REAL VICTORY BEGINS WITH... - SOUL GOOD SUMMER - MARK PETTUS

Oh, so fun. So fun. And one of Oh, so fun. So fun. And one of I have all those experiences. I was just I have all those experiences. I was just I have all those experiences. I was just thinking back to the last 18 years of my thinking back to the last 18 years of my thinking back to the last 18 years of my life as a dad. So, want to welcome all life as a dad. So, want to welcome all life as a dad. So, want to welcome all of our campuses again, everyone who's of our campuses again, everyone who's of our campuses again, everyone who's joining us online or on demand in our joining us online or on demand in our joining us online or on demand in our correctional facilities. What an honor correctional facilities. What an honor correctional facilities. What an honor it is to be together on this Father's it is to be together on this Father's it is to be together on this Father's Day as a as a church family. Can you put Day as a as a church family. Can you put Day as a as a church family. Can you put your hands together, Highlands, one more your hands together, Highlands, one more your hands together, Highlands, one more time for everybody who's joining us? time for everybody who's joining us? time for everybody who's joining us? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> I love it. I love it. And we are in week >> I love it. I love it. And we are in week >> I love it. I love it. And we are in week three of a series called Soul Good three of a series called Soul Good three of a series called Soul Good Summer. Look at your neighbor and say, Summer. Look at your neighbor and say, Summer. Look at your neighbor and say, "Soul good." "Soul good." "Soul good." And that is our more than a series And that is our more than a series And that is our more than a series title. That's our prayer for you. You title. That's our prayer for you. You title. That's our prayer for you. You just You just got to know we are praying just You just got to know we are praying just You just got to know we are praying um that God would meet you right where um that God would meet you right where um that God would meet you right where you are, kind of halfway through this you are, kind of halfway through this you are, kind of halfway through this year. We've all gone through some year. We've all gone through some year. We've all gone through some things, but God would meet you in this things, but God would meet you in this things, but God would meet you in this month of June, and that he would breathe month of June, and that he would breathe month of June, and that he would breathe life into your soul. I know that's what life into your soul. I know that's what life into your soul. I know that's what he wants to do. And so, we're opening he wants to do. And so, we're opening he wants to do. And so, we're opening our hearts up to God this whole month. our hearts up to God this whole month. our hearts up to God this whole month. You know, we are uh as as as people, we You know, we are uh as as as people, we You know, we are uh as as as people, we have a body, uh we have a spirit, and we have a body, uh we have a spirit, and we have a body, uh we have a spirit, and we all have a soul. And our soul is our all have a soul. And our soul is our all have a soul. And our soul is our mind, our will, and our emotions. And mind, our will, and our emotions. And mind, our will, and our emotions. And that as I just said, that's an area that as I just said, that's an area that as I just said, that's an area where we take a lot of hits. This world where we take a lot of hits. This world where we take a lot of hits. This world comes after us in our mind, our comes after us in our mind, our comes after us in our mind, our thoughts, our emotions, just the pain, thoughts, our emotions, just the pain, thoughts, our emotions, just the pain, all the things that we go through. But, all the things that we go through. But, all the things that we go through. But, the good news all month long, and this the good news all month long, and this the good news all month long, and this is our key scripture, is Psalm 23 verses is our key scripture, is Psalm 23 verses is our key scripture, is Psalm 23 verses 1 through 3. The Lord is my shepherd, I 1 through 3. The Lord is my shepherd, I 1 through 3. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in lack nothing. He makes me lie down in lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet green pastures. He leads me beside quiet green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. Here it is, Highlands. He what?

waters. Here it is, Highlands. He what? waters. Here it is, Highlands. He what? He refreshes our souls. He refreshes our souls. He refreshes our souls. And uh we're just again praying that you And uh we're just again praying that you And uh we're just again praying that you would experience that today. And what I would experience that today. And what I would experience that today. And what I have for you today, I'm so excited. It's have for you today, I'm so excited. It's have for you today, I'm so excited. It's really more of a Bible study. If you really more of a Bible study. If you really more of a Bible study. If you love kind of getting deep into God's love kind of getting deep into God's love kind of getting deep into God's word, you're going to love today. I word, you're going to love today. I word, you're going to love today. I believe God wants to minister to all of believe God wants to minister to all of believe God wants to minister to all of us, but I got to be honest today, all us, but I got to be honest today, all us, but I got to be honest today, all the men of Highlands are on my heart the men of Highlands are on my heart the men of Highlands are on my heart today. I really believe this is a word today. I really believe this is a word today. I really believe this is a word again for all of us, but I definitely again for all of us, but I definitely again for all of us, but I definitely believe the Holy Spirit wants to do believe the Holy Spirit wants to do believe the Holy Spirit wants to do something deep in the heart of every man something deep in the heart of every man something deep in the heart of every man in this in the sound of my voice. I know in this in the sound of my voice. I know in this in the sound of my voice. I know we've been clapping a lot, but can we we've been clapping a lot, but can we we've been clapping a lot, but can we just thank God for the men of Highlands? just thank God for the men of Highlands? just thank God for the men of Highlands? I'm grateful for you. It's an honor to I'm grateful for you. It's an honor to I'm grateful for you. It's an honor to be a part of this church with you. be a part of this church with you. be a part of this church with you. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And uh our key text today is Hebrews >> And uh our key text today is Hebrews >> And uh our key text today is Hebrews chapter 12. And so, if you got your chapter 12. And so, if you got your chapter 12. And so, if you got your Bible you can open it up if you got your Bible you can open it up if you got your Bible you can open it up if you got your app you can go ahead and app you can go ahead and app you can go ahead and get that out you'll definitely want to get that out you'll definitely want to get that out you'll definitely want to take notes today. So I'm going to read take notes today. So I'm going to read take notes today. So I'm going to read these three verses and then we're going these three verses and then we're going these three verses and then we're going to spend the rest of our time together to spend the rest of our time together to spend the rest of our time together today working through these verses. today working through these verses. today working through these verses. And God wants to minister to us. God And God wants to minister to us. God And God wants to minister to us. God wants to refresh us today. I love wants to refresh us today. I love wants to refresh us today. I love the power of his word word. Verse verse the power of his word word. Verse verse the power of his word word. Verse verse one says therefore since we are one says therefore since we are one says therefore since we are surrounded surrounded surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let by such a great cloud of witnesses, let by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and us throw off everything that hinders and us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let the sin that so easily entangles and let the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance. Everybody say us run with perseverance. Everybody say us run with perseverance. Everybody say perseverance.

perseverance. perseverance. The race marked out for us fixing our The race marked out for us fixing our The race marked out for us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and the eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and the eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and the perfecter of our faith. For the joy set perfecter of our faith. For the joy set perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, he before him he endured the cross, he before him he endured the cross, he scorned its shame. Where is he now? He's scorned its shame. Where is he now? He's scorned its shame. Where is he now? He's sitting down at the right hand of the sitting down at the right hand of the sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God. Verse three, this is how throne of God. Verse three, this is how throne of God. Verse three, this is how we're going to close today. We're going we're going to close today. We're going we're going to close today. We're going to consider all of this. Consider him to consider all of this. Consider him to consider all of this. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners who endured such opposition from sinners who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose so that you will not grow weary and lose so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Anybody grateful for the word of heart. Anybody grateful for the word of heart. Anybody grateful for the word of God? Can we honor God's word today in God? Can we honor God's word today in God? Can we honor God's word today in this house? this house? this house? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> So the book of Hebrews is a book about >> So the book of Hebrews is a book about >> So the book of Hebrews is a book about perseverance. I had you say that word perseverance. I had you say that word perseverance. I had you say that word because it really is the key word. If because it really is the key word. If because it really is the key word. If you want to understand you want to understand you want to understand the theme of the book, it's it's a book the theme of the book, it's it's a book the theme of the book, it's it's a book about endurance. It's a book about about endurance. It's a book about about endurance. It's a book about perseverance. You'll just see that when perseverance. You'll just see that when perseverance. You'll just see that when you read it you'll see that word over you read it you'll see that word over you read it you'll see that word over and over and over. and over and over. and over and over. And I want to just put the the biblical And I want to just put the the biblical And I want to just put the the biblical definition of perseverance cuz it's a definition of perseverance cuz it's a definition of perseverance cuz it's a gift from God by the way that he wants gift from God by the way that he wants gift from God by the way that he wants for you. for you. for you. God has perseverance for us. It just God has perseverance for us. It just God has perseverance for us. It just means this, steadfast endurance, means this, steadfast endurance, means this, steadfast endurance, remaining under a heavy burden. Isn't remaining under a heavy burden. Isn't remaining under a heavy burden. Isn't that powerful? [music] No matter what that powerful? [music] No matter what that powerful? [music] No matter what the weight looks like we can remain the weight looks like we can remain the weight looks like we can remain without giving up patiently and without giving up patiently and without giving up patiently and persistently persistently persistently pressing forward. Again, life comes at pressing forward. Again, life comes at pressing forward. Again, life comes at all of us hard. We all feel the weight all of us hard. We all feel the weight all of us hard. We all feel the weight and pressure, the and pressure, the and pressure, the the discouragement, the responsibility the discouragement, the responsibility the discouragement, the responsibility and the enemy would love to make us and the enemy would love to make us and the enemy would love to make us quit.

quit. quit. That we would as we read in Hebrews, we That we would as we read in Hebrews, we That we would as we read in Hebrews, we would get weary and then ultimately that would get weary and then ultimately that would get weary and then ultimately that we would lose heart. And that may be we would lose heart. And that may be we would lose heart. And that may be exactly how you have come into church exactly how you have come into church exactly how you have come into church today. And I'm just going to keep today. And I'm just going to keep today. And I'm just going to keep speaking faith all day long. You're speaking faith all day long. You're speaking faith all day long. You're going to leave different today. God's going to leave different today. God's going to leave different today. God's going to refresh you today in Jesus' going to refresh you today in Jesus' going to refresh you today in Jesus' name, in your soul. But we're in the name, in your soul. But we're in the name, in your soul. But we're in the middle of a life that's going to be full middle of a life that's going to be full middle of a life that's going to be full of attack, but in the middle of all that of attack, but in the middle of all that of attack, but in the middle of all that attack, in the middle of all that attack, in the middle of all that attack, in the middle of all that discouragement, just in the middle of discouragement, just in the middle of discouragement, just in the middle of life itself, God gives us a book in life itself, God gives us a book in life itself, God gives us a book in Hebrews that reminds us we can have Hebrews that reminds us we can have Hebrews that reminds us we can have victory in him through perseverance. victory in him through perseverance. victory in him through perseverance. And so I love language that kind of And so I love language that kind of And so I love language that kind of creates culture, and so I we this past creates culture, and so I we this past creates culture, and so I we this past fall we did a series on the goodness of fall we did a series on the goodness of fall we did a series on the goodness of God. We sing about his goodness today, God. We sing about his goodness today, God. We sing about his goodness today, and so I know you know what I'm about to and so I know you know what I'm about to and so I know you know what I'm about to do right now. God is good do right now. God is good do right now. God is good >> all the time. >> all the time. >> all the time. >> And all the time >> And all the time >> And all the time >> God is good. >> God is good. >> God is good. >> I love that. I love how that creates it >> I love that. I love how that creates it >> I love that. I love how that creates it builds faith it creates culture. When builds faith it creates culture. When builds faith it creates culture. When our family our kind of family motto is our family our kind of family motto is our family our kind of family motto is if we don't quit, we win. And so I'm if we don't quit, we win. And so I'm if we don't quit, we win. And so I'm just going to go ahead from today just going to go ahead from today just going to go ahead from today forward make that another rally cry of forward make that another rally cry of forward make that another rally cry of our entire church cuz I want to build our entire church cuz I want to build our entire church cuz I want to build faith today in all of us. I want to say faith today in all of us. I want to say faith today in all of us. I want to say if we don't quit and you say we win. On if we don't quit and you say we win. On if we don't quit and you say we win. On the count of three, 1 2 3, if we don't the count of three, 1 2 3, if we don't the count of three, 1 2 3, if we don't quit quit quit >> we win.

