Church Online at First NLR

>> Welcome to church. Everyone, would you >> Welcome to church. Everyone, would you stand? All clap your hands. Let's stand? All clap your hands. Let's stand? All clap your hands. Let's worship the Lord together. I believe [music] I believe [music] there is one salvation, there is one salvation, there is one salvation, one doorway that leads to life, one one doorway that leads to life, one one doorway that leads to life, one redemption, [music] redemption, [music] redemption, [music] one confession. I believe in the name of one confession. I believe in the name of one confession. I believe in the name of Jesus [music] Christ. I believe in the crucifixion. I believe in the crucifixion. By his blood, I have been set free. I By his blood, I have been set free. I By his blood, I have been set free. I believe in the resurrection. [music] believe in the resurrection. [music] believe in the resurrection. [music] Hallelujah. His life is destiny. Hallelujah. His life is destiny. Hallelujah. His life is destiny. Come on, sing all praise. Come on, sing all praise. Come on, sing all praise. All praise to God the All praise to God the All praise to God the [music and singing] Father. [music and singing] Father. [music and singing] Father. All praise to Christ the son.

All praise to Christ the son. All praise to Christ the son. All praise [music] to the Holy [singing] All praise [music] to the Holy [singing] All praise [music] to the Holy [singing] Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. Our God has overcome. Our God has overcome. Our God has overcome. The King [music and singing] who was and The King [music and singing] who was and The King [music and singing] who was and is ever more will be in [music] Jesus is ever more will be in [music] Jesus is ever more will be in [music] Jesus mighty [singing] mighty [singing] mighty [singing] name. I believe. I believe. I believe. Yeah. I [music] believe in the hope of heaven. I [music] believe in the hope of heaven. He's preparing a place for me far beyond He's preparing a place for me far beyond He's preparing a place for me far beyond [music] [music] [music] what hearts imagine. Ears have heard or what hearts imagine. Ears have heard or what hearts imagine. Ears have heard or eyes [music and singing] have seen. I eyes [music and singing] have seen. I eyes [music and singing] have seen. I believe that a day is coming. He's believe that a day is coming. He's believe that a day is coming. He's returning [music] to claim his bride. returning [music] to claim his bride. returning [music] to claim his bride. Light the altar, keep it burning. See Light the altar, keep it burning. See Light the altar, keep it burning. See [music] the lamb who rose a roaring [music] the lamb who rose a roaring [music] the lamb who rose a roaring lion.

Oh, all praise [music and singing] to Oh, all praise [music and singing] to God the Father. All praise to Christ the God the Father. All praise to Christ the God the Father. All praise to Christ the [singing] Son. [singing] Son. [singing] Son. All praise to the Holy [music] Spirit. All praise to the Holy [music] Spirit. All praise to the Holy [music] Spirit. Our God has overcome. Our God has overcome. Our God has overcome. The king [music] who was [singing] and The king [music] who was [singing] and The king [music] who was [singing] and is ever more will be is ever more will be is ever more will be in Jesus [music] in Jesus [music] in Jesus [music] mighty name. I believe Oh Oh I believe I I believe I I believe I know never [music] be ashamed of the know never [music] be ashamed of the know never [music] be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. gospel of Jesus Christ. gospel of Jesus Christ. How could I ever walk away from the one How could I ever walk away from the one How could I ever walk away from the one [music] who saved my life? [music] who saved my life? [music] who saved my life? Oh no, I'll never [music] be ashamed of Oh no, I'll never [music] be ashamed of Oh no, I'll never [music] be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. the gospel of Jesus Christ. the gospel of Jesus Christ. Oh, how could I ever [music] walk away Oh, how could I ever [music] walk away Oh, how could I ever [music] walk away from the one who saved my life? No, I from the one who saved my life? No, I from the one who saved my life? No, I [music] never be ashamed.

