Do You Need Freedom?

Recently, I asked, "What are the top Recently, I asked, "What are the top five habits people struggle with?" I five habits people struggle with?" I five habits people struggle with?" I asked the same open-ended question 11 asked the same open-ended question 11 asked the same open-ended question 11 years ago. 11 years ago, the answers years ago. 11 years ago, the answers years ago. 11 years ago, the answers were smoking, alcohol, drugs, were smoking, alcohol, drugs, were smoking, alcohol, drugs, pornography, and overeating. pornography, and overeating. pornography, and overeating. A lot has changed in just over a decade. A lot has changed in just over a decade. A lot has changed in just over a decade. This time, the top five answers to the This time, the top five answers to the This time, the top five answers to the same question were overeating or lack of same question were overeating or lack of same question were overeating or lack of exercise. that moves from fifth place to exercise. that moves from fifth place to exercise. that moves from fifth place to first. first. first. Too much social media or screen time was Too much social media or screen time was Too much social media or screen time was new on the list. Interestingly, all the new on the list. Interestingly, all the new on the list. Interestingly, all the answers were given on social media. Worry and anxiety was new on the list. Worry and anxiety was new on the list. Poor money management was new on the Poor money management was new on the Poor money management was new on the list. Procrastination and laziness was list. Procrastination and laziness was list. Procrastination and laziness was new on the list. And right now, you're new on the list. And right now, you're new on the list. And right now, you're having one or of two emotions. If you having one or of two emotions. If you having one or of two emotions. If you struggle with one of those habits, struggle with one of those habits, struggle with one of those habits, you're uncomfortable. If you don't you're uncomfortable. If you don't you're uncomfortable. If you don't struggle with one of those, you're struggle with one of those, you're struggle with one of those, you're feeling pretty good about yourself. feeling pretty good about yourself. feeling pretty good about yourself. But even if those aren't your weakness, But even if those aren't your weakness, But even if those aren't your weakness, there's likely something in your life there's likely something in your life there's likely something in your life out of control. Didn't start that way.

out of control. Didn't start that way. out of control. Didn't start that way. You didn't plan on losing control, but You didn't plan on losing control, but You didn't plan on losing control, but you have. Here's the progression. It you have. Here's the progression. It you have. Here's the progression. It starts with a thought. Everything starts starts with a thought. Everything starts starts with a thought. Everything starts with a thought. That thought becomes a with a thought. That thought becomes a with a thought. That thought becomes a decision. decision. decision. The decision The decision The decision leads to an action. leads to an action. leads to an action. The action becomes a repeated action. The action becomes a repeated action. The action becomes a repeated action. And then when you repeat it often And then when you repeat it often And then when you repeat it often enough, that's called a habit. enough, that's called a habit. enough, that's called a habit. And a repeated habit And a repeated habit And a repeated habit leads to addiction. leads to addiction. leads to addiction. Now, I know you're thinking addiction is Now, I know you're thinking addiction is Now, I know you're thinking addiction is a pretty strong word, but here's the a pretty strong word, but here's the a pretty strong word, but here's the picture. Whatever you're struggling picture. Whatever you're struggling picture. Whatever you're struggling with, you once had control of it. Now it with, you once had control of it. Now it with, you once had control of it. Now it has control of you. Traditionally, the has control of you. Traditionally, the has control of you. Traditionally, the church hasn't dealt with this subject church hasn't dealt with this subject church hasn't dealt with this subject very well. For many generations, our very well. For many generations, our very well. For many generations, our response was, "If you're struggling with response was, "If you're struggling with response was, "If you're struggling with something, you need to quit it. You just something, you need to quit it. You just something, you need to quit it. You just need to stop. Stop right now. Stop need to stop. Stop right now. Stop need to stop. Stop right now. Stop worrying." Somebody struggle with worrying." Somebody struggle with worrying." Somebody struggle with anxiety. That was our answer. Stop anxiety. That was our answer. Stop anxiety. That was our answer. Stop worrying. Stop overeing. Put on your worrying. Stop overeing. Put on your worrying. Stop overeing. Put on your phone. Stop spending so much. Handle phone. Stop spending so much. Handle phone. Stop spending so much. Handle your money God's way. Come on. Get over your money God's way. Come on. Get over your money God's way. Come on. Get over it. Rub some dirt on it. Move on.

it. Rub some dirt on it. Move on. it. Rub some dirt on it. Move on. That sounds great. Just stop doing That sounds great. Just stop doing That sounds great. Just stop doing whatever's got you defeated. Go home, whatever's got you defeated. Go home, whatever's got you defeated. Go home, throw your stuff away, live in victory. throw your stuff away, live in victory. throw your stuff away, live in victory. If only it were that easy. Was talking If only it were that easy. Was talking If only it were that easy. Was talking to my one of my friends last week and to my one of my friends last week and to my one of my friends last week and somehow we got started talking about in somehow we got started talking about in somehow we got started talking about in the 70s and 80s record burnings. the 70s and 80s record burnings. the 70s and 80s record burnings. Preachers would come and talk about the Preachers would come and talk about the Preachers would come and talk about the evils of rock music and then that night evils of rock music and then that night evils of rock music and then that night you'd have record burning. Everybody you'd have record burning. Everybody you'd have record burning. Everybody burn their records. And my friend burn their records. And my friend burn their records. And my friend George, he talked about uh two or three George, he talked about uh two or three George, he talked about uh two or three times. Then the next week he went and times. Then the next week he went and times. Then the next week he went and rebought all the records he had burned. You may have an ongoing struggle with a You may have an ongoing struggle with a sinful destructive habit. Or your sinful destructive habit. Or your sinful destructive habit. Or your problem may not be with a sin, but a a problem may not be with a sin, but a a problem may not be with a sin, but a a habit, addiction, or compulsion that you habit, addiction, or compulsion that you habit, addiction, or compulsion that you can't control. can't control. can't control. It's something you want to stop. It's something you want to stop. It's something you want to stop. You just don't know how. Maybe your You just don't know how. Maybe your You just don't know how. Maybe your challenge is different. There's a hurt challenge is different. There's a hurt challenge is different. There's a hurt in the past that controls you. You think in the past that controls you. You think in the past that controls you. You think about it all the time. That painful about it all the time. That painful about it all the time. That painful memory controls you and has you trapped.

