You're Free... So Why Do You Feel Trapped? | Dan Lian

Good morning, Barrel Creek family. So Good morning, Barrel Creek family. So good being with the 11:30 good being with the 11:30 good being with the 11:30 gathering, the last service, best gathering, the last service, best gathering, the last service, best service. Come put your hands together if service. Come put your hands together if service. Come put your hands together if you love Jesus here in the room. And you love Jesus here in the room. And you love Jesus here in the room. And so good to get together and praise him so good to get together and praise him so good to get together and praise him on a Sunday. If we haven't met before, on a Sunday. If we haven't met before, on a Sunday. If we haven't met before, my name is Dan Leanne. Uh I am the my name is Dan Leanne. Uh I am the my name is Dan Leanne. Uh I am the Chinese Australian member of Pastor Chinese Australian member of Pastor Chinese Australian member of Pastor Alex's preaching team here. I'm not a Alex's preaching team here. I'm not a Alex's preaching team here. I'm not a guest. Uh, I really am a part of the guest. Uh, I really am a part of the guest. Uh, I really am a part of the Battle Creek family if we haven't met Battle Creek family if we haven't met Battle Creek family if we haven't met before. Uh, and you're a little confused before. Uh, and you're a little confused before. Uh, and you're a little confused right now. Uh, I was born in Australia. right now. Uh, I was born in Australia. right now. Uh, I was born in Australia. That's the reason I sound this way. My That's the reason I sound this way. My That's the reason I sound this way. My mother and father are Chinese. That's mother and father are Chinese. That's mother and father are Chinese. That's the reason I look this way. Uh, I live the reason I look this way. Uh, I live the reason I look this way. Uh, I live in the South now. That's the reason I I in the South now. That's the reason I I in the South now. That's the reason I I drive a truck. And I say y'all a lot. drive a truck. And I say y'all a lot. drive a truck. And I say y'all a lot. And and I'm actually a a converted uh And and I'm actually a a converted uh And and I'm actually a a converted uh Oklahoma fan now. So, uh, the the strong Oklahoma fan now. So, uh, the the strong Oklahoma fan now. So, uh, the the strong Sun Sooner, um, evangelism that's taken Sun Sooner, um, evangelism that's taken Sun Sooner, um, evangelism that's taken place, uh, over here over the last place, uh, over here over the last place, uh, over here over the last couple of years, uh, has converted this, couple of years, uh, has converted this, couple of years, uh, has converted this, uh, this Australian and, uh, and I'm I'm uh, this Australian and, uh, and I'm I'm uh, this Australian and, uh, and I'm I'm believing for a good year out there in believing for a good year out there in believing for a good year out there in Norman, Oklahoma. Can someone say good Norman, Oklahoma. Can someone say good Norman, Oklahoma. Can someone say good amen to that?

amen to that? amen to that? And, uh, I just I do love Pastors Alex And, uh, I just I do love Pastors Alex And, uh, I just I do love Pastors Alex and Meredith so much. Love the whole and Meredith so much. Love the whole and Meredith so much. Love the whole team here. You all have a very, very team here. You all have a very, very team here. You all have a very, very special church. And if you're relatively special church. And if you're relatively special church. And if you're relatively new to the to the Barrel Creek family, I new to the to the Barrel Creek family, I new to the to the Barrel Creek family, I do hope and pray that you lean more and do hope and pray that you lean more and do hope and pray that you lean more and more into what God is doing because this more into what God is doing because this more into what God is doing because this is something very rare in our nation is is something very rare in our nation is is something very rare in our nation is very rare in the earth. How we put our very rare in the earth. How we put our very rare in the earth. How we put our hands together and encourage all of our hands together and encourage all of our hands together and encourage all of our pastors and our leaders and our team who pastors and our leaders and our team who pastors and our leaders and our team who serve us so well every single week. It's serve us so well every single week. It's serve us so well every single week. It's just incredible. just incredible. just incredible. I got a really simple word for you I got a really simple word for you I got a really simple word for you today. I've got a flight to catch at today. I've got a flight to catch at today. I've got a flight to catch at 1:45 1:45 1:45 and uh so we're going to go quick and uh and uh so we're going to go quick and uh and uh so we're going to go quick and uh but it's not going to take long to talk but it's not going to take long to talk but it's not going to take long to talk about the kind of freedom that God sent about the kind of freedom that God sent about the kind of freedom that God sent his son Jesus to give. This message is his son Jesus to give. This message is his son Jesus to give. This message is called Freedom Indeed. And it feels called Freedom Indeed. And it feels called Freedom Indeed. And it feels really appropriate this Fourth of July really appropriate this Fourth of July really appropriate this Fourth of July weekend because Americans love a lot of weekend because Americans love a lot of weekend because Americans love a lot of things, but they don't love many things things, but they don't love many things things, but they don't love many things as much as they love their freedom.

as much as they love their freedom. as much as they love their freedom. I was doing an event in East Texas on I was doing an event in East Texas on I was doing an event in East Texas on Friday night. It was uh a church uh that Friday night. It was uh a church uh that Friday night. It was uh a church uh that puts on this incredible fireworks event. puts on this incredible fireworks event. puts on this incredible fireworks event. and they've been doing it for 21 years and they've been doing it for 21 years and they've been doing it for 21 years and they had over 7,000 people out there and they had over 7,000 people out there and they had over 7,000 people out there in East Texas watching the fireworks, in East Texas watching the fireworks, in East Texas watching the fireworks, listening to some of the music they were listening to some of the music they were listening to some of the music they were playing, the water park they had set up playing, the water park they had set up playing, the water park they had set up and there was a 20-minute opportunity and there was a 20-minute opportunity and there was a 20-minute opportunity for me to preach the gospel. So, I got for me to preach the gospel. So, I got for me to preach the gospel. So, I got out there on Friday afternoon. It was an out there on Friday afternoon. It was an out there on Friday afternoon. It was an exciting event. uh the time for the exciting event. uh the time for the exciting event. uh the time for the message came around and I started the message came around and I started the message came around and I started the talk with this reflection that a lot of talk with this reflection that a lot of talk with this reflection that a lot of people were there that night to see the people were there that night to see the people were there that night to see the fireworks but just remember as you see fireworks but just remember as you see fireworks but just remember as you see the night sky lit up by those fireworks the night sky lit up by those fireworks the night sky lit up by those fireworks fireworks that's a Chinese invention fireworks that's a Chinese invention fireworks that's a Chinese invention you're welcome you're welcome you're welcome they didn't laugh they they booed and they didn't laugh they they booed and they didn't laugh they they booed and jered a little bit and I got through the jered a little bit and I got through the jered a little bit and I got through the message and people came to Christ that message and people came to Christ that message and people came to Christ that night We celebrated. It was amazing. And night We celebrated. It was amazing. And night We celebrated. It was amazing. And as I stepped off the stage, I had one of as I stepped off the stage, I had one of as I stepped off the stage, I had one of the production guys come straight to me the production guys come straight to me the production guys come straight to me and thank me for the message, take my and thank me for the message, take my and thank me for the message, take my microphone, but then he let me know that microphone, but then he let me know that microphone, but then he let me know that even though China may have invented even though China may have invented even though China may have invented fireworks, it was America that invented fireworks, it was America that invented fireworks, it was America that invented freedom. I don't know if that's true or freedom. I don't know if that's true or freedom. I don't know if that's true or not, but I know for a fact that we love not, but I know for a fact that we love not, but I know for a fact that we love freedom here in this country. I think freedom here in this country. I think freedom here in this country. I think about the Declaration of Independence. I