[music] never be ashamed. [music] never be ashamed. >> No, I'll never be ashamed of the gospel >> No, I'll never be ashamed of the gospel >> No, I'll never be ashamed of the gospel [music] [music] [music] of Jesus Christ. of Jesus Christ. of Jesus Christ. How could I ever walk away from the one How could I ever walk away from the one How could I ever walk away from the one who saved my [music] life? All praise [music] to God the [singing] All praise [music] to God the [singing] Father. All praise to Christ the Son. Father. All praise to Christ the Son. Father. All praise to Christ the Son. All praise [music] to the Holy [singing] All praise [music] to the Holy [singing] All praise [music] to the Holy [singing] Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. Our God has overcome. Our God has overcome. Our God has overcome. The King [music] who [singing] was and The King [music] who [singing] was and The King [music] who [singing] was and is ever more will be is ever more will be is ever more will be in Jesus [music] in Jesus [music] in Jesus [music] mighty name. I believe. All praise to [music] God the Father. All praise to [music] God the Father. All praise to Christ the Son. All praise to Christ the Son. All praise to Christ the Son. All praise to the Holy [music] Spirit. All praise to the Holy [music] Spirit. All praise to the Holy [music] Spirit. Our God has overcome. Our God has overcome. Our God has overcome. The King [music] who was and [singing] The King [music] who was and [singing] The King [music] who was and [singing] is ever more will be is ever more will be is ever more will be in Jesus mighty [music and singing] in Jesus mighty [music and singing] in Jesus mighty [music and singing] name. I believe I believe. I believe. I believe in you.

I believe. I believe. I believe in you. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh, [music] thank you Lord. Hallelujah. [music] thank you Lord. Hallelujah. [music] We worship you God. We give you glory We worship you God. We give you glory We worship you God. We give you glory and honor and honor and honor Lord. We invite you in this place in our Lord. We invite you in this place in our Lord. We invite you in this place in our hearts and lives. Pour out your spirit. hearts and lives. Pour out your spirit. hearts and lives. Pour out your spirit. Pour out your spirit. God, I live [music and singing] to God, I live [music and singing] to worship you. All my life I offer worship you. All my life I offer worship you. All my life I offer [music and singing] you simple meies of [music and singing] you simple meies of [music and singing] you simple meies of sacrifice. [music] Open hands and [music] open heart. Open hands and [music] open heart. You're the [singing] only one I want. You're the [singing] only one I want. You're the [singing] only one I want. Your presence is my treasure, my Your presence is my treasure, my Your presence is my treasure, my delight. [music] delight. [music] delight. [music] So fall So fall So fall like rain, like rain, like rain, [music] Holy Spirit. Fall [music] Holy Spirit. Fall [music] Holy Spirit. Fall like [singing] like [singing] like [singing] rain. [music] rain. [music] rain. [music] Holy Spirit [singing] have Holy Spirit [singing] have Holy Spirit [singing] have your way.

your way. your way. Let your [singing] glory fall down. Let Let your [singing] glory fall down. Let Let your [singing] glory fall down. Let [music] your glory [singing] fall down. [music] your glory [singing] fall down. [music] your glory [singing] fall down. One thing I [music] ask, one thing I One thing I [music] ask, one thing I One thing I [music] ask, one thing I seek, so much more than anything to seek, so much more than anything to seek, so much more than anything to dwell [music] within your house for all dwell [music] within your house for all dwell [music] within your house for all my days. Knowing [music] you is [singing] Knowing [music] you is [singing] everything. So I let go of lesser everything. So I let go of lesser everything. So I let go of lesser things. You alone are worthy of my things. You alone are worthy of my things. You alone are worthy of my praise. praise. praise. to stir it up a passion to stir it up a passion to stir it up a passion [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] for your name. for your name. for your name. So fall So fall So fall I [music and singing] I [music and singing] I [music and singing] pray. pray. pray. Holy Spirit fall [music] Holy Spirit fall [music] Holy Spirit fall [music] I [singing] I [singing] I [singing] pray. pray. pray. Holy [music] Spirit have Holy [music] Spirit have Holy [music] Spirit have your [singing] your [singing] your [singing] way.

