Uncommon Honesty

Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley [music] Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley [music] and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church. You should know that Community Church. You should know that Community Church. You should know that Clear Creek is made up of multiple Clear Creek is made up of multiple Clear Creek is made up of multiple campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area campuses located throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that of Houston. And while we're so glad that you've joined us here to watch [music] you've joined us here to watch [music] you've joined us here to watch [music] this sermon today, I want to invite you this sermon today, I want to invite you this sermon today, I want to invite you to make plans to check us out in person to make plans to check us out in person to make plans to check us out in person at the campus nearest you to see what at the campus nearest you to see what at the campus nearest you to see what [music] worshiping and living in [music] worshiping and living in [music] worshiping and living in community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really community as a people of hope is really all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at all about. And you can visit us at clearcreteak.org or to find information clearcreteak.org or to find information clearcreteak.org or to find information about our locations, service times, about our locations, service times, about our locations, service times, [music] and much more. We hope to see [music] and much more. We hope to see [music] and much more. We hope to see you soon. you soon. you soon. >> So, as you heard about, we're starting a >> So, as you heard about, we're starting a >> So, as you heard about, we're starting a brand new series called uh uncommon brand new series called uh uncommon brand new series called uh uncommon community. And uncommon is uh it's a community. And uncommon is uh it's a community. And uncommon is uh it's a unique word. Here's how it's defined. It unique word. Here's how it's defined. It unique word. Here's how it's defined. It means uh something that's rare, unusual, means uh something that's rare, unusual, means uh something that's rare, unusual, doesn't happen regularly, and easily can doesn't happen regularly, and easily can doesn't happen regularly, and easily can be a compliment. If you were to say like be a compliment. If you were to say like be a compliment. If you were to say like uh oh, that uh she h she's uncommonly uh oh, that uh she h she's uncommonly uh oh, that uh she h she's uncommonly beautiful or that guy is uncommonly beautiful or that guy is uncommonly beautiful or that guy is uncommonly smart, you everyone would be like, oh smart, you everyone would be like, oh smart, you everyone would be like, oh yeah, cool. Uncommon is a great word, yeah, cool. Uncommon is a great word, yeah, cool. Uncommon is a great word, but you got to qual qualify it. I mean, but you got to qual qualify it. I mean, but you got to qual qualify it. I mean, I I would suggest, guys, that if your I I would suggest, guys, that if your I I would suggest, guys, that if your wife comes to you and she's like, "Hey, wife comes to you and she's like, "Hey, wife comes to you and she's like, "Hey, honey, how do you like this dress?" You honey, how do you like this dress?" You honey, how do you like this dress?" You don't go, "It's uncommon." I mean, that don't go, "It's uncommon." I mean, that don't go, "It's uncommon." I mean, that probably that probably wouldn't work. Or probably that probably wouldn't work. Or probably that probably wouldn't work. Or like, "Hey, man. Uh, you know, Dad, how like, "Hey, man. Uh, you know, Dad, how like, "Hey, man. Uh, you know, Dad, how do you like my haircut?" Uh, it's do you like my haircut?" Uh, it's do you like my haircut?" Uh, it's uncommon. Like, do you is that a good uncommon. Like, do you is that a good uncommon. Like, do you is that a good thing? Is that a bad thing? And so, when thing? Is that a bad thing? And so, when thing? Is that a bad thing? And so, when we come to a series of like uncommon we come to a series of like uncommon we come to a series of like uncommon community, sometimes people have a community, sometimes people have a community, sometimes people have a question like, "Hey, uh, is is this a question like, "Hey, uh, is is this a question like, "Hey, uh, is is this a good thing or a bad thing?" I'm using good thing or a bad thing?" I'm using good thing or a bad thing?" I'm using this language. Here's why. Because this language. Here's why. Because this language. Here's why. Because uncommon community is this. I think uncommon community is this. I think uncommon community is this. I think there's a community that we have that there's a community that we have that there's a community that we have that can be uh that's use the definition can be uh that's use the definition can be uh that's use the definition rare, unusual. It doesn't happen

rare, unusual. It doesn't happen rare, unusual. It doesn't happen regularly. And so the question is well regularly. And so the question is well regularly. And so the question is well is that is that is that good or bad? is that is that is that good or bad? is that is that is that good or bad? Well, I would argue this in our culture Well, I would argue this in our culture Well, I would argue this in our culture the kind of um the kind of community the kind of um the kind of community the kind of um the kind of community that people regularly experience is that people regularly experience is that people regularly experience is deteriorating. The Atlantic Monthly did deteriorating. The Atlantic Monthly did deteriorating. The Atlantic Monthly did a story on uh men specifically in a story on uh men specifically in a story on uh men specifically in relationships and it says that American relationships and it says that American relationships and it says that American men from 2003 to 2020, so for the last men from 2003 to 2020, so for the last men from 2003 to 2020, so for the last basically 17 years [clears throat] basically 17 years [clears throat] basically 17 years [clears throat] has uh with the advent of technology, so has uh with the advent of technology, so has uh with the advent of technology, so texting, DMing, FaceTime, what have you. texting, DMing, FaceTime, what have you. texting, DMing, FaceTime, what have you. Not that those are bad things in and of Not that those are bad things in and of Not that those are bad things in and of themselves, but what they've done is themselves, but what they've done is themselves, but what they've done is they've impacted us communally. So uh they've impacted us communally. So uh they've impacted us communally. So uh they noticed that uh for for men, uh the they noticed that uh for for men, uh the they noticed that uh for for men, uh the face-to-face meetings men have with men face-to-face meetings men have with men face-to-face meetings men have with men have gone down 30% because of it. And if have gone down 30% because of it. And if have gone down 30% because of it. And if you're a young person, if you're a teen, you're a young person, if you're a teen, you're a young person, if you're a teen, more than 45% has declined over the last more than 45% has declined over the last more than 45% has declined over the last 20 years of actually hanging out with 20 years of actually hanging out with 20 years of actually hanging out with people physically with them. And it's people physically with them. And it's people physically with them. And it's gotten so bad or so at least uh gotten so bad or so at least uh gotten so bad or so at least uh stringent to the point where this stringent to the point where this stringent to the point where this statement was made at the conclusion of statement was made at the conclusion of statement was made at the conclusion of this article. It says there is no this article. It says there is no this article. It says there is no statistical record of any other period statistical record of any other period statistical record of any other period in US history when people have spent in US history when people have spent in US history when people have spent more time on their own. And so if you more time on their own. And so if you more time on their own. And so if you were to ask me like, hey, what's the were to ask me like, hey, what's the were to ask me like, hey, what's the common community that we have? I'd say common community that we have? I'd say common community that we have? I'd say that a lot of people feel uh alone. I that a lot of people feel uh alone. I that a lot of people feel uh alone. I mean, they got a thousand people they mean, they got a thousand people they mean, they got a thousand people they can talk to, but no one really knows can talk to, but no one really knows can talk to, but no one really knows them. And and there's this temptation, them. And and there's this temptation, them. And and there's this temptation, for example, in social media to posture for example, in social media to posture for example, in social media to posture yourself like, you know, everything's yourself like, you know, everything's yourself like, you know, everything's good. I'm always having fun. Life's just good. I'm always having fun. Life's just good. I'm always having fun. Life's just a party. And I get it. No one's probably a party. And I get it. No one's probably a party. And I get it. No one's probably going to, you know, like dog just died.

going to, you know, like dog just died. going to, you know, like dog just died. Here's the picture. I mean, I get it. Here's the picture. I mean, I get it. Here's the picture. I mean, I get it. But there is this idea though that's But there is this idea though that's But there is this idea though that's like, oh man, like I I have this image like, oh man, like I I have this image like, oh man, like I I have this image that I want everyone to think like that I want everyone to think like that I want everyone to think like everybody is happy with me so I can get everybody is happy with me so I can get everybody is happy with me so I can get all these likes and all these hearts and all these likes and all these hearts and all these likes and all these hearts and all these comments. Love you. Oh, all these comments. Love you. Oh, all these comments. Love you. Oh, gorgeous. Can't live without you. I'm gorgeous. Can't live without you. I'm gorgeous. Can't live without you. I'm obsessed. I mean, all these things like, obsessed. I mean, all these things like, obsessed. I mean, all these things like, oh, that's cool. They don't mean oh, that's cool. They don't mean oh, that's cool. They don't mean anything. They don't they're just anything. They don't they're just anything. They don't they're just they're just they just give us a little they're just they just give us a little they're just they just give us a little endorphin hit. Oh, cool. That's awesome. endorphin hit. Oh, cool. That's awesome. endorphin hit. Oh, cool. That's awesome. And then what happens though is that And then what happens though is that And then what happens though is that people still feel incredibly alone and people still feel incredibly alone and people still feel incredibly alone and they're incredibly isolated. Um because they're incredibly isolated. Um because they're incredibly isolated. Um because what they find over time is that kind of what they find over time is that kind of what they find over time is that kind of community is superficial and short-lived community is superficial and short-lived community is superficial and short-lived and it's just not sustaining to people. and it's just not sustaining to people. and it's just not sustaining to people. It's one of the reasons why depression It's one of the reasons why depression It's one of the reasons why depression and hopelessness have broken records the and hopelessness have broken records the and hopelessness have broken records the last three years. We're smashing records last three years. We're smashing records last three years. We're smashing records in the wrong way. Hopelessness, in the wrong way. Hopelessness, in the wrong way. Hopelessness, hopelessness and depression have broken hopelessness and depression have broken hopelessness and depression have broken annual records in America every year. annual records in America every year. annual records in America every year. It's gotten worse and worse and worse. It's gotten worse and worse and worse. It's gotten worse and worse and worse. It's one of the reasons that the number It's one of the reasons that the number It's one of the reasons that the number of young people who say they have a of young people who say they have a of young people who say they have a close friend is hitting the floor, the close friend is hitting the floor, the close friend is hitting the floor, the basement, right? It's so challenging basement, right? It's so challenging basement, right? It's so challenging that the New York Times, once again that the New York Times, once again that the New York Times, once again focusing on men, uh, said that American focusing on men, uh, said that American focusing on men, uh, said that American men today are facing a quote unquote men today are facing a quote unquote men today are facing a quote unquote friendship recession because it feels friendship recession because it feels friendship recession because it feels like everyone's got a thousand like everyone's got a thousand like everyone's got a thousand acquaintances, but no real friends, no acquaintances, but no real friends, no acquaintances, but no real friends, no one knows anybody. Now, that sounds one knows anybody. Now, that sounds one knows anybody. Now, that sounds hyperbolic, and maybe you're like, hyperbolic, and maybe you're like, hyperbolic, and maybe you're like, "Dude, I got great friends. They're "Dude, I got great friends. They're "Dude, I got great friends. They're awesome, and I'm really, really super awesome, and I'm really, really super awesome, and I'm really, really super happy for you." But what I would argue happy for you." But what I would argue happy for you." But what I would argue is the kind of common community that we is the kind of common community that we is the kind of common community that we find is the kind of common community find is the kind of common community find is the kind of common community that I've been describing. But I want to that I've been describing. But I want to that I've been describing. But I want to I kind of want to change the scene here I kind of want to change the scene here I kind of want to change the scene here and uh shift gears. I want to talk to

and uh shift gears. I want to talk to and uh shift gears. I want to talk to you and and Chris and I over this you and and Chris and I over this you and and Chris and I over this series. I want to deal with you guys in series. I want to deal with you guys in series. I want to deal with you guys in a way that talks about uncommon a way that talks about uncommon a way that talks about uncommon community. So what do I mean by uncommon community. So what do I mean by uncommon community. So what do I mean by uncommon community? I don't mean like some weird community? I don't mean like some weird community? I don't mean like some weird offbeat fringe group like the flat earth offbeat fringe group like the flat earth offbeat fringe group like the flat earth society. No, I don't mean that at all. society. No, I don't mean that at all. society. No, I don't mean that at all. I'm talking about it's uncommon in this. I'm talking about it's uncommon in this. I'm talking about it's uncommon in this. I want it to be uncommon in that it's I want it to be uncommon in that it's I want it to be uncommon in that it's lifegiving, that it's that it has depth, lifegiving, that it's that it has depth, lifegiving, that it's that it has depth, that it's sincere, that you find that it's sincere, that you find that it's sincere, that you find transformation in it, and it's centered transformation in it, and it's centered transformation in it, and it's centered around the person and work of Jesus. So, around the person and work of Jesus. So, around the person and work of Jesus. So, the next three weeks we're going to talk the next three weeks we're going to talk the next three weeks we're going to talk about what are the kind of three about what are the kind of three about what are the kind of three critical elements that make uncommon critical elements that make uncommon critical elements that make uncommon community super special. So, if you have community super special. So, if you have community super special. So, if you have a Bible, I want to jump right on in it. a Bible, I want to jump right on in it. a Bible, I want to jump right on in it. Uh, I want to I want you to turn, if you Uh, I want to I want you to turn, if you Uh, I want to I want you to turn, if you have it on your phone, dial this up to have it on your phone, dial this up to have it on your phone, dial this up to James chapter 5. Uh, James chapter 5. James chapter 5. Uh, James chapter 5. James chapter 5. Uh, James chapter 5. Now, let me set the scene here. So, Now, let me set the scene here. So, Now, let me set the scene here. So, James is the leader of the church at James is the leader of the church at James is the leader of the church at Jerusalem. He's the halfb brotherther of Jerusalem. He's the halfb brotherther of Jerusalem. He's the halfb brotherther of Jesus, super well respected. And he Jesus, super well respected. And he Jesus, super well respected. And he writes towards the end of his letter, writes towards the end of his letter, writes towards the end of his letter, this is I believe the the last chapter I this is I believe the the last chapter I this is I believe the the last chapter I think he is writing to the think he is writing to the think he is writing to the [clears throat] community, the church [clears throat] community, the church [clears throat] community, the church there about how they're to pray and go there about how they're to pray and go there about how they're to pray and go before God. And he gives them different before God. And he gives them different before God. And he gives them different scenarios. And I there's one scenario in scenarios. And I there's one scenario in scenarios. And I there's one scenario in here that I think is quite interesting here that I think is quite interesting here that I think is quite interesting that I want us to look at today. So um that I want us to look at today. So um that I want us to look at today. So um verse 13, we'll go all the way to verse verse 13, we'll go all the way to verse verse 13, we'll go all the way to verse 16. We'll put on the screen if you 16. We'll put on the screen if you 16. We'll put on the screen if you didn't bring a scripture. Is anyone didn't bring a scripture. Is anyone didn't bring a scripture. Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is among you suffering? Let him pray. Is among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the any among you sick? Let him call for the any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray elders of the church and let them pray elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the over him, anointing him with oil in the over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. Verse 15, and the name of the Lord. Verse 15, and the name of the Lord. Verse 15, and the prayer of faith will save the one who's prayer of faith will save the one who's prayer of faith will save the one who's sick, and the Lord will raise him up if sick, and the Lord will raise him up if sick, and the Lord will raise him up if he's committed sins, uh, he will be he's committed sins, uh, he will be he's committed sins, uh, he will be forgiven. Verse 16, here's the big text

