The Letters of John: Light & Darkness

Good morning, West. Let's stand. Let's Good morning, West. Let's stand. Let's [music] worship the Lord together. He's [music] worship the Lord together. He's [music] worship the Lord together. He's the giver of all good things. He is our the giver of all good things. He is our the giver of all good things. He is our joy. And we sing to that end for He's joy. And we sing to that end for He's joy. And we sing to that end for He's faithful. He is good. And he is kind. He faithful. He is good. And he is kind. He faithful. He is good. And he is kind. He is our joy this morning. This is This is the day you have made. the day you have made. the day you have made. So I will rejoice and be glad. Rejoice So I will rejoice and be glad. Rejoice So I will rejoice and be glad. Rejoice and be glad [music] in it. This is This is where I [singing] believe where I [singing] believe where I [singing] believe that you are more than enough. More than that you are more than enough. More than that you are more than enough. More than [music] enough for me. You are faithful to your [music] You are faithful to your [music] promise. You are strong when I am weak. promise. You are strong when I am weak. promise. You are strong when I am weak. When I'm standing in your [music] When I'm standing in your [music] When I'm standing in your [music] presence, I have everything I need.

presence, I have everything I need. presence, I have everything I need. The [music] joy of the Lord. The joy of The [music] joy of the Lord. The joy of The [music] joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh, it is. the Lord is my strength. Oh, it is. the Lord is my strength. Oh, it is. The [music] joy of the Lord. The joy of The [music] joy of the Lord. The joy of The [music] joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh my soul, bless his name. Let all that Oh my soul, bless his name. Let all that is within. [music] is within. [music] is within. [music] The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Jesus Jesus come one day. come one day. come one day. You are [music] worthy of all, worthy of You are [music] worthy of all, worthy of You are [music] worthy of all, worthy of all my praise. all my praise. all my praise. You are faithful [music] to your You are faithful [music] to your You are faithful [music] to your promise. You are strong and I am weak. promise. You are strong and I am weak. promise. You are strong and I am weak. When I'm standing in [music] your When I'm standing in [music] your When I'm standing in [music] your presence, I have everything I need.

presence, I have everything I need. presence, I have everything I need. The joy of the Lord. The joy of [music] The joy of the Lord. The joy of [music] The joy of the Lord. The joy of [music] the Lord is my strength. The joy [music] of the Lord. The joy of The joy [music] of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh my soul, come bless his name. All Oh my soul, come bless his name. All that is within me say the joy of the that is within me say the joy of the that is within me say the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my Lord. The joy of the Lord is my Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. strength. strength. Oh it is Oh it is Oh it is the joy [music] of the Lord is my the joy [music] of the Lord is my the joy [music] of the Lord is my strength. This is our prayer. Let it rise up This is our prayer. Let it rise up like [music] a river like [music] a river like [music] a river overflowing. [singing] Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, let it pour out [music] let it pour out [music] let it pour out [music] with no limit.

Holy Spirit [music] Holy Spirit [music] and let it rise up and let it rise up and let it rise up like a river like a river like a river overflowing, Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit. to let it pour [music] out to let it pour [music] out to let it pour [music] out with your liver the joy of the Lord, [music] the joy of the Lord, [music] the joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh my soul, bless his name. Let all that Oh my soul, bless his name. Let all that is within me. is within me. is within me. Oh my soul, bless his name. All that is Oh my soul, bless his name. All that is Oh my soul, bless his name. All that is within [music] me say, oh my soul, bless within [music] me say, oh my soul, bless within [music] me say, oh my soul, bless his name. Let all that is within me say, his name. Let all that is within me say, his name. Let all that is within me say, the joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord the joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord the joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength.

The joy [music] of the Lord is my The joy [music] of the Lord is my strength. strength. strength. Oh, you made a way. Oh, you made a way. Oh, you made a way. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Oh, come [music] my soul. Oh, don't you Oh, come [music] my soul. Oh, don't you get shy on me. Lift up your [music] get shy on me. Lift up your [music] get shy on me. Lift up your [music] soul. Cuz you've got a lion inside those soul. Cuz you've got a lion inside those soul. Cuz you've got a lion inside those lungs. Get up and praise the Lord. lungs. Get up and praise the Lord. lungs. Get up and praise the Lord. Come on, let's sing this out. Come on, let's sing this out. Come on, let's sing this out. Oh, come on my soul. Oh, don't you get Oh, come on my soul. Oh, don't you get Oh, come on my soul. Oh, don't you get shy [music] on me. Lift up your song cuz shy [music] on me. Lift up your song cuz shy [music] on me. Lift up your song cuz you've got a lion inside of those lungs. you've got a lion inside of those lungs. you've got a lion inside of those lungs. Get up and praise the Lord. Oh, come on my soul. Oh, don't you get Oh, come on my soul. Oh, don't you get childy. [music] childy. [music] childy. [music] Lift up your song cuz you got a lion Lift up your song cuz you got a lion Lift up your song cuz you got a lion inside those lungs. Get up and praise inside those lungs. Get up and praise inside those lungs. Get up and praise the Lord.

We [music] praise We [music] praise you, Lord. So I throw up my hands and praise you So I throw up my hands and praise you again [music] again [music] again [music] and again. and again. and again. Cuz all that I have is a heart. Hallelu. And I know it's [music] not much. I'm And I know it's [music] not much. I'm nothing else fit for a king nothing else fit for a king nothing else fit for a king except for [music] a heart singing except for [music] a heart singing except for [music] a heart singing hallelujah. Halle Halle hallelujah. Amen. [music] Amen. Church, Amen. [music] Amen. Church, would you all remain standing for the would you all remain standing for the would you all remain standing for the reading of God's [music] word this reading of God's [music] word this reading of God's [music] word this morning as Kathy Fuller comes up to read morning as Kathy Fuller comes up to read morning as Kathy Fuller comes up to read that for us.

Hello church. Hello church. My name is Kathy [music] Fuller. God has My name is Kathy [music] Fuller. God has My name is Kathy [music] Fuller. God has called me to the West campus to serve called me to the West campus to serve called me to the West campus to serve through connections ministry where we through connections ministry where we through connections ministry where we help people get connected and feel help people get connected and feel help people get connected and feel comfortable here at West. Today's comfortable here at West. Today's comfortable here at West. Today's scripture reading is from John 1 1-5 scripture reading is from John 1 1-5 scripture reading is from John 1 1-5 which [music] says, "In the beginning which [music] says, "In the beginning which [music] says, "In the beginning was the word and the word was with God was the word and the word was with God was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. He was in the and the word was God. He was in the and the word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made beginning with God. All things were made beginning with God. All things were made through him and without him was not through him and without him was not through him and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was anything made that was made. In him was anything made that was made. In him was life and the life was the light of men. life and the life was the light of men. life and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the The light shines in the darkness and the The light shines in the darkness and the darkness [music] has not overcome it. darkness [music] has not overcome it. darkness [music] has not overcome it. This is the word of the Lord. Let's This is the word of the Lord. Let's This is the word of the Lord. Let's pray. pray. pray. Lord, would you let this reality of who Lord, would you let this reality of who Lord, would you let this reality of who you are and what you have done sink you are and what you have done sink you are and what you have done sink deeply into our hearts and minds? Let us deeply into our hearts and minds? Let us deeply into our hearts and minds? Let us respond with worship, praise, joy, and respond with worship, praise, joy, and respond with worship, praise, joy, and awe.

awe. awe. Lord, would you cause us to surrender to Lord, would you cause us to surrender to Lord, would you cause us to surrender to your light and your life in us? Do what your light and your life in us? Do what your light and your life in us? Do what you intend to cleanse us and change us you intend to cleanse us and change us you intend to cleanse us and change us and grow us into your likeness. Lord, and grow us into your likeness. Lord, and grow us into your likeness. Lord, would you speak to us through Jimmy would you speak to us through Jimmy would you speak to us through Jimmy today through the words that you have today through the words that you have today through the words that you have given him? In Jesus name we pray. Amen. given him? In Jesus name we pray. Amen. given him? In Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Church, it is good to be in >> Amen. Amen. Church, it is good to be in >> Amen. Amen. Church, it is good to be in the house of the Lord. Amen. the house of the Lord. Amen. the house of the Lord. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Uh if you are new to our church, my name >> Uh if you are new to our church, my name >> Uh if you are new to our church, my name is Jimmy McNeel and I serve as an elder is Jimmy McNeel and I serve as an elder is Jimmy McNeel and I serve as an elder here, but I also serve as the worship here, but I also serve as the worship here, but I also serve as the worship pastor here at our west congregation. pastor here at our west congregation. pastor here at our west congregation. And if you're new, uh welcome to the And if you're new, uh welcome to the And if you're new, uh welcome to the Austin Stone Community Church. Um, I do Austin Stone Community Church. Um, I do Austin Stone Community Church. Um, I do want to give a shout out to our South want to give a shout out to our South want to give a shout out to our South congregation. South, how we feeling this congregation. South, how we feeling this congregation. South, how we feeling this morning. Um, I hope y'all are screaming morning. Um, I hope y'all are screaming morning. Um, I hope y'all are screaming and uh enjoying being at church today. and uh enjoying being at church today. and uh enjoying being at church today. But if you are at South, um, please But if you are at South, um, please But if you are at South, um, please don't try to come up and talk to me don't try to come up and talk to me don't try to come up and talk to me after the service because I am not after the service because I am not after the service because I am not there. Um, but if you have any problems there. Um, but if you have any problems there. Um, but if you have any problems with the sermon, you can email me at with the sermon, you can email me at with the sermon, you can email me at rossawsstoneone.org.

This sermon is the second of uh 16 weeks This sermon is the second of uh 16 weeks of sermons about us walking through the of sermons about us walking through the of sermons about us walking through the letters of John. And last week, Ross letters of John. And last week, Ross letters of John. And last week, Ross Lester taught on first John verse uh 1-4 Lester taught on first John verse uh 1-4 Lester taught on first John verse uh 1-4 uh chapter 1:es 1-4. And he told us that uh chapter 1:es 1-4. And he told us that uh chapter 1:es 1-4. And he told us that joy, joy, joy, holiness, and assurance are the main holiness, and assurance are the main holiness, and assurance are the main three points from the letters of John. three points from the letters of John. three points from the letters of John. And you'll see those points wrapped in And you'll see those points wrapped in And you'll see those points wrapped in my sermon today. But for context, John my sermon today. But for context, John my sermon today. But for context, John is writing to a church that has had some is writing to a church that has had some is writing to a church that has had some false teachers roll up and deceive the false teachers roll up and deceive the false teachers roll up and deceive the Christ followers there. And and those Christ followers there. And and those Christ followers there. And and those false teachers have tried to teach them false teachers have tried to teach them false teachers have tried to teach them different things about God as well as different things about God as well as different things about God as well as how they ought to follow God and live how they ought to follow God and live how they ought to follow God and live for him. And this letter is John's for him. And this letter is John's for him. And this letter is John's response to that. And you'll see that as response to that. And you'll see that as response to that. And you'll see that as we walk through it. So let's just dive we walk through it. So let's just dive we walk through it. So let's just dive right in. Um well, let's read these next right in. Um well, let's read these next right in. Um well, let's read these next eight verses starting at verse five. eight verses starting at verse five. eight verses starting at verse five. It's titled walking in the light. This It's titled walking in the light. This It's titled walking in the light. This is the message that we have heard from is the message that we have heard from is the message that we have heard from him and proclaimed to you that God is him and proclaimed to you that God is him and proclaimed to you that God is light and in him is no darkness at all.

light and in him is no darkness at all. light and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him If we say we have fellowship with him If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in the darkness, we lie while we walk in the darkness, we lie while we walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we and do not practice the truth. But if we and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, walk in the light as he is in the light, walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with him and one we have fellowship with him and one we have fellowship with him and one another or we have fellowship with one another or we have fellowship with one another or we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his son another and the blood of Jesus his son another and the blood of Jesus his son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we cleanses us from all sin. If we say we cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and have no sin, we deceive ourselves and have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess the truth is not in us. If we confess the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to our sins, he is faithful and just to our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us forgive us our sins and to cleanse us forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we from all unrighteousness. If we say we from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar and have not sinned, we make him a liar and have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us. My little his word is not in us. My little his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to children, I am writing these things to children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if you so that you may not sin. But if you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate anyone does sin, we have an advocate anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the with the father, Jesus Christ the with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for righteous. He is the propitiation for righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only, but also our sins and not for ours only, but also our sins and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Let me for the sins of the whole world. Let me for the sins of the whole world. Let me pray for us. Jesus. pray for us. Jesus. pray for us. Jesus. God, as as we now walk through these God, as as we now walk through these God, as as we now walk through these verses, Lord, I just want to ask, God, verses, Lord, I just want to ask, God, verses, Lord, I just want to ask, God, that you would allow us to grow in that you would allow us to grow in that you would allow us to grow in following you. Lord, I just want to following you. Lord, I just want to following you. Lord, I just want to teach us how to follow you more. And teach us how to follow you more. And teach us how to follow you more. And God, I just beg you, Lord, to allow us, God, I just beg you, Lord, to allow us, God, I just beg you, Lord, to allow us, not just to hear your word and be um not just to hear your word and be um not just to hear your word and be um hearers of it, but let us be doers also.