about the Declaration of Independence. I about the Declaration of Independence. I think about the statement about every think about the statement about every think about the statement about every single person here with the God-given single person here with the God-given single person here with the God-given right to pursue life and liberty and right to pursue life and liberty and right to pursue life and liberty and happiness. I think about the Statue of happiness. I think about the Statue of happiness. I think about the Statue of Liberty that I got to visit when I first Liberty that I got to visit when I first Liberty that I got to visit when I first moved to America. I wanted to make it a moved to America. I wanted to make it a moved to America. I wanted to make it a point as a family, we're going to go point as a family, we're going to go point as a family, we're going to go together and and see this symbol of what together and and see this symbol of what together and and see this symbol of what America is, a place where you can pursue America is, a place where you can pursue America is, a place where you can pursue a better life in a free space. Uh, I I a better life in a free space. Uh, I I a better life in a free space. Uh, I I think about the social media posts that think about the social media posts that think about the social media posts that I saw last night, maybe over the last 48 I saw last night, maybe over the last 48 I saw last night, maybe over the last 48 hours, my American friends posting hours, my American friends posting hours, my American friends posting pictures of the American flag, fireworks pictures of the American flag, fireworks pictures of the American flag, fireworks of cookouts and barbecues and and this of cookouts and barbecues and and this of cookouts and barbecues and and this statement, I love living in America, the statement, I love living in America, the statement, I love living in America, the freest country there is. America loves freest country there is. America loves freest country there is. America loves its freedom. You love your freedom here. its freedom. You love your freedom here. its freedom. You love your freedom here. The question I've come to pose tonight The question I've come to pose tonight The question I've come to pose tonight or this afternoon is, is the freedom or this afternoon is, is the freedom or this afternoon is, is the freedom that you pursue, the freedom that you that you pursue, the freedom that you that you pursue, the freedom that you want to enjoy, the same freedom Jesus want to enjoy, the same freedom Jesus want to enjoy, the same freedom Jesus came to give. Think about that.

came to give. Think about that. came to give. Think about that. There's no question we live in a country There's no question we live in a country There's no question we live in a country that loves its freedom, that fights for that loves its freedom, that fights for that loves its freedom, that fights for its freedom, that wants to protect its its freedom, that wants to protect its its freedom, that wants to protect its freedom, freedom, freedom, that lifts up and celebrates the concept that lifts up and celebrates the concept that lifts up and celebrates the concept of freedom. But is this definition of of freedom. But is this definition of of freedom. But is this definition of freedom the same freedom Jesus came to freedom the same freedom Jesus came to freedom the same freedom Jesus came to give? Because Jesus came to give give? Because Jesus came to give give? Because Jesus came to give freedom. That's the reason in Luke 4 freedom. That's the reason in Luke 4 freedom. That's the reason in Luke 4 verse 18 and 19 verse 18 and 19 verse 18 and 19 Jesus entered into a normal church Jesus entered into a normal church Jesus entered into a normal church service service service took the stage unfurled the scrolls and took the stage unfurled the scrolls and took the stage unfurled the scrolls and declared the spirit of the Lord is on me declared the spirit of the Lord is on me declared the spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim because he has anointed me to proclaim because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to good news to the poor. He has sent me to good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and proclaim freedom for the prisoners and proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind. to set recovery of sight for the blind. to set recovery of sight for the blind. to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year the oppressed free, to proclaim the year the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. of the Lord's favor. of the Lord's favor. Later on in John chapter 8, Later on in John chapter 8, Later on in John chapter 8, Jesus is having an interaction with the Jesus is having an interaction with the Jesus is having an interaction with the religious leaders of the day, and he's religious leaders of the day, and he's religious leaders of the day, and he's declaring that he wasn't there just to declaring that he wasn't there just to declaring that he wasn't there just to set up a new or fresh religion. He was set up a new or fresh religion. He was set up a new or fresh religion. He was here to set people free. Free indeed.

here to set people free. Free indeed. here to set people free. Free indeed. You love your freedom. Jesus loves You love your freedom. Jesus loves You love your freedom. Jesus loves freedom. The question is, are those two freedom. The question is, are those two freedom. The question is, are those two things the same thing? What comes to things the same thing? What comes to things the same thing? What comes to your mind when you think of the word your mind when you think of the word your mind when you think of the word freedom? I know for a lot of people, freedom? I know for a lot of people, freedom? I know for a lot of people, they're thinking of the concept of they're thinking of the concept of they're thinking of the concept of self-determination. I can choose to do self-determination. I can choose to do self-determination. I can choose to do what I want, where I want to, when I what I want, where I want to, when I what I want, where I want to, when I want to. No one can tell me anything. If want to. No one can tell me anything. If want to. No one can tell me anything. If you're free from every constraint, you're free from every constraint, you're free from every constraint, anything that would prevent you from anything that would prevent you from anything that would prevent you from stepping in the spaces that you want to stepping in the spaces that you want to stepping in the spaces that you want to step, then that's freedom. But does that step, then that's freedom. But does that step, then that's freedom. But does that play out logically? Is that what freedom play out logically? Is that what freedom play out logically? Is that what freedom is? Is freedom just being able to do is? Is freedom just being able to do is? Is freedom just being able to do what you want when you want where you what you want when you want where you what you want when you want where you want to do it? Like if I stepped off the want to do it? Like if I stepped off the want to do it? Like if I stepped off the stage right now and I hit you over the stage right now and I hit you over the stage right now and I hit you over the head with this microphone and I stole head with this microphone and I stole head with this microphone and I stole the money out of your wallet and took the money out of your wallet and took the money out of your wallet and took your keys and jumped into your truck. I your keys and jumped into your truck. I your keys and jumped into your truck. I don't know if you have a truck, but you don't know if you have a truck, but you don't know if you have a truck, but you look like you have a truck. You give look like you have a truck. You give look like you have a truck. You give truck. You know what I'm saying? Like a truck. You know what I'm saying? Like a truck. You know what I'm saying? Like a large truck. Like not like an F-150.

large truck. Like not like an F-150. large truck. Like not like an F-150. Like like F250, F350 kind of energy. You Like like F250, F350 kind of energy. You Like like F250, F350 kind of energy. You know what I'm saying? If there's a 450, know what I'm saying? If there's a 450, know what I'm saying? If there's a 450, you might drive the 450. But that's what you might drive the 450. But that's what you might drive the 450. But that's what you that's what you look like. All you that's what you look like. All you that's what you look like. All right. If I stole your truck and I drove right. If I stole your truck and I drove right. If I stole your truck and I drove down the highway at 120 mph and a police down the highway at 120 mph and a police down the highway at 120 mph and a police officer pulled me over and asked me what officer pulled me over and asked me what officer pulled me over and asked me what I was doing and I said, "Freedom?" I was doing and I said, "Freedom?" I was doing and I said, "Freedom?" Is that freedom? It's not. It doesn't Is that freedom? It's not. It doesn't Is that freedom? It's not. It doesn't play out logically. So freedom has to be play out logically. So freedom has to be play out logically. So freedom has to be more than just living in such a way more than just living in such a way more than just living in such a way where we do what we want when we want to where we do what we want when we want to where we do what we want when we want to do it. Think about it. Is freedom just do it. Think about it. Is freedom just do it. Think about it. Is freedom just growing up and living in America in a growing up and living in America in a growing up and living in America in a place where there are laws and there are place where there are laws and there are place where there are laws and there are frameworks that assure your freedom? frameworks that assure your freedom? frameworks that assure your freedom? Just because you live in a free country, Just because you live in a free country, Just because you live in a free country, does that make you free? Does that play does that make you free? Does that play does that make you free? Does that play out logically? I don't know about you, out logically? I don't know about you, out logically? I don't know about you, but I pastor to people every single day but I pastor to people every single day but I pastor to people every single day that live in a free country. Maybe the that live in a free country. Maybe the that live in a free country. Maybe the freest on earth, but they live enslaved. freest on earth, but they live enslaved. freest on earth, but they live enslaved. They live wound up, bound up, and ground They live wound up, bound up, and ground They live wound up, bound up, and ground up by fear, anxiety, darkness, up by fear, anxiety, darkness, up by fear, anxiety, darkness, depression, held back by their past, depression, held back by their past, depression, held back by their past, frozen by their future. A lot of people frozen by their future. A lot of people frozen by their future. A lot of people in this room right now live in a free in this room right now live in a free in this room right now live in a free country, but you know the feeling of not country, but you know the feeling of not country, but you know the feeling of not feeling free. So that's the feeling free. So that's the feeling free. So that's the million-dollar question for us this million-dollar question for us this million-dollar question for us this morning flowing into the afternoon.

