey me." I don't care if they're doing the right don't care if they're doing the right don't care if they're doing the right thing. Something in me goes, "I'll do thing. Something in me goes, "I'll do thing. Something in me goes, "I'll do the opposite of whatever you're going to the opposite of whatever you're going to the opposite of whatever you're going to say just cuz you said it that way. Obey say just cuz you said it that way. Obey say just cuz you said it that way. Obey me. Uh, I'll do the other." If you have me. Uh, I'll do the other." If you have me. Uh, I'll do the other." If you have toddlers, good luck.

toddlers, good luck. toddlers, good luck. This word obedient is like, man, I I This word obedient is like, man, I I This word obedient is like, man, I I don't like the feeling of I have to be don't like the feeling of I have to be don't like the feeling of I have to be obedient to someone. I like making the obedient to someone. I like making the obedient to someone. I like making the rules. But if we're going to live in rules. But if we're going to live in rules. But if we're going to live in line with God's word, there has to be a line with God's word, there has to be a line with God's word, there has to be a true north of what is true and what is true north of what is true and what is true north of what is true and what is not. What is good and what is not, what not. What is good and what is not, what not. What is good and what is not, what is right and what is wrong. And God's is right and what is wrong. And God's is right and what is wrong. And God's word has all throughout it. In fact, in word has all throughout it. In fact, in word has all throughout it. In fact, in this unshakable season as a church, I'll this unshakable season as a church, I'll this unshakable season as a church, I'll I'll take us back to Matthew 7 where I'll take us back to Matthew 7 where I'll take us back to Matthew 7 where Jesus is talking. He's giving us a Jesus is talking. He's giving us a Jesus is talking. He's giving us a picture and a parable. And here's what picture and a parable. And here's what picture and a parable. And here's what he says. Therefore, everyone who hears he says. Therefore, everyone who hears he says. Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine, Jesus's words, and these words of mine, Jesus's words, and these words of mine, Jesus's words, and puts them into what? puts them into what? puts them into what? >> Let's try it again. puts them into >> Let's try it again. puts them into >> Let's try it again. puts them into >> practice, meaning obey them, living by >> practice, meaning obey them, living by >> practice, meaning obey them, living by them, is like a wise man who built his them, is like a wise man who built his them, is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. When the storms come, house on the rock. When the storms come, house on the rock. When the storms come, that one's going to survive equally. that one's going to survive equally. that one's going to survive equally. Verse 26, but everyone who hears these Verse 26, but everyone who hears these Verse 26, but everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into words of mine and does not put them into words of mine and does not put them into practice. It's like a foolish man who practice. It's like a foolish man who practice. It's like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. It all built his house on the sand. It all built his house on the sand. It all comes down to what you're building your comes down to what you're building your comes down to what you're building your life on. James in James 1:22 says it life on. James in James 1:22 says it life on. James in James 1:22 says it this way. Do not merely listen to the this way. Do not merely listen to the this way. Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. do what word and so deceive yourselves. do what word and so deceive yourselves. do what it says.

it says. it says. Actually live in obedience to the word. Actually live in obedience to the word. Actually live in obedience to the word. And and and here's the reality. There And and and here's the reality. There And and and here's the reality. There there's there's a world that we live in there's there's a world that we live in there's there's a world that we live in that is increasingly getting hostile to that is increasingly getting hostile to that is increasingly getting hostile to the word of God. the word of God. the word of God. And I don't mean this like they're the And I don't mean this like they're the And I don't mean this like they're the enemies. No, they're the they're the enemies. No, they're the they're the enemies. No, they're the they're the prize. We're chasing people far from prize. We're chasing people far from prize. We're chasing people far from God. We're not attacking people. We're God. We're not attacking people. We're God. We're not attacking people. We're we're fighting Satan, not people. We're we're fighting Satan, not people. We're we're fighting Satan, not people. We're fighting for truth. Equally, there's a fighting for truth. Equally, there's a fighting for truth. Equally, there's a world around us that has drift and world around us that has drift and world around us that has drift and deception and lies. And if if if you deception and lies. And if if if you deception and lies. And if if if you read God's word and then watch the read God's word and then watch the read God's word and then watch the world, it's getting more and more stark world, it's getting more and more stark world, it's getting more and more stark the difference. the difference. the difference. And for some of us, it is quite And for some of us, it is quite And for some of us, it is quite concerning. I I I'll put an optimistic concerning. I I I'll put an optimistic concerning. I I I'll put an optimistic spin on it, though. spin on it, though. spin on it, though. When I grew up 20 years ago, maybe the When I grew up 20 years ago, maybe the When I grew up 20 years ago, maybe the South would have been hard to tell the South would have been hard to tell the South would have been hard to tell the difference between a follower of Jesus difference between a follower of Jesus difference between a follower of Jesus and someone who didn't. People were sort and someone who didn't. People were sort and someone who didn't. People were sort of decent. We all followed the same of decent. We all followed the same of decent. We all followed the same stuff. Here's the good news. The more stuff. Here's the good news. The more stuff. Here's the good news. The more the world drifts into lies, the more the world drifts into lies, the more the world drifts into lies, the more clear it is what it looks like to follow clear it is what it looks like to follow clear it is what it looks like to follow Jesus. And equally, the longer we live Jesus. And equally, the longer we live Jesus. And equally, the longer we live in lies, the more we see the result of in lies, the more we see the result of in lies, the more we see the result of lies. And you see the payoff of lies.

lies. And you see the payoff of lies. lies. And you see the payoff of lies. And and and there's a world around us. And and and there's a world around us. And and and there's a world around us. Listen, that there's there's battle Listen, that there's there's battle Listen, that there's there's battle lines being drawn right now. All you can lines being drawn right now. All you can lines being drawn right now. All you can take your phone out and take a picture. take your phone out and take a picture. take your phone out and take a picture. I asked them to put all of them up there I asked them to put all of them up there I asked them to put all of them up there at one time just so you can see like the at one time just so you can see like the at one time just so you can see like the big picture. Like what does the Bible big picture. Like what does the Bible big picture. Like what does the Bible say about stuff? The Bible has something say about stuff? The Bible has something say about stuff? The Bible has something to say with truth about everything. If to say with truth about everything. If to say with truth about everything. If you if if you can't read it quick you if if you can't read it quick you if if you can't read it quick enough, you're not going to write it enough, you're not going to write it enough, you're not going to write it down quick enough certainly, but it snap down quick enough certainly, but it snap down quick enough certainly, but it snap a picture. Like biblical marriage Bible, a picture. Like biblical marriage Bible, a picture. Like biblical marriage Bible, the Bible from the beginning to the end the Bible from the beginning to the end the Bible from the beginning to the end has clear definitions of one man, one has clear definitions of one man, one has clear definitions of one man, one woman in a covenant for life. All woman in a covenant for life. All woman in a covenant for life. All through scripture, there's there's through scripture, there's there's through scripture, there's there's biblical sexuality. God's design for sex biblical sexuality. God's design for sex biblical sexuality. God's design for sex is within marriage with one person for is within marriage with one person for is within marriage with one person for all of your life and to live pure all of your life and to live pure all of your life and to live pure outside of marriage while you're waiting outside of marriage while you're waiting outside of marriage while you're waiting and looking. should inform how you date and looking. should inform how you date and looking. should inform how you date single folks. It should inform how you single folks. It should inform how you single folks. It should inform how you date married folks. It should inform how date married folks. It should inform how date married folks. It should inform how you do marriage and life. See, biblical you do marriage and life. See, biblical you do marriage and life. See, biblical identity that that the Bible actually identity that that the Bible actually identity that that the Bible actually shapes who you are in Christ. That we shapes who you are in Christ. That we shapes who you are in Christ. That we are imagebearers. Meaning every person are imagebearers. Meaning every person are imagebearers. Meaning every person walking this earth has the imo day, the walking this earth has the imo day, the walking this earth has the imo day, the image of God imprinted. So there's value image of God imprinted. So there's value image of God imprinted. So there's value in human life. Like the Bible talks in human life. Like the Bible talks in human life. Like the Bible talks about biblical character, honesty, about biblical character, honesty, about biblical character, honesty, integrity, humility, self-control, love, integrity, humility, self-control, love, integrity, humility, self-control, love, fruit of the spirit. Like the Bible has fruit of the spirit. Like the Bible has fruit of the spirit. Like the Bible has truth. There is absolute truth revealed truth. There is absolute truth revealed truth. There is absolute truth revealed in scripture. The world likes to say my in scripture. The world likes to say my in scripture. The world likes to say my truth. Sometimes I like to say my truth.

