The Letters of John: Assurance For The Unsteady

Well, hey, good morning, Austin Stone. Well, hey, good morning, Austin Stone. We're so glad you're here. Let's go We're so glad you're here. Let's go We're so glad you're here. Let's go ahead and stand to our feet this morning ahead and stand to our feet this morning ahead and stand to our feet this morning if you are able as we get ready to if you are able as we get ready to if you are able as we get ready to worship together today. My name is worship together today. My name is worship together today. My name is Garrett, the worship director here. If Garrett, the worship director here. If Garrett, the worship director here. If we haven't had a chance to meet you, we haven't had a chance to meet you, we haven't had a chance to meet you, we'd love to meet you uh after our we'd love to meet you uh after our we'd love to meet you uh after our gathering here today. Uh this morning gathering here today. Uh this morning gathering here today. Uh this morning before we sing, we're going to go to before we sing, we're going to go to before we sing, we're going to go to God's word. We're going to look at Psalm God's word. We're going to look at Psalm God's word. We're going to look at Psalm 33:es 20- 22 as our call to worship. As 33:es 20- 22 as our call to worship. As 33:es 20- 22 as our call to worship. As we posture our hearts to sing to the we posture our hearts to sing to the we posture our hearts to sing to the Lord today for who he is and what he's Lord today for who he is and what he's Lord today for who he is and what he's done in Christ Jesus and put our hope in done in Christ Jesus and put our hope in done in Christ Jesus and put our hope in him. Psalm 33:es 20- 22 say this. Our him. Psalm 33:es 20- 22 say this. Our him. Psalm 33:es 20- 22 say this. Our soul waits for the Lord. He is our help soul waits for the Lord. He is our help soul waits for the Lord. He is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in and our shield. For our heart is glad in and our shield. For our heart is glad in him because we trust in his holy name. him because we trust in his holy name. him because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love O Lord be upon Let your steadfast love O Lord be upon Let your steadfast love O Lord be upon us even as we hope in you. Father, we us even as we hope in you. Father, we us even as we hope in you. Father, we put our hope, we put our trust in you put our hope, we put our trust in you put our hope, we put our trust in you today for who you are and what you've today for who you are and what you've today for who you are and what you've done for us and your son, Christ Jesus. done for us and your son, Christ Jesus. done for us and your son, Christ Jesus. Would you fix our eyes on you? We love Would you fix our eyes on you? We love Would you fix our eyes on you? We love you. We praise you. And your people say, you. We praise you. And your people say, you. We praise you. And your people say, "Amen." Let's sing to him.

We learned this song together last week. We learned this song together last week. We sing together that we believe in We sing together that we believe in We sing together that we believe in Christ Jesus, who he is. age to age you say age to age you say constant you remain constant you remain constant you remain every mystery questions I've carried We questions I've carried We are safe within your will. are safe within your will. are safe within your will. So I trust you even still. I believe So I trust you even still. I believe So I trust you even still. I believe you are who you say you are. you are who you say you are. you are who you say you are. You do what you say you'll do. You do what you say you'll do. You do what you say you'll do. You'll come through. You are always You'll come through. You are always You'll come through. You are always able. I believe able. I believe able. I believe that you've already made a way.

that you've already made a way. that you've already made a way. So I'm running through parted ways So I'm running through parted ways So I'm running through parted ways straight to you. straight to you. straight to you. You are always faithful Every word you say Every word you say promise that you promise that you promise that you found. found. found. This is true. This is true. This is true. Cannot be shamed. Cannot be shamed. Cannot be shamed. Oh Oh Oh my god. on that cross your blood was spilled.

on that cross your blood was spilled. And by your stripes I have been healed. And by your stripes I have been healed. And by your stripes I have been healed. And every promise you fulfilled. I And every promise you fulfilled. I And every promise you fulfilled. I believe. believe. believe. I believe. Believe that you rose again I believe. Believe that you rose again I believe. Believe that you rose again in victory. in victory. in victory. And that same power lives in me. I'm And that same power lives in me. I'm And that same power lives in me. I'm born again. I've been made free. I born again. I've been made free. I born again. I've been made free. I believe. believe. believe. I believe. Come on. Will not Will not your church is still alive. your church is still alive. your church is still alive. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. On that day when I'm on my race, I'll On that day when I'm on my race, I'll finally see you face to face. Nothing finally see you face to face. Nothing finally see you face to face. Nothing that will separate. I believe.

that will separate. I believe. that will separate. I believe. I believe. I believe. I believe. And I'll join with every tribe and And I'll join with every tribe and And I'll join with every tribe and tongue and bow before the lamb of God tongue and bow before the lamb of God tongue and bow before the lamb of God singing holy, holy, holy one. I believe. singing holy, holy, holy one. I believe. singing holy, holy, holy one. I believe. Yes, I believe. Amen. Can we celebrate that truth Amen. Can we celebrate that truth together this morning? together this morning? together this morning? We continue to sing. We continue to fix We continue to sing. We continue to fix We continue to sing. We continue to fix our eyes on Christ Jesus, believing who our eyes on Christ Jesus, believing who our eyes on Christ Jesus, believing who he said he was. That he is true. He is he said he was. That he is true. He is he said he was. That he is true. He is faithful. Come thou f of every blessing Come thou f of every blessing to my heart to sing thy grace.

to my heart to sing thy grace. to my heart to sing thy grace. Streams of mercy Streams of mercy Streams of mercy never ceasing. never ceasing. never ceasing. Call for songs of loudest praise. Call for songs of loudest praise. Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some Teach me some Teach me some Lord is on it. Sung by flaming Lord is on it. Sung by flaming Lord is on it. Sung by flaming tongues above. tongues above. tongues above. Praise the mountain Praise the mountain Praise the mountain fixed upon it. Mount of thy receiving fixed upon it. Mount of thy receiving fixed upon it. Mount of thy receiving love. by thy help I f by thy help I f and I hold by thy good pleasure and I hold by thy good pleasure and I hold by thy good pleasure safely to arrive at home.

safely to arrive at home. safely to arrive at home. Jesus glory. Jesus glory. Jesus glory. When a strangeanger When a strangeanger When a strangeanger wandering from the fall of wandering from the fall of wandering from the fall of he to rescue he to rescue he to rescue me from danger me from danger me from danger to close his precious blood. Oh to grace how great a de Oh to grace how great a de I am constrained to be. I am constrained to be. I am constrained to be. Let thy goodness Let thy goodness Let thy goodness like a feather like a feather like a feather bind my wondering bind my wondering bind my wondering heart to thee. Oh let thy goodness heart to thee. Oh let thy goodness heart to thee. Oh let thy goodness like a fine like a fine like a fine my wondering my wondering my wondering heart to thee. Heat.

heart to thee. Heat. heart to thee. Heat. Heat. I feel it to live I feel it to live that I love.

Here's my heart, Lord. Take and seal it. Here's my heart, Lord. Take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above. Seal it for thy courts above. Seal it for thy courts above. Here's my heart, Lord. Take and seal it. Here's my heart, Lord. Take and seal it. Here's my heart, Lord. Take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above. Would you remain standing as I read from Would you remain standing as I read from the word of God. Today's verse comes from 1 John 2:12-17. Today's verse comes from 1 John 2:12-17. I am writing to you little children I am writing to you little children I am writing to you little children because your sins are forgiven for his because your sins are forgiven for his because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. I am writing to you fathers name's sake. I am writing to you fathers name's sake. I am writing to you fathers because you know him who is from the because you know him who is from the because you know him who is from the beginning. beginning. beginning. I am writing to you young men because I am writing to you young men because I am writing to you young men because you have overcome the evil one. I write you have overcome the evil one. I write you have overcome the evil one. I write to you children because you know the to you children because you know the to you children because you know the father. I write to you fathers because father. I write to you fathers because father. I write to you fathers because you know him who is from the beginning.

you know him who is from the beginning. you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you young men because you are I write to you young men because you are I write to you young men because you are strong and the word of God abides in you strong and the word of God abides in you strong and the word of God abides in you and you have overcome the evil one. and you have overcome the evil one. and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or the things in Do not love the world or the things in Do not love the world or the things in this world. If anyone loves the world, this world. If anyone loves the world, this world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him. the love of the father is not in him. the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the For all that is in the world, the For all that is in the world, the desires of the flesh and the desires of desires of the flesh and the desires of desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life is not from the eyes and pride of life is not from the eyes and pride of life is not from the father but is from the world. And the father but is from the world. And the father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its the world is passing away along with its the world is passing away along with its desires. But whoever does the will of desires. But whoever does the will of desires. But whoever does the will of God abides forever. Pray with me, God abides forever. Pray with me, God abides forever. Pray with me, church. Heavenly Father, thank you for those Heavenly Father, thank you for those truths from your holy word. Lord, truths from your holy word. Lord, truths from your holy word. Lord, we praise you for your goodness, for it we praise you for your goodness, for it we praise you for your goodness, for it is a fountain that never runs dry. We is a fountain that never runs dry. We is a fountain that never runs dry. We thank you for your mercy thank you for your mercy thank you for your mercy that continues to bind our wandering that continues to bind our wandering that continues to bind our wandering hearts to you, Lord.

God, open our hands. God, open our hands. Release our grip on the things of this Release our grip on the things of this Release our grip on the things of this world that turn our eyes and our world that turn our eyes and our world that turn our eyes and our attention off of you, Lord. attention off of you, Lord. attention off of you, Lord. Would you ignite in us a consuming love Would you ignite in us a consuming love Would you ignite in us a consuming love for you, Lord? For only you are worthy, for you, Lord? For only you are worthy, for you, Lord? For only you are worthy, Lord. As we open your word this morning, Lord. As we open your word this morning, Lord. As we open your word this morning, would you speak to everyone in this would you speak to everyone in this would you speak to everyone in this room, every generation from the young to room, every generation from the young to room, every generation from the young to the seasoned saint? Lord, would you the seasoned saint? Lord, would you the seasoned saint? Lord, would you anchor in us the deep truth of who we anchor in us the deep truth of who we anchor in us the deep truth of who we are in you, Lord? We are loved and we are in you, Lord? We are loved and we are in you, Lord? We are loved and we are forgiven and we are redeemed by a are forgiven and we are redeemed by a are forgiven and we are redeemed by a God who conquered sin and the grave. God who conquered sin and the grave. God who conquered sin and the grave. Lord, Lord, Lord, transform our hearts this morning that transform our hearts this morning that transform our hearts this morning that we might not just hear these verses, but we might not just hear these verses, but we might not just hear these verses, but that we might be faithful followers who that we might be faithful followers who that we might be faithful followers who say, "Where else would we go?" say, "Where else would we go?" say, "Where else would we go?" We love you so much, Jesus, and we thank We love you so much, Jesus, and we thank We love you so much, Jesus, and we thank you for this sweet morning. It's in your you for this sweet morning. It's in your you for this sweet morning. It's in your precious name we pray. And all God's precious name we pray. And all God's precious name we pray. And all God's people said, >> "Amen." Good morning, Austin Stone. My >> "Amen." Good morning, Austin Stone. My name is Ross Lester. I'm one of the name is Ross Lester. I'm one of the name is Ross Lester. I'm one of the pastors here, and it's just a joy to get pastors here, and it's just a joy to get pastors here, and it's just a joy to get to share God's word with you. Again, to share God's word with you. Again, to share God's word with you. Again, it's not a a privilege that I take it's not a a privilege that I take it's not a a privilege that I take lightly. Um, and just excited to see lightly. Um, and just excited to see lightly. Um, and just excited to see what the Lord might say to us through what the Lord might say to us through what the Lord might say to us through his word today. 1 John 2 is where we his word today. 1 John 2 is where we his word today. 1 John 2 is where we will be. We're continuing in our will be. We're continuing in our will be. We're continuing in our multimonth study in the letters of the multimonth study in the letters of the multimonth study in the letters of the Apostle John this morning. Remember,