morning flowing into the afternoon. morning flowing into the afternoon. We all love freedom. Jesus wants to give We all love freedom. Jesus wants to give We all love freedom. Jesus wants to give you freedom. Are they the same things? you freedom. Are they the same things? you freedom. Are they the same things? And what would happen if we we really And what would happen if we we really And what would happen if we we really understood the kind of freedom that understood the kind of freedom that understood the kind of freedom that Jesus came to give and we lent into that Jesus came to give and we lent into that Jesus came to give and we lent into that deeper in the days ahead. How would your deeper in the days ahead. How would your deeper in the days ahead. How would your life change? How would your household life change? How would your household life change? How would your household change? change? change? How would your marriage change? How How would your marriage change? How How would your marriage change? How would your family unit change if we lent would your family unit change if we lent would your family unit change if we lent into that kind of freedom? So, that's a into that kind of freedom? So, that's a into that kind of freedom? So, that's a million-dollar question. Okay, Dan, I million-dollar question. Okay, Dan, I million-dollar question. Okay, Dan, I hear you. I know that freedom as Jesus hear you. I know that freedom as Jesus hear you. I know that freedom as Jesus wants to give might be different than my wants to give might be different than my wants to give might be different than my picture of freedom in my head, but what picture of freedom in my head, but what picture of freedom in my head, but what is this freedom? I'm glad you asked. If is this freedom? I'm glad you asked. If is this freedom? I'm glad you asked. If you're taking down notes, you can pull you're taking down notes, you can pull you're taking down notes, you can pull out your leatherbound journals and out your leatherbound journals and out your leatherbound journals and scribble a few things down right now. scribble a few things down right now. scribble a few things down right now. I'm not saying that you need to take I'm not saying that you need to take I'm not saying that you need to take notes to get into heaven. I'm just notes to get into heaven. I'm just notes to get into heaven. I'm just saying, why take a chance? You know what saying, why take a chance? You know what saying, why take a chance? You know what I'm saying? get to the end. It might be I'm saying? get to the end. It might be I'm saying? get to the end. It might be an open book quiz and you just don't an open book quiz and you just don't an open book quiz and you just don't write that down. That's terrible. So, write that down. That's terrible. So, write that down. That's terrible. So, but I know for me it's always helpful to but I know for me it's always helpful to but I know for me it's always helpful to scribble a few things down for review scribble a few things down for review scribble a few things down for review later. How many times have we had one of later. How many times have we had one of later. How many times have we had one of those situations where we're going, I those situations where we're going, I those situations where we're going, I know God was telling me something, I know God was telling me something, I know God was telling me something, I just can't quite remember what it just can't quite remember what it just can't quite remember what it will help you going forward. iPhones and will help you going forward. iPhones and will help you going forward. iPhones and iPads, open up the note app and thank iPads, open up the note app and thank iPads, open up the note app and thank the Lord Jesus for Steve Jobs as you do.

the Lord Jesus for Steve Jobs as you do. the Lord Jesus for Steve Jobs as you do. So, that's a wonderful piece of So, that's a wonderful piece of So, that's a wonderful piece of technology have right there. Who's got a technology have right there. Who's got a technology have right there. Who's got a Google device or a Samsung situation? Google device or a Samsung situation? Google device or a Samsung situation? Got one of those things. Okay, you can Got one of those things. Okay, you can Got one of those things. Okay, you can put it away. I've got nothing for you put it away. I've got nothing for you put it away. I've got nothing for you and for your friends for the because you and for your friends for the because you and for your friends for the because you mess up our group texts with your green mess up our group texts with your green mess up our group texts with your green bubble. No mess. It's very invasive. bubble. No mess. It's very invasive. bubble. No mess. It's very invasive. Just a few reflections on freedom this Just a few reflections on freedom this Just a few reflections on freedom this Fourth of July weekend. Fourth of July weekend. Fourth of July weekend. The kind of freedom Jesus came so far to The kind of freedom Jesus came so far to The kind of freedom Jesus came so far to give. So first and foremost and most give. So first and foremost and most give. So first and foremost and most importantly the freedom that Jesus comes importantly the freedom that Jesus comes importantly the freedom that Jesus comes to give is freedom from sin and from to give is freedom from sin and from to give is freedom from sin and from death. Freedom from sin and death. death. Freedom from sin and death. death. Freedom from sin and death. Romans chapter 6 verse 22 and 23 Romans chapter 6 verse 22 and 23 Romans chapter 6 verse 22 and 23 famously declares, "But now that you famously declares, "But now that you famously declares, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have have been set free from sin and have have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you become slaves of God, the benefit you become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness and the result is reap leads to holiness and the result is reap leads to holiness and the result is eternal life." That's a whole sermon in eternal life." That's a whole sermon in eternal life." That's a whole sermon in itself. For the wages of sin is death, itself. For the wages of sin is death, itself. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in but the gift of God is eternal life in but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Christ Jesus our Lord. Christ Jesus our Lord. All of us have fallen short of the glory All of us have fallen short of the glory All of us have fallen short of the glory of God. every mistake we've made, every of God. every mistake we've made, every of God. every mistake we've made, every lie we've told, every act of murder lie we've told, every act of murder lie we've told, every act of murder we've committed with our m with our we've committed with our m with our we've committed with our m with our mouth, mouth, mouth, every scar of pride that we hold on to, every scar of pride that we hold on to, every scar of pride that we hold on to, the arrogance that we carry ourselves the arrogance that we carry ourselves the arrogance that we carry ourselves with, all of this does not match up to with, all of this does not match up to with, all of this does not match up to God's perfect standard. And because it God's perfect standard. And because it God's perfect standard. And because it doesn't match up to God's perfect doesn't match up to God's perfect doesn't match up to God's perfect standard, justice demands that we are standard, justice demands that we are standard, justice demands that we are punished. punished. punished. And the Bible says the wages of these And the Bible says the wages of these And the Bible says the wages of these sins is death. Eternal separation from sins is death. Eternal separation from sins is death. Eternal separation from God. This is hell. That's the reason God. This is hell. That's the reason God. This is hell. That's the reason when people say, "I can't buy into a God when people say, "I can't buy into a God when people say, "I can't buy into a God who says he's loving but sends people to who says he's loving but sends people to who says he's loving but sends people to hell." That doesn't hold water because hell." That doesn't hold water because hell." That doesn't hold water because God doesn't send anyone to hell. It's God doesn't send anyone to hell. It's God doesn't send anyone to hell. It's our sin. It's our rebellion. It's our our sin. It's our rebellion. It's our our sin. It's our rebellion. It's our rejection of God that sends ourselves to rejection of God that sends ourselves to rejection of God that sends ourselves to hell. We all deserve it. But then Jesus hell. We all deserve it. But then Jesus hell. We all deserve it. But then Jesus steps in. And even though we deserved steps in. And even though we deserved steps in. And even though we deserved eternal separation, the gift of God is eternal separation, the gift of God is eternal separation, the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our eternal life through Christ Jesus our eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus doesn't just post the bond Lord. Jesus doesn't just post the bond Lord. Jesus doesn't just post the bond or pay your bail. He steps in on your or pay your bail. He steps in on your or pay your bail. He steps in on your behalf and he he pays a price that you behalf and he he pays a price that you behalf and he he pays a price that you couldn't afford to pay.