hearers of it, but let us be doers also. hearers of it, but let us be doers also. Convict us where we need to be convicted Convict us where we need to be convicted Convict us where we need to be convicted and let us walk out of here different in and let us walk out of here different in and let us walk out of here different in Jesus name. Amen. Jesus name. Amen. Jesus name. Amen. Guilt. Guilt. Guilt. Guilt is one of the most universal human Guilt is one of the most universal human Guilt is one of the most universal human experiences. Yet, we have very few ways experiences. Yet, we have very few ways experiences. Yet, we have very few ways to deal with it that actually bring to deal with it that actually bring to deal with it that actually bring freedom. Some of us suppress it. Many of freedom. Some of us suppress it. Many of freedom. Some of us suppress it. Many of us excuse it. And if you were honest, us excuse it. And if you were honest, us excuse it. And if you were honest, most of us, like me, quietly carry it as most of us, like me, quietly carry it as most of us, like me, quietly carry it as a constant weight. a constant weight. a constant weight. When I was in college, shame and guilt When I was in college, shame and guilt When I was in college, shame and guilt were two things that I carried as a were two things that I carried as a were two things that I carried as a Christian trying to follow Jesus at Christian trying to follow Jesus at Christian trying to follow Jesus at Texas State University in San Marcus. Texas State University in San Marcus. Texas State University in San Marcus. And many times there were feelings of And many times there were feelings of And many times there were feelings of deep regret that would creep in after deep regret that would creep in after deep regret that would creep in after decisions that I had made that were decisions that I had made that were decisions that I had made that were going against who God is and and what going against who God is and and what going against who God is and and what he's done for me. And that guilt would he's done for me. And that guilt would he's done for me. And that guilt would sh and that shame would um often bring sh and that shame would um often bring sh and that shame would um often bring me to tears. And I would find myself me to tears. And I would find myself me to tears. And I would find myself looking in the mirror and staring at looking in the mirror and staring at looking in the mirror and staring at myself and just beating myself up. myself and just beating myself up. myself and just beating myself up. Beating myself up. Not knowing this, but Beating myself up. Not knowing this, but Beating myself up. Not knowing this, but not believing that there was no not believing that there was no not believing that there was no condemnation for me because I was in condemnation for me because I was in condemnation for me because I was in Christ. I believed the lie that I could Christ. I believed the lie that I could Christ. I believed the lie that I could fix myself or I could just do better.

fix myself or I could just do better. fix myself or I could just do better. And in this letter and specifically in And in this letter and specifically in And in this letter and specifically in these verses, John addresses this guilt these verses, John addresses this guilt these verses, John addresses this guilt and sin, not by minimizing it, but by and sin, not by minimizing it, but by and sin, not by minimizing it, but by presenting a God who is perfectly holy, presenting a God who is perfectly holy, presenting a God who is perfectly holy, perfectly righteous, and perfectly just, perfectly righteous, and perfectly just, perfectly righteous, and perfectly just, but also deeply merciful and forgiving. but also deeply merciful and forgiving. but also deeply merciful and forgiving. This passage shows the real heal that This passage shows the real heal that This passage shows the real heal that real healing um does not come from real healing um does not come from real healing um does not come from hiding or through self-justification. hiding or through self-justification. hiding or through self-justification. But real healing comes from bringing our But real healing comes from bringing our But real healing comes from bringing our failures into the light of a God who has failures into the light of a God who has failures into the light of a God who has already made full provision for already made full provision for already made full provision for forgiveness. So church Christians in forgiveness. So church Christians in forgiveness. So church Christians in this room, non-believers in this room, this room, non-believers in this room, this room, non-believers in this room, listen. How we deal with guilt listen. How we deal with guilt listen. How we deal with guilt determines whether we live honestly determines whether we live honestly determines whether we live honestly before God or remain trapped by shame. before God or remain trapped by shame. before God or remain trapped by shame. And I want to examine this text through And I want to examine this text through And I want to examine this text through these three lenses. First, the light these three lenses. First, the light these three lenses. First, the light that exposes. Secondly, the lie of that exposes. Secondly, the lie of that exposes. Secondly, the lie of deception. And thirdly, the advocate who deception. And thirdly, the advocate who deception. And thirdly, the advocate who cleanses. So, let's talk about the light cleanses. So, let's talk about the light cleanses. So, let's talk about the light that exposes.

that exposes. that exposes. Verse five. This is the message we have Verse five. This is the message we have Verse five. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you. The heard from him and proclaim to you. The heard from him and proclaim to you. The hymn here is is God himself, right? and hymn here is is God himself, right? and hymn here is is God himself, right? and and Jesus is proclaiming or or he's and Jesus is proclaiming or or he's and Jesus is proclaiming or or he's telling us or telling John, "Yes, I've telling us or telling John, "Yes, I've telling us or telling John, "Yes, I've told you these things. Now go tell told you these things. Now go tell told you these things. Now go tell others about it." And what is his others about it." And what is his others about it." And what is his message that he has told us and shared message that he has told us and shared message that he has told us and shared that we've shared and continue to share that we've shared and continue to share that we've shared and continue to share throughout the entire world? That throughout the entire world? That throughout the entire world? That message is that God is light and in him message is that God is light and in him message is that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. Can you there is no darkness at all. Can you there is no darkness at all. Can you think about that for a moment? God is think about that for a moment? God is think about that for a moment? God is light. He is light. He's pure. He's light. He is light. He's pure. He's light. He is light. He's pure. He's honest. He's faithful. He's holy. He's honest. He's faithful. He's holy. He's honest. He's faithful. He's holy. He's perfect. He's true. He's righteous. He's perfect. He's true. He's righteous. He's perfect. He's true. He's righteous. He's beautiful. God is light. And I'm so beautiful. God is light. And I'm so beautiful. God is light. And I'm so grateful that he is because you and I grateful that he is because you and I grateful that he is because you and I are not him. Amen. We're not. We are not are not him. Amen. We're not. We are not are not him. Amen. We're not. We are not the Christ. Because you and I, we have the Christ. Because you and I, we have the Christ. Because you and I, we have darkness in us. We are sinful, but God darkness in us. We are sinful, but God darkness in us. We are sinful, but God is not. In him, there is no darkness.

is not. In him, there is no darkness. is not. In him, there is no darkness. There is no sin in him. There is no There is no sin in him. There is no There is no sin in him. There is no evil, no wickedness, no corruption, no evil, no wickedness, no corruption, no evil, no wickedness, no corruption, no sinfulness, no iniquity, no immorality sinfulness, no iniquity, no immorality sinfulness, no iniquity, no immorality in him. There is no darkness at all. And in him. There is no darkness at all. And in him. There is no darkness at all. And John tells us what Jesus told him and John tells us what Jesus told him and John tells us what Jesus told him and what God tells us to proclaim. He says, what God tells us to proclaim. He says, what God tells us to proclaim. He says, "God is light and light shines. "God is light and light shines. "God is light and light shines. It shines. It exposes. It reveals It shines. It exposes. It reveals It shines. It exposes. It reveals what's been hidden." what's been hidden." what's been hidden." John is saying this so that he can John is saying this so that he can John is saying this so that he can expose the darkness in the hearts of the expose the darkness in the hearts of the expose the darkness in the hearts of the false teachers. Yes. But he's also false teachers. Yes. But he's also false teachers. Yes. But he's also saying this so that he can expose the saying this so that he can expose the saying this so that he can expose the darkness in our hearts and us the darkness in our hearts and us the darkness in our hearts and us the believer to help us expose darkness in believer to help us expose darkness in believer to help us expose darkness in those deep corners of our heart that we those deep corners of our heart that we those deep corners of our heart that we want to conceal. want to conceal. want to conceal. When I read through the sermon um guide When I read through the sermon um guide When I read through the sermon um guide that that I picked up a couple of weeks that that I picked up a couple of weeks that that I picked up a couple of weeks ago on this specific sermon, it talked ago on this specific sermon, it talked ago on this specific sermon, it talked about these six verses, right? So verses about these six verses, right? So verses about these six verses, right? So verses 6 through 10, it told me to read it and 6 through 10, it told me to read it and 6 through 10, it told me to read it and then read it again and replace every wee then read it again and replace every wee then read it again and replace every wee with an I. And y'all, when I did that, with an I. And y'all, when I did that, with an I. And y'all, when I did that, it messed me up. It messed me up. So I it messed me up. It messed me up. So I it messed me up. It messed me up. So I want to mess you up this morning. We're want to mess you up this morning. We're want to mess you up this morning. We're going to read that and we're going to going to read that and we're going to going to read that and we're going to read it very slowly. So we're going to read it very slowly. So we're going to read it very slowly. So we're going to read it all together and let's take our read it all together and let's take our read it all together and let's take our time.

time. time. But it says, if we switch the we to I, But it says, if we switch the we to I, But it says, if we switch the we to I, this is how we end up saying it. Let's this is how we end up saying it. Let's this is how we end up saying it. Let's say it together. If I say I have say it together. If I say I have say it together. If I say I have fellowship with him while I walk in fellowship with him while I walk in fellowship with him while I walk in darkness, I lie and do not practice the darkness, I lie and do not practice the darkness, I lie and do not practice the truth. But if I walk in the light as he truth. But if I walk in the light as he truth. But if I walk in the light as he is in the light, I have fellowship with is in the light, I have fellowship with is in the light, I have fellowship with others and the blood of Jesus his son others and the blood of Jesus his son others and the blood of Jesus his son cleanses me from all sin. If I say I cleanses me from all sin. If I say I cleanses me from all sin. If I say I have no sin, I deceive myself and the have no sin, I deceive myself and the have no sin, I deceive myself and the truth is not in me. If I confess my truth is not in me. If I confess my truth is not in me. If I confess my sins, he is faithful and just to forgive sins, he is faithful and just to forgive sins, he is faithful and just to forgive my sins and to cleanse me from all my sins and to cleanse me from all my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. unrighteousness. unrighteousness. If I say I have not sinned, I make him a If I say I have not sinned, I make him a If I say I have not sinned, I make him a liar and his word is not in me. You feel liar and his word is not in me. You feel liar and his word is not in me. You feel the weightiness of it and you make it the weightiness of it and you make it the weightiness of it and you make it personal. personal. personal. That could be a prayer that you can just That could be a prayer that you can just That could be a prayer that you can just pray and you make it personal. pray and you make it personal. pray and you make it personal. I think that's what he's wanting us to I think that's what he's wanting us to I think that's what he's wanting us to do right here. To see the false teachers do right here. To see the false teachers do right here. To see the false teachers for what they are. Yes. But to also see for what they are. Yes. But to also see for what they are. Yes. But to also see the darkness in ourselves as well. As I the darkness in ourselves as well. As I the darkness in ourselves as well. As I did this this week, um, one of the did this this week, um, one of the did this this week, um, one of the things that came to my mind was that I things that came to my mind was that I things that came to my mind was that I am a sinner in need of grace from the am a sinner in need of grace from the am a sinner in need of grace from the Lord.

