The Letters of John: By This We Know

All right, good morning church. Let's All right, good morning church. Let's stand together. stand together. stand together. We're here to praise and magnify the We're here to praise and magnify the We're here to praise and magnify the name of Jesus. But before we begin, I name of Jesus. But before we begin, I name of Jesus. But before we begin, I want to read this passage over us. want to read this passage over us. want to read this passage over us. Psalm 100 simply says this, verse four, Psalm 100 simply says this, verse four, Psalm 100 simply says this, verse four, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to his courts with praise. Give thanks to his courts with praise. Give thanks to him [music] and bless his name. For the him [music] and bless his name. For the him [music] and bless his name. For the Lord is good. His steadfast love endures Lord is good. His steadfast love endures Lord is good. His steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all forever and his faithfulness to all forever and his faithfulness to all generations. Come on church, let's sing generations. Come on church, let's sing generations. Come on church, let's sing together. together. together. I'll praise in the valley and I'll I'll praise in the valley and I'll I'll praise in the valley and I'll praise on the mountain. [music] I'll praise when I'm sure. And I'll I'll praise when I'm sure. And I'll praise when I'm doubting. praise when I'm doubting. praise when I'm doubting. Lord, I'll praise when I'm numbered. Lord, I'll praise when I'm numbered. Lord, I'll praise when I'm numbered. I'll praise when surrounded. [singing] Cuz praise is the word Cuz praise is the word the enemy drowns in.

the enemy drowns in. the enemy drowns in. So as long as I'm breathing, I've got a So as long as I'm breathing, I've got a So as long as I'm breathing, I've got a reason [music] reason [music] reason [music] to pray. to pray. to pray. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. the Lord, oh my soul. I'll praise when I feel and I'll praise I'll praise when I feel and I'll praise I'll praise when I feel and I'll praise when I don't. [music] Yes, Lord. when I don't. [music] Yes, Lord. when I don't. [music] Yes, Lord. I'll pray cuz I know I'll pray cuz I know I'll pray cuz I know you're still in control. My praise is a weapon and it's more than My praise is a weapon and it's more than a sound. a sound. a sound. Lord, my praise is a shout [music] that Lord, my praise is a shout [music] that Lord, my praise is a shout [music] that brings Jero down. So as long as I'm breathing, I've got a So as long as I'm breathing, I've got a [music] reason to praise the Lord. Oh my soul, the Lord. Oh my soul, praise the Lord. Oh my soul, the Lord. Oh my soul, [music] how will be quiet? My God is [music] how will be quiet? My God is [music] how will be quiet? My God is alive. How could I keep you inside?

Oh my soul. Oh my soul. God, we praise you today because you are God, we praise you today because you are God, we praise you today because you are who you say that you are. You're who you say that you are. You're who you say that you are. You're sovereign. You reign. Jesus. You rose sovereign. You reign. Jesus. You rose sovereign. You reign. Jesus. You rose and you defeated the grave. You have all and you defeated the grave. You have all and you defeated the grave. You have all power in your hands. We celebrate that power in your hands. We celebrate that power in your hands. We celebrate that as we sing these words. Come on church, as we sing these words. Come on church, as we sing these words. Come on church, let's sing together. Our praise comes. let's sing together. Our praise comes. let's sing together. Our praise comes. Praise God. Come on, tell [music] them. Praise God. Come on, tell [music] them. Praise God. Come on, tell [music] them. And praise God you rose and your feet in And praise God you rose and your feet in And praise God you rose and your feet in the grave. Our praise cuz you're the grave. Our praise cuz you're the grave. Our praise cuz you're faithful. Praise God. You're true. faithful. Praise God. You're true. faithful. Praise God. You're true. Praise God. [music] There's nobody Praise God. [music] There's nobody Praise God. [music] There's nobody greater than you. I praise cuz you're greater than you. I praise cuz you're greater than you. I praise cuz you're sovereign. Praise God cuz you praise you sovereign. Praise God cuz you praise you sovereign. Praise God cuz you praise you rose and defeated [music] the grave. I rose and defeated [music] the grave. I rose and defeated [music] the grave. I praise God cuz you're faithful. Praise praise God cuz you're faithful. Praise praise God cuz you're faithful. Praise God cuz it's true. Praise God. There's God cuz it's true. Praise God. There's God cuz it's true. Praise God. There's nobody greater than you. Praise the Lord. Oh my soul. Tell your soul to the Lord. Oh my soul. Tell your soul to bless him. Praise. bless him. Praise. bless him. Praise. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. Praise the Lord, oh my soul.

the Lord, oh my soul. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. the Lord, oh my soul. I won't be quiet. My God is alive. How I won't be quiet. My God is alive. How I won't be quiet. My God is alive. How could I keep it inside? could I keep it inside? could I keep it inside? Oh, I won't be quiet. My God is alive. Oh, I won't be quiet. My God is alive. Oh, I won't be quiet. My God is alive. How could I keep it inside? How could I keep it inside? How could I keep it inside? I won't be quiet. [music] My God is I won't be quiet. [music] My God is I won't be quiet. [music] My God is alive. How could I keep it inside? alive. How could I keep it inside? alive. How could I keep it inside? Praise the Lord. Oh my soul. [music] Repeat the Lord. Oh my soul. [music] Repeat after me. Let everything that has after me. Let everything that has after me. Let everything that has broken. Praise the Lord. Praise the broken. Praise the Lord. Praise the broken. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Let everything Lord. Let everything Lord. Let everything that has broken. Praise the Lord. Praise that has broken. Praise the Lord. Praise that has broken. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, oh my soul.

the Lord, oh my soul. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. the Lord, oh my soul. I won't be quiet. My God is [music] I won't be quiet. My God is [music] I won't be quiet. My God is [music] alive. How could I keep it inside? Come on, church, let's give him praise. Come on, church, let's give him praise. Yeah. Amen. Yeah. Amen. Yeah. Amen. Amen. Church, as we continue our series Amen. Church, as we continue our series Amen. Church, as we continue our series in the letter letters of John, [music] in the letter letters of John, [music] in the letter letters of John, [music] um we actually wrote a song that is um we actually wrote a song that is um we actually wrote a song that is aimed toward this series that speaks of aimed toward this series that speaks of aimed toward this series that speaks of unity [music] unity [music] unity [music] and love and us being one with Christ. and love and us being one with Christ. and love and us being one with Christ. So, I want to teach you guys the chorus So, I want to teach you guys the chorus So, I want to teach you guys the chorus of that song. Um, and as we sing it, uh, of that song. Um, and as we sing it, uh, of that song. Um, and as we sing it, uh, as you catch the melody, just begin to as you catch the melody, just begin to as you catch the melody, just begin to sing that with me. So, we're going to sing that with me. So, we're going to sing that with me. So, we're going to start with the chorus. It goes like start with the chorus. It goes like start with the chorus. It goes like this. And we are your church. this. And we are your church. this. And we are your church. We are your bride. We are your bride. We are your bride. We are your people. We are your people. We are your people. You've brought back [singing] to life.

You've brought back [singing] to life. You've brought back [singing] to life. And though [music] there is darkness, And though [music] there is darkness, And though [music] there is darkness, we've seen a great light. we've seen a great light. we've seen a great light. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. [singing] [singing] [singing] Lord, as we sing this, may you be Lord, as we sing this, may you be Lord, as we sing this, may you be glorified. May you be magnified. King glorified. May you be magnified. King glorified. May you be magnified. King Jesus, help us, Lord, to be a unified Jesus, help us, Lord, to be a unified Jesus, help us, Lord, to be a unified body of believers in [music] Jesus name. body of believers in [music] Jesus name. body of believers in [music] Jesus name. Amen. Amen. We are united by the [music and singing] We are united by the [music and singing] blood of Jesus. blood of Jesus. blood of Jesus. We are the [singing] branches of the one We are the [singing] branches of the one We are the [singing] branches of the one true vine. true vine. true vine. We come together. This is We come together. This is We come together. This is [music and singing] what we're made for. [music and singing] what we're made for. [music and singing] what we're made for. To know and [music] love you and To know and [music] love you and To know and [music] love you and [singing] be unified. We will [music] proclaim all that you We will [music] proclaim all that you have [singing] done have [singing] done have [singing] done until [music] the day we will see your until [music] the day we will see your until [music] the day we will see your son.

We are your church. We are your church. We are your bride. [music] We are your bride. [music] We are your bride. [music] We are [singing] your people. You've We are [singing] your people. You've We are [singing] your people. You've brought back to life. brought back to life. brought back to life. Though there is darkness, [music] Though there is darkness, [music] Though there is darkness, [music] we've seen a great light. we've seen a great light. we've seen a great light. We're children of proise. We're children of proise. We're children of proise. We're one with Christ. [music] God, help [singing and music] us serve God, help [singing and music] us serve each other with pure motives. each other with pure motives. each other with pure motives. Come change our [music and singing] Come change our [music and singing] Come change our [music and singing] hearts to pursue your peace. hearts to pursue your peace. hearts to pursue your peace. Lead us [singing] to lay up right down Lead us [singing] to lay up right down Lead us [singing] to lay up right down at the altar. at the altar. at the altar. So through [music] your people all So through [music] your people all So through [music] your people all division division division cease. cease. cease. [music] [music] [music] Your will be done. Let your kingom come Your will be done. Let your kingom come Your will be done. Let your kingom come until the day we will [music] see your until the day we will [music] see your until the day we will [music] see your son.

son. son. We rest assured that we will see your We rest assured that we will see your We rest assured that we will see your side. [music] We are your church. We are your church. We are your bride. We are your bride. We are your bride. We are your people. You brought back the We are your people. You brought back the We are your people. You brought back the light. light. light. Though there is darkness, [music] Though there is darkness, [music] Though there is darkness, [music] we see the great light. we see the great light. we see the great light. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. We are a church. We are a church. We are a church. We are the bright. We are the bright. We are the bright. We are the people We are the people We are the people you brought back to life. you brought back to life. you brought back to life. Though there is darkness, we see the Though there is darkness, we see the Though there is darkness, we see the great light. great light. great light. Where children of promise will with Where children of promise will with Where children of promise will with Christ.

One body, One body, one [singing] spirit. one [singing] spirit. one [singing] spirit. One God and father over all. One God and father over all. One God and father over all. One [singing and music] gospel, One [singing and music] gospel, One [singing and music] gospel, one freedom, one freedom, one freedom, one hope that [singing] will one hope that [singing] will one hope that [singing] will everlastior, one redeemer, one redeemer, one earth from beginning to end. [music] One treasure, One treasure, one heaven, one heaven, one heaven, one hope for every time triing nation. We are your church. We are your church. We are your bride. We are your bride. We are your bride. We are your people. We are your people. We are your people. You brought us to life. You brought us to life. You brought us to life. Though there is darkness, we see the Though there is darkness, we see the Though there is darkness, we see the great light.

great light. great light. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. We are a church. We are a church. We are a church. We are a bright. We are a bright. We are a bright. We are your people. You brought back the We are your people. You brought back the We are your people. You brought back the light. light. light. Though there is darkness, we see a great Though there is darkness, we see a great Though there is darkness, we see a great light. light. light. We're children of proise. We're children of proise. We're children of proise. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. We're children of promise. [singing] We're children of promise. [singing] We're children of promise. [singing] [music] We're one with Christ. >> Jesus Christ. Thank you for being >> Jesus Christ. Thank you for being the spotless lamb.

the spotless lamb. the spotless lamb. Thank you for being the righteous one. Thank you for being the righteous one. Thank you for being the righteous one. Thank you for being Thank you for being Thank you for being the one who would come and seek and save the one who would come and seek and save the one who would come and seek and save that which was lost. Lord, you came. You that which was lost. Lord, you came. You that which was lost. Lord, you came. You pursued us. pursued us. pursued us. And Lord, we get to sing those words, And Lord, we get to sing those words, And Lord, we get to sing those words, Lord, in faith, knowing that we are Lord, in faith, knowing that we are Lord, in faith, knowing that we are yours. We get to sing that as a unified yours. We get to sing that as a unified yours. We get to sing that as a unified body, believing, Lord, that body, believing, Lord, that body, believing, Lord, that you're the God that is going to return you're the God that is going to return you're the God that is going to return for us. But you're also the God that for us. But you're also the God that for us. But you're also the God that moves and shakes things up even now. moves and shakes things up even now. moves and shakes things up even now. [music] So Lord, as we now hear from [music] So Lord, as we now hear from [music] So Lord, as we now hear from your word, would you speak through our your word, would you speak through our your word, would you speak through our brother? Would you speak through our brother? Would you speak through our brother? Would you speak through our pastor? Lord, would you allow us to walk pastor? Lord, would you allow us to walk pastor? Lord, would you allow us to walk out of here differently than the way we out of here differently than the way we out of here differently than the way we showed up today? Let us all walk out showed up today? Let us all walk out showed up today? Let us all walk out wanting to love others and love you wanting to love others and love you wanting to love others and love you more. We love you, Lord. Thank you for more. We love you, Lord. Thank you for more. We love you, Lord. Thank you for this time in Jesus name. And the church this time in Jesus name. And the church this time in Jesus name. And the church [music] said, "Amen." Amen. Y'all can go [music] said, "Amen." Amen. Y'all can go [music] said, "Amen." Amen. Y'all can go ahead and take a seat. >> Amen. Good morning, church. Welcome to >> Amen. Good morning, church. Welcome to our gathering this morning. My name's our gathering this morning. My name's our gathering this morning. My name's Ross. It's just always a joy and a Ross. It's just always a joy and a Ross. It's just always a joy and a privilege and a delight to get to share privilege and a delight to get to share privilege and a delight to get to share God's word with you. If you have your God's word with you. If you have your God's word with you. If you have your Bibles, 1 John chapter 2 and verse three Bibles, 1 John chapter 2 and verse three Bibles, 1 John chapter 2 and verse three is where we will jump in this morning.

is where we will jump in this morning. is where we will jump in this morning. and we're in our third week um in our and we're in our third week um in our and we're in our third week um in our study of John's epistles. It's not too study of John's epistles. It's not too study of John's epistles. It's not too late to grab yourself a guide. Please do late to grab yourself a guide. Please do late to grab yourself a guide. Please do that um in the lobby on the way out. Um that um in the lobby on the way out. Um that um in the lobby on the way out. Um and just grab one of those. It's the and just grab one of those. It's the and just grab one of those. It's the best way for you to be able to read best way for you to be able to read best way for you to be able to read ahead and share what you've learned with ahead and share what you've learned with ahead and share what you've learned with others and just make sure that uh we're others and just make sure that uh we're others and just make sure that uh we're not just hearers of God's word, but not just hearers of God's word, but not just hearers of God's word, but doers of that word as well. Let it doers of that word as well. Let it doers of that word as well. Let it really take root in our hearts. Have you really take root in our hearts. Have you really take root in our hearts. Have you ever been dismayed um at Christians who ever been dismayed um at Christians who ever been dismayed um at Christians who seem determined to behave so seem determined to behave so seem determined to behave so uncchristianly? uncchristianly? uncchristianly? Have you ever felt that uh how people Have you ever felt that uh how people Have you ever felt that uh how people can be passionate and zealous believers can be passionate and zealous believers can be passionate and zealous believers in Jesus and still kind of jerks at the in Jesus and still kind of jerks at the in Jesus and still kind of jerks at the same time who don't seem to live out at same time who don't seem to live out at same time who don't seem to live out at all the ways that he taught? Um ever all the ways that he taught? Um ever all the ways that he taught? Um ever wondered how you can do the same? You're wondered how you can do the same? You're wondered how you can do the same? You're like, "Well, now you're my business, like, "Well, now you're my business, like, "Well, now you're my business, right?" Because it's easy when we go right?" Because it's easy when we go right?" Because it's easy when we go like, "Why are they like that?" It's a like, "Why are they like that?" It's a like, "Why are they like that?" It's a little harder when we go, why are we little harder when we go, why are we little harder when we go, why are we like this? And then it's even harder like this? And then it's even harder like this? And then it's even harder when we go, but why am I like that?