couldn't afford to pay. couldn't afford to pay. How many people have been pulled over How many people have been pulled over How many people have been pulled over speeding before? Anyone been pulled over speeding before? Anyone been pulled over speeding before? Anyone been pulled over speeding before? you. Hey, 11:30 speeding before? you. Hey, 11:30 speeding before? you. Hey, 11:30 service. God is watching. Do not lie. service. God is watching. Do not lie. service. God is watching. Do not lie. Who has been pulled over speeding Who has been pulled over speeding Who has been pulled over speeding before? Okay, let me just ask you out of before? Okay, let me just ask you out of before? Okay, let me just ask you out of curiosity. Where are my people in this curiosity. Where are my people in this curiosity. Where are my people in this room who when you pull over speeding, room who when you pull over speeding, room who when you pull over speeding, you play you play dumb? You play cute. you play you play dumb? You play cute. you play you play dumb? You play cute. You try to like kind of work your Come You try to like kind of work your Come You try to like kind of work your Come on. If you are someone who like, "Oh, on. If you are someone who like, "Oh, on. If you are someone who like, "Oh, really officer? Was I doing that? Where really officer? Was I doing that? Where really officer? Was I doing that? Where you at? Where my people?" Yes. I was you at? Where my people?" Yes. I was you at? Where my people?" Yes. I was thinking I was looking at you because thinking I was looking at you because thinking I was looking at you because you kind of you look like I'm going to you kind of you look like I'm going to you kind of you look like I'm going to like like bat my little dough eyelids. like like bat my little dough eyelids. like like bat my little dough eyelids. Oh my goodness. Did I really do that? I Oh my goodness. Did I really do that? I Oh my goodness. Did I really do that? I was do I was I really doing 75 and a 35 was do I was I really doing 75 and a 35 was do I was I really doing 75 and a 35 zone? Yes. All right. zone? Yes. All right. zone? Yes. All right. Let's be real right now. We're in a Let's be real right now. We're in a Let's be real right now. We're in a house of God where there's no shame, but house of God where there's no shame, but house of God where there's no shame, but there is going to be some judgment if there is going to be some judgment if there is going to be some judgment if you lie. WHERE YOU WHERE ARE MY PEOPLE you lie. WHERE YOU WHERE ARE MY PEOPLE you lie. WHERE YOU WHERE ARE MY PEOPLE at who try to talk their way out of a at who try to talk their way out of a at who try to talk their way out of a ticket? Where are my people who are ticket? Where are my people who are ticket? Where are my people who are Let's be real right now. A little bit Let's be real right now. A little bit Let's be real right now. A little bit argumentative, a little bit like I argumentative, a little bit like I argumentative, a little bit like I really was show Where are my people I really was show Where are my people I really was show Where are my people I need to see the radar. I show me the need to see the radar. I show me the need to see the radar. I show me the this dude over here right over here.

this dude over here right over here. this dude over here right over here. Show me the radar. For me, you know what Show me the radar. For me, you know what Show me the radar. For me, you know what I do? I'm the come clean guy. I'm like I do? I'm the come clean guy. I'm like I do? I'm the come clean guy. I'm like the right I will go I will straight up the right I will go I will straight up the right I will go I will straight up say I I was me. I'm so sorry I wasn't say I I was me. I'm so sorry I wasn't say I I was me. I'm so sorry I wasn't paying attention. And maybe my owning of paying attention. And maybe my owning of paying attention. And maybe my owning of my mistake will invoke some grace in I my mistake will invoke some grace in I my mistake will invoke some grace in I got pulled over earlier this year. I was got pulled over earlier this year. I was got pulled over earlier this year. I was driving back from our Greenwood campus driving back from our Greenwood campus driving back from our Greenwood campus which is about an hour from where I which is about an hour from where I which is about an hour from where I live. And I was preaching at a men's live. And I was preaching at a men's live. And I was preaching at a men's event that night and you know sometimes event that night and you know sometimes event that night and you know sometimes when you're coming through a town the when you're coming through a town the when you're coming through a town the the it's there's a slowdown. Okay. I the it's there's a slowdown. Okay. I the it's there's a slowdown. Okay. I didn't see the slowdown and I going didn't see the slowdown and I going didn't see the slowdown and I going through blue lights and I'm getting through blue lights and I'm getting through blue lights and I'm getting pulled over. So, I pull out my license pulled over. So, I pull out my license pulled over. So, I pull out my license and my registration. I wound the window and my registration. I wound the window and my registration. I wound the window down. The police officer comes up and down. The police officer comes up and down. The police officer comes up and says, "Uh, do you know do you know how says, "Uh, do you know do you know how says, "Uh, do you know do you know how fast you were going?" And I said, "I'm fast you were going?" And I said, "I'm fast you were going?" And I said, "I'm so sorry. I know I was speeding. I don't so sorry. I know I was speeding. I don't so sorry. I know I was speeding. I don't know the exact number. I'm so sorry." know the exact number. I'm so sorry." know the exact number. I'm so sorry." And he says, "Wait a second. Where's And he says, "Wait a second. Where's And he says, "Wait a second. Where's your accent from?" I said, "I'm from your accent from?" I said, "I'm from your accent from?" I said, "I'm from Australia." And he goes, "I love Australia." And he goes, "I love Australia." And he goes, "I love Australians." Really? Oh, that's And I'd Australians." Really? Oh, that's And I'd Australians." Really? Oh, that's And I'd really turn on the Australian accent. really turn on the Australian accent. really turn on the Australian accent. He goes, "What are you doing this time He goes, "What are you doing this time He goes, "What are you doing this time of night driving through this town?" And of night driving through this town?" And of night driving through this town?" And I said, "Well, I was actually uh I said, "Well, I was actually uh I said, "Well, I was actually uh preaching as a pastor. Uh, you say preaching as a pastor. Uh, you say preaching as a pastor. Uh, you say pastor." He giggled he giggled a little pastor." He giggled he giggled a little pastor." He giggled he giggled a little bit. And then uh at at our church and bit. And then uh at at our church and bit. And then uh at at our church and I'm on my way back. He goes, "You're a I'm on my way back. He goes, "You're a I'm on my way back. He goes, "You're a pastor?" He said, "Yes, yes, yes. I'm an pastor?" He said, "Yes, yes, yes. I'm an pastor?" He said, "Yes, yes, yes. I'm an Australian pastor." And then and then he Australian pastor." And then and then he Australian pastor." And then and then he says, "I I can't give a minister of a says, "I I can't give a minister of a says, "I I can't give a minister of a gospel a ticket, can I?" And I said, gospel a ticket, can I?" And I said, gospel a ticket, can I?" And I said, "No, you can't. You can't. You can't.

"No, you can't. You can't. You can't. "No, you can't. You can't. You can't. He says, "All right, get out of here. He says, "All right, get out of here. He says, "All right, get out of here. Slow down." Slow down." Slow down." That doesn't happen often, but I for me, That doesn't happen often, but I for me, That doesn't happen often, but I for me, every single time I get pulled over, I'm every single time I get pulled over, I'm every single time I get pulled over, I'm the guy who owns it quick cuz I've been the guy who owns it quick cuz I've been the guy who owns it quick cuz I've been caught red-handed, I know there's not caught red-handed, I know there's not caught red-handed, I know there's not much I can do. Every single one of you much I can do. Every single one of you much I can do. Every single one of you by default, as nice as you are, as kind by default, as nice as you are, as kind by default, as nice as you are, as kind as you are, as moral as you've been, as as you are, as moral as you've been, as as you are, as moral as you've been, as hard as you've tried, you've all been hard as you've tried, you've all been hard as you've tried, you've all been caught red-handed. caught red-handed. caught red-handed. The God of this universe sees it all. The God of this universe sees it all. The God of this universe sees it all. And all of us by default deserve eternal And all of us by default deserve eternal And all of us by default deserve eternal separation. separation. separation. But then Jesus steps in and again does But then Jesus steps in and again does But then Jesus steps in and again does more than post bail, more than post bail, more than post bail, does more than leave a bond. He steps in does more than leave a bond. He steps in does more than leave a bond. He steps in on our behalf. And he says, "Whatever on our behalf. And he says, "Whatever on our behalf. And he says, "Whatever they deserved, put it on me." they deserved, put it on me." they deserved, put it on me." And because of that, you get set free And because of that, you get set free And because of that, you get set free from sin and death. Come on. 11:30 from sin and death. Come on. 11:30 from sin and death. Come on. 11:30 service. You better smile a little bit. service. You better smile a little bit. service. You better smile a little bit. That's really good news.