memory controls you and has you trapped. memory controls you and has you trapped. You're desperate to be free. Or you You're desperate to be free. Or you You're desperate to be free. Or you might be stuck in a relationship or might be stuck in a relationship or might be stuck in a relationship or relationship pattern that's destructive. relationship pattern that's destructive. relationship pattern that's destructive. Maybe it's your challenge is being Maybe it's your challenge is being Maybe it's your challenge is being accepted and approved of others. You accepted and approved of others. You accepted and approved of others. You really need that. It controls your really need that. It controls your really need that. It controls your thoughts. It dictates your decisions. It thoughts. It dictates your decisions. It thoughts. It dictates your decisions. It drives you to make terrible choices all drives you to make terrible choices all drives you to make terrible choices all so that you will be liked and approved so that you will be liked and approved so that you will be liked and approved of. of. of. Or you may be consumed with anxiety or Or you may be consumed with anxiety or Or you may be consumed with anxiety or worry or fear. Your mind can't rest worry or fear. Your mind can't rest worry or fear. Your mind can't rest because you just keep thinking about all because you just keep thinking about all because you just keep thinking about all the bad things that are going to happen. the bad things that are going to happen. the bad things that are going to happen. Could be anger, spending what you watch, Could be anger, spending what you watch, Could be anger, spending what you watch, could be something no one else knows could be something no one else knows could be something no one else knows about. Whatever it is, there's hope. about. Whatever it is, there's hope. about. Whatever it is, there's hope. Today, we look at the story of a man who Today, we look at the story of a man who Today, we look at the story of a man who is being controlled by something bigger is being controlled by something bigger is being controlled by something bigger than him. In his case, demons. than him. In his case, demons. than him. In his case, demons. We don't know really how he was We don't know really how he was We don't know really how he was introduced to that. Maybe his initial introduced to that. Maybe his initial introduced to that. Maybe his initial exposure was for fun or enjoyment. Maybe exposure was for fun or enjoyment. Maybe exposure was for fun or enjoyment. Maybe it was so he could fit in. We don't it was so he could fit in. We don't it was so he could fit in. We don't know. But it wasn't fun for long. His know. But it wasn't fun for long. His know. But it wasn't fun for long. His life was ruined and there appeared to be life was ruined and there appeared to be life was ruined and there appeared to be no answer. The thing he once had no answer. The thing he once had no answer. The thing he once had now had him. Then one day, Jesus came on now had him. Then one day, Jesus came on now had him. Then one day, Jesus came on the scene. And from Jesus's encounter the scene. And from Jesus's encounter the scene. And from Jesus's encounter with a man found in Mark 5, we learn with a man found in Mark 5, we learn with a man found in Mark 5, we learn principles for finding freedom. This principles for finding freedom. This principles for finding freedom. This could be one of the most important days could be one of the most important days could be one of the most important days of your life. You really can be free.

of your life. You really can be free. of your life. You really can be free. Pick it up in verse one. They went Pick it up in verse one. They went Pick it up in verse one. They went across the lake to the region of the across the lake to the region of the across the lake to the region of the Garrison. Garrison. Garrison. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man When Jesus got out of the boat, a man When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came [music] from with an evil spirit came [music] from with an evil spirit came [music] from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs. the tombs. the tombs. Little historical perspective. In those Little historical perspective. In those Little historical perspective. In those days, you could send someone you were days, you could send someone you were days, you could send someone you were ashamed of to the tomb. If they were out ashamed of to the tomb. If they were out ashamed of to the tomb. If they were out of the control, you couldn't figure it of the control, you couldn't figure it of the control, you couldn't figure it out. You sent them to the tombs. And out. You sent them to the tombs. And out. You sent them to the tombs. And once they were there, you pretended they once they were there, you pretended they once they were there, you pretended they didn't exist. didn't exist. didn't exist. They were dead to you. That's what They were dead to you. That's what They were dead to you. That's what happened to this man. He was tormented happened to this man. He was tormented happened to this man. He was tormented and alone. It was a dark, dreary, lonely and alone. It was a dark, dreary, lonely and alone. It was a dark, dreary, lonely existence. That's what happens. existence. That's what happens. existence. That's what happens. Unhealthy habits take you where you Unhealthy habits take you where you Unhealthy habits take you where you don't want to go. To addiction, bondage. don't want to go. To addiction, bondage. don't want to go. To addiction, bondage. Relational, spiritual, and sadly even Relational, spiritual, and sadly even Relational, spiritual, and sadly even physical death. Healthy habits lead to physical death. Healthy habits lead to physical death. Healthy habits lead to life. Unhealthy habits lead to death. life. Unhealthy habits lead to death. life. Unhealthy habits lead to death. Verse three. No one can bind him Verse three. No one can bind him Verse three. No one can bind him anymore, not even with a chain. for he anymore, not even with a chain. for he anymore, not even with a chain. for he had often been chained hand and foot, had often been chained hand and foot, had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke but he tore the chains apart and broke but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong the irons on his feet. No one was strong the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. People tried to enough to subdue him. People tried to enough to subdue him. People tried to lock him up with locks and chains, but lock him up with locks and chains, but lock him up with locks and chains, but every time he was chained, he broke every time he was chained, he broke every time he was chained, he broke free. Now, he wasn't held captive by free. Now, he wasn't held captive by free. Now, he wasn't held captive by iron chains. He was held captive by the iron chains. He was held captive by the iron chains. He was held captive by the condition of his soul.

condition of his soul. condition of his soul. There wasn't an easy or natural answer There wasn't an easy or natural answer There wasn't an easy or natural answer to his struggle. This man defeated the to his struggle. This man defeated the to his struggle. This man defeated the chains, chains, chains, but he still never found release. He but he still never found release. He but he still never found release. He could get away from chains, could get away from chains, could get away from chains, but not the demons. but not the demons. but not the demons. Inner chains are so much more difficult Inner chains are so much more difficult Inner chains are so much more difficult to break. Does that sound familiar? You to break. Does that sound familiar? You to break. Does that sound familiar? You can stop the prescription drug abuse for can stop the prescription drug abuse for can stop the prescription drug abuse for a while. a while. a while. You can put the credit cards away for a You can put the credit cards away for a You can put the credit cards away for a while. while. while. You overcome your food addiction for a You overcome your food addiction for a You overcome your food addiction for a few days. But that craving, the inner few days. But that craving, the inner few days. But that craving, the inner desire drives you back to the habit. desire drives you back to the habit. desire drives you back to the habit. It's not the external thing, the stuff It's not the external thing, the stuff It's not the external thing, the stuff that traps you. It's the internal thing, that traps you. It's the internal thing, that traps you. It's the internal thing, the drive. the drive. the drive. Is it possible? Is it possible? Is it possible? This is a spiritual battle. Now, let me This is a spiritual battle. Now, let me This is a spiritual battle. Now, let me pause and give you a word of caution. pause and give you a word of caution. pause and give you a word of caution. Most of the time there is both a natural Most of the time there is both a natural Most of the time there is both a natural and a spiritual element to your problem. and a spiritual element to your problem. and a spiritual element to your problem. Don't automatically assume a demon is Don't automatically assume a demon is Don't automatically assume a demon is making you procrastinate or making you making you procrastinate or making you making you procrastinate or making you shop or your spouse shop or or worry or shop or your spouse shop or or worry or shop or your spouse shop or or worry or eat. The devil made me do it. It can eat. The devil made me do it. It can eat. The devil made me do it. It can just be a convenient excuse for just be a convenient excuse for just be a convenient excuse for laziness.