Lord. Lord. He's be he's showing me so often this He's be he's showing me so often this He's be he's showing me so often this week how I struggle and the ways in week how I struggle and the ways in week how I struggle and the ways in which I sin against him, a holy and which I sin against him, a holy and which I sin against him, a holy and perfect God. perfect God. perfect God. And the beautiful thing about us being And the beautiful thing about us being And the beautiful thing about us being reminded that God is light today is that reminded that God is light today is that reminded that God is light today is that you can just ask him. Just ask him to you can just ask him. Just ask him to you can just ask him. Just ask him to let his light shine in your heart to let his light shine in your heart to let his light shine in your heart to reveal sin in your heart. And you know reveal sin in your heart. And you know reveal sin in your heart. And you know what he'll do? He'll reveal it. He'll do what he'll do? He'll reveal it. He'll do what he'll do? He'll reveal it. He'll do it. So God, I'm just going to ask you in it. So God, I'm just going to ask you in it. So God, I'm just going to ask you in front of all of us. Lord, I just want to front of all of us. Lord, I just want to front of all of us. Lord, I just want to say it for everyone in this room and say it for everyone in this room and say it for everyone in this room and those under the sound of my voice. Lord, those under the sound of my voice. Lord, those under the sound of my voice. Lord, would you let your light shine in the would you let your light shine in the would you let your light shine in the dark areas of all of our hearts today, dark areas of all of our hearts today, dark areas of all of our hearts today, revealing sin as we continue to walk revealing sin as we continue to walk revealing sin as we continue to walk through each verse? God, would you through each verse? God, would you through each verse? God, would you reveal reveal darkness in our hearts reveal reveal darkness in our hearts reveal reveal darkness in our hearts today? We need you, Lord. We need you. today? We need you, Lord. We need you. today? We need you, Lord. We need you. The next verse is verse six. It says, The next verse is verse six. It says, The next verse is verse six. It says, "If we say we have fellowship with him "If we say we have fellowship with him "If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do while we walk in darkness, we lie and do while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. not practice the truth. not practice the truth. If we say we have fellowship with him If we say we have fellowship with him If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, while we walk while we walk in darkness, while we walk while we walk in darkness, while we walk in darkness, do you know what that in darkness, do you know what that in darkness, do you know what that means? It means you're not fighting for means? It means you're not fighting for means? It means you're not fighting for holiness anymore. It means that you're holiness anymore. It means that you're holiness anymore. It means that you're not reminding your soul of the truth. It not reminding your soul of the truth. It not reminding your soul of the truth. It means that you're not walking in the means that you're not walking in the means that you're not walking in the light. No, you're walking in darkness.

light. No, you're walking in darkness. light. No, you're walking in darkness. Instead, you're living in darkness and Instead, you're living in darkness and Instead, you're living in darkness and in sin and wickedness and immorality and in sin and wickedness and immorality and in sin and wickedness and immorality and sinfulness and evil. You are walking in sinfulness and evil. You are walking in sinfulness and evil. You are walking in darkness. And he says that if you walk darkness. And he says that if you walk darkness. And he says that if you walk in darkness and say that you have in darkness and say that you have in darkness and say that you have fellowship with God while you are doing fellowship with God while you are doing fellowship with God while you are doing so, it says you are a liar. so, it says you are a liar. so, it says you are a liar. You don't practice truth, You don't practice truth, You don't practice truth, you practice lies. Listen, when darkness meets light, Listen, when darkness meets light, it reveals what's been hidden. it reveals what's been hidden. it reveals what's been hidden. Think about this for a moment. When you Think about this for a moment. When you Think about this for a moment. When you walk into a dark room, I don't care how walk into a dark room, I don't care how walk into a dark room, I don't care how well you know that room, if it's dark, well you know that room, if it's dark, well you know that room, if it's dark, you can't see all the things that will you can't see all the things that will you can't see all the things that will harm you. Especially in the Christmas harm you. Especially in the Christmas harm you. Especially in the Christmas season, right? If you think about it, season, right? If you think about it, season, right? If you think about it, you walk into that room, like chairs are you walk into that room, like chairs are you walk into that room, like chairs are in places they ain't supposed to be. in places they ain't supposed to be. in places they ain't supposed to be. There's Christmas decorations There's Christmas decorations There's Christmas decorations everywhere. And if that room is dark, everywhere. And if that room is dark, everywhere. And if that room is dark, you you're going to walk into that dark you you're going to walk into that dark you you're going to walk into that dark room and you might actually come out room and you might actually come out room and you might actually come out hurt and injured, right? And you might hurt and injured, right? And you might hurt and injured, right? And you might even walk into a tree that's supposed to even walk into a tree that's supposed to even walk into a tree that's supposed to be lit, but it ain't.

be lit, but it ain't. be lit, but it ain't. But darkness, But darkness, But darkness, darkness conceals hidden dangers. darkness conceals hidden dangers. darkness conceals hidden dangers. Dangers that we could easily see if we Dangers that we could easily see if we Dangers that we could easily see if we were walking in the light. were walking in the light. were walking in the light. Yet darkness, darkness has a way of Yet darkness, darkness has a way of Yet darkness, darkness has a way of enticing us, doesn't it? It does. So enticing us, doesn't it? It does. So enticing us, doesn't it? It does. So many of us choose or are choosing to many of us choose or are choosing to many of us choose or are choosing to live in sin. live in sin. live in sin. Sin that may feel really good in the Sin that may feel really good in the Sin that may feel really good in the moment or even sin that might even feel moment or even sin that might even feel moment or even sin that might even feel peaceful. Yet what lies in the shadows peaceful. Yet what lies in the shadows peaceful. Yet what lies in the shadows or in the wake of you walking in or in the wake of you walking in or in the wake of you walking in darkness or in the wake of you walking darkness or in the wake of you walking darkness or in the wake of you walking in those shadows, right? Are those what in those shadows, right? Are those what in those shadows, right? Are those what lies there are pain exhaust. It's lies there are pain exhaust. It's lies there are pain exhaust. It's exhausting. It's hurtful. It's harmful exhausting. It's hurtful. It's harmful exhausting. It's hurtful. It's harmful both to you and to those that you love. both to you and to those that you love. both to you and to those that you love. And just as physical darkness conceals And just as physical darkness conceals And just as physical darkness conceals and distorts our physical eyesight, and distorts our physical eyesight, and distorts our physical eyesight, there is a spiritual darkness that there is a spiritual darkness that there is a spiritual darkness that endangers our moral lives as well. You endangers our moral lives as well. You endangers our moral lives as well. You see, the nature of sin is always to see, the nature of sin is always to see, the nature of sin is always to conceal and to distort. It takes a good conceal and to distort. It takes a good conceal and to distort. It takes a good thing and corrupts God's design for it.

thing and corrupts God's design for it. thing and corrupts God's design for it. It takes a good thing and then corrupts It takes a good thing and then corrupts It takes a good thing and then corrupts God's design for it. And John is saying God's design for it. And John is saying God's design for it. And John is saying that we are either consciously lying to that we are either consciously lying to that we are either consciously lying to each other or we are lying to ourselves. each other or we are lying to ourselves. each other or we are lying to ourselves. Because if you say you have fellowship Because if you say you have fellowship Because if you say you have fellowship with God, but you willfully walk in sin, with God, but you willfully walk in sin, with God, but you willfully walk in sin, your testimony is a lie. Listen, if you your testimony is a lie. Listen, if you your testimony is a lie. Listen, if you live at peace with sin, where you live at peace with sin, where you live at peace with sin, where you continue to keep doing it, knowing that continue to keep doing it, knowing that continue to keep doing it, knowing that that it's wrong and knowing that it goes that it's wrong and knowing that it goes that it's wrong and knowing that it goes against everything that God's word says, against everything that God's word says, against everything that God's word says, you do that, it means that you're you do that, it means that you're you do that, it means that you're walking in darkness and you fail to see walking in darkness and you fail to see walking in darkness and you fail to see reality the way that God sees it. reality the way that God sees it. reality the way that God sees it. But But But but verse seven, but if we walk in the but verse seven, but if we walk in the but verse seven, but if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have light as he is in the light, we have light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. And the fellowship with one another. And the fellowship with one another. And the blood of Jesus, his son, cleanses us blood of Jesus, his son, cleanses us blood of Jesus, his son, cleanses us from all sin. Here's the opposite of from all sin. Here's the opposite of from all sin. Here's the opposite of darkness, right? It's walking in the darkness, right? It's walking in the darkness, right? It's walking in the light because light brings things to the light because light brings things to the light because light brings things to the surface that's been there the whole surface that's been there the whole surface that's been there the whole time. Light exposes truth, not just in time. Light exposes truth, not just in time. Light exposes truth, not just in God's word, but in our hearts as well.

God's word, but in our hearts as well. God's word, but in our hearts as well. That's why it's good for us to walk in That's why it's good for us to walk in That's why it's good for us to walk in the light. John is telling us today that the light. John is telling us today that the light. John is telling us today that walking in the light looks like living walking in the light looks like living walking in the light looks like living openly before God and others. openly before God and others. openly before God and others. Others as well. That means us stepping Others as well. That means us stepping Others as well. That means us stepping out of hiding, confessing our sin to God out of hiding, confessing our sin to God out of hiding, confessing our sin to God and others, and remaining in the and others, and remaining in the and others, and remaining in the cleansing brightness of Christ's work cleansing brightness of Christ's work cleansing brightness of Christ's work and promises. and promises. and promises. He says that if we walk in the light, we He says that if we walk in the light, we He says that if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another. So have fellowship with one another. So have fellowship with one another. So therefore, walking in the light produces therefore, walking in the light produces therefore, walking in the light produces and cultivates deep friendships and deep and cultivates deep friendships and deep and cultivates deep friendships and deep community. I've experienced this myself community. I've experienced this myself community. I've experienced this myself and I'm grateful for it because the and I'm grateful for it because the and I'm grateful for it because the world teaches us that exposure is world teaches us that exposure is world teaches us that exposure is dangerous. And we start to believe that dangerous. And we start to believe that dangerous. And we start to believe that survival depends on hiding our flaws or survival depends on hiding our flaws or survival depends on hiding our flaws or managing our image and keeping our managing our image and keeping our managing our image and keeping our failures dark. And the light feels failures dark. And the light feels failures dark. And the light feels threatening because it reveals what we threatening because it reveals what we threatening because it reveals what we would rather conceal.

would rather conceal. would rather conceal. a church confession of sin is what a church confession of sin is what a church confession of sin is what enables and empowers true fellowship. enables and empowers true fellowship. enables and empowers true fellowship. Ross shared this quote from Dietri Ross shared this quote from Dietri Ross shared this quote from Dietri Bonhaofer this week and and I couldn't Bonhaofer this week and and I couldn't Bonhaofer this week and and I couldn't not share it in the sermon. I love it um not share it in the sermon. I love it um not share it in the sermon. I love it um about this verse. He says this. It may about this verse. He says this. It may about this verse. He says this. It may be that Christians notwithstanding be that Christians notwithstanding be that Christians notwithstanding corporate worship, common prayer and all corporate worship, common prayer and all corporate worship, common prayer and all their fellowship and service may still their fellowship and service may still their fellowship and service may still be left to their loneliness. The final be left to their loneliness. The final be left to their loneliness. The final breakthrough to fellowship does not breakthrough to fellowship does not breakthrough to fellowship does not occur because though they have occur because though they have occur because though they have fellowship with one another as believers fellowship with one another as believers fellowship with one another as believers and as devout people, they do not have and as devout people, they do not have and as devout people, they do not have fellowship as the undevout, as sinners. fellowship as the undevout, as sinners. fellowship as the undevout, as sinners. The pious fellowship permits no one to The pious fellowship permits no one to The pious fellowship permits no one to be a sinner. So everybody must conceal be a sinner. So everybody must conceal be a sinner. So everybody must conceal his sin from himself and from the his sin from himself and from the his sin from himself and from the fellowship. We dare not be sinners. Many fellowship. We dare not be sinners. Many fellowship. We dare not be sinners. Many Christians are unthinkably horrified Christians are unthinkably horrified Christians are unthinkably horrified when a real sinner is suddenly when a real sinner is suddenly when a real sinner is suddenly discovered among the righteous. So we discovered among the righteous. So we discovered among the righteous. So we remain alone with our sin, living in remain alone with our sin, living in remain alone with our sin, living in lies and hypocrisy.

lies and hypocrisy. lies and hypocrisy. That's what John is talking about in That's what John is talking about in That's what John is talking about in this verse. this verse. this verse. Walking in the light does not mean that Walking in the light does not mean that Walking in the light does not mean that you're living without sin. No. But you're living without sin. No. But you're living without sin. No. But walking in the light means living openly walking in the light means living openly walking in the light means living openly and honestly [clears throat] and honestly [clears throat] and honestly [clears throat] before God, before others. before God, before others. before God, before others. That's what it means. The world teaches That's what it means. The world teaches That's what it means. The world teaches us to protect our image, but darkness us to protect our image, but darkness us to protect our image, but darkness can't hide from the light. And neither can't hide from the light. And neither can't hide from the light. And neither can we. Neither can you. You cannot can we. Neither can you. You cannot can we. Neither can you. You cannot hide. Light exposes what darkness tries hide. Light exposes what darkness tries hide. Light exposes what darkness tries to conceal. to conceal. to conceal. to live in the dark. to live in the dark. to live in the dark. To live into dark to live in the dark is To live into dark to live in the dark is To live into dark to live in the dark is to live in misery disguised as to live in misery disguised as to live in misery disguised as happiness. happiness. happiness. Some of us may be doing that right now. Some of us may be doing that right now. Some of us may be doing that right now. I'm here to warn you and also to I'm here to warn you and also to I'm here to warn you and also to encourage you. Expose your sin. encourage you. Expose your sin. encourage you. Expose your sin. Expose your sin to the light and Expose your sin to the light and Expose your sin to the light and exchange it for this beautiful act of exchange it for this beautiful act of exchange it for this beautiful act of grace from Jesus. Right? Ask God for the grace from Jesus. Right? Ask God for the grace from Jesus. Right? Ask God for the courage to live more openly through courage to live more openly through courage to live more openly through boasting of this grace and not your boasting of this grace and not your boasting of this grace and not your image or even your good deeds, but image or even your good deeds, but image or even your good deeds, but instead speak plainly about where you instead speak plainly about where you instead speak plainly about where you have failed and resist the vague have failed and resist the vague have failed and resist the vague confessions that we often give, trusting confessions that we often give, trusting confessions that we often give, trusting that nothing that we confess surprises that nothing that we confess surprises that nothing that we confess surprises the holy God who knows all things.