truth. Sometimes I like to say my truth. truth. Sometimes I like to say my truth. But the Bible says there is a truth. But the Bible says there is a truth. But the Bible says there is a truth. That then we talk about biblical That then we talk about biblical That then we talk about biblical priorities. Seek first his kingdom. priorities. Seek first his kingdom. priorities. Seek first his kingdom. First and best goes to King Jesus. It First and best goes to King Jesus. It First and best goes to King Jesus. It should inform your calendar, your should inform your calendar, your should inform your calendar, your budget, and your values. budget, and your values. budget, and your values. See, the Bible has truth. And if you See, the Bible has truth. And if you See, the Bible has truth. And if you want to live in holy obedience, you have want to live in holy obedience, you have want to live in holy obedience, you have to live in line with God's word. And to live in line with God's word. And to live in line with God's word. And I'll just ask as we go through the day. I'll just ask as we go through the day. I'll just ask as we go through the day. I I've been praying. Is there anywhere I I've been praying. Is there anywhere I I've been praying. Is there anywhere the Holy Spirit is convicting you? the Holy Spirit is convicting you? the Holy Spirit is convicting you? We're going to get to that in a minute. We're going to get to that in a minute. We're going to get to that in a minute. But the reality is you're choosing But the reality is you're choosing But the reality is you're choosing what are you going to bow your life to? what are you going to bow your life to? what are you going to bow your life to? Are you going to live in line with God's Are you going to live in line with God's Are you going to live in line with God's word? And is there anywhere you've word? And is there anywhere you've word? And is there anywhere you've hardened your heart? Because you see a hardened your heart? Because you see a hardened your heart? Because you see a list like that and there's usually one list like that and there's usually one list like that and there's usually one or two where you're like, I just pushed or two where you're like, I just pushed or two where you're like, I just pushed that one down because I don't want to that one down because I don't want to that one down because I don't want to play with that. I'll just do my own play with that. I'll just do my own play with that. I'll just do my own thing. 90% God's word. 10% I'll do my thing. 90% God's word. 10% I'll do my thing. 90% God's word. 10% I'll do my own thing. Careful. own thing. Careful. own thing. Careful. Jesus is not sharing. Jesus is not one Jesus is not sharing. Jesus is not one Jesus is not sharing. Jesus is not one of many. Jesus is either the king of of many. Jesus is either the king of of many. Jesus is either the king of your life or he's not.

your life or he's not. your life or he's not. See, we have to live in line with God's See, we have to live in line with God's See, we have to live in line with God's word. It's why we just read in Acts word. It's why we just read in Acts word. It's why we just read in Acts 5:29. We must obey God rather than human 5:29. We must obey God rather than human 5:29. We must obey God rather than human beings. And our world wants our beings. And our world wants our beings. And our world wants our allegiance, our compliance, and allegiance, our compliance, and allegiance, our compliance, and ultimately our obedience. I'll leave it there for now. First one, I'll leave it there for now. First one, live in line with God's word. Second, live in line with God's word. Second, live in line with God's word. Second, live in step with God's spirit. Here's live in step with God's spirit. Here's live in step with God's spirit. Here's the good news. You don't live out God's the good news. You don't live out God's the good news. You don't live out God's word in your own power and your own word in your own power and your own word in your own power and your own strength. strength. strength. If you're a follower of Jesus, when you If you're a follower of Jesus, when you If you're a follower of Jesus, when you bowed your life to Jesus, the Holy bowed your life to Jesus, the Holy bowed your life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit took up residence in you like the Spirit took up residence in you like the Spirit took up residence in you like the spirit of God fills your life, empowers spirit of God fills your life, empowers spirit of God fills your life, empowers you. And Jesus actually says it this way you. And Jesus actually says it this way you. And Jesus actually says it this way in John 16. But when he, the spirit of in John 16. But when he, the spirit of in John 16. But when he, the spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit comes, he will truth, the Holy Spirit comes, he will truth, the Holy Spirit comes, he will guide you into all the truth. Like the guide you into all the truth. Like the guide you into all the truth. Like the Holy Spirit is going to help guide you Holy Spirit is going to help guide you Holy Spirit is going to help guide you towards the truth of God. He will not towards the truth of God. He will not towards the truth of God. He will not speak on his own. He will speak only speak on his own. He will speak only speak on his own. He will speak only what he hears. And he will tell you what what he hears. And he will tell you what what he hears. And he will tell you what is yet to come. The role of the Holy is yet to come. The role of the Holy is yet to come. The role of the Holy Spirit is to guide you and to counsel Spirit is to guide you and to counsel Spirit is to guide you and to counsel you into the truth and to empower you to you into the truth and to empower you to you into the truth and to empower you to live out this holy obedience. But the live out this holy obedience. But the live out this holy obedience. But the question is, are we living in step with question is, are we living in step with question is, are we living in step with God's spirit? Not just in line with his God's spirit? Not just in line with his God's spirit? Not just in line with his word, but in step with his spirit.

word, but in step with his spirit. word, but in step with his spirit. Galatians 5, Paul unpacks sort of a Galatians 5, Paul unpacks sort of a Galatians 5, Paul unpacks sort of a picture of what it looks like to walk in picture of what it looks like to walk in picture of what it looks like to walk in step in partnership in stride with the step in partnership in stride with the step in partnership in stride with the spirit of God. Verse 16. So I say, walk spirit of God. Verse 16. So I say, walk spirit of God. Verse 16. So I say, walk by the spirit and you will not gratify by the spirit and you will not gratify by the spirit and you will not gratify the desires of your flesh. For the flesh the desires of your flesh. For the flesh the desires of your flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit desires what is contrary to the spirit desires what is contrary to the spirit and the spirit what is contrary to the and the spirit what is contrary to the and the spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each flesh. They are in conflict with each flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever other so that you are not to do whatever other so that you are not to do whatever you want. By the way, part of what we do you want. By the way, part of what we do you want. By the way, part of what we do when we fast is we acknowledge the when we fast is we acknowledge the when we fast is we acknowledge the conflict between my belly aching for conflict between my belly aching for conflict between my belly aching for food and my spirit wanting to feed me food and my spirit wanting to feed me food and my spirit wanting to feed me something different than food. See, something different than food. See, something different than food. See, they're they're they're at war with each they're they're they're at war with each they're they're they're at war with each other. They're in conflict. And then other. They're in conflict. And then other. They're in conflict. And then verse 24, he continues, "Those who verse 24, he continues, "Those who verse 24, he continues, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified belong to Christ Jesus have crucified belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with his passions and desires. the flesh with his passions and desires. the flesh with his passions and desires. Since we live by the spirit, let us keep Since we live by the spirit, let us keep Since we live by the spirit, let us keep in step with the spirit." See, the in step with the spirit." See, the in step with the spirit." See, the spirit of God wants to help you stay in spirit of God wants to help you stay in spirit of God wants to help you stay in step with God's truth, God's word, and step with God's truth, God's word, and step with God's truth, God's word, and with the Holy Spirit inside of you. But with the Holy Spirit inside of you. But with the Holy Spirit inside of you. But here's where we have to get real, and I here's where we have to get real, and I here's where we have to get real, and I want to get honest with us because want to get honest with us because want to get honest with us because listen, we fall short of God's truth all listen, we fall short of God's truth all listen, we fall short of God's truth all the time. The Bible calls that sin. And the time. The Bible calls that sin. And the time. The Bible calls that sin. And I'll give us a a clean definition from I'll give us a a clean definition from I'll give us a a clean definition from the teaching. Here's what I when I say the teaching. Here's what I when I say the teaching. Here's what I when I say sin, here's what I mean. When we get out sin, here's what I mean. When we get out sin, here's what I mean. When we get out of line with God's word and out of step of line with God's word and out of step of line with God's word and out of step with God's spirit.

with God's spirit. with God's spirit. See, here's the here here's the reality. See, here's the here here's the reality. See, here's the here here's the reality. If the Bible says something that this is If the Bible says something that this is If the Bible says something that this is true, this is good, this is right, or true, this is good, this is right, or true, this is good, this is right, or this is bad, this is a lie, or this is this is bad, this is a lie, or this is this is bad, this is a lie, or this is sin. If I do the thing that the Bible sin. If I do the thing that the Bible sin. If I do the thing that the Bible calls sin, I have now sinned and I'm out calls sin, I have now sinned and I'm out calls sin, I have now sinned and I'm out of line with God's word, I'm out of step of line with God's word, I'm out of step of line with God's word, I'm out of step with God's spirit. So, what do you do with God's spirit. So, what do you do with God's spirit. So, what do you do when that happens? Here's where I want when that happens? Here's where I want when that happens? Here's where I want to really actually teach us something as to really actually teach us something as to really actually teach us something as like how do we respond when we fall like how do we respond when we fall like how do we respond when we fall short? Because I I believe this is a short? Because I I believe this is a short? Because I I believe this is a pattern that we have to learn, repeat, pattern that we have to learn, repeat, pattern that we have to learn, repeat, and get familiar with because this is and get familiar with because this is and get familiar with because this is how God keeps us in line with his word how God keeps us in line with his word how God keeps us in line with his word and in step with his spirit. I'm going and in step with his spirit. I'm going and in step with his spirit. I'm going to give you three words. They're sort of to give you three words. They're sort of to give you three words. They're sort of Bible words, but I'll unpack them. Bible words, but I'll unpack them. Bible words, but I'll unpack them. Here's how it works. Conviction Here's how it works. Conviction Here's how it works. Conviction should lead to confession, which leads should lead to confession, which leads should lead to confession, which leads to repentance. Let's say those three to repentance. Let's say those three to repentance. Let's say those three words out loud here across the camps. words out loud here across the camps. words out loud here across the camps. It's like you're awake and like you're It's like you're awake and like you're It's like you're awake and like you're following. Three words. Here's the first following. Three words. Here's the first following. Three words. Here's the first one. Conviction. Confession. repentance. one. Conviction. Confession. repentance. one. Conviction. Confession. repentance. And I need you to understand how this And I need you to understand how this And I need you to understand how this works. If you're a follower of Jesus, works. If you're a follower of Jesus, works. If you're a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is inside of you. And the Holy Spirit is inside of you. And the Holy Spirit is inside of you. And when you sin, the Holy Spirit is is when you sin, the Holy Spirit is is when you sin, the Holy Spirit is is supposed to convict you. The Holy Spirit supposed to convict you. The Holy Spirit supposed to convict you. The Holy Spirit should make you feel conviction over should make you feel conviction over should make you feel conviction over sin. And and before you were a follower sin. And and before you were a follower sin. And and before you were a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit convicted you of Jesus, the Holy Spirit convicted you of Jesus, the Holy Spirit convicted you of your sin, which led to salvation.