forgiven. Verse 16, here's the big text forgiven. Verse 16, here's the big text we have today. Therefore, confess your we have today. Therefore, confess your we have today. Therefore, confess your sins one to another and pray for one sins one to another and pray for one sins one to another and pray for one another that you may be healed. The another that you may be healed. The another that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man, a righteous prayer of a righteous man, a righteous prayer of a righteous man, a righteous person has great power as it's working. person has great power as it's working. person has great power as it's working. Now, just we'll leave this on the screen Now, just we'll leave this on the screen Now, just we'll leave this on the screen for a second. You notice kind of outside for a second. You notice kind of outside for a second. You notice kind of outside of being cheerful, there's three of being cheerful, there's three of being cheerful, there's three scenarios that seem uh fairly serious scenarios that seem uh fairly serious scenarios that seem uh fairly serious that Paul wants to address within his that Paul wants to address within his that Paul wants to address within his congregants. He says like if you're congregants. He says like if you're congregants. He says like if you're suffering, if [clears throat] you're suffering, if [clears throat] you're suffering, if [clears throat] you're suffering, suffering, suffering, seek God in prayer. And he says this, if seek God in prayer. And he says this, if seek God in prayer. And he says this, if you're if you're if you're if you're you're if you're if you're if you're you're if you're if you're if you're woefully sick and if the Tums isn't woefully sick and if the Tums isn't woefully sick and if the Tums isn't working and the aspirin's not kicking in working and the aspirin's not kicking in working and the aspirin's not kicking in and like you got something really going and like you got something really going and like you got something really going on with you that is uh that you have an on with you that is uh that you have an on with you that is uh that you have an illness, you might want to consider illness, you might want to consider illness, you might want to consider going before the church and getting going before the church and getting going before the church and getting before the leadership and have them pray before the leadership and have them pray before the leadership and have them pray for you. anoint with oil would be a for you. anoint with oil would be a for you. anoint with oil would be a symbol, a sign uh in the New Testament symbol, a sign uh in the New Testament symbol, a sign uh in the New Testament of like we we want the Holy Spirit to of like we we want the Holy Spirit to of like we we want the Holy Spirit to work specifically on you to heal you and work specifically on you to heal you and work specifically on you to heal you and and hopefully in that prayer quote that and hopefully in that prayer quote that and hopefully in that prayer quote that you God will raise you up in health. And you God will raise you up in health. And you God will raise you up in health. And then there's this other group that James then there's this other group that James then there's this other group that James talks about which is striking to me. He talks about which is striking to me. He talks about which is striking to me. He says like all right um he gives this says like all right um he gives this says like all right um he gives this language here about a person if someone language here about a person if someone language here about a person if someone has committed sin has committed sin has committed sin and they want to seek forgiveness within and they want to seek forgiveness within and they want to seek forgiveness within the covenant community. The path toward the covenant community. The path toward the covenant community. The path toward healing isn't well just say that sin healing isn't well just say that sin healing isn't well just say that sin just confess your sin to God which we just confess your sin to God which we just confess your sin to God which we know is a good thing to do. But that's know is a good thing to do. But that's know is a good thing to do. But that's not what James says here. He says what not what James says here. He says what not what James says here. He says what you should do is if you're penitent you should do is if you're penitent you should do is if you're penitent right if you're if you're uh if you want right if you're if you're uh if you want right if you're if you're uh if you want to repent of that sin he says here in to repent of that sin he says here in to repent of that sin he says here in verse 16 that you ought to confess that verse 16 that you ought to confess that verse 16 that you ought to confess that sin to the covenant community. you ought sin to the covenant community. you ought sin to the covenant community. you ought to confess that sin to this uh gospel to confess that sin to this uh gospel to confess that sin to this uh gospel community called the church. Therefore, community called the church. Therefore, community called the church. Therefore, confess your sins one to another and

confess your sins one to another and confess your sins one to another and pray for one another that you may be pray for one another that you may be pray for one another that you may be what? What's the word there? You may be what? What's the word there? You may be what? What's the word there? You may be healed. And that's kind of weird because healed. And that's kind of weird because healed. And that's kind of weird because people say, "What do you mean healed?" people say, "What do you mean healed?" people say, "What do you mean healed?" Like, is James thinking that there is Like, is James thinking that there is Like, is James thinking that there is sin connected to sickness? And I I think sin connected to sickness? And I I think sin connected to sickness? And I I think that he is I think uh James may have in that he is I think uh James may have in that he is I think uh James may have in mind certain sins that may evidence mind certain sins that may evidence mind certain sins that may evidence themselves in sickness. And someone themselves in sickness. And someone themselves in sickness. And someone might go, "Does that mean that all might go, "Does that mean that all might go, "Does that mean that all sickness is related directly to sin 1:1 sickness is related directly to sin 1:1 sickness is related directly to sin 1:1 ratio?" No, I don't believe that. I ratio?" No, I don't believe that. I ratio?" No, I don't believe that. I don't think the Bible teaches that. But don't think the Bible teaches that. But don't think the Bible teaches that. But but James may be thinking of specific but James may be thinking of specific but James may be thinking of specific sins that do that. But here's what I sins that do that. But here's what I sins that do that. But here's what I want you to do. I don't want you to want you to do. I don't want you to want you to do. I don't want you to write James off like, well, I mean, he's write James off like, well, I mean, he's write James off like, well, I mean, he's just talking about specific kinds of just talking about specific kinds of just talking about specific kinds of sins. [clears throat] I would argue sins. [clears throat] I would argue sins. [clears throat] I would argue uh if you have unconfessed sin and uh if you have unconfessed sin and uh if you have unconfessed sin and you're a follower of Jesus, and by the you're a follower of Jesus, and by the you're a follower of Jesus, and by the way, if you're not a follower of Jesus, way, if you're not a follower of Jesus, way, if you're not a follower of Jesus, I'm so stoked that you're here. I'm I'm so stoked that you're here. I'm I'm so stoked that you're here. I'm grateful that someone invited you to grateful that someone invited you to grateful that someone invited you to come. And I hope that this is a place come. And I hope that this is a place come. And I hope that this is a place where you can kind of kick the tires on where you can kind of kick the tires on where you can kind of kick the tires on what the Christian faith is. And and in what the Christian faith is. And and in what the Christian faith is. And and in this message, I hope that you get out of this message, I hope that you get out of this message, I hope that you get out of this. Like this is what Christian this. Like this is what Christian this. Like this is what Christian community looks like. And we're not community looks like. And we're not community looks like. And we're not perfect at it. This is a lot of this is perfect at it. This is a lot of this is perfect at it. This is a lot of this is aspirational. We're trying to grow in aspirational. We're trying to grow in aspirational. We're trying to grow in this. Uh but this is a big part of it this. Uh but this is a big part of it this. Uh but this is a big part of it what you're going to hear today. And I what you're going to hear today. And I what you're going to hear today. And I hope it's appealing to you, especially hope it's appealing to you, especially hope it's appealing to you, especially if you have kind of friendship if you have kind of friendship if you have kind of friendship recession, especially if you feel a gap recession, especially if you feel a gap recession, especially if you feel a gap in your heart when it comes to in your heart when it comes to in your heart when it comes to relationships, especially if you feel relationships, especially if you feel relationships, especially if you feel alone. But in this passage specifically alone. But in this passage specifically alone. But in this passage specifically right here, James says, "All right, right here, James says, "All right, right here, James says, "All right, listen. Um there are sins that can mess listen. Um there are sins that can mess listen. Um there are sins that can mess [clears throat] you up physically." And [clears throat] you up physically." And [clears throat] you up physically." And I would argue any confessed sin, any I would argue any confessed sin, any I would argue any confessed sin, any unconfessed sin, if you're a devout unconfessed sin, if you're a devout unconfessed sin, if you're a devout follower of Jesus, will mess you up over follower of Jesus, will mess you up over follower of Jesus, will mess you up over time. Uh last year I read Fodor Dosi's time. Uh last year I read Fodor Dosi's time. Uh last year I read Fodor Dosi's book, The Classic Crime and Punishment, book, The Classic Crime and Punishment, book, The Classic Crime and Punishment, which he highlights this main character which he highlights this main character which he highlights this main character called Rcolnikov. And Rcolnikov thinks called Rcolnikov. And Rcolnikov thinks called Rcolnikov. And Rcolnikov thinks he's just better than everybody else. He

he's just better than everybody else. He he's just better than everybody else. He thinks that he lives because he's the thinks that he lives because he's the thinks that he lives because he's the cream of the crop. He's the upper crust cream of the crop. He's the upper crust cream of the crop. He's the upper crust of society and think 19th century of society and think 19th century of society and think 19th century Russia. That he can treat the lower Russia. That he can treat the lower Russia. That he can treat the lower classes however he wants to because he classes however he wants to because he classes however he wants to because he actually thinks he's a better person and actually thinks he's a better person and actually thinks he's a better person and the people underneath them are the people underneath them are the people underneath them are underneath him. so much so that he underneath him. so much so that he underneath him. so much so that he thinks that he can even take their thinks that he can even take their thinks that he can even take their lives. And so early on in the story, lives. And so early on in the story, lives. And so early on in the story, Crime and Punishment, Rcolnikov actually Crime and Punishment, Rcolnikov actually Crime and Punishment, Rcolnikov actually kills a lady. He murders her because kills a lady. He murders her because kills a lady. He murders her because she's in the lower classes. And not only she's in the lower classes. And not only she's in the lower classes. And not only does he murder her, he he murders uh her does he murder her, he he murders uh her does he murder her, he he murders uh her daughter. And he here's the key. He gets daughter. And he here's the key. He gets daughter. And he here's the key. He gets away with it all. The police don't know away with it all. The police don't know away with it all. The police don't know who it is. And so he gets off scot-free, who it is. And so he gets off scot-free, who it is. And so he gets off scot-free, but the truth is he doesn't get off but the truth is he doesn't get off but the truth is he doesn't get off scot-free because over time the murders scot-free because over time the murders scot-free because over time the murders that he has committed, they start to eat that he has committed, they start to eat that he has committed, they start to eat him up inside. And he's so, as you start him up inside. And he's so, as you start him up inside. And he's so, as you start to read through the novel, you start to to read through the novel, you start to to read through the novel, you start to see he becomes listless and pale and see he becomes listless and pale and see he becomes listless and pale and somber, even more so as you go on, he somber, even more so as you go on, he somber, even more so as you go on, he gets feverish unto a delirium. And over gets feverish unto a delirium. And over gets feverish unto a delirium. And over time, he becomes even reclusive. He's time, he becomes even reclusive. He's time, he becomes even reclusive. He's alienated. He doesn't want to be around alienated. He doesn't want to be around alienated. He doesn't want to be around people. He thinks everything's a people. He thinks everything's a people. He thinks everything's a conspir. And that kind of crime becomes a And that kind of crime becomes a punishment to him. And he feels guilt punishment to him. And he feels guilt punishment to him. And he feels guilt and shame and alienation. He literally and shame and alienation. He literally and shame and alienation. He literally is sick because of his sin here. And so is sick because of his sin here. And so is sick because of his sin here. And so when we read about in this text in James when we read about in this text in James when we read about in this text in James 5 when James says here like listen if 5 when James says here like listen if 5 when James says here like listen if you're suffering if you're sick or if you're suffering if you're sick or if you're suffering if you're sick or if you're sinning um that's going to do you're sinning um that's going to do you're sinning um that's going to do some damage on you. You need to come some damage on you. You need to come some damage on you. You need to come confess that sin so that you might be confess that sin so that you might be confess that sin so that you might be healed. Uh we need to connect with the healed. Uh we need to connect with the healed. Uh we need to connect with the idea that sometimes and I would say more idea that sometimes and I would say more idea that sometimes and I would say more times than not if you've got sins that times than not if you've got sins that times than not if you've got sins that are unconfessed that you know where are unconfessed that you know where are unconfessed that you know where you're not following Jesus you're not you're not following Jesus you're not you're not following Jesus you're not engaging the virtues and vision of the