the holy God who knows all things. the holy God who knows all things. I encourage all of us in the room today I encourage all of us in the room today I encourage all of us in the room today to stop hiding your sin. Let the light to stop hiding your sin. Let the light to stop hiding your sin. Let the light do what it does because in return we get do what it does because in return we get do what it does because in return we get God. In return we get fellowship. In God. In return we get fellowship. In God. In return we get fellowship. In return we get cleansing because all of us are sinful because because all of us are sinful because it's indwelling. Sin is indwelling. It it's indwelling. Sin is indwelling. It it's indwelling. Sin is indwelling. It lives in our hearts. It couples or it lives in our hearts. It couples or it lives in our hearts. It couples or it occupies our thoughts. It consumes our occupies our thoughts. It consumes our occupies our thoughts. It consumes our imaginations. It shapes our desires. And imaginations. It shapes our desires. And imaginations. It shapes our desires. And often sin stays in places that are often sin stays in places that are often sin stays in places that are concealable. concealable. concealable. And that is a present and persistent And that is a present and persistent And that is a present and persistent danger for any Christian who is danger for any Christian who is danger for any Christian who is unwilling to be honest about their own unwilling to be honest about their own unwilling to be honest about their own sin. sin. sin. Which leads me to the second point, the Which leads me to the second point, the Which leads me to the second point, the lie of deception. The lie of deception. lie of deception. The lie of deception. lie of deception. The lie of deception. Verse eight says, "If we say we have no Verse eight says, "If we say we have no Verse eight says, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

is not in us. is not in us. It's not just Satan doing it. It's not It's not just Satan doing it. It's not It's not just Satan doing it. It's not just the world doing it to us, but we just the world doing it to us, but we just the world doing it to us, but we also deceive ourselves. also deceive ourselves. also deceive ourselves. John points to selfdeception as a real John points to selfdeception as a real John points to selfdeception as a real danger. We can deceive in multiple ways danger. We can deceive in multiple ways danger. We can deceive in multiple ways to try to cover up deep rooted sins in to try to cover up deep rooted sins in to try to cover up deep rooted sins in our lives. We can disguise it and we our lives. We can disguise it and we our lives. We can disguise it and we disguise our sin patterns as weaknesses, disguise our sin patterns as weaknesses, disguise our sin patterns as weaknesses, right? or or the result of things that right? or or the result of things that right? or or the result of things that happened to us instead of owning our happened to us instead of owning our happened to us instead of owning our part in the sin, deceiving ourselves. So part in the sin, deceiving ourselves. So part in the sin, deceiving ourselves. So often we blame our responses and on often we blame our responses and on often we blame our responses and on others and we try to make ourselves look others and we try to make ourselves look others and we try to make ourselves look like the victim and we hide behind like the victim and we hide behind like the victim and we hide behind masks, masks, masks, deceiving ourselves and deceiving deceiving ourselves and deceiving deceiving ourselves and deceiving others. So often we do this. Deception others. So often we do this. Deception others. So often we do this. Deception is not of God, church. It's not of him. is not of God, church. It's not of him. is not of God, church. It's not of him. and it never will be. Deception is a and it never will be. Deception is a and it never will be. Deception is a threat to full confession and heart threat to full confession and heart threat to full confession and heart transformation. Deception disunifies us transformation. Deception disunifies us transformation. Deception disunifies us from God and community and others. Isn't from God and community and others. Isn't from God and community and others. Isn't that why like Satan is that's what he's that why like Satan is that's what he's that why like Satan is that's what he's going after anyway is to disunify us going after anyway is to disunify us going after anyway is to disunify us from a holy perfect God and disunify us from a holy perfect God and disunify us from a holy perfect God and disunify us from being in community with others.

from being in community with others. from being in community with others. That's what he wants to happen. and the That's what he wants to happen. and the That's what he wants to happen. and the devil and his angels and the world may devil and his angels and the world may devil and his angels and the world may contribute to your straying away, but in contribute to your straying away, but in contribute to your straying away, but in the end, each individual bears the end, each individual bears the end, each individual bears responsibility for his or her own responsibility for his or her own responsibility for his or her own actions and sin. actions and sin. actions and sin. When you deny or when we deny our sin, When you deny or when we deny our sin, When you deny or when we deny our sin, we also deny the one who died in order we also deny the one who died in order we also deny the one who died in order to pay for our sins. It says that in to pay for our sins. It says that in to pay for our sins. It says that in verse 10, look at verse 10. It says, "If verse 10, look at verse 10. It says, "If verse 10, look at verse 10. It says, "If we say we have no sin or we have not we say we have no sin or we have not we say we have no sin or we have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word sinned, we make him a liar and his word sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us." is not in us." is not in us." Again, y'all, we live in a world that Again, y'all, we live in a world that Again, y'all, we live in a world that would say that I guess I would say this, would say that I guess I would say this, would say that I guess I would say this, like we live in a world where few like we live in a world where few like we live in a world where few Christians say out loud that they have Christians say out loud that they have Christians say out loud that they have no sin. Especially in our area, right? no sin. Especially in our area, right? no sin. Especially in our area, right? Few of us say out loud that we have no Few of us say out loud that we have no Few of us say out loud that we have no sin. But functionally, we say it in sin. But functionally, we say it in sin. But functionally, we say it in other ways. We say it when we try to other ways. We say it when we try to other ways. We say it when we try to balance the scales with all of our good balance the scales with all of our good balance the scales with all of our good deeds where we start to compare our sin deeds where we start to compare our sin deeds where we start to compare our sin with the person down the street. Like, I with the person down the street. Like, I with the person down the street. Like, I didn't sin as much as he did. Like, man, didn't sin as much as he did. Like, man, didn't sin as much as he did. Like, man, I mean, I blew my horn, but I mean, my I mean, I blew my horn, but I mean, my I mean, I blew my horn, but I mean, my heart's in the right place. Stop lying.

heart's in the right place. Stop lying. heart's in the right place. Stop lying. It's not. We say it when we fail to It's not. We say it when we fail to It's not. We say it when we fail to confess or fully confess our sin to God confess or fully confess our sin to God confess or fully confess our sin to God and to others. And we do that out of and to others. And we do that out of and to others. And we do that out of fear. I do it too. We do it out of fear fear. I do it too. We do it out of fear fear. I do it too. We do it out of fear of being caught or found out or fully of being caught or found out or fully of being caught or found out or fully known. In each case, we are falsely known. In each case, we are falsely known. In each case, we are falsely claiming a righteousness that is not claiming a righteousness that is not claiming a righteousness that is not ours ours ours because we are sinners. because we are sinners. because we are sinners. All of us. And some of us are so quick All of us. And some of us are so quick All of us. And some of us are so quick to justify ourselves or even justify the to justify ourselves or even justify the to justify ourselves or even justify the sin. My question to you today is what sin. My question to you today is what sin. My question to you today is what are you trying to protect? are you trying to protect? are you trying to protect? What are you trying to protect? What are you trying to protect? What are you trying to protect? What's worth protecting at the cost of What's worth protecting at the cost of What's worth protecting at the cost of calling God a liar? calling God a liar? calling God a liar? Denying sin does not remove guilt or Denying sin does not remove guilt or Denying sin does not remove guilt or shame or make you stop sinning. No, it shame or make you stop sinning. No, it shame or make you stop sinning. No, it cultivates more of it. It drives it cultivates more of it. It drives it cultivates more of it. It drives it underground where it can bear more fruit underground where it can bear more fruit underground where it can bear more fruit and keep growing until you cannot hide and keep growing until you cannot hide and keep growing until you cannot hide it anymore.

it anymore. it anymore. Ever since the Garden of Eden, we've Ever since the Garden of Eden, we've Ever since the Garden of Eden, we've believed the lie that says that hiding believed the lie that says that hiding believed the lie that says that hiding is the best approach. We hide in the is the best approach. We hide in the is the best approach. We hide in the shadows, thinking that away from God, shadows, thinking that away from God, shadows, thinking that away from God, away from God is where we might find away from God is where we might find away from God is where we might find appeasement for our guilt or our shame. appeasement for our guilt or our shame. appeasement for our guilt or our shame. But God is light and there is nothing. But God is light and there is nothing. But God is light and there is nothing. There's no hiding from him. He sees all. There's no hiding from him. He sees all. There's no hiding from him. He sees all. He knows all. And stepping into the He knows all. And stepping into the He knows all. And stepping into the truth and reality of what he already truth and reality of what he already truth and reality of what he already sees is the path to being known and to sees is the path to being known and to sees is the path to being known and to being loved. being loved. being loved. Yet somehow Yet somehow Yet somehow we can still be deceived. we can still be deceived. we can still be deceived. It still can be deceived. It still can be deceived. It still can be deceived. For me, it's approval of man. For me, it's approval of man. For me, it's approval of man. And the way that plays out for me, and And the way that plays out for me, and And the way that plays out for me, and the Lord has revealed it even more this the Lord has revealed it even more this the Lord has revealed it even more this week, is that I tend to manipulate week, is that I tend to manipulate week, is that I tend to manipulate and I want to manipulate you to like me. and I want to manipulate you to like me. and I want to manipulate you to like me. And I can do that in multiple ways. And I can do that in multiple ways. And I can do that in multiple ways. where I manipulate you to thinking that where I manipulate you to thinking that where I manipulate you to thinking that what I'm trying to get you to do or to what I'm trying to get you to do or to what I'm trying to get you to do or to to to to be a part of is best for you to to to be a part of is best for you to to to be a part of is best for you when it's really best for me.

when it's really best for me. when it's really best for me. I try to persuade you even with my I try to persuade you even with my I try to persuade you even with my image. I try to make you like me by image. I try to make you like me by image. I try to make you like me by doing certain things with what I wear or doing certain things with what I wear or doing certain things with what I wear or what I think about. I thought about that what I think about. I thought about that what I think about. I thought about that even this morning what I would wear even this morning what I would wear even this morning what I would wear today. There are certain things that the today. There are certain things that the today. There are certain things that the Lord has just been revealing. Even y'all Lord has just been revealing. Even y'all Lord has just been revealing. Even y'all when I'm tired, I love going to the when I'm tired, I love going to the when I'm tired, I love going to the movies. I do see it as a blessing. But movies. I do see it as a blessing. But movies. I do see it as a blessing. But sometimes I tend to run to that for sometimes I tend to run to that for sometimes I tend to run to that for comfort and I'll run to food for comfort and I'll run to food for comfort and I'll run to food for comfort. I'll run to those things and comfort. I'll run to those things and comfort. I'll run to those things and like I know for a fact that going to the like I know for a fact that going to the like I know for a fact that going to the movies isn't wrong. Eating some ice movies isn't wrong. Eating some ice movies isn't wrong. Eating some ice cream that ain't bad. I love Dairy cream that ain't bad. I love Dairy cream that ain't bad. I love Dairy Queen. Queen. Queen. Like it's not sinful. Like it's not sinful. Like it's not sinful. But when I run to it, when I run to it, But when I run to it, when I run to it, But when I run to it, when I run to it, I deceive myself into thinking that it I deceive myself into thinking that it I deceive myself into thinking that it is what will satisfy me. is what will satisfy me. is what will satisfy me. Your approval of me is not what will Your approval of me is not what will Your approval of me is not what will satisfy me. satisfy me. satisfy me. And I turn gifts from God into things And I turn gifts from God into things And I turn gifts from God into things they were not made for. I even have this they were not made for. I even have this they were not made for. I even have this Superman complex in my head the Lord Superman complex in my head the Lord Superman complex in my head the Lord continues to reveal that I pray against continues to reveal that I pray against continues to reveal that I pray against every Tuesday every Tuesday every Tuesday where I can come in and swoop in and where I can come in and swoop in and where I can come in and swoop in and save the day save the day save the day instead of letting God do what he does.