of your sin, which led to salvation. of your sin, which led to salvation. You bowed the knee to Jesus. But once You bowed the knee to Jesus. But once You bowed the knee to Jesus. But once you're a follower of Jesus, the the Holy you're a follower of Jesus, the the Holy you're a follower of Jesus, the the Holy Spirit convicts you to sanctify you and Spirit convicts you to sanctify you and Spirit convicts you to sanctify you and make you more holy to live in holy make you more holy to live in holy make you more holy to live in holy obedience. Like you're not just trying obedience. Like you're not just trying obedience. Like you're not just trying to guess at this. The Holy Spirit should to guess at this. The Holy Spirit should to guess at this. The Holy Spirit should convict. In fact, in Acts, we've been convict. In fact, in Acts, we've been convict. In fact, in Acts, we've been walking through these stories. After walking through these stories. After walking through these stories. After Peter preached the first message, here's Peter preached the first message, here's Peter preached the first message, here's how the people described what the Holy how the people described what the Holy how the people described what the Holy Spirit did in them. When the people Spirit did in them. When the people Spirit did in them. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart heard this, they were cut to the heart heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other and said to Peter and the other and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" See, why is this moment significant? See, why is this moment significant? See, why is this moment significant? Because that's a great picture of Because that's a great picture of Because that's a great picture of conviction. conviction. conviction. When you fall short, when you sin, it's When you fall short, when you sin, it's When you fall short, when you sin, it's like a feeling of being cut to the like a feeling of being cut to the like a feeling of being cut to the heart. Like, oh my goodness, I did it heart. Like, oh my goodness, I did it heart. Like, oh my goodness, I did it again. I went back to that, man. I lost again. I went back to that, man. I lost again. I went back to that, man. I lost control of my temper again. control of my temper again. control of my temper again. You might say, man, I looked at that You might say, man, I looked at that You might say, man, I looked at that thing I shouldn't have looked at again, thing I shouldn't have looked at again, thing I shouldn't have looked at again, man. I went back to that addiction I man. I went back to that addiction I man. I went back to that addiction I shouldn't have gone back to. And you shouldn't have gone back to. And you shouldn't have gone back to. And you feel the the cut to the heart feeling. feel the the cut to the heart feeling. feel the the cut to the heart feeling. And when the Holy Spirit convicts you, And when the Holy Spirit convicts you, And when the Holy Spirit convicts you, you have to decide what your response is you have to decide what your response is you have to decide what your response is going to be. going to be. going to be. See, because from conviction, it goes to See, because from conviction, it goes to See, because from conviction, it goes to confession. And here's what confession confession. And here's what confession confession. And here's what confession is. Just admitting I'm wrong. God, I was is. Just admitting I'm wrong. God, I was is. Just admitting I'm wrong. God, I was I was wrong. You were You were right in I was wrong. You were You were right in I was wrong. You were You were right in this whole thing. We confessed. We were this whole thing. We confessed. We were this whole thing. We confessed. We were out of line with God's word, not out of out of line with God's word, not out of out of line with God's word, not out of step with God's spirit. And if you look step with God's spirit. And if you look step with God's spirit. And if you look back at that Acts verse and uh uh verse back at that Acts verse and uh uh verse back at that Acts verse and uh uh verse in vers in chapter 2, what was their in vers in chapter 2, what was their in vers in chapter 2, what was their response? They were cut to the heart.

response? They were cut to the heart. response? They were cut to the heart. And and they said to the apostles, And and they said to the apostles, And and they said to the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" That's "Brothers, what shall we do?" That's "Brothers, what shall we do?" That's their like verbalizing, confessing, all their like verbalizing, confessing, all their like verbalizing, confessing, all right, I've fallen short and I need right, I've fallen short and I need right, I've fallen short and I need Jesus. I need forgiveness. What do we do Jesus. I need forgiveness. What do we do Jesus. I need forgiveness. What do we do next? That's like the confession moment next? That's like the confession moment next? That's like the confession moment where you say, "God, I've fallen short." where you say, "God, I've fallen short." where you say, "God, I've fallen short." Cut to the heart would be conviction. Cut to the heart would be conviction. Cut to the heart would be conviction. And then when they spoke out loud, what And then when they spoke out loud, what And then when they spoke out loud, what shall we do? That's like their moment of shall we do? That's like their moment of shall we do? That's like their moment of confession. I need Jesus. And here's the confession. I need Jesus. And here's the confession. I need Jesus. And here's the good news. 1 John 18:9. good news. 1 John 18:9. good news. 1 John 18:9. This is a verse that's written to This is a verse that's written to This is a verse that's written to believers. By the way, if we claim to be believers. By the way, if we claim to be believers. By the way, if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and without sin, we deceive ourselves and without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we the truth is not in us. But if we the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he God is faithful and confess our sins, he God is faithful and confess our sins, he God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and just and will forgive us our sins and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. purify us from all unrighteousness. purify us from all unrighteousness. See, if you confess your sins, he will See, if you confess your sins, he will See, if you confess your sins, he will forgive you. He will purify you. See, forgive you. He will purify you. See, forgive you. He will purify you. See, conviction to confession. And lastly, conviction to confession. And lastly, conviction to confession. And lastly, repentance. And here's what repentance repentance. And here's what repentance repentance. And here's what repentance looks like. Repentance is if you're looks like. Repentance is if you're looks like. Repentance is if you're walking this direction, Holy Spirit walking this direction, Holy Spirit walking this direction, Holy Spirit convicts. You confess, I've fallen convicts. You confess, I've fallen convicts. You confess, I've fallen short. And it's like literally a short. And it's like literally a short. And it's like literally a changing of your mind and your will and changing of your mind and your will and changing of your mind and your will and I'm walking the other direction. Now, I'm walking the other direction. Now, I'm walking the other direction. Now, confession is where the action takes confession is where the action takes confession is where the action takes place. When I fall short, I I actually place. When I fall short, I I actually place. When I fall short, I I actually repent and get back in line with what repent and get back in line with what repent and get back in line with what God's doing. In fact, the very next God's doing. In fact, the very next God's doing. In fact, the very next verse in the Acts passage, Peter told verse in the Acts passage, Peter told verse in the Acts passage, Peter told them the answer. What shall we do? Peter them the answer. What shall we do? Peter them the answer. What shall we do? Peter said, listen, repent and then take your said, listen, repent and then take your said, listen, repent and then take your next step. Repent and be baptized for next step. Repent and be baptized for next step. Repent and be baptized for them, every one of you, in the name of them, every one of you, in the name of them, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your your sins and you'll receive the gift of your sins and you'll receive the gift of your sins and you'll receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. See, repent. When God's

the Holy Spirit. See, repent. When God's the Holy Spirit. See, repent. When God's gotten your attention, don't go back to gotten your attention, don't go back to gotten your attention, don't go back to what you were doing before. We repent. what you were doing before. We repent. what you were doing before. We repent. 2 Corinthians 5 says, "Therefore, if 2 Corinthians 5 says, "Therefore, if 2 Corinthians 5 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation anyone is in Christ, the new creation anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone. The new is has come. The old is gone. The new is has come. The old is gone. The new is here." I'll say it this way. Listen, here." I'll say it this way. Listen, here." I'll say it this way. Listen, repentance isn't punishment. repentance isn't punishment. repentance isn't punishment. It's permission to become someone new. It's permission to become someone new. It's permission to become someone new. New creation in Christ. But I need to be New creation in Christ. But I need to be New creation in Christ. But I need to be super clear today. You have an enemy as super clear today. You have an enemy as super clear today. You have an enemy as well. well. well. And you, I don't know where you believe. And you, I don't know where you believe. And you, I don't know where you believe. I don't know where you're at in your I don't know where you're at in your I don't know where you're at in your journey, but there is a spiritual world journey, but there is a spiritual world journey, but there is a spiritual world that is unseen, but is as real, if not that is unseen, but is as real, if not that is unseen, but is as real, if not more real, than the physical world. And more real, than the physical world. And more real, than the physical world. And we have an enemy. And here's here's the we have an enemy. And here's here's the we have an enemy. And here's here's the best way to explain what Satan, our best way to explain what Satan, our best way to explain what Satan, our enemy, does. Whatever God creates, Satan enemy, does. Whatever God creates, Satan enemy, does. Whatever God creates, Satan counterfeits. counterfeits. counterfeits. And Satan likes to take what God does And Satan likes to take what God does And Satan likes to take what God does and sort of put a twist on it, mess it and sort of put a twist on it, mess it and sort of put a twist on it, mess it up. It goes all the way back to the up. It goes all the way back to the up. It goes all the way back to the garden. Genesis 3. Did God really say garden. Genesis 3. Did God really say garden. Genesis 3. Did God really say that? He might have said this, but that? He might have said this, but that? He might have said this, but here's what he meant. That's all it here's what he meant. That's all it here's what he meant. That's all it took. And in this regard, listen, Satan took. And in this regard, listen, Satan took. And in this regard, listen, Satan likes to take what what the Holy Spirit likes to take what what the Holy Spirit likes to take what what the Holy Spirit wants to do in the life of a believer, wants to do in the life of a believer, wants to do in the life of a believer, which is conviction, and he likes to which is conviction, and he likes to which is conviction, and he likes to make it feel like shame.