laziness. laziness. Do everything you know to do, but don't Do everything you know to do, but don't Do everything you know to do, but don't neglect the spiritual aspect of your neglect the spiritual aspect of your neglect the spiritual aspect of your battle. battle. battle. Night and day among the tombs and in the Night and day among the tombs and in the Night and day among the tombs and in the hills, he would cry out and cut himself hills, he would cry out and cut himself hills, he would cry out and cut himself with stones. He got worse. Developed with stones. He got worse. Developed with stones. He got worse. Developed self-destructive selfharm habits. self-destructive selfharm habits. self-destructive selfharm habits. We have a tendency to think, "This isn't We have a tendency to think, "This isn't We have a tendency to think, "This isn't good, but but I can live with it. I'll good, but but I can live with it. I'll good, but but I can live with it. I'll be all right for now. be all right for now. be all right for now. I can quit whenever I want. This just I can quit whenever I want. This just I can quit whenever I want. This just isn't a good time." isn't a good time." isn't a good time." That's a dangerous way to think. Many of That's a dangerous way to think. Many of That's a dangerous way to think. Many of you take great care of your house. It's you take great care of your house. It's you take great care of your house. It's your property. You've got your stuff in your property. You've got your stuff in your property. You've got your stuff in there. there. there. I want you to imagine you have a roof I want you to imagine you have a roof I want you to imagine you have a roof leak. The last night it starts raining. leak. The last night it starts raining. leak. The last night it starts raining. You're amazed that there's this water You're amazed that there's this water You're amazed that there's this water falling from the sky and you see a a falling from the sky and you see a a falling from the sky and you see a a little leak in your roof. You notice it, little leak in your roof. You notice it, little leak in your roof. You notice it, but you use that same way of thinking. but you use that same way of thinking. but you use that same way of thinking. Well, I I hope something happens to fix Well, I I hope something happens to fix Well, I I hope something happens to fix that leak, but I don't have the time that leak, but I don't have the time that leak, but I don't have the time right now.

right now. right now. Then when it rains again in Then when it rains again in Then when it rains again in two more months and and you notice it two more months and and you notice it two more months and and you notice it again it's a little bit more you say again it's a little bit more you say again it's a little bit more you say well that really needs fixing. I'm going well that really needs fixing. I'm going well that really needs fixing. I'm going to get to that soon. The longer you to get to that soon. The longer you to get to that soon. The longer you delay the more damage is done. delay the more damage is done. delay the more damage is done. Eventually your small roof leak leads to Eventually your small roof leak leads to Eventually your small roof leak leads to a roof collapse a roof collapse a roof collapse because you ignored the problem. You because you ignored the problem. You because you ignored the problem. You would never do that with your house. would never do that with your house. would never do that with your house. Even though it's frustrating, you take Even though it's frustrating, you take Even though it's frustrating, you take the time to make the repair. So why do you do that with your life? So why do you do that with your life? An addiction doesn't improve on its own. An addiction doesn't improve on its own. An addiction doesn't improve on its own. It gets worse. It gets worse. It gets worse. A bad habit doesn't automatically go A bad habit doesn't automatically go A bad habit doesn't automatically go away. It grows. It costs you more. It away. It grows. It costs you more. It away. It grows. It costs you more. It hurts you more. And it continues to hurts you more. And it continues to hurts you more. And it continues to strengthen its hold. And with each day strengthen its hold. And with each day strengthen its hold. And with each day of bondage, the habit becomes harder to of bondage, the habit becomes harder to of bondage, the habit becomes harder to break. break. break. When this man saw Jesus from a distance, When this man saw Jesus from a distance, When this man saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of he ran and fell on his knees in front of he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He was looking for a way out. He's him. He was looking for a way out. He's him. He was looking for a way out. He's looking for an answer. Chains couldn't looking for an answer. Chains couldn't looking for an answer. Chains couldn't bind him. People couldn't help him. But bind him. People couldn't help him. But bind him. People couldn't help him. But when Jesus came on the scene, everything when Jesus came on the scene, everything when Jesus came on the scene, everything changed.

changed. changed. >> And suddenly, this man was not out of >> And suddenly, this man was not out of >> And suddenly, this man was not out of control, yelling and cutting himself. control, yelling and cutting himself. control, yelling and cutting himself. Instead, he was kneeling at the feet of Instead, he was kneeling at the feet of Instead, he was kneeling at the feet of Jesus. Even this too fargone, Jesus. Even this too fargone, Jesus. Even this too fargone, outofcontrol man recognized his moment, outofcontrol man recognized his moment, outofcontrol man recognized his moment, his opportunity for freedom. his opportunity for freedom. his opportunity for freedom. Some of you have been struggling with a Some of you have been struggling with a Some of you have been struggling with a habit, a bondage, or an addiction for habit, a bondage, or an addiction for habit, a bondage, or an addiction for years. You've let worry or fear, anxiety, You've let worry or fear, anxiety, depression control you way too long. depression control you way too long. depression control you way too long. You've been in this condition for a You've been in this condition for a You've been in this condition for a long, long time. this is your freedom long, long time. this is your freedom long, long time. this is your freedom opportunity. Do like the demoniac did opportunity. Do like the demoniac did opportunity. Do like the demoniac did and run to Jesus. and run to Jesus. and run to Jesus. He got there and then he shouted at the He got there and then he shouted at the He got there and then he shouted at the top of his voice. top of his voice. top of his voice. Now remember, he came to Jesus, "What do Now remember, he came to Jesus, "What do Now remember, he came to Jesus, "What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the most you want with me, Jesus, son of the most you want with me, Jesus, son of the most high God? Swear to God that you won't high God? Swear to God that you won't high God? Swear to God that you won't torture me."