Apostle John this morning. Remember, Apostle John this morning. Remember, just by way of context, or if you just by way of context, or if you just by way of context, or if you haven't been with us over the last few haven't been with us over the last few haven't been with us over the last few weeks, this is written to a small weeks, this is written to a small weeks, this is written to a small community of house churches in the first community of house churches in the first community of house churches in the first century. And what are they struggling century. And what are they struggling century. And what are they struggling with? They're really struggling to just with? They're really struggling to just with? They're really struggling to just endure, to just keep at it. And this is endure, to just keep at it. And this is endure, to just keep at it. And this is helpful for us because it shows us that helpful for us because it shows us that helpful for us because it shows us that dysfunction isn't inevitably a matter of dysfunction isn't inevitably a matter of dysfunction isn't inevitably a matter of size or duration of a community. where size or duration of a community. where size or duration of a community. where people are, potential lurks for so much people are, potential lurks for so much people are, potential lurks for so much good and so much sideways energy good and so much sideways energy good and so much sideways energy regardless of the size of the group or regardless of the size of the group or regardless of the size of the group or how long they've been together. These how long they've been together. These how long they've been together. These people haven't been together for long people haven't been together for long people haven't been together for long and they're a tiny group and yet there's and they're a tiny group and yet there's and they're a tiny group and yet there's dysfunction and there's heresy and dysfunction and there's heresy and dysfunction and there's heresy and there's disagreement that John's having there's disagreement that John's having there's disagreement that John's having to correct and encourage them through. to correct and encourage them through. to correct and encourage them through. Uh secondly, remember that that the Uh secondly, remember that that the Uh secondly, remember that that the source of this dysfunction was some source of this dysfunction was some source of this dysfunction was some heretical teaching that was doing what? heretical teaching that was doing what? heretical teaching that was doing what? But we're seeking to overspiritualize But we're seeking to overspiritualize But we're seeking to overspiritualize the Christ by saying that Jesus didn't the Christ by saying that Jesus didn't the Christ by saying that Jesus didn't really come in the flesh. That the really come in the flesh. That the really come in the flesh. That the Christ is a spiritual reality that was Christ is a spiritual reality that was Christ is a spiritual reality that was just breathed into Jesus of Nazareth for just breathed into Jesus of Nazareth for just breathed into Jesus of Nazareth for a section of his life and didn't have to a section of his life and didn't have to a section of his life and didn't have to endure the difficulties of temptation or endure the difficulties of temptation or endure the difficulties of temptation or adolescence or being a boy or working a adolescence or being a boy or working a adolescence or being a boy or working a job standing tables and certainly didn't job standing tables and certainly didn't job standing tables and certainly didn't have to endure the difficulties of have to endure the difficulties of have to endure the difficulties of betrayal and death. Right? And and so it betrayal and death. Right? And and so it betrayal and death. Right? And and so it just kind of descends upon him this just kind of descends upon him this just kind of descends upon him this Christ figure for the duration of most Christ figure for the duration of most Christ figure for the duration of most of his ministry and that the man the of his ministry and that the man the of his ministry and that the man the earth and fleshly man Jesus of Nazareth earth and fleshly man Jesus of Nazareth earth and fleshly man Jesus of Nazareth um receives the Christ as a spiritual um receives the Christ as a spiritual um receives the Christ as a spiritual reality and doesn't live in the fullness

reality and doesn't live in the fullness reality and doesn't live in the fullness of that all of the time. Now you might of that all of the time. Now you might of that all of the time. Now you might go that's a really weird thing to have go that's a really weird thing to have go that's a really weird thing to have to cope with. How does that actually to cope with. How does that actually to cope with. How does that actually play out in the lives of the people? play out in the lives of the people? play out in the lives of the people? Well, if you can have a hypers Well, if you can have a hypers Well, if you can have a hypers spiritualized Jesus, then you can have a spiritualized Jesus, then you can have a spiritualized Jesus, then you can have a hypers spiritualized and deeply as hypers spiritualized and deeply as hypers spiritualized and deeply as abstract Christianity abstract Christianity abstract Christianity where Christianity becomes like just the where Christianity becomes like just the where Christianity becomes like just the spiritual section of your life. And as spiritual section of your life. And as spiritual section of your life. And as long as that is good, then you're good. long as that is good, then you're good. long as that is good, then you're good. And it doesn't play out into the nuts And it doesn't play out into the nuts And it doesn't play out into the nuts and bolts of your obedience, of your and bolts of your obedience, of your and bolts of your obedience, of your relationships, of your money, of how you relationships, of your money, of how you relationships, of your money, of how you work your job, any of the way of how you work your job, any of the way of how you work your job, any of the way of how you just endure middleage life and the just endure middleage life and the just endure middleage life and the suburbs and all of that. that doesn't suburbs and all of that. that doesn't suburbs and all of that. that doesn't play any impact into that whatsoever. play any impact into that whatsoever. play any impact into that whatsoever. And that's the danger that John's trying And that's the danger that John's trying And that's the danger that John's trying to address. Right? Here's been his logic to address. Right? Here's been his logic to address. Right? Here's been his logic so far. God is light. There's no so far. God is light. There's no so far. God is light. There's no darkness in him whatsoever. That light darkness in him whatsoever. That light darkness in him whatsoever. That light became flesh and was made manifest among became flesh and was made manifest among became flesh and was made manifest among us by Jesus Christ. John says, "We heard us by Jesus Christ. John says, "We heard us by Jesus Christ. John says, "We heard him. We saw him. We touched him. He was him. We saw him. We touched him. He was him. We saw him. We touched him. He was real and he was the Christ and he was real and he was the Christ and he was real and he was the Christ and he was from the beginning." What's the result from the beginning." What's the result from the beginning." What's the result of that? Well, we've been talking about of that? Well, we've been talking about of that? Well, we've been talking about it over the last two weeks. We should be it over the last two weeks. We should be it over the last two weeks. We should be people who walk in the fullness of the people who walk in the fullness of the people who walk in the fullness of the light of God made manifest in Christ by light of God made manifest in Christ by light of God made manifest in Christ by doing what? By putting away sin and its doing what? By putting away sin and its doing what? By putting away sin and its resultant shame. Right? And then last resultant shame. Right? And then last resultant shame. Right? And then last week, by loving our neighbor even as God week, by loving our neighbor even as God week, by loving our neighbor even as God has loved us. If these things are true has loved us. If these things are true has loved us. If these things are true of Jesus, then that should play out in a of Jesus, then that should play out in a of Jesus, then that should play out in a continuity, a resultant continuity in

continuity, a resultant continuity in continuity, a resultant continuity in the way we live our life. If he is the way we live our life. If he is the way we live our life. If he is light, we should live in the light. We light, we should live in the light. We light, we should live in the light. We should confess sin. We should repent of should confess sin. We should repent of should confess sin. We should repent of that. And we should love other people that. And we should love other people that. And we should love other people because that's part of what it looks because that's part of what it looks because that's part of what it looks like to live in the light. That's so like to live in the light. That's so like to live in the light. That's so helpful and so compact. And yet John helpful and so compact. And yet John helpful and so compact. And yet John isn't finished. isn't finished. isn't finished. Why? Because people are still Why? Because people are still Why? Because people are still struggling. They're struggling to live struggling. They're struggling to live struggling. They're struggling to live out the fullness of what they believe out the fullness of what they believe out the fullness of what they believe about God and about his son and about about God and about his son and about about God and about his son and about themselves and about their resultant themselves and about their resultant themselves and about their resultant lives. Why? I mean, John's logic is lives. Why? I mean, John's logic is lives. Why? I mean, John's logic is perfect. Why would they still be perfect. Why would they still be perfect. Why would they still be struggling? Well, in the text today, I struggling? Well, in the text today, I struggling? Well, in the text today, I believe it's so helpful. It reads as so believe it's so helpful. It reads as so believe it's so helpful. It reads as so abstract at first reading, but I think abstract at first reading, but I think abstract at first reading, but I think it's so helpful. John is going to it's so helpful. John is going to it's so helpful. John is going to address the fuel and the motive of so address the fuel and the motive of so address the fuel and the motive of so much human behavior. Have you ever much human behavior. Have you ever much human behavior. Have you ever wondered why do people do what they do? wondered why do people do what they do? wondered why do people do what they do? Have you ever wondered why do you do Have you ever wondered why do you do Have you ever wondered why do you do what you do? I ask myself most days, why what you do? I ask myself most days, why what you do? I ask myself most days, why why did I do that? Why do I do the why did I do that? Why do I do the why did I do that? Why do I do the things that I do? Right? And John's things that I do? Right? And John's things that I do? Right? And John's going to address some of these motives.

going to address some of these motives. going to address some of these motives. He's going to assure them of their He's going to assure them of their He's going to assure them of their identity. He's going to remind them of identity. He's going to remind them of identity. He's going to remind them of the power of their longings and their the power of their longings and their the power of their longings and their loves. And then he's going to orient loves. And then he's going to orient loves. And then he's going to orient them towards their ultimate destiny or them towards their ultimate destiny or them towards their ultimate destiny or purpose. And the more time I've spent purpose. And the more time I've spent purpose. And the more time I've spent with the text this week, the more with the text this week, the more with the text this week, the more persuaded I am of John's divinely persuaded I am of John's divinely persuaded I am of John's divinely inspired insight and wisdom into the inspired insight and wisdom into the inspired insight and wisdom into the human psyche that actually surpasses all human psyche that actually surpasses all human psyche that actually surpasses all other insight and wisdom that we have other insight and wisdom that we have other insight and wisdom that we have into the human psyche um since then. Um, into the human psyche um since then. Um, into the human psyche um since then. Um, let me let me tell you a bit about that. let me let me tell you a bit about that. let me let me tell you a bit about that. I double majored in my undergrad right I double majored in my undergrad right I double majored in my undergrad right in the late 90s. So, if you want to work in the late 90s. So, if you want to work in the late 90s. So, if you want to work it out, yeah, old. Um, and so in the it out, yeah, old. Um, and so in the it out, yeah, old. Um, and so in the late '9s, we partied like it was 1999. late '9s, we partied like it was 1999. late '9s, we partied like it was 1999. That was a legit thing. Thanks, Prince. That was a legit thing. Thanks, Prince. That was a legit thing. Thanks, Prince. And um, and we did that, right? But I And um, and we did that, right? But I And um, and we did that, right? But I double majored in my undergrad. You double majored in my undergrad. You double majored in my undergrad. You might go like, whoa, that's smart. It might go like, whoa, that's smart. It might go like, whoa, that's smart. It had nothing to do with smarts. Um, it had nothing to do with smarts. Um, it had nothing to do with smarts. Um, it had to do with the fact that I was had to do with the fact that I was had to do with the fact that I was trying to extend a sweet deal from my trying to extend a sweet deal from my trying to extend a sweet deal from my parents um that was allowing me to parents um that was allowing me to parents um that was allowing me to pursue a music career um so long as I pursue a music career um so long as I pursue a music career um so long as I was studying and they would subsidize was studying and they would subsidize was studying and they would subsidize some of that study, right? And so I was some of that study, right? And so I was some of that study, right? And so I was like, well, this is a great deal. Let's like, well, this is a great deal. Let's like, well, this is a great deal. Let's roll this train for as long as it will roll this train for as long as it will roll this train for as long as it will go, right? And so we took the English go, right? And so we took the English go, right? And so we took the English literature uh train as far as it would literature uh train as far as it would literature uh train as far as it would go. It's not very far. Um and then I was go. It's not very far. Um and then I was go. It's not very far. Um and then I was like, well, let's do another major, like, well, let's do another major, like, well, let's do another major, right? Let's double down. Let's do right? Let's double down. Let's do right? Let's double down. Let's do psychology, right? And so we just psychology, right? And so we just psychology, right? And so we just studied that while I try to become a studied that while I try to become a studied that while I try to become a rockstar and clearly that never rockstar and clearly that never rockstar and clearly that never materialized. Um in fact my kids found materialized. Um in fact my kids found materialized. Um in fact my kids found some of my old music a couple of weeks some of my old music a couple of weeks some of my old music a couple of weeks ago and I was impressed cuz you have to ago and I was impressed cuz you have to ago and I was impressed cuz you have to get into the dark web. Um or or you have

get into the dark web. Um or or you have get into the dark web. Um or or you have to employ an AI bot which seems um and to employ an AI bot which seems um and to employ an AI bot which seems um and the AI bot found some of my early music. the AI bot found some of my early music. the AI bot found some of my early music. Um and the kids came and gave me their Um and the kids came and gave me their Um and the kids came and gave me their assessment. They declared it solidly not assessment. They declared it solidly not assessment. They declared it solidly not bad. um low-key good enough to not be bad. um low-key good enough to not be bad. um low-key good enough to not be embarrassing um was the assessment. And embarrassing um was the assessment. And embarrassing um was the assessment. And I've never been prouder in my whole I've never been prouder in my whole I've never been prouder in my whole life, right? life, right? life, right? But while I was trying to make that But while I was trying to make that But while I was trying to make that career work, I I studied psychology and career work, I I studied psychology and career work, I I studied psychology and I enjoyed it. I found it fascinating, I enjoyed it. I found it fascinating, I enjoyed it. I found it fascinating, but I also found it deeply unsatisfying. but I also found it deeply unsatisfying. but I also found it deeply unsatisfying. Its approach to understanding human Its approach to understanding human Its approach to understanding human behavior and what causes us to fail to behavior and what causes us to fail to behavior and what causes us to fail to live up to our own beliefs is rooted in live up to our own beliefs is rooted in live up to our own beliefs is rooted in dysfunction. Right? It's diagnostic in dysfunction. Right? It's diagnostic in dysfunction. Right? It's diagnostic in nature and that's the way it's set up. nature and that's the way it's set up. nature and that's the way it's set up. And I understand that. And it And I understand that. And it And I understand that. And it established at least back then, it's established at least back then, it's established at least back then, it's been refined over the last nearly 30 been refined over the last nearly 30 been refined over the last nearly 30 years uh since I did this, right? Um but years uh since I did this, right? Um but years uh since I did this, right? Um but but at least back then, it established but at least back then, it established but at least back then, it established causes for behavior largely in the causes for behavior largely in the causes for behavior largely in the categories of nature or nurture, right? categories of nature or nurture, right? categories of nature or nurture, right? A little more complex than that, but A little more complex than that, but A little more complex than that, but largely in those characters categories largely in those characters categories largely in those characters categories either as immutably interior. You can't either as immutably interior. You can't either as immutably interior. You can't change this. This is just part of who change this. This is just part of who change this. This is just part of who you are. Or impotently exterior. You you are. Or impotently exterior. You you are. Or impotently exterior. You can't help this. This was done to you.