when we go, but why am I like that? when we go, but why am I like that? Right? And so we'll all have examples of Right? And so we'll all have examples of Right? And so we'll all have examples of why are they like that? Why do they make why are they like that? Why do they make why are they like that? Why do they make the claims of Christ and behave so the claims of Christ and behave so the claims of Christ and behave so uncchristianly? But if we're honest, uncchristianly? But if we're honest, uncchristianly? But if we're honest, we'll also have some of that spotlight we'll also have some of that spotlight we'll also have some of that spotlight shine on us. And this duality, this shine on us. And this duality, this shine on us. And this duality, this ability that we have to make the claims ability that we have to make the claims ability that we have to make the claims of Christ and his kingdom and yet not of Christ and his kingdom and yet not of Christ and his kingdom and yet not live out his teachings and his commands live out his teachings and his commands live out his teachings and his commands and his uh and his instructions to us. and his uh and his instructions to us. and his uh and his instructions to us. This duality is exactly what John's This duality is exactly what John's This duality is exactly what John's going to try attack. And he's going to going to try attack. And he's going to going to try attack. And he's going to attack it head on in the text today, but attack it head on in the text today, but attack it head on in the text today, but he's going to do it through a circular he's going to do it through a circular he's going to do it through a circular argument that we're going to need to argument that we're going to need to argument that we're going to need to work through together. All right, work through together. All right, work through together. All right, remember that this first letter is remember that this first letter is remember that this first letter is written to this group of small churches written to this group of small churches written to this group of small churches somewhere in the region of Ephesus. in somewhere in the region of Ephesus. in somewhere in the region of Ephesus. in the latter part of the first century. the latter part of the first century. the latter part of the first century. And what have they been battling? And what have they been battling? And what have they been battling? They've been battling a heresy around They've been battling a heresy around They've been battling a heresy around the physicality, around the fleshliness, the physicality, around the fleshliness, the physicality, around the fleshliness, around the here and nowness of their around the here and nowness of their around the here and nowness of their faith. False teachers were claiming to faith. False teachers were claiming to faith. False teachers were claiming to have spiritual knowledge, spiritual have spiritual knowledge, spiritual have spiritual knowledge, spiritual understanding. And so they were claiming understanding. And so they were claiming understanding. And so they were claiming that they could spiritualize Jesus. And that they could spiritualize Jesus. And that they could spiritualize Jesus. And in so they uh in doing so they were in so they uh in doing so they were in so they uh in doing so they were promoting the lie that says that a promoting the lie that says that a promoting the lie that says that a spiritual life the spiritual life that spiritual life the spiritual life that spiritual life the spiritual life that you want is actually an escape from the you want is actually an escape from the you want is actually an escape from the everyday realities of life. And if you everyday realities of life. And if you everyday realities of life. And if you follow the logic through that means that follow the logic through that means that follow the logic through that means that there can be a separation from what you there can be a separation from what you there can be a separation from what you believe to be true and even experience believe to be true and even experience believe to be true and even experience to be true in the spiritual realm. And to be true in the spiritual realm. And to be true in the spiritual realm. And that can be separated out from the that can be separated out from the that can be separated out from the reality of how you live your life in the reality of how you live your life in the reality of how you live your life in the here and now.

here and now. here and now. It can be separated out from how you It can be separated out from how you It can be separated out from how you treat other people. It can be separated treat other people. It can be separated treat other people. It can be separated out from how you work your job, how you out from how you work your job, how you out from how you work your job, how you how you spend your time and your money, how you spend your time and your money, how you spend your time and your money, how you draw up and live out an ethic how you draw up and live out an ethic how you draw up and live out an ethic and a morality for yourself and for and a morality for yourself and for and a morality for yourself and for those around you. That was the heresy those around you. That was the heresy those around you. That was the heresy that had gained traction in the church that had gained traction in the church that had gained traction in the church and it's an ongoing heresy that we still and it's an ongoing heresy that we still and it's an ongoing heresy that we still fight today. And John the Apostle says fight today. And John the Apostle says fight today. And John the Apostle says no. He says, "If you belong to God, it no. He says, "If you belong to God, it no. He says, "If you belong to God, it must change the way you behave must change the way you behave must change the way you behave as a result." If you belong to him, it as a result." If you belong to him, it as a result." If you belong to him, it must change the way you behave. And so, must change the way you behave. And so, must change the way you behave. And so, the message today is going to be so the message today is going to be so the message today is going to be so remarkably simple, and I won't bury the remarkably simple, and I won't bury the remarkably simple, and I won't bury the lead. Here's what's John's going to say lead. Here's what's John's going to say lead. Here's what's John's going to say again and again. If you know God, you again and again. If you know God, you again and again. If you know God, you will obey God. And if you obey God, you will obey God. And if you obey God, you will obey God. And if you obey God, you will love other people. will love other people. will love other people. If you know God, like know him, you will If you know God, like know him, you will If you know God, like know him, you will obey him, right? Because remember, obey him, right? Because remember, obey him, right? Because remember, they're going like, "Oh, I've got a they're going like, "Oh, I've got a they're going like, "Oh, I've got a special spiritual knowledge of God. I've special spiritual knowledge of God. I've special spiritual knowledge of God. I've got a special spiritual knowledge of got a special spiritual knowledge of got a special spiritual knowledge of Christ. I've had this experience."

Christ. I've had this experience." Christ. I've had this experience." Right? And he would say, "Well, okay, Right? And he would say, "Well, okay, Right? And he would say, "Well, okay, maybe the test is, has it led to maybe the test is, has it led to maybe the test is, has it led to obedience? obedience? obedience? Do you do what he commands?" And they go Do you do what he commands?" And they go Do you do what he commands?" And they go like, "Well, what does obedience look like, "Well, what does obedience look like, "Well, what does obedience look like?" He goes, "Well, here's one of the like?" He goes, "Well, here's one of the like?" He goes, "Well, here's one of the simplest ways to look at that. Do you simplest ways to look at that. Do you simplest ways to look at that. Do you love as he loved? Do you love other love as he loved? Do you love other love as he loved? Do you love other people?" They might go, "Okay, that's people?" They might go, "Okay, that's people?" They might go, "Okay, that's very simple logic flow. I'm looking very simple logic flow. I'm looking very simple logic flow. I'm looking forward to a very short sermon today. forward to a very short sermon today. forward to a very short sermon today. Um, and that suggests you and I have Um, and that suggests you and I have Um, and that suggests you and I have never met, right? Because the simplicity never met, right? Because the simplicity never met, right? Because the simplicity is caught up in a logic flow that isn't is caught up in a logic flow that isn't is caught up in a logic flow that isn't easy to dissect or see at first. And so easy to dissect or see at first. And so easy to dissect or see at first. And so my hope today is to strip it down to its my hope today is to strip it down to its my hope today is to strip it down to its bare bones and let the text do its work bare bones and let the text do its work bare bones and let the text do its work that way. But let me say a couple of that way. But let me say a couple of that way. But let me say a couple of things just before we read this things just before we read this things just before we read this beautifully simple and really complex beautifully simple and really complex beautifully simple and really complex text together so that we can get at the text together so that we can get at the text together so that we can get at the heart of what John is saying. Couple of heart of what John is saying. Couple of heart of what John is saying. Couple of things. Firstly, John has revealed three things. Firstly, John has revealed three things. Firstly, John has revealed three big truths in our study. so far and he's big truths in our study. so far and he's big truths in our study. so far and he's going to revisit them. Right? And so going to revisit them. Right? And so going to revisit them. Right? And so this isn't just me trying to fill up an this isn't just me trying to fill up an this isn't just me trying to fill up an intro. This is important to have in our intro. This is important to have in our intro. This is important to have in our minds because he's going to take these minds because he's going to take these minds because he's going to take these he's going to consider these as logic he's going to consider these as logic he's going to consider these as logic that he's already laid down. Right? So that he's already laid down. Right? So that he's already laid down. Right? So far he has said God is light and in him far he has said God is light and in him far he has said God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. Right?

there is no darkness at all. Right? there is no darkness at all. Right? That's where he started off. God is That's where he started off. God is That's where he started off. God is light and in him there's no darkness at light and in him there's no darkness at light and in him there's no darkness at all. Secondly, he says this is all. Secondly, he says this is all. Secondly, he says this is unbelievable. God has selfdisclosed to unbelievable. God has selfdisclosed to unbelievable. God has selfdisclosed to the world. I've taken that phrase from the world. I've taken that phrase from the world. I've taken that phrase from John Sto. God has self-disclosed to the John Sto. God has self-disclosed to the John Sto. God has self-disclosed to the world in a palpable and tangible way in world in a palpable and tangible way in world in a palpable and tangible way in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Uh the person and work of Jesus Christ. Uh the person and work of Jesus Christ. Uh because you could go, okay, God is because you could go, okay, God is because you could go, okay, God is light. That's kind of abstract. That's light. That's kind of abstract. That's light. That's kind of abstract. That's not something that I can contain or not something that I can contain or not something that I can contain or understand. He says, no, no, but he has understand. He says, no, no, but he has understand. He says, no, no, but he has selfexposed what that light is actually selfexposed what that light is actually selfexposed what that light is actually like in the person and work of Jesus like in the person and work of Jesus like in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The light has shone in the Christ. The light has shone in the Christ. The light has shone in the darkness in Jesus. And the darkness has darkness in Jesus. And the darkness has darkness in Jesus. And the darkness has not, will not, will never overcome that not, will not, will never overcome that not, will not, will never overcome that light. Right? But then he's also said light. Right? But then he's also said light. Right? But then he's also said the life of faith then is a life of the life of faith then is a life of the life of faith then is a life of living in the reality of that light. God living in the reality of that light. God living in the reality of that light. God has self-disclosed and so we must too if has self-disclosed and so we must too if has self-disclosed and so we must too if we are going to be with him. That's why we are going to be with him. That's why we are going to be with him. That's why we spoke about repentance last week. God we spoke about repentance last week. God we spoke about repentance last week. God has self-disclosed. Here's what I'm has self-disclosed. Here's what I'm has self-disclosed. Here's what I'm like. I'm like my son. In response to like. I'm like my son. In response to like. I'm like my son. In response to that light, we don't hide in the that light, we don't hide in the that light, we don't hide in the darkness. We step into the light and darkness. We step into the light and darkness. We step into the light and say, well, here's what I'm really like.

say, well, here's what I'm really like. say, well, here's what I'm really like. I'm not like your son. I'm not like your son. I'm not like your son. And so now what do we do? Well, I repent And so now what do we do? Well, I repent And so now what do we do? Well, I repent and he meets us with mercy and with and he meets us with mercy and with and he meets us with mercy and with righteousness. Right? This means that righteousness. Right? This means that righteousness. Right? This means that living in the light means that living in the light means that living in the light means that Christians have nothing to hide and Christians have nothing to hide and Christians have nothing to hide and nothing hidden to fear because we can be nothing hidden to fear because we can be nothing hidden to fear because we can be known and seen as we really are and can known and seen as we really are and can known and seen as we really are and can be loved like that. Right? So those are be loved like that. Right? So those are be loved like that. Right? So those are the three things that he said so far. the three things that he said so far. the three things that he said so far. Secondly though, before we get into the Secondly though, before we get into the Secondly though, before we get into the text, John's logic flow. I've already text, John's logic flow. I've already text, John's logic flow. I've already warned you. It's different from what we warned you. It's different from what we warned you. It's different from what we might be used to, especially if you read might be used to, especially if you read might be used to, especially if you read um Paul a lot, right? I like Paul a lot um Paul a lot, right? I like Paul a lot um Paul a lot, right? I like Paul a lot and I really like John, but they they and I really like John, but they they and I really like John, but they they write really differently. Paul is quite write really differently. Paul is quite write really differently. Paul is quite linear in his approach. Most of Paul's linear in his approach. Most of Paul's linear in his approach. Most of Paul's writing flows in his epistles go A, B, writing flows in his epistles go A, B, writing flows in his epistles go A, B, C, D, quit your sinning, tell everyone C, D, quit your sinning, tell everyone C, D, quit your sinning, tell everyone what's up, please send my cloak, E. what's up, please send my cloak, E. what's up, please send my cloak, E. Right, that's the the logic flow. You Right, that's the the logic flow. You Right, that's the the logic flow. You can you can follow along with it quite can you can follow along with it quite can you can follow along with it quite easily. John presents in a circular way easily. John presents in a circular way easily. John presents in a circular way like a climber on Mount Everest, I'm like a climber on Mount Everest, I'm like a climber on Mount Everest, I'm told. Never been there. Um he keeps told. Never been there. Um he keeps told. Never been there. Um he keeps coming back to prior points before coming back to prior points before coming back to prior points before moving on to new ones, right? You don't moving on to new ones, right? You don't moving on to new ones, right? You don't just go straight up the mountain. You go just go straight up the mountain. You go just go straight up the mountain. You go up and then you come back down and you up and then you come back down and you up and then you come back down and you go up a bit further and you come back go up a bit further and you come back go up a bit further and you come back down. And so his flow is more like a A down. And so his flow is more like a A down. And so his flow is more like a A again ab, right? Then A then AB and then again ab, right? Then A then AB and then again ab, right? Then A then AB and then AB and a little bit of C. You're like, AB and a little bit of C. You're like, AB and a little bit of C. You're like, "Okay, we're moving." Then he's like, "Okay, we're moving." Then he's like, "Okay, we're moving." Then he's like, "A, right?" And so he keeps moving back "A, right?" And so he keeps moving back "A, right?" And so he keeps moving back like that and eventually makes his his like that and eventually makes his his like that and eventually makes his his logic flow. But the best diagram of it

logic flow. But the best diagram of it logic flow. But the best diagram of it is like circular, right? I love how God is like circular, right? I love how God is like circular, right? I love how God knows we have different thinking and knows we have different thinking and knows we have different thinking and learning patterns and styles and learning patterns and styles and learning patterns and styles and personalities. But all that to say, personalities. But all that to say, personalities. But all that to say, don't get lost today in John's circling. don't get lost today in John's circling. don't get lost today in John's circling. He's recapping a lot. Kind of like this He's recapping a lot. Kind of like this He's recapping a lot. Kind of like this intro, right? Which is a useful reminder intro, right? Which is a useful reminder intro, right? Which is a useful reminder to me to get a move on. Right. Last to me to get a move on. Right. Last to me to get a move on. Right. Last thing for me to say before I read the thing for me to say before I read the thing for me to say before I read the text. This will serve and is designed to serve This will serve and is designed to serve as both comfort as both comfort as both comfort and confrontation. and confrontation. and confrontation. Comfort and confrontation. Some of you Comfort and confrontation. Some of you Comfort and confrontation. Some of you need comfort today. The text is going to need comfort today. The text is going to need comfort today. The text is going to ask a big question. Do you know God? Are ask a big question. Do you know God? Are ask a big question. Do you know God? Are you part of his family? Right? And some you part of his family? Right? And some you part of his family? Right? And some of you go like, I don't know. I'm so of you go like, I don't know. I'm so of you go like, I don't know. I'm so beat up. I don't know. I hope so. I'm beat up. I don't know. I hope so. I'm beat up. I don't know. I hope so. I'm trying to obey him. I'm doing my best. trying to obey him. I'm doing my best. trying to obey him. I'm doing my best. Right? Why does my rebellion remain? And Right? Why does my rebellion remain? And Right? Why does my rebellion remain? And John's logic, if you follow it, is going John's logic, if you follow it, is going John's logic, if you follow it, is going to say, "Hey, your desire to obey him is to say, "Hey, your desire to obey him is to say, "Hey, your desire to obey him is actually a comfort that you are his. And actually a comfort that you are his. And actually a comfort that you are his. And so, keep going. His love's being so, keep going. His love's being so, keep going. His love's being perfected in you." He's going to say, perfected in you." He's going to say, perfected in you." He's going to say, but some of you but some of you but some of you are living such segmented lives between are living such segmented lives between are living such segmented lives between the claims of the faith in here and the the claims of the faith in here and the the claims of the faith in here and the way you actually live out there that the way you actually live out there that the way you actually live out there that the text will confront you today if you text will confront you today if you text will confront you today if you allow it to. Please allow it to let it allow it to. Please allow it to let it allow it to. Please allow it to let it do its work. All right, you ready? Verse do its work. All right, you ready? Verse do its work. All right, you ready? Verse three. Here we go. One, dude. Ready? Um, three. Here we go. One, dude. Ready? Um, three. Here we go. One, dude. Ready? Um, amazing. I'll take it. That's all I amazing. I'll take it. That's all I amazing. I'll take it. That's all I need. I just need tiny snippets of need. I just need tiny snippets of need. I just need tiny snippets of encouragement. I don't need a rockus