>> we win. >> we win. >> If we don't quit >> If we don't quit >> If we don't quit >> we win. >> we win. >> we win. >> we win. That God has victory for you. >> we win. That God has victory for you. >> we win. That God has victory for you. That there is perseverance for you That there is perseverance for you That there is perseverance for you today. There's that endurance that God today. There's that endurance that God today. There's that endurance that God wants to breathe into your soul. And so wants to breathe into your soul. And so wants to breathe into your soul. And so for the next few moments we're going to for the next few moments we're going to for the next few moments we're going to talk about how real victory talk about how real victory talk about how real victory begins with a truth that we're going to begins with a truth that we're going to begins with a truth that we're going to learn right here in Hebrews chapter 12. learn right here in Hebrews chapter 12. learn right here in Hebrews chapter 12. Hebrews gives us four really as we read Hebrews gives us four really as we read Hebrews gives us four really as we read the scripture four different movements. the scripture four different movements. the scripture four different movements. I'm going to say it strong today four I'm going to say it strong today four I'm going to say it strong today four revelations if you'll open your heart up revelations if you'll open your heart up revelations if you'll open your heart up to it. And that all starts of course in to it. And that all starts of course in to it. And that all starts of course in verse one. Put it back on the screen verse one. Put it back on the screen verse one. Put it back on the screen guys. It says therefore since we're guys. It says therefore since we're guys. It says therefore since we're surrounded by now catch the setting of surrounded by now catch the setting of surrounded by now catch the setting of the scripture. The setting is so the scripture. The setting is so the scripture. The setting is so important. Paul is setting us up so we important. Paul is setting us up so we important. Paul is setting us up so we can really metaphors or you know can really metaphors or you know can really metaphors or you know pictures help us really put ourselves pictures help us really put ourselves pictures help us really put ourselves into the word into the text. They help into the word into the text. They help into the word into the text. They help it it it come to life inside of us. And so he's come to life inside of us. And so he's come to life inside of us. And so he's he's putting a picture around these he's putting a picture around these he's putting a picture around these verses. He says we're surrounded by this verses. He says we're surrounded by this verses. He says we're surrounded by this great cloud of witness. Let us throw off great cloud of witness. Let us throw off great cloud of witness. Let us throw off everything that hinders everything that hinders everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and the sin that so easily entangles, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance a race and let us run with perseverance a race and let us run with perseverance a race that has been marked out for us. Number that has been marked out for us. Number that has been marked out for us. Number one, write it in your app. God God has one, write it in your app. God God has one, write it in your app. God God has marked out a race for you.

marked out a race for you. marked out a race for you. There is a a race There is a a race There is a a race that is marked out for you. And so for that is marked out for you. And so for that is marked out for you. And so for today, for the rest of today's message, today, for the rest of today's message, today, for the rest of today's message, we're turning this stage, this we're turning this stage, this we're turning this stage, this auditorium, into a stadium. You can you auditorium, into a stadium. You can you auditorium, into a stadium. You can you maybe if you're at Grants Mill, you've maybe if you're at Grants Mill, you've maybe if you're at Grants Mill, you've seen this. We've already right here on seen this. We've already right here on seen this. We've already right here on the platform um have a racetrack have the platform um have a racetrack have the platform um have a racetrack have have lanes race racing lanes. Um there have lanes race racing lanes. Um there have lanes race racing lanes. Um there is a you know, there's lines, there's a is a you know, there's lines, there's a is a you know, there's lines, there's a starting line, uh there's a finishing starting line, uh there's a finishing starting line, uh there's a finishing line. I love that we have a crowd a line. I love that we have a crowd a line. I love that we have a crowd a great cloud of witnesses that are in the great cloud of witnesses that are in the great cloud of witnesses that are in the room today. I feel like we need to room today. I feel like we need to room today. I feel like we need to actually bring that all the way around actually bring that all the way around actually bring that all the way around though. You know, in the state of though. You know, in the state of though. You know, in the state of Alabama, there's a lot of great stadiums Alabama, there's a lot of great stadiums Alabama, there's a lot of great stadiums we can choose from. we can choose from. we can choose from. I don't know which picture you got to I don't know which picture you got to I don't know which picture you got to help me out out there today. You all help me out out there today. You all help me out out there today. You all ready? Could Should it be this picture ready? Could Should it be this picture ready? Could Should it be this picture right here? Should this be our stadium right here? Should this be our stadium right here? Should this be our stadium right there? I don't know. Should it I right there? I don't know. Should it I right there? I don't know. Should it I don't know. Should it be It's okay. don't know. Should it be It's okay. don't know. Should it be It's okay. I I don't know. Maybe maybe not that I I don't know. Maybe maybe not that I I don't know. Maybe maybe not that one. Maybe we should do this stadium one. Maybe we should do this stadium one. Maybe we should do this stadium right here. I don't know. Uh >> [applause] >> [applause] >> One of my best friends in the world, >> One of my best friends in the world, >> One of my best friends in the world, Thomas Cox, here on the second row. I Thomas Cox, here on the second row. I Thomas Cox, here on the second row. I know you want this stadium right here. know you want this stadium right here. know you want this stadium right here. Come on. The third one, the godliest Come on. The third one, the godliest Come on. The third one, the godliest stadium of all. stadium of all. stadium of all. Go Blake. Just Just Go Come on, guys. Go Go Blake. Just Just Go Come on, guys. Go Go Blake. Just Just Go Come on, guys. Go Blazers. Can't we just We're in this Blazers. Can't we just We're in this Blazers. Can't we just We're in this together.

together. together. All right. Put up the Roman stadium. So All right. Put up the Roman stadium. So All right. Put up the Roman stadium. So let's put this stadium around us. So let's put this stadium around us. So let's put this stadium around us. So here we are. We're in a stadium. This here we are. We're in a stadium. This here we are. We're in a stadium. This Put Put yourself there with me right Put Put yourself there with me right Put Put yourself there with me right now. And there there it's crucial for us now. And there there it's crucial for us now. And there there it's crucial for us to really get this text that we would to really get this text that we would to really get this text that we would recognize we're in a lane right now. recognize we're in a lane right now. recognize we're in a lane right now. That there is a there is a finish line That there is a there is a finish line That there is a there is a finish line in front of you. I don't know where you in front of you. I don't know where you in front of you. I don't know where you are in your race, but you're you're in a are in your race, but you're you're in a are in your race, but you're you're in a lane right now. And God is the one who lane right now. And God is the one who lane right now. And God is the one who marked this lane out for you. marked this lane out for you. marked this lane out for you. And even in in the original language, it And even in in the original language, it And even in in the original language, it just means he set it in front of you. just means he set it in front of you. just means he set it in front of you. God appointed those lines. And the book God appointed those lines. And the book God appointed those lines. And the book of Acts tells us the time that you would of Acts tells us the time that you would of Acts tells us the time that you would live and even the boundaries of your live and even the boundaries of your live and even the boundaries of your life. God That all that's in the hand of life. God That all that's in the hand of life. God That all that's in the hand of God. He's a sovereign God. Your life is God. He's a sovereign God. Your life is God. He's a sovereign God. Your life is not an accident. not an accident. not an accident. That's why we are pro-life as a church. That's why we are pro-life as a church. That's why we are pro-life as a church. That's why we we believe in the mercy That's why we we believe in the mercy That's why we we believe in the mercy and the grace of God. Second chance is and the grace of God. Second chance is and the grace of God. Second chance is your life is not an accident. My your life is not an accident. My your life is not an accident. My favorite scripture in the entire Bible favorite scripture in the entire Bible favorite scripture in the entire Bible is Ephesians 2:10. You'll probably hear is Ephesians 2:10. You'll probably hear is Ephesians 2:10. You'll probably hear me preach this I don't know 10-15 times me preach this I don't know 10-15 times me preach this I don't know 10-15 times every year. I just love this scripture. every year. I just love this scripture. every year. I just love this scripture. It says we are God's masterpiece created It says we are God's masterpiece created It says we are God's masterpiece created new in Christ Jesus. So you I'm going to new in Christ Jesus. So you I'm going to new in Christ Jesus. So you I'm going to make it personal in your own heart. So I make it personal in your own heart. So I make it personal in your own heart. So I so you can do the good things he planned so you can do the good things he planned so you can do the good things he planned for you long ago. Write it down. Your for you long ago. Write it down. Your for you long ago. Write it down. Your life is on purpose.

life is on purpose. life is on purpose. God is the one who marked out this race. God is the one who marked out this race. God is the one who marked out this race. He loves you that much that you you're a He loves you that much that you you're a He loves you that much that you you're a masterpiece. You know if you if you were masterpiece. You know if you if you were masterpiece. You know if you if you were if there was a picture of you in heaven if there was a picture of you in heaven if there was a picture of you in heaven it would be hanging on the wall like the it would be hanging on the wall like the it would be hanging on the wall like the Mona Lisa. It's like his greatest work. Mona Lisa. It's like his greatest work. Mona Lisa. It's like his greatest work. Every one of you everyone that I can see Every one of you everyone that I can see Every one of you everyone that I can see right now. My life your life it is a right now. My life your life it is a right now. My life your life it is a masterpiece. And what's so cool is that masterpiece. And what's so cool is that masterpiece. And what's so cool is that none of that's an accident. God uniquely none of that's an accident. God uniquely none of that's an accident. God uniquely made you to run the race that you're in made you to run the race that you're in made you to run the race that you're in running right now the lane that that running right now the lane that that running right now the lane that that he's created for you. he's created for you. he's created for you. So your strengths are not an accident. So your strengths are not an accident. So your strengths are not an accident. Your your gifts are not an accident. Hey Your your gifts are not an accident. Hey Your your gifts are not an accident. Hey everybody look at me today even your everybody look at me today even your everybody look at me today even your weaknesses are not an accident. weaknesses are not an accident. weaknesses are not an accident. And I have so many weaknesses in my And I have so many weaknesses in my And I have so many weaknesses in my life. Usually we focus on more of our life. Usually we focus on more of our life. Usually we focus on more of our weaknesses than our strengths. You know weaknesses than our strengths. You know weaknesses than our strengths. You know in vocational ministry there's a lot of in vocational ministry there's a lot of in vocational ministry there's a lot of things I you know I could you can do things I you know I could you can do things I you know I could you can do preaching and leading. And I you know preaching and leading. And I you know preaching and leading. And I you know I've always wanted to sing. Aren't I've always wanted to sing. Aren't I've always wanted to sing. Aren't worship leaders they're the coolest. worship leaders they're the coolest. worship leaders they're the coolest. They're just cool they don't even try to They're just cool they don't even try to They're just cool they don't even try to be cool. My son Landon's here on the be cool. My son Landon's here on the be cool. My son Landon's here on the front row. He can play guitar. I'm just front row. He can play guitar. I'm just front row. He can play guitar. I'm just I love it but I'm kind of mad at him I love it but I'm kind of mad at him I love it but I'm kind of mad at him too. I'm like why is that I can't do any too. I'm like why is that I can't do any too. I'm like why is that I can't do any of that. of that. of that. You know the a great way to split a You know the a great way to split a You know the a great way to split a church in Alabama is to choose either church in Alabama is to choose either church in Alabama is to choose either Auburn or Alabama. If I chose one of Auburn or Alabama. If I chose one of Auburn or Alabama. If I chose one of those it would split the church in half.