make it feel like shame. make it feel like shame. See, when the Holy Spirit convicts, it's See, when the Holy Spirit convicts, it's See, when the Holy Spirit convicts, it's very different than shame. Let me just very different than shame. Let me just very different than shame. Let me just give you thoughts. Shame is past give you thoughts. Shame is past give you thoughts. Shame is past focused. Conviction is future focused. focused. Conviction is future focused. focused. Conviction is future focused. See, when God convicts, it's about See, when God convicts, it's about See, when God convicts, it's about helping you become. Shame looks at what helping you become. Shame looks at what helping you become. Shame looks at what you've done. When the Holy Spirit you've done. When the Holy Spirit you've done. When the Holy Spirit convicts, it says, "Look at who you convicts, it says, "Look at who you convicts, it says, "Look at who you could become." See, shame, shame says could become." See, shame, shame says could become." See, shame, shame says you'll never change. Conviction from the you'll never change. Conviction from the you'll never change. Conviction from the Holy Spirit says that's not who you are Holy Spirit says that's not who you are Holy Spirit says that's not who you are anymore. anymore. anymore. See, shame is full of despair. See, shame is full of despair. See, shame is full of despair. Conviction is full of hope. Shame Conviction is full of hope. Shame Conviction is full of hope. Shame creates negative thoughts about you. creates negative thoughts about you. creates negative thoughts about you. Conviction creates positive thoughts Conviction creates positive thoughts Conviction creates positive thoughts about who God is. Shame says, "Run and about who God is. Shame says, "Run and about who God is. Shame says, "Run and hide." Go back to Genesis 3. Run and hide." Go back to Genesis 3. Run and hide." Go back to Genesis 3. Run and hide. Conviction says, "Come home, son. hide. Conviction says, "Come home, son. hide. Conviction says, "Come home, son. Come home, daughter. See, shame never Come home, daughter. See, shame never Come home, daughter. See, shame never leads to lasting change. Conviction leads to lasting change. Conviction leads to lasting change. Conviction does. does. does. 2 Corinthians 7 says it plainly. Godly 2 Corinthians 7 says it plainly. Godly 2 Corinthians 7 says it plainly. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to sorrow brings repentance that leads to sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret. But salvation and leaves no regret. But salvation and leaves no regret. But worldly sorrow brings death.

worldly sorrow brings death. worldly sorrow brings death. See, when when the Holy Spirit convicts, See, when when the Holy Spirit convicts, See, when when the Holy Spirit convicts, the sorrow, the cut to the heart sorrow the sorrow, the cut to the heart sorrow the sorrow, the cut to the heart sorrow that it produces is not meant to leave that it produces is not meant to leave that it produces is not meant to leave us in shame or paralysis. It's sort of us in shame or paralysis. It's sort of us in shame or paralysis. It's sort of like labor pains. like labor pains. like labor pains. never experienced them. I don't want to. never experienced them. I don't want to. never experienced them. I don't want to. I'm grateful for the ladies and the moms I'm grateful for the ladies and the moms I'm grateful for the ladies and the moms of this church. Thank you for what you of this church. Thank you for what you of this church. Thank you for what you do. But labor pains are temporary and do. But labor pains are temporary and do. But labor pains are temporary and they're purposeful. they're purposeful. they're purposeful. See, conviction is like labor pains. See, conviction is like labor pains. See, conviction is like labor pains. It's temporary, purposeful, but orients It's temporary, purposeful, but orients It's temporary, purposeful, but orients towards God. And it gives birth to towards God. And it gives birth to towards God. And it gives birth to repentance, which turns and leads to repentance, which turns and leads to repentance, which turns and leads to forgiveness and leaves no regrets. forgiveness and leaves no regrets. forgiveness and leaves no regrets. Worldly sorrow is like birth pains Worldly sorrow is like birth pains Worldly sorrow is like birth pains without purpose and without a savior, without purpose and without a savior, without purpose and without a savior, and it only produces death. Listen, and it only produces death. Listen, and it only produces death. Listen, sometimes in the church we hear we hear sometimes in the church we hear we hear sometimes in the church we hear we hear descriptions about conviction and you descriptions about conviction and you descriptions about conviction and you think it's the same thing as shame. And think it's the same thing as shame. And think it's the same thing as shame. And I'm telling you, it's not. Satan calls I'm telling you, it's not. Satan calls I'm telling you, it's not. Satan calls you by your sin. God calls you by your you by your sin. God calls you by your you by your sin. God calls you by your name. name. name. And Satan says, "Listen, you should And Satan says, "Listen, you should And Satan says, "Listen, you should hide." What what the Holy Spirit does is hide." What what the Holy Spirit does is hide." What what the Holy Spirit does is you need to go to your heavenly father.

you need to go to your heavenly father. you need to go to your heavenly father. He'll forgive you. He'll restore you. He'll forgive you. He'll restore you. He'll forgive you. He'll restore you. He'll make you clean. You can be wiped He'll make you clean. You can be wiped He'll make you clean. You can be wiped clean again. You can be forgiven and clean again. You can be forgiven and clean again. You can be forgiven and restored. Don't go run and hide. and our restored. Don't go run and hide. and our restored. Don't go run and hide. and our our culture. We live in a world that our culture. We live in a world that our culture. We live in a world that says go hide when you mess up. And the says go hide when you mess up. And the says go hide when you mess up. And the kingdom's upside down. The kingdom, our kingdom's upside down. The kingdom, our kingdom's upside down. The kingdom, our king, King Jesus, our father in heaven, king, King Jesus, our father in heaven, king, King Jesus, our father in heaven, says come home. Don't run. says come home. Don't run. says come home. Don't run. Don't live in shame. He invites us in. Don't live in shame. He invites us in. Don't live in shame. He invites us in. And sometimes I think you need to And sometimes I think you need to And sometimes I think you need to understand this. Shame is not from God. understand this. Shame is not from God. understand this. Shame is not from God. It's from the enemy. But that does not It's from the enemy. But that does not It's from the enemy. But that does not mean that the Holy Spirit doesn't mean that the Holy Spirit doesn't mean that the Holy Spirit doesn't address our faults. address our faults. address our faults. He loves you, but he loves you too much He loves you, but he loves you too much He loves you, but he loves you too much to leave you how you are. Thank you, to leave you how you are. Thank you, to leave you how you are. Thank you, God. God. God. Holy obedience Holy obedience Holy obedience requires this pathway of when I fall requires this pathway of when I fall requires this pathway of when I fall short, the Holy Spirit convicts. Then I short, the Holy Spirit convicts. Then I short, the Holy Spirit convicts. Then I confess it. God, I've fallen short. Then confess it. God, I've fallen short. Then confess it. God, I've fallen short. Then I repent and the Holy Spirit empowers me I repent and the Holy Spirit empowers me I repent and the Holy Spirit empowers me to walk the other direction away from to walk the other direction away from to walk the other direction away from sin. And I'll just tell you personally, sin. And I'll just tell you personally, sin. And I'll just tell you personally, the biggest breakthroughs in my the biggest breakthroughs in my the biggest breakthroughs in my marriage, my personal character are a marriage, my personal character are a marriage, my personal character are a response to the Holy Spirit convicting response to the Holy Spirit convicting response to the Holy Spirit convicting me. And I'll be honest, I don't like the me. And I'll be honest, I don't like the me. And I'll be honest, I don't like the feeling of conviction.

And if you're honest, we go to great And if you're honest, we go to great lengths to avoid feeling convicted lengths to avoid feeling convicted lengths to avoid feeling convicted because it's not fun. because it's not fun. because it's not fun. Conviction is rarely fun because usually Conviction is rarely fun because usually Conviction is rarely fun because usually what the Holy Spirit convicts me of is what the Holy Spirit convicts me of is what the Holy Spirit convicts me of is my own selfishness, my own pride. my own selfishness, my own pride. my own selfishness, my own pride. And Amber can attest there's moments And Amber can attest there's moments And Amber can attest there's moments where her and I over the years have just where her and I over the years have just where her and I over the years have just been butting heads about something and I been butting heads about something and I been butting heads about something and I go to start praying about her. God, go to start praying about her. God, go to start praying about her. God, would you fix that woman? I don't know. would you fix that woman? I don't know. would you fix that woman? I don't know. And the Holy Spirit rarely gives me I And the Holy Spirit rarely gives me I And the Holy Spirit rarely gives me I don't I can't think of a time. Rarely don't I can't think of a time. Rarely don't I can't think of a time. Rarely gives me a conviction for my wife. gives me a conviction for my wife. gives me a conviction for my wife. I wish he would. It'd be awesome. Amber, I wish he would. It'd be awesome. Amber, I wish he would. It'd be awesome. Amber, I heard from the Lord. You need to fix I heard from the Lord. You need to fix I heard from the Lord. You need to fix some stuff. some stuff. some stuff. Usually the Holy Spirit whispers, Usually the Holy Spirit whispers, Usually the Holy Spirit whispers, "That's interesting." "That's interesting." "That's interesting." Thanks for bringing that to me, son. Um, Thanks for bringing that to me, son. Um, Thanks for bringing that to me, son. Um, let's talk about you for a minute. let's talk about you for a minute. let's talk about you for a minute. And I can tell when the Holy Spirit's And I can tell when the Holy Spirit's And I can tell when the Holy Spirit's convicted Amber and she can tell when convicted Amber and she can tell when convicted Amber and she can tell when the Holy Spirit's convicted me because the Holy Spirit's convicted me because the Holy Spirit's convicted me because it requires action. it requires action. it requires action. And often times I'll come out and come And often times I'll come out and come And often times I'll come out and come down and say, "Amber, I got to talk to down and say, "Amber, I got to talk to down and say, "Amber, I got to talk to you."