encouragement. I don't need a rockus encouragement. I don't need a rockus place. Just one guy. And I'm like, we place. Just one guy. And I'm like, we place. Just one guy. And I'm like, we got an audience. Let's go. By this, we know that we have come to By this, we know that we have come to know him. John's playing with heretics know him. John's playing with heretics know him. John's playing with heretics here. It's kind of cool, actually. here. It's kind of cool, actually. here. It's kind of cool, actually. They're talking about secrets, right? They're talking about secrets, right? They're talking about secrets, right? Gnostics, knowledge. No, here's how I Gnostics, knowledge. No, here's how I Gnostics, knowledge. No, here's how I know God. I know God in a way you don't know God. I know God in a way you don't know God. I know God in a way you don't know God because I've experienced these know God because I've experienced these know God because I've experienced these mysteries, right? Or I understand these mysteries, right? Or I understand these mysteries, right? Or I understand these deep intellectual arguments. And John deep intellectual arguments. And John deep intellectual arguments. And John goes, "Okay, this is how you know that goes, "Okay, this is how you know that goes, "Okay, this is how you know that you have come to know him. How do you you have come to know him. How do you you have come to know him. How do you know that you're actually walking with know that you're actually walking with know that you're actually walking with God the Father and the power of Jesus God the Father and the power of Jesus God the Father and the power of Jesus Christ? If we keep his commandments." Christ? If we keep his commandments." Christ? If we keep his commandments." We're like, "What? We're like, "What? We're like, "What? We were hoping for something way more We were hoping for something way more We were hoping for something way more spectacular than that." He's like, "No, spectacular than that." He's like, "No, spectacular than that." He's like, "No, no. If you do what he tells you to do, no. If you do what he tells you to do, no. If you do what he tells you to do, whoever says, "I know him," but does not whoever says, "I know him," but does not whoever says, "I know him," but does not keep his commandments is a liar keep his commandments is a liar keep his commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him. But whoever and the truth is not in him. But whoever and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, his divine instruction, keeps his word, his divine instruction, keeps his word, his divine instruction, in him truly the love of God is in him truly the love of God is in him truly the love of God is perfected. It's this ongoing thing. It's perfected. It's this ongoing thing. It's perfected. It's this ongoing thing. It's so beautiful. By this we may know that so beautiful. By this we may know that so beautiful. By this we may know that we are in him. Whoever says that he we are in him. Whoever says that he we are in him. Whoever says that he abides in him, John's now using some of abides in him, John's now using some of abides in him, John's now using some of the same language of salvation that Paul the same language of salvation that Paul the same language of salvation that Paul uses, right? There's been an identity uses, right? There's been an identity uses, right? There's been an identity shift. You're in him. You're no longer shift. You're in him. You're no longer shift. You're in him. You're no longer just in your uh hidden in your own kind just in your uh hidden in your own kind just in your uh hidden in your own kind of uh self-righteousness. You're now of uh self-righteousness. You're now of uh self-righteousness. You're now hidden in the righteousness of Christ.

hidden in the righteousness of Christ. hidden in the righteousness of Christ. But whoever says he abides in him ought But whoever says he abides in him ought But whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he to walk in the same way in which he to walk in the same way in which he walked. walked. walked. Whoever says he abides in him ought to Whoever says he abides in him ought to Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. walk in the same way in which he walked. walk in the same way in which he walked. If you're going to say that you have a If you're going to say that you have a If you're going to say that you have a life that's hidden in Christ Jesus, live life that's hidden in Christ Jesus, live life that's hidden in Christ Jesus, live like Christ Jesus taught you to live. like Christ Jesus taught you to live. like Christ Jesus taught you to live. Beloved, I'm writing you no new Beloved, I'm writing you no new Beloved, I'm writing you no new commandment. This gets so interesting commandment. This gets so interesting commandment. This gets so interesting and circular here. But an old and circular here. But an old and circular here. But an old commandment that you had from the commandment that you had from the commandment that you had from the beginning, the old commandment is the beginning, the old commandment is the beginning, the old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same word that you have heard. At the same word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I'm time, it is a new commandment that I'm time, it is a new commandment that I'm writing to you, which is true in him and writing to you, which is true in him and writing to you, which is true in him and in you because the darkness is passing in you because the darkness is passing in you because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already away and the true light is already away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light shining. Whoever says he is in the light shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother or sister, and hates his brother or sister, and hates his brother or sister, right? That that word in ESV, you can right? That that word in ESV, you can right? That that word in ESV, you can find it if you you got it. Footnote. find it if you you got it. Footnote. find it if you you got it. Footnote. Adelfoy, right? This is not a a word Adelfoy, right? This is not a a word Adelfoy, right? This is not a a word that's engendered definitely, right? that's engendered definitely, right? that's engendered definitely, right? Adelfoy means the community, right? The Adelfoy means the community, right? The Adelfoy means the community, right? The brothers and the sisters hates his brothers and the sisters hates his brothers and the sisters hates his brother or sister is still in darkness.

brother or sister is still in darkness. brother or sister is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother or sister Whoever loves his brother or sister Whoever loves his brother or sister abides in the light. And in him there is abides in the light. And in him there is abides in the light. And in him there is no cause for stumbling. No cause for no cause for stumbling. No cause for no cause for stumbling. No cause for stumbling. Remember what I opened with? stumbling. Remember what I opened with? stumbling. Remember what I opened with? It's hard to stumble over the hypocrisy It's hard to stumble over the hypocrisy It's hard to stumble over the hypocrisy of other Christians, right? of other Christians, right? of other Christians, right? And it's hard to stumble over our own And it's hard to stumble over our own And it's hard to stumble over our own hypocrisy. John says, "Well, there's a hypocrisy. John says, "Well, there's a hypocrisy. John says, "Well, there's a way to walk without that stumbling being way to walk without that stumbling being way to walk without that stumbling being there. Whoever loves his brother or there. Whoever loves his brother or there. Whoever loves his brother or sister abides in the light, and in him sister abides in the light, and in him sister abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling." I there is no cause for stumbling." I there is no cause for stumbling." I don't want to be a c I don't want my don't want to be a c I don't want my don't want to be a c I don't want my hypocrisy to be a cause for others hypocrisy to be a cause for others hypocrisy to be a cause for others stumbling. John says, "Well, don't." stumbling. John says, "Well, don't." stumbling. John says, "Well, don't." But whoever hates his brother or sister But whoever hates his brother or sister But whoever hates his brother or sister is in the darkness and walks in the is in the darkness and walks in the is in the darkness and walks in the darkness and does not know where he is darkness and does not know where he is darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded going because the darkness has blinded going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. Here's the logic of all that. his eyes. Here's the logic of all that. his eyes. Here's the logic of all that. You see how circular that is? You're You see how circular that is? You're You see how circular that is? You're like, it started real simple, but then like, it started real simple, but then like, it started real simple, but then there was a new commandment, which is an there was a new commandment, which is an there was a new commandment, which is an old commandment, but also a new one, and old commandment, but also a new one, and old commandment, but also a new one, and then there was light and dark. I'm not then there was light and dark. I'm not then there was light and dark. I'm not really sure what's going on. Here's what really sure what's going on. Here's what really sure what's going on. Here's what he's saying. If you know God, you will he's saying. If you know God, you will he's saying. If you know God, you will obey God. obey God. obey God. And if you obey God, you will love And if you obey God, you will love And if you obey God, you will love others. If you know God, you'll obey others. If you know God, you'll obey others. If you know God, you'll obey God. And if you obey God, the fruit of God. And if you obey God, the fruit of God. And if you obey God, the fruit of that is you will love other people. This that is you will love other people. This that is you will love other people. This is really Christianity 101, isn't it?

is really Christianity 101, isn't it? is really Christianity 101, isn't it? And yet, so many of us never graduate And yet, so many of us never graduate And yet, so many of us never graduate this class. this class. this class. John is repeating the logic of his Lord John is repeating the logic of his Lord John is repeating the logic of his Lord and Rabbi, his teacher Jesus. In fact, and Rabbi, his teacher Jesus. In fact, and Rabbi, his teacher Jesus. In fact, so much of John's letters are so much of John's letters are so much of John's letters are essentially quotes of the teachings of essentially quotes of the teachings of essentially quotes of the teachings of Jesus. I love Matthew 22 when Jesus is Jesus. I love Matthew 22 when Jesus is Jesus. I love Matthew 22 when Jesus is tested by Pharisees uh with what would tested by Pharisees uh with what would tested by Pharisees uh with what would have been a stinker of a complicated have been a stinker of a complicated have been a stinker of a complicated question for most teachers, right? question for most teachers, right? question for most teachers, right? What's the most important part of the What's the most important part of the What's the most important part of the law? And what does he say? What is the law? And what does he say? What is the law? And what does he say? What is the great commandment in the law? He said to great commandment in the law? He said to great commandment in the law? He said to them, you shall love the Lord your God them, you shall love the Lord your God them, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your with all your heart and with all your with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. What's he soul and with all your mind. What's he soul and with all your mind. What's he saying? Live an integrated life. Don't saying? Live an integrated life. Don't saying? Live an integrated life. Don't live a segmented life. Be allin. Love live a segmented life. Be allin. Love live a segmented life. Be allin. Love him. Follow him. Obey him. Right? And him. Follow him. Obey him. Right? And him. Follow him. Obey him. Right? And then he now adds a second part of the then he now adds a second part of the then he now adds a second part of the law. He says, "This is the great and law. He says, "This is the great and law. He says, "This is the great and first commandment, and the second is first commandment, and the second is first commandment, and the second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as like it. You shall love your neighbor as like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself." He's been in Deuteronomy with yourself." He's been in Deuteronomy with yourself." He's been in Deuteronomy with love your Lord your God. And then he love your Lord your God. And then he love your Lord your God. And then he jumps across to Leviticus, right, which jumps across to Leviticus, right, which jumps across to Leviticus, right, which I'm studying a lot at the moment, which I'm studying a lot at the moment, which I'm studying a lot at the moment, which is why I know that's where it comes is why I know that's where it comes is why I know that's where it comes from. Leviticus 19, love your neighbor from. Leviticus 19, love your neighbor from. Leviticus 19, love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus says, "These are the as yourself. Jesus says, "These are the as yourself. Jesus says, "These are the pillars." He doesn't hesitate. You want pillars." He doesn't hesitate. You want pillars." He doesn't hesitate. You want a faithful life of knowing God? Great.

a faithful life of knowing God? Great. a faithful life of knowing God? Great. Love God. Love people. Do it Love God. Love people. Do it Love God. Love people. Do it wholeheartedly on repeat until he comes wholeheartedly on repeat until he comes wholeheartedly on repeat until he comes back. This is the Christian life. John back. This is the Christian life. John back. This is the Christian life. John is saying the same thing. Let's look at is saying the same thing. Let's look at is saying the same thing. Let's look at it more more closely. By this we know it more more closely. By this we know it more more closely. By this we know that we have come to know him if if we that we have come to know him if if we that we have come to know him if if we keep his commandments, his instructions. keep his commandments, his instructions. keep his commandments, his instructions. Whoever says I know him but does not Whoever says I know him but does not Whoever says I know him but does not keep his commandments. What John's keep his commandments. What John's keep his commandments. What John's saying there is if anyone says like I saying there is if anyone says like I saying there is if anyone says like I know him but how I live isn't impacted know him but how I live isn't impacted know him but how I live isn't impacted by his instruction, by his instruction, by his instruction, that person's a liar and the truth is that person's a liar and the truth is that person's a liar and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps his word, not in him. But whoever keeps his word, not in him. But whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is in him truly the love of God is in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we perfected. By this we may know that we perfected. By this we may know that we are in them. Whoever says he abides in are in them. Whoever says he abides in are in them. Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in him ought to walk in the same way in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. If you know God, you which he walked. If you know God, you which he walked. If you know God, you will obey God in increasing measure. Not will obey God in increasing measure. Not will obey God in increasing measure. Not perfectly, perfectly, perfectly, but if you know him, you will want to do but if you know him, you will want to do but if you know him, you will want to do what he taught. If you know Jesus, you what he taught. If you know Jesus, you what he taught. If you know Jesus, you will want to walk as he walked. I will want to walk as he walked. I will want to walk as he walked. I remember, okay, and I keep coming back remember, okay, and I keep coming back remember, okay, and I keep coming back to this, but it's so helpful. The church to this, but it's so helpful. The church to this, but it's so helpful. The church has been infiltrated by these gnostics has been infiltrated by these gnostics has been infiltrated by these gnostics who claim to know God in some kind of who claim to know God in some kind of who claim to know God in some kind of special way, a secret spiritual way. And special way, a secret spiritual way. And special way, a secret spiritual way. And John's like, "Nope, that's not it. That John's like, "Nope, that's not it. That John's like, "Nope, that's not it. That isn't the measure." Have you ever felt isn't the measure." Have you ever felt isn't the measure." Have you ever felt the super spiritual people are like, "I the super spiritual people are like, "I the super spiritual people are like, "I know stuff." Right? It can be about like know stuff." Right? It can be about like know stuff." Right? It can be about like end times theology or gifts of the end times theology or gifts of the end times theology or gifts of the spirit or experiential knowledge through spirit or experiential knowledge through spirit or experiential knowledge through prayer and they they're like, "No, no, prayer and they they're like, "No, no, prayer and they they're like, "No, no, the real spiritual know this. That's the

the real spiritual know this. That's the the real spiritual know this. That's the test. John goes, "No, no, there's test. John goes, "No, no, there's test. John goes, "No, no, there's another test. Do you obey God? another test. Do you obey God? another test. Do you obey God? Do you walk like his son?" That's the Do you walk like his son?" That's the Do you walk like his son?" That's the test, right? For John, there's an test, right? For John, there's an test, right? For John, there's an explicit connection between knowing God explicit connection between knowing God explicit connection between knowing God and obeying him. Where did he get this? and obeying him. Where did he get this? and obeying him. Where did he get this? He got it from his friend Jesus. John He got it from his friend Jesus. John He got it from his friend Jesus. John 14:15. Large parts of John's le letters 14:15. Large parts of John's le letters 14:15. Large parts of John's le letters are direct quotes from John 14-17. are direct quotes from John 14-17. are direct quotes from John 14-17. Right? He gets it from Jesus who says, Right? He gets it from Jesus who says, Right? He gets it from Jesus who says, "If you love me, you will keep my "If you love me, you will keep my "If you love me, you will keep my commands. commands. commands. If you love me, you'll keep my If you love me, you'll keep my If you love me, you'll keep my commandments. Now, no, listen. commandments. Now, no, listen. commandments. Now, no, listen. Some of us are like, this isn't conditional for the love of this isn't conditional for the love of God. God. God. This is consequential of the love of This is consequential of the love of This is consequential of the love of God. God. God. Obeying God isn't how we earn a Obeying God isn't how we earn a Obeying God isn't how we earn a relationship with him. But a desire to relationship with him. But a desire to relationship with him. But a desire to obey him is one of the truest ways we obey him is one of the truest ways we obey him is one of the truest ways we can know that we have a relationship can know that we have a relationship can know that we have a relationship with him. And for John, what that means with him. And for John, what that means with him. And for John, what that means is we will start to manifest a life that is we will start to manifest a life that is we will start to manifest a life that looks like it is following in the looks like it is following in the looks like it is following in the footsteps of Jesus. It will look like footsteps of Jesus. It will look like footsteps of Jesus. It will look like him. We will walk in the same way in him. We will walk in the same way in him. We will walk in the same way in which he walked. Not perfectly, dear which he walked. Not perfectly, dear which he walked. Not perfectly, dear friends, but that will be the trajectory friends, but that will be the trajectory friends, but that will be the trajectory of our lives. And so, let me ask you, do of our lives. And so, let me ask you, do of our lives. And so, let me ask you, do you know God?