those it would split the church in half. those it would split the church in half. That's why I'm grateful Pastor Chris was That's why I'm grateful Pastor Chris was That's why I'm grateful Pastor Chris was an LSU Tiger and I'm a UAB Blazer. an LSU Tiger and I'm a UAB Blazer. an LSU Tiger and I'm a UAB Blazer. Okay. We're praying for you right now Okay. We're praying for you right now Okay. We're praying for you right now right there in that section. right there in that section. right there in that section. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> The second way I could split this church >> The second way I could split this church >> The second way I could split this church is if I grab a microphone and try to is if I grab a microphone and try to is if I grab a microphone and try to sing. Y'all would all leave. sing. Y'all would all leave. sing. Y'all would all leave. But hey you have strengths you have But hey you have strengths you have But hey you have strengths you have weaknesses but even those weaknesses are weaknesses but even those weaknesses are weaknesses but even those weaknesses are intentional. Second Corinthians 12 intentional. Second Corinthians 12 intentional. Second Corinthians 12 because where we're weak guess what we because where we're weak guess what we because where we're weak guess what we invite God to be strong. invite God to be strong. invite God to be strong. If we were string we strong we would If we were string we strong we would If we were string we strong we would think we didn't need God. Our life is on think we didn't need God. Our life is on think we didn't need God. Our life is on purpose number two, our life is for purpose number two, our life is for purpose number two, our life is for purpose. purpose. purpose. And I just love this. I I see a lot of And I just love this. I I see a lot of And I just love this. I I see a lot of young people here to my left. You don't young people here to my left. You don't young people here to my left. You don't have to invent your purpose. I know have to invent your purpose. I know have to invent your purpose. I know there's pressure in high school and in there's pressure in high school and in there's pressure in high school and in college choosing your career. All those college choosing your career. All those college choosing your career. All those things are important, but the wisdom of things are important, but the wisdom of things are important, but the wisdom of God will lead you to your purpose and God will lead you to your purpose and God will lead you to your purpose and you don't have to invent it. You don't you don't have to invent it. You don't you don't have to invent it. You don't declare your purpose. God declared it declare your purpose. God declared it declare your purpose. God declared it over you before you were ever born. I over you before you were ever born. I over you before you were ever born. I know the plans I have for them, declares know the plans I have for them, declares know the plans I have for them, declares the Lord. That God made you to do the Lord. That God made you to do the Lord. That God made you to do specific things and aren't you thankful specific things and aren't you thankful specific things and aren't you thankful Ephesians tells us they're good things. Ephesians tells us they're good things. Ephesians tells us they're good things. I'm glad that verse doesn't say and God I'm glad that verse doesn't say and God I'm glad that verse doesn't say and God prepared us in advance to do some really prepared us in advance to do some really prepared us in advance to do some really bad things.

bad things. bad things. Or some really insignificant things. Or some really insignificant things. Or some really insignificant things. Or some things that really just don't Or some things that really just don't Or some things that really just don't very matter very much. Some people got very matter very much. Some people got very matter very much. Some people got the good part, some people got the okay the good part, some people got the okay the good part, some people got the okay whatever part. No, no, no, all of us are whatever part. No, no, no, all of us are whatever part. No, no, no, all of us are called to do good things. called to do good things. called to do good things. And there are lots of ways to live, but And there are lots of ways to live, but And there are lots of ways to live, but only in Christ can we run our race. only in Christ can we run our race. only in Christ can we run our race. And we all mess up. And we all mess up. And we all mess up. Hey everybody, I know this from my own Hey everybody, I know this from my own Hey everybody, I know this from my own life. I'll preach to myself right now. life. I'll preach to myself right now. life. I'll preach to myself right now. My actions didn't qualify me to run My actions didn't qualify me to run My actions didn't qualify me to run God's race. God's race. God's race. So guess what? My mistakes, they don't So guess what? My mistakes, they don't So guess what? My mistakes, they don't disqualify me. disqualify me. disqualify me. And Romans 11 says that your gifts and And Romans 11 says that your gifts and And Romans 11 says that your gifts and your call, I'm preaching faith today. your call, I'm preaching faith today. your call, I'm preaching faith today. Your gifts and your call are Your gifts and your call are Your gifts and your call are irrevocable. God is not a Walmart. He irrevocable. God is not a Walmart. He irrevocable. God is not a Walmart. He does not have a return desk. does not have a return desk. does not have a return desk. He put it in you and as a church I can't He put it in you and as a church I can't He put it in you and as a church I can't even tell you how passionate we are for even tell you how passionate we are for even tell you how passionate we are for people to say yes to Jesus and then to people to say yes to Jesus and then to people to say yes to Jesus and then to come alongside you for the rest of your come alongside you for the rest of your come alongside you for the rest of your life and help you take those next steps life and help you take those next steps life and help you take those next steps to be all that God has made you to be. to be all that God has made you to be. to be all that God has made you to be. Everybody, say out loud I have a race. Everybody, say out loud I have a race. Everybody, say out loud I have a race. Come on, a little more faith in that. I Come on, a little more faith in that. I Come on, a little more faith in that. I have a race. have a race. have a race. I have a race, you have a race, we have I have a race, you have a race, we have I have a race, you have a race, we have a race, but Hebrews 1 also tells us a race, but Hebrews 1 also tells us a race, but Hebrews 1 also tells us um that we have some opposition. This is um that we have some opposition. This is um that we have some opposition. This is what the scripture says. It says since what the scripture says. It says since what the scripture says. It says since we're surrounded by this great cloud of we're surrounded by this great cloud of we're surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses, we're in this arena, we're witnesses, we're in this arena, we're witnesses, we're in this arena, we're running this race, let us throw off a running this race, let us throw off a running this race, let us throw off a couple things. Everything that hinders couple things. Everything that hinders couple things. Everything that hinders and the sin. Number two, our race has and the sin. Number two, our race has and the sin. Number two, our race has some opposition and the opposition is some opposition and the opposition is some opposition and the opposition is found found found actually in those two things. Our race actually in those two things. Our race actually in those two things. Our race has opposition has opposition has opposition and the opposition is the things that and the opposition is the things that and the opposition is the things that hinder hinder hinder and the things that come against us as and the things that come against us as and the things that come against us as sin. And the Bible is telling us, this sin. And the Bible is telling us, this sin. And the Bible is telling us, this is very interesting again, we're in the is very interesting again, we're in the is very interesting again, we're in the arena for this reason to really catch arena for this reason to really catch arena for this reason to really catch the full picture here. The Bible's

the full picture here. The Bible's the full picture here. The Bible's telling us if we're going to run that telling us if we're going to run that telling us if we're going to run that race, if you're going to get to the race, if you're going to get to the race, if you're going to get to the finish line, finish line, finish line, you're going to have to throw some you're going to have to throw some you're going to have to throw some things off. things off. things off. And ancient runners, if you've seen like And ancient runners, if you've seen like And ancient runners, if you've seen like The Chosen, anybody chosen fans out The Chosen, anybody chosen fans out The Chosen, anybody chosen fans out there? I see you out there. Okay, you or there? I see you out there. Okay, you or there? I see you out there. Okay, you or any show, you know, Passion of the any show, you know, Passion of the any show, you know, Passion of the Christ, whatever, you know, the the Christ, whatever, you know, the the Christ, whatever, you know, the the fashion of the day, fashion of the day, fashion of the day, people often wore kind of flowing people often wore kind of flowing people often wore kind of flowing garments so that it was hot so that they garments so that it was hot so that they garments so that it was hot so that they could it would be breathable. could it would be breathable. could it would be breathable. And Paul's saying you can't run your And Paul's saying you can't run your And Paul's saying you can't run your race in things that aren't fitted for a race in things that aren't fitted for a race in things that aren't fitted for a race. race. race. You're going to have to throw some You're going to have to throw some You're going to have to throw some things off. And so ancient runners who things off. And so ancient runners who things off. And so ancient runners who would have been in the stadium basically would have been in the stadium basically would have been in the stadium basically stripped down to almost nothing. I was I stripped down to almost nothing. I was I stripped down to almost nothing. I was I was going to do that today. I was going was going to do that today. I was going was going to do that today. I was going to put on some spandex today, but again, to put on some spandex today, but again, to put on some spandex today, but again, third way to split a church right there. third way to split a church right there. third way to split a church right there. But catch this church, catch this today. But catch this church, catch this today. But catch this church, catch this today. You You You can't run your race carrying the wrong can't run your race carrying the wrong can't run your race carrying the wrong things. things. things. And the first one that we get a chance And the first one that we get a chance And the first one that we get a chance today to throw off, have some victory today to throw off, have some victory today to throw off, have some victory in, is anything that would hinder, which in, is anything that would hinder, which in, is anything that would hinder, which in it's a good word, but in the actual in it's a good word, but in the actual in it's a good word, but in the actual meaning of it, it just means weight. meaning of it, it just means weight. meaning of it, it just means weight. That some of us are trying to run this That some of us are trying to run this That some of us are trying to run this race and we need to throw off the race and we need to throw off the race and we need to throw off the weight. Weight, bulk. Here's a good way weight. Weight, bulk. Here's a good way weight. Weight, bulk. Here's a good way to think about it. Whatever it is that's to think about it. Whatever it is that's to think about it. Whatever it is that's encumbering us and actually I'm not and encumbering us and actually I'm not and encumbering us and actually I'm not and the Bible's not even talking about with the Bible's not even talking about with the Bible's not even talking about with this one, sin.