can't help this. This was done to you. can't help this. This was done to you. It can leave one sitting in the posture It can leave one sitting in the posture It can leave one sitting in the posture of a victim of your own life. of a victim of your own life. of a victim of your own life. You can't change your desire or You can't change your desire or You can't change your desire or affection because that is just who you affection because that is just who you affection because that is just who you are. And you're left to just respond to are. And you're left to just respond to are. And you're left to just respond to things that have been done to you either things that have been done to you either things that have been done to you either personally or just society and personally or just society and personally or just society and systemically. But neither of them leave systemically. But neither of them leave systemically. But neither of them leave a lot of room or hope or power for a lot of room or hope or power for a lot of room or hope or power for change. Right now psychologists in the change. Right now psychologists in the change. Right now psychologists in the room are like that's reductionistic. And room are like that's reductionistic. And room are like that's reductionistic. And I agree that's pop psychology happening I agree that's pop psychology happening I agree that's pop psychology happening here and I get it. Right? But as I've here and I get it. Right? But as I've here and I get it. Right? But as I've tried to figure out my own life and what tried to figure out my own life and what tried to figure out my own life and what motivates change and faithfulness and motivates change and faithfulness and motivates change and faithfulness and health in me and as I've tried to fan health in me and as I've tried to fan health in me and as I've tried to fan into flames in other people under my into flames in other people under my into flames in other people under my care, whether that be in my family or care, whether that be in my family or care, whether that be in my family or friend groups or in the churches in friend groups or in the churches in friend groups or in the churches in which I get to serve as a shepherd, I which I get to serve as a shepherd, I which I get to serve as a shepherd, I have seen that there are at least three have seen that there are at least three have seen that there are at least three ingredients, right, in the life of a ingredients, right, in the life of a ingredients, right, in the life of a person at play at all times. This isn't person at play at all times. This isn't person at play at all times. This isn't a holistic structure. These three at a holistic structure. These three at a holistic structure. These three at least are at play at all times, right? least are at play at all times, right? least are at play at all times, right? That's before you get to external That's before you get to external That's before you get to external factors like storylines and family factors like storylines and family factors like storylines and family legacies and the bruises and hurts and legacies and the bruises and hurts and legacies and the bruises and hurts and broken systems that they leave behind, broken systems that they leave behind, broken systems that they leave behind, right? Or governmental agency. Before right? Or governmental agency. Before right? Or governmental agency. Before you get to any of that, the three basic you get to any of that, the three basic you get to any of that, the three basic human ingredients that motivate behavior human ingredients that motivate behavior human ingredients that motivate behavior at the least are identity, longing, and at the least are identity, longing, and at the least are identity, longing, and purpose.

purpose. purpose. Identity, who you believe you are at Identity, who you believe you are at Identity, who you believe you are at your core. your core. your core. longing or love, right? To go longing or love, right? To go longing or love, right? To go Augustinian um on you this morning. Uh Augustinian um on you this morning. Uh Augustinian um on you this morning. Uh your loves, what you want and love most your loves, what you want and love most your loves, what you want and love most and how you gear your life towards it. and how you gear your life towards it. and how you gear your life towards it. Identity, who I am, longing, what do I Identity, who I am, longing, what do I Identity, who I am, longing, what do I love most? Uh what am I moving love most? Uh what am I moving love most? Uh what am I moving sacrificing for? Right? And then lastly, sacrificing for? Right? And then lastly, sacrificing for? Right? And then lastly, purpose, um or destiny, if you want to purpose, um or destiny, if you want to purpose, um or destiny, if you want to use another word. What do you think your use another word. What do you think your use another word. What do you think your life is for? life is for? life is for? What do you think will make it matter? What do you think will make it matter? What do you think will make it matter? What reality of your life's purpose are What reality of your life's purpose are What reality of your life's purpose are you living towards? Identity, longing, you living towards? Identity, longing, you living towards? Identity, longing, and purpose. In the text today, John's and purpose. In the text today, John's and purpose. In the text today, John's going to beautifully and pastorally going to beautifully and pastorally going to beautifully and pastorally press on all three. He's going to assure press on all three. He's going to assure press on all three. He's going to assure us of an identity that can't be taken us of an identity that can't be taken us of an identity that can't be taken from us if we're in Christ. He's going from us if we're in Christ. He's going from us if we're in Christ. He's going to warn us on the power of our longings to warn us on the power of our longings to warn us on the power of our longings and our loves if they aren't conformed and our loves if they aren't conformed and our loves if they aren't conformed to the light of Christ. and he's going to the light of Christ. and he's going to the light of Christ. and he's going to remind us and exhort us of our to remind us and exhort us of our to remind us and exhort us of our ultimate destiny and our ultimate ultimate destiny and our ultimate ultimate destiny and our ultimate purpose and then call us to live in the purpose and then call us to live in the purpose and then call us to live in the reality of that destiny and purpose.

reality of that destiny and purpose. reality of that destiny and purpose. Now, let's look at it. Verse 12, we'll Now, let's look at it. Verse 12, we'll Now, let's look at it. Verse 12, we'll just go a little bit and I've got three just go a little bit and I've got three just go a little bit and I've got three observations as we go. Right, verse 12. observations as we go. Right, verse 12. observations as we go. Right, verse 12. Oh, I love this text. I've been so Oh, I love this text. I've been so Oh, I love this text. I've been so looking forward to this one. So, by the looking forward to this one. So, by the looking forward to this one. So, by the way, next week um will be a hot take on way, next week um will be a hot take on way, next week um will be a hot take on who is the antichrist. So, come back and prepare to be moderately and prepare to be moderately disappointed. Um, disappointed. Um, disappointed. Um, you're like, I know I found out on you're like, I know I found out on you're like, I know I found out on Facebook. It's like, no, Facebook. It's like, no, Facebook. It's like, no, might be Facebook itself. Let's see. All might be Facebook itself. Let's see. All might be Facebook itself. Let's see. All right. right. right. I'm going to be so full next week. Um, I'm going to be so full next week. Um, I'm going to be so full next week. Um, I'm writing to you little children. Um, I'm writing to you little children. Um, I'm writing to you little children. Um, remember I said in the first week, remember I said in the first week, remember I said in the first week, you're like, I don't remember that. But you're like, I don't remember that. But you're like, I don't remember that. But in the first week, Sid there's seven in the first week, Sid there's seven in the first week, Sid there's seven times John calls his hearers little times John calls his hearers little times John calls his hearers little children. He's like a dad or a granddad, children. He's like a dad or a granddad, children. He's like a dad or a granddad, right? near the end of life saying like, right? near the end of life saying like, right? near the end of life saying like, "Okay, kids, listen in. I've got some "Okay, kids, listen in. I've got some "Okay, kids, listen in. I've got some important things to tell you." Right? important things to tell you." Right? important things to tell you." Right? And here he expands it out a bit. I'm And here he expands it out a bit. I'm And here he expands it out a bit. I'm writing to you little children because writing to you little children because writing to you little children because your sins are forgiven your sins are forgiven your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.

for his name's sake. for his name's sake. He's staking his reputation He's staking his reputation He's staking his reputation on the forgiveness of your sins. And so, on the forgiveness of your sins. And so, on the forgiveness of your sins. And so, little children, your sins have been little children, your sins have been little children, your sins have been forgiven. Look at the tensing. I am forgiven. Look at the tensing. I am forgiven. Look at the tensing. I am writing to you present tense, right? writing to you present tense, right? writing to you present tense, right? Your sins are forgiven. Present Your sins are forgiven. Present Your sins are forgiven. Present continuous tense. He's saying this is continuous tense. He's saying this is continuous tense. He's saying this is already a reality that you get to walk already a reality that you get to walk already a reality that you get to walk forward in. Not just a future reality, forward in. Not just a future reality, forward in. Not just a future reality, an already now reality that will carry an already now reality that will carry an already now reality that will carry you forward in the rest of your life. you forward in the rest of your life. you forward in the rest of your life. I'm writing to you fathers because you I'm writing to you fathers because you I'm writing to you fathers because you know him who is from the beginning. know him who is from the beginning. know him who is from the beginning. I'm writing to you young men because you I'm writing to you young men because you I'm writing to you young men because you have overcome the evil one. I write to have overcome the evil one. I write to have overcome the evil one. I write to you children because you know the you children because you know the you children because you know the father. The tensing changes here a father. The tensing changes here a father. The tensing changes here a little bit. Um if you read like the um little bit. Um if you read like the um little bit. Um if you read like the um the CSB, he'll now change to I have the CSB, he'll now change to I have the CSB, he'll now change to I have written to you. Um if you want to nerd written to you. Um if you want to nerd written to you. Um if you want to nerd out, scholars want to know why he out, scholars want to know why he out, scholars want to know why he divides the tensing on his writing divides the tensing on his writing divides the tensing on his writing between the the the first three and the between the the the first three and the between the the the first three and the second three. No one knows. Um some of second three. No one knows. Um some of second three. No one knows. Um some of them suggest he gets interrupted and he them suggest he gets interrupted and he them suggest he gets interrupted and he has to come back. I really like that has to come back. I really like that has to come back. I really like that suggestion. We don't know, right? But suggestion. We don't know, right? But suggestion. We don't know, right? But he's like, "Where was I?" Right? I was he's like, "Where was I?" Right? I was he's like, "Where was I?" Right? I was writing to you and he has to recap, writing to you and he has to recap, writing to you and he has to recap, right? He's like, "I'm not going to get right? He's like, "I'm not going to get right? He's like, "I'm not going to get my thoughts back in order." I love I my thoughts back in order." I love I my thoughts back in order." I love I just love some of the mystery of all of just love some of the mystery of all of just love some of the mystery of all of that, right? I write to you children that, right? I write to you children that, right? I write to you children because you know the father. I write to because you know the father. I write to because you know the father. I write to you fathers because you know him who is you fathers because you know him who is you fathers because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you young from the beginning. I write to you young from the beginning. I write to you young men because you are strong and the word men because you are strong and the word men because you are strong and the word of God abides in you and you have of God abides in you and you have of God abides in you and you have overcome the evil one. Um I'm not sure overcome the evil one. Um I'm not sure overcome the evil one. Um I'm not sure he's speaking just to little children,

he's speaking just to little children, he's speaking just to little children, young men and fathers. I think he's young men and fathers. I think he's young men and fathers. I think he's speaking to people on different stages speaking to people on different stages speaking to people on different stages of their spiritual journey. And so of their spiritual journey. And so of their spiritual journey. And so ladies, if you're going like, "Well, ladies, if you're going like, "Well, ladies, if you're going like, "Well, there's nothing for me this morning, there's nothing for me this morning, there's nothing for me this morning, right? Other than to elbow um the person right? Other than to elbow um the person right? Other than to elbow um the person next to me regarding which stage they're next to me regarding which stage they're next to me regarding which stage they're in, right? Maybe you've got a grown man in, right? Maybe you've got a grown man in, right? Maybe you've got a grown man next to him, but you're like, "Listen to next to him, but you're like, "Listen to next to him, but you're like, "Listen to the little children one." Um but this is the little children one." Um but this is the little children one." Um but this is not exclusive of that, right? He's not exclusive of that, right? He's not exclusive of that, right? He's talking in these broad categories here. talking in these broad categories here. talking in these broad categories here. Here's the observation. Here's the observation. Here's the observation. You have an identity if you're a You have an identity if you're a You have an identity if you're a Christian in this place. If you put your Christian in this place. If you put your Christian in this place. If you put your faith in Jesus, you're following him. faith in Jesus, you're following him. faith in Jesus, you're following him. You have an identity that is secure. And You have an identity that is secure. And You have an identity that is secure. And it's secure for the entire duration of it's secure for the entire duration of it's secure for the entire duration of the Christian life. It will hold the Christian life. It will hold the Christian life. It will hold regardless of your spiritual maturity. regardless of your spiritual maturity. regardless of your spiritual maturity. Isn't it beautiful that John starts with Isn't it beautiful that John starts with Isn't it beautiful that John starts with assurance assurance assurance and not with warning or rebuke? If I was and not with warning or rebuke? If I was and not with warning or rebuke? If I was going to write a letter to young men in going to write a letter to young men in going to write a letter to young men in our society, I'd start pretty hot, our society, I'd start pretty hot, our society, I'd start pretty hot, right? And we think that's the way that right? And we think that's the way that right? And we think that's the way that they need to be spoken to all the time. they need to be spoken to all the time. they need to be spoken to all the time. No, he starts with assurance. Here's No, he starts with assurance. Here's No, he starts with assurance. Here's what's true about you. I'm going to what's true about you. I'm going to what's true about you. I'm going to start with assurance and not warning or start with assurance and not warning or start with assurance and not warning or rebuke. He wants his unsteady readers to rebuke. He wants his unsteady readers to rebuke. He wants his unsteady readers to know that wherever they are on their know that wherever they are on their know that wherever they are on their journey of maturity, God has them and journey of maturity, God has them and journey of maturity, God has them and God will keep them and God will get them God will keep them and God will get them God will keep them and God will get them home. John doesn't begin by telling home. John doesn't begin by telling home. John doesn't begin by telling Christians what they need to become. He Christians what they need to become. He Christians what they need to become. He begins by reminding them who they begins by reminding them who they begins by reminding them who they already are. Look at all these already are. Look at all these already are. Look at all these indicatives that precede the very indicatives that precede the very indicatives that precede the very important imperatives. Your sins are important imperatives. Your sins are important imperatives. Your sins are forgiven. You know him. You have forgiven. You know him. You have forgiven. You know him. You have overcome the evil one. You are strong.