I know that for some people in this I know that for some people in this room, you're halfway through the year room, you're halfway through the year room, you're halfway through the year and life hasn't been going your way. and life hasn't been going your way. and life hasn't been going your way. Some people found it really difficult to Some people found it really difficult to Some people found it really difficult to get to church even today and you feel get to church even today and you feel get to church even today and you feel like you have nothing to be thankful for like you have nothing to be thankful for like you have nothing to be thankful for in 2026 so far. Can I just lovingly in 2026 so far. Can I just lovingly in 2026 so far. Can I just lovingly disagree and so that every day when you disagree and so that every day when you disagree and so that every day when you look in the mirror, you're not looking look in the mirror, you're not looking look in the mirror, you're not looking at a bad person who made a decision to at a bad person who made a decision to at a bad person who made a decision to now be good. If you know Jesus, you're a now be good. If you know Jesus, you're a now be good. If you know Jesus, you're a dead person destined for death forever dead person destined for death forever dead person destined for death forever and you were made alive. and you were made alive. and you were made alive. He set you free from sin and death. He set you free from sin and death. He set you free from sin and death. The second thing we get free from The second thing we get free from The second thing we get free from because of Jesus are strongholds. because of Jesus are strongholds. because of Jesus are strongholds. There are cells that we find ourselves There are cells that we find ourselves There are cells that we find ourselves returning to. returning to. returning to. Prisons that we're released from that we Prisons that we're released from that we Prisons that we're released from that we keep on showing up at again. And the keep on showing up at again. And the keep on showing up at again. And the Bible reminds us that not only because Bible reminds us that not only because Bible reminds us that not only because of the blood of Jesus are you freed from of the blood of Jesus are you freed from of the blood of Jesus are you freed from your sin and your death sentence, you your sin and your death sentence, you your sin and your death sentence, you are now free from these old patterns in are now free from these old patterns in are now free from these old patterns in your life. That's reason in Galatians your life. That's reason in Galatians your life. That's reason in Galatians chapter 5 and verse one the Bible says chapter 5 and verse one the Bible says chapter 5 and verse one the Bible says it is for freedom that Christ has set it is for freedom that Christ has set it is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Can you see there are two you free. Can you see there are two you free. Can you see there are two different things here? There's getting different things here? There's getting different things here? There's getting free by the blood of Jesus but now free by the blood of Jesus but now free by the blood of Jesus but now there's living in freedom disconnected there's living in freedom disconnected there's living in freedom disconnected from these old patterns of yesterday.

from these old patterns of yesterday. from these old patterns of yesterday. Stand firm then and do not let Stand firm then and do not let Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burned again by the yoke yourselves be burned again by the yoke yourselves be burned again by the yoke of slavery. It's the wildest thing to of slavery. It's the wildest thing to of slavery. It's the wildest thing to see as a pastor. It's the wildest thing see as a pastor. It's the wildest thing see as a pastor. It's the wildest thing to see in the mirror sometimes. to see in the mirror sometimes. to see in the mirror sometimes. Old rhythms and old patterns, old broken Old rhythms and old patterns, old broken Old rhythms and old patterns, old broken ways of living that we all return to. ways of living that we all return to. ways of living that we all return to. But we're told here that when we come to But we're told here that when we come to But we're told here that when we come to Christ and we find ourselves free from Christ and we find ourselves free from Christ and we find ourselves free from sin. Now we are filled with the Holy sin. Now we are filled with the Holy sin. Now we are filled with the Holy Spirit. The old is gone. The new has Spirit. The old is gone. The new has Spirit. The old is gone. The new has come and we get to now flee the past and come and we get to now flee the past and come and we get to now flee the past and pursue a new, brighter, freer future. pursue a new, brighter, freer future. pursue a new, brighter, freer future. And that is what each and every single And that is what each and every single And that is what each and every single one of us get to do by the grace of God. one of us get to do by the grace of God. one of us get to do by the grace of God. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Uh for those who know my story a little >> Uh for those who know my story a little >> Uh for those who know my story a little bit, my family and I have been uh in a bit, my family and I have been uh in a bit, my family and I have been uh in a green card process for 6 years now and green card process for 6 years now and green card process for 6 years now and it has been a headache. We're here it has been a headache. We're here it has been a headache. We're here legally. It's all good. So don't be legally. It's all good. So don't be legally. It's all good. So don't be calling any hotlines. It's all good. calling any hotlines. It's all good. calling any hotlines. It's all good. It's great. But we're we're here and It's great. But we're we're here and It's great. But we're we're here and we've been waiting and we can see the we've been waiting and we can see the we've been waiting and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, we've got some good news. We're going to we've got some good news. We're going to we've got some good news. We're going to have we're going to have a ruling one have we're going to have a ruling one have we're going to have a ruling one way or the other in the next couple of way or the other in the next couple of way or the other in the next couple of weeks. Now, if it doesn't go our way, uh weeks. Now, if it doesn't go our way, uh weeks. Now, if it doesn't go our way, uh you'll be seeing a video from me on you'll be seeing a video from me on you'll be seeing a video from me on Instagram from whatever country I get Instagram from whatever country I get Instagram from whatever country I get deported to, and I'll be praising Jesus.

deported to, and I'll be praising Jesus. deported to, and I'll be praising Jesus. Anyway, Anyway, Anyway, if we do become Americans, you're going if we do become Americans, you're going if we do become Americans, you're going to see a a video as well, and it's going to see a a video as well, and it's going to see a a video as well, and it's going to be me with my shirt off, with the to be me with my shirt off, with the to be me with my shirt off, with the American flag tattooed on my chest, with American flag tattooed on my chest, with American flag tattooed on my chest, with an eagle that's going to come up onto my an eagle that's going to come up onto my an eagle that's going to come up onto my neck. I'm going to be excited. All neck. I'm going to be excited. All neck. I'm going to be excited. All right. right. right. But in the meantime, we technically But in the meantime, we technically But in the meantime, we technically can't leave the country or come back in. can't leave the country or come back in. can't leave the country or come back in. We've needed to get special permission We've needed to get special permission We've needed to get special permission from the government to go in and out of from the government to go in and out of from the government to go in and out of the country. We received that. But the the country. We received that. But the the country. We received that. But the only catch is every time we come back only catch is every time we come back only catch is every time we come back into the US, we have to be technically into the US, we have to be technically into the US, we have to be technically detained. So we're arriving in the US detained. So we're arriving in the US detained. So we're arriving in the US without formal visa documentation. We without formal visa documentation. We without formal visa documentation. We have to explain our situation and after have to explain our situation and after have to explain our situation and after explaining the situation, the border explaining the situation, the border explaining the situation, the border officer can let us in. So it's a little officer can let us in. So it's a little officer can let us in. So it's a little scary when you arrive back after a long scary when you arrive back after a long scary when you arrive back after a long haul with your family. We explain the haul with your family. We explain the haul with your family. We explain the situation to border security and then situation to border security and then situation to border security and then they take us off to a room, put us in they take us off to a room, put us in they take us off to a room, put us in that room and lock the door.