this one, sin. this one, sin. Things that are encumbering our race. Things that are encumbering our race. Things that are encumbering our race. You know, sin is wrong for everyone. You know, sin is wrong for everyone. You know, sin is wrong for everyone. Like sin is a a moral line that is black Like sin is a a moral line that is black Like sin is a a moral line that is black and white. Sin is sin. We believe that and white. Sin is sin. We believe that and white. Sin is sin. We believe that as a church that God has, you know, from as a church that God has, you know, from as a church that God has, you know, from his word from the very beginning in the his word from the very beginning in the his word from the very beginning in the 10 Commandments on throughout just the 10 Commandments on throughout just the 10 Commandments on throughout just the wisdom of God, he has shown us where wisdom of God, he has shown us where wisdom of God, he has shown us where that line is. I'm thankful that God that line is. I'm thankful that God that line is. I'm thankful that God shows us that and we have to make the shows us that and we have to make the shows us that and we have to make the decision to say yes to God and no to decision to say yes to God and no to decision to say yes to God and no to sin. Sin is a clear line, but weight is sin. Sin is a clear line, but weight is sin. Sin is a clear line, but weight is discernment. discernment. discernment. What is sin for me may not be what is What is sin for me may not be what is What is sin for me may not be what is weight for me may not be weight for you. weight for me may not be weight for you. weight for me may not be weight for you. And so I have a just a you know, kind of And so I have a just a you know, kind of And so I have a just a you know, kind of think about running this race, have this think about running this race, have this think about running this race, have this um you know, I don't know where why um you know, I don't know where why um you know, I don't know where why things get popular out of nowhere, but things get popular out of nowhere, but things get popular out of nowhere, but have y'all seen weighted vests around? have y'all seen weighted vests around? have y'all seen weighted vests around? Okay, in my neighborhood everyone's Okay, in my neighborhood everyone's Okay, in my neighborhood everyone's wearing them and that may be good for wearing them and that may be good for wearing them and that may be good for exercise, but if we're running our race, exercise, but if we're running our race, exercise, but if we're running our race, some of us right now are encumbered some of us right now are encumbered some of us right now are encumbered by something that's that's that's in by something that's that's that's in by something that's that's that's in opposition to the race God has for you. opposition to the race God has for you. opposition to the race God has for you. Can I ask a question? Really the Holy Can I ask a question? Really the Holy Can I ask a question? Really the Holy Spirit's asking today, what weight are Spirit's asking today, what weight are Spirit's asking today, what weight are you carrying today? you carrying today? you carrying today? And maybe it I don't I don't know what And maybe it I don't I don't know what And maybe it I don't I don't know what it is. You you likely already do. The it is. You you likely already do. The it is. You you likely already do. The Holy Spirit will make it clear. Maybe Holy Spirit will make it clear. Maybe Holy Spirit will make it clear. Maybe it's a part of how you approach your job it's a part of how you approach your job it's a part of how you approach your job or or or I mean, the possessions you have. Maybe I mean, the possessions you have. Maybe I mean, the possessions you have. Maybe for a lot of us it could be habits.

for a lot of us it could be habits. for a lot of us it could be habits. Mindsets are huge. Man, I I know even as Mindsets are huge. Man, I I know even as Mindsets are huge. Man, I I know even as a dad thinking about dads out there a dad thinking about dads out there a dad thinking about dads out there today, it's so easy to be so discouraged today, it's so easy to be so discouraged today, it's so easy to be so discouraged and to let our past mistakes weight us and to let our past mistakes weight us and to let our past mistakes weight us down for our future and we're still down for our future and we're still down for our future and we're still we're still thinking about something we're still thinking about something we're still thinking about something that happened five or six years ago and that happened five or six years ago and that happened five or six years ago and it's hindering us from getting Listen, it's hindering us from getting Listen, it's hindering us from getting Listen, it's already under the blood of Jesus it's already under the blood of Jesus it's already under the blood of Jesus and now we're just carrying a mindset and now we're just carrying a mindset and now we're just carrying a mindset that's a weight we don't have to carry. that's a weight we don't have to carry. that's a weight we don't have to carry. And you just need to see it today. I And you just need to see it today. I And you just need to see it today. I want you to see it in the stadium. want you to see it in the stadium. want you to see it in the stadium. You're on this racetrack and there is a You're on this racetrack and there is a You're on this racetrack and there is a weight you're carrying and it's coming weight you're carrying and it's coming weight you're carrying and it's coming against your race. And of course the against your race. And of course the against your race. And of course the second one says, "Throw off the sin." second one says, "Throw off the sin." second one says, "Throw off the sin." Very interesting. It doesn't say plural Very interesting. It doesn't say plural Very interesting. It doesn't say plural sins. This is the only place sins. This is the only place sins. This is the only place in the entire Bible in the entire Bible in the entire Bible that sin is spoken of as singular. that sin is spoken of as singular. that sin is spoken of as singular. And it's intentional. I was having a And it's intentional. I was having a And it's intentional. I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine conversation with a good friend of mine conversation with a good friend of mine who's really like a spiritual uncle, uh who's really like a spiritual uncle, uh who's really like a spiritual uncle, uh Mark Hancock, who's a part of our our Mark Hancock, who's a part of our our Mark Hancock, who's a part of our our Grandview campus. He and I meet every so Grandview campus. He and I meet every so Grandview campus. He and I meet every so often. He's so full of wisdom and we often. He's so full of wisdom and we often. He's so full of wisdom and we were talking about this text and how were talking about this text and how were talking about this text and how profound it is especially for men that profound it is especially for men that profound it is especially for men that Paul would make it clear here Paul would make it clear here Paul would make it clear here that there's a sin that there's a sin that there's a sin that we're likely carrying that's unique that we're likely carrying that's unique that we're likely carrying that's unique among all the other sins we might we among all the other sins we might we among all the other sins we might we might fall into.

might fall into. might fall into. That we all as humanity likely have the That we all as humanity likely have the That we all as humanity likely have the sin, that one that keeps attacking us. sin, that one that keeps attacking us. sin, that one that keeps attacking us. And the moment I said it say it, you And the moment I said it say it, you And the moment I said it say it, you probably already know it. probably already know it. probably already know it. It's the sin that keeps tripping us. It's the sin that keeps tripping us. It's the sin that keeps tripping us. It's the sin that we can't shake. It's It's the sin that we can't shake. It's It's the sin that we can't shake. It's the sin we tried to stop. It is the sin the sin we tried to stop. It is the sin the sin we tried to stop. It is the sin that we repent of, but it's like Y'all that we repent of, but it's like Y'all that we repent of, but it's like Y'all know when you go to the beach, those know when you go to the beach, those know when you go to the beach, those sand burs that just get on you and it's sand burs that just get on you and it's sand burs that just get on you and it's it just feels like even if you try to it just feels like even if you try to it just feels like even if you try to throw it off, it just comes right back. throw it off, it just comes right back. throw it off, it just comes right back. And so weight is is it's encumbering us, And so weight is is it's encumbering us, And so weight is is it's encumbering us, but sin, this is the picture that Paul but sin, this is the picture that Paul but sin, this is the picture that Paul gives us, it's entangling us. gives us, it's entangling us. gives us, it's entangling us. We're we're running this race, but it's We're we're running this race, but it's We're we're running this race, but it's like the sin has come around our legs like the sin has come around our legs like the sin has come around our legs and it is tripping us and keeping us and it is tripping us and keeping us and it is tripping us and keeping us from running the race that God has for from running the race that God has for from running the race that God has for us. And so I'm again, this is I know us. And so I'm again, this is I know us. And so I'm again, this is I know it's a Sunday morning, maybe this feels it's a Sunday morning, maybe this feels it's a Sunday morning, maybe this feels more like a first Wednesday message, but more like a first Wednesday message, but more like a first Wednesday message, but can I just ask you to ask God today, can I just ask you to ask God today, can I just ask you to ask God today, what is the sin in your life right now? what is the sin in your life right now? what is the sin in your life right now? What is that you What it is it that you What is that you What it is it that you What is that you What it is it that you are are are that you are facing right now? And I that you are facing right now? And I that you are facing right now? And I just just just I I kind of want to make it really clear I I kind of want to make it really clear I I kind of want to make it really clear and then we're going to we're going to and then we're going to we're going to and then we're going to we're going to pray even later in this service. We're pray even later in this service. We're pray even later in this service. We're going to throw some things off. going to throw some things off. going to throw some things off. That that sin, it's just it's not an That that sin, it's just it's not an That that sin, it's just it's not an accident, is a strategic attack of the accident, is a strategic attack of the accident, is a strategic attack of the enemy.

enemy. enemy. So we can't play around with this. So we can't play around with this. So we can't play around with this. In fact, we all we see all the way from In fact, we all we see all the way from In fact, we all we see all the way from the beginning of the Bible in in Genesis the beginning of the Bible in in Genesis the beginning of the Bible in in Genesis 4, 4, 4, if you I'm going to bring my felt board if you I'm going to bring my felt board if you I'm going to bring my felt board out here right now. Y'all know the first out here right now. Y'all know the first out here right now. Y'all know the first couple, Adam and his wife, couple, Adam and his wife, couple, Adam and his wife, and they had two kids, Cain and and they had two kids, Cain and and they had two kids, Cain and Okay, in Genesis 4, Cain and Abel bring Okay, in Genesis 4, Cain and Abel bring Okay, in Genesis 4, Cain and Abel bring offerings to God. offerings to God. offerings to God. And for reasons And for reasons And for reasons of really of pride, Cain's is rejected of really of pride, Cain's is rejected of really of pride, Cain's is rejected and he's wounded. Instead of running to and he's wounded. Instead of running to and he's wounded. Instead of running to God or in humility and receiving from God or in humility and receiving from God or in humility and receiving from God, he gets offended and that offense God, he gets offended and that offense God, he gets offended and that offense opens up a a target for the enemy. opens up a a target for the enemy. opens up a a target for the enemy. That's often where the sin comes from, That's often where the sin comes from, That's often where the sin comes from, often when we're young. often when we're young. often when we're young. It's an area of hurt or pain that the It's an area of hurt or pain that the It's an area of hurt or pain that the enemy just sees an opportunity and he enemy just sees an opportunity and he enemy just sees an opportunity and he hits. Here's what Genesis 4:7 says, "If hits. Here's what Genesis 4:7 says, "If hits. Here's what Genesis 4:7 says, "If you do what is right, will you not be you do what is right, will you not be you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is accepted? But if you do not do what is accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door. It right, sin is crouching at your door. It right, sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you, desires to have you, desires to have you, but you must rule over it." I know that but you must rule over it." I know that but you must rule over it." I know that feels heavy today. It really is heavy feels heavy today. It really is heavy feels heavy today. It really is heavy today. today. today. The sin, The sin, The sin, the attack of the enemy, it would really the attack of the enemy, it would really the attack of the enemy, it would really does want to own us. does want to own us. does want to own us. And so for us today, we're going to And so for us today, we're going to And so for us today, we're going to again we're going to there's hope coming again we're going to there's hope coming again we're going to there's hope coming and we're going to pray, but I just this and we're going to pray, but I just this and we're going to pray, but I just this is the image.

is the image. is the image. Some of us out there today, and honestly Some of us out there today, and honestly Some of us out there today, and honestly maybe even a lot of us, maybe even a lot of us, maybe even a lot of us, we are trying to run this race, and we are trying to run this race, and we are trying to run this race, and today walking in church, you are today walking in church, you are today walking in church, you are encumbered and you are entangled. encumbered and you are entangled. encumbered and you are entangled. And this is why, church, And this is why, church, And this is why, church, your soul your soul your soul could be weary and why you could be could be weary and why you could be could be weary and why you could be losing heart. losing heart. losing heart. But I have hope. But I have hope. But I have hope. Anybody grateful Anybody grateful Anybody grateful that the Bible from cover to cover is a that the Bible from cover to cover is a that the Bible from cover to cover is a book of hope book of hope book of hope and a book for everyone in every and a book for everyone in every and a book for everyone in every situation? Can we just thank God with a situation? Can we just thank God with a situation? Can we just thank God with a a shout of praise or a hand clap of a shout of praise or a hand clap of a shout of praise or a hand clap of praise? There is hope. praise? There is hope. praise? There is hope. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And I can't wait for these next 13 >> And I can't wait for these next 13 >> And I can't wait for these next 13 minutes and 56 seconds to preach the minutes and 56 seconds to preach the minutes and 56 seconds to preach the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ to hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ to hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ to some who've heard it your whole life and some who've heard it your whole life and some who've heard it your whole life and someone in the sound of my voice who has someone in the sound of my voice who has someone in the sound of my voice who has never heard it. That weariness and that never heard it. That weariness and that never heard it. That weariness and that pain is not the end of your story. There pain is not the end of your story. There pain is not the end of your story. There is victory in Jesus. is victory in Jesus. is victory in Jesus. You can persevere. You can persevere. You can persevere. And how do we do it? Where does it all And how do we do it? Where does it all And how do we do it? Where does it all change? Where does it Where does the change? Where does it Where does the change? Where does it Where does the story begin to look different? Hebrews story begin to look different? Hebrews story begin to look different? Hebrews chapter 12, back to our core text, verse chapter 12, back to our core text, verse chapter 12, back to our core text, verse two. What do we do when we're two. What do we do when we're two. What do we do when we're encumbered? What do we do when we're encumbered? What do we do when we're encumbered? What do we do when we're entangled? In the middle of it, we fix entangled? In the middle of it, we fix entangled? In the middle of it, we fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the pioneer our eyes on Jesus, who is the pioneer our eyes on Jesus, who is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy and perfecter of our faith. For the joy and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him, he endured that cross.