instead of letting God do what he does. instead of letting God do what he does. He's the savior. I'm not. He's the savior. I'm not. He's the savior. I'm not. Deception is a threat to full confession Deception is a threat to full confession Deception is a threat to full confession and heart transformation because and heart transformation because and heart transformation because deception is not of God and never will deception is not of God and never will deception is not of God and never will be. Church, God already sees the truth be. Church, God already sees the truth be. Church, God already sees the truth about us. So what's the point in about us. So what's the point in about us. So what's the point in pretending? pretending? pretending? We must be honest with God and be honest We must be honest with God and be honest We must be honest with God and be honest with others. When we do this, we with others. When we do this, we with others. When we do this, we maintain fellowship with God and maintain fellowship with God and maintain fellowship with God and fellowship with one another like the fellowship with one another like the fellowship with one another like the verse talks about. And we live in the verse talks about. And we live in the verse talks about. And we live in the light by confessing our sins. And light by confessing our sins. And light by confessing our sins. And confession is the doorway to cleansing. confession is the doorway to cleansing. confession is the doorway to cleansing. Jesus Jesus is the advocate and his Jesus Jesus is the advocate and his Jesus Jesus is the advocate and his blood cleanses us. Amen. blood cleanses us. Amen. blood cleanses us. Amen. He's the advocate who cleanses. He's the advocate who cleanses. He's the advocate who cleanses. We don't just confess just to bring it We don't just confess just to bring it We don't just confess just to bring it out into the light. No, confession. It out into the light. No, confession. It out into the light. No, confession. It does something. Even me just confessing does something. Even me just confessing does something. Even me just confessing to you guys just right now. It does to you guys just right now. It does to you guys just right now. It does something. It does something much deeper something. It does something much deeper something. It does something much deeper than just the confession itself. Look at than just the confession itself. Look at than just the confession itself. Look at verse nine. If we confess our sins, he verse nine. If we confess our sins, he verse nine. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our is faithful and just to forgive us our is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all sins and to cleanse us from all sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

unrighteousness. unrighteousness. Rather than merely easing the pain or Rather than merely easing the pain or Rather than merely easing the pain or taking away the guilt, Jesus takes aim taking away the guilt, Jesus takes aim taking away the guilt, Jesus takes aim at the disease itself. at the disease itself. at the disease itself. And he is faithful to forgive And he is faithful to forgive And he is faithful to forgive and to cleanse us from all and to cleanse us from all and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. unrighteousness. unrighteousness. cleanse here is is not a one-time thing. cleanse here is is not a one-time thing. cleanse here is is not a one-time thing. No, it is an ongoing action. No, it is an ongoing action. No, it is an ongoing action. That's what's implied right here. He is That's what's implied right here. He is That's what's implied right here. He is ongoingly forgiving us and he is ongoingly forgiving us and he is ongoingly forgiving us and he is ongoingly cleansing us. Since our sin is ongoingly cleansing us. Since our sin is ongoingly cleansing us. Since our sin is ultimately against God, only God can ultimately against God, only God can ultimately against God, only God can forgive us our sin and heal us from this forgive us our sin and heal us from this forgive us our sin and heal us from this underlying of its underlining causes. underlying of its underlining causes. underlying of its underlining causes. John is saying that he's the one who is John is saying that he's the one who is John is saying that he's the one who is faithful, which means he is willing to faithful, which means he is willing to faithful, which means he is willing to forgive us our sins. And he says that forgive us our sins. And he says that forgive us our sins. And he says that God is just, which means that he's able God is just, which means that he's able God is just, which means that he's able to forgive us and cleanse us from all to forgive us and cleanse us from all to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. unrighteousness. unrighteousness. This cleansing begins with us being This cleansing begins with us being This cleansing begins with us being honest with ourselves, being honest with honest with ourselves, being honest with honest with ourselves, being honest with others, and being honest with God others, and being honest with God others, and being honest with God himself.

himself. himself. Listen, here's the big picture that Listen, here's the big picture that Listen, here's the big picture that John's trying to show us when he says, John's trying to show us when he says, John's trying to show us when he says, "If we say we have fellowship with him, "If we say we have fellowship with him, "If we say we have fellowship with him, if we walk in the light, if we say we if we walk in the light, if we say we if we walk in the light, if we say we have no sin, if we confess have no sin, if we confess have no sin, if we confess [clears throat] our sins, if we say we [clears throat] our sins, if we say we [clears throat] our sins, if we say we have not sinned, the big picture that have not sinned, the big picture that have not sinned, the big picture that he's alluding to is this. Does your he's alluding to is this. Does your he's alluding to is this. Does your profession of faith match the way you profession of faith match the way you profession of faith match the way you live? live? live? Is your confession of faith affirmed by Is your confession of faith affirmed by Is your confession of faith affirmed by the way you live your life? Think about the way you live your life? Think about the way you live your life? Think about that. Is your faith seen in your that. Is your faith seen in your that. Is your faith seen in your lifestyle? lifestyle? lifestyle? Listen, you can claim to walk in the Listen, you can claim to walk in the Listen, you can claim to walk in the light, but if you if your life is marked light, but if you if your life is marked light, but if you if your life is marked by hidden sins or volatile relationships by hidden sins or volatile relationships by hidden sins or volatile relationships or deception or the display of staged or deception or the display of staged or deception or the display of staged righteousness, then you risk standing righteousness, then you risk standing righteousness, then you risk standing exposed before a holy God as someone who exposed before a holy God as someone who exposed before a holy God as someone who has loved darkness more than light.

has loved darkness more than light. has loved darkness more than light. church, there is a seriousness of sin church, there is a seriousness of sin church, there is a seriousness of sin that I as your pastor that I have to that I as your pastor that I have to that I as your pastor that I have to share with you today as we read these share with you today as we read these share with you today as we read these verses. verses. verses. But on the other side of that, But on the other side of that, But on the other side of that, there's a wonderful cleansing gospel on there's a wonderful cleansing gospel on there's a wonderful cleansing gospel on the other side that we get to receive. the other side that we get to receive. the other side that we get to receive. We get to receive it. John speaks to the We get to receive it. John speaks to the We get to receive it. John speaks to the diagnosis and to the cure for sin. So he diagnosis and to the cure for sin. So he diagnosis and to the cure for sin. So he continues in this letter. He says, "My continues in this letter. He says, "My continues in this letter. He says, "My little children, I am writing these little children, I am writing these little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. things to you so that you may not sin. things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an But if anyone does sin, we have an But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ, advocate with the father, Jesus Christ, advocate with the father, Jesus Christ, the righteous." He doesn't want us to the righteous." He doesn't want us to the righteous." He doesn't want us to sin. You see that in what he says. I sin. You see that in what he says. I sin. You see that in what he says. I don't want you to sin. I don't want to don't want you to sin. I don't want to don't want you to sin. I don't want to sin. But if we do sin, if you do sin, we sin. But if we do sin, if you do sin, we sin. But if we do sin, if you do sin, we have an advocate. have an advocate. have an advocate. John does not lower God's standard. John does not lower God's standard. John does not lower God's standard. Jesus Christ is righteous. But the Jesus Christ is righteous. But the Jesus Christ is righteous. But the righteous one who has the right to righteous one who has the right to righteous one who has the right to condemn, instead he advocates.

condemn, instead he advocates. condemn, instead he advocates. He advocates. Jesus stands before the He advocates. Jesus stands before the He advocates. Jesus stands before the father as the our righteous father as the our righteous father as the our righteous representative because he acted as our representative because he acted as our representative because he acted as our atoning sacrifice. He speaks for us atoning sacrifice. He speaks for us atoning sacrifice. He speaks for us because he has already paid for us. because he has already paid for us. because he has already paid for us. I read a sermon that Kim Tim Kim Teller I read a sermon that Kim Tim Kim Teller I read a sermon that Kim Tim Kim Teller Wow. Tim Keller wrote about this. That's Wow. Tim Keller wrote about this. That's Wow. Tim Keller wrote about this. That's a cool kid name. I'm just saying Kim a cool kid name. I'm just saying Kim a cool kid name. I'm just saying Kim Teller, if your last name's Teller, call Teller, if your last name's Teller, call Teller, if your last name's Teller, call him Kim, you know. But um but in Tim him Kim, you know. But um but in Tim him Kim, you know. But um but in Tim Keller's sermon, and I love what he Keller's sermon, and I love what he Keller's sermon, and I love what he says. He says, "But you see, it doesn't says. He says, "But you see, it doesn't says. He says, "But you see, it doesn't say the advocate is standing there as say the advocate is standing there as say the advocate is standing there as Jesus Christ the merciful. It doesn't Jesus Christ the merciful. It doesn't Jesus Christ the merciful. It doesn't say Jesus Christ the persuasive. It says say Jesus Christ the persuasive. It says say Jesus Christ the persuasive. It says Jesus Christ the righteous one." And it Jesus Christ the righteous one." And it Jesus Christ the righteous one." And it says what he is saying. You see, a says what he is saying. You see, a says what he is saying. You see, a really good lawyer doesn't just play on really good lawyer doesn't just play on really good lawyer doesn't just play on the emotions of the court. A good lawyer the emotions of the court. A good lawyer the emotions of the court. A good lawyer has a case. And what Jesus's case is is has a case. And what Jesus's case is is has a case. And what Jesus's case is is an atoning sacrifice. And therefore, the an atoning sacrifice. And therefore, the an atoning sacrifice. And therefore, the teaching of this message or this teaching of this message or this teaching of this message or this passage, which is so absolutely passage, which is so absolutely passage, which is so absolutely startling and which is absolutely startling and which is absolutely startling and which is absolutely unparalleled in any other religion, is unparalleled in any other religion, is unparalleled in any other religion, is that Jesus Christ is not just standing that Jesus Christ is not just standing that Jesus Christ is not just standing up there asking for forgiveness. No.

up there asking for forgiveness. No. up there asking for forgiveness. No. And he is not just up there asking for And he is not just up there asking for And he is not just up there asking for mercy. Absolutely not. Jesus Christ is mercy. Absolutely not. Jesus Christ is mercy. Absolutely not. Jesus Christ is telling the father what the law says. telling the father what the law says. telling the father what the law says. He's saying, "Father, when you look at He's saying, "Father, when you look at He's saying, "Father, when you look at them, you have to see me. When you when them, you have to see me. When you when them, you have to see me. When you when you you have to see all that I have you you have to see all that I have you you have to see all that I have done. You have to see all that I am. And done. You have to see all that I am. And done. You have to see all that I am. And therefore, Father, it would be unjust therefore, Father, it would be unjust therefore, Father, it would be unjust for you to take two payments for this for you to take two payments for this for you to take two payments for this sin. sin. sin. I have already paid for it. Therefore, I have already paid for it. Therefore, I have already paid for it. Therefore, Father, I do not ask for mercy. I demand Father, I do not ask for mercy. I demand Father, I do not ask for mercy. I demand justice. justice. justice. Jesus Jesus Jesus is not a lawyer, as it were, who pleads is not a lawyer, as it were, who pleads is not a lawyer, as it were, who pleads for mercy. No, he makes a case. for mercy. No, he makes a case. for mercy. No, he makes a case. His case is that the one true payment His case is that the one true payment His case is that the one true payment that the judge requires has been paid. that the judge requires has been paid. that the judge requires has been paid. Jesus paid it all. He paid it all. This Jesus paid it all. He paid it all. This Jesus paid it all. He paid it all. This is how we ought to think about Jesus as is how we ought to think about Jesus as is how we ought to think about Jesus as our advocate. Especially because all of our advocate. Especially because all of our advocate. Especially because all of us are guilty. Every single one of us.

us are guilty. Every single one of us. us are guilty. Every single one of us. All of us are sinners. And I even love All of us are sinners. And I even love All of us are sinners. And I even love what Spurgeon says about this verse. He what Spurgeon says about this verse. He what Spurgeon says about this verse. He says, it'll be on the screen. Every day says, it'll be on the screen. Every day says, it'll be on the screen. Every day I find it most healthy to my soul to try I find it most healthy to my soul to try I find it most healthy to my soul to try to walk as a saint. But in order to do to walk as a saint. But in order to do to walk as a saint. But in order to do so, I must continually come to Christ as so, I must continually come to Christ as so, I must continually come to Christ as a sinner. a sinner. a sinner. We may have great growth in We may have great growth in We may have great growth in sanctification, progress in graces and sanctification, progress in graces and sanctification, progress in graces and development in our virtue of virtues. development in our virtue of virtues. development in our virtue of virtues. But I earnestly pray we never put any of But I earnestly pray we never put any of But I earnestly pray we never put any of these where Christ should be. Jesus these where Christ should be. Jesus these where Christ should be. Jesus Christ, the righteous one, stands up to Christ, the righteous one, stands up to Christ, the righteous one, stands up to plead for me and pleads his plead for me and pleads his plead for me and pleads his righteousness. And note, he does not he righteousness. And note, he does not he righteousness. And note, he does not he does this not if I do not sin, but if I does this not if I do not sin, but if I does this not if I do not sin, but if I do sin. There's a beauty of the text do sin. There's a beauty of the text do sin. There's a beauty of the text right there. Right? When I have sinned, right there. Right? When I have sinned, right there. Right? When I have sinned, I come creeping up to my prayer closet I come creeping up to my prayer closet I come creeping up to my prayer closet with a guilty conscience and an aching with a guilty conscience and an aching with a guilty conscience and an aching heart and and and a and feel that I am heart and and and a and feel that I am heart and and and a and feel that I am not worthy to be called God's son. not worthy to be called God's son. not worthy to be called God's son. I still have an advocate because I am I still have an advocate because I am I still have an advocate because I am one of the many who sin.