you." you." And I I hate being wrong, by the way. And I I hate being wrong, by the way. And I I hate being wrong, by the way. I'm a perfectionist. I'm a perfectionist. I'm a perfectionist. And I know you're you probably hope your And I know you're you probably hope your And I know you're you probably hope your pastor is so holy that this comes easy. pastor is so holy that this comes easy. pastor is so holy that this comes easy. It doesn't. It hurts. It doesn't. It hurts. It doesn't. It hurts. But I have to go to her and say, "Hey, I But I have to go to her and say, "Hey, I But I have to go to her and say, "Hey, I have to confess. I that was selfish. have to confess. I that was selfish. have to confess. I that was selfish. That was me centered. That was prideful. That was me centered. That was prideful. That was me centered. That was prideful. Will you forgive me Will you forgive me Will you forgive me for the things I said, for the actions I for the things I said, for the actions I for the things I said, for the actions I took or didn't take or should have took or didn't take or should have took or didn't take or should have taken?" And I I'll tell you this, how taken?" And I I'll tell you this, how taken?" And I I'll tell you this, how fast God restores a beauty and intimacy fast God restores a beauty and intimacy fast God restores a beauty and intimacy to a marriage when he convicts. Listen, to a marriage when he convicts. Listen, to a marriage when he convicts. Listen, the Holy Spirit wants to do that for all the Holy Spirit wants to do that for all the Holy Spirit wants to do that for all believers. He wants to convict you. Not believers. He wants to convict you. Not believers. He wants to convict you. Not to not to shame you, but conviction is to not to shame you, but conviction is to not to shame you, but conviction is proof that God's not given up on you. proof that God's not given up on you. proof that God's not given up on you. Like, if you feel conviction, it means Like, if you feel conviction, it means Like, if you feel conviction, it means God's not giving up on you. Thank God. God's not giving up on you. Thank God. God's not giving up on you. Thank God. In fact, I had a lady after church come In fact, I had a lady after church come In fact, I had a lady after church come up and ask me one Sunday. She's like, up and ask me one Sunday. She's like, up and ask me one Sunday. She's like, "Hey, I I just have an honest question." "Hey, I I just have an honest question." "Hey, I I just have an honest question." I love that she was honest. She said, "I I love that she was honest. She said, "I I love that she was honest. She said, "I think I'm a follower of Jesus, but I'm think I'm a follower of Jesus, but I'm think I'm a follower of Jesus, but I'm worried like I How do you know that you worried like I How do you know that you worried like I How do you know that you know?" Isn't that a good question?

know?" Isn't that a good question? know?" Isn't that a good question? Have you ever thought that question? Have you ever thought that question? Have you ever thought that question? Like, man, I'm doing a lot of stuff at Like, man, I'm doing a lot of stuff at Like, man, I'm doing a lot of stuff at church. I'm I'm around. I I read the church. I'm I'm around. I I read the church. I'm I'm around. I I read the word. Am I really a Christian? And we word. Am I really a Christian? And we word. Am I really a Christian? And we talked about a bunch of stuff, but talked about a bunch of stuff, but talked about a bunch of stuff, but here's what it really boiled down to. I here's what it really boiled down to. I here's what it really boiled down to. I said, "All right, let's let's do this. said, "All right, let's let's do this. said, "All right, let's let's do this. Do you feel conviction when you sin?" Do you feel conviction when you sin?" Do you feel conviction when you sin?" She said, "Oh my goodness, yes. I feel She said, "Oh my goodness, yes. I feel She said, "Oh my goodness, yes. I feel the weight of it all." I said, ' That's the weight of it all." I said, ' That's the weight of it all." I said, ' That's evidence that the Holy Spirit's at work evidence that the Holy Spirit's at work evidence that the Holy Spirit's at work in your life. Here's the scary thing. If in your life. Here's the scary thing. If in your life. Here's the scary thing. If if if you don't feel conviction over if if you don't feel conviction over if if you don't feel conviction over sin, sin, sin, I I'll I'm going to I'm going to say the I I'll I'm going to I'm going to say the I I'll I'm going to I'm going to say the tey thing because I love you enough. If tey thing because I love you enough. If tey thing because I love you enough. If you have not felt conviction over your you have not felt conviction over your you have not felt conviction over your sin in a while, I would start to sin in a while, I would start to sin in a while, I would start to honestly question, are you following honestly question, are you following honestly question, are you following Jesus or are you just going to church? Jesus or are you just going to church? Jesus or are you just going to church? Like if you can be comfortable in the Like if you can be comfortable in the Like if you can be comfortable in the thing that God hates, thing that God hates, thing that God hates, if you can have peace reveling in the if you can have peace reveling in the if you can have peace reveling in the thing that Jesus died to conquer, thing that Jesus died to conquer, thing that Jesus died to conquer, are you a follower of Jesus or are you are you a follower of Jesus or are you are you a follower of Jesus or are you just going to church? just going to church? just going to church? I don't say that as like I got you. I I don't say that as like I got you. I I don't say that as like I got you. I say that as like listen, when we have say that as like listen, when we have say that as like listen, when we have moments at the end to respond, you might moments at the end to respond, you might moments at the end to respond, you might need to come respond and say, "God, need to come respond and say, "God, need to come respond and say, "God, break my heart over sin again." Because break my heart over sin again." Because break my heart over sin again." Because if you've not felt conviction in a if you've not felt conviction in a if you've not felt conviction in a while, that's one of those moments where while, that's one of those moments where while, that's one of those moments where you go, you go, you go, your dashboard should be blinking. Let's your dashboard should be blinking. Let's your dashboard should be blinking. Let's just say that.

just say that. just say that. See, if you want to live out holy See, if you want to live out holy See, if you want to live out holy obedience, I gave you the first two. obedience, I gave you the first two. obedience, I gave you the first two. Live in line with God's word. Live in Live in line with God's word. Live in Live in line with God's word. Live in step with God's spirit. Here's the third step with God's spirit. Here's the third step with God's spirit. Here's the third one. You have to live in community with one. You have to live in community with one. You have to live in community with God's people. God's people. God's people. I I have not proven myself that I can I I have not proven myself that I can I I have not proven myself that I can consistently live out holy obedience in consistently live out holy obedience in consistently live out holy obedience in isolation. isolation. isolation. I don't live this out well. And let me I don't live this out well. And let me I don't live this out well. And let me just be I'll I'll speak for you. You just be I'll I'll speak for you. You just be I'll I'll speak for you. You don't either. don't either. don't either. You're a dangerous person when you're by You're a dangerous person when you're by You're a dangerous person when you're by yourself. yourself. yourself. Leave someone by themsel for long enough Leave someone by themsel for long enough Leave someone by themsel for long enough and there there's scary things that come and there there's scary things that come and there there's scary things that come on the other side of that. See, James on the other side of that. See, James on the other side of that. See, James 5:16 says this, "Therefore, confess your 5:16 says this, "Therefore, confess your 5:16 says this, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another sins to one another sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be and pray for one another that you may be and pray for one another that you may be healed." The prayer of a righteous healed." The prayer of a righteous healed." The prayer of a righteous person has great power. It's his person has great power. It's his person has great power. It's his working. Listen, you go to God for working. Listen, you go to God for working. Listen, you go to God for forgiveness. You go to God's people for forgiveness. You go to God's people for forgiveness. You go to God's people for healing and freedom. You were designed healing and freedom. You were designed healing and freedom. You were designed to bring your stuff, the real stuff, the to bring your stuff, the real stuff, the to bring your stuff, the real stuff, the places you fall short to God's people places you fall short to God's people places you fall short to God's people and for them to pray for you and there and for them to pray for you and there and for them to pray for you and there will be healing there. How does it work?

will be healing there. How does it work? will be healing there. How does it work? I don't fully know. It's the I don't fully know. It's the I don't fully know. It's the supernatural invitation of God, but I've supernatural invitation of God, but I've supernatural invitation of God, but I've watched it work. And if you look through watched it work. And if you look through watched it work. And if you look through the book of Acts, all throughout Acts, the book of Acts, all throughout Acts, the book of Acts, all throughout Acts, there's all these verses of them doing there's all these verses of them doing there's all these verses of them doing things together. Like very rarely, I things together. Like very rarely, I things together. Like very rarely, I couldn't find any places where people couldn't find any places where people couldn't find any places where people left and went by themselves to do left and went by themselves to do left and went by themselves to do anything. They went two by two in pairs anything. They went two by two in pairs anything. They went two by two in pairs or groups. Because listen, if you want or groups. Because listen, if you want or groups. Because listen, if you want to live holy obedience, you have to live to live holy obedience, you have to live to live holy obedience, you have to live in community with God's people. And and in community with God's people. And and in community with God's people. And and for us here at this church, when I say for us here at this church, when I say for us here at this church, when I say the word groups, I'm talking about the word groups, I'm talking about the word groups, I'm talking about spiritual community with God's people. spiritual community with God's people. spiritual community with God's people. It's just our word for it here. When I It's just our word for it here. When I It's just our word for it here. When I talk about groups, this is what I'm talk about groups, this is what I'm talk about groups, this is what I'm talking about. And in the book of Acts, talking about. And in the book of Acts, talking about. And in the book of Acts, all the time they did life together all the time they did life together all the time they did life together because they knew they could not because they knew they could not because they knew they could not consistently follow and obey God's word consistently follow and obey God's word consistently follow and obey God's word and stay in step with his spirit on and stay in step with his spirit on and stay in step with his spirit on their own in isolation. And I have their own in isolation. And I have their own in isolation. And I have personally been involved in watching personally been involved in watching personally been involved in watching what groups do in the life of people. what groups do in the life of people. what groups do in the life of people. I can't give you details of names I can't give you details of names I can't give you details of names because it would dishonor the beauty of because it would dishonor the beauty of because it would dishonor the beauty of what happens in groups, but I can give what happens in groups, but I can give what happens in groups, but I can give you the the scenarios. There's been you the the scenarios. There's been you the the scenarios. There's been probably four times in the last decade probably four times in the last decade probably four times in the last decade where a small group leader will will where a small group leader will will where a small group leader will will call me and say, 'Dude, we're going to call me and say, 'Dude, we're going to call me and say, 'Dude, we're going to do an intervention with one of our guys do an intervention with one of our guys do an intervention with one of our guys in our group. I'm like, "What's going in our group. I'm like, "What's going in our group. I'm like, "What's going down?" He's like, down?" He's like, down?" He's like, he's on the verge of making decisions he's on the verge of making decisions he's on the verge of making decisions that are going to blow up his marriage that are going to blow up his marriage that are going to blow up his marriage or his family or his character or his or his family or his character or his or his family or his character or his business, and he can't see it. We've business, and he can't see it. We've business, and he can't see it. We've tried the nice ways. We're all going to tried the nice ways. We're all going to tried the nice ways. We're all going to his house and I've been to guy's houses his house and I've been to guy's houses his house and I've been to guy's houses at 10 o'clock at night and the whole at 10 o'clock at night and the whole at 10 o'clock at night and the whole small group shows up, door knocks, he small group shows up, door knocks, he small group shows up, door knocks, he opens the door and he's like, "What are opens the door and he's like, "What are opens the door and he's like, "What are y'all do?" "No, no." Trying to shut the