way. way. Let your glory [music and singing] fall Let your glory [music and singing] fall Let your glory [music and singing] fall down. Let your glory fall now. down. Let your glory fall now. down. Let your glory fall now. All [music] All [music] All [music] I [singing] I [singing] I [singing] gra have [music] have [music] your way. your way. your way. Let your [music] glory [singing] Let your [music] glory [singing] Let your [music] glory [singing] fall. Now let your glory fall down. fall. Now let your glory fall down. fall. Now let your glory fall down. [music] [music] [music] >> Glory fall on us >> Glory fall on us >> Glory fall on us right [singing] here and right now. right [singing] here and right now. right [singing] here and right now. [music] We need your presence. [music] We need your presence. [music] We need your presence. How we need you. May I never lose the wonder May I never lose the wonder [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] of your presence. of your presence. of your presence. May I always stand in awe [music] of who May I always stand in awe [music] of who May I always stand in awe [music] of who you are. Who you are, Jesus. All the you are. Who you are, Jesus. All the you are. Who you are, Jesus. All the beauty and [singing] the gift beauty and [singing] the gift beauty and [singing] the gift of your friendship.

of your friendship. of your friendship. It's unlike anything It's unlike anything It's unlike anything I've ever [music] known. I've ever [music] known. I've ever [music] known. So may I never lose a wonder [singing] So may I never lose a wonder [singing] So may I never lose a wonder [singing] [music] [music] [music] of your presence. of your presence. of your presence. May I always stand in [music] all of who May I always stand in [music] all of who May I always stand in [music] all of who you are. [singing] you are. [singing] you are. [singing] >> We stand in awe of you, Jesus. [music] >> We stand in awe of you, Jesus. [music] >> We stand in awe of you, Jesus. [music] Oh, the beauty and the gift Oh, the beauty and the gift Oh, the beauty and the gift of your [music and singing] friendship of your [music and singing] friendship of your [music and singing] friendship is all I is all I is all I ever [music] kne Jesus. Holy [music] Spirit fall. Jesus. Holy [music] Spirit fall. [singing] Holy Spirit have [music] your way. Holy Spirit have [music] your way. Let your [music] glory fall down. Let Let your [music] glory fall down. Let Let your [music] glory fall down. Let your glory fall. May I never [music] your glory fall. May I never [music] your glory fall. May I never [music] May I never lose the wonder May I never lose the wonder May I never lose the wonder of [singing] of [singing] of [singing] your residence. [music] your residence. [music] your residence. [music] May I always stand [singing] in awe of May I always stand [singing] in awe of May I always stand [singing] in awe of who you are. Hallelujah.

who you are. Hallelujah. who you are. Hallelujah. The beauty [music] The beauty [music] The beauty [music] and the gift and the gift and the gift of your of your of your unveilings. [music] I [music] always stand in awe of who you I [music] always stand in awe of who you are. For the beauty and the gift For the beauty and the gift of [music] your friendship [music] [music] I've ever known I've ever known I've ever known for my gra. for my gra. for my gra. [music] Holy Spirit fall [music] Holy Spirit fall [music] my pray. my pray. my pray. Holy Spirit have Holy Spirit have Holy Spirit have your [singing] your [singing] your [singing] [music] way.