engaging the virtues and vision of the engaging the virtues and vision of the kingdom of God. You know it God knows kingdom of God. You know it God knows kingdom of God. You know it God knows it. everyone else does, but you're not it. everyone else does, but you're not it. everyone else does, but you're not saying anything and you're hiding that saying anything and you're hiding that saying anything and you're hiding that secret sin in your heart. It's going to secret sin in your heart. It's going to secret sin in your heart. It's going to eat you up over time. It's it's going to eat you up over time. It's it's going to eat you up over time. It's it's going to be the crime that you've committed in be the crime that you've committed in be the crime that you've committed in your heart where you'll receive the your heart where you'll receive the your heart where you'll receive the punishment of that. It's going to just punishment of that. It's going to just punishment of that. It's going to just come out of your pores. You're going to come out of your pores. You're going to come out of your pores. You're going to feel the darkness of guilt and shame and feel the darkness of guilt and shame and feel the darkness of guilt and shame and alienation. A German author uh who wrote alienation. A German author uh who wrote alienation. A German author uh who wrote a wonderful book on this guy named a wonderful book on this guy named a wonderful book on this guy named Dietri Bonhaofer, Dietri Bonhaofer, Dietri Bonhaofer, [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] probably mid uh 20th century World War probably mid uh 20th century World War probably mid uh 20th century World War II guy. uh he wrote a book called Life II guy. uh he wrote a book called Life II guy. uh he wrote a book called Life Together. I'm going to quote him a few Together. I'm going to quote him a few Together. I'm going to quote him a few times today, three times to be exact, times today, three times to be exact, times today, three times to be exact, because it's just so good. He says this. because it's just so good. He says this. because it's just so good. He says this. He says, "He who is alone with their sin He says, "He who is alone with their sin He says, "He who is alone with their sin is utterly alone." The true alienation is utterly alone." The true alienation is utterly alone." The true alienation is not someone that doesn't know God. is not someone that doesn't know God. is not someone that doesn't know God. It's someone who does know God, but It's someone who does know God, but It's someone who does know God, but trying to stay away from God because trying to stay away from God because trying to stay away from God because they're trying to hide and keep their they're trying to hide and keep their they're trying to hide and keep their sin. That's the toughest place to be. sin. That's the toughest place to be. sin. That's the toughest place to be. That's what sin wants to do, by the way. That's what sin wants to do, by the way. That's what sin wants to do, by the way. It wants to put you into is push you It wants to put you into is push you It wants to put you into is push you into isolation. It wants you to keep you into isolation. It wants you to keep you into isolation. It wants you to keep you in the dark. Uh RColnikov wasn't the in the dark. Uh RColnikov wasn't the in the dark. Uh RColnikov wasn't the first guy that experienced this. The first guy that experienced this. The first guy that experienced this. The first people that experienced were what first people that experienced were what first people that experienced were what the Bible says were the first people the Bible says were the first people the Bible says were the first people Adam and Eve did. They they disobeyed Adam and Eve did. They they disobeyed Adam and Eve did. They they disobeyed God and they literally tried to hide.

God and they literally tried to hide. God and they literally tried to hide. You all remember that story we talked You all remember that story we talked You all remember that story we talked about in Genesis many, many months ago. about in Genesis many, many months ago. about in Genesis many, many months ago. They they they put on the fig leaves and They they they put on the fig leaves and They they they put on the fig leaves and they went behind trees and God's walking they went behind trees and God's walking they went behind trees and God's walking in the cool of the garden acting like he in the cool of the garden acting like he in the cool of the garden acting like he doesn't know where they are because doesn't know where they are because doesn't know where they are because they're so full of shame and guilt and they're so full of shame and guilt and they're so full of shame and guilt and alienated, right? And you see the same alienated, right? And you see the same alienated, right? And you see the same thing here today. Um I mean, I've seen thing here today. Um I mean, I've seen thing here today. Um I mean, I've seen it in my what 35 40 years or so of doing it in my what 35 40 years or so of doing it in my what 35 40 years or so of doing ministry. You'll find someone that's ministry. You'll find someone that's ministry. You'll find someone that's just blowing and going for Jesus. super just blowing and going for Jesus. super just blowing and going for Jesus. super excited and they're passionate and they excited and they're passionate and they excited and they're passionate and they have energy and love for the Lord, but have energy and love for the Lord, but have energy and love for the Lord, but something happens down the road because something happens down the road because something happens down the road because sin's always going to try to get after sin's always going to try to get after sin's always going to try to get after us. And sometimes it gets after one of us. And sometimes it gets after one of us. And sometimes it gets after one of us and that person starts to fall to us and that person starts to fall to us and that person starts to fall to this sin and it becomes secret because this sin and it becomes secret because this sin and it becomes secret because they have so much guilt and shame and they have so much guilt and shame and they have so much guilt and shame and all of a sudden they don't start showing all of a sudden they don't start showing all of a sudden they don't start showing up anymore services and then they see up anymore services and then they see up anymore services and then they see you in like HB and you're in the frozen you in like HB and you're in the frozen you in like HB and you're in the frozen section. Like, well, they're not going section. Like, well, they're not going section. Like, well, they're not going to go to the frozen section. They're to go to the frozen section. They're to go to the frozen section. They're going to the bread section because they going to the bread section because they going to the bread section because they don't want to see you. They don't talk don't want to see you. They don't talk don't want to see you. They don't talk to you anymore. They don't cross paths to you anymore. They don't cross paths to you anymore. They don't cross paths with you anymore. They don't want to do with you anymore. They don't want to do with you anymore. They don't want to do stuff with you anymore. Here's why. stuff with you anymore. Here's why. stuff with you anymore. Here's why. Because they've gone into hiding. Because they've gone into hiding. Because they've gone into hiding. They've they've become a rescolnikov. Uh They've they've become a rescolnikov. Uh They've they've become a rescolnikov. Uh they they've they've Adam and Eved it, they they've they've Adam and Eved it, they they've they've Adam and Eved it, if you will. And like Adam and Eve and if you will. And like Adam and Eve and if you will. And like Adam and Eve and Rolnikov, if you don't deal with your Rolnikov, if you don't deal with your Rolnikov, if you don't deal with your sin by confessing it before gospel sin by confessing it before gospel sin by confessing it before gospel community, what'll often happen is your community, what'll often happen is your community, what'll often happen is your sin will deal with you as you stay in sin will deal with you as you stay in sin will deal with you as you stay in the shadows. And you can't live in the the shadows. And you can't live in the the shadows. And you can't live in the shadowlands that long because that's the shadowlands that long because that's the shadowlands that long because that's the place where you're going to be far from place where you're going to be far from place where you're going to be far from peace, far from hope, far from joy, far peace, far from hope, far from joy, far peace, far from hope, far from joy, far from God and his people. And it's the from God and his people. And it's the from God and his people. And it's the stuff that eats us up. Even even AA, stuff that eats us up. Even even AA, stuff that eats us up. Even even AA, right, Alcoholics Anonymous, they they right, Alcoholics Anonymous, they they right, Alcoholics Anonymous, they they have this adage that says that this have this adage that says that this have this adage that says that this you're only as sin, excuse me, you're you're only as sin, excuse me, you're you're only as sin, excuse me, you're only as sick as your secrets because only as sick as your secrets because only as sick as your secrets because they know too, whatever you hide, it

they know too, whatever you hide, it they know too, whatever you hide, it becomes corrosive. It's like acid in the becomes corrosive. It's like acid in the becomes corrosive. It's like acid in the soul. And if you don't put it out in the soul. And if you don't put it out in the soul. And if you don't put it out in the light, it's going to eat you up over light, it's going to eat you up over light, it's going to eat you up over time. And I get it, man. And I know one time. And I get it, man. And I know one time. And I get it, man. And I know one of the big reasons that Christians uh of the big reasons that Christians uh of the big reasons that Christians uh struggle to confess their sins to struggle to confess their sins to struggle to confess their sins to anybody is because they don't want to be anybody is because they don't want to be anybody is because they don't want to be seen as dumb or they don't want to be seen as dumb or they don't want to be seen as dumb or they don't want to be made fun of or they don't want people to made fun of or they don't want people to made fun of or they don't want people to think certain things about them. They think certain things about them. They think certain things about them. They don't want to die from the embarrassment don't want to die from the embarrassment don't want to die from the embarrassment of having to tell people like here's of having to tell people like here's of having to tell people like here's where they fell. But here's what I want where they fell. But here's what I want where they fell. But here's what I want you to understand. There's a great you to understand. There's a great you to understand. There's a great gospel truth uh that if you're a gospel truth uh that if you're a gospel truth uh that if you're a follower of Jesus today and you've ever follower of Jesus today and you've ever follower of Jesus today and you've ever struggled uh confessing your sins to struggled uh confessing your sins to struggled uh confessing your sins to someone that you trust who's another someone that you trust who's another someone that you trust who's another follower of Jesus or followers of Jesus, follower of Jesus or followers of Jesus, follower of Jesus or followers of Jesus, maybe I can help remind you of this to maybe I can help remind you of this to maybe I can help remind you of this to put you on the right path to kind of put you on the right path to kind of put you on the right path to kind of reset things. Uh St. Paul reset things. Uh St. Paul reset things. Uh St. Paul [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] writes to the church in Corinth in 2 writes to the church in Corinth in 2 writes to the church in Corinth in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 Corinthians chapter 5 Corinthians chapter 5 and he reminds the Corinthian Christians and he reminds the Corinthian Christians and he reminds the Corinthian Christians about this incredible truth that they about this incredible truth that they about this incredible truth that they need to know. And it's in verse 21 and I need to know. And it's in verse 21 and I need to know. And it's in verse 21 and I want to do the same thing for you guys want to do the same thing for you guys want to do the same thing for you guys today. It says in verse 21, it says, today. It says in verse 21, it says, today. It says in verse 21, it says, "For our sake, he made him." Who's that? "For our sake, he made him." Who's that? "For our sake, he made him." Who's that? God the Father made God the Son. So God God the Father made God the Son. So God God the Father made God the Son. So God made Jesus. So for our sake, God made made Jesus. So for our sake, God made made Jesus. So for our sake, God made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin. So that Jesus to be sin who knew no sin. So that Jesus to be sin who knew no sin. So that in Jesus, we might become the in Jesus, we might become the in Jesus, we might become the righteousness of God. Now, let me tell righteousness of God. Now, let me tell righteousness of God. Now, let me tell you why this is such a cataclysmic you why this is such a cataclysmic you why this is such a cataclysmic lifealtering truth. What this tells us lifealtering truth. What this tells us lifealtering truth. What this tells us is this, right? God sent his son uh to is this, right? God sent his son uh to is this, right? God sent his son uh to live a life that we were supposed to live a life that we were supposed to live a life that we were supposed to live, but we have not. You have not, nor live, but we have not. You have not, nor live, but we have not. You have not, nor will you, nor will I. like we can't will you, nor will I. like we can't will you, nor will I. like we can't measure up to God's standard of goodness measure up to God's standard of goodness measure up to God's standard of goodness because his standard is, get this, because his standard is, get this, because his standard is, get this, perfection. You know why? Because he's perfection. You know why? Because he's perfection. You know why? Because he's perfect. And so God realizes none of us perfect. And so God realizes none of us perfect. And so God realizes none of us are going to be measuring up. We're all are going to be measuring up. We're all are going to be measuring up. We're all going to fail. We're not going to be

going to fail. We're not going to be going to fail. We're not going to be acceptable to him in our obedience and acceptable to him in our obedience and acceptable to him in our obedience and our performance. And so what does he do? our performance. And so what does he do? our performance. And so what does he do? He sends himself in the person of his He sends himself in the person of his He sends himself in the person of his son to perform for us. And Jesus does son to perform for us. And Jesus does son to perform for us. And Jesus does all the things that we were supposed to all the things that we were supposed to all the things that we were supposed to do. And yet he goes to a cross, not us. do. And yet he goes to a cross, not us. do. And yet he goes to a cross, not us. He goes to a cross so that he might take He goes to a cross so that he might take He goes to a cross so that he might take the just punishment of our sins. And so the just punishment of our sins. And so the just punishment of our sins. And so that we might I thought Chris did this that we might I thought Chris did this that we might I thought Chris did this beautifully. We might by repentance and beautifully. We might by repentance and beautifully. We might by repentance and faith and demonstrating that through faith and demonstrating that through faith and demonstrating that through baptism show that we want to embrace baptism show that we want to embrace baptism show that we want to embrace Jesus and receive him. And what do we do Jesus and receive him. And what do we do Jesus and receive him. And what do we do in receiving that? It says here for God in receiving that? It says here for God in receiving that? It says here for God for our sake God made Jesus to be sin for our sake God made Jesus to be sin for our sake God made Jesus to be sin and knew no sin. How does that how is and knew no sin. How does that how is and knew no sin. How does that how is Jesus sinful? He was not sinful. No, but Jesus sinful? He was not sinful. No, but Jesus sinful? He was not sinful. No, but he was made the penalty of our sin. God he was made the penalty of our sin. God he was made the penalty of our sin. God took the penalty of all of our sins. All took the penalty of all of our sins. All took the penalty of all of our sins. All of our sins. Laid it at Jesus upon of our sins. Laid it at Jesus upon of our sins. Laid it at Jesus upon Jesus. Jesus becomes our perfect Jesus. Jesus becomes our perfect Jesus. Jesus becomes our perfect substitute. substitute. substitute. uh our sacrifice before God so that uh our sacrifice before God so that uh our sacrifice before God so that God's just and he punishes Jesus in our God's just and he punishes Jesus in our God's just and he punishes Jesus in our place. And what do we get in return? So place. And what do we get in return? So place. And what do we get in return? So that in him we might become say this that in him we might become say this that in him we might become say this word with me the what? The righteousness word with me the what? The righteousness word with me the what? The righteousness of God. That's an amazing statement. So of God. That's an amazing statement. So of God. That's an amazing statement. So So that means like in Jesus we become So that means like in Jesus we become So that means like in Jesus we become righteous. Hold on, Nancy. I'm not righteous. Hold on, Nancy. I'm not righteous. Hold on, Nancy. I'm not really righteous, dude. Like I I have a really righteous, dude. Like I I have a really righteous, dude. Like I I have a lot of sin. So do I. So how how am I lot of sin. So do I. So how how am I lot of sin. So do I. So how how am I righteous? You're not righteous in and righteous? You're not righteous in and righteous? You're not righteous in and of yourself at this state. Like this is of yourself at this state. Like this is of yourself at this state. Like this is the perfection of Jesus placed upon you.