y'all do?" "No, no." Trying to shut the y'all do?" "No, no." Trying to shut the door, saying words he'll have to ask door, saying words he'll have to ask door, saying words he'll have to ask forgiveness for afterwards. And we sat forgiveness for afterwards. And we sat forgiveness for afterwards. And we sat down. I said, "Listen, dude. We love you down. I said, "Listen, dude. We love you down. I said, "Listen, dude. We love you too much. You are blind to what you're too much. You are blind to what you're too much. You are blind to what you're about to destroy." about to destroy." about to destroy." And I I I'm I'm not too proud to tell And I I I'm I'm not too proud to tell And I I I'm I'm not too proud to tell you things we say. We say things like, you things we say. We say things like, you things we say. We say things like, "Do you want to walk your daughter down "Do you want to walk your daughter down "Do you want to walk your daughter down the aisle, or do you want a stepdad, the aisle, or do you want a stepdad, the aisle, or do you want a stepdad, too?" too?" too?" We say things like, "Do you want to look We say things like, "Do you want to look We say things like, "Do you want to look in the mirror at 60 and say, "What a in the mirror at 60 and say, "What a in the mirror at 60 and say, "What a waste of a life." waste of a life." waste of a life." Do you do you want to have to redo and Do you do you want to have to redo and Do you do you want to have to redo and rebuild a marriage with someone new? All rebuild a marriage with someone new? All rebuild a marriage with someone new? All the while, you're bringing all the junk the while, you're bringing all the junk the while, you're bringing all the junk in you into the new marriage anyway. in you into the new marriage anyway. in you into the new marriage anyway. What's broken is you, bro. What's broken is you, bro. What's broken is you, bro. And sometimes the Holy Spirit actually And sometimes the Holy Spirit actually And sometimes the Holy Spirit actually speaks through God's people. speaks through God's people. speaks through God's people. And I'm telling you, you're not above And I'm telling you, you're not above And I'm telling you, you're not above this. I've had moments where I could not this. I've had moments where I could not this. I've had moments where I could not see my blind pride. And I had to have see my blind pride. And I had to have see my blind pride. And I had to have people come alongside and shut my door people come alongside and shut my door people come alongside and shut my door and go, "Dude, and go, "Dude, and go, "Dude, you are destroying and pushing people you are destroying and pushing people you are destroying and pushing people away. You're destroying relationships.

away. You're destroying relationships. away. You're destroying relationships. Your pride is starting to leak." And I'm Your pride is starting to leak." And I'm Your pride is starting to leak." And I'm like, "What are you talking about?" And like, "What are you talking about?" And like, "What are you talking about?" And they have the hard conversations. See, they have the hard conversations. See, they have the hard conversations. See, when I say in community with God's when I say in community with God's when I say in community with God's people, this is not just sit around people, this is not just sit around people, this is not just sit around kumbaya. This is we go to battle kumbaya. This is we go to battle kumbaya. This is we go to battle together and for each other together and for each other together and for each other and you and I need this. Then you got and you and I need this. Then you got and you and I need this. Then you got the other side, the beauty of groups. the other side, the beauty of groups. the other side, the beauty of groups. And this week there's a family in our And this week there's a family in our And this week there's a family in our church, church, church, the Fusco family, the Fusco family, the Fusco family, Tom and Megan. One of their kids, Micah, Tom and Megan. One of their kids, Micah, Tom and Megan. One of their kids, Micah, is 10 years old. is 10 years old. is 10 years old. Kid's an athlete, man. Kid's an athlete, man. Kid's an athlete, man. They found something in his brain and They found something in his brain and They found something in his brain and they went and did the testing and it's they went and did the testing and it's they went and did the testing and it's cancer and it spread to a couple places cancer and it spread to a couple places cancer and it spread to a couple places and it's like if you're a parent, you're and it's like if you're a parent, you're and it's like if you're a parent, you're like, "Bro, this is the worst news." like, "Bro, this is the worst news." like, "Bro, this is the worst news." And word started to get out and text And word started to get out and text And word started to get out and text threads started flowing. People started threads started flowing. People started threads started flowing. People started praying. Here's what you need to know praying. Here's what you need to know praying. Here's what you need to know about Tom and Megan Fusco. They've been about Tom and Megan Fusco. They've been about Tom and Megan Fusco. They've been in small groups and even leading small in small groups and even leading small in small groups and even leading small groups for years at this church. They've groups for years at this church. They've groups for years at this church. They've been in spiritual community for years at been in spiritual community for years at been in spiritual community for years at this church. And when they went down to this church. And when they went down to this church. And when they went down to Choah with their son Micah, I want you Choah with their son Micah, I want you Choah with their son Micah, I want you to see this. Within like an hour, look to see this. Within like an hour, look to see this. Within like an hour, look at all these folks that showed up from at all these folks that showed up from at all these folks that showed up from past small groups in the lobby of Choah past small groups in the lobby of Choah past small groups in the lobby of Choah going, "All right, if you're going to going, "All right, if you're going to going, "All right, if you're going to battle, we're going with you.

battle, we're going with you. battle, we're going with you. You can't carry this on your own." And You can't carry this on your own." And You can't carry this on your own." And they just began to pray in that lobby they just began to pray in that lobby they just began to pray in that lobby together and they they put laid hands on together and they they put laid hands on together and they they put laid hands on them and they began to pray, "God, would them and they began to pray, "God, would them and they began to pray, "God, would you heal Micah? Would you protect you heal Micah? Would you protect you heal Micah? Would you protect Micah?" And here's here's what what the Micah?" And here's here's what what the Micah?" And here's here's what what the dad Tom said after he had some time to dad Tom said after he had some time to dad Tom said after he had some time to reflect and just being overwhelmed by reflect and just being overwhelmed by reflect and just being overwhelmed by all these people that showed up. He said all these people that showed up. He said all these people that showed up. He said this. He said, "You know, this is why this. He said, "You know, this is why this. He said, "You know, this is why you invest in community. For moments you invest in community. For moments you invest in community. For moments like this, when your world is turned like this, when your world is turned like this, when your world is turned upside down, having people show up for upside down, having people show up for upside down, having people show up for you, you just can't do life in a box. you, you just can't do life in a box. you, you just can't do life in a box. I hope that cuts to your heart. If I hope that cuts to your heart. If I hope that cuts to your heart. If you're living in isolation, like you you're living in isolation, like you you're living in isolation, like you might have friends on the ball field, might have friends on the ball field, might have friends on the ball field, but it's different than having spiritual but it's different than having spiritual but it's different than having spiritual community when you're chasing Jesus community when you're chasing Jesus community when you're chasing Jesus together. It's the people who call you together. It's the people who call you together. It's the people who call you on your sin, the people who show up to on your sin, the people who show up to on your sin, the people who show up to support you. In fact, I just felt support you. In fact, I just felt support you. In fact, I just felt depressed this week. If I'm going to depressed this week. If I'm going to depressed this week. If I'm going to talk about Micah and what they're going talk about Micah and what they're going talk about Micah and what they're going through and celebrate community around through and celebrate community around through and celebrate community around them, we should pause as a church and them, we should pause as a church and them, we should pause as a church and pray for him. pray for him. pray for him. So, I want to I don't know how it works So, I want to I don't know how it works So, I want to I don't know how it works in heaven, but if we could get the in heaven, but if we could get the in heaven, but if we could get the attention of heaven with the amount of attention of heaven with the amount of attention of heaven with the amount of voices that are praying, I would love to voices that are praying, I would love to voices that are praying, I would love to do that on behalf of this family. So, if do that on behalf of this family. So, if do that on behalf of this family. So, if you would, let's bow your heads you would, let's bow your heads you would, let's bow your heads together. And as I pray, if you're together. And as I pray, if you're together. And as I pray, if you're comfortable, you just under your breath.

comfortable, you just under your breath. comfortable, you just under your breath. His name's Micah. He's 10. There's His name's Micah. He's 10. There's His name's Micah. He's 10. There's cancer. And we don't know all the cancer. And we don't know all the cancer. And we don't know all the details yet. We're asking that the King details yet. We're asking that the King details yet. We're asking that the King of the universe would heal and restore. of the universe would heal and restore. of the universe would heal and restore. And we don't know what he'd do, but I And we don't know what he'd do, but I And we don't know what he'd do, but I know he can do it because I've seen him know he can do it because I've seen him know he can do it because I've seen him do it. So, heavenly father, first of all, thank So, heavenly father, first of all, thank you for the years of investment that you for the years of investment that you for the years of investment that they that the Fusco family put into they that the Fusco family put into they that the Fusco family put into community and thank you that your people community and thank you that your people community and thank you that your people showed up for them. Thank you for the showed up for them. Thank you for the showed up for them. Thank you for the church. church. church. Thank you for community. Thank you for community. Thank you for community. Holy Spirit, we pray right now that you Holy Spirit, we pray right now that you Holy Spirit, we pray right now that you would draw near to the brokenhearted. would draw near to the brokenhearted. would draw near to the brokenhearted. Would your presence invade the hospital Would your presence invade the hospital Would your presence invade the hospital rooms and the beeps and the machines and rooms and the beeps and the machines and rooms and the beeps and the machines and the the shots and the nurses? Would your the the shots and the nurses? Would your the the shots and the nurses? Would your presence be so near as they're walking presence be so near as they're walking presence be so near as they're walking through the weight of this diagnosis? through the weight of this diagnosis? through the weight of this diagnosis? Now, Jesus, we call you the great Now, Jesus, we call you the great Now, Jesus, we call you the great physician. And you can heal through physician. And you can heal through physician. And you can heal through medicine and you can heal heal through medicine and you can heal heal through medicine and you can heal heal through miracle. We'll take either one, but miracle. We'll take either one, but miracle. We'll take either one, but we're going to collectively ask Jesus, we're going to collectively ask Jesus, we're going to collectively ask Jesus, would you heal that boy? would you heal that boy? would you heal that boy? In the name of Jesus, we pray healing.