that room and lock the door. that room and lock the door. Your heart races until an officer comes Your heart races until an officer comes Your heart races until an officer comes in and you got to explain the story to in and you got to explain the story to in and you got to explain the story to them and and depending on their mood them and and depending on their mood them and and depending on their mood that day or their understanding of this that day or their understanding of this that day or their understanding of this particular kind of migration situation, particular kind of migration situation, particular kind of migration situation, we could get denied and get sent back. we could get denied and get sent back. we could get denied and get sent back. And we've done it five or six times now And we've done it five or six times now And we've done it five or six times now in the last couple of years. is. And I'm in the last couple of years. is. And I'm in the last couple of years. is. And I'm telling you now, every single time the telling you now, every single time the telling you now, every single time the border security agent says, "You know border security agent says, "You know border security agent says, "You know what? I know what's going on here. Hey, what? I know what's going on here. Hey, what? I know what's going on here. Hey, you guys are free to enter." Boom. Boom. you guys are free to enter." Boom. Boom. you guys are free to enter." Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom. And they open the door. Do Boom. Boom. And they open the door. Do Boom. Boom. And they open the door. Do you know what I don't do? I don't make you know what I don't do? I don't make you know what I don't do? I don't make small chat. I don't hang around. I don't small chat. I don't hang around. I don't small chat. I don't hang around. I don't say, "You know what? This this chair is say, "You know what? This this chair is say, "You know what? This this chair is really comfortable. Where'd you get it really comfortable. Where'd you get it really comfortable. Where'd you get it from?" No. No. I get up and I head out from?" No. No. I get up and I head out from?" No. No. I get up and I head out of that door as quick as I can. In fact, of that door as quick as I can. In fact, of that door as quick as I can. In fact, what I do is I go into the terminal and what I do is I go into the terminal and what I do is I go into the terminal and I try to find my first group of Asian I try to find my first group of Asian I try to find my first group of Asian people and I try to blend in. I'm just people and I try to blend in. I'm just people and I try to blend in. I'm just trying to blend in. It's kind of racist. trying to blend in. It's kind of racist. trying to blend in. It's kind of racist. You shouldn't have laughed. And I'm like You shouldn't have laughed. And I'm like You shouldn't have laughed. And I'm like kind of kind of kind of It's one thing to have the cell door It's one thing to have the cell door It's one thing to have the cell door opened. It's another deal to now run for opened. It's another deal to now run for opened. It's another deal to now run for your life. I'm here to let you know that your life. I'm here to let you know that your life. I'm here to let you know that Jesus went through so much to open up Jesus went through so much to open up Jesus went through so much to open up that cell door on your life. Stop that cell door on your life. Stop that cell door on your life. Stop hanging around. Come on. Run for your hanging around. Come on. Run for your hanging around. Come on. Run for your life. There are new patterns. There are life. There are new patterns. There are life. There are new patterns. There are new ways to live. There is new thinking new ways to live. There is new thinking new ways to live. There is new thinking for your life. There are new things to for your life. There are new things to for your life. There are new things to fill your heart with every single day.

fill your heart with every single day. fill your heart with every single day. Run for your life. It's for freedom. Run for your life. It's for freedom. Run for your life. It's for freedom. You've been set free. You've been set free. You've been set free. You get to flee the old and pursue You get to flee the old and pursue You get to flee the old and pursue something new. Thirdly, and lastly, something new. Thirdly, and lastly, something new. Thirdly, and lastly, freedom is freedom from sin. Freedom is freedom is freedom from sin. Freedom is freedom is freedom from sin. Freedom is freedom from strongholds. And freedom is freedom from strongholds. And freedom is freedom from strongholds. And freedom is freedom that is found in surrender. freedom that is found in surrender. freedom that is found in surrender. Found in surrender. Found in surrender. Found in surrender. 1 Corinthians chapter 9 and verse 19. 1 Corinthians chapter 9 and verse 19. 1 Corinthians chapter 9 and verse 19. Apostle Paul, who side note was writing Apostle Paul, who side note was writing Apostle Paul, who side note was writing all of this from a prison. all of this from a prison. all of this from a prison. The freest man The freest man The freest man that wrote much of the New Testament was that wrote much of the New Testament was that wrote much of the New Testament was writing this from a cell. writing this from a cell. writing this from a cell. How? Cuz he was free from sin, free from How? Cuz he was free from sin, free from How? Cuz he was free from sin, free from strongholds. And now he was surrendered. strongholds. And now he was surrendered. strongholds. And now he was surrendered. Though I am free and belong to no one, I Though I am free and belong to no one, I Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone to have made myself a slave to everyone to have made myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible.

win as many as possible. win as many as possible. Your greatest experience of freedom this Your greatest experience of freedom this Your greatest experience of freedom this side of eternity will be found on the side of eternity will be found on the side of eternity will be found on the other side of surrender to Christ. other side of surrender to Christ. other side of surrender to Christ. Every day when the Holy Spirit pokes you Every day when the Holy Spirit pokes you Every day when the Holy Spirit pokes you and prods you, challenges you and woos and prods you, challenges you and woos and prods you, challenges you and woos you. Every time you choose obedience, you. Every time you choose obedience, you. Every time you choose obedience, you step into greater freedom, which is you step into greater freedom, which is you step into greater freedom, which is counterintuitive. counterintuitive. counterintuitive. We don't like the word surrender in We don't like the word surrender in We don't like the word surrender in America. I was talking to my friend Rob America. I was talking to my friend Rob America. I was talking to my friend Rob and he's got a family who wrestle and and he's got a family who wrestle and and he's got a family who wrestle and and this wrestling is another kind of and this wrestling is another kind of and this wrestling is another kind of sport. Those are some those are some sport. Those are some those are some sport. Those are some those are some tough tough tough kids. tough tough tough kids. tough tough tough kids. And I'm sure that there will be many a And I'm sure that there will be many a And I'm sure that there will be many a time where time where time where um he's told his kids, "You know what? um he's told his kids, "You know what? um he's told his kids, "You know what? If if if you if if you're the one who If if if you if if you're the one who If if if you if if you're the one who quit, if you if you don't quit last, quit, if you if you don't quit last, quit, if you if you don't quit last, you'll win. And no matter what's you'll win. And no matter what's you'll win. And no matter what's happening, don't give up. Whatever you happening, don't give up. Whatever you happening, don't give up. Whatever you do, don't submit. Whatever you do, don't do, don't submit. Whatever you do, don't do, don't submit. Whatever you do, don't tap out. And in so many areas of life, tap out. And in so many areas of life, tap out. And in so many areas of life, that's a wonderful piece of advice, but that's a wonderful piece of advice, but that's a wonderful piece of advice, but it's a terrible piece of advice when it it's a terrible piece of advice when it it's a terrible piece of advice when it comes to the voice of God in your comes to the voice of God in your comes to the voice of God in your journey. Because in fact, your greatest journey. Because in fact, your greatest journey. Because in fact, your greatest freedom will be found on the other side freedom will be found on the other side freedom will be found on the other side of Jesus asking you to obey.