the perfection of Jesus placed upon you. the perfection of Jesus placed upon you. his righteousness, his his perfect his righteousness, his his perfect his righteousness, his his perfect obedience, his performance on your obedience, his performance on your obedience, his performance on your behalf. behalf. behalf. And here's what that makes you. If And here's what that makes you. If And here's what that makes you. If you're a follower of Jesus, you have the you're a follower of Jesus, you have the you're a follower of Jesus, you have the righteousness of God in Christ. That righteousness of God in Christ. That righteousness of God in Christ. That means you're, get this, you're means you're, get this, you're means you're, get this, you're acceptable. acceptable. acceptable. Listen, we've had uh people through the Listen, we've had uh people through the Listen, we've had uh people through the waters of baptism all day long. A lot of waters of baptism all day long. A lot of waters of baptism all day long. A lot of them because of camp, a lot of them have them because of camp, a lot of them have them because of camp, a lot of them have been teenagers, a lot of students, and been teenagers, a lot of students, and been teenagers, a lot of students, and not all of them, but most of these not all of them, but most of these not all of them, but most of these students have told the stories like they students have told the stories like they students have told the stories like they just wanted to be accepted. And talk just wanted to be accepted. And talk just wanted to be accepted. And talk about confession. These people get in about confession. These people get in about confession. These people get in the waters of baptism. They they've the waters of baptism. They they've the waters of baptism. They they've confessed all kinds of things. And confessed all kinds of things. And confessed all kinds of things. And because I wanted to be accepted by my because I wanted to be accepted by my because I wanted to be accepted by my peers, I did this and that and this and peers, I did this and that and this and peers, I did this and that and this and that and this and that and this and that that and this and that and this and that that and this and that and this and that and they're not very good things, right? and they're not very good things, right? and they're not very good things, right? But but they wanted acceptance because But but they wanted acceptance because But but they wanted acceptance because everyone wants acceptance. What I want everyone wants acceptance. What I want everyone wants acceptance. What I want to tell these young people is like, to tell these young people is like, to tell these young people is like, listen, as you get older, it doesn't listen, as you get older, it doesn't listen, as you get older, it doesn't change when you're an adult. You want change when you're an adult. You want change when you're an adult. You want the acceptance of everybody else as the acceptance of everybody else as the acceptance of everybody else as well. And you'll do anything, a lot of well. And you'll do anything, a lot of well. And you'll do anything, a lot of people do anything just to be accepted. people do anything just to be accepted. people do anything just to be accepted. But Paul's trying to tell the But Paul's trying to tell the But Paul's trying to tell the Corinthians like listen, here's what you Corinthians like listen, here's what you Corinthians like listen, here's what you need to know on the acceptance meter. need to know on the acceptance meter. need to know on the acceptance meter. You have the most acceptance by the You have the most acceptance by the You have the most acceptance by the greatest being in the universe, the one greatest being in the universe, the one greatest being in the universe, the one who created it all. You have God the who created it all. You have God the who created it all. You have God the Father's acceptance, the the creator of Father's acceptance, the the creator of Father's acceptance, the the creator of the universe. His full acceptance, not the universe. His full acceptance, not the universe. His full acceptance, not because of what you've done, but because because of what you've done, but because because of what you've done, but because you're in Jesus. Because you're in you're in Jesus. Because you're in you're in Jesus. Because you're in Christ, he accepts you fully. God Christ, he accepts you fully. God Christ, he accepts you fully. God accepts you fully by his grace. Now accepts you fully by his grace. Now accepts you fully by his grace. Now listen, [clears throat] listen, [clears throat] listen, [clears throat] if God accepts you fully by his grace, if God accepts you fully by his grace, if God accepts you fully by his grace, then there's no need for you to lie.

then there's no need for you to lie. then there's no need for you to lie. There's no need for you to manipulate There's no need for you to manipulate There's no need for you to manipulate others. There's no need for you to others. There's no need for you to others. There's no need for you to posture yourself because now listen, I posture yourself because now listen, I posture yourself because now listen, I want my father and mother's acceptance. want my father and mother's acceptance. want my father and mother's acceptance. I want my my brother's uh acceptance, my I want my my brother's uh acceptance, my I want my my brother's uh acceptance, my siblings acceptance. I want my spouse to siblings acceptance. I want my spouse to siblings acceptance. I want my spouse to accept me, but even if I don't get their accept me, but even if I don't get their accept me, but even if I don't get their acceptance, though I want them acceptance, though I want them acceptance, though I want them ultimately, now that I know that I have ultimately, now that I know that I have ultimately, now that I know that I have God's acceptance, who else do I have to God's acceptance, who else do I have to God's acceptance, who else do I have to prove anything to? Who else do you have prove anything to? Who else do you have prove anything to? Who else do you have anything to prove to? And all Paul's anything to prove to? And all Paul's anything to prove to? And all Paul's trying to do is get the Corinthians to trying to do is get the Corinthians to trying to do is get the Corinthians to come back to like square one about what come back to like square one about what come back to like square one about what does it is this is your gospel identity does it is this is your gospel identity does it is this is your gospel identity in Christ. You're fully accepted. Oh my in Christ. You're fully accepted. Oh my in Christ. You're fully accepted. Oh my gosh. So, if I'm fully accepted, what gosh. So, if I'm fully accepted, what gosh. So, if I'm fully accepted, what does that mean? Watch this. does that mean? Watch this. does that mean? Watch this. Uh that uncommon acceptance, if I can Uh that uncommon acceptance, if I can Uh that uncommon acceptance, if I can use the word uncommon again, that rare use the word uncommon again, that rare use the word uncommon again, that rare acceptance by God the Father through the acceptance by God the Father through the acceptance by God the Father through the Son that you have now by the Spirit, Son that you have now by the Spirit, Son that you have now by the Spirit, that full acceptance by God should that full acceptance by God should that full acceptance by God should prompt you to be uncommonly honest with prompt you to be uncommonly honest with prompt you to be uncommonly honest with your sins before other followers of your sins before other followers of your sins before other followers of Jesus that you trust and remind you that Jesus that you trust and remind you that Jesus that you trust and remind you that in confession, we're steered back into in confession, we're steered back into in confession, we're steered back into the lifegiving way of Jesus. The way of the lifegiving way of Jesus. The way of the lifegiving way of Jesus. The way of what? The way of freedom, the way of what? The way of freedom, the way of what? The way of freedom, the way of honesty, the way of restoration. Now, honesty, the way of restoration. Now, honesty, the way of restoration. Now, let me put it to you this way. If I let me put it to you this way. If I let me put it to you this way. If I could put it into a phrase of like what could put it into a phrase of like what could put it into a phrase of like what I would want us to do for application, I would want us to do for application, I would want us to do for application, it's this. The key to uncommon community it's this. The key to uncommon community it's this. The key to uncommon community is practicing uncommon honesty where we is practicing uncommon honesty where we is practicing uncommon honesty where we bring our sin into the light of the bring our sin into the light of the bring our sin into the light of the gospel. I'll say that again. The key to gospel. I'll say that again. The key to gospel. I'll say that again. The key to uncommon community is practicing an uncommon community is practicing an uncommon community is practicing an uncommon honesty where I'm bringing my uncommon honesty where I'm bringing my uncommon honesty where I'm bringing my sin into the light of the gospel. The sin into the light of the gospel. The sin into the light of the gospel. The reason that's so important is because reason that's so important is because reason that's so important is because here's what's going to happen. Uh sin here's what's going to happen. Uh sin here's what's going to happen. Uh sin will want you to forget that you even will want you to forget that you even will want you to forget that you even had this conversation with me. Sin does had this conversation with me. Sin does had this conversation with me. Sin does not want you to have the soul-enriching not want you to have the soul-enriching not want you to have the soul-enriching kind of practice where you confess your kind of practice where you confess your kind of practice where you confess your sins regularly uh to fellow believers sins regularly uh to fellow believers sins regularly uh to fellow believers where you bring those confessions to God

where you bring those confessions to God where you bring those confessions to God because it wants to keep you in the because it wants to keep you in the because it wants to keep you in the darkness. Can I quote Bonaher again? darkness. Can I quote Bonaher again? darkness. Can I quote Bonaher again? This is number two. Here's what he says This is number two. Here's what he says This is number two. Here's what he says here. I love this quote. He says, "Sin here. I love this quote. He says, "Sin here. I love this quote. He says, "Sin wants to remain unknown. It shuns the wants to remain unknown. It shuns the wants to remain unknown. It shuns the light." See, that's that's why we have light." See, that's that's why we have light." See, that's that's why we have secret sins we don't want to tell anyone secret sins we don't want to tell anyone secret sins we don't want to tell anyone about because it makes us feel ashamed. about because it makes us feel ashamed. about because it makes us feel ashamed. We rescol it, right? Makes us feel We rescol it, right? Makes us feel We rescol it, right? Makes us feel guilty. Makes us feel really bad. and I guilty. Makes us feel really bad. and I guilty. Makes us feel really bad. and I don't want people to get all over me. don't want people to get all over me. don't want people to get all over me. But what'll happen is the enemy will But what'll happen is the enemy will But what'll happen is the enemy will whisper into your ear. They'll be like, whisper into your ear. They'll be like, whisper into your ear. They'll be like, "Don't don't say anything." Right? Just "Don't don't say anything." Right? Just "Don't don't say anything." Right? Just keep it to yourself. What will people keep it to yourself. What will people keep it to yourself. What will people think? Consider your reputation. What think? Consider your reputation. What think? Consider your reputation. What about your image? No, no, no, no, no, about your image? No, no, no, no, no, about your image? No, no, no, no, no, no. You just need to sit down and shut no. You just need to sit down and shut no. You just need to sit down and shut up and act Christian. up and act Christian. up and act Christian. I'll tell you what happens though. I'll tell you what happens though. I'll tell you what happens though. Whatever remains unexpressed and hidden Whatever remains unexpressed and hidden Whatever remains unexpressed and hidden will like roloff, it will be corrosive will like roloff, it will be corrosive will like roloff, it will be corrosive to you where every crime of unconfessed to you where every crime of unconfessed to you where every crime of unconfessed sin becomes its own punishment. It's sin becomes its own punishment. It's sin becomes its own punishment. It's just going to eat you alive. Because if just going to eat you alive. Because if just going to eat you alive. Because if you're trying to follow Jesus, but you you're trying to follow Jesus, but you you're trying to follow Jesus, but you know specifically, I'm not following him know specifically, I'm not following him know specifically, I'm not following him here because I just want to hold on to here because I just want to hold on to here because I just want to hold on to the sin. It's going to mess you up. See, the sin. It's going to mess you up. See, the sin. It's going to mess you up. See, here's the reason I think this is so here's the reason I think this is so here's the reason I think this is so important. It's the silence that's going important. It's the silence that's going important. It's the silence that's going to slay you. It's the silence that's to slay you. It's the silence that's to slay you. It's the silence that's going to kill me. So whatever Satan going to kill me. So whatever Satan going to kill me. So whatever Satan wants to do, he wants you to be silent, wants to do, he wants you to be silent, wants to do, he wants you to be silent, not to say anything to anybody, right?