In the name of Jesus, we pray healing. In the name of Jesus, we pray healing. Would you shrink the tumors? Would you Would you shrink the tumors? Would you Would you shrink the tumors? Would you stop the spread? Would you stop the stop the spread? Would you stop the stop the spread? Would you stop the growth? growth? growth? Would you confound doctors at Showa with Would you confound doctors at Showa with Would you confound doctors at Showa with like, "Wait, where did it go?" Jesus, we don't know what you're going Jesus, we don't know what you're going to do because I've prayed and you've not to do because I've prayed and you've not to do because I've prayed and you've not answered and I've prayed and you've answered and I've prayed and you've answered and I've prayed and you've answered and I don't know what you're answered and I don't know what you're answered and I don't know what you're going to do. But we But you said keep going to do. But we But you said keep going to do. But we But you said keep knocking, keep asking, Holy Spirit, we knocking, keep asking, Holy Spirit, we knocking, keep asking, Holy Spirit, we pray you'd put that little boy's body pray you'd put that little boy's body pray you'd put that little boy's body into alignment. Every cell, there is no into alignment. Every cell, there is no into alignment. Every cell, there is no rogue cell in any human body in the rogue cell in any human body in the rogue cell in any human body in the universe. universe. universe. So, Holy Spirit, put those cells back in So, Holy Spirit, put those cells back in So, Holy Spirit, put those cells back in order. Heal and restore. order. Heal and restore. order. Heal and restore. And would you get glory and honor and And would you get glory and honor and And would you get glory and honor and praise through what you do in that boy's praise through what you do in that boy's praise through what you do in that boy's life in Jesus name? life in Jesus name? life in Jesus name? >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. So, as a church, that's what we do. So, I'm I'm going to make So, I'm I'm going to make groups a really big deal for the next groups a really big deal for the next groups a really big deal for the next five minutes. I said this in prayer. It's not in my I said this in prayer. It's not in my notes, but I'll just share. I get super notes, but I'll just share. I get super notes, but I'll just share. I get super insecure because it feels like if you're insecure because it feels like if you're insecure because it feels like if you're not careful, you're going to think I'm not careful, you're going to think I'm not careful, you're going to think I'm doing a commercial.

doing a commercial. doing a commercial. I don't know how to say it bluntly I don't know how to say it bluntly I don't know how to say it bluntly enough. It doesn't change my life one enough. It doesn't change my life one enough. It doesn't change my life one bit if you get in a group or not, bit if you get in a group or not, bit if you get in a group or not, but it changes everything about your but it changes everything about your but it changes everything about your life. life. life. And if you will put yourself in biblical And if you will put yourself in biblical And if you will put yourself in biblical community where where everybody in that community where where everybody in that community where where everybody in that group is imperfectly chasing Jesus, it's group is imperfectly chasing Jesus, it's group is imperfectly chasing Jesus, it's a domino that will knock down so many a domino that will knock down so many a domino that will knock down so many dominoes in your life. dominoes in your life. dominoes in your life. And I know what you're thinking. Oh my And I know what you're thinking. Oh my And I know what you're thinking. Oh my goodness. Jesus is now the whole thing goodness. Jesus is now the whole thing goodness. Jesus is now the whole thing was for groups. No, but yes, but no, but was for groups. No, but yes, but no, but was for groups. No, but yes, but no, but yes. yes. yes. Because you you have a sense in your Because you you have a sense in your Because you you have a sense in your soul that if you would, God would soul that if you would, God would soul that if you would, God would transform your life. And you know, you transform your life. And you know, you transform your life. And you know, you don't have the strength to do this on don't have the strength to do this on don't have the strength to do this on your own. Listen, I said it a couple your own. Listen, I said it a couple your own. Listen, I said it a couple weeks ago. I don't know anyone who blew weeks ago. I don't know anyone who blew weeks ago. I don't know anyone who blew up their life, who was in spiritual up their life, who was in spiritual up their life, who was in spiritual community, in a group, and just told the community, in a group, and just told the community, in a group, and just told the truth. I know people who were in a group truth. I know people who were in a group truth. I know people who were in a group and lied and blew their life up. And I and lied and blew their life up. And I and lied and blew their life up. And I know people that weren't in a group and know people that weren't in a group and know people that weren't in a group and blew their life up. I don't know anybody blew their life up. I don't know anybody blew their life up. I don't know anybody cuz there's brothers and sisters in that cuz there's brothers and sisters in that cuz there's brothers and sisters in that group that go that you got to stop.

group that go that you got to stop. group that go that you got to stop. That's going to end in destruction. What That's going to end in destruction. What That's going to end in destruction. What are you doing? Listen, this is God's are you doing? Listen, this is God's are you doing? Listen, this is God's word that you're you're drifting from word that you're you're drifting from word that you're you're drifting from it. What are we doing? Listen, COVID it. What are we doing? Listen, COVID it. What are we doing? Listen, COVID broke something in the soul of our broke something in the soul of our broke something in the soul of our nation. nation. nation. It broke it in our students. I again, It broke it in our students. I again, It broke it in our students. I again, I'm not, this is just my opinion. I I'm not, this is just my opinion. I I'm not, this is just my opinion. I think part of what God's doing in our think part of what God's doing in our think part of what God's doing in our student ministry right now is they took student ministry right now is they took student ministry right now is they took the brunt of isolation and they woke up the brunt of isolation and they woke up the brunt of isolation and they woke up and went, "This is awful. and went, "This is awful. and went, "This is awful. Online's great. It's not real life. Online's great. It's not real life. Online's great. It's not real life. My bedroom and video games were awesome My bedroom and video games were awesome My bedroom and video games were awesome for a minute and now some years later for a minute and now some years later for a minute and now some years later they're chasing after spiritual they're chasing after spiritual they're chasing after spiritual community. Co broke something and we community. Co broke something and we community. Co broke something and we have to push back. have to push back. have to push back. Two lines that we say here a lot that Two lines that we say here a lot that Two lines that we say here a lot that are true inside of groups. Listen, are true inside of groups. Listen, are true inside of groups. Listen, you're only as sick as your secrets. you're only as sick as your secrets. you're only as sick as your secrets. As soon as it comes to light, you're no As soon as it comes to light, you're no As soon as it comes to light, you're no longer sick because it's in the open and longer sick because it's in the open and longer sick because it's in the open and God can heal it, restore it. Your group God can heal it, restore it. Your group God can heal it, restore it. Your group can call you to more. And we say lonely can call you to more. And we say lonely can call you to more. And we say lonely is an emergency. is an emergency. is an emergency. Isolation is not a 411. It's a 911.

Isolation is not a 411. It's a 911. Isolation is not a 411. It's a 911. It's not like, "Hey, FYI, I'm alone." It's not like, "Hey, FYI, I'm alone." It's not like, "Hey, FYI, I'm alone." No, no, no. That's like alarm bells. And No, no, no. That's like alarm bells. And No, no, no. That's like alarm bells. And you are easy to pick off by the enemy you are easy to pick off by the enemy you are easy to pick off by the enemy when you're by yourself. when you're by yourself. when you're by yourself. And if you're not in a group, I'm coming And if you're not in a group, I'm coming And if you're not in a group, I'm coming hard after you because I love you and I hard after you because I love you and I hard after you because I love you and I want this for you. want this for you. want this for you. And And And what you might need to do before you can what you might need to do before you can what you might need to do before you can honestly raise your hand, say, "All honestly raise your hand, say, "All honestly raise your hand, say, "All right, I'm ready to get in a group." you right, I'm ready to get in a group." you right, I'm ready to get in a group." you might need to confess and repent. might need to confess and repent. might need to confess and repent. And I can say all these because I've And I can say all these because I've And I can say all these because I've lived all of these lived all of these lived all of these because here in a minute we're going to because here in a minute we're going to because here in a minute we're going to literally invite people to sign up for a literally invite people to sign up for a literally invite people to sign up for a group. Like there's this is a no excuses group. Like there's this is a no excuses group. Like there's this is a no excuses Sunday. If you want a group, you're Sunday. If you want a group, you're Sunday. If you want a group, you're going to have a group. So if you leave going to have a group. So if you leave going to have a group. So if you leave without a group, it's because you're without a group, it's because you're without a group, it's because you're deciding to go it alone. deciding to go it alone. deciding to go it alone. So you might need to confess and repent So you might need to confess and repent So you might need to confess and repent of pride and self-reliance. You think, "I got this." Let me just You think, "I got this." Let me just tell you, you don't got this. tell you, you don't got this. tell you, you don't got this. Not consistently.