[music] way. [music] way. Let your glory fall [music] down. Let Let your glory fall [music] down. Let Let your glory fall [music] down. Let your glory [singing] fall down. [music] your glory [singing] fall down. [music] your glory [singing] fall down. [music] >> We just need you, Jesus. >> We just need you, Jesus. >> We just need you, Jesus. >> How we need you. >> How we need you. >> How we need you. Holy [music] Holy [music] Holy [music] Spirit, you are welcome Spirit, you are welcome Spirit, you are welcome here. here. here. Come flood this [singing] place and fill Come flood this [singing] place and fill Come flood this [singing] place and fill the earth at [music] the earth at [music] the earth at [music] your glory, your glory, your glory, God. It's what our hearts God. It's what our hearts God. It's what our hearts [music and singing] long for. To be [music and singing] long for. To be [music and singing] long for. To be overcome overcome overcome by your presence. Say, "Holy Spirit, by your presence. Say, "Holy Spirit, by your presence. Say, "Holy Spirit, [music] [music] [music] Holy Spirit, you [singing] are welcome. Holy Spirit, you [singing] are welcome. Holy Spirit, you [singing] are welcome. >> We welcome you. [music] Fill the Fill the fill the room. [music] >> It's what our hearts long for. To >> It's what our hearts long for. To [music] be overcome [music] be overcome [music] be overcome by your presence, [music] Lord.

To be overcome [music] To be overcome [music] by your presence, by your presence, by your presence, Lord. [music] [music] There's nothing worth. There's nothing worth. There's nothing worth. There's [music] nothing worth more There's [music] nothing worth more There's [music] nothing worth more that can ever come [singing and music] that can ever come [singing and music] that can ever come [singing and music] close. close. close. Nothing can compare. Nothing can compare. Nothing can compare. You're [music] our [singing] living You're [music] our [singing] living You're [music] our [singing] living hope. hope. hope. You and you alone You and you alone You and you alone in your presence, in your presence, in your presence, Lord. Lord. Lord. I've tasted and I've seen. I've tasted and I've seen. I've tasted and I've seen. [music] So I've tasted [singing] [music] So I've tasted [singing] [music] So I've tasted [singing] and seen and seen and seen of the sweetest [music] of the sweetest [music] of the sweetest [music] of love. of love. of love. Where my heart becomes [singing] Where my heart becomes [singing] Where my heart becomes [singing] free. free. free. And my [music] shame is undone. And my [music] shame is undone. And my [music] shame is undone. My shame is undone. My shame is undone. My shame is undone. In your presence, [singing] In your presence, [singing] In your presence, [singing] [music] [music] [music] Lord. Lord. Lord. Say, "Holy Spirit, Say, "Holy Spirit, Say, "Holy Spirit, Holy [music] Holy [music] Holy [music] Spirit, you are welcome. [singing] Come Spirit, you are welcome. [singing] Come Spirit, you are welcome. [singing] Come and fill this room, [music] and fill this room, [music] and fill this room, [music] this place." So fil [singing] cuz your [music] glory cuz your [music] glory God is what our [singing] hearts long God is what our [singing] hearts long God is what our [singing] hearts long for to be overcome [music] for to be overcome [music] for to be overcome [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] by your by your by your Holy Spirit. [music] Holy

Holy Spirit. [music] Holy Holy Spirit. [music] Holy Spirit you are welcome. [music] Spirit you are welcome. [music] Spirit you are welcome. [music] >> We invite you Jesus to love this place. >> We invite you Jesus to love this place. >> We invite you Jesus to love this place. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] Your glory, Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for. To be God, is what our hearts long for. To be God, is what our hearts long for. To be [music] overcome [music] overcome [music] overcome by your [singing] presence. by your [singing] presence. by your [singing] presence. Oh, [music] you're all [singing] we want, [music] you're all [singing] we want, Jesus. Just your presence. [music] How we need [music] you. We need your How we need [music] you. We need your presence. So let [music] us become more aware of So let [music] us become more aware of your presence your presence your presence and let us experience and let us experience and let us experience the [music] glory of [singing] your the [music] glory of [singing] your the [music] glory of [singing] your goodness. Come on, let us [music] become goodness. Come on, let us [music] become goodness. Come on, let us [music] become more aware [singing] more aware [singing] more aware [singing] of your presence.