not to say anything to anybody, right? not to say anything to anybody, right? So as long as you're silent, he's got So as long as you're silent, he's got So as long as you're silent, he's got you. But when I come to the gospel, it's you. But when I come to the gospel, it's you. But when I come to the gospel, it's like, oh my gosh, I'm reminded now that like, oh my gosh, I'm reminded now that like, oh my gosh, I'm reminded now that I've I've got acceptance in Jesus and I've I've got acceptance in Jesus and I've I've got acceptance in Jesus and that God's not going to kick me away. that God's not going to kick me away. that God's not going to kick me away. He's not looking for a better version of He's not looking for a better version of He's not looking for a better version of me to love. Like, I can I can actually me to love. Like, I can I can actually me to love. Like, I can I can actually be honest about my junk because my junk be honest about my junk because my junk be honest about my junk because my junk is what Jesus ultimately put on a cross is what Jesus ultimately put on a cross is what Jesus ultimately put on a cross and was crucified for. So like, I'm free and was crucified for. So like, I'm free and was crucified for. So like, I'm free to be honest. Yeah, I'm free to be to be honest. Yeah, I'm free to be to be honest. Yeah, I'm free to be honest. And the reason I go to fellow honest. And the reason I go to fellow honest. And the reason I go to fellow believers as it says in James 5 is not believers as it says in James 5 is not believers as it says in James 5 is not because I need uh some other Christian because I need uh some other Christian because I need uh some other Christian to go you're blessed and forgiven. to go you're blessed and forgiven. to go you're blessed and forgiven. It's not what he's trying to do. It's not what he's trying to do. It's not what he's trying to do. I I'm I'm not asking I'm not confessing I I'm I'm not asking I'm not confessing I I'm I'm not asking I'm not confessing my sins for example to my small group my sins for example to my small group my sins for example to my small group because I need them to forgive me because I need them to forgive me because I need them to forgive me because I haven't sinned against them because I haven't sinned against them because I haven't sinned against them and if I have then I need the and if I have then I need the and if I have then I need the forgiveness. It says here in James 5, forgiveness. It says here in James 5, forgiveness. It says here in James 5, confess your sins one to another and confess your sins one to another and confess your sins one to another and pray. So, I'm actually going to my small pray. So, I'm actually going to my small pray. So, I'm actually going to my small group, if you will, to my gospel group, if you will, to my gospel group, if you will, to my gospel community so that they'll remind me of community so that they'll remind me of community so that they'll remind me of the goodness that I have in Jesus. Like, the goodness that I have in Jesus. Like, the goodness that I have in Jesus. Like, here's here's where I've blown it. here's here's where I've blown it. here's here's where I've blown it. That's great, Yansy. Thanks for sharing That's great, Yansy. Thanks for sharing That's great, Yansy. Thanks for sharing that, man. How can we help you be that, man. How can we help you be that, man. How can we help you be stronger in those areas? Oh, by the way, stronger in those areas? Oh, by the way, stronger in those areas? Oh, by the way, you need to know, let's go back to the you need to know, let's go back to the you need to know, let's go back to the cross. Did you know that you have the cross. Did you know that you have the cross. Did you know that you have the righteousness of God upon you? Did you righteousness of God upon you? Did you righteousness of God upon you? Did you know that you have the full love of God?

know that you have the full love of God? know that you have the full love of God? That there's not one sin you can commit That there's not one sin you can commit That there's not one sin you can commit that's going to kick you out of the that's going to kick you out of the that's going to kick you out of the kingdom? Do you do you know that God kingdom? Do you do you know that God kingdom? Do you do you know that God still loves you? Oh, man. Yeah. I mean, still loves you? Oh, man. Yeah. I mean, still loves you? Oh, man. Yeah. I mean, let me find something else to confess let me find something else to confess let me find something else to confess then, too. Because now all of a sudden, then, too. Because now all of a sudden, then, too. Because now all of a sudden, like, I'm going into gospel community like, I'm going into gospel community like, I'm going into gospel community not to receive their forgiveness, but not to receive their forgiveness, but not to receive their forgiveness, but for them to point me to God's for them to point me to God's for them to point me to God's forgiveness. And we do that by prayer. forgiveness. And we do that by prayer. forgiveness. And we do that by prayer. Y'all following me here? So, like, Y'all following me here? So, like, Y'all following me here? So, like, that's the difference here. I don't need that's the difference here. I don't need that's the difference here. I don't need a confessor, but I kind of need a a confessor, but I kind of need a a confessor, but I kind of need a confessor. I need that gospel community. confessor. I need that gospel community. confessor. I need that gospel community. Uh, this is why James 5 says what he Uh, this is why James 5 says what he Uh, this is why James 5 says what he says. We get before God in prayer says. We get before God in prayer says. We get before God in prayer because only God's the one that because only God's the one that because only God's the one that ultimately forgives. only he's the one ultimately forgives. only he's the one ultimately forgives. only he's the one that ultimately heals by the power of that ultimately heals by the power of that ultimately heals by the power of God through the God the Son and the work God through the God the Son and the work God through the God the Son and the work of God the spirit all because of the of God the spirit all because of the of God the spirit all because of the gospel. So in the end here's what gospel. So in the end here's what gospel. So in the end here's what happens. Uh if you do this you'll happens. Uh if you do this you'll happens. Uh if you do this you'll increasingly realize that uncommon increasingly realize that uncommon increasingly realize that uncommon honesty is the key the pathway to catch honesty is the key the pathway to catch honesty is the key the pathway to catch this word freedom. this word freedom. this word freedom. You all need to hear this freedom. You all need to hear this freedom. You all need to hear this freedom. Um, we got a lot of people that are in Um, we got a lot of people that are in Um, we got a lot of people that are in counseling or on medication or on some counseling or on medication or on some counseling or on medication or on some kind of pathway. And many people, I want kind of pathway. And many people, I want kind of pathway. And many people, I want you to hear this carefully, need to be you to hear this carefully, need to be you to hear this carefully, need to be in those places.

in those places. in those places. But some people may be in those places But some people may be in those places But some people may be in those places because they really have unconfessed sin because they really have unconfessed sin because they really have unconfessed sin and it's killing them. And what they and it's killing them. And what they and it's killing them. And what they need to do is realize, I got to just need to do is realize, I got to just need to do is realize, I got to just fess up to someone that loves me and fess up to someone that loves me and fess up to someone that loves me and knows the gospel so I can find some knows the gospel so I can find some knows the gospel so I can find some healing and forgiveness. I'll give you healing and forgiveness. I'll give you healing and forgiveness. I'll give you an example. Again, I didn't say this is an example. Again, I didn't say this is an example. Again, I didn't say this is everybody, but this may be somebody. It everybody, but this may be somebody. It everybody, but this may be somebody. It might be you. At times, it's been me. might be you. At times, it's been me. might be you. At times, it's been me. There's this guy, if you're new to There's this guy, if you're new to There's this guy, if you're new to Christianity, his name's King David. He Christianity, his name's King David. He Christianity, his name's King David. He was a very popular guy. He was this big was a very popular guy. He was this big was a very popular guy. He was this big leader back in uh a long time ago uh in leader back in uh a long time ago uh in leader back in uh a long time ago uh in the history of Israel, God's original the history of Israel, God's original the history of Israel, God's original covenant people, before the church came, covenant people, before the church came, covenant people, before the church came, if you will. And what he did one time is if you will. And what he did one time is if you will. And what he did one time is um he really screwed up. I'll tell you um he really screwed up. I'll tell you um he really screwed up. I'll tell you how he screwed up here. He writes this how he screwed up here. He writes this how he screwed up here. He writes this psalm which was a prayer uh about um psalm which was a prayer uh about um psalm which was a prayer uh about um well actually let's just do this. Let's well actually let's just do this. Let's well actually let's just do this. Let's just read it. You have to turn there. just read it. You have to turn there. just read it. You have to turn there. I'm going to put it on the screen. Psalm I'm going to put it on the screen. Psalm I'm going to put it on the screen. Psalm chapter 32 verses 1-5. I'll give you chapter 32 verses 1-5. I'll give you chapter 32 verses 1-5. I'll give you some of his backstory as we read this. some of his backstory as we read this. some of his backstory as we read this. He starts off in the first two verses He starts off in the first two verses He starts off in the first two verses saying this. Blessed is the one whose saying this. Blessed is the one whose saying this. Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven whose sin is transgression is forgiven whose sin is transgression is forgiven whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom covered. Blessed is the man against whom covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord Yahweh if you will counts no the Lord Yahweh if you will counts no the Lord Yahweh if you will counts no iniquity and whose spirit there is no iniquity and whose spirit there is no iniquity and whose spirit there is no deceit. So notice what it says there. He deceit. So notice what it says there. He deceit. So notice what it says there. He he just gives a truth. Listen, if God he just gives a truth. Listen, if God he just gives a truth. Listen, if God has forgiven you of your sins, that's has forgiven you of your sins, that's has forgiven you of your sins, that's the blessed person. That's the person the blessed person. That's the person the blessed person. That's the person that should be happy in their heart, that should be happy in their heart, that should be happy in their heart, should find joy in their life, and kind should find joy in their life, and kind should find joy in their life, and kind of air in their lungs. Like that's a of air in their lungs. Like that's a of air in their lungs. Like that's a great place to be. And he better need to great place to be. And he better need to great place to be. And he better need to have read that, written that because if have read that, written that because if have read that, written that because if you know any of the story is this is a you know any of the story is this is a you know any of the story is this is a guy who was the king. So he's the guy who was the king. So he's the guy who was the king. So he's the highest ruler of the land, finds this highest ruler of the land, finds this highest ruler of the land, finds this girl that he thinks is super cool, super girl that he thinks is super cool, super girl that he thinks is super cool, super cute, but happened to be married to cute, but happened to be married to cute, but happened to be married to somebody else and then he just commits somebody else and then he just commits somebody else and then he just commits adultery with her cuz he powers up on

adultery with her cuz he powers up on adultery with her cuz he powers up on her like you do what the king says. her like you do what the king says. her like you do what the king says. We're going to be together. Well, the We're going to be together. Well, the We're going to be together. Well, the problem not just with adultery is that problem not just with adultery is that problem not just with adultery is that she's actually married to someone else she's actually married to someone else she's actually married to someone else who happens to be one of his best who happens to be one of his best who happens to be one of his best friends. And so he has that best friend friends. And so he has that best friend friends. And so he has that best friend murdered. murdered. murdered. So I don't know where it is on the depth So I don't know where it is on the depth So I don't know where it is on the depth chart of what you think his sin is, but chart of what you think his sin is, but chart of what you think his sin is, but adultery and murder are pretty big ones, adultery and murder are pretty big ones, adultery and murder are pretty big ones, right? That's who's writing this psalm. right? That's who's writing this psalm. right? That's who's writing this psalm. And he starts off, this has already And he starts off, this has already And he starts off, this has already happened. So he's going back and tell happened. So he's going back and tell happened. So he's going back and tell you the story, man. Blessed is the one you the story, man. Blessed is the one you the story, man. Blessed is the one who who is forgiven by God. And then he who who is forgiven by God. And then he who who is forgiven by God. And then he writes this. Watch this verses uh three writes this. Watch this verses uh three writes this. Watch this verses uh three and four. Speaking of when he did this, and four. Speaking of when he did this, and four. Speaking of when he did this, for when I kept what? When I shut up. for when I kept what? When I shut up. for when I kept what? When I shut up. When I stayed in the darkness, when I When I stayed in the darkness, when I When I stayed in the darkness, when I when I put the fig leaves on and hid when I put the fig leaves on and hid when I put the fig leaves on and hid behind the bushes, behind the bushes, behind the bushes, when I was silent, what happened? My when I was silent, what happened? My when I was silent, what happened? My bones wasted away. Right? He's real bones wasted away. Right? He's real bones wasted away. Right? He's real scolding a coughing, if you will. My scolding a coughing, if you will. My scolding a coughing, if you will. My bones wasted away. Throw through my bones wasted away. Throw through my bones wasted away. Throw through my groaning all day long. For day and groaning all day long. For day and groaning all day long. For day and night, speaking of Yahweh, God, your night, speaking of Yahweh, God, your night, speaking of Yahweh, God, your hand was heavy upon me. Man, I've been hand was heavy upon me. Man, I've been hand was heavy upon me. Man, I've been there. Those aren't good days. For day there. Those aren't good days. For day there. Those aren't good days. For day and night, your hand was heavy upon me.