overcome the evil one. You are strong. overcome the evil one. You are strong. God's word abides in you. And then he God's word abides in you. And then he God's word abides in you. And then he splits them into these life stages or splits them into these life stages or splits them into these life stages or categories. Little children, young men, categories. Little children, young men, categories. Little children, young men, fathers. Now, he's not just offering fathers. Now, he's not just offering fathers. Now, he's not just offering advice. I don't believe for every single advice. I don't believe for every single advice. I don't believe for every single life stage here, though I think there is life stage here, though I think there is life stage here, though I think there is much wisdom for every life stage in much wisdom for every life stage in much wisdom for every life stage in here. John is offering this assurance here. John is offering this assurance here. John is offering this assurance for the totality of the journey of for the totality of the journey of for the totality of the journey of Christian faith. Here's what he's Christian faith. Here's what he's Christian faith. Here's what he's saying. If you're like a little child in saying. If you're like a little child in saying. If you're like a little child in the faith, the faith, the faith, early in your walk, small in your early in your walk, small in your early in your walk, small in your obedience, just starting to pay the obedience, just starting to pay the obedience, just starting to pay the inevitable cost, and you found yourself inevitable cost, and you found yourself inevitable cost, and you found yourself discouraged in your identity today, and discouraged in your identity today, and discouraged in your identity today, and you're going, "Does God really love me? you're going, "Does God really love me? you're going, "Does God really love me? Is there a way for me to really be in Is there a way for me to really be in Is there a way for me to really be in relationship with him? Is this really relationship with him? Is this really relationship with him? Is this really the right path?" He says, "Guess what? the right path?" He says, "Guess what? the right path?" He says, "Guess what? Your sins are forgiven Your sins are forgiven Your sins are forgiven for his name's sake." And then he goes for his name's sake." And then he goes for his name's sake." And then he goes on to say, guess what? You can have on to say, guess what? You can have on to say, guess what? You can have fellowship with God. fellowship with God. fellowship with God. You can be in warm, loving relationship You can be in warm, loving relationship You can be in warm, loving relationship with the creator of the universe. That's with the creator of the universe. That's with the creator of the universe. That's your identity. That's who you are.

your identity. That's who you are. your identity. That's who you are. Beloved Beloved Beloved and forgiven. and forgiven. and forgiven. So keep going. So keep going. What does So keep going. So keep going. What does So keep going. So keep going. What does he say next to to to young men? If he say next to to to young men? If he say next to to to young men? If you're in the middle stages of your you're in the middle stages of your you're in the middle stages of your journey, he says you're strong, right? journey, he says you're strong, right? journey, he says you're strong, right? You're strong. That's okay. That's good. You're strong. That's okay. That's good. You're strong. That's okay. That's good. Praise the Lord. Everything in this Praise the Lord. Everything in this Praise the Lord. Everything in this stage of your spiritual journey feels stage of your spiritual journey feels stage of your spiritual journey feels like a fight, doesn't it? Temptation like a fight, doesn't it? Temptation like a fight, doesn't it? Temptation lurks everywhere, and you're just lurks everywhere, and you're just lurks everywhere, and you're just desperately trying to hold on to faith desperately trying to hold on to faith desperately trying to hold on to faith in the midst of so many distractions and in the midst of so many distractions and in the midst of so many distractions and distortions. I think this is actually a distortions. I think this is actually a distortions. I think this is actually a large percentage of people in our church large percentage of people in our church large percentage of people in our church body. You love the Lord. You believe the body. You love the Lord. You believe the body. You love the Lord. You believe the Bible and it just feels like a fight Bible and it just feels like a fight Bible and it just feels like a fight and the whole season feels so busy, so and the whole season feels so busy, so and the whole season feels so busy, so distracting, and you're trying to not distracting, and you're trying to not distracting, and you're trying to not love the world. You're trying to love love the world. You're trying to love love the world. You're trying to love the Lord, but it feels like a fight and the Lord, but it feels like a fight and the Lord, but it feels like a fight and it feels like traps are lying it feels like traps are lying it feels like traps are lying everywhere. What does he say? Guess everywhere. What does he say? Guess everywhere. What does he say? Guess what? In Christ, you have already what? In Christ, you have already what? In Christ, you have already overcome the evil one. That's his overcome the evil one. That's his overcome the evil one. That's his tensing. Isn't that amazing? Your tensing. Isn't that amazing? Your tensing. Isn't that amazing? Your salvation has already defeated him in a salvation has already defeated him in a salvation has already defeated him in a powerful way. And guess what? The powerful way. And guess what? The powerful way. And guess what? The strength that you have, that strength strength that you have, that strength strength that you have, that strength can be of great use in the kingdom of can be of great use in the kingdom of can be of great use in the kingdom of God as the word takes root deep down in God as the word takes root deep down in God as the word takes root deep down in your life. Don't just wish away this your life. Don't just wish away this your life. Don't just wish away this season. Don't just white knuckle it to season. Don't just white knuckle it to season. Don't just white knuckle it to retirement.

retirement. retirement. The Lord loves you and your strength can The Lord loves you and your strength can The Lord loves you and your strength can be used by him to accomplish great be used by him to accomplish great be used by him to accomplish great things in the kingdom. Right? If you're things in the kingdom. Right? If you're things in the kingdom. Right? If you're a seasoned saint a seasoned saint a seasoned saint like a parent in the church like a parent in the church like a parent in the church and you're looking back and you're and you're looking back and you're and you're looking back and you're wondering if it was all worth it wondering if it was all worth it wondering if it was all worth it and if your faithfulness matters for and if your faithfulness matters for and if your faithfulness matters for something something something and you're watching the next generation and you're watching the next generation and you're watching the next generation run the church. You're not even entirely run the church. You're not even entirely run the church. You're not even entirely sure if they're doing a good job or if sure if they're doing a good job or if sure if they're doing a good job or if it will prevail. it will prevail. it will prevail. And it looks like everything might be And it looks like everything might be And it looks like everything might be going downhill. going downhill. going downhill. And there's a real temptation to live in And there's a real temptation to live in And there's a real temptation to live in the glory days. the glory days. the glory days. That was better than this in my day. That was better than this in my day. That was better than this in my day. Right? Firstly, the scripture tells you Right? Firstly, the scripture tells you Right? Firstly, the scripture tells you that's untrue. that's untrue. that's untrue. That's untrue. Right? But but but what That's untrue. Right? But but but what That's untrue. Right? But but but what does John say? He says, "Hey, guess does John say? He says, "Hey, guess does John say? He says, "Hey, guess what? what? what? You know the one who is from the You know the one who is from the You know the one who is from the beginning." What's he saying? You know beginning." What's he saying? You know beginning." What's he saying? You know the one who doesn't change. The world is the one who doesn't change. The world is the one who doesn't change. The world is changing at an alarming rate. You know changing at an alarming rate. You know changing at an alarming rate. You know the one who doesn't change. And he's the one who doesn't change. And he's the one who doesn't change. And he's been the same from the beginning. And been the same from the beginning. And been the same from the beginning. And he'll be the same when you meet with he'll be the same when you meet with he'll be the same when you meet with him. He was around before you. And he him. He was around before you. And he him. He was around before you. And he listen, he will be working after you.

listen, he will be working after you. listen, he will be working after you. And so you can trust in him. And you can And so you can trust in him. And you can And so you can trust in him. And you can enjoy his goodness and his faithfulness enjoy his goodness and his faithfulness enjoy his goodness and his faithfulness and his love and his patience and his and his love and his patience and his and his love and his patience and his mercy that he's shown to you over mercy that he's shown to you over mercy that he's shown to you over decades. decades. decades. And you can hand a legacy of faith on to And you can hand a legacy of faith on to And you can hand a legacy of faith on to the next generation. You don't have to the next generation. You don't have to the next generation. You don't have to just cruise in retirement. You can be a just cruise in retirement. You can be a just cruise in retirement. You can be a father, a mother in the body who hands father, a mother in the body who hands father, a mother in the body who hands this legacy of God's mercy over to the this legacy of God's mercy over to the this legacy of God's mercy over to the next generation. What a thing, next generation. What a thing, next generation. What a thing, friends. friends. friends. When temptation to drift When temptation to drift When temptation to drift or temptation to quit or temptation to quit or temptation to quit or temptation to rebel comes, and it or temptation to rebel comes, and it or temptation to rebel comes, and it always does, always does, always does, what identity marker do you believe and what identity marker do you believe and what identity marker do you believe and remember about yourself remember about yourself remember about yourself in that moment? in that moment? in that moment? So much of our spiritual instability So much of our spiritual instability So much of our spiritual instability comes from identity mal formation. comes from identity mal formation. comes from identity mal formation. We we're desperately trying to figure We we're desperately trying to figure We we're desperately trying to figure out who we really are, but we look for out who we really are, but we look for out who we really are, but we look for it in all of the wrong things, it in all of the wrong things, it in all of the wrong things, right?

right? right? Good things turn to ultimate things. We Good things turn to ultimate things. We Good things turn to ultimate things. We look for it in career and parenting and look for it in career and parenting and look for it in career and parenting and family and marriage and achievement or family and marriage and achievement or family and marriage and achievement or singleness and appearance and financial singleness and appearance and financial singleness and appearance and financial security or political identity or gender security or political identity or gender security or political identity or gender identity or ethnic identity or identity or ethnic identity or identity or ethnic identity or reputation or success. So many of these reputation or success. So many of these reputation or success. So many of these things can be helpful descriptors but things can be helpful descriptors but things can be helpful descriptors but they end up being terrible definers they end up being terrible definers they end up being terrible definers of our identity. Right? of our identity. Right? of our identity. Right? The gospel of Jesus says to us again and The gospel of Jesus says to us again and The gospel of Jesus says to us again and again and again. You don't have to again and again. You don't have to again and again. You don't have to manufacture an identity. You receive manufacture an identity. You receive manufacture an identity. You receive one. one. one. This here is already true of you. And in This here is already true of you. And in This here is already true of you. And in Christ, the great news is you have Christ, the great news is you have Christ, the great news is you have received one that will be sufficient for received one that will be sufficient for received one that will be sufficient for every season every season every season if you remember it. Okay. John now turns if you remember it. Okay. John now turns if you remember it. Okay. John now turns from affirming our identity to warning from affirming our identity to warning from affirming our identity to warning us about our loves. Verse 15. This feels us about our loves. Verse 15. This feels us about our loves. Verse 15. This feels like a hard shift. We thought long and like a hard shift. We thought long and like a hard shift. We thought long and hard when we prepped this message, this hard when we prepped this message, this hard when we prepped this message, this sermon series out um last year. We sermon series out um last year. We sermon series out um last year. We thought long and hard. It's this two thought long and hard. It's this two thought long and hard. It's this two sermons. I actually think these logic sermons. I actually think these logic sermons. I actually think these logic flows go together, right?