you know God? you know God? He has a great way to check. He has a great way to check. He has a great way to check. Do you want to obey him? Do you want to obey him? Do you want to obey him? Do you want to walk in the way that his Do you want to walk in the way that his Do you want to walk in the way that his son walked? son walked? son walked? If we were to audit it, are you becoming If we were to audit it, are you becoming If we were to audit it, are you becoming more like his son? perhaps frustratingly more like his son? perhaps frustratingly more like his son? perhaps frustratingly slowly, but is there progress slowly, but is there progress slowly, but is there progress over time? Do do you want to walk that over time? Do do you want to walk that over time? Do do you want to walk that way? Here's the problem I see a lot of way? Here's the problem I see a lot of way? Here's the problem I see a lot of in modern Christianity. Some of us can't in modern Christianity. Some of us can't in modern Christianity. Some of us can't even answer that question. We want some even answer that question. We want some even answer that question. We want some kind of security in some kind of kind of security in some kind of kind of security in some kind of cultural identification as Christian or cultural identification as Christian or cultural identification as Christian or evangelical. And maybe it's even great, evangelical. And maybe it's even great, evangelical. And maybe it's even great, I want to go to heaven. Cool, great I want to go to heaven. Cool, great I want to go to heaven. Cool, great desire. But honestly, if you assess your desire. But honestly, if you assess your desire. But honestly, if you assess your life, do you want that to make you live life, do you want that to make you live life, do you want that to make you live any differently at all? I think an any differently at all? I think an any differently at all? I think an alarming number of people would have to alarming number of people would have to alarming number of people would have to say, "No, say, "No, say, "No, I don't want that to impact this real I don't want that to impact this real I don't want that to impact this real life stuff. life stuff. life stuff. That's just heaven's stuff." And John's That's just heaven's stuff." And John's That's just heaven's stuff." And John's going like, "They going like, "They going like, "They overlap perfectly. It's the same circle, overlap perfectly. It's the same circle, overlap perfectly. It's the same circle, right? It's the same circle." And so, right? It's the same circle." And so, right? It's the same circle." And so, you want to live an integrated life. The you want to live an integrated life. The you want to live an integrated life. The tragedy in Christianity is that we can tragedy in Christianity is that we can tragedy in Christianity is that we can all probably think of people who claim all probably think of people who claim all probably think of people who claim to know God in a special way and who to know God in a special way and who to know God in a special way and who wouldn't pass John's test.

wouldn't pass John's test. wouldn't pass John's test. And not only do we put up with it, we And not only do we put up with it, we And not only do we put up with it, we celebrate it and give lots of them celebrate it and give lots of them celebrate it and give lots of them platform in Jesus's name in our time and platform in Jesus's name in our time and platform in Jesus's name in our time and culture. culture. culture. We've done the same thing as the We've done the same thing as the We've done the same thing as the Gnostics did and suggested that you can Gnostics did and suggested that you can Gnostics did and suggested that you can separate out the everyday separate out the everyday separate out the everyday Christlikkeness from your knowledge of Christlikkeness from your knowledge of Christlikkeness from your knowledge of him and you can still claim to represent him and you can still claim to represent him and you can still claim to represent him. The Gnostics, how did they pursue him. The Gnostics, how did they pursue him. The Gnostics, how did they pursue this? They pursued the knowledge of God this? They pursued the knowledge of God this? They pursued the knowledge of God either through intellectual pursuit, either through intellectual pursuit, either through intellectual pursuit, deep study, or through spiritual deep study, or through spiritual deep study, or through spiritual experience. Right? I had this moment experience. Right? I had this moment experience. Right? I had this moment with God. We do a lot of the same things with God. We do a lot of the same things with God. We do a lot of the same things today. today. today. For some, For some, For some, this is a lot of the tradition I grew up this is a lot of the tradition I grew up this is a lot of the tradition I grew up in. To know God is to know doctrine. in. To know God is to know doctrine. in. To know God is to know doctrine. That's how you know. How do you know That's how you know. How do you know That's how you know. How do you know you're his you know doctrine, right? You you're his you know doctrine, right? You you're his you know doctrine, right? You understand tulip, right? You understand understand tulip, right? You understand understand tulip, right? You understand why the ESV is the best um of them all. why the ESV is the best um of them all. why the ESV is the best um of them all. And you got a YouTube channel about it, And you got a YouTube channel about it, And you got a YouTube channel about it, right? Um where you tell all the other right? Um where you tell all the other right? Um where you tell all the other heretics just what losers they are and heretics just what losers they are and heretics just what losers they are and how bad it's going to be in hell forever how bad it's going to be in hell forever how bad it's going to be in hell forever because you know that hell's going to be because you know that hell's going to be because you know that hell's going to be forever because that's one of the ways forever because that's one of the ways forever because that's one of the ways that you know, right? you've got these that you know, right? you've got these that you know, right? you've got these doctrines buttoned down. Or for others doctrines buttoned down. Or for others doctrines buttoned down. Or for others to know God is to have experiences of to know God is to have experiences of to know God is to have experiences of spiritual and emotional knowing, special spiritual and emotional knowing, special spiritual and emotional knowing, special words, right? Special experiences. These words, right? Special experiences. These words, right? Special experiences. These are important and true things that can are important and true things that can are important and true things that can and must happen. But John says they're and must happen. But John says they're and must happen. But John says they're just not the test of your knowing.

just not the test of your knowing. just not the test of your knowing. That's not how you test if someone is in That's not how you test if someone is in That's not how you test if someone is in the faith. John insists that no the faith. John insists that no the faith. John insists that no religious or intellectual experience is religious or intellectual experience is religious or intellectual experience is truly valid unless it has moral and truly valid unless it has moral and truly valid unless it has moral and social consequences that track and trend social consequences that track and trend social consequences that track and trend in a Christward direction. Let me say it in a Christward direction. Let me say it in a Christward direction. Let me say it again for the people in the back. John again for the people in the back. John again for the people in the back. John insists that no religious or insists that no religious or insists that no religious or intellectual experience is truly valid intellectual experience is truly valid intellectual experience is truly valid unless it has moral and social unless it has moral and social unless it has moral and social consequences that track and trend in a consequences that track and trend in a consequences that track and trend in a Christward direction. We mustn't follow Christward direction. We mustn't follow Christward direction. We mustn't follow those whose lives don't pass that test. those whose lives don't pass that test. those whose lives don't pass that test. And we shouldn't settle ourselves with And we shouldn't settle ourselves with And we shouldn't settle ourselves with lives that don't pass that test. Here's lives that don't pass that test. Here's lives that don't pass that test. Here's the great news. Look at verse five. the great news. Look at verse five. the great news. Look at verse five. Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected love of God is perfected love of God is perfected in obeying God. Listen, this is so in obeying God. Listen, this is so in obeying God. Listen, this is so comforting. comforting. comforting. Even in our stumbling efforts, Even in our stumbling efforts, Even in our stumbling efforts, our stumbling efforts to obey him. In our stumbling efforts to obey him. In our stumbling efforts to obey him. In doing that, we grow not only in our love doing that, we grow not only in our love doing that, we grow not only in our love for him, but also in our understanding for him, but also in our understanding for him, but also in our understanding of his love for us.

of his love for us. of his love for us. You know, it's very rare to read You know, it's very rare to read You know, it's very rare to read scholars, Greek scholars, and for them scholars, Greek scholars, and for them scholars, Greek scholars, and for them to go like, I don't know how to to go like, I don't know how to to go like, I don't know how to interpret that. I'm not sure it could go interpret that. I'm not sure it could go interpret that. I'm not sure it could go either way. Right? This verse here, either way. Right? This verse here, either way. Right? This verse here, whoever keeps his word in him truly, the whoever keeps his word in him truly, the whoever keeps his word in him truly, the love of God is perfected. Scholars are love of God is perfected. Scholars are love of God is perfected. Scholars are like, I I don't know. When he says the like, I I don't know. When he says the like, I I don't know. When he says the love of God is perfected, does that mean love of God is perfected, does that mean love of God is perfected, does that mean your love for God or God's love for you? your love for God or God's love for you? your love for God or God's love for you? They say, I don't know. The language is They say, I don't know. The language is They say, I don't know. The language is so deliberately vague that it probably so deliberately vague that it probably so deliberately vague that it probably means both. means both. means both. And so this is what's happening in any And so this is what's happening in any And so this is what's happening in any efforts of obedience for us, right? efforts of obedience for us, right? efforts of obedience for us, right? There is a fullness of love for God and There is a fullness of love for God and There is a fullness of love for God and love from God that we don't experience love from God that we don't experience love from God that we don't experience unless we at least try to obey him. unless we at least try to obey him. unless we at least try to obey him. Some of you are waiting for some special Some of you are waiting for some special Some of you are waiting for some special knowledge or some special experience. knowledge or some special experience. knowledge or some special experience. Jimmy's going to play just the right Jimmy's going to play just the right Jimmy's going to play just the right song at just the right moment, at just song at just the right moment, at just song at just the right moment, at just the right volume, and the angels are the right volume, and the angels are the right volume, and the angels are going to be singing, right? And then going to be singing, right? And then going to be singing, right? And then you're going to encounter God and from you're going to encounter God and from you're going to encounter God and from that moment on I'll be obedient. Right? that moment on I'll be obedient. Right? that moment on I'll be obedient. Right? John says, "No, keep his instruction and John says, "No, keep his instruction and John says, "No, keep his instruction and you will see his love begin to be you will see his love begin to be you will see his love begin to be perfected in you." Friends, this is perfected in you." Friends, this is perfected in you." Friends, this is great because you know what this means?

great because you know what this means? great because you know what this means? It means obedience isn't dull drudgery It means obedience isn't dull drudgery It means obedience isn't dull drudgery and it isn't an effort at gaining God's and it isn't an effort at gaining God's and it isn't an effort at gaining God's love for us. Rather, obedience is a leap love for us. Rather, obedience is a leap love for us. Rather, obedience is a leap into the fullness of that love that into the fullness of that love that into the fullness of that love that already exists and is secure. trusting already exists and is secure. trusting already exists and is secure. trusting in faith that it will be perfected in us in faith that it will be perfected in us in faith that it will be perfected in us over time as we obey. over time as we obey. over time as we obey. As we obey, the love of God for us and As we obey, the love of God for us and As we obey, the love of God for us and the love of God from us is perfected. So the love of God from us is perfected. So the love of God from us is perfected. So this means we don't have to be perfect this means we don't have to be perfect this means we don't have to be perfect in our obedience in order for salvation in our obedience in order for salvation in our obedience in order for salvation to be secure. That would be a heresy, to be secure. That would be a heresy, to be secure. That would be a heresy, right? We would say, "Do you have to be right? We would say, "Do you have to be right? We would say, "Do you have to be perfect in order for salvation to be perfect in order for salvation to be perfect in order for salvation to be secure?" By no means. What did he say secure?" By no means. What did he say secure?" By no means. What did he say last week? If you say you have no sin, last week? If you say you have no sin, last week? If you say you have no sin, you're a liar. Right? That's not the you're a liar. Right? That's not the you're a liar. Right? That's not the case. It is Christ's obedience that case. It is Christ's obedience that case. It is Christ's obedience that secures our salvation in the heavenlies secures our salvation in the heavenlies secures our salvation in the heavenlies and not ours. Right? But knowledge of and not ours. Right? But knowledge of and not ours. Right? But knowledge of that ought to make us want to obey more that ought to make us want to obey more that ought to make us want to obey more and not less. and not less. and not less. If we really get that it's Christ's If we really get that it's Christ's If we really get that it's Christ's obedience and not ours that counts the obedience and not ours that counts the obedience and not ours that counts the most, that should make us want to obey most, that should make us want to obey most, that should make us want to obey him and be more like him, not make us him and be more like him, not make us him and be more like him, not make us want to be less like him, lest we want to be less like him, lest we want to be less like him, lest we haven't really embraced that knowledge.

haven't really embraced that knowledge. haven't really embraced that knowledge. John Kelvin said on this section, it's John Kelvin said on this section, it's John Kelvin said on this section, it's been a while since uh Kelvin's been been a while since uh Kelvin's been been a while since uh Kelvin's been featured on the podcast, but here we go. featured on the podcast, but here we go. featured on the podcast, but here we go. He said some stuff um but he said this He said some stuff um but he said this He said some stuff um but he said this and it's magnificent. He says he does and it's magnificent. He says he does and it's magnificent. He says he does not mean that those wholly satisfy the not mean that those wholly satisfy the not mean that those wholly satisfy the law keep his commandments and no such law keep his commandments and no such law keep his commandments and no such instance can be found in the world. instance can be found in the world. instance can be found in the world. Right? But who? Those who strive Right? But who? Those who strive Right? But who? Those who strive according to the capacity of human according to the capacity of human according to the capacity of human infirmity to form their life in infirmity to form their life in infirmity to form their life in obedience to God. Friends, if that's obedience to God. Friends, if that's obedience to God. Friends, if that's you, if that's what you want, be you, if that's what you want, be you, if that's what you want, be comforted today. He's perfecting his comforted today. He's perfecting his comforted today. He's perfecting his love in you. Keep going. It matters. love in you. Keep going. It matters. love in you. Keep going. It matters. If you're here today and you're just If you're here today and you're just If you're here today and you're just exploring Christianity and you recognize exploring Christianity and you recognize exploring Christianity and you recognize the gaps between what Christians say the gaps between what Christians say the gaps between what Christians say they believe and how they actually live, they believe and how they actually live, they believe and how they actually live, well, it is the correct and biblical well, it is the correct and biblical well, it is the correct and biblical instinct to actually be put off by those instinct to actually be put off by those instinct to actually be put off by those gaps. gaps. gaps. Christians themselves, according to our Christians themselves, according to our Christians themselves, according to our own book, aren't supposed to be own book, aren't supposed to be own book, aren't supposed to be comfortable with that level of comfortable with that level of comfortable with that level of segmentation and hypocrisy. The answer, segmentation and hypocrisy. The answer, segmentation and hypocrisy. The answer, though, isn't further hypocrisy and though, isn't further hypocrisy and though, isn't further hypocrisy and self-righteousness.