and night, your hand was heavy upon me. and night, your hand was heavy upon me. My strength was dried up as by the heat My strength was dried up as by the heat My strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. see what's happening. Sin of summer. see what's happening. Sin of summer. see what's happening. Sin does make you sick. Unconfessed sin. does make you sick. Unconfessed sin. does make you sick. Unconfessed sin. Your your your secrets are your Your your your secrets are your Your your your secrets are your sickness. And David knew that, right? sickness. And David knew that, right? sickness. And David knew that, right? David knew that. Crime punishment. David knew that. Crime punishment. David knew that. Crime punishment. And yet he confesses. He finally gets And yet he confesses. He finally gets And yet he confesses. He finally gets called out. Actually had to have a called out. Actually had to have a called out. Actually had to have a friend help call him out. But he friend help call him out. But he friend help call him out. But he actually confesses of his sin. And actually confesses of his sin. And actually confesses of his sin. And notice what happens on the back side of notice what happens on the back side of notice what happens on the back side of it. Verse five. I acknowledged my sin to it. Verse five. I acknowledged my sin to it. Verse five. I acknowledged my sin to you and I didn't cover my iniquity. I you and I didn't cover my iniquity. I you and I didn't cover my iniquity. I would have added anymore any longer. would have added anymore any longer. would have added anymore any longer. And I said, "I will confess my And I said, "I will confess my And I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord Yahweh." And transgressions to the Lord Yahweh." And transgressions to the Lord Yahweh." And notice what happens. And you forgave the notice what happens. And you forgave the notice what happens. And you forgave the iniquity of my sin. iniquity of my sin. iniquity of my sin. I need some of you to hear this right I need some of you to hear this right I need some of you to hear this right now. Some of you, not all of you, some now. Some of you, not all of you, some now. Some of you, not all of you, some of you are just a one confession away of you are just a one confession away of you are just a one confession away from finding freedom. from finding freedom. from finding freedom. You're just one confession away from You're just one confession away from You're just one confession away from finding air in your lungs again. You're finding air in your lungs again. You're finding air in your lungs again. You're one confession away from finding one confession away from finding one confession away from finding transformation. But it's a big risk I'm asking you to But it's a big risk I'm asking you to do. But I'll just say this as David says do. But I'll just say this as David says do. But I'll just say this as David says it. Blessed is the one whose it. Blessed is the one whose it. Blessed is the one whose transgressions are covered, whose transgressions are covered, whose transgressions are covered, whose iniquity is forgiven. See, the path to iniquity is forgiven. See, the path to iniquity is forgiven. See, the path to sincere, deep, lifegiving, sincere, deep, lifegiving, sincere, deep, lifegiving, transformational relationships centered transformational relationships centered transformational relationships centered on the gospel is real. But it rests on a on the gospel is real. But it rests on a on the gospel is real. But it rests on a real big act, and that act is being real big act, and that act is being real big act, and that act is being honest about confessing. Let me just Can honest about confessing. Let me just Can honest about confessing. Let me just Can I just rant a little bit? This is the I just rant a little bit? This is the I just rant a little bit? This is the third service, so let me just rant some.

third service, so let me just rant some. third service, so let me just rant some. I don't I don't know if I can get this I don't I don't know if I can get this I don't I don't know if I can get this in the first two services. I won't get in the first two services. I won't get in the first two services. I won't get it in now. Um, frankly, you can be in it in now. Um, frankly, you can be in it in now. Um, frankly, you can be in small groups all your life. You can be a small groups all your life. You can be a small groups all your life. You can be a Christian for 120 years and been in a Christian for 120 years and been in a Christian for 120 years and been in a million Bible studies and they're all million Bible studies and they're all million Bible studies and they're all just cute little Bible studies if you've just cute little Bible studies if you've just cute little Bible studies if you've never confessed your sin. Like, I don't never confessed your sin. Like, I don't never confessed your sin. Like, I don't care how many times you've studied care how many times you've studied care how many times you've studied Revelation or First Corinthians or that Revelation or First Corinthians or that Revelation or First Corinthians or that you know the books of the Bible forward you know the books of the Bible forward you know the books of the Bible forward and backward. That doesn't mean squat if and backward. That doesn't mean squat if and backward. That doesn't mean squat if it hasn't transformed you. Like, I don't it hasn't transformed you. Like, I don't it hasn't transformed you. Like, I don't come We don't come to God's word just to come We don't come to God's word just to come We don't come to God's word just to read his word. We come for God's word to read his word. We come for God's word to read his word. We come for God's word to get on us. And there's going to be some get on us. And there's going to be some get on us. And there's going to be some wrecking of shop in there, right? And so wrecking of shop in there, right? And so wrecking of shop in there, right? And so you know that you're living it real when you know that you're living it real when you know that you're living it real when you finally have some times like, you finally have some times like, you finally have some times like, "Listen, man. This is just ruining me "Listen, man. This is just ruining me "Listen, man. This is just ruining me and I gotta tell somebody about this. and I gotta tell somebody about this. and I gotta tell somebody about this. That's the that's the wonder and glory That's the that's the wonder and glory That's the that's the wonder and glory of actually what happens here." So, of actually what happens here." So, of actually what happens here." So, here's the here's the big ask. I know here's the here's the big ask. I know here's the here's the big ask. I know it's gosh dang you've been on vacation. it's gosh dang you've been on vacation. it's gosh dang you've been on vacation. What's wrong with you? I'm I'm ready to What's wrong with you? I'm I'm ready to What's wrong with you? I'm I'm ready to roll, y'all. This is the fall. It's time roll, y'all. This is the fall. It's time roll, y'all. This is the fall. It's time to go. Let me tell you what uncommon to go. Let me tell you what uncommon to go. Let me tell you what uncommon community is about. You can't even enter community is about. You can't even enter community is about. You can't even enter uncommon community, life-changing uncommon community, life-changing uncommon community, life-changing community, if you're not willing to take community, if you're not willing to take community, if you're not willing to take the risk to have uncommon honesty. I'll the risk to have uncommon honesty. I'll the risk to have uncommon honesty. I'll put it on the screen for you. Take the put it on the screen for you. Take the put it on the screen for you. Take the risk of becoming uncommonly honest.

risk of becoming uncommonly honest. risk of becoming uncommonly honest. Here, here's let me give you a challenge Here, here's let me give you a challenge Here, here's let me give you a challenge here. I know what I'm asking. So, I know here. I know what I'm asking. So, I know here. I know what I'm asking. So, I know it's a big ask. it's a big ask. it's a big ask. Um, you you need to find somebody or Um, you you need to find somebody or Um, you you need to find somebody or somebody's someone or someone's who somebody's someone or someone's who somebody's someone or someone's who knows the last 10% about you. knows the last 10% about you. knows the last 10% about you. Uh, woe to the person that doesn't have Uh, woe to the person that doesn't have Uh, woe to the person that doesn't have one person that knows everything about one person that knows everything about one person that knows everything about them because that means you can hide. I them because that means you can hide. I them because that means you can hide. I know people are like, "Well, I know a know people are like, "Well, I know a know people are like, "Well, I know a little. This guy knows about 30% of me. little. This guy knows about 30% of me. little. This guy knows about 30% of me. This guy knows 40% of this guy." That's This guy knows 40% of this guy." That's This guy knows 40% of this guy." That's just another way to hide. just another way to hide. just another way to hide. You got to have somebody at least You got to have somebody at least You got to have somebody at least somebody that knows everything about you somebody that knows everything about you somebody that knows everything about you because you can always just be alienate. because you can always just be alienate. because you can always just be alienate. You can just risk the cough things. You can just risk the cough things. You can just risk the cough things. It'll just eat you up inside or you can It'll just eat you up inside or you can It'll just eat you up inside or you can act like it doesn't, but it really does. act like it doesn't, but it really does. act like it doesn't, but it really does. So, like, and I also know what this So, like, and I also know what this So, like, and I also know what this means. Can I just can I also say this? means. Can I just can I also say this? means. Can I just can I also say this? Um, Um, Um, if you're on the other side, someone if you're on the other side, someone if you're on the other side, someone confessing like here, now let me just confessing like here, now let me just confessing like here, now let me just speak to small groups for a second. speak to small groups for a second. speak to small groups for a second. Small groups, you guys want to be the Small groups, you guys want to be the Small groups, you guys want to be the kind of groups where people will want to kind of groups where people will want to kind of groups where people will want to share. share. share. Like if if you're if if you got someone Like if if you're if if you got someone Like if if you're if if you got someone in your group that's really good at in your group that's really good at in your group that's really good at gossiping and slandering other people or gossiping and slandering other people or gossiping and slandering other people or judging other people. I mean, I don't judging other people. I mean, I don't judging other people. I mean, I don't mean kill them. Um, I just mean no one's mean kill them. Um, I just mean no one's mean kill them. Um, I just mean no one's ever going to share anything to anybody.

ever going to share anything to anybody. ever going to share anything to anybody. It's just going to be high have fun, It's just going to be high have fun, It's just going to be high have fun, read the Bible, go off and act like you read the Bible, go off and act like you read the Bible, go off and act like you got a bunch of head knowledge, but no got a bunch of head knowledge, but no got a bunch of head knowledge, but no one's really changed anything because one's really changed anything because one's really changed anything because you never had real confession. What I'm you never had real confession. What I'm you never had real confession. What I'm trying to tell you is like you've got to trying to tell you is like you've got to trying to tell you is like you've got to be trustworthy and dependable and do be trustworthy and dependable and do be trustworthy and dependable and do what you say you're going to do. And what you say you're going to do. And what you say you're going to do. And like let me just give you a good like let me just give you a good like let me just give you a good warning. Like if someone shares warning. Like if someone shares warning. Like if someone shares something and it's just like not good, something and it's just like not good, something and it's just like not good, like they're just being honest about like they're just being honest about like they're just being honest about their sin. Please don't do this. Oh man, their sin. Please don't do this. Oh man, their sin. Please don't do this. Oh man, that's a hard one. Honey, can you that's a hard one. Honey, can you that's a hard one. Honey, can you believe that? Like don't do that. That's believe that? Like don't do that. That's believe that? Like don't do that. That's that's not good. like you you ought to that's not good. like you you ought to that's not good. like you you ought to just listen to them and remind yourself just listen to them and remind yourself just listen to them and remind yourself that you're just as sinful as the person that you're just as sinful as the person that you're just as sinful as the person you're talking to and you're not even on you're talking to and you're not even on you're talking to and you're not even on the team say by the grace of God and if the team say by the grace of God and if the team say by the grace of God and if you can just remind yourself of that you you can just remind yourself of that you you can just remind yourself of that you can be a great listening ear and can be a great listening ear and can be a great listening ear and sometimes a helpful prayer and an arm sometimes a helpful prayer and an arm sometimes a helpful prayer and an arm around them so that you can guide them around them so that you can guide them around them so that you can guide them back to the goodness of God. So so I back to the goodness of God. So so I back to the goodness of God. So so I know it works both ways and I've been know it works both ways and I've been know it works both ways and I've been talking about the one who confesses but talking about the one who confesses but talking about the one who confesses but you got to be people worthy to be you got to be people worthy to be you got to be people worthy to be confessed to and with. You got to be confessed to and with. You got to be confessed to and with. You got to be dependable got to keep confidences those dependable got to keep confidences those dependable got to keep confidences those kinds of things. But let me go back now kinds of things. But let me go back now kinds of things. But let me go back now to the person who's just just wants to to the person who's just just wants to to the person who's just just wants to find some freedom. Yansancy, where do I find some freedom. Yansancy, where do I find some freedom. Yansancy, where do I start? Like, let's just say I found some start? Like, let's just say I found some start? Like, let's just say I found some friends of mine in the gospel.

friends of mine in the gospel. friends of mine in the gospel. Hopefully, it's in my small group. Maybe Hopefully, it's in my small group. Maybe Hopefully, it's in my small group. Maybe it's one or two people outside of that. it's one or two people outside of that. it's one or two people outside of that. Um maybe it's uh a group of guys. If Um maybe it's uh a group of guys. If Um maybe it's uh a group of guys. If you're a guy, it's a group of girls. If you're a guy, it's a group of girls. If you're a guy, it's a group of girls. If you're a girl, uh that that are that are you're a girl, uh that that are that are you're a girl, uh that that are that are centered in the gospel. How do I even centered in the gospel. How do I even centered in the gospel. How do I even think about sharing what's on my heart? think about sharing what's on my heart? think about sharing what's on my heart? Like sharing my stuff with them. Let me Like sharing my stuff with them. Let me Like sharing my stuff with them. Let me give you three categories. I call this give you three categories. I call this give you three categories. I call this the ABCs of honesty. the ABCs of honesty. the ABCs of honesty. Here's the first one. Do you have any Here's the first one. Do you have any Here's the first one. Do you have any kind of acute burden? What feels kind of acute burden? What feels kind of acute burden? What feels overwhelming to you where you feel like overwhelming to you where you feel like overwhelming to you where you feel like you're doing it alone? This is a burden you're doing it alone? This is a burden you're doing it alone? This is a burden because some people they'll get this because some people they'll get this because some people they'll get this idea that, hey, you're just supposed to idea that, hey, you're just supposed to idea that, hey, you're just supposed to suck it up and do it. Like that's what a suck it up and do it. Like that's what a suck it up and do it. Like that's what a real man does, you know, just he doesn't real man does, you know, just he doesn't real man does, you know, just he doesn't need any help. Okay, that's just not need any help. Okay, that's just not need any help. Okay, that's just not true. So, so some guys are so built in true. So, so some guys are so built in true. So, so some guys are so built in with their pride that they're just dying with their pride that they're just dying with their pride that they're just dying inside because they've never said, "I inside because they've never said, "I inside because they've never said, "I need help." So, what's an acute burden? need help." So, what's an acute burden? need help." So, what's an acute burden? Potentially, that's something you might Potentially, that's something you might Potentially, that's something you might have confessed. Not all these are sins. have confessed. Not all these are sins. have confessed. Not all these are sins. Actually, that's the second one. Letter Actually, that's the second one. Letter Actually, that's the second one. Letter B. What besetting sins do you struggle B. What besetting sins do you struggle B. What besetting sins do you struggle with? I Let's just go hit the hit list. with? I Let's just go hit the hit list. with? I Let's just go hit the hit list. Is it Is it pornography? Is it u Is it Is it pornography? Is it u Is it Is it pornography? Is it u materialism? Is it jealousy? Is it materialism? Is it jealousy? Is it materialism? Is it jealousy? Is it sloth? Is it gluttony? Is it I mean, sloth? Is it gluttony? Is it I mean, sloth? Is it gluttony? Is it I mean, what is it? Uh what's the saying that's what is it? Uh what's the saying that's what is it? Uh what's the saying that's kind of like the tiger got you by the kind of like the tiger got you by the kind of like the tiger got you by the tail kind of deal? It's just you you tail kind of deal? It's just you you tail kind of deal? It's just you you think you have it, but it has you?