torture me." torture me." People tried many methods to set this People tried many methods to set this People tried many methods to set this man free. But every time someone had an man free. But every time someone had an man free. But every time someone had an idea for change, it resulted in more idea for change, it resulted in more idea for change, it resulted in more pain. pain. pain. He actually said to Jesus, "Promise you He actually said to Jesus, "Promise you He actually said to Jesus, "Promise you won't torture me." Which won't torture me." Which won't torture me." Which Jesus had never done. Jesus had never done. Jesus had never done. Seems to be an irrational fear. Seems to be an irrational fear. Seems to be an irrational fear. But when you come to God and ask to be But when you come to God and ask to be But when you come to God and ask to be delivered from addictions or habit, even delivered from addictions or habit, even delivered from addictions or habit, even good change can be frightening. good change can be frightening. good change can be frightening. I'd like to be free, I'd like to be free, I'd like to be free, but I I'm afraid what you're going to do but I I'm afraid what you're going to do but I I'm afraid what you're going to do to me in the process. God, please don't to me in the process. God, please don't to me in the process. God, please don't make me miserable. make me miserable. make me miserable. Please don't make me change too much. Please don't make me change too much. Please don't make me change too much. For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit." this man, you evil spirit." this man, you evil spirit." Jesus could have said, "Take him into Jesus could have said, "Take him into Jesus could have said, "Take him into town. town. town. Buy him a new set of clothes. Give him a Buy him a new set of clothes. Give him a Buy him a new set of clothes. Give him a bath. Let's let's get him cleaned up. bath. Let's let's get him cleaned up. bath. Let's let's get him cleaned up. That would have been great. But other That would have been great. But other That would have been great. But other people had already tried the natural people had already tried the natural people had already tried the natural way. Jesus recognized something else was way. Jesus recognized something else was way. Jesus recognized something else was going on and he directly addressed the going on and he directly addressed the going on and he directly addressed the evil spirit. There's something for us to evil spirit. There's something for us to evil spirit. There's something for us to learn here. Spiritual battles are won learn here. Spiritual battles are won learn here. Spiritual battles are won with spiritual methods.

with spiritual methods. with spiritual methods. Maybe you've tried everything you know Maybe you've tried everything you know Maybe you've tried everything you know to do, everything you can come up with, to do, everything you can come up with, to do, everything you can come up with, every plan. Nothing's worked. every plan. Nothing's worked. every plan. Nothing's worked. It's time to turn to spiritual methods. It's time to turn to spiritual methods. It's time to turn to spiritual methods. Fasting, prayer, others praying for you. Fasting, prayer, others praying for you. Fasting, prayer, others praying for you. Worship, praying in the spirit. This is Worship, praying in the spirit. This is Worship, praying in the spirit. This is one reason the baptism of the Holy one reason the baptism of the Holy one reason the baptism of the Holy Spirit is so important. When you don't Spirit is so important. When you don't Spirit is so important. When you don't know how to pray and you don't know what know how to pray and you don't know what know how to pray and you don't know what to do, the Holy Spirit makes to do, the Holy Spirit makes to do, the Holy Spirit makes intercession through you. intercession through you. intercession through you. If you've been struggling for years and If you've been struggling for years and If you've been struggling for years and you desire to be free, if you've tried you desire to be free, if you've tried you desire to be free, if you've tried every option the world can offer, every option the world can offer, every option the world can offer, you've read every how-to book, you've you've read every how-to book, you've you've read every how-to book, you've joined every program, you've watched joined every program, you've watched joined every program, you've watched every YouTube video, you've downloaded every YouTube video, you've downloaded every YouTube video, you've downloaded every app, and nothing is worse. It's every app, and nothing is worse. It's every app, and nothing is worse. It's way past time to give God a try. way past time to give God a try. way past time to give God a try. And Jesus asked him, And Jesus asked him, And Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "What is your name?" "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." So the man didn't answer.

are many." So the man didn't answer. are many." So the man didn't answer. Instead, the demon inside of him Instead, the demon inside of him Instead, the demon inside of him answered. answered. answered. For a while, you can be bigger than your For a while, you can be bigger than your For a while, you can be bigger than your problem. problem. problem. You can hide it from your family, hide You can hide it from your family, hide You can hide it from your family, hide it from the people who know you well. it from the people who know you well. it from the people who know you well. But as the problem gets bigger, it's But as the problem gets bigger, it's But as the problem gets bigger, it's more difficult to hide until one day more difficult to hide until one day more difficult to hide until one day your problem is bigger than you. your problem is bigger than you. your problem is bigger than you. It gets so big It gets so big It gets so big it becomes your identity. You're no it becomes your identity. You're no it becomes your identity. You're no longer Jack. You're that drunk. longer Jack. You're that drunk. longer Jack. You're that drunk. You're no longer Jennifer. You're that You're no longer Jennifer. You're that You're no longer Jennifer. You're that addict. addict. addict. You're no longer Ted. You're no longer Ted. You're no longer Ted. You are a workaholic. You become what You are a workaholic. You become what You are a workaholic. You become what has you trapped. has you trapped. has you trapped. Satan comes to steal and kill and Satan comes to steal and kill and Satan comes to steal and kill and destroy. But Jesus came so you could destroy. But Jesus came so you could destroy. But Jesus came so you could have life and have it more abundantly. have life and have it more abundantly. have life and have it more abundantly. With God's help, you can have your life With God's help, you can have your life With God's help, you can have your life back. And Jesus will restore your back. And Jesus will restore your back. And Jesus will restore your identity. Your identity does not have to identity. Your identity does not have to identity. Your identity does not have to be what controls you. He'll restore you.