of Jesus asking you to obey. of Jesus asking you to obey. The Apostle Paul understood it. He said, The Apostle Paul understood it. He said, The Apostle Paul understood it. He said, "I'm not a slave to anyone. "I'm not a slave to anyone. "I'm not a slave to anyone. I'm totally and absolutely free in I'm totally and absolutely free in I'm totally and absolutely free in Christ. I understand what the blood of Christ. I understand what the blood of Christ. I understand what the blood of Jesus has purchased me. I know the power Jesus has purchased me. I know the power Jesus has purchased me. I know the power of the resurrection in my life. There of the resurrection in my life. There of the resurrection in my life. There isn't a person on earth who feels as isn't a person on earth who feels as isn't a person on earth who feels as free as me. But this is how I go deeper free as me. But this is how I go deeper free as me. But this is how I go deeper into my freedom. I now sell MY LIFE TO into my freedom. I now sell MY LIFE TO into my freedom. I now sell MY LIFE TO THE CAUSE OF CHRIST. I live OUT MY DAYS THE CAUSE OF CHRIST. I live OUT MY DAYS THE CAUSE OF CHRIST. I live OUT MY DAYS FOR his glory. I was made on purpose. I FOR his glory. I was made on purpose. I FOR his glory. I was made on purpose. I will live out that purpose and that will live out that purpose and that will live out that purpose and that makes me fully free. That should be your makes me fully free. That should be your makes me fully free. That should be your story, too. God has made you on purpose. story, too. God has made you on purpose. story, too. God has made you on purpose. Fulfill your purpose and that's how you Fulfill your purpose and that's how you Fulfill your purpose and that's how you live free. I love the personal rights that you get I love the personal rights that you get here in America. Trust me, as someone here in America. Trust me, as someone here in America. Trust me, as someone who has grown up in another country, has who has grown up in another country, has who has grown up in another country, has family in many other countries, has family in many other countries, has family in many other countries, has spent the last 30 years traveling around spent the last 30 years traveling around spent the last 30 years traveling around the world preaching the gospel, I'm the world preaching the gospel, I'm the world preaching the gospel, I'm telling you now, here in America, you telling you now, here in America, you telling you now, here in America, you get a very unique gift. Your individual get a very unique gift. Your individual get a very unique gift. Your individual right to pursue right to pursue right to pursue better for you and for your family. It's better for you and for your family. It's better for you and for your family. It's a beautiful gift. But never allow this a beautiful gift. But never allow this a beautiful gift. But never allow this personal pursuit to get in the way of personal pursuit to get in the way of personal pursuit to get in the way of understanding that your highest form of understanding that your highest form of understanding that your highest form of freedom will be surrendering your life freedom will be surrendering your life freedom will be surrendering your life daily into the loving hands of a God who daily into the loving hands of a God who daily into the loving hands of a God who is more for you.

is more for you. is more for you. You feel most free when you're You feel most free when you're You feel most free when you're surrendered to him. How many people were surrendered to him. How many people were surrendered to him. How many people were How many people served or got involved How many people served or got involved How many people served or got involved with youth camp a couple weeks back? with youth camp a couple weeks back? with youth camp a couple weeks back? Anyone? Anyone? Anyone like served? And Anyone? Anyone? Anyone like served? And Anyone? Anyone? Anyone like served? And didn't you don't didn't you feel it? didn't you don't didn't you feel it? didn't you don't didn't you feel it? Like when you're there serving, it just Like when you're there serving, it just Like when you're there serving, it just feels I feel like I'm so alive. feels I feel like I'm so alive. feels I feel like I'm so alive. You're seeing young people worshiping You're seeing young people worshiping You're seeing young people worshiping God. You're giving of your time. You God. You're giving of your time. You God. You're giving of your time. You might have taken annual leave. It it might have taken annual leave. It it might have taken annual leave. It it cost you money to be around to serve, cost you money to be around to serve, cost you money to be around to serve, but for some reason, you felt so free. but for some reason, you felt so free. but for some reason, you felt so free. Why? Because you're aligning yourself Why? Because you're aligning yourself Why? Because you're aligning yourself with your purpose. with your purpose. with your purpose. Do you feel free? Before we were Do you feel free? Before we were Do you feel free? Before we were worshiping God, we were we were singing worshiping God, we were we were singing worshiping God, we were we were singing and you walked in here with the pains and you walked in here with the pains and you walked in here with the pains and the problems that I feel as well. and the problems that I feel as well. and the problems that I feel as well. The world feels heavy. The issues are The world feels heavy. The issues are The world feels heavy. The issues are all around. But for some reason, with all around. But for some reason, with all around. But for some reason, with our hands lifted and our voices loud, we our hands lifted and our voices loud, we our hands lifted and our voices loud, we felt so free. What was happening? Cuz felt so free. What was happening? Cuz felt so free. What was happening? Cuz you're surrendering. you're surrendering. you're surrendering. You feel free. You feel free. You feel free. Come on. Anyone felt like just a weight, Come on. Anyone felt like just a weight, Come on. Anyone felt like just a weight, the weight of their world was on their the weight of their world was on their the weight of their world was on their shoulders and then they hit their knees, shoulders and then they hit their knees, shoulders and then they hit their knees, start to pray, talk to God, and then all start to pray, talk to God, and then all start to pray, talk to God, and then all of a sudden all that weight gets lifted.

of a sudden all that weight gets lifted. of a sudden all that weight gets lifted. Why? Why? Why? Because prayer is just another word for Because prayer is just another word for Because prayer is just another word for surrender. You will feel most free in your journey You will feel most free in your journey when you understand that you're free when you understand that you're free when you understand that you're free from sin and death. That you don't have from sin and death. That you don't have from sin and death. That you don't have to go back to that jail cell that he let to go back to that jail cell that he let to go back to that jail cell that he let you free from. you free from. you free from. and that you get to live your life every and that you get to live your life every and that you get to live your life every single day on purpose for the God who single day on purpose for the God who single day on purpose for the God who made you on purpose. made you on purpose. made you on purpose. That's freedom. That's freedom. That's freedom. So, as we wrap up our time, I just want So, as we wrap up our time, I just want So, as we wrap up our time, I just want to do two simple things. First and to do two simple things. First and to do two simple things. First and foremost, I want to give an opportunity foremost, I want to give an opportunity foremost, I want to give an opportunity to someone in the room to simply say yes to someone in the room to simply say yes to someone in the room to simply say yes to Jesus. to Jesus. to Jesus. He's already said yes to you. He's already said yes to you. He's already said yes to you. That's the reason over the last 30 That's the reason over the last 30 That's the reason over the last 30 minutes, there are some people here who minutes, there are some people here who minutes, there are some people here who are going, you know what? are going, you know what? are going, you know what? I feel like God's trying to talk to me. I feel like God's trying to talk to me. I feel like God's trying to talk to me. I feel like God's trying to take the I feel like God's trying to take the I feel like God's trying to take the control seat of my life. I feel like control seat of my life. I feel like control seat of my life. I feel like he's trying to get to the center point he's trying to get to the center point he's trying to get to the center point of my journey. That's the reason some of of my journey. That's the reason some of of my journey. That's the reason some of y'all have felt this strange knocking at y'all have felt this strange knocking at y'all have felt this strange knocking at your heart's door.