think you have it, but it has you? think you have it, but it has you? That's probably a place I would look at. That's probably a place I would look at. That's probably a place I would look at. I'll give you a last one. What kind of I'll give you a last one. What kind of I'll give you a last one. What kind of chronic suffering do you have? See, chronic suffering do you have? See, chronic suffering do you have? See, chronic suffering. chronic suffering. chronic suffering. Uh what ongoing pains do you have to Uh what ongoing pains do you have to Uh what ongoing pains do you have to work through? What what kind of loss work through? What what kind of loss work through? What what kind of loss have you had in your life? someone die have you had in your life? someone die have you had in your life? someone die in your life that you've just never in your life that you've just never in your life that you've just never gotten over it. Not that you ever really gotten over it. Not that you ever really gotten over it. Not that you ever really do, but it's like I you can't move on, do, but it's like I you can't move on, do, but it's like I you can't move on, but you're scared to say anything to but you're scared to say anything to but you're scared to say anything to anybody because you don't want them to anybody because you don't want them to anybody because you don't want them to think that you're a weak person. You think that you're a weak person. You think that you're a weak person. You need to realize everybody's a weak need to realize everybody's a weak need to realize everybody's a weak person, but you you just never shared person, but you you just never shared person, but you you just never shared that. That's maybe something you can that. That's maybe something you can that. That's maybe something you can confess. A health issue that you confess. A health issue that you confess. A health issue that you struggle with. I mean, those kinds of struggle with. I mean, those kinds of struggle with. I mean, those kinds of things. ABC, acute burdens, besetting things. ABC, acute burdens, besetting things. ABC, acute burdens, besetting sins, chronic sufferings. Let me just sins, chronic sufferings. Let me just sins, chronic sufferings. Let me just tell you this. Over the years of the 30 tell you this. Over the years of the 30 tell you this. Over the years of the 30 years that I've been at Clear Creek, 28 years that I've been at Clear Creek, 28 years that I've been at Clear Creek, 28 and a half to be exact, I've been in all and a half to be exact, I've been in all and a half to be exact, I've been in all kinds of small groups and I've heard all kinds of small groups and I've heard all kinds of small groups and I've heard all kinds of confessions. I've given all kinds of confessions. I've given all kinds of confessions. I've given all kinds of confessions. I've heard things kinds of confessions. I've heard things kinds of confessions. I've heard things like uh uh pornography. I've heard like uh uh pornography. I've heard like uh uh pornography. I've heard things about sexual abuse. I've heard things about sexual abuse. I've heard things about sexual abuse. I've heard things about marital strife, suicidal things about marital strife, suicidal things about marital strife, suicidal thoughts, samesex attraction, being thoughts, samesex attraction, being thoughts, samesex attraction, being married to me, all the bad things, married to me, all the bad things, married to me, all the bad things, right? Uh last one was my wife's. Uh but right? Uh last one was my wife's. Uh but right? Uh last one was my wife's. Uh but we worked through it. And I want to tell we worked through it. And I want to tell we worked through it. And I want to tell you this, y'all. Each time you this, y'all. Each time you this, y'all. Each time someone in my group or me confessed someone in my group or me confessed someone in my group or me confessed those things and took that step of those things and took that step of those things and took that step of confession, it was hard, confession, it was hard, confession, it was hard, but it was good. And then they learned but it was good. And then they learned but it was good. And then they learned to take another step of being honest.

to take another step of being honest. to take another step of being honest. And it was hard, but it was good. And And it was hard, but it was good. And And it was hard, but it was good. And each time they took those steps, this is each time they took those steps, this is each time they took those steps, this is a great way to think about this. I mean, a great way to think about this. I mean, a great way to think about this. I mean, really good. So, if I get back here, you really good. So, if I get back here, you really good. So, if I get back here, you can't see me as well. But this is a can't see me as well. But this is a can't see me as well. But this is a really good illustration what confession really good illustration what confession really good illustration what confession is. Every time you confess to your is. Every time you confess to your is. Every time you confess to your brothers and sisters about what you're brothers and sisters about what you're brothers and sisters about what you're struggling with or what besetting sins struggling with or what besetting sins struggling with or what besetting sins or chronic suffering or acute burdens or chronic suffering or acute burdens or chronic suffering or acute burdens that you have, you're stepping into the that you have, you're stepping into the that you have, you're stepping into the light light light where you can know and be known and you where you can know and be known and you where you can know and be known and you can feel the goodness of God once again can feel the goodness of God once again can feel the goodness of God once again and you feel this incredible thing and you feel this incredible thing and you feel this incredible thing called freedom. But none of that happens called freedom. But none of that happens called freedom. But none of that happens if you don't take the first step. Right? if you don't take the first step. Right? if you don't take the first step. Right? Let me give you an illustration with Let me give you an illustration with Let me give you an illustration with this uh through the scriptures at least this uh through the scriptures at least this uh through the scriptures at least taking this analogy. First John says it taking this analogy. First John says it taking this analogy. First John says it this way. 1 John 5-9 says this. This is this way. 1 John 5-9 says this. This is this way. 1 John 5-9 says this. This is the message we've heard from him and the message we've heard from him and the message we've heard from him and proclaimed to you that God is light and proclaimed to you that God is light and proclaimed to you that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. And if we in him is no darkness at all. And if we in him is no darkness at all. And if we say we have fellowship with him while we say we have fellowship with him while we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and don't walk in darkness, we lie and don't walk in darkness, we lie and don't practice the truth. But if we walk in practice the truth. But if we walk in practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have the light as he is in the light, we have the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. I think fellowship with one another. I think fellowship with one another. I think that's fascinating. If we're if we're that's fascinating. If we're if we're that's fascinating. If we're if we're going to be honest and open with God, going to be honest and open with God, going to be honest and open with God, guess what happens? We actually have guess what happens? We actually have guess what happens? We actually have fellowship with each other. One another.

fellowship with each other. One another. fellowship with each other. One another. And what? And the blood of Jesus's son And what? And the blood of Jesus's son And what? And the blood of Jesus's son cleanses us from all sin. It's like, oh cleanses us from all sin. It's like, oh cleanses us from all sin. It's like, oh my gosh, I'm taken back to the goodness my gosh, I'm taken back to the goodness my gosh, I'm taken back to the goodness of the gospel when I confess. But if we of the gospel when I confess. But if we of the gospel when I confess. But if we say verse eight, we have no sin. We say verse eight, we have no sin. We say verse eight, we have no sin. We deceive ourselves and the truth is not deceive ourselves and the truth is not deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. Verse 9 on the converse, if we in us. Verse 9 on the converse, if we in us. Verse 9 on the converse, if we confess our sins, he's faithful and just confess our sins, he's faithful and just confess our sins, he's faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. from all unrighteousness. from all unrighteousness. That is the beauty and power of That is the beauty and power of That is the beauty and power of confession. It is freedom. confession. It is freedom. confession. It is freedom. It's taking what you've hidden and It's taking what you've hidden and It's taking what you've hidden and putting it into the light ever so putting it into the light ever so putting it into the light ever so carefully. carefully. carefully. Here's what I'm struggling with. Here's what I'm struggling with. Here's what I'm struggling with. And if you take enough of those steps, And if you take enough of those steps, And if you take enough of those steps, you won't learn just to stumble in the you won't learn just to stumble in the you won't learn just to stumble in the light. You'll learn to walk in the light. You'll learn to walk in the light. You'll learn to walk in the light. Maybe even learn at some point to light. Maybe even learn at some point to light. Maybe even learn at some point to run in the light. Where you start to run in the light. Where you start to run in the light. Where you start to realize gospel community and regular realize gospel community and regular realize gospel community and regular confession isn't just something you confession isn't just something you confession isn't just something you could do. It's something you should do, could do. It's something you should do, could do. It's something you should do, something you must do, something you something you must do, something you something you must do, something you have to do, something you want to do have to do, something you want to do have to do, something you want to do because what it does in here. Um, because what it does in here. Um, because what it does in here. Um, in fact, um, let me do this. I'm going in fact, um, let me do this. I'm going in fact, um, let me do this. I'm going to tell a couple stories. In fact, I'll to tell a couple stories. In fact, I'll to tell a couple stories. In fact, I'll have Eric and Jody come out and we'll have Eric and Jody come out and we'll have Eric and Jody come out and we'll get set up here and uh and see a way get set up here and uh and see a way get set up here and uh and see a way that we can apply this even immediately that we can apply this even immediately that we can apply this even immediately in this service. Uh we we we got a guy in this service. Uh we we we got a guy in this service. Uh we we we got a guy I'm talking [clears throat] to. He's a I'm talking [clears throat] to. He's a I'm talking [clears throat] to. He's a navigator. If you're new here, navigator navigator. If you're new here, navigator navigator. If you're new here, navigator is just a small group leader. Not just is just a small group leader. Not just is just a small group leader. Not just it's our name for a small group leader.

it's our name for a small group leader. it's our name for a small group leader. We were talking about this and he We were talking about this and he We were talking about this and he mentioned like, "Yeah, I've got two mentioned like, "Yeah, I've got two mentioned like, "Yeah, I've got two different guys in my men's group." He different guys in my men's group." He different guys in my men's group." He said, "There's a guy in my men's group said, "There's a guy in my men's group said, "There's a guy in my men's group [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] and he he every time that we have kind and he he every time that we have kind and he he every time that we have kind of like, hey, what's going on?" of like, hey, what's going on?" of like, hey, what's going on?" everyone, you know, we just kind of go everyone, you know, we just kind of go everyone, you know, we just kind of go around the circle of guys, what's going around the circle of guys, what's going around the circle of guys, what's going on in our their lives, this guy always on in our their lives, this guy always on in our their lives, this guy always says, "Hey, man. How are you doing? How says, "Hey, man. How are you doing? How says, "Hey, man. How are you doing? How are things?" Things are great. Things are things?" Things are great. Things are things?" Things are great. Things are great. I'm great. Things are great. are great. I'm great. Things are great. are great. I'm great. Things are great. Without fail, every time they meet every Without fail, every time they meet every Without fail, every time they meet every week, things are great. I'm great. And week, things are great. I'm great. And week, things are great. I'm great. And everyone knows things aren't great. This everyone knows things aren't great. This everyone knows things aren't great. This guy's marriage is messed up. He's got guy's marriage is messed up. He's got guy's marriage is messed up. He's got health issues. He's got serious sin health issues. He's got serious sin health issues. He's got serious sin struggles. But he just doesn't have the struggles. But he just doesn't have the struggles. But he just doesn't have the courage. And I get it. He just doesn't courage. And I get it. He just doesn't courage. And I get it. He just doesn't have the courage to want to talk about have the courage to want to talk about have the courage to want to talk about that. And they've been meeting for a that. And they've been meeting for a that. And they've been meeting for a long time, but he's just the that's long time, but he's just the that's long time, but he's just the that's great guy. Really, what he should say great guy. Really, what he should say great guy. Really, what he should say is, "I'm stuck. I'm not growing. I don't is, "I'm stuck. I'm not growing. I don't is, "I'm stuck. I'm not growing. I don't really have much hope because I'm not really have much hope because I'm not really have much hope because I'm not willing to say anything to anybody." And willing to say anything to anybody." And willing to say anything to anybody." And yet, there's this other guy in my yet, there's this other guy in my yet, there's this other guy in my friend's group. And uh this is a guy friend's group. And uh this is a guy friend's group. And uh this is a guy who's actually confessed to my buddy who's actually confessed to my buddy who's actually confessed to my buddy who's the navigator and one of his who's the navigator and one of his who's the navigator and one of his friends. Like, they have this kind of friends. Like, they have this kind of friends. Like, they have this kind of group of three. And this old boy has group of three. And this old boy has group of three. And this old boy has been struggling with pornography for a been struggling with pornography for a been struggling with pornography for a large part of his life. A big-time large part of his life. A big-time large part of his life. A big-time struggle. It's it's ruining his life and struggle. It's it's ruining his life and struggle. It's it's ruining his life and his marriage in real time. And he's just his marriage in real time. And he's just his marriage in real time. And he's just he's just said, "I'm I'm going to tell he's just said, "I'm I'm going to tell he's just said, "I'm I'm going to tell you guys everything."