set before him, he endured that cross. set before him, he endured that cross. He scorned its shame. And where is he He scorned its shame. And where is he He scorned its shame. And where is he now? He's sitting at the right hand of now? He's sitting at the right hand of now? He's sitting at the right hand of the throne of God. We have to make Jesus the throne of God. We have to make Jesus the throne of God. We have to make Jesus the focus of our race. the focus of our race. the focus of our race. He is the object. He's not a bystander. He is the object. He's not a bystander. He is the object. He's not a bystander. He's not in the crowd. He's the object He's not in the crowd. He's the object He's not in the crowd. He's the object of our race. of our race. of our race. And our focus must be on him, fixing our And our focus must be on him, fixing our And our focus must be on him, fixing our eyes. Our focus is not on the crowd. Our eyes. Our focus is not on the crowd. Our eyes. Our focus is not on the crowd. Our focus, hey everybody, this is huge. This focus, hey everybody, this is huge. This focus, hey everybody, this is huge. This even for us who've maybe been following even for us who've maybe been following even for us who've maybe been following God for a long time, your focus is not God for a long time, your focus is not God for a long time, your focus is not just on your finish line, and it's just on your finish line, and it's just on your finish line, and it's definitely not on other runners. That's definitely not on other runners. That's definitely not on other runners. That's how we usually get confused as we start how we usually get confused as we start how we usually get confused as we start looking around us at others in the way looking around us at others in the way looking around us at others in the way they're living their life. We can't do they're living their life. We can't do they're living their life. We can't do any of that and we got to decide in this any of that and we got to decide in this any of that and we got to decide in this moment I'm in I'm just going to focus my moment I'm in I'm just going to focus my moment I'm in I'm just going to focus my life on Jesus. life on Jesus. life on Jesus. And the word focus means we turn our And the word focus means we turn our And the word focus means we turn our gaze away from the weight and the sin, gaze away from the weight and the sin, gaze away from the weight and the sin, all the things that the enemy wants to all the things that the enemy wants to all the things that the enemy wants to keep us stuck in, and we keep our eyes keep us stuck in, and we keep our eyes keep us stuck in, and we keep our eyes focused on Jesus. focused on Jesus. focused on Jesus. The enemy wants us stuck almost like The enemy wants us stuck almost like The enemy wants us stuck almost like we're in quicksand. we're in quicksand. we're in quicksand. And I was you know I've already kind of And I was you know I've already kind of And I was you know I've already kind of shared this but we were on a vacation shared this but we were on a vacation shared this but we were on a vacation earlier this summer earlier this summer earlier this summer at Lake Powell which is this lake out in at Lake Powell which is this lake out in at Lake Powell which is this lake out in Arizona. We were camping, had a Arizona. We were camping, had a Arizona. We were camping, had a houseboat like a basically if you want houseboat like a basically if you want houseboat like a basically if you want to know what a houseboat is it's an RV to know what a houseboat is it's an RV to know what a houseboat is it's an RV an old RV on pontoons.

an old RV on pontoons. an old RV on pontoons. And And And the lake is for years has been through a the lake is for years has been through a the lake is for years has been through a drought and so the water's really low drought and so the water's really low drought and so the water's really low and y'all starting at when we decided to and y'all starting at when we decided to and y'all starting at when we decided to make this trip my mom who's also in the make this trip my mom who's also in the make this trip my mom who's also in the service she started texting me. Mom's service she started texting me. Mom's service she started texting me. Mom's shout out to all the moms. shout out to all the moms. shout out to all the moms. I'm 45 years old my mom is still my mom I'm 45 years old my mom is still my mom I'm 45 years old my mom is still my mom thankful for my mom. She starts texting thankful for my mom. She starts texting thankful for my mom. She starts texting me, hey be careful at Lake Powell me, hey be careful at Lake Powell me, hey be careful at Lake Powell there's quicksand. there's quicksand. there's quicksand. Y'all know the last thing in the world Y'all know the last thing in the world Y'all know the last thing in the world your boy's worried about is quicksand. your boy's worried about is quicksand. your boy's worried about is quicksand. I don't even really know if it exists. I don't even really know if it exists. I don't even really know if it exists. I've never seen it. What quicksand? Like I've never seen it. What quicksand? Like I've never seen it. What quicksand? Like every two or three weeks here's a she every two or three weeks here's a she every two or three weeks here's a she screenshot a Facebook, you know, here's screenshot a Facebook, you know, here's screenshot a Facebook, you know, here's an email, you know, here's a whatever an email, you know, here's a whatever an email, you know, here's a whatever and it's just over and over like be and it's just over and over like be and it's just over and over like be careful quicksand quicksand quicksand. careful quicksand quicksand quicksand. careful quicksand quicksand quicksand. I'm like there's no quicksand at Lake I'm like there's no quicksand at Lake I'm like there's no quicksand at Lake Powell. The very first day we're at the Powell. The very first day we're at the Powell. The very first day we're at the lake. lake. lake. We're trying to find a camp spot. We're trying to find a camp spot. We're trying to find a camp spot. Basically what you do is you just pull Basically what you do is you just pull Basically what you do is you just pull that big old pontoon thing up on the that big old pontoon thing up on the that big old pontoon thing up on the beach and I was the guy in another boat beach and I was the guy in another boat beach and I was the guy in another boat that was scouting it out. Blake Lindsey that was scouting it out. Blake Lindsey that was scouting it out. Blake Lindsey Pastor Blake was driving Pastor Blake was driving Pastor Blake was driving the houseboat. I find a beach I don't the houseboat. I find a beach I don't the houseboat. I find a beach I don't get off the boat I just call him and get off the boat I just call him and get off the boat I just call him and say, hey here's our spot. Then I then I say, hey here's our spot. Then I then I say, hey here's our spot. Then I then I park it I get on the beach I'm standing park it I get on the beach I'm standing park it I get on the beach I'm standing there he drives the pontoon but by the there he drives the pontoon but by the there he drives the pontoon but by the way he was supposed to drive up very way he was supposed to drive up very way he was supposed to drive up very casually and slowly my guy was going casually and slowly my guy was going casually and slowly my guy was going like 20 miles an hour.

like 20 miles an hour. like 20 miles an hour. Tidal wave of water that water just Tidal wave of water that water just Tidal wave of water that water just apparently activated that mud. Now where apparently activated that mud. Now where apparently activated that mud. Now where I'm standing in it that boat is now mar I'm standing in it that boat is now mar I'm standing in it that boat is now mar deep and guess what? deep and guess what? deep and guess what? >> Quicksand. >> Quicksand. >> Quicksand. >> Quicksand. It took like 13 of us to get >> Quicksand. It took like 13 of us to get >> Quicksand. It took like 13 of us to get it off the beach. We were losing shoes. it off the beach. We were losing shoes. it off the beach. We were losing shoes. We were mar in the quicksand and you We were mar in the quicksand and you We were mar in the quicksand and you know what I was thinking about the whole know what I was thinking about the whole know what I was thinking about the whole time? time? time? My mom was right. My mom was right. My mom was right. I know it's Father's Day, but can we I know it's Father's Day, but can we I know it's Father's Day, but can we thank God for all the MOMS WHO ARE thank God for all the MOMS WHO ARE thank God for all the MOMS WHO ARE RIGHT? THEY'RE JUST RIGHT. RIGHT? THEY'RE JUST RIGHT. RIGHT? THEY'RE JUST RIGHT. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> There is quicksand for your soul >> There is quicksand for your soul >> There is quicksand for your soul that the enemy uses. Oh, that the enemy uses. Oh, that the enemy uses. Oh, lean in here. lean in here. lean in here. There is quicksand of the soul that the There is quicksand of the soul that the There is quicksand of the soul that the enemy has been using since you were born enemy has been using since you were born enemy has been using since you were born to try to keep weight and sin stuck to to try to keep weight and sin stuck to to try to keep weight and sin stuck to you. We're going to go to Genesis. This you. We're going to go to Genesis. This you. We're going to go to Genesis. This is a lot today, but here's where we see is a lot today, but here's where we see is a lot today, but here's where we see it. Genesis 3 says this, "At that it. Genesis 3 says this, "At that it. Genesis 3 says this, "At that moment, their eyes were opened." This is moment, their eyes were opened." This is moment, their eyes were opened." This is right after they ate of the fruit and right after they ate of the fruit and right after they ate of the fruit and sinned. This is the first sin. What sinned. This is the first sin. What sinned. This is the first sin. What happens next? And suddenly, and here's happens next? And suddenly, and here's happens next? And suddenly, and here's the quicksand, they felt shame. the quicksand, they felt shame. the quicksand, they felt shame. The quicksand of the soul. The reason The quicksand of the soul. The reason The quicksand of the soul. The reason that sin and that weight just keeps that sin and that weight just keeps that sin and that weight just keeps coming back is because likely coming back is because likely coming back is because likely we're walking in shame.

we're walking in shame. we're walking in shame. And what does shame do? Exactly what we And what does shame do? Exactly what we And what does shame do? Exactly what we see right here. It says, "They hid from see right here. It says, "They hid from see right here. It says, "They hid from the Lord their God among the trees." the Lord their God among the trees." the Lord their God among the trees." Shame always keeps our eyes fixed on Shame always keeps our eyes fixed on Shame always keeps our eyes fixed on what we did wrong. You know, guilt Guilt what we did wrong. You know, guilt Guilt what we did wrong. You know, guilt Guilt says, "I did something bad." But it says, "I did something bad." But it says, "I did something bad." But it There's actually a hope in guilt. Guilt There's actually a hope in guilt. Guilt There's actually a hope in guilt. Guilt Guilt says, "You know what? I didn't I Guilt says, "You know what? I didn't I Guilt says, "You know what? I didn't I should not have done this, and I I need should not have done this, and I I need should not have done this, and I I need help." Guilt says, "I need to go to help." Guilt says, "I need to go to help." Guilt says, "I need to go to God." Guilt says, "I did something bad." God." Guilt says, "I did something bad." God." Guilt says, "I did something bad." But guess what shame does? It says, "If But guess what shame does? It says, "If But guess what shame does? It says, "If we believe in the If the shame attaches we believe in the If the shame attaches we believe in the If the shame attaches itself to us, if we believe that what we itself to us, if we believe that what we itself to us, if we believe that what we did is now filled with shame, did is now filled with shame, did is now filled with shame, shame says we are bad. Where guilt says shame says we are bad. Where guilt says shame says we are bad. Where guilt says we did something bad, shame says, "I am we did something bad, shame says, "I am we did something bad, shame says, "I am bad." bad." bad." >> Wow, that's good. >> Wow, that's good. >> Wow, that's good. >> And instead of pushing us to God, >> And instead of pushing us to God, >> And instead of pushing us to God, we try to deal it deal with it in our we try to deal it deal with it in our we try to deal it deal with it in our own strength. own strength. own strength. You know why? Cuz we can repent of what You know why? Cuz we can repent of what You know why? Cuz we can repent of what we do, but we can't repent of who we we do, but we can't repent of who we we do, but we can't repent of who we think we are. think we are. think we are. And the enemy loves to keep us stuck in And the enemy loves to keep us stuck in And the enemy loves to keep us stuck in the quick the trap of quicksand of the quick the trap of quicksand of the quick the trap of quicksand of shame. shame. shame. And the harder we fight, just like And the harder we fight, just like And the harder we fight, just like quicksand, quicksand, quicksand, the deeper we sink. the deeper we sink. the deeper we sink. This probably explains for somebody in This probably explains for somebody in This probably explains for somebody in the sound of my voice the weariness the sound of my voice the weariness the sound of my voice the weariness you're feeling right now. you're feeling right now. you're feeling right now. I am exhausted. I have tried everything.