your heart's door. your heart's door. You've been confused about what that You've been confused about what that You've been confused about what that experience was. I'm just here to let you experience was. I'm just here to let you experience was. I'm just here to let you know that's what it feels like when God know that's what it feels like when God know that's what it feels like when God tries to get through to you. tries to get through to you. tries to get through to you. But then you push back, why does God But then you push back, why does God But then you push back, why does God bother knocking? Isn't he God? Can't he bother knocking? Isn't he God? Can't he bother knocking? Isn't he God? Can't he just kick the door down? No, no, no. just kick the door down? No, no, no. just kick the door down? No, no, no. Love never forces itself. Love allows Love never forces itself. Love allows Love never forces itself. Love allows you to choose. you to choose. you to choose. And that's the reason you have felt that And that's the reason you have felt that And that's the reason you have felt that knock over the last 31 minutes. knock over the last 31 minutes. knock over the last 31 minutes. So if you're in this room right now and So if you're in this room right now and So if you're in this room right now and you're going, "Hey, you know what? I you're going, "Hey, you know what? I you're going, "Hey, you know what? I need to make Jesus Christ my Lord, my need to make Jesus Christ my Lord, my need to make Jesus Christ my Lord, my King, my Savior. I need to make him King, my Savior. I need to make him King, my Savior. I need to make him number one. I need to follow his way. I number one. I need to follow his way. I number one. I need to follow his way. I want to invite everyone in the room just want to invite everyone in the room just want to invite everyone in the room just to close their eyes right now, but to to close their eyes right now, but to to close their eyes right now, but to open up their hearts. And if you felt open up their hearts. And if you felt open up their hearts. And if you felt that knock, would you allow me to lead that knock, would you allow me to lead that knock, would you allow me to lead you in a prayer that heaven will hear? you in a prayer that heaven will hear? you in a prayer that heaven will hear? I prayed this prayer when I was 17 years I prayed this prayer when I was 17 years I prayed this prayer when I was 17 years old and it has been changing my life for old and it has been changing my life for old and it has been changing my life for the last 34 years. the last 34 years. the last 34 years. And I believe that it will change your And I believe that it will change your And I believe that it will change your life as well. So with every eye closed life as well. So with every eye closed life as well. So with every eye closed but every heart open, if you're saying, but every heart open, if you're saying, but every heart open, if you're saying, you know what, Dan, I heard Jesus you know what, Dan, I heard Jesus you know what, Dan, I heard Jesus knocking on my heart's door. I want to knocking on my heart's door. I want to knocking on my heart's door. I want to give him my life. When I count to three, give him my life. When I count to three, give him my life. When I count to three, would you lift your hand where you are?

would you lift your hand where you are? would you lift your hand where you are? Are you ready? 1 2 3. Just lift your Are you ready? 1 2 3. Just lift your Are you ready? 1 2 3. Just lift your hand where you are. You were saying yes hand where you are. You were saying yes hand where you are. You were saying yes to Jesus. I see your hand over here. I to Jesus. I see your hand over here. I to Jesus. I see your hand over here. I see your hand over there. I see your see your hand over there. I see your see your hand over there. I see your hand over there. Amazing. I see your hand over there. Amazing. I see your hand over there. Amazing. I see your hand over here as well to my left. I see hand over here as well to my left. I see hand over here as well to my left. I see your hand there in the back left as your hand there in the back left as your hand there in the back left as well. I see your hand here in the middle well. I see your hand here in the middle well. I see your hand here in the middle as well. Amazing. as well. Amazing. as well. Amazing. With your hand lifted, I want you to With your hand lifted, I want you to With your hand lifted, I want you to pray this out loud after me. In fact, pray this out loud after me. In fact, pray this out loud after me. In fact, we'll do it all together as an act of we'll do it all together as an act of we'll do it all together as an act of love and support. Let's pray this out love and support. Let's pray this out love and support. Let's pray this out loud. Dear Jesus, I surrender my life to loud. Dear Jesus, I surrender my life to loud. Dear Jesus, I surrender my life to you. Thank you for your love. you. Thank you for your love. you. Thank you for your love. I repent. I repent. I repent. I turn your way. I turn your way. I turn your way. Help me now by your spirit to live for Help me now by your spirit to live for Help me now by your spirit to live for your glory. your glory. your glory. I am free. Amen. Come on. Can you put I am free. Amen. Come on. Can you put I am free. Amen. Come on. Can you put your hands together for all the people your hands together for all the people your hands together for all the people who lifted theirs? Wow. who lifted theirs? Wow. who lifted theirs? Wow. So cool. At the end of this gathering, I want to At the end of this gathering, I want to encourage you if you lifted your hand to encourage you if you lifted your hand to encourage you if you lifted your hand to connect with maybe the person that connect with maybe the person that connect with maybe the person that brought you along, maybe a pastor here brought you along, maybe a pastor here brought you along, maybe a pastor here in this room. We are so excited about in this room. We are so excited about in this room. We are so excited about the step that you took. We want to be the step that you took. We want to be the step that you took. We want to be there for your whole journey. Come on, there for your whole journey. Come on, there for your whole journey. Come on, one more time. Put your hands together one more time. Put your hands together one more time. Put your hands together for them. It's so cool.

Now, finally, with every eye open and Now, finally, with every eye open and every head raised and everyone looking every head raised and everyone looking every head raised and everyone looking around in a judgmental manner. I do this around in a judgmental manner. I do this around in a judgmental manner. I do this all the time because it creates a all the time because it creates a all the time because it creates a humbling environment. And the Bible humbling environment. And the Bible humbling environment. And the Bible says, "God opposes the proud but gives says, "God opposes the proud but gives says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." grace to the humble." grace to the humble." I've learned over these 33 years of I've learned over these 33 years of I've learned over these 33 years of walking with Jesus walking with Jesus walking with Jesus that he makes promises and he keeps that he makes promises and he keeps that he makes promises and he keeps them. So, I'm just trying to activate a them. So, I'm just trying to activate a them. So, I'm just trying to activate a promise for your life before you leave promise for your life before you leave promise for your life before you leave today. Because all of us need some grace today. Because all of us need some grace today. Because all of us need some grace to live out what God has stirred in our to live out what God has stirred in our to live out what God has stirred in our heart. So, with every eye open and every heart. So, with every eye open and every heart. So, with every eye open and every head raised, if you would say, you know head raised, if you would say, you know head raised, if you would say, you know what, I need more freedom in my life. what, I need more freedom in my life. what, I need more freedom in my life. and you know that over the last 33 and you know that over the last 33 and you know that over the last 33 minutes as you've heard this message minutes as you've heard this message minutes as you've heard this message you're going you know what in that area you're going you know what in that area you're going you know what in that area of my life in that space of my journey I of my life in that space of my journey I of my life in that space of my journey I just need more freedom if that's you I just need more freedom if that's you I just need more freedom if that's you I would love to give you an opportunity to would love to give you an opportunity to would love to give you an opportunity to lean into the grace available to you lean into the grace available to you lean into the grace available to you through this humble move so with every through this humble move so with every through this humble move so with every eye open every head raised if that word eye open every head raised if that word eye open every head raised if that word was for you today was for you today was for you today if God has stirred in your heart today if God has stirred in your heart today if God has stirred in your heart today regarding freedom and you need more of regarding freedom and you need more of regarding freedom and you need more of it would you lift your hand high in the it would you lift your hand high in the it would you lift your hand high in the sky just let us know right sky just let us know right sky just let us know right Okay. So, you're not alone. Keep it Okay. So, you're not alone. Keep it Okay. So, you're not alone. Keep it lifted. And out loud, I want you to pray lifted. And out loud, I want you to pray lifted. And out loud, I want you to pray this with me. We'll do it all together.

this with me. We'll do it all together. this with me. We'll do it all together. Dear Jesus, Dear Jesus, Dear Jesus, I surrender my life to you. I hold you to your promise I hold you to your promise that you will give me grace that you will give me grace that you will give me grace to find more freedom to find more freedom to find more freedom in my journey. in my journey. in my journey. I love you, God. I love you, God. I love you, God. Thank you for your love for me. Thank you for your love for me. Thank you for your love for me. I will be freer I will be freer I will be freer going forward. going forward. going forward. Amen. Come put your hands together and Amen. Come put your hands together and Amen. Come put your hands together and praise God for what he's doing. Well, happy Fourth of July weekend, Well, happy Fourth of July weekend, family. I'm so grateful for this church. family. I'm so grateful for this church. family. I'm so grateful for this church. It's breathtakingly beautiful. Every It's breathtakingly beautiful. Every It's breathtakingly beautiful. Every year I get to visit to see how far we year I get to visit to see how far we year I get to visit to see how far we have come, how much we have grown. And have come, how much we have grown. And have come, how much we have grown. And here's the best part. Our King Jesus is here's the best part. Our King Jesus is here's the best part. Our King Jesus is just getting warmed up. Our best days just getting warmed up. Our best days just getting warmed up. Our best days lay ahead. God bless and I'll see you lay ahead. God bless and I'll see you lay ahead. God bless and I'll see you next summer.