self-righteousness. self-righteousness. The answer is to press into a life of The answer is to press into a life of The answer is to press into a life of faith and obedience yourself. To go faith and obedience yourself. To go faith and obedience yourself. To go like, I want to follow Jesus and I'm like, I want to follow Jesus and I'm like, I want to follow Jesus and I'm going to do that and as I do that, his going to do that and as I do that, his going to do that and as I do that, his love will be perfected in me. But love will be perfected in me. But love will be perfected in me. But friends, if you are a believer, friends, if you are a believer, friends, if you are a believer, can I just ask can I just ask can I just ask where are you resisting his commands where are you resisting his commands where are you resisting his commands today? today? today? And can you see that actually resisting And can you see that actually resisting And can you see that actually resisting his commands is resisting his love? Where are you resisting it? Where are you resisting it? Where are you currently refusing to walk Where are you currently refusing to walk Where are you currently refusing to walk in the way that he walked? Read the in the way that he walked? Read the in the way that he walked? Read the sermon on the mount aresh this week just sermon on the mount aresh this week just sermon on the mount aresh this week just in preparation for the sermon and man I in preparation for the sermon and man I in preparation for the sermon and man I got too much stuff written down. I've got too much stuff written down. I've got too much stuff written down. I've like oh don't do that. like oh don't do that. like oh don't do that. I'm resisting that. I'm resisting that. I'm resisting that. I'm resisting that. Why? Where have you settled with elements in Where have you settled with elements in your life that you know one not your life that you know one not your life that you know one not Christlike Christlike Christlike and you know one not Christth honoring? and you know one not Christth honoring? and you know one not Christth honoring? Don't settle for a faith that doesn't Don't settle for a faith that doesn't Don't settle for a faith that doesn't change you. Don't settle for an change you. Don't settle for an change you. Don't settle for an imperfected love within you. Okay, imperfected love within you. Okay, imperfected love within you. Okay, everyone good?

everyone good? everyone good? If you know God, you will obey God. If you know God, you will obey God. If you know God, you will obey God. Obedience is the test, right? An Obedience is the test, right? An Obedience is the test, right? An increasing measure. And what does increasing measure. And what does increasing measure. And what does obedience look like? many things. But obedience look like? many things. But obedience look like? many things. But one of the key ways we're given to one of the key ways we're given to one of the key ways we're given to measure is if you obey God, you will measure is if you obey God, you will measure is if you obey God, you will love others. You will love others. Look love others. You will love others. Look love others. You will love others. Look at verse seven. Beloved, I'm writing you at verse seven. Beloved, I'm writing you at verse seven. Beloved, I'm writing you no new commandment, but an old no new commandment, but an old no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the commandment that you had from the commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the beginning. The old commandment is the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same word that you have heard. At the same word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I'm time, it is a new commandment that I'm time, it is a new commandment that I'm writing to you. This makes me feel writing to you. This makes me feel writing to you. This makes me feel better as a preacher, right? Um John's better as a preacher, right? Um John's better as a preacher, right? Um John's like, "Actually, wait, it is kind of like, "Actually, wait, it is kind of like, "Actually, wait, it is kind of new." Um but it's also old. Let's new." Um but it's also old. Let's new." Um but it's also old. Let's remember everyone tracking. They're remember everyone tracking. They're remember everyone tracking. They're like, "No." Right? The old commandment like, "No." Right? The old commandment like, "No." Right? The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the is the word that you have heard. At the is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that same time, it is a new commandment that same time, it is a new commandment that I'm writing to you which is true in him I'm writing to you which is true in him I'm writing to you which is true in him and in you because the darkness is and in you because the darkness is and in you because the darkness is passing away and the true light is passing away and the true light is passing away and the true light is already shining. Let me just quickly try already shining. Let me just quickly try already shining. Let me just quickly try explain the old commandment new explain the old commandment new explain the old commandment new commandment thing. We know from other commandment thing. We know from other commandment thing. We know from other passages in John's epistles, especially passages in John's epistles, especially passages in John's epistles, especially places like 2 John verse 6, right? That places like 2 John verse 6, right? That places like 2 John verse 6, right? That the commandment um that John is the commandment um that John is the commandment um that John is referring to is what he learned from referring to is what he learned from referring to is what he learned from Jesus himself, which Jesus says in John Jesus himself, which Jesus says in John Jesus himself, which Jesus says in John 13, a new commandment I give to you that 13, a new commandment I give to you that 13, a new commandment I give to you that you love one another just as I have you love one another just as I have you love one another just as I have loved you, you also are to love one loved you, you also are to love one loved you, you also are to love one another. This is the commandment that another. This is the commandment that another. This is the commandment that John is referring to as new and both John is referring to as new and both John is referring to as new and both old. And so what John is saying is that old. And so what John is saying is that old. And so what John is saying is that this commandment isn't actually new to this commandment isn't actually new to this commandment isn't actually new to them. Why? Well, on a couple of them. Why? Well, on a couple of them. Why? Well, on a couple of horizons. First, he's told them from the horizons. First, he's told them from the horizons. First, he's told them from the beginning of their journey of faith.

beginning of their journey of faith. beginning of their journey of faith. He's saying, "I've always said this, He's saying, "I've always said this, He's saying, "I've always said this, right?" And he's going further back and right?" And he's going further back and right?" And he's going further back and saying, "It's actually what the law has saying, "It's actually what the law has saying, "It's actually what the law has been about all along." So, it's nothing been about all along." So, it's nothing been about all along." So, it's nothing new. This is what the law was trying to new. This is what the law was trying to new. This is what the law was trying to teach you to do. And yet, it is new teach you to do. And yet, it is new teach you to do. And yet, it is new because as they have come to know Christ because as they have come to know Christ because as they have come to know Christ and the riches of his love for him, it and the riches of his love for him, it and the riches of his love for him, it had been infused with a practical had been infused with a practical had been infused with a practical reality and an urgency that ought to reality and an urgency that ought to reality and an urgency that ought to have led them and listen ought to lead have led them and listen ought to lead have led them and listen ought to lead us to a different way to live and a us to a different way to live and a us to a different way to live and a different way to love other people. John different way to love other people. John different way to love other people. John Sto reckoned that there at least four Sto reckoned that there at least four Sto reckoned that there at least four ways that the life of Christ had brought ways that the life of Christ had brought ways that the life of Christ had brought a newness to the command to love others. a newness to the command to love others. a newness to the command to love others. I'll do these very quickly. Right? He I'll do these very quickly. Right? He I'll do these very quickly. Right? He said in emphasis, in quality, in extent, said in emphasis, in quality, in extent, said in emphasis, in quality, in extent, and in recognition of the times in which and in recognition of the times in which and in recognition of the times in which we live, right? In emphasis, he said we live, right? In emphasis, he said we live, right? In emphasis, he said Jesus said, "No, no, this is the core Jesus said, "No, no, this is the core Jesus said, "No, no, this is the core issue. This is the whole law hangs upon issue. This is the whole law hangs upon issue. This is the whole law hangs upon love God and love neighbor." When he did love God and love neighbor." When he did love God and love neighbor." When he did this, he brought Deuteronomy 6 and this, he brought Deuteronomy 6 and this, he brought Deuteronomy 6 and Leviticus 19 together in a new way. And Leviticus 19 together in a new way. And Leviticus 19 together in a new way. And he put neighbor love front and center in he put neighbor love front and center in he put neighbor love front and center in the life of faith for all believers. We the life of faith for all believers. We the life of faith for all believers. We take it for granted that Jesus would take it for granted that Jesus would take it for granted that Jesus would tell us these are the most important tell us these are the most important tell us these are the most important commandments. The people hearing him for commandments. The people hearing him for commandments. The people hearing him for the first time. That was a a massive the first time. That was a a massive the first time. That was a a massive departure from any other rabbitic departure from any other rabbitic departure from any other rabbitic school, right? They would have had love school, right? They would have had love school, right? They would have had love God. Yes, get it. Right? Love neighbor God. Yes, get it. Right? Love neighbor God. Yes, get it. Right? Love neighbor would be in a subset somewhere. Jesus would be in a subset somewhere. Jesus would be in a subset somewhere. Jesus puts them right up here together and puts them right up here together and puts them right up here together and they're like that's new. That feels they're like that's new. That feels they're like that's new. That feels different. Right? In emphasis. Secondly, different. Right? In emphasis. Secondly, different. Right? In emphasis. Secondly, in quality with Christ's teaching and in quality with Christ's teaching and in quality with Christ's teaching and examples, we now have a standard of examples, we now have a standard of examples, we now have a standard of selfless sacrifice even to the point of selfless sacrifice even to the point of selfless sacrifice even to the point of death for the sake of others. When we death for the sake of others. When we death for the sake of others. When we say love neighbor, what are we saying?

say love neighbor, what are we saying? say love neighbor, what are we saying? Like Jesus loves us. And that's a lot. Like Jesus loves us. And that's a lot. Like Jesus loves us. And that's a lot. And that's to a great extent, right? And that's to a great extent, right? And that's to a great extent, right? Thirdly, um uh in extent to whom it Thirdly, um uh in extent to whom it Thirdly, um uh in extent to whom it applies. Jesus gives a definition of applies. Jesus gives a definition of applies. Jesus gives a definition of neighbor that no other rabbi was neighbor that no other rabbi was neighbor that no other rabbi was offering. Thus showing the expanse of offering. Thus showing the expanse of offering. Thus showing the expanse of our love needed to cross categories of our love needed to cross categories of our love needed to cross categories of people we didn't think necessary or people we didn't think necessary or people we didn't think necessary or possible. What happens when Jesus starts possible. What happens when Jesus starts possible. What happens when Jesus starts to teach this? What do the religious to teach this? What do the religious to teach this? What do the religious scholars come back with? Who's my scholars come back with? Who's my scholars come back with? Who's my neighbor? He says, "Love your neighbor neighbor? He says, "Love your neighbor neighbor? He says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." They're like, "Cool, cool, as yourself." They're like, "Cool, cool, as yourself." They're like, "Cool, cool, cool. Who?" Because I got a list of cool. Who?" Because I got a list of cool. Who?" Because I got a list of people I don't have in that category. people I don't have in that category. people I don't have in that category. And who does he pick? A Samaritan. And And who does he pick? A Samaritan. And And who does he pick? A Samaritan. And they're like, "Oh my goodness gracious they're like, "Oh my goodness gracious they're like, "Oh my goodness gracious me. Oh my goodness gracious me. Not a me. Oh my goodness gracious me. Not a me. Oh my goodness gracious me. Not a Samaritan." He's like, "Yeah, them." Lastly, in recognition of the times, Lastly, in recognition of the times, this is complex. I don't have time for this is complex. I don't have time for this is complex. I don't have time for this, but John says the darkness. This this, but John says the darkness. This this, but John says the darkness. This is amazing. is amazing. is amazing. John says, "Hey, do this with urgency." John says, "Hey, do this with urgency." John says, "Hey, do this with urgency." Why? Because the darkness is already Why? Because the darkness is already Why? Because the darkness is already passing away and the true light is passing away and the true light is passing away and the true light is already shining. What is he saying?

already shining. What is he saying? already shining. What is he saying? Christ's love brought the future reality Christ's love brought the future reality Christ's love brought the future reality of God's kingdom crashing into the here of God's kingdom crashing into the here of God's kingdom crashing into the here and now. And now John says that we can and now. And now John says that we can and now. And now John says that we can live in a way that shows that future live in a way that shows that future live in a way that shows that future reality to our current world. Just don't reality to our current world. Just don't reality to our current world. Just don't wait for heaven for this to be wait for heaven for this to be wait for heaven for this to be perfected. Heaven's come here and now we perfected. Heaven's come here and now we perfected. Heaven's come here and now we live in this new reality. Now we get to live in this new reality. Now we get to live in this new reality. Now we get to live that out in an incredible way. live that out in an incredible way. live that out in an incredible way. Right? If that sounds like whoa Ross I Right? If that sounds like whoa Ross I Right? If that sounds like whoa Ross I don't know where does that fit let me don't know where does that fit let me don't know where does that fit let me quote John Piper right on the now quote John Piper right on the now quote John Piper right on the now reality of that I've quoted Kelvin and reality of that I've quoted Kelvin and reality of that I've quoted Kelvin and Piper Hollms is singing with the angels Piper Hollms is singing with the angels Piper Hollms is singing with the angels um from his throne in Roundrock where he um from his throne in Roundrock where he um from his throne in Roundrock where he sits um and and assesses our quotations sits um and and assesses our quotations sits um and and assesses our quotations right right right listen to Pipe says the beam of light listen to Pipe says the beam of light listen to Pipe says the beam of light that shines out from God through Jesus that shines out from God through Jesus that shines out from God through Jesus and through us into the world is the and through us into the world is the and through us into the world is the beam of love one day this light will beam of love one day this light will beam of love one day this light will cover this earth like the water covers cover this earth like the water covers cover this earth like the water covers the sea. But for now, it has already the sea. But for now, it has already the sea. But for now, it has already begun to shine in Jesus and in those who begun to shine in Jesus and in those who begun to shine in Jesus and in those who walked the way he walked. To the degree walked the way he walked. To the degree walked the way he walked. To the degree that the gospel makes headway in the that the gospel makes headway in the that the gospel makes headway in the world and transforms people into those world and transforms people into those world and transforms people into those who love like Jesus, to that degree, the who love like Jesus, to that degree, the who love like Jesus, to that degree, the darkness is passing away and the true darkness is passing away and the true darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

light is already shining. light is already shining. The call of the people of God has always The call of the people of God has always The call of the people of God has always been to love others. But now it's ramped been to love others. But now it's ramped been to love others. But now it's ramped up in the era of the church. It's up in the era of the church. It's up in the era of the church. It's elevated. It's more urgent in the people elevated. It's more urgent in the people elevated. It's more urgent in the people who live in the reality of the light and who live in the reality of the light and who live in the reality of the light and and love that that that Christ has and love that that that Christ has and love that that that Christ has already brought into the world. Okay. already brought into the world. Okay. already brought into the world. Okay. Now, John states the opposite of the Now, John states the opposite of the Now, John states the opposite of the case. Verse nine, we're getting there. case. Verse nine, we're getting there. case. Verse nine, we're getting there. Whoever says he's in the light and hates Whoever says he's in the light and hates Whoever says he's in the light and hates his brother or sister is still in the his brother or sister is still in the his brother or sister is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother darkness. Whoever loves his brother darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light and in him there is abides in the light and in him there is abides in the light and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever no cause for stumbling. But whoever no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother or sister is in the hates his brother or sister is in the hates his brother or sister is in the darkness and walks in the darkness and darkness and walks in the darkness and darkness and walks in the darkness and does not know where he is going because does not know where he is going because does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. John the darkness has blinded his eyes. John the darkness has blinded his eyes. John now returns, remember his circular now returns, remember his circular now returns, remember his circular argument. He now returns to the argument. He now returns to the argument. He now returns to the beginning to light and dark and says beginning to light and dark and says beginning to light and dark and says that there is an overlay to the that there is an overlay to the that there is an overlay to the categories of light and dark. And that categories of light and dark. And that categories of light and dark. And that overlay to those categories is love and overlay to those categories is love and overlay to those categories is love and hate. If you claim to walk in the light, hate. If you claim to walk in the light, hate. If you claim to walk in the light, then you can't hate your brother or your then you can't hate your brother or your then you can't hate your brother or your sister. If you do hate your brother or sister. If you do hate your brother or sister. If you do hate your brother or your sister, well, then it is a lot like your sister, well, then it is a lot like your sister, well, then it is a lot like stumbling around in the dark wondering stumbling around in the dark wondering stumbling around in the dark wondering why you keep bumping into stuff. Have why you keep bumping into stuff. Have why you keep bumping into stuff. Have you ever experienced that? You sleep you ever experienced that? You sleep you ever experienced that? You sleep somewhere new. You wake up cuz you're in somewhere new. You wake up cuz you're in somewhere new. You wake up cuz you're in your 40s and you just wake up and uh you your 40s and you just wake up and uh you your 40s and you just wake up and uh you go to do some stuff and so uh you break go to do some stuff and so uh you break go to do some stuff and so uh you break both your legs right on some nightstand both your legs right on some nightstand both your legs right on some nightstand that you had no idea was there. At least that you had no idea was there. At least that you had no idea was there. At least it feels like that in the moment. It's it feels like that in the moment. It's it feels like that in the moment. It's the greatest pain any person's ever the greatest pain any person's ever the greatest pain any person's ever experienced. It's been the largest experienced. It's been the largest experienced. It's been the largest disagreement in Sue and I's marriage