one of the many who sin. one of the many who sin. If you're a believer like me that If you're a believer like me that If you're a believer like me that struggles with a guilty conscience or struggles with a guilty conscience or struggles with a guilty conscience or you struggle with feeling unworthy or you struggle with feeling unworthy or you struggle with feeling unworthy or you have an aching heart, I could tell you have an aching heart, I could tell you have an aching heart, I could tell you over and over again that the cross you over and over again that the cross you over and over again that the cross is enough and was enough and there's no is enough and was enough and there's no is enough and was enough and there's no more payment needed. But you have to more payment needed. But you have to more payment needed. But you have to realize that for yourself. You have to. realize that for yourself. You have to. realize that for yourself. You have to. And in the seasons when you don't And in the seasons when you don't And in the seasons when you don't believe this or you don't get it, let me believe this or you don't get it, let me believe this or you don't get it, let me just encourage you with the way that I just encourage you with the way that I just encourage you with the way that I encourage myself even this week, keep encourage myself even this week, keep encourage myself even this week, keep thinking about him being the sacrificial thinking about him being the sacrificial thinking about him being the sacrificial lamb. Keep reading about God's atoning lamb. Keep reading about God's atoning lamb. Keep reading about God's atoning blood. Keep talking to others and blood. Keep talking to others and blood. Keep talking to others and telling them about the guilt you feel telling them about the guilt you feel telling them about the guilt you feel and the guilt that is weighing you down. and the guilt that is weighing you down. and the guilt that is weighing you down. Me and my wife went on a walk this week Me and my wife went on a walk this week Me and my wife went on a walk this week and I had to share with her some guilt and I had to share with her some guilt and I had to share with her some guilt that was just making me feel just like that was just making me feel just like that was just making me feel just like terrible. terrible. terrible. assuming things about her and myself and assuming things about her and myself and assuming things about her and myself and I had to just let her know. And what's I had to just let her know. And what's I had to just let her know. And what's so beautiful about that is that so beautiful about that is that so beautiful about that is that confession led to repentance and it led confession led to repentance and it led confession led to repentance and it led to joy for me.

to joy for me. to joy for me. Like you got to keep doing this until it Like you got to keep doing this until it Like you got to keep doing this until it clicks in your mind. Pray God's word and clicks in your mind. Pray God's word and clicks in your mind. Pray God's word and remind your soul of the truth of remind your soul of the truth of remind your soul of the truth of scripture until you see it for yourself. scripture until you see it for yourself. scripture until you see it for yourself. Because Jesus Christ is the righteous Because Jesus Christ is the righteous Because Jesus Christ is the righteous one, not you. He is the atoning sacrifice for any and He is the atoning sacrifice for any and all of our sins. Verse two says, "He is all of our sins. Verse two says, "He is all of our sins. Verse two says, "He is the propitiation of our sins." God's the propitiation of our sins." God's the propitiation of our sins." God's wrath was placed onto our advocate. wrath was placed onto our advocate. wrath was placed onto our advocate. He is our rescuer. He goes on, he says, He is our rescuer. He goes on, he says, He is our rescuer. He goes on, he says, "And not for us, for ours only, but also "And not for us, for ours only, but also "And not for us, for ours only, but also for the sins of the world. For the sins for the sins of the world. For the sins for the sins of the world. For the sins of the world does not mean that every of the world does not mean that every of the world does not mean that every person will be saved." No. But John is person will be saved." No. But John is person will be saved." No. But John is clear that forgiveness of sin comes only clear that forgiveness of sin comes only clear that forgiveness of sin comes only to those who repent and believe the to those who repent and believe the to those who repent and believe the gospel. Yet I love I love this statement gospel. Yet I love I love this statement gospel. Yet I love I love this statement because him saying not for ours only but because him saying not for ours only but because him saying not for ours only but also for the sins of the world means also for the sins of the world means also for the sins of the world means that if you are under the sound of my that if you are under the sound of my that if you are under the sound of my voice today, there's hope for you.

voice today, there's hope for you. voice today, there's hope for you. There's hope for you. Jesus's sacrifice There's hope for you. Jesus's sacrifice There's hope for you. Jesus's sacrifice is offered and made available for you to is offered and made available for you to is offered and made available for you to walk into the light today. walk into the light today. walk into the light today. Today. Today. Today. This passage shows us that Christianity This passage shows us that Christianity This passage shows us that Christianity does not deal with guilt by pretending does not deal with guilt by pretending does not deal with guilt by pretending sin is small, nor by leaving us crushed sin is small, nor by leaving us crushed sin is small, nor by leaving us crushed under the weight of it. God's light under the weight of it. God's light under the weight of it. God's light exposes us fully, but it does not does exposes us fully, but it does not does exposes us fully, but it does not does so. It actually does so in order that we so. It actually does so in order that we so. It actually does so in order that we might be forgiven fully. I'll say it might be forgiven fully. I'll say it might be forgiven fully. I'll say it again. God's light exposes us fully, but again. God's light exposes us fully, but again. God's light exposes us fully, but it does so in order that we might be it does so in order that we might be it does so in order that we might be forgiven fully. All of us can live in forgiven fully. All of us can live in forgiven fully. All of us can live in that freedom today. You can receive that that freedom today. You can receive that that freedom today. You can receive that freedom today. You can walk in that freedom today. You can walk in that freedom today. You can walk in that forgiveness today. So if you are hearing forgiveness today. So if you are hearing forgiveness today. So if you are hearing my voice today, you have a choice. You my voice today, you have a choice. You my voice today, you have a choice. You got two choices. To reject this or got two choices. To reject this or got two choices. To reject this or receive it. receive it. receive it. You see, on the cross, Jesus stepped You see, on the cross, Jesus stepped You see, on the cross, Jesus stepped fully into the light of God's judgment fully into the light of God's judgment fully into the light of God's judgment so that we could walk in the light so that we could walk in the light so that we could walk in the light without fear.

without fear. without fear. Not fearing man or what others may say Not fearing man or what others may say Not fearing man or what others may say or think. Not fearing death or or think. Not fearing death or or think. Not fearing death or tribulation or distress or persecution tribulation or distress or persecution tribulation or distress or persecution or nakedness or danger or sword. Jesus or nakedness or danger or sword. Jesus or nakedness or danger or sword. Jesus bore our guilt. Jesus endured our shame bore our guilt. Jesus endured our shame bore our guilt. Jesus endured our shame and now stands before the father as our and now stands before the father as our and now stands before the father as our advocate. advocate. advocate. Because of him, because of Jesus, Because of him, because of Jesus, Because of him, because of Jesus, confession is no longer a threat. It's a confession is no longer a threat. It's a confession is no longer a threat. It's a gift. gift. gift. It's a gift. A gift that doesn't just It's a gift. A gift that doesn't just It's a gift. A gift that doesn't just lead us to confess how greatly we are lead us to confess how greatly we are lead us to confess how greatly we are sinners, but in doing so, we show the sinners, but in doing so, we show the sinners, but in doing so, we show the world and others how greatly we are world and others how greatly we are world and others how greatly we are loved. Confession Confession is the place where healing begins. is the place where healing begins. is the place where healing begins. Joy is cultivated, cleansing is Joy is cultivated, cleansing is Joy is cultivated, cleansing is received, and sanctification is received, and sanctification is received, and sanctification is experienced. If you are walking in darkness today, If you are walking in darkness today, if you are carrying guilt today, if if you are carrying guilt today, if if you are carrying guilt today, if you're deceiving yourself and deceiving you're deceiving yourself and deceiving you're deceiving yourself and deceiving others today, this text invites you to others today, this text invites you to others today, this text invites you to not hide anymore.

not hide anymore. not hide anymore. It invites you to not hide, not to It invites you to not hide, not to It invites you to not hide, not to excuse or make excuses. know not to excuse or make excuses. know not to excuse or make excuses. know not to despair but to come into the light and despair but to come into the light and despair but to come into the light and there there you will find not there there you will find not there there you will find not condemnation condemnation condemnation but grace not rejection but embrace but grace not rejection but embrace but grace not rejection but embrace and true forgiveness and that true and true forgiveness and that true and true forgiveness and that true forgiveness is found in the cleansing forgiveness is found in the cleansing forgiveness is found in the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ our Lord and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior Savior Savior and I love how John starts his account and I love how John starts his account and I love how John starts his account of the good of the good of the good He starts his account of the gospel by He starts his account of the gospel by He starts his account of the gospel by saying in the beginning was the word and saying in the beginning was the word and saying in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was the word was with God and the word was the word was with God and the word was God. He was in the beginning with God. God. He was in the beginning with God. God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him and All things were made through him and All things were made through him and without him not anything that was made without him not anything that was made without him not anything that was made that was made. In him was the life and that was made. In him was the life and that was made. In him was the life and the life was the light of men. The light the life was the light of men. The light the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness shines in the darkness and the darkness shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.

has not overcome it. has not overcome it. Let's pray. Jesus, Let's pray. Jesus, Let's pray. Jesus, there's coming a day when sin, actually, there's coming a day when sin, actually, there's coming a day when sin, actually, all sin all sin all sin will be exposed. will be exposed. will be exposed. That day is coming. That day is coming. That day is coming. But Lord, But Lord, But Lord, let us not wait until that day because let us not wait until that day because let us not wait until that day because you give us a chance to walk in the you give us a chance to walk in the you give us a chance to walk in the light right now. light right now. light right now. Lord, would you let us expose our sin Lord, would you let us expose our sin Lord, would you let us expose our sin right now? Even as I'm praying, Lord, right now? Even as I'm praying, Lord, right now? Even as I'm praying, Lord, would you lead men and women that are would you lead men and women that are would you lead men and women that are under the sound of my voice to just under the sound of my voice to just under the sound of my voice to just confess sin to you right now? There's no confess sin to you right now? There's no confess sin to you right now? There's no need to wait. There may be someone that need to wait. There may be someone that need to wait. There may be someone that needs to confess and say that they needs to confess and say that they needs to confess and say that they believe that you are Lord. Lord, would believe that you are Lord. Lord, would believe that you are Lord. Lord, would they just do that right now? they just do that right now? they just do that right now? God, would you allow us to have a taste God, would you allow us to have a taste God, would you allow us to have a taste of heaven here on earth where we of heaven here on earth where we of heaven here on earth where we experience your kingdom come and your experience your kingdom come and your experience your kingdom come and your will be done? will be done? will be done? God, as you forgive us, Lord, as we God, as you forgive us, Lord, as we God, as you forgive us, Lord, as we continue to confess and we repent of our continue to confess and we repent of our continue to confess and we repent of our sin, Lord, let us find joy in the light sin, Lord, let us find joy in the light sin, Lord, let us find joy in the light of Christ.

of Christ. of Christ. that as we fight for holiness, Lord, and that as we fight for holiness, Lord, and that as we fight for holiness, Lord, and we're reminded that the assurance of our we're reminded that the assurance of our we're reminded that the assurance of our faith is found faith is found faith is found in the precious blood of Jesus. in the precious blood of Jesus. in the precious blood of Jesus. Lord, let us receive your grace and walk Lord, let us receive your grace and walk Lord, let us receive your grace and walk in freedom. in freedom. in freedom. There's no condemnation for those who There's no condemnation for those who There's no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. I love you, Lord. are in Christ Jesus. I love you, Lord. are in Christ Jesus. I love you, Lord. Thank you for your grace. Thanks for Thank you for your grace. Thanks for Thank you for your grace. Thanks for showing me grace this week. Thank you for what you're going to Thank you for what you're going to continue to do, not just in me, but in continue to do, not just in me, but in continue to do, not just in me, but in others as well. Lord, others as well. Lord, others as well. Lord, continue to move in power. I love you in continue to move in power. I love you in continue to move in power. I love you in Jesus name. Amen. after writing a sermon like that, after writing a sermon like that, I felt so convicted. And many of you may I felt so convicted. And many of you may I felt so convicted. And many of you may feel that right now. And I just want to remind you that we And I just want to remind you that we have an advocate have an advocate have an advocate that's pleading on your behalf right that's pleading on your behalf right that's pleading on your behalf right now. You do not to you don't have to sit now. You do not to you don't have to sit now. You do not to you don't have to sit in the weight of guilt and carry it in the weight of guilt and carry it in the weight of guilt and carry it today.

today. today. You can experience freedom. You can experience freedom. You can experience freedom. So how we're going to do that? We're So how we're going to do that? We're So how we're going to do that? We're going to take communion so that you can going to take communion so that you can going to take communion so that you can be reminded of the freedom that you have be reminded of the freedom that you have be reminded of the freedom that you have in Christ. in Christ. in Christ. I think this is one of the biggest I think this is one of the biggest I think this is one of the biggest reasons why Jesus says, "Do this in reasons why Jesus says, "Do this in reasons why Jesus says, "Do this in remembrance of me." Because he knew we'd remembrance of me." Because he knew we'd remembrance of me." Because he knew we'd forget. forget. forget. He knows that we're forgetful. He knows that we're forgetful. He knows that we're forgetful. We forget about his mercy and his grace We forget about his mercy and his grace We forget about his mercy and his grace or try to think that we could do it on or try to think that we could do it on or try to think that we could do it on our own and we become prideful, try to our own and we become prideful, try to our own and we become prideful, try to justify things. But he took the bread while he was with But he took the bread while he was with his friends his friends his friends and he broke it and he said, "This is my and he broke it and he said, "This is my and he broke it and he said, "This is my body broken for me. Do this in body broken for me. Do this in body broken for me. Do this in remembrance of me." He took the cup and remembrance of me." He took the cup and remembrance of me." He took the cup and he said, "Drink this. This is the new he said, "Drink this. This is the new he said, "Drink this. This is the new testament of blood." testament of blood." testament of blood." And he told him to do this in And he told him to do this in And he told him to do this in remembrance of him. remembrance of him. remembrance of him. So church, we get to do that today. But So church, we get to do that today. But So church, we get to do that today. But before we do that, I want to encourage before we do that, I want to encourage before we do that, I want to encourage you. I prayed it in the prayer, but I you. I prayed it in the prayer, but I you. I prayed it in the prayer, but I want you to take your time and actually want you to take your time and actually want you to take your time and actually give yourself an opportunity just to give yourself an opportunity just to give yourself an opportunity just to confess to the Lord. If he's bringing confess to the Lord. If he's bringing confess to the Lord. If he's bringing things to your mind, which I think he things to your mind, which I think he things to your mind, which I think he probably has, confess those sins to him.