I am exhausted. I have tried everything. I am exhausted. I have tried everything. I've even maybe tried religion, but I've even maybe tried religion, but I've even maybe tried religion, but here's a deeper truth for us today. How here's a deeper truth for us today. How here's a deeper truth for us today. How do you actually get out of quicksand? I do you actually get out of quicksand? I do you actually get out of quicksand? I know cuz I was just in it recently. know cuz I was just in it recently. know cuz I was just in it recently. You don't fight harder, you stop You don't fight harder, you stop You don't fight harder, you stop fighting. You lean back, you reach up. fighting. You lean back, you reach up. fighting. You lean back, you reach up. And someone who is on solid ground, come And someone who is on solid ground, come And someone who is on solid ground, come on somebody, pulls you out of that on somebody, pulls you out of that on somebody, pulls you out of that quicksand. And that is the gospel of quicksand. And that is the gospel of quicksand. And that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. And Paul says it this way Jesus Christ. And Paul says it this way Jesus Christ. And Paul says it this way in Romans 7, oh this is a great in Romans 7, oh this is a great in Romans 7, oh this is a great scripture. What a wretched man and I am scripture. What a wretched man and I am scripture. What a wretched man and I am I? Who will rescue me from this body I? Who will rescue me from this body I? Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to that is subject to death? Thanks be to that is subject to death? Thanks be to God who delivers me through Jesus Christ God who delivers me through Jesus Christ God who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord. The gospel answer to shame is our Lord. The gospel answer to shame is our Lord. The gospel answer to shame is not to fight harder, it is to fix our not to fight harder, it is to fix our not to fight harder, it is to fix our eyes on Jesus. And he is not arms eyes on Jesus. And he is not arms eyes on Jesus. And he is not arms crossed looking at you today. I know you crossed looking at you today. I know you crossed looking at you today. I know you may feel this way, that's what shame may feel this way, that's what shame may feel this way, that's what shame does to us. It's hiding I'm hiding I'm does to us. It's hiding I'm hiding I'm does to us. It's hiding I'm hiding I'm so ashamed I'm so I God this is so ashamed I'm so I God this is so ashamed I'm so I God this is embarrassing. I I've done it again. I embarrassing. I I've done it again. I embarrassing. I I've done it again. I keep doing it again. That's that's keep doing it again. That's that's keep doing it again. That's that's that's the enemy. But you know what that's the enemy. But you know what that's the enemy. But you know what Jesus is doing right now? Can you please Jesus is doing right now? Can you please Jesus is doing right now? Can you please just reach up to me? I am ready to pull just reach up to me? I am ready to pull just reach up to me? I am ready to pull you out. I am ready to get you out of you out. I am ready to get you out of you out. I am ready to get you out of that mess. I know you've done it a that mess. I know you've done it a that mess. I know you've done it a thousand times, but I am still right thousand times, but I am still right thousand times, but I am still right here ready to pull you out. Just fix here ready to pull you out. Just fix here ready to pull you out. Just fix your eyes on me.

your eyes on me. your eyes on me. What is Jesus for us in our race? He's What is Jesus for us in our race? He's What is Jesus for us in our race? He's in the scripture, he's the pioneer. in the scripture, he's the pioneer. in the scripture, he's the pioneer. Pioneer just means he went first. And he Pioneer just means he went first. And he Pioneer just means he went first. And he shows us the path. shows us the path. shows us the path. That our life actually has an That our life actually has an That our life actually has an instruction manual. And victory comes I instruction manual. And victory comes I instruction manual. And victory comes I mean you're going to hear me preach this mean you're going to hear me preach this mean you're going to hear me preach this I'm probably at every message this year I'm probably at every message this year I'm probably at every message this year because I think there's something because I think there's something because I think there's something happening in the body of Christ where we happening in the body of Christ where we happening in the body of Christ where we recognize this is more than just good recognize this is more than just good recognize this is more than just good advice. This is the wisdom of God and it advice. This is the wisdom of God and it advice. This is the wisdom of God and it deserves radical obedience. Sometimes we deserves radical obedience. Sometimes we deserves radical obedience. Sometimes we judge God in our you know our experience judge God in our you know our experience judge God in our you know our experience with him and we're only halfway or not with him and we're only halfway or not with him and we're only halfway or not at all following this word. Can I tell at all following this word. Can I tell at all following this word. Can I tell you something? If we meditate on this you something? If we meditate on this you something? If we meditate on this word, Joshua 1:8, we will be prosperous word, Joshua 1:8, we will be prosperous word, Joshua 1:8, we will be prosperous and successful. and successful. and successful. That he went forward in front of us and That he went forward in front of us and That he went forward in front of us and he has given us an instruction manual. he has given us an instruction manual. he has given us an instruction manual. Can I preach to men right now? I'm one Can I preach to men right now? I'm one Can I preach to men right now? I'm one of you. I hate instruction manuals. I of you. I hate instruction manuals. I of you. I hate instruction manuals. I want to know how to do it on my own. The want to know how to do it on my own. The want to know how to do it on my own. The other day I was putting together some other day I was putting together some other day I was putting together some furniture that I bought off Amazon. It's furniture that I bought off Amazon. It's furniture that I bought off Amazon. It's a high quality piece of furniture that I a high quality piece of furniture that I a high quality piece of furniture that I bought off Amazon. bought off Amazon. bought off Amazon. I glanced through the instruction I glanced through the instruction I glanced through the instruction manual. I'm like, I got this. I put it manual. I'm like, I got this. I put it manual. I'm like, I got this. I put it all together. This is like the IKEA all together. This is like the IKEA all together. This is like the IKEA story for you who've been IKEA. I don't story for you who've been IKEA. I don't story for you who've been IKEA. I don't think anyone's ever put together piece think anyone's ever put together piece think anyone's ever put together piece of IKEA furniture perfectly the first of IKEA furniture perfectly the first of IKEA furniture perfectly the first time.

time. time. I get to the very end. I set it up in I get to the very end. I set it up in I get to the very end. I set it up in our living room, and the most visible our living room, and the most visible our living room, and the most visible piece of all is turned around backwards. piece of all is turned around backwards. piece of all is turned around backwards. You could tell it's on wrong. You could tell it's on wrong. You could tell it's on wrong. Do you know what I did? I was like, I Do you know what I did? I was like, I Do you know what I did? I was like, I repented and I went and I rebuilt the repented and I went and I rebuilt the repented and I went and I rebuilt the whole No, I didn't. It's exactly like whole No, I didn't. It's exactly like whole No, I didn't. It's exactly like that right now. that right now. that right now. Cuz I'm a man. Cuz I'm a man. Cuz I'm a man. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> We don't have to live in our own >> We don't have to live in our own >> We don't have to live in our own strength. strength. strength. Get in this word. Get in this word. Get in this word. Victory is found between Genesis and Victory is found between Genesis and Victory is found between Genesis and Revelation. And I don't know what the Revelation. And I don't know what the Revelation. And I don't know what the sin is you're facing, but God's answer sin is you're facing, but God's answer sin is you're facing, but God's answer to that sin is right here. Fix your to that sin is right here. Fix your to that sin is right here. Fix your eyes. eyes. eyes. A firm conviction. Number two in that A firm conviction. Number two in that A firm conviction. Number two in that kind of idea of the object or focus of kind of idea of the object or focus of kind of idea of the object or focus of our race, he's the perfecter. This just our race, he's the perfecter. This just our race, he's the perfecter. This just means his presence is with us. means his presence is with us. means his presence is with us. But he he doesn't Jesus doesn't stand at But he he doesn't Jesus doesn't stand at But he he doesn't Jesus doesn't stand at the finish line and say, "Come on over the finish line and say, "Come on over the finish line and say, "Come on over here." here." here." Jesus didn't just walk and say, "You Jesus didn't just walk and say, "You Jesus didn't just walk and say, "You know what?" He's not like you know the know what?" He's not like you know the know what?" He's not like you know the blindfold game where he's now directing blindfold game where he's now directing blindfold game where he's now directing you. you. you. Jesus is with you every step of the way. Jesus is with you every step of the way. Jesus is with you every step of the way. He is carrying you to the finish line. He is carrying you to the finish line. He is carrying you to the finish line. He's the perfecter of it. He will be He's the perfecter of it. He will be He's the perfecter of it. He will be with you. We don't have to hide from with you. We don't have to hide from with you. We don't have to hide from him. We run to him. him. We run to him. him. We run to him. And we're going to open up the altars as And we're going to open up the altars as And we're going to open up the altars as we do every Sunday today. we do every Sunday today. we do every Sunday today. A message like this is going to stir A message like this is going to stir A message like this is going to stir some things up.