flows go together, right? flows go together, right? Do not love the world or the things in Do not love the world or the things in Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the world. If anyone loves the world, the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him. the love of the father is not in him. the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the For all that is in the world, the For all that is in the world, the desires of the flesh, the desires of the desires of the flesh, the desires of the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life, that word eyes, and the pride of life, that word eyes, and the pride of life, that word there for life can also mean there for life can also mean there for life can also mean possessions, right? Stuff is not from possessions, right? Stuff is not from possessions, right? Stuff is not from the father, but is from the world. the father, but is from the world. the father, but is from the world. Here's the second observation. Here's the second observation. Here's the second observation. What you love What you love What you love is where you will be led. is where you will be led. is where you will be led. You are driven by your loves, right? You You are driven by your loves, right? You You are driven by your loves, right? You are driven by your longings. Here's the are driven by your longings. Here's the are driven by your longings. Here's the warning. warning. warning. So, don't love the world and all of its So, don't love the world and all of its So, don't love the world and all of its ways. Now, those of you who have read ways. Now, those of you who have read ways. Now, those of you who have read the Bible might go like, hm, that feels the Bible might go like, hm, that feels the Bible might go like, hm, that feels a little contradictory, right? a little contradictory, right? a little contradictory, right? Especially from John. Isn't he the one Especially from John. Isn't he the one Especially from John. Isn't he the one who wrote it down when Jesus said that who wrote it down when Jesus said that who wrote it down when Jesus said that God so loved the world that he gave his God so loved the world that he gave his God so loved the world that he gave his only son? Right? God loved the world.

only son? Right? God loved the world. only son? Right? God loved the world. Now, we're told don't love the world. Now, we're told don't love the world. Now, we're told don't love the world. Well, well, John must mean something Well, well, John must mean something Well, well, John must mean something different here when he says world from different here when he says world from different here when he says world from when he says it in John 3:16. There it when he says it in John 3:16. There it when he says it in John 3:16. There it means the world is creation and all of means the world is creation and all of means the world is creation and all of its inhabitants. Here he suggests that its inhabitants. Here he suggests that its inhabitants. Here he suggests that he means something distinct from that. he means something distinct from that. he means something distinct from that. And we can say that with confidence And we can say that with confidence And we can say that with confidence because he clarifies what he means in because he clarifies what he means in because he clarifies what he means in verse 16. Look what he says. All that is verse 16. Look what he says. All that is verse 16. Look what he says. All that is in the world, right? And now he doesn't in the world, right? And now he doesn't in the world, right? And now he doesn't go like people, right? He goes, "No, no, go like people, right? He goes, "No, no, go like people, right? He goes, "No, no, systems, thoughts, loves, the desires of systems, thoughts, loves, the desires of systems, thoughts, loves, the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes the flesh and the desires of the eyes the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life is not from the and the pride of life is not from the and the pride of life is not from the father but is from the world." John's father but is from the world." John's father but is from the world." John's not just referring to the created order, not just referring to the created order, not just referring to the created order, but to the systems of false thought that but to the systems of false thought that but to the systems of false thought that have been generated by people in that have been generated by people in that have been generated by people in that fallen creator created order who have fallen creator created order who have fallen creator created order who have rejected God and sought to find a way to rejected God and sought to find a way to rejected God and sought to find a way to live the good life without him. Eugene live the good life without him. Eugene live the good life without him. Eugene Peterson says that this system of Peterson says that this system of Peterson says that this system of thought and action what what has come to thought and action what what has come to thought and action what what has come to known as the world he says it's actually known as the world he says it's actually known as the world he says it's actually proan right which comes from the proan right which comes from the proan right which comes from the mythical character proas right um who's mythical character proas right um who's mythical character proas right um who's what a shape shifter and so Peterson what a shape shifter and so Peterson what a shape shifter and so Peterson says this is a shape-shifting thing says this is a shape-shifting thing says this is a shape-shifting thing that's around you all the time shifting that's around you all the time shifting that's around you all the time shifting with the times different cultures define with the times different cultures define with the times different cultures define it differently and it can be as it differently and it can be as it differently and it can be as difficult for us to discern Peterson difficult for us to discern Peterson difficult for us to discern Peterson warns as it is for a fish trying to warns as it is for a fish trying to warns as it is for a fish trying to detect water because it's just all detect water because it's just all detect water because it's just all around us it's just the normal way of around us it's just the normal way of around us it's just the normal way of thinking in the world and societies and thinking in the world and societies and thinking in the world and societies and cultures that we inhabit. In other cultures that we inhabit. In other cultures that we inhabit. In other words, the world is an organized system

words, the world is an organized system words, the world is an organized system that seeks pleasure and that seeks more that seeks pleasure and that seeks more that seeks pleasure and that seeks more possession and that seeks self-promotion possession and that seeks self-promotion possession and that seeks self-promotion away from and apart from God. And so away from and apart from God. And so away from and apart from God. And so when we love that system and when we buy when we love that system and when we buy when we love that system and when we buy into the lies that it offers, then that into the lies that it offers, then that into the lies that it offers, then that is counter to the love of God living in is counter to the love of God living in is counter to the love of God living in us. And so therefore is not from the us. And so therefore is not from the us. And so therefore is not from the father. Okay, great. How do you know you father. Okay, great. How do you know you father. Okay, great. How do you know you might be doing that? Well, look at the might be doing that? Well, look at the might be doing that? Well, look at the categories. I'll do this quickly. The categories. I'll do this quickly. The categories. I'll do this quickly. The desire of the flesh says what? I want to desire of the flesh says what? I want to desire of the flesh says what? I want to feel good. feel good. feel good. It's the instinct that says, I want what It's the instinct that says, I want what It's the instinct that says, I want what I want and I want it now. It's me I want and I want it now. It's me I want and I want it now. It's me whenever ice cream is at play, right? whenever ice cream is at play, right? whenever ice cream is at play, right? There's this just this this longing, There's this just this this longing, There's this just this this longing, right? This just desire. And we can joke right? This just desire. And we can joke right? This just desire. And we can joke about that. We're actually going to talk about that. We're actually going to talk about that. We're actually going to talk next year um in our study on Leviticus next year um in our study on Leviticus next year um in our study on Leviticus about a theology of food, right? and about a theology of food, right? and about a theology of food, right? and eating that's been really fascinating um eating that's been really fascinating um eating that's been really fascinating um to study and and so you can come back to study and and so you can come back to study and and so you can come back for that right but what are these for that right but what are these for that right but what are these desires this instinct that says I want desires this instinct that says I want desires this instinct that says I want what I want and I want it now and I'll what I want and I want it now and I'll what I want and I want it now and I'll sacrifice much to get it sacrifice much to get it sacrifice much to get it this obviously includes sexual desires this obviously includes sexual desires this obviously includes sexual desires and and some of its subsequent sins but and and some of its subsequent sins but and and some of its subsequent sins but it's also much more than that food it's also much more than that food it's also much more than that food comfort pleasure entertainment comfort pleasure entertainment comfort pleasure entertainment convenience convenience convenience these can all be really good things in these can all be really good things in these can all be really good things in their right place with a rightly attuned their right place with a rightly attuned their right place with a rightly attuned love for God and a rightly attuned tuned love for God and a rightly attuned tuned love for God and a rightly attuned tuned love for these things. But when they get love for these things. But when they get love for these things. But when they get to be dictated by the world, then the to be dictated by the world, then the to be dictated by the world, then the love of God leaves the room in us, love of God leaves the room in us, love of God leaves the room in us, right? And we make decisions that we'd right? And we make decisions that we'd right? And we make decisions that we'd later go on. Why did I do that? Why did later go on. Why did I do that? Why did later go on. Why did I do that? Why did I do that? Well, we just followed our

I do that? Well, we just followed our I do that? Well, we just followed our love. We followed our longing and our love. We followed our longing and our love. We followed our longing and our longing was distorted. Secondly, he says longing was distorted. Secondly, he says longing was distorted. Secondly, he says the desire of the eyes, what is that the desire of the eyes, what is that the desire of the eyes, what is that saying? That says, I want to have more. saying? That says, I want to have more. saying? That says, I want to have more. So the desire of the flesh is I want to So the desire of the flesh is I want to So the desire of the flesh is I want to feel good. The desire of the eyes says I feel good. The desire of the eyes says I feel good. The desire of the eyes says I want to have more. It's relentless want to have more. It's relentless want to have more. It's relentless comparison. comparison. comparison. It's coveting. It's consumption. It's It's coveting. It's consumption. It's It's coveting. It's consumption. It's the seemingly endless desire for more the seemingly endless desire for more the seemingly endless desire for more than I have. If I just get that one more than I have. If I just get that one more than I have. If I just get that one more thing, if I get over that next hump, thing, if I get over that next hump, thing, if I get over that next hump, then everything will be good. then everything will be good. then everything will be good. This is such a hard longing to fight in This is such a hard longing to fight in This is such a hard longing to fight in the age where you're being advertised to the age where you're being advertised to the age where you're being advertised to almost every waking minute. almost every waking minute. almost every waking minute. Have you thought about that? You are Have you thought about that? You are Have you thought about that? You are advertised to advertised to advertised to all the time. Our forefathers had to go all the time. Our forefathers had to go all the time. Our forefathers had to go out of their way to run into an out of their way to run into an out of their way to run into an advertisement to remind them that their advertisement to remind them that their advertisement to remind them that their life totally sucked without this life totally sucked without this life totally sucked without this particular thing that someone was trying particular thing that someone was trying particular thing that someone was trying to sell them. Right? They didn't know. to sell them. Right? They didn't know. to sell them. Right? They didn't know. They thought it was great. Right now you They thought it was great. Right now you They thought it was great. Right now you can't even go to the restroom without can't even go to the restroom without can't even go to the restroom without someone selling you something. Right?

someone selling you something. Right? someone selling you something. Right? It's all the time. The pride of life. It's all the time. The pride of life. It's all the time. The pride of life. The pride of life doesn't just say I The pride of life doesn't just say I The pride of life doesn't just say I want to feel good. It doesn't just say I want to feel good. It doesn't just say I want to feel good. It doesn't just say I want to have more. It says I want to be want to have more. It says I want to be want to have more. It says I want to be more. This is essentially saying I want more. This is essentially saying I want more. This is essentially saying I want my life to prove that I matter. my life to prove that I matter. my life to prove that I matter. Status, recognition, approval, Status, recognition, approval, Status, recognition, approval, achievement, acclaim, respect. achievement, acclaim, respect. achievement, acclaim, respect. It's rejecting the assurance of identity It's rejecting the assurance of identity It's rejecting the assurance of identity that God John gave us earlier and then that God John gave us earlier and then that God John gave us earlier and then trying to craft the same assurance out trying to craft the same assurance out trying to craft the same assurance out of the tools of the world. Friends, of the tools of the world. Friends, of the tools of the world. Friends, underneath all three of these is the underneath all three of these is the underneath all three of these is the same lie. The lie is this. God isn't same lie. The lie is this. God isn't same lie. The lie is this. God isn't enough enough enough and he won't give me what I need. and he won't give me what I need. and he won't give me what I need. He won't be able or willing to give me He won't be able or willing to give me He won't be able or willing to give me what I love and want and need to secure what I love and want and need to secure what I love and want and need to secure a good life. And so, friends, wherever a good life. And so, friends, wherever a good life. And so, friends, wherever we find ourselves chasing those longings we find ourselves chasing those longings we find ourselves chasing those longings without God, that is where we have a without God, that is where we have a without God, that is where we have a love for the world that we need to turn love for the world that we need to turn love for the world that we need to turn from. Now, this a this is helpful. This from. Now, this a this is helpful. This from. Now, this a this is helpful. This turns some of our thinking on its head, turns some of our thinking on its head, turns some of our thinking on its head, right, about what it means to love the right, about what it means to love the right, about what it means to love the world or to be someone who's living in world or to be someone who's living in world or to be someone who's living in worldliness, right? the that that term.