probably has, confess those sins to him. probably has, confess those sins to him. Confess confess it all. Share it with Confess confess it all. Share it with Confess confess it all. Share it with him. him. him. And then And then And then it it'll feel messy and clunky because it it'll feel messy and clunky because it it'll feel messy and clunky because we are messy and clunky. we are messy and clunky. we are messy and clunky. But as you feel led, you'll stand up and But as you feel led, you'll stand up and But as you feel led, you'll stand up and you'll come to the front. And then you'll come to the front. And then you'll come to the front. And then you'll get to experience this verse, you'll get to experience this verse, you'll get to experience this verse, this verse 7, 1 John 7. You'll be this verse 7, 1 John 7. You'll be this verse 7, 1 John 7. You'll be reminded that if we walk in the light as reminded that if we walk in the light as reminded that if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship he is in the light, we have fellowship he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. So you're going to with one another. So you're going to with one another. So you're going to walked up here to the front or in the walked up here to the front or in the walked up here to the front or in the middle section and someone's going to middle section and someone's going to middle section and someone's going to give you a piece of bread and say, "This give you a piece of bread and say, "This give you a piece of bread and say, "This is his body broken for you." And then is his body broken for you." And then is his body broken for you." And then you're going to walk to the next person you're going to walk to the next person you're going to walk to the next person and they're going to tell you this and they're going to tell you this and they're going to tell you this represents Christ's blood that was shed represents Christ's blood that was shed represents Christ's blood that was shed for you. for you. for you. So after you confess your sin to the So after you confess your sin to the So after you confess your sin to the Lord, after you do all of that, then you Lord, after you do all of that, then you Lord, after you do all of that, then you get to stand and walk down this aisle get to stand and walk down this aisle get to stand and walk down this aisle proclaiming that you are a sinner in proclaiming that you are a sinner in proclaiming that you are a sinner in need of a savior. And then you'll get to need of a savior. And then you'll get to need of a savior. And then you'll get to be reminded of God's grace towards you be reminded of God's grace towards you be reminded of God's grace towards you and one another and towards us.

And then you'll take that bread and that And then you'll take that bread and that cup, cup, cup, you'll go and sit. you'll go and sit. you'll go and sit. And then as you take and eat, remember, And then as you take and eat, remember, And then as you take and eat, remember, yes, yes, yes, he died for this sin. he died for this sin. he died for this sin. Yes, he poured out his blood for this Yes, he poured out his blood for this Yes, he poured out his blood for this sin. sin. sin. I'm going to pray for us as the ushers I'm going to pray for us as the ushers I'm going to pray for us as the ushers come forward. Jesus, come forward. Jesus, come forward. Jesus, I ask yet again that you would bring sin I ask yet again that you would bring sin I ask yet again that you would bring sin to our mind. Reveal it to us. show us to our mind. Reveal it to us. show us to our mind. Reveal it to us. show us what what what and how we have sinned against you. and how we have sinned against you. and how we have sinned against you. And then Lord, would you let us walk in And then Lord, would you let us walk in And then Lord, would you let us walk in grace and freedom today? grace and freedom today? grace and freedom today? Even as we sing, Even as we sing, Even as we sing, God, would this room be filled with God, would this room be filled with God, would this room be filled with voices of people proclaiming the voices of people proclaiming the voices of people proclaiming the excellencies of the one who's called him excellencies of the one who's called him excellencies of the one who's called him out of darkness into his marvelous out of darkness into his marvelous out of darkness into his marvelous light? Because once we were not your light? Because once we were not your light? Because once we were not your people, but now we are your people. Once people, but now we are your people. Once people, but now we are your people. Once we had not received mercy, but now we we had not received mercy, but now we we had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy and it was by your have received mercy and it was by your have received mercy and it was by your blood, Jesus.

Thank you for your blood. We remember it Thank you for your blood. We remember it now. now. now. Jesus name. Jesus name. Jesus name. Amen. Before you come, pray. And if Amen. Before you come, pray. And if Amen. Before you come, pray. And if you're not a believer, you can confess you're not a believer, you can confess you're not a believer, you can confess faith and faith in the Lord today. and faith and faith in the Lord today. and faith and faith in the Lord today. and then you can come. But this is for then you can come. But this is for then you can come. But this is for believers. So believers, as you're believers. So believers, as you're believers. So believers, as you're ready, you can come.

[singing] [singing] make Be whole again. Nothing but the blood Nothing but the blood of Jesus. my [singing] sin? my [singing] sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing [singing and music] but the Nothing [singing and music] but the blood of Jesus. And And precious precious precious is the flow is the flow is the flow that that that makes me white [singing and music] as makes me white [singing and music] as makes me white [singing and music] as snow. I know I know nothing but the blood of Jesus. And And precious precious precious is the flow. is the flow. is the flow. Oh, that Oh, that Oh, that makes [singing] me white as [music] makes [singing] me white as [music] makes [singing] me white as [music] snow. Oh no, found [singing] I know found [singing] I know nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Everything changed. [music] Everything changed. [music] It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize It's getting harder to recognize the person I [singing] was the person I [singing] was the person I [singing] was before I encountered Christ. I don't before I encountered Christ. I don't before I encountered Christ. I don't walk [singing] like I used to. I don't walk [singing] like I used to. I don't walk [singing] like I used to. I don't [music] [music] [music] like like like I've been inside. I've been inside. I've been inside. I've been [music] I've been [music] I've been [music] from the [singing] inside out. Hallelu. I know it [singing] was [music] the I know it [singing] was [music] the blood. Could have only been the blood. blood. Could have only been the blood. blood. Could have only been the blood. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [singing] [singing] [singing] Hallelu. I know it [singing] was the blood. Could I know it [singing] was the blood. Could have [music] only been the blood. I cannot explain it. [music] But I cannot explain it. [music] But nothing's more real than this in the nothing's more real than this in the nothing's more real than this in the presence of [singing] God.

presence of [singing] God. presence of [singing] God. Oh, what my [music] heart experience Oh, what my [music] heart experience Oh, what my [music] heart experience when my shame hit the way [music] and my when my shame hit the way [music] and my when my shame hit the way [music] and my sin met the most high. I've been washed sin met the most high. I've been washed sin met the most high. I've been washed [music and singing] from the inside. [music and singing] from the inside. [music and singing] from the inside. I was washed from the inside out. I was washed from the inside out. I was washed from the inside out. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [music] I know it [singing] was the blood. Could I know it [singing] was the blood. Could I know it [singing] was the blood. Could [music] have only been the blood. [music] have only been the blood. [music] have only been the blood. Hallelu. No, it was the blood. could have only No, it was the blood. could have only been the blood. It's only by your blood were healed. It's only by your blood were healed. Oh, thank you Jesus Oh, thank you Jesus Oh, thank you Jesus for the bless. It's never been about performance.

It's never been about performance. perfection perfection perfection or striving [music] or striving [music] or striving [music] for acceptance. Let me tell you, it's for acceptance. Let me tell you, it's for acceptance. Let me tell you, it's only [music] only [music] only [music] by the blood. by the blood. by the blood. It's never been about deserving or It's never been about deserving or It's never been about deserving or earning. It's a gift that's freely earning. It's a gift that's freely earning. It's a gift that's freely [music] g. Does anybody [music] want to be holy and Does anybody [music] want to be holy and rightous rightous rightous purified as [singing] far as let me tell purified as [singing] far as let me tell purified as [singing] far as let me tell you it's [music] only by the blood. you it's [music] only by the blood. you it's [music] only by the blood. Does anybody want to be worthy forgiven? Let me tell you the story by the blood Let me tell you the story by the blood we praise. we praise. we praise. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] Hallelu. I know it was the [music] blood. Could I know it was the [music] blood. Could have only been the blood.

have only been the blood. have only been the blood. Hallelu. I know [music] it was a blind. Could I know [music] it was a blind. Could have only been the blood. Oh, it's only [music] by the blood of Oh, it's only [music] by the blood of Jesus. Does anybody [music] want to be holy, Does anybody [music] want to be holy, forgiving, forgiving, forgiving, justified, really living? [music] Let me justified, really living? [music] Let me justified, really living? [music] Let me tell you, it's only by his blood. Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. I know it was the blood. Could have only I know it was the blood. Could have only been the blood. been the blood. been the blood. Hallelu. I know it was the [singing] blood. Could I know it was the [singing] blood. Could have only been the blood.

And you knew I couldn't [singing] pay And you knew I couldn't [singing] pay the debt. You paint it [music and singing] with You paint it [music and singing] with your final breath. You took the [music and singing] wrath You took the [music and singing] wrath that I deserve. Thank you, Lord. that I deserve. Thank you, Lord. that I deserve. Thank you, Lord. Your [singing and music] holy blood Your [singing and music] holy blood Your [singing and music] holy blood broke every curse. Your [music] mercy had the final word. Your [music] mercy had the final word. [singing] [singing] [singing] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [music] [music] Hallelu. We sing Christ and Christ We sing Christ and Christ crucified crucified crucified in you. We're raised [music] from death in you. We're raised [music] from death in you. We're raised [music] from death to life. We sing Christ and Christ. to life. We sing Christ and Christ. to life. We sing Christ and Christ. crucified.

crucified. crucified. Hallelu [music] and no shame is stronger [music] than and no shame is stronger [music] than [singing] your love. You said it's finished and it's done. You said it's finished and it's done. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Listen this morning. Death couldn't keep Listen this morning. Death couldn't keep Listen this morning. Death couldn't keep you [singing] in the ground. Our power is living in the snow. Our power is living in the snow. Hallelu died. In you [music] died. In you [music] were raised from death to life. We sing were raised from death to life. We sing were raised from death to life. We sing [music] Christ and Christ [music] Christ and Christ [music] Christ and Christ crucified.

crucified. crucified. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelu. [singing] We sing Christ and Christ We sing Christ and Christ crucified crucified crucified in you. Oh [music] yes. We're raised in you. Oh [music] yes. We're raised in you. Oh [music] yes. We're raised from death to life. We sing Christ and from death to life. We sing Christ and from death to life. We sing Christ and Christy. Christy. Christy. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh, Oh, we sing hallelu. We [music] have a great hope. And so we We [music] have a great hope. And so we sing this with confidence. sing this with confidence. sing this with confidence. The death couldn't hold you down. Hell The death couldn't hold you down. Hell The death couldn't hold you down. Hell couldn't steal [music] your crown. Yes, couldn't steal [music] your crown. Yes, couldn't steal [music] your crown. Yes, there resurrection power in your name. there resurrection power in your name. there resurrection power in your name. In your name. [music] So let all the In your name. [music] So let all the In your name. [music] So let all the earth cry out. Lift up a holy sound as earth cry out. Lift up a holy sound as earth cry out. Lift up a holy sound as we give all the glory out of [music] we give all the glory out of [music] we give all the glory out of [music] Jesus name. Jesus name is dead. Could it Jesus name. Jesus name is dead. Could it Jesus name. Jesus name is dead. Could it hold [music] you down on no hell? Could hold [music] you down on no hell? Could hold [music] you down on no hell? Could it steal your crowns?

it steal your crowns? it steal your crowns? Resurrection [music] Resurrection [music] Resurrection [music] power in your name. In your name. So let power in your name. In your name. So let power in your name. In your name. So let all the earth [music] cry out. Lift of a all the earth [music] cry out. Lift of a all the earth [music] cry out. Lift of a holy sound. We give all the glory now holy sound. We give all the glory now holy sound. We give all the glory now [music] [music] [music] in Jesus name. Jesus name. in Jesus name. Jesus name. in Jesus name. Jesus name. Couldn't hold you [music and singing] Couldn't hold you [music and singing] Couldn't hold you [music and singing] down. No hell. Could it steal your down. No hell. Could it steal your down. No hell. Could it steal your crown? Yes, there's resurrection power crown? Yes, there's resurrection power crown? Yes, there's resurrection power in your name. In your name. So let all in your name. In your name. So let all in your name. In your name. So let all the earth cry out. [music] Lift up a the earth cry out. [music] Lift up a the earth cry out. [music] Lift up a holy sound as we give all the glory now holy sound as we give all the glory now holy sound as we give all the glory now in Jesus name. Jesus name. ing [music] Christ ing [music] Christ and Christ and Christ and Christ crucified crucified crucified in you. Yes, we raise from [music] death in you. Yes, we raise from [music] death in you. Yes, we raise from [music] death to life. We sing Christ in Christ to life. We sing Christ in Christ to life. We sing Christ in Christ crucified.