some things up. some things up. Speaking to dads, to couples, to young Speaking to dads, to couples, to young Speaking to dads, to couples, to young people, where our prayer team's going to people, where our prayer team's going to people, where our prayer team's going to be available today. be available today. be available today. And the prayer of a righteous person is And the prayer of a righteous person is And the prayer of a righteous person is powerful. Just agreeing with someone powerful. Just agreeing with someone powerful. Just agreeing with someone else for the presence of God to meet you else for the presence of God to meet you else for the presence of God to meet you right where you are to lift off that right where you are to lift off that right where you are to lift off that shame in Jesus' name. shame in Jesus' name. shame in Jesus' name. And then finally, this is just so great And then finally, this is just so great And then finally, this is just so great from the scripture. We could We could do from the scripture. We could We could do from the scripture. We could We could do a whole series out of these three a whole series out of these three a whole series out of these three verses. You see this great cloud of verses. You see this great cloud of verses. You see this great cloud of witnesses that Jesus' people are our witnesses that Jesus' people are our witnesses that Jesus' people are our partners in the race. That God is with partners in the race. That God is with partners in the race. That God is with us and we are surrounded by others. I us and we are surrounded by others. I us and we are surrounded by others. I mean, look at the room you're in right mean, look at the room you're in right mean, look at the room you're in right now. You are not in this journey alone. now. You are not in this journey alone. now. You are not in this journey alone. The devil is a liar. The devil is a liar. The devil is a liar. You're the only one. No, you're not. You You're the only one. No, you're not. You You're the only one. No, you're not. You got other people who probably have got other people who probably have got other people who probably have experienced exactly what you're walking experienced exactly what you're walking experienced exactly what you're walking through. As funny as that dad video was, through. As funny as that dad video was, through. As funny as that dad video was, why are we laughing? why are we laughing? why are we laughing? Cuz we kind of all been through as dads Cuz we kind of all been through as dads Cuz we kind of all been through as dads have been through those situations. have been through those situations. have been through those situations. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I mean, there's nothing greater than >> I mean, there's nothing greater than >> I mean, there's nothing greater than getting in godly community and agreeing getting in godly community and agreeing getting in godly community and agreeing with each other and just thank God that with each other and just thank God that with each other and just thank God that we're running this race. He's the we're running this race. He's the we're running this race. He's the pioneer, the perfecter, and he's pioneer, the perfecter, and he's pioneer, the perfecter, and he's surrounded us with a lot of great surrounded us with a lot of great surrounded us with a lot of great people. Can we put our hands together people. Can we put our hands together people. Can we put our hands together and thank God for and thank God for and thank God for the wisdom of God? the wisdom of God? the wisdom of God? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> You don't have to live in the quicksand >> You don't have to live in the quicksand >> You don't have to live in the quicksand of shame. of shame. of shame. And I can preach this with a lot of And I can preach this with a lot of And I can preach this with a lot of authority today in Jesus' name because authority today in Jesus' name because authority today in Jesus' name because of this last verse that we're going to of this last verse that we're going to of this last verse that we're going to look at and then we're going to pray look at and then we're going to pray look at and then we're going to pray together.

together. together. Hebrews 12:3. Hebrews 12:3. Hebrews 12:3. I told you we'd end here. I told you we'd end here. I told you we'd end here. To consider him. To consider him. To consider him. The power to say any of this is true. I The power to say any of this is true. I The power to say any of this is true. I It all sounds good, races and purpose It all sounds good, races and purpose It all sounds good, races and purpose and getting rid of shame and no more and getting rid of shame and no more and getting rid of shame and no more weight. All that sounds great. I mean, a weight. All that sounds great. I mean, a weight. All that sounds great. I mean, a lot of people can make up a story like lot of people can make up a story like lot of people can make up a story like that, but there's only one way we can that, but there's only one way we can that, but there's only one way we can believe it and build our life on it. believe it and build our life on it. believe it and build our life on it. So, the writer of Hebrews, Paul, says, So, the writer of Hebrews, Paul, says, So, the writer of Hebrews, Paul, says, "I want you to Before you leave these "I want you to Before you leave these "I want you to Before you leave these three verses, I want you to consider the three verses, I want you to consider the three verses, I want you to consider the authority of this that you've just authority of this that you've just authority of this that you've just heard." heard." heard." And that authority is him, Jesus, who And that authority is him, Jesus, who And that authority is him, Jesus, who endured opposition from sinners. Why? endured opposition from sinners. Why? endured opposition from sinners. Why? So, you don't have to grow weary. You'll So, you don't have to grow weary. You'll So, you don't have to grow weary. You'll be in this world, but not of this world. be in this world, but not of this world. be in this world, but not of this world. You'll go through the same things, but You'll go through the same things, but You'll go through the same things, but you'll have a different strength. You'll you'll have a different strength. You'll you'll have a different strength. You'll have a refreshing living water in your have a refreshing living water in your have a refreshing living water in your soul. Not cuz we got better, but because soul. Not cuz we got better, but because soul. Not cuz we got better, but because our eyes are now focused on the one who our eyes are now focused on the one who our eyes are now focused on the one who already has victory. Real victory begins already has victory. Real victory begins already has victory. Real victory begins with his victory. with his victory. with his victory. With his victory. I'm going to focus With his victory. I'm going to focus With his victory. I'm going to focus this on the cross today. this on the cross today. this on the cross today. That That word consider It's so good. That That word consider It's so good. That That word consider It's so good. [snorts] It just means do the math.

[snorts] It just means do the math. [snorts] It just means do the math. It's like you're a boss and you're It's like you're a boss and you're It's like you're a boss and you're comparing resumes. Y'all Does some of comparing resumes. Y'all Does some of comparing resumes. Y'all Does some of y'all done that? Like you're looking at y'all done that? Like you're looking at y'all done that? Like you're looking at Should I hire this person or this Should I hire this person or this Should I hire this person or this person? Bible's actually saying compare person? Bible's actually saying compare person? Bible's actually saying compare resumes right now. Do the math. resumes right now. Do the math. resumes right now. Do the math. So, we're all aware of our resume. We So, we're all aware of our resume. We So, we're all aware of our resume. We know our strengths, our weaknesses, our know our strengths, our weaknesses, our know our strengths, our weaknesses, our mistakes. mistakes. mistakes. And you know what? And you know what? And you know what? I've I've lived long enough to know I've I've lived long enough to know I've I've lived long enough to know that if victory is on me, I'm not in a that if victory is on me, I'm not in a that if victory is on me, I'm not in a good spot right now. good spot right now. good spot right now. I've pretty much tried everything. Come I've pretty much tried everything. Come I've pretty much tried everything. Come on, somebody. Anybody else out there on, somebody. Anybody else out there on, somebody. Anybody else out there today? If victory is on me, today? If victory is on me, today? If victory is on me, then it's going to be It's It's to be a then it's going to be It's It's to be a then it's going to be It's It's to be a weary weary weary and a tiresome journey. and a tiresome journey. and a tiresome journey. But I can also compare another resume. But I can also compare another resume. But I can also compare another resume. That's what That's what Hebrews is That's what That's what Hebrews is That's what That's what Hebrews is saying. Compare Do the math saying. Compare Do the math saying. Compare Do the math >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and then look to Jesus. What What did >> and then look to Jesus. What What did >> and then look to Jesus. What What did Jesus do on the cross? This is what Jesus do on the cross? This is what Jesus do on the cross? This is what really what we have to think about really what we have to think about really what we have to think about today. What did he do on the cross? Of today. What did he do on the cross? Of today. What did he do on the cross? Of course, he broke the power of death and course, he broke the power of death and course, he broke the power of death and sin. sin. sin. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Think I got one amen from Ben. He works >> Think I got one amen from Ben. He works >> Think I got one amen from Ben. He works with me. He has to say amen. Come with me. He has to say amen. Come with me. He has to say amen. Come He broke the power of death and sin. He broke the power of death and sin. He broke the power of death and sin. Come on, Highlands. Okay, I know you're Come on, Highlands. Okay, I know you're Come on, Highlands. Okay, I know you're with [applause] me. But there's other things he did and one But there's other things he did and one of them specifically applies to victory.

of them specifically applies to victory. of them specifically applies to victory. [music] [music] [music] And this is back actually in verse two And this is back actually in verse two And this is back actually in verse two Hebrews 12:2 he says, "For the joy set Hebrews 12:2 he says, "For the joy set Hebrews 12:2 he says, "For the joy set before him." By the way, that's just before him." By the way, that's just before him." By the way, that's just you. It was all about He had you on his you. It was all about He had you on his you. It was all about He had you on his mind. mind. mind. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He endured the cross and then here's the >> He endured the cross and then here's the >> He endured the cross and then here's the promise. He scorned promise. He scorned promise. He scorned There it is. There it is. There it is. He scorned shame. He broke sin. [music] He broke death and He broke sin. [music] He broke death and he also disarmed the thing that would he also disarmed the thing that would he also disarmed the thing that would keep us from him. keep us from him. keep us from him. And not just my shame or your shame, all And not just my shame or your shame, all And not just my shame or your shame, all shame. You know, Adam and Eve in that shame. You know, Adam and Eve in that shame. You know, Adam and Eve in that garden, they tried to fix their shame garden, they tried to fix their shame garden, they tried to fix their shame with fig leaves. with fig leaves. with fig leaves. That's Isn't that humanity? We just That's Isn't that humanity? We just That's Isn't that humanity? We just whatever's around me, I'm just going to whatever's around me, I'm just going to whatever's around me, I'm just going to try to I'm just going to try to act like try to I'm just going to try to act like try to I'm just going to try to act like I got it all together. I'm going to try I got it all together. I'm going to try I got it all together. I'm going to try to figure out on my own. I'm whatever to figure out on my own. I'm whatever to figure out on my own. I'm whatever I'm just going to do whatever I can. But I'm just going to do whatever I can. But I'm just going to do whatever I can. But God steps up and this is the Old God steps up and this is the Old God steps up and this is the Old Testament. There's a lot of truth here. Testament. There's a lot of truth here. Testament. There's a lot of truth here. We don't have time for it, but it's We don't have time for it, but it's We don't have time for it, but it's powerful. God steps into that moment. He powerful. God steps into that moment. He powerful. God steps into that moment. He sees them. He knows where they are. He sees them. He knows where they are. He sees them. He knows where they are. He sees them. He goes to them in sees them. He goes to them in sees them. He goes to them in relationship and God sheds the first relationship and God sheds the first relationship and God sheds the first blood [music] blood [music] blood [music] in the Bible of an animal and he takes in the Bible of an animal and he takes in the Bible of an animal and he takes that animal, the skin of that animal and that animal, the skin of that animal and that animal, the skin of that animal and he then covers Adam and Eve and their he then covers Adam and Eve and their he then covers Adam and Eve and their shame. He puts clothes on them. Genesis shame. He puts clothes on them. Genesis shame. He puts clothes on them. Genesis 3:21.

3:21. 3:21. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He clothed them. What was temporary in >> He clothed them. What was temporary in >> He clothed them. What was temporary in the garden, what was temporary in the the garden, what was temporary in the the garden, what was temporary in the Old Testament, oh come on, Highlands, it Old Testament, oh come on, Highlands, it Old Testament, oh come on, Highlands, it was made permanent through that blood of was made permanent through that blood of was made permanent through that blood of Jesus on Calvary. Sin, death, and shame Jesus on Calvary. Sin, death, and shame Jesus on Calvary. Sin, death, and shame broken forever. broken forever. broken forever. Jesus died naked on the most shameful Jesus died naked on the most shameful Jesus died naked on the most shameful death imaginable reserved for the lowest death imaginable reserved for the lowest death imaginable reserved for the lowest of low. I mean, Roman citizens were of low. I mean, Roman citizens were of low. I mean, Roman citizens were exempt from crucifixion. It was that exempt from crucifixion. It was that exempt from crucifixion. It was that bad. But, for the joy set before him, he bad. But, for the joy set before him, he bad. But, for the joy set before him, he went to the cross for you. went to the cross for you. went to the cross for you. For you. For you. For you. For you. For you. And what did he do? He For you. For you. And what did he do? He For you. For you. And what did he do? He scorned shame. It just means he made it scorned shame. It just means he made it scorned shame. It just means he made it nothing. nothing. nothing. Colossians 2, "Having disarmed" Oh, Colossians 2, "Having disarmed" Oh, Colossians 2, "Having disarmed" Oh, gosh. gosh. gosh. "Having disarmed the powers and "Having disarmed the powers and "Having disarmed the powers and authorities" Jesus shamed shame. authorities" Jesus shamed shame. authorities" Jesus shamed shame. He made a public spectacle of them, and He made a public spectacle of them, and He made a public spectacle of them, and he triumphed over them on the cross. he triumphed over them on the cross. he triumphed over them on the cross. Man, they thought they were nailing Man, they thought they were nailing Man, they thought they were nailing Jesus to the cross. Jesus nailed sin and Jesus to the cross. Jesus nailed sin and Jesus to the cross. Jesus nailed sin and shame to the cross shame to the cross shame to the cross >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> and disarmed them.