worldliness, right? the that that term. worldliness, right? the that that term. I grew up in such a fun fundamentalist I grew up in such a fun fundamentalist I grew up in such a fun fundamentalist church. Um, and just a lot of good church. Um, and just a lot of good church. Um, and just a lot of good intentions and some really crazy stuff intentions and some really crazy stuff intentions and some really crazy stuff and grateful for it nonetheless. But and grateful for it nonetheless. But and grateful for it nonetheless. But every Sunday I heard someone in a every Sunday I heard someone in a every Sunday I heard someone in a three-piece suit in the African sun. three-piece suit in the African sun. three-piece suit in the African sun. What are you doing? Right, with a What are you doing? Right, with a What are you doing? Right, with a Scottish accent telling me about the Scottish accent telling me about the Scottish accent telling me about the dangers of worldliness, dangers of worldliness, dangers of worldliness, right? As if it was self-evident here in right? As if it was self-evident here in right? As if it was self-evident here in the text. To the old men in my church, the text. To the old men in my church, the text. To the old men in my church, it mainly had to do with reading the it mainly had to do with reading the it mainly had to do with reading the newspapers. I kid you not. Or listening newspapers. I kid you not. Or listening newspapers. I kid you not. Or listening to contemporary music. Well, I then if to contemporary music. Well, I then if to contemporary music. Well, I then if that's the case, I was worldly as all that's the case, I was worldly as all that's the case, I was worldly as all get out, right? Or heaven forbid going get out, right? Or heaven forbid going get out, right? Or heaven forbid going out dancing, which was the greatest of out dancing, which was the greatest of out dancing, which was the greatest of the sins somehow. the sins somehow. the sins somehow. John is warning here that worldliness John is warning here that worldliness John is warning here that worldliness isn't primarily, listen, not primarily isn't primarily, listen, not primarily isn't primarily, listen, not primarily about where you go. It isn't just about about where you go. It isn't just about about where you go. It isn't just about what you do. Worldliness is about what what you do. Worldliness is about what what you do. Worldliness is about what you love you love you love and how you allow that love to determine and how you allow that love to determine and how you allow that love to determine where you go and what you do. Here's the where you go and what you do. Here's the where you go and what you do. Here's the shocking reality shocking reality shocking reality and it's a necessary word.

and it's a necessary word. and it's a necessary word. You can be worldly. You can love the You can be worldly. You can love the You can be worldly. You can love the world while sitting in church or leading world while sitting in church or leading world while sitting in church or leading from its stage every Sunday. from its stage every Sunday. from its stage every Sunday. You can avoid every obvious cultural You can avoid every obvious cultural You can avoid every obvious cultural vice and still be profoundly worldly. vice and still be profoundly worldly. vice and still be profoundly worldly. Friends, worldliness is not merely Friends, worldliness is not merely Friends, worldliness is not merely loving bad things. Worldliness is asking loving bad things. Worldliness is asking loving bad things. Worldliness is asking good things to give you what God only good things to give you what God only good things to give you what God only can give. And in so doing, loving them can give. And in so doing, loving them can give. And in so doing, loving them more than you love God. And so my more than you love God. And so my more than you love God. And so my question, my challenge for you this question, my challenge for you this question, my challenge for you this morning is, what do you love? morning is, what do you love? morning is, what do you love? What does your life communicate that you What does your life communicate that you What does your life communicate that you think you need in order to be happy? think you need in order to be happy? think you need in order to be happy? Let's just drill down a little bit. Some Let's just drill down a little bit. Some Let's just drill down a little bit. Some diagnostic questions. diagnostic questions. diagnostic questions. What do you spend your money on? I start What do you spend your money on? I start What do you spend your money on? I start there because the Bible gives it to us there because the Bible gives it to us there because the Bible gives it to us as a diagnostic of the heart. You want as a diagnostic of the heart. You want as a diagnostic of the heart. You want to know what you love? Follow the money. to know what you love? Follow the money. to know what you love? Follow the money. Start there. Start there. It's Start there. Start there. It's Start there. Start there. It's revealing, right? It's revealing. What revealing, right? It's revealing. What revealing, right? It's revealing. What consumes your imagination consumes your imagination consumes your imagination about what a good life would be?

about what a good life would be? about what a good life would be? Who do you compare yourself to? What do you get anxious about losing? What do you get anxious about losing? What do you secretly envy in other What do you secretly envy in other What do you secretly envy in other people? people? people? What do you want your children to What do you want your children to What do you want your children to become? become? become? And what lengths will you go to to And what lengths will you go to to And what lengths will you go to to ensure that outcome? ensure that outcome? ensure that outcome? What do you want people to think about What do you want people to think about What do you want people to think about you online you online you online and in person? and in person? and in person? What would make you say if I had that What would make you say if I had that What would make you say if I had that then I would finally be okay? then I would finally be okay? then I would finally be okay? These are some of the places where love These are some of the places where love These are some of the places where love for the world starts to become visible. for the world starts to become visible. for the world starts to become visible. Okay, let's land this plan. Okay, let's land this plan. Okay, let's land this plan. Your identity is secure in Christ. Your Your identity is secure in Christ. Your Your identity is secure in Christ. Your driving loves, they need to be found in driving loves, they need to be found in driving loves, they need to be found in God and not in the false systems of the God and not in the false systems of the God and not in the false systems of the world. Lastly, look how John ties it all world. Lastly, look how John ties it all world. Lastly, look how John ties it all together. Verse 17, so beautiful. And together. Verse 17, so beautiful. And together. Verse 17, so beautiful. And the world is passing away along with its the world is passing away along with its the world is passing away along with its desires. But whoever does the will of desires. But whoever does the will of desires. But whoever does the will of God God God abides forever. The world, this way of abides forever. The world, this way of abides forever. The world, this way of thinking, it's temporary. It's going thinking, it's temporary. It's going thinking, it's temporary. It's going away along with the desires that it away along with the desires that it away along with the desires that it promotes. It won't last forever. But promotes. It won't last forever. But promotes. It won't last forever. But whoever does the will of God, they get whoever does the will of God, they get whoever does the will of God, they get to abide to live with him forever.

to abide to live with him forever. to abide to live with him forever. Here's the last observation. Your Here's the last observation. Your Here's the last observation. Your destiny, destiny, destiny, what's your destiny? What's your what's your destiny? What's your what's your destiny? What's your ultimate purpose? Your destiny is to ultimate purpose? Your destiny is to ultimate purpose? Your destiny is to live with God forever. If you're a live with God forever. If you're a live with God forever. If you're a Christian, Christian, Christian, John contrasts what fades with what John contrasts what fades with what John contrasts what fades with what lasts. The world and his desires. lasts. The world and his desires. lasts. The world and his desires. They're temporary. But a life shaped by They're temporary. But a life shaped by They're temporary. But a life shaped by God's will participates in something God's will participates in something God's will participates in something eternal. Something that will remain even eternal. Something that will remain even eternal. Something that will remain even after life as we know it is over. But after life as we know it is over. But after life as we know it is over. But here's the key. Listen, Christians, we here's the key. Listen, Christians, we here's the key. Listen, Christians, we don't just wait for that. Part of the don't just wait for that. Part of the don't just wait for that. Part of the key to the Christian life in the here key to the Christian life in the here key to the Christian life in the here and now. We don't overspiritualize it and now. We don't overspiritualize it and now. We don't overspiritualize it away like John's readers were tempted to away like John's readers were tempted to away like John's readers were tempted to do. We we we try to bring that future do. We we we try to bring that future do. We we we try to bring that future reality into the fullness of its current reality into the fullness of its current reality into the fullness of its current implications and it has many current implications and it has many current implications and it has many current implications. implications. implications. John is going to say later on in his John is going to say later on in his John is going to say later on in his letter that we should live now in light letter that we should live now in light letter that we should live now in light of his resurrection so that we will not of his resurrection so that we will not of his resurrection so that we will not be ashamed at his appearing. be ashamed at his appearing. be ashamed at his appearing. In other words, live with his eternal In other words, live with his eternal In other words, live with his eternal reality in the here and now so that you reality in the here and now so that you reality in the here and now so that you don't have to make a crazy adjustment to don't have to make a crazy adjustment to don't have to make a crazy adjustment to that reality later on. This is why Jesus that reality later on. This is why Jesus that reality later on. This is why Jesus told us to to store up treasures in told us to to store up treasures in told us to to store up treasures in heaven and not on earth. Why? He's heaven and not on earth. Why? He's heaven and not on earth. Why? He's saying that's reality. That's your saying that's reality. That's your saying that's reality. That's your destiny. Live as if that's true. This is destiny. Live as if that's true. This is destiny. Live as if that's true. This is why the scriptures tell us that he was why the scriptures tell us that he was why the scriptures tell us that he was able to endure the cross and despise its able to endure the cross and despise its able to endure the cross and despise its shame, the worst of the worst suffering.

shame, the worst of the worst suffering. shame, the worst of the worst suffering. Why? For the joy that was set before him Why? For the joy that was set before him Why? For the joy that was set before him in eternal communion with his father. He in eternal communion with his father. He in eternal communion with his father. He was able to live with that future was able to live with that future was able to live with that future reality in the here and now of his reality in the here and now of his reality in the here and now of his earthly life. And it changed everything. earthly life. And it changed everything. earthly life. And it changed everything. Friends, there isn't a single situation Friends, there isn't a single situation Friends, there isn't a single situation that you're enduring that won't be that you're enduring that won't be that you're enduring that won't be changed by the abiding thought, but I changed by the abiding thought, but I changed by the abiding thought, but I will live with God forever will live with God forever will live with God forever and he loves me and he will get me home and he loves me and he will get me home and he loves me and he will get me home and I get to live in the fullness and and I get to live in the fullness and and I get to live in the fullness and the freedom of that reality right now. the freedom of that reality right now. the freedom of that reality right now. John doesn't want us to give our love John doesn't want us to give our love John doesn't want us to give our love and our lives to something cheap, and our lives to something cheap, and our lives to something cheap, something that's passing away, something something that's passing away, something something that's passing away, something that's temporary, fleeting, it won't be that's temporary, fleeting, it won't be that's temporary, fleeting, it won't be here for long. The world makes all of here for long. The world makes all of here for long. The world makes all of these promises. If you get this, you'll these promises. If you get this, you'll these promises. If you get this, you'll be okay. But then what happens? You get be okay. But then what happens? You get be okay. But then what happens? You get it and it moves and it shifts and it it and it moves and it shifts and it it and it moves and it shifts and it takes another shape and the mirage takes another shape and the mirage takes another shape and the mirage disappears from view and we just go disappears from view and we just go disappears from view and we just go again. We just go again. The promotion, again. We just go again. The promotion, again. We just go again. The promotion, it disappears or it brings you into a it disappears or it brings you into a it disappears or it brings you into a team that's so complex that it's not team that's so complex that it's not team that's so complex that it's not worth the promotion that you had. The worth the promotion that you had. The worth the promotion that you had. The body, it ages. And oh, how it ages.

body, it ages. And oh, how it ages. body, it ages. And oh, how it ages. the kids, the kids, the kids, they grow up and they move out and then they grow up and they move out and then they grow up and they move out and then you're left with just you and the person you're left with just you and the person you're left with just you and the person who's been cohabiting with you for a who's been cohabiting with you for a who's been cohabiting with you for a very long time who feels like a very long time who feels like a very long time who feels like a stranger, right? The house, it loses its stranger, right? The house, it loses its stranger, right? The house, it loses its novelty, but you're still paying for it novelty, but you're still paying for it novelty, but you're still paying for it for the next 27 years. The applause, it for the next 27 years. The applause, it for the next 27 years. The applause, it fades. The money gets spent, the fades. The money gets spent, the fades. The money gets spent, the vacation, it ends. It always ends. The vacation, it ends. It always ends. The vacation, it ends. It always ends. The achievement becomes yesterday's news. achievement becomes yesterday's news. achievement becomes yesterday's news. The viral moment stops getting all the The viral moment stops getting all the The viral moment stops getting all the likes. The world is passing away. But likes. The world is passing away. But likes. The world is passing away. But whoever does the will of God abides whoever does the will of God abides whoever does the will of God abides forever. That word abide means to forever. That word abide means to forever. That word abide means to remain, to take a permanent residence remain, to take a permanent residence remain, to take a permanent residence in, to move in. in, to move in. in, to move in. Your ultimate destiny, if you're a Your ultimate destiny, if you're a Your ultimate destiny, if you're a Christian, friends, this morning, is to Christian, friends, this morning, is to Christian, friends, this morning, is to live with God forever. To move in with live with God forever. To move in with live with God forever. To move in with him and to know that that's coming and him and to know that that's coming and him and to know that that's coming and to let that change how you live now. to let that change how you live now. to let that change how you live now. Right? It should make us free and brave Right? It should make us free and brave Right? It should make us free and brave and humble and fearless and radically and humble and fearless and radically and humble and fearless and radically generous and kind and others focused and generous and kind and others focused and generous and kind and others focused and utterly liberated from the thought that utterly liberated from the thought that utterly liberated from the thought that we have to somehow win in the games of we have to somehow win in the games of we have to somehow win in the games of this passing world.