be what controls you. He'll restore you. be what controls you. He'll restore you. Look at verse 10. He begged Jesus again Look at verse 10. He begged Jesus again Look at verse 10. He begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the and again not to send them out of the and again not to send them out of the area. area. area. Now, this is huge. Look closely at that verse. It wasn't Look closely at that verse. It wasn't the demons begging not to be sent out the demons begging not to be sent out the demons begging not to be sent out the area. It was the man. the area. It was the man. the area. It was the man. He actually asked Jesus to keep the He actually asked Jesus to keep the He actually asked Jesus to keep the demons around demons around demons around just in case. just in case. just in case. He wanted to be free, but he also wanted He wanted to be free, but he also wanted He wanted to be free, but he also wanted to keep his options open. After all, to keep his options open. After all, to keep his options open. After all, what if he discovered life wasn't as fun what if he discovered life wasn't as fun what if he discovered life wasn't as fun without the demons? without the demons? without the demons? Now, that sounds crazy, but you do the Now, that sounds crazy, but you do the Now, that sounds crazy, but you do the same thing. You have a credit card same thing. You have a credit card same thing. You have a credit card problem, so you decide not to use them problem, so you decide not to use them problem, so you decide not to use them anymore, but instead of cutting them up, anymore, but instead of cutting them up, anymore, but instead of cutting them up, you put them in a drawer or or you just you put them in a drawer or or you just you put them in a drawer or or you just keep one. It's always the one with the keep one. It's always the one with the keep one. It's always the one with the biggest credit limit. biggest credit limit. biggest credit limit. You struggle with internet pornography. You struggle with internet pornography. You struggle with internet pornography. you're going to give it up, but you keep you're going to give it up, but you keep you're going to give it up, but you keep your high-speed internet connection your high-speed internet connection your high-speed internet connection because after all, because after all, because after all, you can't live without highspeed you can't live without highspeed you can't live without highspeed internet.

internet. internet. You have a food addiction, You have a food addiction, You have a food addiction, but you keep cookies and sweets in the but you keep cookies and sweets in the but you keep cookies and sweets in the kitchen just in case you get a craving kitchen just in case you get a craving kitchen just in case you get a craving because it doesn't matter if you eat because it doesn't matter if you eat because it doesn't matter if you eat just a little bit. I mean, you don't just a little bit. I mean, you don't just a little bit. I mean, you don't want to deprive yourself. want to deprive yourself. want to deprive yourself. You're keeping your options open. You're keeping your options open. You're keeping your options open. You're an alcoholic You're an alcoholic You're an alcoholic and know you have to quit, but you keep and know you have to quit, but you keep and know you have to quit, but you keep one bottle one bottle one bottle just in case in case you need to take just in case in case you need to take just in case in case you need to take the edge off because you can't the edge off because you can't the edge off because you can't completely quit. I'm sorry, but it doesn't work that way. I'm sorry, but it doesn't work that way. It's not all God. It's not all God. It's not all God. It's not all you. It's not all natural. It's not all you. It's not all natural. It's not all you. It's not all natural. It's not all supernatural. You have a It's not all supernatural. You have a It's not all supernatural. You have a part to play in your freedom. You have part to play in your freedom. You have part to play in your freedom. You have to come to Jesus ready to change and to come to Jesus ready to change and to come to Jesus ready to change and eliminate your options. eliminate your options. eliminate your options. You can't help someone who isn't willing You can't help someone who isn't willing You can't help someone who isn't willing to accept it. Now, we get this all the to accept it. Now, we get this all the to accept it. Now, we get this all the time. Our pastors, we get this all the time. Our pastors, we get this all the time. Our pastors, we get this all the time. Someone will call and say, "Uh, time. Someone will call and say, "Uh, time. Someone will call and say, "Uh, will you call my friend and will you will you call my friend and will you will you call my friend and will you make them come to Forever Free?

make them come to Forever Free? make them come to Forever Free? Will you call my daughter because she Will you call my daughter because she Will you call my daughter because she really needs to be in a recovery really needs to be in a recovery really needs to be in a recovery program? Would you make her come? program? Would you make her come? program? Would you make her come? Forcing someone into a treatment program Forcing someone into a treatment program Forcing someone into a treatment program rarely works. rarely works. rarely works. >> Trying to force change from the outside >> Trying to force change from the outside >> Trying to force change from the outside isn't effective. It doesn't work. You isn't effective. It doesn't work. You isn't effective. It doesn't work. You are the person with the problem. You are the person with the problem. You are the person with the problem. You have to be ready to change and willing have to be ready to change and willing have to be ready to change and willing to eliminate your options. to eliminate your options. to eliminate your options. >> We can't do that for you. Now, I know I >> We can't do that for you. Now, I know I >> We can't do that for you. Now, I know I said this three weeks ago, but it it said this three weeks ago, but it it said this three weeks ago, but it it needs to be said again. This is a key. needs to be said again. This is a key. needs to be said again. This is a key. When people say they want to change, I When people say they want to change, I When people say they want to change, I always start with uh change your cell always start with uh change your cell always start with uh change your cell phone number phone number phone number and that way the people from your old and that way the people from your old and that way the people from your old life won't have access to keep tempting life won't have access to keep tempting life won't have access to keep tempting you. When they don't change their cell you. When they don't change their cell you. When they don't change their cell phone number, I know they're not ready phone number, I know they're not ready phone number, I know they're not ready to change. Just like the demoniac, to change. Just like the demoniac, to change. Just like the demoniac, they're keeping their options open. They they're keeping their options open. They they're keeping their options open. They want to keep those old people from that want to keep those old people from that want to keep those old people from that old way of life around because they're old way of life around because they're old way of life around because they're afraid without them they're going to be afraid without them they're going to be afraid without them they're going to be too lonely. too lonely. too lonely. In 1519, In 1519, In 1519, a Spanish explorer named Hernand Cortez a Spanish explorer named Hernand Cortez a Spanish explorer named Hernand Cortez arrived on the Mexican coast with 600 arrived on the Mexican coast with 600 arrived on the Mexican coast with 600 men to begin the Spanish conquest of the men to begin the Spanish conquest of the men to begin the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire.