disagreement in Sue and I's marriage disagreement in Sue and I's marriage that we've had to wrestle over in that. that we've had to wrestle over in that. that we've had to wrestle over in that. She wants to sleep in a cave She wants to sleep in a cave She wants to sleep in a cave with no guiding lights of any sort. So with no guiding lights of any sort. So with no guiding lights of any sort. So that when I wake up, I think like I'm that when I wake up, I think like I'm that when I wake up, I think like I'm dead. I'm in Hades. That's I'm buried dead. I'm in Hades. That's I'm buried dead. I'm in Hades. That's I'm buried beneath the earth, right? That's the beneath the earth, right? That's the beneath the earth, right? That's the only possibility. And so I've had to only possibility. And so I've had to only possibility. And so I've had to over years like an AI bot track my room over years like an AI bot track my room over years like an AI bot track my room and understand where everything is. And and understand where everything is. And and understand where everything is. And if one thing is out of place, broken if one thing is out of place, broken if one thing is out of place, broken legs, right? All day. legs, right? All day. legs, right? All day. You see, because she doesn't have You see, because she doesn't have You see, because she doesn't have functioning eyelids, we talk about this functioning eyelids, we talk about this functioning eyelids, we talk about this all the time. I close my eyes and what all the time. I close my eyes and what all the time. I close my eyes and what do we have? Total blackout. do we have? Total blackout. do we have? Total blackout. She closes her eyes and apparently all She closes her eyes and apparently all She closes her eyes and apparently all sorts of stuff. So, uh, we're working it sorts of stuff. So, uh, we're working it sorts of stuff. So, uh, we're working it out. We're doing great. Um, we found a out. We're doing great. Um, we found a out. We're doing great. Um, we found a compromise, which means we sleep in the compromise, which means we sleep in the compromise, which means we sleep in the absolute dark. Um, and and it works absolute dark. Um, and and it works absolute dark. Um, and and it works wonderfully well, right? But John says, wonderfully well, right? But John says, wonderfully well, right? But John says, "Hey, have you ever stumbled around in a "Hey, have you ever stumbled around in a "Hey, have you ever stumbled around in a totally dark place going like, "Oh, no, totally dark place going like, "Oh, no, totally dark place going like, "Oh, no, not in the shin. Let there not be not in the shin. Let there not be not in the shin. Let there not be something like that." He says that's the something like that." He says that's the something like that." He says that's the life of someone who's saying I'm a life of someone who's saying I'm a life of someone who's saying I'm a Christian but I hate these people. He Christian but I hate these people. He Christian but I hate these people. He says that well that's what that life is says that well that's what that life is says that well that's what that life is like. That's no fun. Right now you might like. That's no fun. Right now you might like. That's no fun. Right now you might say I don't hate anybody bro.

say I don't hate anybody bro. say I don't hate anybody bro. But John is pretty binary in his But John is pretty binary in his But John is pretty binary in his categories. According to him categories. According to him categories. According to him if we are withholding or resisting love if we are withholding or resisting love if we are withholding or resisting love then that is walking in hate. Let me perhaps display this by showing Let me perhaps display this by showing its opposite. Right? If love is a life its opposite. Right? If love is a life its opposite. Right? If love is a life in the light, then what is a life in the in the light, then what is a life in the in the light, then what is a life in the darkness? Look at this remarkable darkness? Look at this remarkable darkness? Look at this remarkable section of scripture that we only seem section of scripture that we only seem section of scripture that we only seem to use at weddings, but that I wish we to use at weddings, but that I wish we to use at weddings, but that I wish we used in other places and maybe not even used in other places and maybe not even used in other places and maybe not even at weddings because they're about at weddings because they're about at weddings because they're about communities and not just individuals. communities and not just individuals. communities and not just individuals. But but Paul is making a point a lot But but Paul is making a point a lot But but Paul is making a point a lot like John's here that a people who are like John's here that a people who are like John's here that a people who are loved by God love others and as they loved by God love others and as they loved by God love others and as they have been loved. Look what he says. You have been loved. Look what he says. You have been loved. Look what he says. You know it so well. Love is patient and know it so well. Love is patient and know it so well. Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy or boast. It is kind. Love does not envy or boast. It is kind. Love does not envy or boast. It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist not arrogant or rude. It does not insist not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It's not irritable on its own way. It's not irritable on its own way. It's not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice at or resentful. It does not rejoice at or resentful. It does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all Love bears all things, believes all Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, hopes all things, endures all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. Now if I go if things. Love never ends. Now if I go if things. Love never ends. Now if I go if that's love, if that's a life in the that's love, if that's a life in the that's love, if that's a life in the light, then what is hate?

light, then what is hate? light, then what is hate? Hate is impatient Hate is impatient Hate is impatient and unkind. and unkind. and unkind. It envys others and boasts against them. It envys others and boasts against them. It envys others and boasts against them. It is arrogant and self-focused It is arrogant and self-focused It is arrogant and self-focused and rude to others when it would be in and rude to others when it would be in and rude to others when it would be in our power to not be so. It insists on our power to not be so. It insists on our power to not be so. It insists on its own way. It is irritable. its own way. It is irritable. its own way. It is irritable. It bears deep resentment. It bears deep resentment. It bears deep resentment. It rejoices when things go wrong for It rejoices when things go wrong for It rejoices when things go wrong for those who have done wrong. those who have done wrong. those who have done wrong. It refuses to bear heavy things. It It refuses to bear heavy things. It It refuses to bear heavy things. It won't believe anyone it it distrusts. It won't believe anyone it it distrusts. It won't believe anyone it it distrusts. It refuses to hope that change is possible. refuses to hope that change is possible. refuses to hope that change is possible. It will not endure. And it won't stick It will not endure. And it won't stick It will not endure. And it won't stick around in difficult faithfulness. Well, Well, now I feel like someone who stumbles now I feel like someone who stumbles now I feel like someone who stumbles around in the dark room, around in the dark room, around in the dark room, bumping into people I have hated.

bumping into people I have hated. bumping into people I have hated. Oh, if we could only for a moment Oh, if we could only for a moment Oh, if we could only for a moment comprehend. comprehend. comprehend. How remarkable it is that God loves us How remarkable it is that God loves us How remarkable it is that God loves us and that he loves us so completely. and that he loves us so completely. and that he loves us so completely. Oh, if we could get that how it would Oh, if we could get that how it would Oh, if we could get that how it would change the way we love others. Friends, with John's categories in mind, Friends, with John's categories in mind, are you hating some people in your are you hating some people in your are you hating some people in your heart? heart? heart? Maybe it's pronounced, right? Just the Maybe it's pronounced, right? Just the Maybe it's pronounced, right? Just the thought of them bubbles up anger and thought of them bubbles up anger and thought of them bubbles up anger and bitterness from you. And here's the bitterness from you. And here's the bitterness from you. And here's the crazy thing about the society in which crazy thing about the society in which crazy thing about the society in which we live. You don't even need to know we live. You don't even need to know we live. You don't even need to know them anymore. They just appear in your them anymore. They just appear in your them anymore. They just appear in your news feed and you've got a caricature of news feed and you've got a caricature of news feed and you've got a caricature of them and just a mention of their name. Are you realizing right now that there Are you realizing right now that there are many that you don't feel anger are many that you don't feel anger are many that you don't feel anger about, but who you just withhold love about, but who you just withhold love about, but who you just withhold love from? from? from? Oh, I've been so convicted this week in Oh, I've been so convicted this week in Oh, I've been so convicted this week in this. I've known so many Christians this. I've known so many Christians this. I've known so many Christians with such buttoned up doctrine with such buttoned up doctrine with such buttoned up doctrine and such little love.

and such little love. and such little love. They have great ideas on sovereignty and They have great ideas on sovereignty and They have great ideas on sovereignty and Christian worldview and who are the good Christian worldview and who are the good Christian worldview and who are the good guys and who are the bad guys and yet no guys and who are the bad guys and yet no guys and who are the bad guys and yet no mercy, mercy, mercy, no Christlike going the extra mile, no no Christlike going the extra mile, no no Christlike going the extra mile, no humility, no meekness, no service, no humility, no meekness, no service, no humility, no meekness, no service, no gentleness, gentleness, gentleness, no light. no light. no light. May it not be so with us. May it not be so with us. May it not be so with us. May God give us a greater vision of a May God give us a greater vision of a May God give us a greater vision of a life in the light where we live out this life in the light where we live out this life in the light where we live out this new and old commandment in a way that new and old commandment in a way that new and old commandment in a way that shows a world that is desperately shows a world that is desperately shows a world that is desperately looking for love in all of the wrong looking for love in all of the wrong looking for love in all of the wrong places. places. places. May it show that world that their search May it show that world that their search May it show that world that their search could come to an end in the person of could come to an end in the person of could come to an end in the person of Jesus Christ and in the church that he Jesus Christ and in the church that he Jesus Christ and in the church that he left behind. left behind. left behind. If you know God, you will obey God. If you know God, you will obey God. If you know God, you will obey God. If you obey God, you will love others. If you obey God, you will love others. If you obey God, you will love others. And I just speak to some in the room now And I just speak to some in the room now And I just speak to some in the room now who will have legitimate exceptions. who will have legitimate exceptions. who will have legitimate exceptions. People who are sitting here right now People who are sitting here right now People who are sitting here right now are going, "You don't understand are going, "You don't understand are going, "You don't understand how badly they have hurt us, how badly they have hurt us, how badly they have hurt us, how badly they have betrayed or injured how badly they have betrayed or injured how badly they have betrayed or injured or abused me.

or abused me. or abused me. I know. I know. I know. And I'm sorry. And I'm sorry. And I'm sorry. Am I now saying you have to go Am I now saying you have to go Am I now saying you have to go proactively be their bestie proactively be their bestie proactively be their bestie in order to love them? No. in order to love them? No. in order to love them? No. What I'm saying is that every Christian What I'm saying is that every Christian What I'm saying is that every Christian has to ask, how does the love of Christ has to ask, how does the love of Christ has to ask, how does the love of Christ apply here apply here apply here and then we must do that. and then we must do that. and then we must do that. And then we must do that. If you know And then we must do that. If you know And then we must do that. If you know God, God, God, you'll obey God. If you obey God, you you'll obey God. If you obey God, you you'll obey God. If you obey God, you will love us. Here's the great news. will love us. Here's the great news. will love us. Here's the great news. The great news is not that we can or The great news is not that we can or The great news is not that we can or must obey well enough to earn God's must obey well enough to earn God's must obey well enough to earn God's love, love, love, but that Jesus Christ obeyed perfectly but that Jesus Christ obeyed perfectly but that Jesus Christ obeyed perfectly on our behalf. On our behalf. On our behalf. He perfectly obeyed the father. And in He perfectly obeyed the father. And in He perfectly obeyed the father. And in so doing, the love of the father was so doing, the love of the father was so doing, the love of the father was perfected in him. And the love of the perfected in him. And the love of the perfected in him. And the love of the father is available to us. father is available to us. father is available to us. Our king Jesus walked fully in the Our king Jesus walked fully in the Our king Jesus walked fully in the light.

light. light. He loved without condition. He obeyed He loved without condition. He obeyed He loved without condition. He obeyed without compromise. He gave himself without compromise. He gave himself without compromise. He gave himself completely. And because of him, completely. And because of him, completely. And because of him, obedience is no longer a burden through obedience is no longer a burden through obedience is no longer a burden through which we must prove ourselves, but a which we must prove ourselves, but a which we must prove ourselves, but a response of gratitude to grace that we response of gratitude to grace that we response of gratitude to grace that we have already received. May we be people have already received. May we be people have already received. May we be people who respond to that grace wholeheartedly who respond to that grace wholeheartedly who respond to that grace wholeheartedly together um today. Father God, thank you together um today. Father God, thank you together um today. Father God, thank you so much for your word. so much for your word. so much for your word. Lord, I pray that you would take um that Lord, I pray that you would take um that Lord, I pray that you would take um that word written so long ago, so far away, word written so long ago, so far away, word written so long ago, so far away, and you would make it just real and and you would make it just real and and you would make it just real and powerful powerful powerful and challenging and convicting to us and challenging and convicting to us and challenging and convicting to us today. today. today. Lord, I pray for those saints in the Lord, I pray for those saints in the Lord, I pray for those saints in the room who need a word of comfort today, room who need a word of comfort today, room who need a word of comfort today, who are like, I'm trying my best. I long who are like, I'm trying my best. I long who are like, I'm trying my best. I long to walk like my king, but I still to walk like my king, but I still to walk like my king, but I still stumble. I pray that you would comfort stumble. I pray that you would comfort stumble. I pray that you would comfort them today with the word, the knowledge them today with the word, the knowledge them today with the word, the knowledge that says, your love is still being that says, your love is still being that says, your love is still being perfected in them. They should keep perfected in them. They should keep perfected in them. They should keep going.

going. going. They should keep going. They should keep going. They should keep going. Maybe they're discouraged because Maybe they're discouraged because Maybe they're discouraged because they're saying, "I think there's some they're saying, "I think there's some they're saying, "I think there's some knowledge of doctrine or some experience knowledge of doctrine or some experience knowledge of doctrine or some experience of God that I'm missing out on. And of God that I'm missing out on. And of God that I'm missing out on. And because I'm missing out on it, I don't because I'm missing out on it, I don't because I'm missing out on it, I don't really know him." Won't you comfort them really know him." Won't you comfort them really know him." Won't you comfort them today and say, "No, keep walking like he today and say, "No, keep walking like he today and say, "No, keep walking like he walked." The rest will follow. walked." The rest will follow. walked." The rest will follow. The rest will follow. Father, I pray for those today Father, I pray for those today who are stuck in hate, who are stuck in hate, who are stuck in hate, want to love you, but have a deep hatred for some others. but have a deep hatred for some others. They didn't even see it as such. Maybe They didn't even see it as such. Maybe They didn't even see it as such. Maybe until this morning where they went, "Oh until this morning where they went, "Oh until this morning where they went, "Oh my goodness, it's the opposite of 1 my goodness, it's the opposite of 1 my goodness, it's the opposite of 1 Corinthians 13. That's what it is." Corinthians 13. That's what it is." Corinthians 13. That's what it is." Would you soften hearts in this place? Would you soften hearts in this place? Would you soften hearts in this place? want you to help us all to ask all of us want you to help us all to ask all of us want you to help us all to ask all of us to ask how does the love of Christ apply to ask how does the love of Christ apply to ask how does the love of Christ apply to this person to this person to this person and then help us to walk in that way. and then help us to walk in that way. and then help us to walk in that way. Help us to walk in that way. Help us to walk in that way. Help us to walk in that way. Lord, I pray for those in the room today Lord, I pray for those in the room today Lord, I pray for those in the room today who are going, I hate Christian who are going, I hate Christian who are going, I hate Christian hypocrisy and it's one of the things hypocrisy and it's one of the things hypocrisy and it's one of the things that keeps me from going all in with the that keeps me from going all in with the that keeps me from going all in with the church and with Christ. May they see church and with Christ. May they see church and with Christ. May they see today that you hate it too and your word today that you hate it too and your word today that you hate it too and your word condemns it and forbids it.