you guys everything." you guys everything." And because he's seen such growth in his And because he's seen such growth in his And because he's seen such growth in his life because he's done it, he's gotten life because he's done it, he's gotten life because he's done it, he's gotten in this men's group and there's the in this men's group and there's the in this men's group and there's the that's great guy over there and he's that's great guy over there and he's that's great guy over there and he's just said, "You know what? Um, just said, "You know what? Um, just said, "You know what? Um, uh, I'm not doing that well. uh, I'm not doing that well. uh, I'm not doing that well. Y'all can pray for me. Then the next Y'all can pray for me. Then the next Y'all can pray for me. Then the next week it's like, uh, I'm not doing that week it's like, uh, I'm not doing that week it's like, uh, I'm not doing that well cuz I I struggle with lust. well cuz I I struggle with lust. well cuz I I struggle with lust. Still kind of safe. That's like 99% of Still kind of safe. That's like 99% of Still kind of safe. That's like 99% of men. Okay. Um, well, um, I'm addicted to men. Okay. Um, well, um, I'm addicted to men. Okay. Um, well, um, I'm addicted to pornography. The reason they all can see him is The reason they all can see him is because he's in the light. because he's in the light. because he's in the light. and he's finally shared it with this and he's finally shared it with this and he's finally shared it with this whole group and he's seeing victory whole group and he's seeing victory whole group and he's seeing victory after victory because of it. Doesn't after victory because of it. Doesn't after victory because of it. Doesn't mean that he doesn't struggle. Doesn't mean that he doesn't struggle. Doesn't mean that he doesn't struggle. Doesn't mean like everything's happy go-lucky. mean like everything's happy go-lucky. mean like everything's happy go-lucky. It just means that he's finally found It just means that he's finally found It just means that he's finally found the freedom to confess and be known even the freedom to confess and be known even the freedom to confess and be known even in his struggles. And what happened is in his struggles. And what happened is in his struggles. And what happened is this. He started doing that and everyone this. He started doing that and everyone this. He started doing that and everyone else started to fall in line. I was else started to fall in line. I was else started to fall in line. I was like, "Well, now that you mention it, like, "Well, now that you mention it, like, "Well, now that you mention it, like I uh 3 weeks ago, I called my best like I uh 3 weeks ago, I called my best like I uh 3 weeks ago, I called my best friend, uh, a a follower of Jesus, and I friend, uh, a a follower of Jesus, and I friend, uh, a a follower of Jesus, and I called him up and we just started called him up and we just started called him up and we just started talking. I said, "You know, Jeff, I just talking. I said, "You know, Jeff, I just talking. I said, "You know, Jeff, I just got to confess some stuff that's been got to confess some stuff that's been got to confess some stuff that's been going on in my heart, stuff that I've going on in my heart, stuff that I've going on in my heart, stuff that I've done, stuff that I I just need you to done, stuff that I I just need you to done, stuff that I I just need you to know." And he was like, "Oh, man, I'm so know." And he was like, "Oh, man, I'm so know." And he was like, "Oh, man, I'm so glad you said that. Like, I that's been glad you said that. Like, I that's been glad you said that. Like, I that's been going on with me." I was like, "Jeff, going on with me." I was like, "Jeff, going on with me." I was like, "Jeff, yours doesn't count. I was the first one yours doesn't count. I was the first one yours doesn't count. I was the first one to say it, so mine counts. Um, to say it, so mine counts. Um, to say it, so mine counts. Um, I've just noticed that sometimes maybe

I've just noticed that sometimes maybe I've just noticed that sometimes maybe God wants to work in somebody else, but God wants to work in somebody else, but God wants to work in somebody else, but he's going to let you be the first he's going to let you be the first he's going to let you be the first domino to go. And you got to just pray domino to go. And you got to just pray domino to go. And you got to just pray that God will give you the courage to that God will give you the courage to that God will give you the courage to let that domino fall in confession let that domino fall in confession let that domino fall in confession because you might lock someone's because you might lock someone's because you might lock someone's timidity away and for them to be timidity away and for them to be timidity away and for them to be courageous because courageous can be courageous because courageous can be courageous because courageous can be contagious. Courage can be contagious. contagious. Courage can be contagious. contagious. Courage can be contagious. And so what you want to fight against is And so what you want to fight against is And so what you want to fight against is you don't want to be the that's great you don't want to be the that's great you don't want to be the that's great guy because that's great guy doesn't go guy because that's great guy doesn't go guy because that's great guy doesn't go anywhere. anywhere. anywhere. He's got a lot of Bible study credits He's got a lot of Bible study credits He's got a lot of Bible study credits but no transformation. but no transformation. but no transformation. There's something very important about There's something very important about There's something very important about this. Let me let me go to a Bonhaofer this. Let me let me go to a Bonhaofer this. Let me let me go to a Bonhaofer quote last one when it talks about quote last one when it talks about quote last one when it talks about confession. confession. confession. This is what he says about confession. This is what he says about confession. This is what he says about confession. Uh he says confession is disciplehip. Uh he says confession is disciplehip. Uh he says confession is disciplehip. It's not ancillary. It's not a side It's not ancillary. It's not a side It's not ancillary. It's not a side hustle. To be a Christian is to have hustle. To be a Christian is to have hustle. To be a Christian is to have confession to be a part of your life. In confession to be a part of your life. In confession to be a part of your life. In confession, the Christian begins to confession, the Christian begins to confession, the Christian begins to forsake his sins. Their dominion is forsake his sins. Their dominion is forsake his sins. Their dominion is broken. From now on, the Christian wins broken. From now on, the Christian wins broken. From now on, the Christian wins victory after victory. But you can't get victory after victory. But you can't get victory after victory. But you can't get there if you're going to say, "I'm there if you're going to say, "I'm there if you're going to say, "I'm great." Like maybe for some of you guys great." Like maybe for some of you guys great." Like maybe for some of you guys and gals, the first step that you need and gals, the first step that you need and gals, the first step that you need to take to go in the light, I'm not to take to go in the light, I'm not to take to go in the light, I'm not saying give everything out, I think you saying give everything out, I think you saying give everything out, I think you have to build trust over time. One of have to build trust over time. One of have to build trust over time. One of the ways you can do it is just go, the ways you can do it is just go, the ways you can do it is just go, I'm not great.

I'm not great. I'm not great. I'm messed up. I got things going on in I'm messed up. I got things going on in I'm messed up. I got things going on in me and I I I don't even have the courage me and I I I don't even have the courage me and I I I don't even have the courage right now to tell you what they are, but right now to tell you what they are, but right now to tell you what they are, but I got enough courage to tell you I'm not I got enough courage to tell you I'm not I got enough courage to tell you I'm not great. And right now, that's all I can great. And right now, that's all I can great. And right now, that's all I can do. And you ought to be like, "Way to do. And you ought to be like, "Way to do. And you ought to be like, "Way to go, man. go, man. go, man. Way to go." Because over time, that Way to go." Because over time, that Way to go." Because over time, that person will be dancing in the light. And person will be dancing in the light. And person will be dancing in the light. And you can help them go. So, you want you can help them go. So, you want you can help them go. So, you want uncommon community. uncommon community. uncommon community. I'll tell you what uncommon community I'll tell you what uncommon community I'll tell you what uncommon community looks like. James 5:16, "Therefore, looks like. James 5:16, "Therefore, looks like. James 5:16, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and confess your sins to one another and confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be, pray for one another that you may be, pray for one another that you may be, say it with me, healed." say it with me, healed." say it with me, healed." So, here's what I'd like for you to do. So, here's what I'd like for you to do. So, here's what I'd like for you to do. Um, Eric and Jody are going to sing a Um, Eric and Jody are going to sing a Um, Eric and Jody are going to sing a song, man, either with you or over you. song, man, either with you or over you. song, man, either with you or over you. It's however you guys want to do it. It's however you guys want to do it. It's however you guys want to do it. But what I'd like for us to do is to But what I'd like for us to do is to But what I'd like for us to do is to enter in time of prayer uh and enter in time of prayer uh and enter in time of prayer uh and reflection. So, um, would you do this reflection. So, um, would you do this reflection. So, um, would you do this with me? Would you just bow your heads with me? Would you just bow your heads with me? Would you just bow your heads and close your eyes? put yourself in a and close your eyes? put yourself in a and close your eyes? put yourself in a just a posture of prayer before the just a posture of prayer before the just a posture of prayer before the Lord. I'm going to ask you some Lord. I'm going to ask you some Lord. I'm going to ask you some questions just to work through. This is questions just to work through. This is questions just to work through. This is not to guilt you out because I'm not a not to guilt you out because I'm not a not to guilt you out because I'm not a big guilt guy. I I just want you to big guilt guy. I I just want you to big guilt guy. I I just want you to bring these questions before the Lord, bring these questions before the Lord, bring these questions before the Lord, asking that his Holy Spirit would move asking that his Holy Spirit would move asking that his Holy Spirit would move in your heart and in your mind to bring in your heart and in your mind to bring in your heart and in your mind to bring anything that maybe you need to be um anything that maybe you need to be um anything that maybe you need to be um working through.

working through. working through. and then I'll pray for us and then uh and then I'll pray for us and then uh and then I'll pray for us and then uh just remain seated and let Eric and Jod just remain seated and let Eric and Jod just remain seated and let Eric and Jod sing this to you and for you. And you're sing this to you and for you. And you're sing this to you and for you. And you're more than welcome to sing along as your more than welcome to sing along as your more than welcome to sing along as your own confession. So just just in the own confession. So just just in the own confession. So just just in the quiet of your own heart between you and quiet of your own heart between you and quiet of your own heart between you and the Lord, um I want to ask this the Lord, um I want to ask this the Lord, um I want to ask this question. Where are you if um where are question. Where are you if um where are question. Where are you if um where are you performing for others rather than you performing for others rather than you performing for others rather than being authentic before them because you being authentic before them because you being authentic before them because you forgot what it is to be accepted before forgot what it is to be accepted before forgot what it is to be accepted before God? And maybe just ask the spirit, "Holy And maybe just ask the spirit, "Holy Spirit, can you bring to mind, is there Spirit, can you bring to mind, is there Spirit, can you bring to mind, is there a place where I'm faking it? a place where I'm faking it? a place where I'm faking it? Where I'm posturing myself? I'm trying Where I'm posturing myself? I'm trying Where I'm posturing myself? I'm trying to play up more than I really am." Next question. Next question. Where can you confess when it comes to Where can you confess when it comes to Where can you confess when it comes to the ABCs? the ABCs? the ABCs? Do you have an acute burden? Do you have an acute burden? Do you have an acute burden? Do you have a besetting sin? Do you have a besetting sin? Do you have a besetting sin? or you experienced chronic suffering or you experienced chronic suffering or you experienced chronic suffering that you need to share with someone that you need to share with someone that you need to share with someone or someone's or someone's or someone's this week.

this week. this week. Do you need to fight the dodge of I'm Do you need to fight the dodge of I'm Do you need to fight the dodge of I'm great, things are great with the people great, things are great with the people great, things are great with the people closest to you that love Jesus and love closest to you that love Jesus and love closest to you that love Jesus and love you? Just sit with that for a second. I you? Just sit with that for a second. I you? Just sit with that for a second. I really do believe that the Holy Spirit really do believe that the Holy Spirit really do believe that the Holy Spirit will bring that into your mind's eye for will bring that into your mind's eye for will bring that into your mind's eye for many of us. And don't take that as many of us. And don't take that as many of us. And don't take that as rebuke. take it as a gift. rebuke. take it as a gift. rebuke. take it as a gift. Lastly, for those of you on the other Lastly, for those of you on the other Lastly, for those of you on the other side who have people that want to share side who have people that want to share side who have people that want to share their struggles with you, their ABCs, is their struggles with you, their ABCs, is their struggles with you, their ABCs, is there a place that you need to grow in there a place that you need to grow in there a place that you need to grow in being trustworthy? being trustworthy? being trustworthy? Are you good at keeping confidences? Are you good at keeping confidences? Are you good at keeping confidences? Can you respond without judgment? Can you respond without judgment? Can you respond without judgment? Can you follow through on your Can you follow through on your Can you follow through on your commitments? And as I end this, maybe the prayer is And as I end this, maybe the prayer is this. For some of us, the per first this. For some of us, the per first this. For some of us, the per first place to start is God, would you just place to start is God, would you just place to start is God, would you just help me to be able just to say I'm just help me to be able just to say I'm just help me to be able just to say I'm just not great? not great? not great? Just to tell someone, I'm not great Just to tell someone, I'm not great Just to tell someone, I'm not great so that you might move me into the place so that you might move me into the place so that you might move me into the place of experiencing your forgiveness of my of experiencing your forgiveness of my of experiencing your forgiveness of my confession. Father, we thank you for the confession. Father, we thank you for the confession. Father, we thank you for the goodness of Jesus. We thank you that in goodness of Jesus. We thank you that in goodness of Jesus. We thank you that in him we have your righteousness. We're him we have your righteousness. We're him we have your righteousness. We're fully accepted. And I I got friends in fully accepted. And I I got friends in fully accepted. And I I got friends in this room that really including myself this room that really including myself this room that really including myself that just need to reconnect that we are that just need to reconnect that we are that just need to reconnect that we are we're accepted by the most high. We're we're accepted by the most high. We're we're accepted by the most high. We're accepted by you, God. We don't need to accepted by you, God. We don't need to accepted by you, God. We don't need to earn anyone else's acceptance. And yet earn anyone else's acceptance. And yet earn anyone else's acceptance. And yet out of that acceptance, we can learn to out of that acceptance, we can learn to out of that acceptance, we can learn to be honest. And so Lord, I pray that that be honest. And so Lord, I pray that that be honest. And so Lord, I pray that that for some of us, the first prayer we need for some of us, the first prayer we need for some of us, the first prayer we need to pray is, Lord, give us courage. Would to pray is, Lord, give us courage. Would to pray is, Lord, give us courage. Would you give us courage to just say we're

you give us courage to just say we're you give us courage to just say we're not great not great not great so that we might rest in the greatness so that we might rest in the greatness so that we might rest in the greatness of your son for us for your glory and of your son for us for your glory and of your son for us for your glory and for our good. We pray this in Christ's for our good. We pray this in Christ's for our good. We pray this in Christ's name.