this passing world. this passing world. Have you ever watched a game where you Have you ever watched a game where you Have you ever watched a game where you know the outcome? know the outcome? know the outcome? It's different, right? I did it It's different, right? I did it It's different, right? I did it yesterday. Um there's a big thing going yesterday. Um there's a big thing going yesterday. Um there's a big thing going on in world sports at the moment. You on in world sports at the moment. You on in world sports at the moment. You don't know about it. Don't worry about don't know about it. Don't worry about don't know about it. Don't worry about it. But um the Spring Box and the South it. But um the Spring Box and the South it. But um the Spring Box and the South African national rugby team are playing African national rugby team are playing African national rugby team are playing against the All Blacks, New Zealand against the All Blacks, New Zealand against the All Blacks, New Zealand national rugby team, four Saturdays in a national rugby team, four Saturdays in a national rugby team, four Saturdays in a row. It's called rugy's greatest row. It's called rugy's greatest row. It's called rugy's greatest rivalry. It's the number one and two rivalry. It's the number one and two rivalry. It's the number one and two sides in the world, right? Big deal for sides in the world, right? Big deal for sides in the world, right? Big deal for us in the southern hemisphere. No one us in the southern hemisphere. No one us in the southern hemisphere. No one here knows it's happening. It's fine. here knows it's happening. It's fine. here knows it's happening. It's fine. Doesn't matter. I don't judge you. It's Doesn't matter. I don't judge you. It's Doesn't matter. I don't judge you. It's fine. Um but they played yesterday fine. Um but they played yesterday fine. Um but they played yesterday morning uh US time. It was afternoon morning uh US time. It was afternoon morning uh US time. It was afternoon South Africa time. And my family and I South Africa time. And my family and I South Africa time. And my family and I were at a West Serve day and it was were at a West Serve day and it was were at a West Serve day and it was great. And so I had recorded the game. I great. And so I had recorded the game. I great. And so I had recorded the game. I was going to watch it when I get home. was going to watch it when I get home. was going to watch it when I get home. and driving home, a well-meaning, and driving home, a well-meaning, and driving home, a well-meaning, idiotic family member um texted me the idiotic family member um texted me the idiotic family member um texted me the result, right? And South Africa won. result, right? And South Africa won. result, right? And South Africa won. Praise the Lord. That's good, right? Praise the Lord. That's good, right? Praise the Lord. That's good, right? That's that's good. It's sign of the That's that's good. It's sign of the That's that's good. It's sign of the kingdom of God advancing, right? And so, kingdom of God advancing, right? And so, kingdom of God advancing, right? And so, uh that's not true at all. Um uh that's not true at all. Um uh that's not true at all. Um South Africa won. And so, I got the South Africa won. And so, I got the South Africa won. And so, I got the news. Now, I was like, now I've got a news. Now, I was like, now I've got a news. Now, I was like, now I've got a decision to make. Well, did I still decision to make. Well, did I still decision to make. Well, did I still watch the game? And so, I went home and watch the game? And so, I went home and watch the game? And so, I went home and I said, I'm going to watch the game. And I said, I'm going to watch the game. And I said, I'm going to watch the game. And I put the game on. Do you know it was a I put the game on. Do you know it was a I put the game on. Do you know it was a completely different experience from completely different experience from completely different experience from normally watching the game? I care about normally watching the game? I care about normally watching the game? I care about this stuff too much, right? I'm working this stuff too much, right? I'm working this stuff too much, right? I'm working through it. I know. Normally I'm a mess through it. I know. Normally I'm a mess through it. I know. Normally I'm a mess because this stuff matters to me. You because this stuff matters to me. You because this stuff matters to me. You got to beat the All Blacks. It's big got to beat the All Blacks. It's big got to beat the All Blacks. It's big deal. The whole country will just It'll deal. The whole country will just It'll deal. The whole country will just It'll be over, right? It's won't be worth be over, right? It's won't be worth be over, right? It's won't be worth living the next day if you lose. That's living the next day if you lose. That's living the next day if you lose. That's not true. That's how it feels right in not true. That's how it feels right in not true. That's how it feels right in the moment. It's a big deal. But when I the moment. It's a big deal. But when I the moment. It's a big deal. But when I knew we won, I was watching the game and knew we won, I was watching the game and knew we won, I was watching the game and it's back and forth and I was just like, it's back and forth and I was just like, it's back and forth and I was just like, "This is hilarious. You guys lose." Um,

"This is hilarious. You guys lose." Um, "This is hilarious. You guys lose." Um, and so they would score and I'd be like, and so they would score and I'd be like, and so they would score and I'd be like, "Oh, celebrate now. I know what's "Oh, celebrate now. I know what's "Oh, celebrate now. I know what's happening, right? And we would look like happening, right? And we would look like happening, right? And we would look like we're struggling. We're like, we got we're struggling. We're like, we got we're struggling. We're like, we got this, boys. Don't worry about it. Right? this, boys. Don't worry about it. Right? this, boys. Don't worry about it. Right? And I get to watch it with this joyful And I get to watch it with this joyful And I get to watch it with this joyful abandon because I know the outcome. What abandon because I know the outcome. What abandon because I know the outcome. What a ridiculously trivial example, but a ridiculously trivial example, but a ridiculously trivial example, but actually quite a clear way to view the actually quite a clear way to view the actually quite a clear way to view the Christian life. We win forever Christian life. We win forever Christian life. We win forever with him forever. with him forever. with him forever. And that has to invade the here and And that has to invade the here and And that has to invade the here and nowness of our lives with what? divine nowness of our lives with what? divine nowness of our lives with what? divine grace and divine joy and divine freedom. grace and divine joy and divine freedom. grace and divine joy and divine freedom. It has to It has to It has to said at the beginning at least three said at the beginning at least three said at the beginning at least three things drive a lot of our behavior. Our things drive a lot of our behavior. Our things drive a lot of our behavior. Our identity, who we are, our longing, what identity, who we are, our longing, what identity, who we are, our longing, what we love, our purpose, what we think we we love, our purpose, what we think we we love, our purpose, what we think we exist for. John reminds us to bring all exist for. John reminds us to bring all exist for. John reminds us to bring all three of those into the light of the three of those into the light of the three of those into the light of the reality of Jesus Christ. And let's think reality of Jesus Christ. And let's think reality of Jesus Christ. And let's think about him as we close. In his life here about him as we close. In his life here about him as we close. In his life here on earth, he didn't try to escape those on earth, he didn't try to escape those on earth, he didn't try to escape those motivating factors like some sort of motivating factors like some sort of motivating factors like some sort of aesthetic guru. Isn't that amazing? He aesthetic guru. Isn't that amazing? He aesthetic guru. Isn't that amazing? He lives an ordinary life. He lives all of lives an ordinary life. He lives all of lives an ordinary life. He lives all of these things, these driving longings and these things, these driving longings and these things, these driving longings and desires, but he lives them all out in desires, but he lives them all out in desires, but he lives them all out in the light of God's truth. His identity the light of God's truth. His identity the light of God's truth. His identity is shaped by the voice from heaven is shaped by the voice from heaven is shaped by the voice from heaven saying, "This is my beloved son in whom saying, "This is my beloved son in whom saying, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased."

I am well pleased." I am well pleased." I can't imagine how many times he had to I can't imagine how many times he had to I can't imagine how many times he had to come back to that moment, come back to that moment, come back to that moment, especially in times of deep anguish. especially in times of deep anguish. especially in times of deep anguish. His love, His love, His love, his love, his longing, his longing was his love, his longing, his longing was his love, his longing, his longing was directed towards his heavenly father. directed towards his heavenly father. directed towards his heavenly father. And the obedience of his life was driven And the obedience of his life was driven And the obedience of his life was driven by that love. friends. He was tempted by that love. friends. He was tempted by that love. friends. He was tempted just as we are to to do the thing now just as we are to to do the thing now just as we are to to do the thing now that will make you feel good now. He was that will make you feel good now. He was that will make you feel good now. He was tempted just to want to have more. He tempted just to want to have more. He tempted just to want to have more. He was tempted just to want to prove who he was tempted just to want to prove who he was tempted just to want to prove who he really was. But his love for the father really was. But his love for the father really was. But his love for the father ruled over his other real longings and ruled over his other real longings and ruled over his other real longings and kept him sinless in the face of great kept him sinless in the face of great kept him sinless in the face of great temptation. His purpose his purpose was temptation. His purpose his purpose was temptation. His purpose his purpose was to be back with the father. But to do to be back with the father. But to do to be back with the father. But to do that with the securing of his church that with the securing of his church that with the securing of his church through his death being the path that he through his death being the path that he through his death being the path that he knew he needed to take. That allowed him knew he needed to take. That allowed him knew he needed to take. That allowed him to say no to the other allures and to say no to the other allures and to say no to the other allures and offers of this passing world. And that offers of this passing world. And that offers of this passing world. And that allowed him to live with a freedom and a allowed him to live with a freedom and a allowed him to live with a freedom and a joy, right? Knowing um that this eternal joy, right? Knowing um that this eternal joy, right? Knowing um that this eternal presence that he was returning to could presence that he was returning to could presence that he was returning to could be his fuel that got him through this be his fuel that got him through this be his fuel that got him through this life. knowing that he would get to enjoy life. knowing that he would get to enjoy life. knowing that he would get to enjoy the father in heaven forever. Friends, the father in heaven forever. Friends, the father in heaven forever. Friends, the love that is on offer to you today the love that is on offer to you today the love that is on offer to you today through Jesus is better by far than through Jesus is better by far than through Jesus is better by far than anything the world can give. Let's live anything the world can give. Let's live anything the world can give. Let's live like that is true in the here and now.

like that is true in the here and now. like that is true in the here and now. Father God, thank you so much for your Father God, thank you so much for your Father God, thank you so much for your word. word. word. Lord, I pray that you would help us to Lord, I pray that you would help us to Lord, I pray that you would help us to hear that and to receive that aresh and hear that and to receive that aresh and hear that and to receive that aresh and to understand it in a significant way. to understand it in a significant way. to understand it in a significant way. Lord, I pray for those hearers today who Lord, I pray for those hearers today who Lord, I pray for those hearers today who don't have this assurance. Their don't have this assurance. Their don't have this assurance. Their identity is not secured because they identity is not secured because they identity is not secured because they don't know you. They haven't confessed don't know you. They haven't confessed don't know you. They haven't confessed faith in your son and repented of their faith in your son and repented of their faith in your son and repented of their sins. Once you pull them in today, sins. Once you pull them in today, sins. Once you pull them in today, friends, that's on offer for you today. friends, that's on offer for you today. friends, that's on offer for you today. If you're fighting to establish an If you're fighting to establish an If you're fighting to establish an identity um under the standards of the identity um under the standards of the identity um under the standards of the world, it's going to be relentless and world, it's going to be relentless and world, it's going to be relentless and you won't win. you won't win. you won't win. But you have a way today by saying my I But you have a way today by saying my I But you have a way today by saying my I want my identity to be Jesus Christ's want my identity to be Jesus Christ's want my identity to be Jesus Christ's love for me. You can enter into a love for me. You can enter into a love for me. You can enter into a relationship with him today. Father, I relationship with him today. Father, I relationship with him today. Father, I want you to do that. I want you to want you to do that. I want you to want you to do that. I want you to persuade hearts. Won't you open hearts? persuade hearts. Won't you open hearts? persuade hearts. Won't you open hearts? Won't you pull people towards you? Lord, to the little children in the Lord, to the little children in the faith. Won't you assure them of mercy and Won't you assure them of mercy and forgiveness that would drive them to the forgiveness that would drive them to the forgiveness that would drive them to the freedom of repentance and then freedom of repentance and then freedom of repentance and then celebration and life change and great celebration and life change and great celebration and life change and great joy? Won't you assure them that they joy? Won't you assure them that they joy? Won't you assure them that they have fellowship with the father that have fellowship with the father that have fellowship with the father that they can be in relationship with you?

they can be in relationship with you? they can be in relationship with you? What a thing, Lord. to the people in the middle of Lord. to the people in the middle of this journey. Everything feeling like a this journey. Everything feeling like a this journey. Everything feeling like a fight coming here this morning. Some of fight coming here this morning. Some of fight coming here this morning. Some of them out of religious duty to be honest. Won't you assure them that they are Won't you assure them that they are strong in the spirit strong in the spirit strong in the spirit and that your love can abide in them and and that your love can abide in them and and that your love can abide in them and remain in them? remain in them? remain in them? Lord to the parents in the faith looking Lord to the parents in the faith looking Lord to the parents in the faith looking back more than looking forward. Won't back more than looking forward. Won't back more than looking forward. Won't you remind them that they have known you you remind them that they have known you you remind them that they have known you who is from the beginning? And then Lord let that assurance shape And then Lord let that assurance shape our identity so much that it transforms our identity so much that it transforms our identity so much that it transforms our loves and the way that we'll be our loves and the way that we'll be our loves and the way that we'll be tempted to love in a malformed way this tempted to love in a malformed way this tempted to love in a malformed way this week. Help us to fight that temptation. week. Help us to fight that temptation. week. Help us to fight that temptation. And Lord, as we fight, won't you give us And Lord, as we fight, won't you give us And Lord, as we fight, won't you give us a picture a picture a picture of how we win with you? We get to be of how we win with you? We get to be of how we win with you? We get to be with you forever.

with you forever. with you forever. Help us to bring that reality into the Help us to bring that reality into the Help us to bring that reality into the here and now in a way that says, "If I'm here and now in a way that says, "If I'm here and now in a way that says, "If I'm going to abide with you forever, I want going to abide with you forever, I want going to abide with you forever, I want to abide with you now. And I want to to abide with you now. And I want to to abide with you now. And I want to live in your reality now." And help us live in your reality now." And help us live in your reality now." And help us to turn to you in a real way, a way that to turn to you in a real way, a way that to turn to you in a real way, a way that changes our life in the here and now. We changes our life in the here and now. We changes our life in the here and now. We cannot wait till the day when we get to cannot wait till the day when we get to cannot wait till the day when we get to abide with you forever. May we start abide with you forever. May we start abide with you forever. May we start today in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Church, let's stand. Let's respond Amen. Church, let's stand. Let's respond to God's word together. Look full in his wonderful Look full in his wonderful face.