condemns it and forbids it. condemns it and forbids it. But instead of standing in But instead of standing in But instead of standing in self-righteousness condemning that, may self-righteousness condemning that, may self-righteousness condemning that, may we all be softhearted saying, "But let's we all be softhearted saying, "But let's we all be softhearted saying, "But let's go live a different way." What would it go live a different way." What would it go live a different way." What would it look like if we truly loved God and look like if we truly loved God and look like if we truly loved God and loved others as empowered and taught by loved others as empowered and taught by loved others as empowered and taught by him? Give us a vision for that, what a him? Give us a vision for that, what a him? Give us a vision for that, what a church like that might be like. And then church like that might be like. And then church like that might be like. And then help us to walk in that way in help us to walk in that way in help us to walk in that way in increasing measure as your love for us increasing measure as your love for us increasing measure as your love for us is perfected in us over time in Jesus is perfected in us over time in Jesus is perfected in us over time in Jesus name. name. name. >> Amen. Amen. church, let's stand >> Amen. Amen. church, let's stand >> Amen. Amen. church, let's stand together. We now have an opportunity to together. We now have an opportunity to together. We now have an opportunity to respond to this great God who loves us respond to this great God who loves us respond to this great God who loves us so deeply. So, we're going to respond so deeply. So, we're going to respond so deeply. So, we're going to respond through song. We're going to reflect on through song. We're going to reflect on through song. We're going to reflect on his love as we sing today. But as we his love as we sing today. But as we his love as we sing today. But as we sing, be reminded of his grace and mercy sing, be reminded of his grace and mercy sing, be reminded of his grace and mercy towards you today. towards you today. towards you today. Be reminded of his goodness Be reminded of his goodness Be reminded of his goodness and the ways in which he's even pursuing and the ways in which he's even pursuing and the ways in which he's even pursuing you right now. you right now. you right now. God, receive our worship, Lord. Let it God, receive our worship, Lord. Let it God, receive our worship, Lord. Let it be wholeheartedly to you. We sing to you be wholeheartedly to you. We sing to you be wholeheartedly to you. We sing to you now about your great love towards us.

now about your great love towards us. now about your great love towards us. >> How deep [singing] >> How deep [singing] >> How deep [singing] the [music] father's love for us. outlast [music and singing] outlast [music and singing] beyond all measure that [music and singing] he should give that [music and singing] he should give his only son his only son his only son to make [singing] to make [singing] to make [singing] a wretch his treure. How great [music] the pain of steering How great [music] the pain of steering lords. [singing] as wounds which mother chosen one. as wounds which mother chosen one. Bring [music and singing] many sons to Bring [music and singing] many sons to Bring [music and singing] many sons to glory. Behold him there.

Behold him there. [music] Behold [singing] the man upon [music] Behold [singing] the man upon [music] Behold [singing] the man upon the cross. the cross. the cross. My [singing and music] sin upon his My [singing and music] sin upon his My [singing and music] sin upon his shoulders. Ashamed I hear my mocking [music] words. Ashamed I hear my mocking [music] words. call out among the scoffers. [singing] call out among the scoffers. [singing] call out among the scoffers. [singing] [music] [music] [music] It was my sin that held him It was my sin that held him It was my sin that held him [singing and music] there [singing and music] there [singing and music] there until it was a complaint. [music] His dying [singing] His dying [singing] breath has brought me [music] life. breath has brought me [music] life. breath has brought me [music] life. I [singing] know that it is. [music] It is It is so It is.

It is. Oh, No [music and singing] gifts, no power, No [music and singing] gifts, no power, no wisdom. But I [music] will boast in [singing] But I [music] will boast in [singing] Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, his death [music] and resurrection. but this [music and singing] I know with but this [music and singing] I know with all my heart.

all my heart. all my heart. His [singing] wounds have paid my Yes, [singing and music] this I know Yes, [singing and music] this I know with all my heart. with all my heart. with all my heart. his wounds. I prayed my Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. I love you Lord. Oh your mercy [music and singing] never Oh your mercy [music and singing] never fails me. fails me. fails me. All my days [singing] All my days [singing] All my days [singing] I've been held in your hands. Come on, I've been held in your hands. Come on, I've been held in your hands. Come on, sing it to him. From the moment [music] sing it to him. From the moment [music] sing it to him. From the moment [music] that I wake up until I lay my [singing] that I wake up until I lay my [singing] that I wake up until I lay my [singing] head, head, head, I will sing. >> I thank you, Lord. >> I thank you, Lord. All my life you [singing] have been All my life you [singing] have been All my life you [singing] have been faithful.

faithful. faithful. Come on, sing it out to him. Every [singing and music] breath that I Every [singing and music] breath that I am, am, am, [snorts] I will sing of the goodness [snorts] I will sing of the goodness [snorts] I will sing of the goodness [music] [music] [music] of God. of God. of God. I love your voice. I love your voice. I love your voice. [music] [music] [music] >> You have led me through the fight. >> You have led me through the fight. >> You have led me through the fight. darkest night. darkest night. darkest night. You were close like no other. You were close like no other. You were close like no other. >> I've known you as a father. >> I've known you as a father. >> I've known you as a father. >> I've known you as a friend. >> I've known you as a friend. >> I've known you as a friend. And I have lived in the goodness And I have lived in the goodness And I have lived in the goodness of God. All my life you have been so so good.

All my life you have been so so good. With every breath that I am able, With every breath that I am able, With every breath that I am able, [music] I will sing of the goodness [music] I will sing of the goodness [music] I will sing of the goodness of God. I'll sing of your grace. I'll of God. I'll sing of your grace. I'll of God. I'll sing of your grace. I'll sing of your mercy. I'll sing of your sing of your mercy. I'll sing of your sing of your mercy. I'll sing of your rightousness rightousness rightousness and your love, and your love, and your love, Lord. Lord. Lord. Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's running after me. running after me. running after me. Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's running after me. With my life laid running after me. With my life laid running after me. With my life laid down, I surrender now. I give you down, I surrender now. I give you down, I surrender now. I give you everything. Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's running after me. Come on, tell somebody running after me. Come on, tell somebody running after me. Come on, tell somebody again. Your goodness is running after. again. Your goodness is running after. again. Your goodness is running after. It's running after. Thank you, Lord. It's running after. Thank you, Lord. It's running after. Thank you, Lord. Your goodness is running after.

Your goodness is running after. Your goodness is running after. >> I surrender now with my life laid down. >> I surrender now with my life laid down. >> I surrender now with my life laid down. I surrender now and give you everything. Your goodness is running after. It's Your goodness is running after. It's running after me. Thank you, Jesus. running after me. Thank you, Jesus. running after me. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, God. [music] Thank you, Lord. Thank you, God. [music] Thank you, Lord. Thank you, God. [music] Cuz all my life you have been faithful. Yes. All my life you have been so so Yes. All my life you have been so so good. good. good. With every breath that I will sing of the goodness of God. will sing of the goodness of God. Yeah. Tell him again. All my life he's Yeah. Tell him again. All my life he's Yeah. Tell him again. All my life he's been faithful. All my life you have been been faithful. All my life you have been been faithful. All my life you have been faithful. faithful. faithful. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. All my life you have been so so good.

All my life you have been so so good. All my life you have been so so good. With every breath that I made, With every breath that I made, With every breath that I made, I will sing of the goodness of God. I will sing of the goodness of God. I will sing of the goodness of God. I will sing of the goodness of God. I will sing of the goodness of God. I will sing of the goodness of God. I will sing of the goodness I will sing of the goodness I will sing of the goodness of God. >> Cuz all my life you have been faithful. >> Cuz all my life you have been faithful. [singing] Yes, you have Lord. Thank you. All my Yes, you have Lord. Thank you. All my life you have been so so good. life you have been so so good. life you have been so so good. With every breath that I am able, With every breath that I am able, With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness I will sing of the goodness I will sing of the goodness of God.

I will sing of the goodness [singing] I will sing of the goodness [singing] of God. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, God. We [music] are united by the [singing] We [music] are united by the [singing] blood of Jesus. blood of Jesus. blood of Jesus. We [music] are the branches of the one We [music] are the branches of the one We [music] are the branches of the one true [singing] vine. [music] true [singing] vine. [music] true [singing] vine. [music] We come together. This is what we're We come together. This is what we're We come together. This is what we're made for. To know and made for. To know and made for. To know and [music and singing] love you and be [music and singing] love you and be [music and singing] love you and be unified. We will [singing] proclaim all that you We will [singing] proclaim all that you have [music] done have [music] done have [music] done until the day we will see your son.

We are a church. We are a church. We are a bride. We are a bride. We are a bride. We are a people. We are a people. We are a people. You brought [singing] back to life. You brought [singing] back to life. You brought [singing] back to life. Though there is darkness, we've seen a Though there is darkness, we've seen a Though there is darkness, we've seen a great light. [singing] great light. [singing] great light. [singing] We're children [music] We're children [music] We're children [music] of proise. of proise. of proise. We're one with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. >> One with Christ. God help [music] us God help [music] us with with with [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] change our hearts to pursue [music] change our hearts to pursue [music] change our hearts to pursue [singing] your peace. [singing] your peace. [singing] your peace. Lead us [music] to lay up right down at Lead us [music] to lay up right down at Lead us [music] to lay up right down at the altar. [singing] the altar. [singing] the altar. [singing] So through your people [music] all So through your people [music] all So through your people [music] all division division division cease. cease. cease. Your will be [music and singing] done. Your will be [music and singing] done. Your will be [music and singing] done. Let your kingom come Let your kingom come Let your kingom come until the day we will see your son.

until the day we will see your son. until the day we will see your son. We rest assured that we will see your We rest assured that we will see your We rest assured that we will see your son. We are a church. [music] We are a church. [music] We are a bride. We are a bride. We are a bride. We are your people. We've brought back We are your people. We've brought back We are your people. We've brought back to life. to life. to life. Though there is darkness, [music] Though there is darkness, [music] Though there is darkness, [music] we see the great light. we see the great light. we see the great light. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. We are your church. We are your church. We are your church. We are your bride. We are your bride. We are your bride. We are your people. We are your people. We are your people. We've brought back to life. We've brought back to life. We've brought back to life. Though there's darkness, we've seen a Though there's darkness, we've seen a Though there's darkness, we've seen a great light. great light. great light. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're one with Christ.

>> One body, >> One body, one spirit, one spirit, one spirit, one God and father [music and singing] one God and father [music and singing] one God and father [music and singing] over all. over all. over all. One gospel, One gospel, One gospel, one [music] freedom, one [music] freedom, one [music] freedom, one hope that [singing] will ever last. one hope that [singing] will ever last. one hope that [singing] will ever last. [music] One savior, One savior, one redeemer, one redeemer, one redeemer, one from beginning to end. one from beginning to end. one from beginning to end. for treasure. for treasure. for treasure. One heaven, One heaven, One heaven, one hope for every tongue, tribe and one hope for every tongue, tribe and one hope for every tongue, tribe and nation. [music] We are your church. We are your church. We are your bride. We are your bride. We are your bride. We are your people. We are your people. We are your people. You brought back to life. You brought back to life. You brought back to life. over with darkness. [music] over with darkness. [music] over with darkness. [music] We see the great light.

We see the great light. We see the great light. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're wise. We're wise. We're wise. We are your child. We are your child. We are your child. We are your bright. We are your bright. We are your bright. We are your people. We are your people. We are your people. You brought back to life. You brought back to life. You brought back to life. Though there is darkness, we've seen a Though there is darkness, we've seen a Though there is darkness, we've seen a great light. great light. great light. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're children of promise. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. We're one with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. One with Christ. We're children of pro. We're children of pro. We're children of pro. We're one with Christ >> and we're singing how >> and we're singing how marvelous, marvelous, marvelous, how how how wonderful wonderful wonderful and my song shall ever and my song shall ever and my song shall ever be.

be. be. How How How marvelous, marvelous, marvelous, how how how wonderful wonderful wonderful is my Savior's is my Savior's is my Savior's love for me. >> Yeah, Lord, even after singing that >> Yeah, Lord, even after singing that song, God, it makes me look forward to song, God, it makes me look forward to song, God, it makes me look forward to what these next words say. We will be what these next words say. We will be what these next words say. We will be with the ransom in glory. Come on, let's with the ransom in glory. Come on, let's with the ransom in glory. Come on, let's sing this together. And when with sing this together. And when with sing this together. And when with [singing] the ransomed in glory, his face I at last [singing] his face I at last [singing] shall see will be my [music] joy through the will be my [music] joy through the [singing] ages to sing of his love for me. Come on, to sing of his love for me. Come on, sing now. was singing how sing now. was singing how sing now. was singing how marvelous, [music and singing] marvelous, [music and singing] marvelous, [music and singing] how how how wonderful wonderful wonderful and my [music] and my [music] and my [music] song shall ever song shall ever song shall ever be.

be. be. How How How marvelous, [music and singing] marvelous, [music and singing] marvelous, [music and singing] how how how wonderful wonderful wonderful is my Savior's is my Savior's is my Savior's love for love for love for me, me, me, >> Lord. Thank you for first loving us. >> Lord. Thank you for first loving us. >> Lord. Thank you for first loving us. Thank you for the grace in which you Thank you for the grace in which you Thank you for the grace in which you show us through your [music] love. Lord, show us through your [music] love. Lord, show us through your [music] love. Lord, let us be people that do that to others let us be people that do that to others let us be people that do that to others as well. Lord, let us as well. Lord, let us as well. Lord, let us be lights. Let us shine your light, be lights. Let us shine your light, be lights. Let us shine your light, Lord, through love to others, but let us Lord, through love to others, but let us Lord, through love to others, but let us love as you have loved us. God, we love love as you have loved us. God, we love love as you have loved us. God, we love you so much. Thank you for this time in you so much. Thank you for this time in you so much. Thank you for this time in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Church, y'all Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Church, y'all Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Church, y'all can go ahead and take a seat. can go ahead and take a seat. can go ahead and take a seat. >> Well, amen and amen. Church, so good to >> Well, amen and amen. Church, so good to >> Well, amen and amen. Church, so good to be with you today to gather together at be with you today to gather together at be with you today to gather together at this time. Could I just have our ushers this time. Could I just have our ushers this time. Could I just have our ushers come forward for a time of giving and come forward for a time of giving and come forward for a time of giving and offering? [music] Friends, if you're new offering? [music] Friends, if you're new offering? [music] Friends, if you're new to the Austin Stone, been visiting maybe to the Austin Stone, been visiting maybe to the Austin Stone, been visiting maybe for a few Sundays, uh we'd love to meet for a few Sundays, uh we'd love to meet for a few Sundays, uh we'd love to meet you and we're so glad that you're here you and we're so glad that you're here you and we're so glad that you're here uh as our guest. [music] There's a card uh as our guest. [music] There's a card uh as our guest. [music] There's a card should be uh on your seat that just says should be uh on your seat that just says should be uh on your seat that just says new here. And if you would just take a new here. And if you would just take a new here. And if you would just take a moment today to just fill that card moment today to just fill that card moment today to just fill that card [music] out uh and bring it to our [music] out uh and bring it to our [music] out uh and bring it to our connect table at the end of the service, connect table at the end of the service, connect table at the end of the service, we'd love to meet you and get to know we'd love to meet you and get to know we'd love to meet you and get to know you. If you have a prayer request for you. If you have a prayer request for you. If you have a prayer request for anything that we can be praying for you anything that we can be praying for you anything that we can be praying for you or praising God with you, would you just or praising God with you, would you just or praising God with you, would you just take some time to fill that uh prayer take some time to fill that uh prayer take some time to fill that uh prayer out on that other side of that card? If out on that other side of that card? If out on that other side of that card? If you need prayer for anything today, I you need prayer for anything today, I you need prayer for anything today, I would invite you to come forward after would invite you to come forward after would invite you to come forward after the service. Our pastors uh Ross, Jimmy the service. Our pastors uh Ross, Jimmy the service. Our pastors uh Ross, Jimmy will be here uh to pray with you and our