Not consistently. Not consistently. You might need to confess and repent of You might need to confess and repent of You might need to confess and repent of busyiness and misprioritization. busyiness and misprioritization. busyiness and misprioritization. Have you noticed this? You make room for Have you noticed this? You make room for Have you noticed this? You make room for the things that are important to you. the things that are important to you. the things that are important to you. When your new show comes out, When your new show comes out, When your new show comes out, you cut to the heart yet? you cut to the heart yet? you cut to the heart yet? when that new show comes out, somehow when that new show comes out, somehow when that new show comes out, somehow you found two to three hours every night you found two to three hours every night you found two to three hours every night to binge watch it. to binge watch it. to binge watch it. Why? Because it's important to you. By Why? Because it's important to you. By Why? Because it's important to you. By the way, I'm not saying you shouldn't the way, I'm not saying you shouldn't the way, I'm not saying you shouldn't knock yourself out. I'm just saying knock yourself out. I'm just saying knock yourself out. I'm just saying don't pretend that you're not in a group don't pretend that you're not in a group don't pretend that you're not in a group because you're too busy. because you're too busy. because you're too busy. You might need to confess and repent of You might need to confess and repent of You might need to confess and repent of secrecy and isolation. secrecy and isolation. secrecy and isolation. >> You are ashamed and you don't want >> You are ashamed and you don't want >> You are ashamed and you don't want people to know. Or you think you're the people to know. Or you think you're the people to know. Or you think you're the only one. Look around the room, folks. only one. Look around the room, folks. only one. Look around the room, folks. You ain't the only one. You might have to confess and repent of You might have to confess and repent of passivity passivity passivity because it's so much easier in the because it's so much easier in the because it's so much easier in the moment to be passive.

moment to be passive. moment to be passive. But part of what we're doing in this But part of what we're doing in this But part of what we're doing in this month and through these next three month and through these next three month and through these next three nights and revival nights is we're nights and revival nights is we're nights and revival nights is we're trying to turn up the spiritual trying to turn up the spiritual trying to turn up the spiritual temperature and confessing and repenting. God, I've and confessing and repenting. God, I've been passive for too long. I've settled been passive for too long. I've settled been passive for too long. I've settled for less. You might you might be sitting for less. You might you might be sitting for less. You might you might be sitting there going, "Well, this is the best it there going, "Well, this is the best it there going, "Well, this is the best it gets. I'll just have to survive and get gets. I'll just have to survive and get gets. I'll just have to survive and get through it." And God's like, "No, my through it." And God's like, "No, my through it." And God's like, "No, my people people people can help you actually build a life on can help you actually build a life on can help you actually build a life on Jesus." Jesus." Jesus." See, in the book of Acts, they said, See, in the book of Acts, they said, See, in the book of Acts, they said, "Repent and then take your next step. Be "Repent and then take your next step. Be "Repent and then take your next step. Be baptized." I'll I'll This is not in the baptized." I'll I'll This is not in the baptized." I'll I'll This is not in the Bible, but let me just say it this way. Bible, but let me just say it this way. Bible, but let me just say it this way. You might need to repent and get in a You might need to repent and get in a You might need to repent and get in a group today. group today. group today. If you've been baptized, follower of If you've been baptized, follower of If you've been baptized, follower of Jesus, great. You did that. Get in a Jesus, great. You did that. Get in a Jesus, great. You did that. Get in a group. group. group. See, if Jesus is your savior, you have a See, if Jesus is your savior, you have a See, if Jesus is your savior, you have a new people that you belong to. So, here's what I want to invite all of So, here's what I want to invite all of us to do across the whole church. If us to do across the whole church. If us to do across the whole church. If everyone can stand up, that would be everyone can stand up, that would be everyone can stand up, that would be great. Go ahead and make the noise now. great. Go ahead and make the noise now. great. Go ahead and make the noise now. Stand up. And I want to invite you into Stand up. And I want to invite you into Stand up. And I want to invite you into something.

something. something. By the way, church is nowhere near done. By the way, church is nowhere near done. By the way, church is nowhere near done. I need you to settle in for a minute. I need you to settle in for a minute. I need you to settle in for a minute. Campus pastors, you can begin to join me Campus pastors, you can begin to join me Campus pastors, you can begin to join me on the stages because you're going to on the stages because you're going to on the stages because you're going to lead out this next moment. prayer teams, lead out this next moment. prayer teams, lead out this next moment. prayer teams, you can start to slide out across the you can start to slide out across the you can start to slide out across the front. We're going to do sing, bring, front. We're going to do sing, bring, front. We're going to do sing, bring, pray like normal, but I want to add a pray like normal, but I want to add a pray like normal, but I want to add a component to it. component to it. component to it. See, God's word demands a response. So, See, God's word demands a response. So, See, God's word demands a response. So, for some, it's going to be to sing. for some, it's going to be to sing. for some, it's going to be to sing. Like, we're going to lead you in Like, we're going to lead you in Like, we're going to lead you in worship, but you're going to sing. For worship, but you're going to sing. For worship, but you're going to sing. For some, it's going to be to bring. We're some, it's going to be to bring. We're some, it's going to be to bring. We're going to receive our offering by you going to receive our offering by you going to receive our offering by you bringing your first and best. By the bringing your first and best. By the bringing your first and best. By the way, your repentance might be this. way, your repentance might be this. way, your repentance might be this. You've drifted from Jesus being first You've drifted from Jesus being first You've drifted from Jesus being first and best. You can correct that today. and best. You can correct that today. and best. You can correct that today. Bring Bring Bring prayer. You might need to come get on prayer. You might need to come get on prayer. You might need to come get on your knees before God up at the front your knees before God up at the front your knees before God up at the front and make it an altar. Turn around in and make it an altar. Turn around in and make it an altar. Turn around in your seat. Make it an altar and say, your seat. Make it an altar and say, your seat. Make it an altar and say, "God, you've convicted me of something "God, you've convicted me of something "God, you've convicted me of something in my life where I'm drifting from your in my life where I'm drifting from your in my life where I'm drifting from your word or your spirit." If you confess is word or your spirit." If you confess is word or your spirit." If you confess is faithful to forgive you and purify you faithful to forgive you and purify you faithful to forgive you and purify you from all unrighteousness, it can be done from all unrighteousness, it can be done from all unrighteousness, it can be done today. Let me talk to the last group. If today. Let me talk to the last group. If today. Let me talk to the last group. If you are here and you're not in a group, you are here and you're not in a group, you are here and you're not in a group, we're going to invite you to repent, we're going to invite you to repent, we're going to invite you to repent, which again, what did I say? It's which again, what did I say? It's which again, what did I say? It's 180°ree turn. So you're looking forward 180°ree turn. So you're looking forward 180°ree turn. So you're looking forward right now. Repentance is to be turning right now. Repentance is to be turning right now. Repentance is to be turning around and we're going to get practical.

around and we're going to get practical. around and we're going to get practical. You're literally when everyone else is You're literally when everyone else is You're literally when everyone else is coming here, sing, bring, pray, and coming here, sing, bring, pray, and coming here, sing, bring, pray, and we're singing in the room. You're going we're singing in the room. You're going we're singing in the room. You're going to literally turn around and walk out to literally turn around and walk out to literally turn around and walk out the back. Your campus pastors are going the back. Your campus pastors are going the back. Your campus pastors are going to give you the details of that. You're to give you the details of that. You're to give you the details of that. You're going to repent by walking out the back going to repent by walking out the back going to repent by walking out the back and saying, "All right, I'm done. I need and saying, "All right, I'm done. I need and saying, "All right, I'm done. I need a group." We're going to have group a group." We're going to have group a group." We're going to have group leaders and pastors and staff, and leaders and pastors and staff, and leaders and pastors and staff, and they're going to guide you into that. they're going to guide you into that. they're going to guide you into that. This is a holy, sacred moment. I believe This is a holy, sacred moment. I believe This is a holy, sacred moment. I believe there will be people in a decade that there will be people in a decade that there will be people in a decade that look back to this day and say that was look back to this day and say that was look back to this day and say that was the day that I had a breakthrough the day that I had a breakthrough the day that I had a breakthrough because I finally got out of isolation because I finally got out of isolation because I finally got out of isolation and got with God's people and I began to and got with God's people and I began to and got with God's people and I began to live out holy obedience in a way I live out holy obedience in a way I live out holy obedience in a way I couldn't do by myself couldn't do by myself couldn't do by myself and I don't know how to give it more and I don't know how to give it more and I don't know how to give it more gravity than this. This could change gravity than this. This could change gravity than this. This could change your life. your life. your life. So pastors, you're going to lead out, So pastors, you're going to lead out, So pastors, you're going to lead out, sing, bring, pray, and you're going to sing, bring, pray, and you're going to sing, bring, pray, and you're going to tell us how we're going to respond, tell us how we're going to respond, tell us how we're going to respond, repent, and say yes to getting in a repent, and say yes to getting in a repent, and say yes to getting in a group. But if you're standing there and group. But if you're standing there and group. But if you're standing there and you're not in a group, I pray, Holy you're not in a group, I pray, Holy you're not in a group, I pray, Holy Spirit, would you convict? Would you Spirit, would you convict? Would you Spirit, would you convict? Would you awaken them right now to their need, not awaken them right now to their need, not awaken them right now to their need, not just for God, but for God's people? And just for God, but for God's people? And just for God, but for God's people? And would there be thousands of us at this would there be thousands of us at this would there be thousands of us at this church to get honest, church to get honest, church to get honest, walk out the back doors, repent, and get walk out the back doors, repent, and get walk out the back doors, repent, and get in a group, and would you change their in a group, and would you change their in a group, and would you change their life? marked them forever. So, pastors, life? marked them forever. So, pastors, life? marked them forever. So, pastors, would you lead us