He knew that as long as the ships were He knew that as long as the ships were sitting in the harbor, retreat was an sitting in the harbor, retreat was an sitting in the harbor, retreat was an option. His guys could mutiny, decide it option. His guys could mutiny, decide it option. His guys could mutiny, decide it was too hard, and take off. So Cortez was too hard, and take off. So Cortez was too hard, and take off. So Cortez sank the ships. sank the ships. sank the ships. So there is no way for his men to change So there is no way for his men to change So there is no way for his men to change their minds and go back. their minds and go back. their minds and go back. That's the problem for some people who That's the problem for some people who That's the problem for some people who say they want freedom. say they want freedom. say they want freedom. You want to follow Jesus, but you keep a You want to follow Jesus, but you keep a You want to follow Jesus, but you keep a ship in the harbor. ship in the harbor. ship in the harbor. You keep the number. You keep the number. You keep the number. You keep the relationships. You keep the relationships. You keep the relationships. You keep the bottle. You keep the bottle. You keep the bottle. You keep the account. You keep the account. You keep the account. You keep access to the thing that keeps You keep access to the thing that keeps You keep access to the thing that keeps pulling you back. You ask Jesus to set pulling you back. You ask Jesus to set pulling you back. You ask Jesus to set you free while making sure you still you free while making sure you still you free while making sure you still have a way back into the bondage. have a way back into the bondage. have a way back into the bondage. Sometimes freedom requires eliminating Sometimes freedom requires eliminating Sometimes freedom requires eliminating your escape route back to captivity. Verse 11. A large herd of pigs was Verse 11. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The feeding on the nearby hillside. The feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs. Allow us to go into them." gave pigs. Allow us to go into them." gave pigs. Allow us to go into them." gave them permission. The evil spirits came them permission. The evil spirits came them permission. The evil spirits came out, went into the pigs. The herd, about out, went into the pigs. The herd, about out, went into the pigs. The herd, about 2,000 in number, rushed down the steep 2,000 in number, rushed down the steep 2,000 in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

bank into the lake and were drowned. bank into the lake and were drowned. Now, Now, Now, this is kind of humorous. The man wanted this is kind of humorous. The man wanted this is kind of humorous. The man wanted to keep the demons around. He wanted to to keep the demons around. He wanted to to keep the demons around. He wanted to keep his options open. The demons, of keep his options open. The demons, of keep his options open. The demons, of course, wanted to stay around. course, wanted to stay around. course, wanted to stay around. Jesus had another plan. He allowed the Jesus had another plan. He allowed the Jesus had another plan. He allowed the demons to go into a herd of pigs, but demons to go into a herd of pigs, but demons to go into a herd of pigs, but then the herd of pigs ran off a cliff then the herd of pigs ran off a cliff then the herd of pigs ran off a cliff into the lake and drowned. Isn't Jesus into the lake and drowned. Isn't Jesus into the lake and drowned. Isn't Jesus awesome? awesome? awesome? >> I picture him working hard not to laugh, >> I picture him working hard not to laugh, >> I picture him working hard not to laugh, but you wanted to keep those demons but you wanted to keep those demons but you wanted to keep those demons around. Check this out. around. Check this out. around. Check this out. Jesus doesn't bring partial freedom. He Jesus doesn't bring partial freedom. He Jesus doesn't bring partial freedom. He brings total complete freedom. brings total complete freedom. brings total complete freedom. >> It's the point of no return. >> It's the point of no return. >> It's the point of no return. The demons were gone. It was the man's The demons were gone. It was the man's The demons were gone. It was the man's chance for complete freedom. Would he go chance for complete freedom. Would he go chance for complete freedom. Would he go back to the old habits that got him into back to the old habits that got him into back to the old habits that got him into that spot? that spot? that spot? Or would he live in freedom? Or would he live in freedom? Or would he live in freedom? Verse 14, those tending the pigs ran Verse 14, those tending the pigs ran Verse 14, those tending the pigs ran off. I bet they did.

off. I bet they did. off. I bet they did. If you're a pig farmer and you've got a If you're a pig farmer and you've got a If you're a pig farmer and you've got a herd of 2,000 pigs and all of a sudden herd of 2,000 pigs and all of a sudden herd of 2,000 pigs and all of a sudden your pigs become demonpossessed and run your pigs become demonpossessed and run your pigs become demonpossessed and run off a cliff into the sea, off a cliff into the sea, off a cliff into the sea, you're taken off. you're taken off. you're taken off. They ran off, reported this in the town They ran off, reported this in the town They ran off, reported this in the town and countryside. The people went out to and countryside. The people went out to and countryside. The people went out to see what had happened. see what had happened. see what had happened. The man was set free and everybody came The man was set free and everybody came The man was set free and everybody came to check it out. to check it out. to check it out. That's what's so powerful about our That's what's so powerful about our That's what's so powerful about our recovery ministry, Forever Free. Freedom recovery ministry, Forever Free. Freedom recovery ministry, Forever Free. Freedom draws a crowd. draws a crowd. draws a crowd. >> When you find freedom in Jesus, people >> When you find freedom in Jesus, people >> When you find freedom in Jesus, people with your same problem will be drawn to with your same problem will be drawn to with your same problem will be drawn to you because they want the same freedom you because they want the same freedom you because they want the same freedom that you've experienced. that you've experienced. that you've experienced. >> So, I came to Forever Free because meth >> So, I came to Forever Free because meth >> So, I came to Forever Free because meth addiction was controlling my life. I addiction was controlling my life. I addiction was controlling my life. I knew that [music] I needed something knew that [music] I needed something knew that [music] I needed something different. My children needed a mother. different. My children needed a mother. different. My children needed a mother. I I needed I needed Jesus. and Christian I I needed I needed Jesus. and Christian I I needed I needed Jesus. and Christian recovery speaks straight to [music] my recovery speaks straight to [music] my recovery speaks straight to [music] my soul. So when people look at my life now soul. So when people look at my life now soul. So when people look at my life now and they see it what it was then, and they see it what it was then, and they see it what it was then, [music] I just tell them it's forever [music] I just tell them it's forever [music] I just tell them it's forever free. I mean, Forever Free is for all free. I mean, Forever Free is for all free. I mean, Forever Free is for all dysfunctional people. It's for people dysfunctional people. It's for people dysfunctional people. It's for people struggling [music] with anger. It's for struggling [music] with anger. It's for struggling [music] with anger. It's for people struggling with anxiety. It's for people struggling with anxiety. It's for people struggling with anxiety. It's for people who have problems with money, people who have problems with money, people who have problems with money, [music] [music] [music] relationships, lying, pornography, relationships, lying, pornography, relationships, lying, pornography, codependency, or controlling others.