will be here uh to pray with you and our will be here uh to pray with you and our deacons as well. Friends, my name is deacons as well. Friends, my name is deacons as well. Friends, my name is Justin. I [music] get the privilege to Justin. I [music] get the privilege to Justin. I [music] get the privilege to pastor this West congregation of the pastor this West congregation of the pastor this West congregation of the Austin Stone Community Church and it's Austin Stone Community Church and it's Austin Stone Community Church and it's such a joy uh to to be here. Uh, one such a joy uh to to be here. Uh, one such a joy uh to to be here. Uh, one quick note I'll make just as we're doing quick note I'll make just as we're doing quick note I'll make just as we're doing the offering is uh, excited next week to the offering is uh, excited next week to the offering is uh, excited next week to give you guys a more robust and full give you guys a more robust and full give you guys a more robust and full update of what's happening with our update of what's happening with our update of what's happening with our building across the street. Pictures and building across the street. Pictures and building across the street. Pictures and things that are happening. It's really things that are happening. It's really things that are happening. It's really coming together and kind of timelines coming together and kind of timelines coming together and kind of timelines and those things. But friends, we're and those things. But friends, we're and those things. But friends, we're excited by the end hopefully we're excited by the end hopefully we're excited by the end hopefully we're crossing our fingers by the end of this crossing our fingers by the end of this crossing our fingers by the end of this semester in December to be back into semester in December to be back into semester in December to be back into that building and to be gathering that building and to be gathering that building and to be gathering together in that place. So excited to together in that place. So excited to together in that place. So excited to give you guys a more full update. uh give you guys a more full update. uh give you guys a more full update. uh next week uh one of the things that we next week uh one of the things that we next week uh one of the things that we our hope is and that we we preach on and our hope is and that we we preach on and our hope is and that we we preach on and we are walking together in is that we're we are walking together in is that we're we are walking together in is that we're disciples of Jesus. I hope you see that disciples of Jesus. I hope you see that disciples of Jesus. I hope you see that and as we're walking through letters of and as we're walking through letters of and as we're walking through letters of John that what we are striving to do as John that what we are striving to do as John that what we are striving to do as a people of God is to follow Jesus well a people of God is to follow Jesus well a people of God is to follow Jesus well to help others follow him well to obey to help others follow him well to obey to help others follow him well to obey what he teaches to love what he loves to what he teaches to love what he loves to what he teaches to love what he loves to go where he is leading us to go and to go where he is leading us to go and to go where he is leading us to go and to enjoy that life that he offers. And so enjoy that life that he offers. And so enjoy that life that he offers. And so just with that, friends, I just want to just with that, friends, I just want to just with that, friends, I just want to highlight just a few ways I want to highlight just a few ways I want to highlight just a few ways I want to invite you in to do that with us as a invite you in to do that with us as a invite you in to do that with us as a community of believers. Is that uh next community of believers. Is that uh next community of believers. Is that uh next Saturday we're going to get together and Saturday we're going to get together and Saturday we're going to get together and we're going to serve our city. We're we're going to serve our city. We're we're going to serve our city. We're going to go where he's leading to serve going to go where he's leading to serve going to go where he's leading to serve well in our city that that blessed are well in our city that that blessed are well in our city that that blessed are the merciful for they will be shown the merciful for they will be shown the merciful for they will be shown mercy. And so that's what we want to do mercy. And so that's what we want to do mercy. And so that's what we want to do together. I'd love to for you to invite together. I'd love to for you to invite together. I'd love to for you to invite everyone in the church to [music] sign everyone in the church to [music] sign everyone in the church to [music] sign up to be a part of this. Even if you

up to be a part of this. Even if you up to be a part of this. Even if you can't participate with us Saturday can't participate with us Saturday can't participate with us Saturday morning from 8 to noon, the different morning from 8 to noon, the different morning from 8 to noon, the different nonprofits in the city, there's still a nonprofits in the city, there's still a nonprofits in the city, there's still a way that you can be involved in doing way that you can be involved in doing way that you can be involved in doing this. You part of a diaper drive for the this. You part of a diaper drive for the this. You part of a diaper drive for the source and bring those things uh to source and bring those things uh to source and bring those things uh to [music] the church. No matter what, I [music] the church. No matter what, I [music] the church. No matter what, I would encourage you to please sign up. would encourage you to please sign up. would encourage you to please sign up. You can go to austinstoneone.orgwest You can go to austinstoneone.orgwest You can go to austinstoneone.orgwest and you can sign up for all of those and you can sign up for all of those and you can sign up for all of those opportunities. We also have a men's opportunities. We also have a men's opportunities. We also have a men's retreat that's coming up September 25th retreat that's coming up September 25th retreat that's coming up September 25th through 27th. guys in the room, I just through 27th. guys in the room, I just through 27th. guys in the room, I just want to lovingly encourage you if you want to lovingly encourage you if you want to lovingly encourage you if you have already plans for that weekend, have already plans for that weekend, have already plans for that weekend, [music] change them. We would love for [music] change them. We would love for [music] change them. We would love for you to be there to be in community with you to be there to be in community with you to be there to be in community with other guys in the room. It's going to be other guys in the room. It's going to be other guys in the room. It's going to be a really great kind of time together as a really great kind of time together as a really great kind of time together as we get together. We enjoy fellowship. We we get together. We enjoy fellowship. We we get together. We enjoy fellowship. We enjoy some community and connection. Who enjoy some community and connection. Who enjoy some community and connection. Who knows, your next best friend might also knows, your next best friend might also knows, your next best friend might also be on that Metman's retreat as well. You be on that Metman's retreat as well. You be on that Metman's retreat as well. You get a time to connect with other guys. get a time to connect with other guys. get a time to connect with other guys. We'd love for you guys to do that. We'd love for you guys to do that. We'd love for you guys to do that. There's a few other things I would There's a few other things I would There's a few other things I would encourage you guys to make sure you're encourage you guys to make sure you're encourage you guys to make sure you're looking at in the bulletin that you looking at in the bulletin that you looking at in the bulletin that you have. things about partnership class and have. things about partnership class and have. things about partnership class and our working women's gathering that we'll our working women's gathering that we'll our working women's gathering that we'll be having as well that starts tomorrow.

be having as well that starts tomorrow. be having as well that starts tomorrow. You can look at your bulletin and sign You can look at your bulletin and sign You can look at your bulletin and sign up uh for those things as well. up uh for those things as well. up uh for those things as well. All right, we're getting ready to go and All right, we're getting ready to go and All right, we're getting ready to go and I just kind of want to take a moment uh I just kind of want to take a moment uh I just kind of want to take a moment uh before we go. Every week we have a before we go. Every week we have a before we go. Every week we have a moment of benediction and we send you moment of benediction and we send you moment of benediction and we send you guys out. I kind of want to just give guys out. I kind of want to just give guys out. I kind of want to just give you guys a little bit of the heartbeat you guys a little bit of the heartbeat you guys a little bit of the heartbeat for what this moment is as as pastors for what this moment is as as pastors for what this moment is as as pastors and those who who think about and pray and those who who think about and pray and those who who think about and pray for you guys each and every week that for you guys each and every week that for you guys each and every week that our genuine hope is that when we gather our genuine hope is that when we gather our genuine hope is that when we gather together as a church that what you feel together as a church that what you feel together as a church that what you feel and experience and what you learn is and experience and what you learn is and experience and what you learn is that we're reminded of this deep love of that we're reminded of this deep love of that we're reminded of this deep love of the heavenly father for us that you are the heavenly father for us that you are the heavenly father for us that you are filled up full of God's holy spirit so filled up full of God's holy spirit so filled up full of God's holy spirit so that when we dismiss in a few moment that when we dismiss in a few moment that when we dismiss in a few moment moments that you are sent out as moments that you are sent out as moments that you are sent out as ambassadors of his kingdom into all of ambassadors of his kingdom into all of ambassadors of his kingdom into all of the different kind of places that God is the different kind of places that God is the different kind of places that God is calling you all into the different calling you all into the different calling you all into the different contexts that no matter what your contexts that no matter what your contexts that no matter what your context is that no matter what line or context is that no matter what line or context is that no matter what line or field of work that you have whether field of work that you have whether field of work that you have whether you're a student whether you're retired you're a student whether you're retired you're a student whether you're retired whether you are uh making a home and whether you are uh making a home and whether you are uh making a home and raising up kids no matter what all those raising up kids no matter what all those raising up kids no matter what all those different kinds of contexts are all of different kinds of contexts are all of different kinds of contexts are all of those things you're are present out in those things you're are present out in those things you're are present out in the world Jesus calls [music] them that the world Jesus calls [music] them that the world Jesus calls [music] them that we're to be called salt and light. That we're to be called salt and light. That we're to be called salt and light. That we're actually to be preserving and we're actually to be preserving and we're actually to be preserving and enhancing the common grace goodness of enhancing the common grace goodness of enhancing the common grace goodness of God in the world and shining a light to God in the world and shining a light to God in the world and shining a light to the better way of his kingdom and all the better way of his kingdom and all the better way of his kingdom and all that [music] it promises.

that [music] it promises. that [music] it promises. All of you have a sacred calling to that All of you have a sacred calling to that All of you have a sacred calling to that kind of work. But I especially want to kind of work. But I especially want to kind of work. But I especially want to just call out just in this time of year just call out just in this time of year just call out just in this time of year in August, we're all getting ready to in August, we're all getting ready to in August, we're all getting ready to enter back into these school kind of enter back into these school kind of enter back into these school kind of rhythms. College football's getting rhythms. College football's getting rhythms. College football's getting started and all of our lives are kind of started and all of our lives are kind of started and all of our lives are kind of getting oriented to that reality. We're getting oriented to that reality. We're getting oriented to that reality. We're getting our kids ready to go into getting our kids ready to go into getting our kids ready to go into school. Some of us are already in into school. Some of us are already in into school. Some of us are already in into school. I just want to highlight the school. I just want to highlight the school. I just want to highlight the work of those who are called into the work of those who are called into the work of those who are called into the specific field of education. specific field of education. specific field of education. You guys have a sacred calling. Whether You guys have a sacred calling. Whether You guys have a sacred calling. Whether you're a teacher, whether you're an you're a teacher, whether you're an you're a teacher, whether you're an administrator, a faculty member, you administrator, a faculty member, you administrator, a faculty member, you might even be a sports coach. All of might even be a sports coach. All of might even be a sports coach. All of those things that you're involved with those things that you're involved with those things that you're involved with is sacred because what you're doing, is sacred because what you're doing, is sacred because what you're doing, what you're doing is you're help what you're doing is you're help what you're doing is you're help cultivating, you're help unearthing, cultivating, you're help unearthing, cultivating, you're help unearthing, you're bringing out the best of human you're bringing out the best of human you're bringing out the best of human potential that you're seeing in other potential that you're seeing in other potential that you're seeing in other people what they might not see in people what they might not see in people what they might not see in themselves and help building them up themselves and help building them up themselves and help building them up towards those things. And even in those towards those things. And even in those towards those things. And even in those places where there might be disruption places where there might be disruption places where there might be disruption or disrepair in people and their own or disrepair in people and their own or disrepair in people and their own character and their own way of seeing character and their own way of seeing character and their own way of seeing themselves in the world or even I've themselves in the world or even I've themselves in the world or even I've I've seen this as someone who grew up in I've seen this as someone who grew up in I've seen this as someone who grew up in a family who are educators that you a family who are educators that you a family who are educators that you enter into even broken family systems enter into even broken family systems enter into even broken family systems [music] and you help bring repair and [music] and you help bring repair and [music] and you help bring repair and restoration in those places. And many of restoration in those places. And many of restoration in those places. And many of you are being called to ha are doing or you are being called to ha are doing or you are being called to ha are doing or will be called to this next year to will be called to this next year to will be called to this next year to enter into those places and bring and enter into those places and bring and enter into those places and bring and offer healing to creatively restore uh offer healing to creatively restore uh offer healing to creatively restore uh others through the sacrifice of your

others through the sacrifice of your others through the sacrifice of your time and your treasure and your talent. time and your treasure and your talent. time and your treasure and your talent. What a thing. What a noble task. What a thing. What a noble task. What a thing. What a noble task. Friends, we're so grateful for any of Friends, we're so grateful for any of Friends, we're so grateful for any of you and all of you who are working in you and all of you who are working in you and all of you who are working in that field of education. And I just as that field of education. And I just as that field of education. And I just as we're getting ready to leave today we're getting ready to leave today we're getting ready to leave today [music] would love to just offer a [music] would love to just offer a [music] would love to just offer a prayer of blessing over you prayer of blessing over you prayer of blessing over you specifically. So would you bow your specifically. So would you bow your specifically. So would you bow your heads with me, Lord? Our father in heads with me, Lord? Our father in heads with me, Lord? Our father in heaven, your name is holy. Your name is heaven, your name is holy. Your name is heaven, your name is holy. Your name is sacred. Your name is great. And God, we sacred. Your name is great. And God, we sacred. Your name is great. And God, we would pray that it would be holy and would pray that it would be holy and would pray that it would be holy and sacred and great in all of the different sacred and great in all of the different sacred and great in all of the different areas that you have called us into uh areas that you have called us into uh areas that you have called us into uh over the course of even this next week, over the course of even this next week, over the course of even this next week, this semester in our lives. Lord Jesus, this semester in our lives. Lord Jesus, this semester in our lives. Lord Jesus, would your kingdom come and would your would your kingdom come and would your would your kingdom come and would your will be done? Lord Jesus, in and through will be done? Lord Jesus, in and through will be done? Lord Jesus, in and through the lives of those who are specifically the lives of those who are specifically the lives of those who are specifically called to love and to serve others in called to love and to serve others in called to love and to serve others in the field of education. Would you bless the field of education. Would you bless the field of education. Would you bless the work of their hands? Would you give the work of their hands? Would you give the work of their hands? Would you give them endurance and strength for the them endurance and strength for the them endurance and strength for the journey and the task that they have journey and the task that they have journey and the task that they have waiting before them over the course of waiting before them over the course of waiting before them over the course of this next year? would many come to know this next year? would many come to know this next year? would many come to know and to see and to experience the salt and to see and to experience the salt and to see and to experience the salt and the light that is your kingdom, the and the light that is your kingdom, the and the light that is your kingdom, the love that you have for them, Lord Jesus.

love that you have for them, Lord Jesus. love that you have for them, Lord Jesus. And all of these things we pray. Amen. And all of these things we pray. Amen. And all of these things we pray. Amen. And amen. [music] And amen. [music] And amen. [music] Austin Stone, you are so loved and Austin Stone, you are so loved and Austin Stone, you are so loved and you're sent out to love others. We'll you're sent out to love others. We'll you're sent out to love others. We'll see you next week. [music] Amen. only only my vision only my vision only my vision only my vision only.

We are We are not I'm not I'm not here. Hey,

Hey, hey, hey.