crucified. crucified. Hallelu Hallelu Hallelu hallelu. We sing Christ and Christ We sing Christ and Christ crucified crucified crucified in you. Yes, we raise from death to in you. Yes, we raise from death to in you. Yes, we raise from death to life. We sing [music] Christ and Christ life. We sing [music] Christ and Christ life. We sing [music] Christ and Christ crucified. crucified. crucified. Hallelu [music] >> Holy moly. Do we have to end there? >> Holy moly. Do we have to end there? [music] You guys go have a seat real [music] You guys go have a seat real [music] You guys go have a seat real quick. Goodness, Mindy. Thought thought quick. Goodness, Mindy. Thought thought quick. Goodness, Mindy. Thought thought she was just going to lead us into glory she was just going to lead us into glory she was just going to lead us into glory straight home this morning. Oh my straight home this morning. Oh my straight home this morning. Oh my goodness. if uh you guys if I could have goodness. if uh you guys if I could have goodness. if uh you guys if I could have the ushers come forward just for a time the ushers come forward just for a time the ushers come forward just for a time of offering. [music] of offering. [music] of offering. [music] Friends, if we haven't had a chance to Friends, if we haven't had a chance to Friends, if we haven't had a chance to meet yet, my name is Justin and I get meet yet, my name is Justin and I get meet yet, my name is Justin and I get the pleasure and the privilege of the pleasure and the privilege of the pleasure and the privilege of serving and being one of the pastors, serving and being one of the pastors, serving and being one of the pastors, the elders of this uh West [music] the elders of this uh West [music] the elders of this uh West [music] congregation. Uh we're so glad that congregation. Uh we're so glad that congregation. Uh we're so glad that you're here today. If you're new to the you're here today. If you're new to the you're here today. If you're new to the Austin Stone or [music] if you have any Austin Stone or [music] if you have any Austin Stone or [music] if you have any prayers that we can be praying for and prayers that we can be praying for and prayers that we can be praying for and with you, would you just fill out the with you, would you just fill out the with you, would you just fill out the card that's in your seat uh and just card that's in your seat uh and just card that's in your seat uh and just bring it to the connection table? We bring it to the connection table? We bring it to the connection table? We would love to connect with you. We would would love to connect with you. We would would love to connect with you. We would love to pray uh for you as the ushers

love to pray uh for you as the ushers love to pray uh for you as the ushers are passing out in this offering moment. are passing out in this offering moment. are passing out in this offering moment. Um we have lots of ways that we invite Um we have lots of ways that we invite Um we have lots of ways that we invite you to be a part of and to give you to be a part of and to give you to be a part of and to give generously to our church and for the generously to our church and for the generously to our church and for the mission of being [music] for the city, mission of being [music] for the city, mission of being [music] for the city, for the nations, loving the church. And for the nations, loving the church. And for the nations, loving the church. And honestly, I just want to take this honestly, I just want to take this honestly, I just want to take this moment to brag on you guys. Uh this past moment to brag on you guys. Uh this past moment to brag on you guys. Uh this past summer, we issued a bit of a challenge. summer, we issued a bit of a challenge. summer, we issued a bit of a challenge. We wanted to raise up and have a We wanted to raise up and have a We wanted to raise up and have a backpack drive to help out our friends backpack drive to help out our friends backpack drive to help out our friends at Houston Elementary so that they could at Houston Elementary so that they could at Houston Elementary so that they could start the year off with a little bit of start the year off with a little bit of start the year off with a little bit of wind in their sales. And so you guys, wind in their sales. And so you guys, wind in their sales. And so you guys, man, answered the call. We had our man, answered the call. We had our man, answered the call. We had our volunteers drop off backpacks this week volunteers drop off backpacks this week volunteers drop off backpacks this week on Friday. That's a small kind of on Friday. That's a small kind of on Friday. That's a small kind of sampling. You guys put together 90 sampling. You guys put together 90 sampling. You guys put together 90 backpacks worth around very backpacks worth around very backpacks worth around very conservatively about $10,000 conservatively about $10,000 conservatively about $10,000 worth of supplies and things for the worth of supplies and things for the worth of supplies and things for the students there like is a big deal students there like is a big deal students there like is a big deal because of the generosity just a this because of the generosity just a this because of the generosity just a this backpack and all of this. It helps backpack and all of this. It helps backpack and all of this. It helps families like it helps their budgets families like it helps their budgets families like it helps their budgets stretch farther throughout the year. It stretch farther throughout the year. It stretch farther throughout the year. It helps teachers know that they can come helps teachers know that they can come helps teachers know that they can come to the room and that they have supplies, to the room and that they have supplies, to the room and that they have supplies, they're stocked and they're ready. It they're stocked and they're ready. It they're stocked and they're ready. It helps them go into the year with a helps them go into the year with a helps them go into the year with a little bit of like that wind in their little bit of like that wind in their little bit of like that wind in their sails, little their arms lifted up a sails, little their arms lifted up a sails, little their arms lifted up a little bit. It helps them know that little bit. It helps them know that little bit. It helps them know that there's a church community here in there's a church community here in there's a church community here in Austin at the Austin Stone Community Austin at the Austin Stone Community Austin at the Austin Stone Community Church that says, "Guys, we are for you.

Church that says, "Guys, we are for you. Church that says, "Guys, we are for you. We are with you and what you are doing." We are with you and what you are doing." We are with you and what you are doing." We also have a group that meets at We also have a group that meets at We also have a group that meets at Houston Elementary throughout the year Houston Elementary throughout the year Houston Elementary throughout the year through a program called Academy 4. And through a program called Academy 4. And through a program called Academy 4. And if you want to be a part of that if you want to be a part of that if you want to be a part of that program, learn more about it, you can program, learn more about it, you can program, learn more about it, you can talk to one of our connect team people talk to one of our connect team people talk to one of our connect team people uh after the after the service. But man, uh after the after the service. But man, uh after the after the service. But man, thank you guys. What a what a tremendous thank you guys. What a what a tremendous thank you guys. What a what a tremendous thing for our volunteers and our folks thing for our volunteers and our folks thing for our volunteers and our folks to to to drop this off and just to see to to to drop this off and just to see to to to drop this off and just to see the look on their faces. They were so so the look on their faces. They were so so the look on their faces. They were so so thankful for you. So, thank you. As we thankful for you. So, thank you. As we thankful for you. So, thank you. As we get ready to kind of close out our time get ready to kind of close out our time get ready to kind of close out our time today, just a couple things I want to today, just a couple things I want to today, just a couple things I want to put um in the front of your mind. Uh you put um in the front of your mind. Uh you put um in the front of your mind. Uh you have a bulletin in your seat that kind have a bulletin in your seat that kind have a bulletin in your seat that kind of that kind of walks through several of that kind of walks through several of that kind of walks through several different opportunities to get connected different opportunities to get connected different opportunities to get connected here. Let me just highlight a couple. here. Let me just highlight a couple. here. Let me just highlight a couple. One is we're actually going to gather One is we're actually going to gather One is we're actually going to gather together as a church body on August 29th together as a church body on August 29th together as a church body on August 29th for a day of service. So, SA we call for a day of service. So, SA we call for a day of service. So, SA we call [music] it Saturday serve. So, that [music] it Saturday serve. So, that [music] it Saturday serve. So, that morning from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., we morning from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., we morning from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., we are all going to come together and we're are all going to come together and we're are all going to come together and we're going to serve a variety of different going to serve a variety of different going to serve a variety of different nonprofit organizations around the city nonprofit organizations around the city nonprofit organizations around the city of Austin. [music] I would love you to of Austin. [music] I would love you to of Austin. [music] I would love you to sign up and let's be there uh loving and sign up and let's be there uh loving and sign up and let's be there uh loving and serving our city in force on that day.

serving our city in force on that day. serving our city in force on that day. If you can't make it that day, you're If you can't make it that day, you're If you can't make it that day, you're like, Justin, I've already got plans on like, Justin, I've already got plans on like, Justin, I've already got plans on that day to be somewhere else. You can that day to be somewhere else. You can that day to be somewhere else. You can still participate in Saturday Serve. still participate in Saturday Serve. still participate in Saturday Serve. We're doing a diaper drive with one of We're doing a diaper drive with one of We're doing a diaper drive with one of our friends at the source and they would our friends at the source and they would our friends at the source and they would love for us to help stock up their love for us to help stock up their love for us to help stock up their supply room with diapers. And so, if you supply room with diapers. And so, if you supply room with diapers. And so, if you want to even buy diapers and bring them want to even buy diapers and bring them want to even buy diapers and bring them to church and be a part of that, you can to church and be a part of that, you can to church and be a part of that, you can do that. My ask is that you just simply do that. My ask is that you just simply do that. My ask is that you just simply sign up on the form so that we know to sign up on the form so that we know to sign up on the form so that we know to expect that from you. But everyone can expect that from you. But everyone can expect that from you. But everyone can participate in Saturday Serve. I would participate in Saturday Serve. I would participate in Saturday Serve. I would love to offer that an opportunity for us love to offer that an opportunity for us love to offer that an opportunity for us as a church to continue to love our as a church to continue to love our as a church to continue to love our city. Well, uh next is uh that we have city. Well, uh next is uh that we have city. Well, uh next is uh that we have uh a class called disciplehip community uh a class called disciplehip community uh a class called disciplehip community essentials. We think it's really essentials. We think it's really essentials. We think it's really important to be in a community of people important to be in a community of people important to be in a community of people where you're loving God together. You're where you're loving God together. You're where you're loving God together. You're following after what he's asking us to following after what he's asking us to following after what he's asking us to follow after. You're going where he follow after. You're going where he follow after. You're going where he leads and you have a group of people to leads and you have a group of people to leads and you have a group of people to help you do that. If you want to be a help you do that. If you want to be a help you do that. If you want to be a part of a group, a disciplehip part of a group, a disciplehip part of a group, a disciplehip community, or just learn more about what community, or just learn more about what community, or just learn more about what that means here at our church, that that means here at our church, that that means here at our church, that class is a great class for you. It class is a great class for you. It class is a great class for you. It starts on August 23rd. It's a two-week starts on August 23rd. It's a two-week starts on August 23rd. It's a two-week class. We'd love for you to sign up and class. We'd love for you to sign up and class. We'd love for you to sign up and you can do that at austinstone.orgwest.

We'd love for you guys to do that. We'd love for you guys to do that. Friends, we're getting ready to leave Friends, we're getting ready to leave Friends, we're getting ready to leave back into uh our city, uh our back into uh our city, uh our back into uh our city, uh our neighborhoods, our homes, wherever God neighborhoods, our homes, wherever God neighborhoods, our homes, wherever God would have you this week. And I was just would have you this week. And I was just would have you this week. And I was just thinking about those words that we sang thinking about those words that we sang thinking about those words that we sang today that we sing with our voices and today that we sing with our voices and today that we sing with our voices and with our lives. We sing Christ. And not with our lives. We sing Christ. And not with our lives. We sing Christ. And not just Christ, any old. We've seen Christ just Christ, any old. We've seen Christ just Christ, any old. We've seen Christ crucified. We've seen Christ crucified. crucified. We've seen Christ crucified. crucified. We've seen Christ crucified. That the penalty of sin has been laid to That the penalty of sin has been laid to That the penalty of sin has been laid to waste. That the sting of death has now waste. That the sting of death has now waste. That the sting of death has now been taken away because Christ is been taken away because Christ is been taken away because Christ is crucified and he is raised to life. crucified and he is raised to life. crucified and he is raised to life. Friends, you have an advocate, Jesus Friends, you have an advocate, Jesus Friends, you have an advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous. And so with that, Christ the righteous. And so with that, Christ the righteous. And so with that, let me just read over this uh verse to let me just read over this uh verse to let me just read over this uh verse to you as we get ready to leave into Austin you as we get ready to leave into Austin you as we get ready to leave into Austin and into our homes and our different and into our homes and our different and into our homes and our different parts of the city. Jude 24 says this. parts of the city. Jude 24 says this. parts of the city. Jude 24 says this. Now to him who is able to keep you from Now to him who is able to keep you from Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless stumbling and to present you blameless stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with before the presence of his glory with before the presence of his glory with great joy. With great joy great joy. With great joy great joy. With great joy he does this friends. He can do it. Now he does this friends. He can do it. Now he does this friends. He can do it. Now to him, the only God and the only God uh to him, the only God and the only God uh to him, the only God and the only God uh forever and ever, our savior, Jesus forever and ever, our savior, Jesus forever and ever, our savior, Jesus Christ, be the glory and the dominion Christ, be the glory and the dominion Christ, be the glory and the dominion for all time. Amen. And amen. Austin for all time. Amen. And amen. Austin for all time. Amen. And amen. Austin Stone, you are loved. We'll see you next Stone, you are loved. We'll see you next Stone, you are loved. We'll see you next week.

>> Hey, >> Hey, hey, hey.

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