codependency, or controlling others. codependency, or controlling others. Really, [music] Forever Free is for Really, [music] Forever Free is for Really, [music] Forever Free is for anyone who has something in their life anyone who has something in their life anyone who has something in their life that's controlling them instead of God. that's controlling them instead of God. that's controlling them instead of God. You don't have to hit rock bottom You don't have to hit rock bottom You don't have to hit rock bottom [music] to need freedom. You don't have [music] to need freedom. You don't have [music] to need freedom. You don't have to do it alone. There's a place for you to do it alone. There's a place for you to do it alone. There's a place for you at Forever Free. Lauren was sitting on the front row in Lauren was sitting on the front row in service last night worshiping and free service last night worshiping and free service last night worshiping and free from meth addiction. Verse 15. When they from meth addiction. Verse 15. When they from meth addiction. Verse 15. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had came to Jesus, they saw the man who had came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons been possessed by the legion of demons been possessed by the legion of demons sitting there dressed and in his right sitting there dressed and in his right sitting there dressed and in his right mind. The man got the demons out. Now he mind. The man got the demons out. Now he mind. The man got the demons out. Now he was dressed just hanging out in his was dressed just hanging out in his was dressed just hanging out in his right mind. His mind was clear. His right mind. His mind was clear. His right mind. His mind was clear. His inward change affected his outward inward change affected his outward inward change affected his outward appearance. appearance. appearance. And I just want to pause there because And I just want to pause there because And I just want to pause there because this is another area where churches have this is another area where churches have this is another area where churches have failed. failed. failed. We've been more worried about outward We've been more worried about outward We've been more worried about outward change than inward change.

change than inward change. change than inward change. Someone walks in the door dressed or Someone walks in the door dressed or Someone walks in the door dressed or acting different than we think they acting different than we think they acting different than we think they should. And we want to make them dress should. And we want to make them dress should. And we want to make them dress right, look right, act right, or talk right, look right, act right, or talk right, look right, act right, or talk right before they come to church. right before they come to church. right before they come to church. >> That doesn't make any sense. >> That doesn't make any sense. >> That doesn't make any sense. Do you know why sinners act and talk Do you know why sinners act and talk Do you know why sinners act and talk like sinners? like sinners? like sinners? >> Because they're sinners. >> Because they're sinners. >> Because they're sinners. in need of a heart change. in need of a heart change. in need of a heart change. Who can give you a heart change? Who can give you a heart change? Who can give you a heart change? Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Where is a good place to meet Jesus? Where is a good place to meet Jesus? Where is a good place to meet Jesus? >> Church. >> Church. >> Church. Does the outward change happen before or Does the outward change happen before or Does the outward change happen before or after the inward change? After. So, don't stress about After. So, don't stress about appearance. Don't worry about it. A hard appearance. Don't worry about it. A hard appearance. Don't worry about it. A hard work on the inside does wonders for the work on the inside does wonders for the work on the inside does wonders for the outside. outside. outside. We we believe our theology is consistent We we believe our theology is consistent We we believe our theology is consistent with scripture that sanctification the with scripture that sanctification the with scripture that sanctification the process of becoming more like Jesus is process of becoming more like Jesus is process of becoming more like Jesus is exactly that. It is a process. It is a exactly that. It is a process. It is a exactly that. It is a process. It is a gradual ongoing work. That means when gradual ongoing work. That means when gradual ongoing work. That means when someone comes to church or when someone someone comes to church or when someone someone comes to church or when someone comes to Jesus, they don't always comes to Jesus, they don't always comes to Jesus, they don't always immediately have every habit gone. Some immediately have every habit gone. Some immediately have every habit gone. Some of you have been following Jesus for 40 of you have been following Jesus for 40 of you have been following Jesus for 40 years and you still have some nasty years and you still have some nasty years and you still have some nasty habits.

habits. habits. So change is an instance. Change happens So change is an instance. Change happens So change is an instance. Change happens as we get closer and closer to Jesus. Be as we get closer and closer to Jesus. Be as we get closer and closer to Jesus. Be patient with the outward change because patient with the outward change because patient with the outward change because God is working on the inside. God is working on the inside. God is working on the inside. >> Now, here's the part of the story that >> Now, here's the part of the story that >> Now, here's the part of the story that doesn't seem to make sense. Let me doesn't seem to make sense. Let me doesn't seem to make sense. Let me finish verse 15. When they came to finish verse 15. When they came to finish verse 15. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who'd been Jesus, they saw the man who'd been Jesus, they saw the man who'd been possessed by the legion of demons possessed by the legion of demons possessed by the legion of demons sitting there dressed in his right mind, sitting there dressed in his right mind, sitting there dressed in his right mind, and they were afraid. and they were afraid. and they were afraid. What What What seems to me that was the time not to be seems to me that was the time not to be seems to me that was the time not to be afraid. afraid. afraid. But because these people hadn't heard But because these people hadn't heard But because these people hadn't heard about Jesus, it was spooky to them. about Jesus, it was spooky to them. about Jesus, it was spooky to them. This is the same reason people are This is the same reason people are This is the same reason people are sometimes afraid when they first come to sometimes afraid when they first come to sometimes afraid when they first come to a spiritfilled church. a spiritfilled church. a spiritfilled church. This is the reason people are frightened This is the reason people are frightened This is the reason people are frightened when they hear someone pray in tongues. when they hear someone pray in tongues. when they hear someone pray in tongues. This is the reason people get nervous This is the reason people get nervous This is the reason people get nervous when we raise our hands in worship or when we raise our hands in worship or when we raise our hands in worship or when we put our hands on someone to when we put our hands on someone to when we put our hands on someone to pray. They fear what they don't pray. They fear what they don't pray. They fear what they don't understand. Then and now the understand. Then and now the understand. Then and now the supernatural divides. When you encounter supernatural divides. When you encounter supernatural divides. When you encounter something you don't understand, you have something you don't understand, you have something you don't understand, you have to make a decision. You have to decide, to make a decision. You have to decide, to make a decision. You have to decide, is this real?

is this real? is this real? Can I have this freedom, too? Is this Can I have this freedom, too? Is this Can I have this freedom, too? Is this really from God? Those who'd seen it really from God? Those who'd seen it really from God? Those who'd seen it told the people what had happened to the told the people what had happened to the told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man. And they also told demon-possessed man. And they also told demon-possessed man. And they also told him about the pigs, which we can him about the pigs, which we can him about the pigs, which we can understand because that's pretty amazing understand because that's pretty amazing understand because that's pretty amazing part of the story. part of the story. part of the story. And then the strangest thing, And then the strangest thing, And then the strangest thing, the people began to plead with Jesus to the people began to plead with Jesus to the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. leave their region. leave their region. What an odd reaction. What an odd reaction. What an odd reaction. After the man was set free, the people After the man was set free, the people After the man was set free, the people wanted Jesus to leave. wanted Jesus to leave. wanted Jesus to leave. I wonder what would have happened in I wonder what would have happened in I wonder what would have happened in that community if they had asked Jesus that community if they had asked Jesus that community if they had asked Jesus to stay. The answer is pretty clear. The answer is pretty clear. Jesus got back on the boat. He landed on Jesus got back on the boat. He landed on Jesus got back on the boat. He landed on the other side of the lake the other side of the lake the other side of the lake where the greatest season of healing in where the greatest season of healing in where the greatest season of healing in his ministry began. Blind people saw, his ministry began. Blind people saw, his ministry began. Blind people saw, the crippled walked, dead people were the crippled walked, dead people were the crippled walked, dead people were raised to life. It was an incredible raised to life. It was an incredible raised to life. It was an incredible time.