>> and disarmed them. >> and disarmed them. You You You men, men, men, you're not defined by what you do. you're not defined by what you do. you're not defined by what you do. You're defined by what he did. You're defined by what he did. You're defined by what he did. You're not defined by what you do. You're not defined by what you do. You're not defined by what you do. You're defined by what he did. The price You're defined by what he did. The price You're defined by what he did. The price [music] he paid. That's what you're [music] he paid. That's what you're [music] he paid. That's what you're defined by today. That victory can be defined by today. That victory can be defined by today. That victory can be yours. And here's Here's our final yours. And here's Here's our final yours. And here's Here's our final promise. We're going to pray together. promise. We're going to pray together. promise. We're going to pray together. Those who look to him, which is what Those who look to him, which is what Those who look to him, which is what we're about to do, are radiant. we're about to do, are radiant. we're about to do, are radiant. Their faces Their faces Their faces they're never covered in shame. Can you they're never covered in shame. Can you they're never covered in shame. Can you bow your heads? I want to pray for us. bow your heads? I want to pray for us. bow your heads? I want to pray for us. Just love the Bible. I love that the Just love the Bible. I love that the Just love the Bible. I love that the story of story of story of God's redemption starts in Genesis God's redemption starts in Genesis God's redemption starts in Genesis with that shedding of the first blood. with that shedding of the first blood. with that shedding of the first blood. I love we get the Gospels, those I love we get the Gospels, those I love we get the Gospels, those beautiful accounts beautiful accounts beautiful accounts of the shedding of the blood of Jesus. of the shedding of the blood of Jesus. of the shedding of the blood of Jesus. And I love that actually the Bible ends And I love that actually the Bible ends And I love that actually the Bible ends with another picture with another picture with another picture just to drive home the reality the of just to drive home the reality the of just to drive home the reality the of the opportunity in this moment. Roman or the opportunity in this moment. Roman or the opportunity in this moment. Roman or Revelation chapter 7, Revelation chapter 7, Revelation chapter 7, John, who's seeing this revelation, John, who's seeing this revelation, John, who's seeing this revelation, he sees a multitude of people in heaven. he sees a multitude of people in heaven. he sees a multitude of people in heaven. I love this. The Bible says every tribe I love this. The Bible says every tribe I love this. The Bible says every tribe and every tongue.

and every tongue. and every tongue. And John does what we probably What we And John does what we probably What we And John does what we probably What we would probably do. He goes, "Who are would probably do. He goes, "Who are would probably do. He goes, "Who are these people? How'd they get here? these people? How'd they get here? these people? How'd they get here? What's this multitude? What's this multitude? What's this multitude? Where'd they all come from?" Where'd they all come from?" Where'd they all come from?" This is the answer. This is the answer. This is the answer. Revelation 7:14, the angel says back to Revelation 7:14, the angel says back to Revelation 7:14, the angel says back to him, "These are the ones who've been him, "These are the ones who've been him, "These are the ones who've been washed washed washed in the red [music] blood in the red [music] blood in the red [music] blood of the lamb. They've been washed white of the lamb. They've been washed white of the lamb. They've been washed white in the red blood of the lamb. What was in the red blood of the lamb. What was in the red blood of the lamb. What was temporary in the garden was made temporary in the garden was made temporary in the garden was made permanent on Calvary, is made eternal in permanent on Calvary, is made eternal in permanent on Calvary, is made eternal in heaven." Come on, every head's bowed, every eye Come on, every head's bowed, every eye is closed. What is eternity going to is closed. What is eternity going to is closed. What is eternity going to look like? For those who are there now, look like? For those who are there now, look like? For those who are there now, what does it look like? what does it look like? what does it look like? This is the true victory, the This is the true victory, the This is the true victory, the invitation. It says never in Revelation, invitation. It says never in Revelation, invitation. It says never in Revelation, "Never will they hunger, never will they "Never will they hunger, never will they "Never will they hunger, never will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on thirst. The sun will not beat down on thirst. The sun will not beat down on them. No more weariness, no more them. No more weariness, no more them. No more weariness, no more tiredness. tiredness. tiredness. For the lamb is at the center of the For the lamb is at the center of the For the lamb is at the center of the throne. He's their shepherd. He'll lead throne. He's their shepherd. He'll lead throne. He's their shepherd. He'll lead them, and they'll experience springs of them, and they'll experience springs of them, and they'll experience springs of living water, and God will wipe away living water, and God will wipe away living water, and God will wipe away every tear every tear every tear from their eyes." Real victory is not from their eyes." Real victory is not from their eyes." Real victory is not what we do on Earth Arlington. Every what we do on Earth Arlington. Every what we do on Earth Arlington. Every heart open right now. heart open right now. heart open right now. God's moving in this moment. God's moving in this moment. God's moving in this moment. Real victory Real victory Real victory >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is not what we accomplish. Real victory >> is not what we accomplish. Real victory >> is not what we accomplish. Real victory is not even living out our purpose and is not even living out our purpose and is not even living out our purpose and calling. Real victory is eternity with calling. Real victory is eternity with calling. Real victory is eternity with God, [music] where he makes all things God, [music] where he makes all things God, [music] where he makes all things new. There is no more sin, no more new. There is no more sin, no more new. There is no more sin, no more shame, no more tears. And here's the shame, no more tears. And here's the shame, no more tears. And here's the question of today. It's a holy question.

question of today. It's a holy question. question of today. It's a holy question. If you died today, have you been washed If you died today, have you been washed If you died today, have you been washed white white white >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in the red blood of the lamb? >> in the red blood of the lamb? >> in the red blood of the lamb? And if you have, you know it. And if you have, you know it. And if you have, you know it. And if you've never had made that And if you've never had made that And if you've never had made that decision or had a real relationship with decision or had a real relationship with decision or had a real relationship with Jesus, I know you know that as well, cuz Jesus, I know you know that as well, cuz Jesus, I know you know that as well, cuz you've been trying to do this all in you've been trying to do this all in you've been trying to do this all in your own strength. That ends today in your own strength. That ends today in your own strength. That ends today in the name of Jesus. the name of Jesus. the name of Jesus. I'm asking you to do the math today. I'm asking you to do the math today. I'm asking you to do the math today. I'm asking you to consider Jesus. I'm asking you to consider Jesus. I'm asking you to consider Jesus. And if you don't know him, this is the And if you don't know him, this is the And if you don't know him, this is the day. day. day. The day of salvation. On the count of The day of salvation. On the count of The day of salvation. On the count of three, CP's, go ahead and join me on the three, CP's, go ahead and join me on the three, CP's, go ahead and join me on the stage at every location. We're going to stage at every location. We're going to stage at every location. We're going to pray for you. On the count of three, pray for you. On the count of three, pray for you. On the count of three, boldly today boldly today boldly today without even a second of hesitation, if without even a second of hesitation, if without even a second of hesitation, if that's you and you want to know Jesus that's you and you want to know Jesus that's you and you want to know Jesus today, no one's looking around. I'm not today, no one's looking around. I'm not today, no one's looking around. I'm not going to embarrass you, but on the count going to embarrass you, but on the count going to embarrass you, but on the count of three, I want you to boldly lift your of three, I want you to boldly lift your of three, I want you to boldly lift your hands. We're going to pray together and hands. We're going to pray together and hands. We're going to pray together and [music] declare him the Lord over your [music] declare him the Lord over your [music] declare him the Lord over your life. On the count of three, one life. On the count of three, one life. On the count of three, one two. Come on, you want to know Jesus two. Come on, you want to know Jesus two. Come on, you want to know Jesus today? You want a relationship? One, today? You want a relationship? One, today? You want a relationship? One, two, [music] three. If that's you, lift two, [music] three. If that's you, lift two, [music] three. If that's you, lift up your hands. Amen right there. I see up your hands. Amen right there. I see up your hands. Amen right there. I see that hand. Anyone else in this room, that hand. Anyone else in this room, that hand. Anyone else in this room, through that camera, at any location. through that camera, at any location. through that camera, at any location. Come on, hands lifted high, if that's Come on, hands lifted high, if that's Come on, hands lifted high, if that's you. Come on pray this prayer, ask Jesus you. Come on pray this prayer, ask Jesus you. Come on pray this prayer, ask Jesus into your heart. Say Jesus today I give into your heart. Say Jesus today I give into your heart. Say Jesus today I give you my life.

you my life. you my life. I ask you to forgive me of my sins, I ask you to forgive me of my sins, I ask you to forgive me of my sins, my mistakes. I run away from that, I'm my mistakes. I run away from that, I'm my mistakes. I run away from that, I'm running to you. running to you. running to you. You are my Lord. [music] You are my Lord. [music] You are my Lord. [music] You are my savior. You are my savior. You are my savior. I'm asking you to fill me with your Holy I'm asking you to fill me with your Holy I'm asking you to fill me with your Holy Spirit Spirit Spirit so I can live for you. God, thank you so I can live for you. God, thank you so I can live for you. God, thank you for those who just prayed that prayer. A for those who just prayed that prayer. A for those who just prayed that prayer. A miracle [music] just happened. The old's miracle [music] just happened. The old's miracle [music] just happened. The old's gone, the new has come. gone, the new has come. gone, the new has come. Now for all of us God, I know right now Now for all of us God, I know right now Now for all of us God, I know right now in the sound of my voice here at Grants in the sound of my voice here at Grants in the sound of my voice here at Grants Mill, Mill, Mill, there are many of us who are running our there are many of us who are running our there are many of us who are running our race with weight race with weight race with weight and we are running our race entangled and we are running our race entangled and we are running our race entangled with sin. with sin. with sin. So we come to you today. We're we refuse So we come to you today. We're we refuse So we come to you today. We're we refuse [music] Oh this this for you today. [music] Oh this this for you today. [music] Oh this this for you today. Don't miss this moment. We refuse to Don't miss this moment. We refuse to Don't miss this moment. We refuse to hide hide hide or try to fix this on our own. or try to fix this on our own. or try to fix this on our own. We first in this moment come to you. We first in this moment come to you. We first in this moment come to you. Jesus, forgive us. Jesus, forgive us. Jesus, forgive us. Fill us. Fill us. Fill us. God I pray for your grace and your mercy God I pray for your grace and your mercy God I pray for your grace and your mercy to flood every heart and every mind. to flood every heart and every mind. to flood every heart and every mind. We're fixing our eyes on you right now. We're fixing our eyes on you right now. We're fixing our eyes on you right now. You are the pioneer, the perfecter. You are the pioneer, the perfecter. You are the pioneer, the perfecter. [music] [music] [music] God thank you that you love us and that God thank you that you love us and that God thank you that you love us and that you are with us. you are with us. you are with us. We give you all the praise and all the We give you all the praise and all the We give you all the praise and all the glory in Jesus name. And everybody said glory in Jesus name. And everybody said glory in Jesus name. And everybody said Can you join me in giving God praise for Can you join me in giving God praise for Can you join me in giving God praise for all he's just done?