And the things And the things of earth will grow strangeely of earth will grow strangeely of earth will grow strangeely dim in the light of his glory. Look full in his wonderful Look full in his wonderful way. And the things And the things of earth will grow strangeely of earth will grow strangeely of earth will grow strangeely dim in the light of his glory dim in the light of his glory dim in the light of his glory and grace.

And the things And the things of earth will grow strange in the light of his glory in the light of his glory and grace. knowing you, Jesus. knowing you, Jesus. There's nothing There's nothing There's nothing better better better going your way. going your way. going your way. I lay my life down.

I lay my life down. I lay my life down. God, it's all yours now. And I'll follow God, it's all yours now. And I'll follow God, it's all yours now. And I'll follow all my days all my days all my days the narrow way. Kindness Kindness soul my pace Oh, lead me down the narrow road.

Oh, lead me down the narrow road. Believe this. There's nothing greater Believe this. There's nothing greater Believe this. There's nothing greater than knowing and following. than knowing and following. than knowing and following. There's nothing There's nothing There's nothing gater than knowing you, Jesus. gater than knowing you, Jesus. gater than knowing you, Jesus. There's nothing There's nothing There's nothing better than going your way. better than going your way. better than going your way. I'll lay my down yours now and I'll follow yours now and I'll follow all my days all my days all my days the narrow way. The sea will rise The sea will rise This is true.

I'll follow I'll follow all my cuz father we know how the story ends. cuz father we know how the story ends. We ask you to keep us till the day where We ask you to keep us till the day where We ask you to keep us till the day where you call us home. you call us home. you call us home. We sing this a prayer together. We sing this a prayer together. We sing this a prayer together. And keep me till that final day. Lord, keep me till that final day. are Lord, keep me till that final day. are hoping this hoping this hoping this and all I lost will then be continue to sing to bless the name of

continue to sing to bless the name of the Lord our God. Blessed are those who run to him, who Blessed are those who run to him, who place their hope and confidence in place their hope and confidence in place their hope and confidence in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. He won't forsake them. He won't forsake them. He won't forsake them. Blessed are those who seek his face, who Blessed are those who seek his face, who Blessed are those who seek his face, who bend their knee and fix their gaze on bend their knee and fix their gaze on bend their knee and fix their gaze on Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. They won't be shen. They won't be shen. They won't be shen. Come and praise Come and praise Come and praise the the the Lord with me. Lord with me. Lord with me. Sing if you love his name. and lift and lift your your your voice with me. Oh, he's worthy of all voice with me. Oh, he's worthy of all voice with me. Oh, he's worthy of all our praise.

Blessed are those who walk with him, Blessed are those who walk with him, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage with whose hearts are set on pilgrimage with whose hearts are set on pilgrimage with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. They'll see his glory. Blessed are those who died to live. Joy Blessed are those who died to live. Joy it is to give it all for Jesus it is to give it all for Jesus it is to give it all for Jesus and for him only. and for him only. and for him only. Oh Jesus Oh Jesus Oh Jesus all for your glory all for your glory all for your glory and bless God in the sanctuary.

bless God in the sanctuary. Bless God in the fields of plenty. Bless Bless God in the fields of plenty. Bless Bless God in the fields of plenty. Bless God in the darkest valley. Every chance God in the darkest valley. Every chance God in the darkest valley. Every chance I get, I bless your name. Bless God when I get, I bless your name. Bless God when I get, I bless your name. Bless God when my hands are empty. Bless God with the my hands are empty. Bless God with the my hands are empty. Bless God with the place that calls me. Bless God when place that calls me. Bless God when place that calls me. Bless God when nobody's watching. Every chance I get, I nobody's watching. Every chance I get, I nobody's watching. Every chance I get, I bless your name. Bless God bless your name. Bless God bless your name. Bless God for me. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. Heat. He's worthy of He's worthy of our praise. Amen. Man, what a great way to start a Amen. Man, what a great way to start a new day. What a great way to start a new new day. What a great way to start a new new day. What a great way to start a new week to do it together and to be week to do it together and to be week to do it together and to be reminded of these truths. I want to just reminded of these truths. I want to just reminded of these truths. I want to just say thanks to Ross for being here and say thanks to Ross for being here and say thanks to Ross for being here and preaching the word, man. So, so good, preaching the word, man. So, so good, preaching the word, man. So, so good, man. If y'all wouldn't mind grabbing a man. If y'all wouldn't mind grabbing a man. If y'all wouldn't mind grabbing a seat real quick before uh we head out seat real quick before uh we head out seat real quick before uh we head out today. You know, as a church, we love today. You know, as a church, we love today. You know, as a church, we love God and we love each other. And that's God and we love each other. And that's God and we love each other. And that's what we got to do a little bit here this what we got to do a little bit here this what we got to do a little bit here this morning. But as we go from here, we're morning. But as we go from here, we're morning. But as we go from here, we're also reminded that we love the city of

also reminded that we love the city of also reminded that we love the city of Austin that God has us in. And man, I Austin that God has us in. And man, I Austin that God has us in. And man, I just want to say one, thank you for your just want to say one, thank you for your just want to say one, thank you for your continued generosity of time and continued generosity of time and continued generosity of time and treasure as a church. You guys are so treasure as a church. You guys are so treasure as a church. You guys are so eager uh to give of yourselves, to give eager uh to give of yourselves, to give eager uh to give of yourselves, to give of your time, to give of your money so of your time, to give of your money so of your time, to give of your money so that the world might know the good news that the world might know the good news that the world might know the good news of what we get to celebrate in here this of what we get to celebrate in here this of what we get to celebrate in here this morning. One thing I wanted to highlight morning. One thing I wanted to highlight morning. One thing I wanted to highlight is a group of you, a bunch of y'all went is a group of you, a bunch of y'all went is a group of you, a bunch of y'all went to Teen Reach Adventure Camp earlier to Teen Reach Adventure Camp earlier to Teen Reach Adventure Camp earlier this month and some of the stories are this month and some of the stories are this month and some of the stories are starting to come back and so I just starting to come back and so I just starting to come back and so I just wanted to give you kind of a quick uh wanted to give you kind of a quick uh wanted to give you kind of a quick uh here's some of the things that God did here's some of the things that God did here's some of the things that God did at that camp. And though if you're at that camp. And though if you're at that camp. And though if you're unfamiliar with this, remember this is a unfamiliar with this, remember this is a unfamiliar with this, remember this is a a camp for foster teenagers here in a camp for foster teenagers here in a camp for foster teenagers here in Austin. And at the end of camp, uh Austin. And at the end of camp, uh Austin. And at the end of camp, uh they're asked, "What were your what are they're asked, "What were your what are they're asked, "What were your what are your hopes and dreams? And what did God your hopes and dreams? And what did God your hopes and dreams? And what did God do this weekend?" Here's some of their do this weekend?" Here's some of their do this weekend?" Here's some of their hopes. I thought these were great. Uh hopes. I thought these were great. Uh hopes. I thought these were great. Uh first, this little guy said, "Uh, I hope first, this little guy said, "Uh, I hope first, this little guy said, "Uh, I hope to build a hover car one day." I'm like, to build a hover car one day." I'm like, to build a hover car one day." I'm like, "That's a great hope, right? I love this "That's a great hope, right? I love this "That's a great hope, right? I love this kid. Uh I hope my dog is even cuter when kid. Uh I hope my dog is even cuter when kid. Uh I hope my dog is even cuter when I get home." I don't know. Maybe I get home." I don't know. Maybe I get home." I don't know. Maybe But then they started sharing some real But then they started sharing some real But then they started sharing some real things.

things. things. Listen to these. Listen to these. Listen to these. I hope to see my brother again. I hope to see my brother again. I hope to see my brother again. I hope to be able to leave child I hope to be able to leave child I hope to be able to leave child protective services soon. protective services soon. protective services soon. I hope I can get adopted. I hope I can get adopted. I hope I can get adopted. I hope my brother doesn't die. I hope my I hope my brother doesn't die. I hope my I hope my brother doesn't die. I hope my mom will get out of jail soon. I hope to mom will get out of jail soon. I hope to mom will get out of jail soon. I hope to feel safe at at school and in life. And feel safe at at school and in life. And feel safe at at school and in life. And I hope to be normal. I hope to be normal. I hope to be normal. And friends, at the end of that, And friends, at the end of that, And friends, at the end of that, some of the these kids, this is a some of the these kids, this is a some of the these kids, this is a 14-year-old 14-year-old 14-year-old male student, he says, after getting to male student, he says, after getting to male student, he says, after getting to know you, the staff, y'all are really know you, the staff, y'all are really know you, the staff, y'all are really spiritual about it all. Like the spiritual about it all. Like the spiritual about it all. Like the connection y'all, you can tell this a connection y'all, you can tell this a connection y'all, you can tell this a 14. Like, the connection y'all have like 14. Like, the connection y'all have like 14. Like, the connection y'all have like with God is really true and genuine, and with God is really true and genuine, and with God is really true and genuine, and it's like nothing I've ever seen before. it's like nothing I've ever seen before. it's like nothing I've ever seen before. And I just really enjoyed my time here. And I just really enjoyed my time here. And I just really enjoyed my time here. A 14-year-old female camper says this, A 14-year-old female camper says this, A 14-year-old female camper says this, "I learned that God is someone who's "I learned that God is someone who's "I learned that God is someone who's there even when I don't feel it. that there even when I don't feel it. that there even when I don't feel it. that there's been times when I feel like God, there's been times when I feel like God, there's been times when I feel like God, I don't even know if he's really there, I don't even know if he's really there, I don't even know if he's really there, but at the end, I'm very much sure that but at the end, I'm very much sure that but at the end, I'm very much sure that he is. So, church, I just wanted to say he is. So, church, I just wanted to say he is. So, church, I just wanted to say thank you for giving your time and your thank you for giving your time and your thank you for giving your time and your energy and your money and your Saturdays energy and your money and your Saturdays energy and your money and your Saturdays to go and to love the city. Uh there'll to go and to love the city. Uh there'll to go and to love the city. Uh there'll be more opportunities this fall coming be more opportunities this fall coming be more opportunities this fall coming up. We'll talk a lot about opportunities up. We'll talk a lot about opportunities up. We'll talk a lot about opportunities for us to love and engage in the city.

for us to love and engage in the city. for us to love and engage in the city. Uh and then today if you have a Uh and then today if you have a Uh and then today if you have a financial gift I want to just remind you financial gift I want to just remind you financial gift I want to just remind you you can do that online or if it's a you can do that online or if it's a you can do that online or if it's a physical gift in the vestibule right on physical gift in the vestibule right on physical gift in the vestibule right on the uh the by the exit doors there is a the uh the by the exit doors there is a the uh the by the exit doors there is a box there and just wanted to say thank box there and just wanted to say thank box there and just wanted to say thank you for your continued generosity in you for your continued generosity in you for your continued generosity in that. Now if you wouldn't mind standing that. Now if you wouldn't mind standing that. Now if you wouldn't mind standing and receive the benediction and we'll be and receive the benediction and we'll be and receive the benediction and we'll be done this morning. Church, may you go today knowing your Church, may you go today knowing your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. sins are forgiven for his name's sake. sins are forgiven for his name's sake. Would you go today knowing that he is Would you go today knowing that he is Would you go today knowing that he is the beginning and the end? Would you go the beginning and the end? Would you go the beginning and the end? Would you go today knowing that your destiny is to today knowing that your destiny is to today knowing that your destiny is to live with him forever? And would you go live with him forever? And would you go live with him forever? And would you go today in the strength of the Lord, his today in the strength of the Lord, his today in the strength of the Lord, his word abiding in you and his love word abiding in you and his love word abiding in you and his love overcoming the world. Church, we love overcoming the world. Church, we love overcoming the world. Church, we love you. Have a wonderful week. We'll see you. Have a wonderful week. We'll see you. Have a wonderful week. We'll see you then.

me. me. Hey.