time. time. And it all could have happened there. And it all could have happened there. And it all could have happened there. The people in that community and region The people in that community and region The people in that community and region could have found freedom, but they could have found freedom, but they could have found freedom, but they missed their chance. Jesus's nature is missed their chance. Jesus's nature is missed their chance. Jesus's nature is to deliver and heal. That's what he to deliver and heal. That's what he to deliver and heal. That's what he does. So, do you want the freedom? Do you want So, do you want the freedom? Do you want the healing? Do you want the the healing? Do you want the the healing? Do you want the deliverance? deliverance? deliverance? Are you ready for that? Are you ready Are you ready for that? Are you ready Are you ready for that? Are you ready for that thing that's been plaguing you for that thing that's been plaguing you for that thing that's been plaguing you to finally be gone? to finally be gone? to finally be gone? In a few moments, we are going to pray In a few moments, we are going to pray In a few moments, we are going to pray for people who are struggling. Don't for people who are struggling. Don't for people who are struggling. Don't miss your chance. Take advantage of your miss your chance. Take advantage of your miss your chance. Take advantage of your freedom opportunity. Jesus is here. freedom opportunity. Jesus is here. freedom opportunity. Jesus is here. As Jesus is getting into the boat, the As Jesus is getting into the boat, the As Jesus is getting into the boat, the man who'd been demonpossessed begged to man who'd been demonpossessed begged to man who'd been demonpossessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but go with him. Jesus did not let him, but go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family." And said, "Go home to your family." And said, "Go home to your family." And wouldn't you like to have been there for wouldn't you like to have been there for wouldn't you like to have been there for that moment? that moment? that moment? Tell them how much the Lord has done for Tell them how much the Lord has done for Tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and he's had mercy on you. So the you, and he's had mercy on you. So the you, and he's had mercy on you. So the man went away, began to tell in the man went away, began to tell in the man went away, began to tell in the decopolis, the city center, how much decopolis, the city center, how much decopolis, the city center, how much Jesus had done for him. And all the Jesus had done for him. And all the Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. The same people who people were amazed. The same people who people were amazed. The same people who sent him to the tombs sent him to the tombs sent him to the tombs and treated him as if he was dead and and treated him as if he was dead and and treated him as if he was dead and gone. You're dead to me. Now saw him gone. You're dead to me. Now saw him gone. You're dead to me. Now saw him healed and whole, delivered and free.

healed and whole, delivered and free. healed and whole, delivered and free. Jesus said, "Go tell tell your family Jesus said, "Go tell tell your family Jesus said, "Go tell tell your family about what the Lord has done." Share the about what the Lord has done." Share the about what the Lord has done." Share the news. news. news. See, your freedom and deliverance is not See, your freedom and deliverance is not See, your freedom and deliverance is not just for you to feel good. And it does just for you to feel good. And it does just for you to feel good. And it does feel good, feel good, feel good, but it's for you to share. Your freedom but it's for you to share. Your freedom but it's for you to share. Your freedom is a catalyst that points others to is a catalyst that points others to is a catalyst that points others to freedom. After you find freedom, share freedom. After you find freedom, share freedom. After you find freedom, share your stories with others who need to your stories with others who need to your stories with others who need to experience the same freedom. experience the same freedom. experience the same freedom. So, how long have you struggled? So, how long have you struggled? So, how long have you struggled? I know you say you can stop if you want. I know you say you can stop if you want. I know you say you can stop if you want. But even you don't really believe that But even you don't really believe that But even you don't really believe that because you've tried to stop. because you've tried to stop. because you've tried to stop. The thing you once had now has you. The thing you once had now has you. The thing you once had now has you. It's become a controlling influence in It's become a controlling influence in It's become a controlling influence in your life. your life. your life. That fear is now out of control. It dominates your thinking. It dominates It dominates your thinking. It dominates your life. That worry, your life. That worry, your life. That worry, that worry that you've dealt with that worry that you've dealt with that worry that you've dealt with as long as you can remember as long as you can remember as long as you can remember affects your relationship with your affects your relationship with your affects your relationship with your families, even your relationship with families, even your relationship with families, even your relationship with God. You don't have to deal with that God. You don't have to deal with that God. You don't have to deal with that forever.

That habit has cost you friends. It's That habit has cost you friends. It's cost you money. It's cost you time. Some cost you money. It's cost you time. Some cost you money. It's cost you time. Some of you, it's cost you countless rehabs. maybe even much much more. It's cost you maybe even much much more. It's cost you your health. That addiction is destroying your life. That addiction is destroying your life. So my question is, do you want to be So my question is, do you want to be So my question is, do you want to be free? Please don't miss your chance Please don't miss your chance because today could be your day. because today could be your day. because today could be your day. Would you bow your heads with me? I want Would you bow your heads with me? I want Would you bow your heads with me? I want to pray for you. I pray for freedom for people in this I pray for freedom for people in this place place place and I pray for freedom for people who and I pray for freedom for people who and I pray for freedom for people who are watching online. Lord, there are some who've been dealing Lord, there are some who've been dealing with the same issue for years.

They'll be free for a while, but they They'll be free for a while, but they keep going back. Lord, I pray today keep going back. Lord, I pray today keep going back. Lord, I pray today would be the day where they find forever would be the day where they find forever would be the day where they find forever freedom. freedom. freedom. Lord, I pray for people who anxiety and Lord, I pray for people who anxiety and Lord, I pray for people who anxiety and worry is the constant frame of their worry is the constant frame of their worry is the constant frame of their life that they would find freedom from that. that they would find freedom from that. that you deliver them and set them free. Lord, we pray today that the power of Lord, we pray today that the power of the Holy Spirit at work among us would the Holy Spirit at work among us would the Holy Spirit at work among us would set people free finally and forever and set people free finally and forever and set people free finally and forever and they'd never go back they'd never go back they'd never go back in the name of Jesus.