of your presence. of your presence. Let us [music and singing] experience Let us [music and singing] experience Let us [music and singing] experience the glory. the glory. the glory. Let us become Let us become Let us become Let us become [music] Let us become [music] Let us become [music] more aware of your presence. more aware of your presence. more aware of your presence. Let [music and singing] us experience Let [music and singing] us experience Let [music and singing] us experience the glory of your goodness. [music] the glory of your goodness. [music] the glory of your goodness. [music] Let us become more aware of your Let us become more aware of your Let us become more aware of your presence. presence. presence. Let us experience [music] Let us experience [music] Let us experience [music] the glory of your the glory of your the glory of your Let us [music] become more aware of your Let us [music] become more aware of your Let us [music] become more aware of your presence. presence. presence. Let us experience [music] Let us experience [music] Let us experience [music] the glory of your hallelujah. the glory of your hallelujah. the glory of your hallelujah. Let us [music] become more aware of your Let us [music] become more aware of your Let us [music] become more aware of your presence. [music] presence. [music] presence. [music] Let [singing] us experience Let [singing] us experience Let [singing] us experience the glory [music] the glory [music] the glory [music] of your goodness.

Holy love. [music] Sing. Holy Spirit. Holy love. [music] Sing. Holy Spirit. Holy Holy Holy Spirit. [music] You [singing] are Spirit. [music] You [singing] are Spirit. [music] You [singing] are welcome. welcome. welcome. Come this place and [music] fill the Come this place and [music] fill the Come this place and [music] fill the atmosphere. atmosphere. atmosphere. Your glory Your glory Your glory God is what our hearts [singing] God is what our hearts [singing] God is what our hearts [singing] long for. To be overcome long for. To be overcome long for. To be overcome by your presence. Holy Spirit, by your presence. Holy Spirit, by your presence. Holy Spirit, Holy [music and singing] Spirit, you are Holy [music and singing] Spirit, you are Holy [music and singing] Spirit, you are well. >> We welcome your presence, Lord. And we >> We welcome your presence, Lord. And we [music] thank you for it because in your [music] thank you for it because in your [music] thank you for it because in your presence we find everything that we presence we find everything that we presence we find everything that we need.

need. need. Thank you, Lord, for ministering to us Thank you, Lord, for ministering to us Thank you, Lord, for ministering to us and being with us [music] today in Jesus and being with us [music] today in Jesus and being with us [music] today in Jesus name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. Well, good morning before you sit down, Well, good morning before you sit down, Well, good morning before you sit down, turn around, greet somebody. It's a good turn around, greet somebody. It's a good turn around, greet somebody. It's a good day to be together. Glad you're here. Well, good morning again and welcome. Well, good morning again and welcome. Whether online or in person, [music] Whether online or in person, [music] Whether online or in person, [music] we're one church, one family. Thank you we're one church, one family. Thank you we're one church, one family. Thank you for being here. Please take a moment and for being here. Please take a moment and for being here. Please take a moment and check in. You can do that on the app or check in. You can do that on the app or check in. You can do that on the app or by tapping your phone on the circle on by tapping your phone on the circle on by tapping your phone on the circle on the chair back in front of you. If the chair back in front of you. If the chair back in front of you. If you're a guest with [music] us, if you you're a guest with [music] us, if you you're a guest with [music] us, if you do that same thing, I want to send you do that same thing, I want to send you do that same thing, I want to send you something later this week to say thank something later this week to say thank something later this week to say thank you again for being here today. I'm you again for being here today. I'm you again for being here today. I'm honored that you're [music] here. Would honored that you're [music] here. Would honored that you're [music] here. Would love the chance to meet you. Invite you love the chance to meet you. Invite you love the chance to meet you. Invite you to join us right after this service in to join us right after this service in to join us right after this service in our guest center, which is [music] just our guest center, which is [music] just our guest center, which is [music] just out these doors and across the main out these doors and across the main out these doors and across the main lobby.

lobby. lobby. No big agenda, just love to meet you. No big agenda, just love to meet you. No big agenda, just love to meet you. And if you've got [music] questions, do And if you've got [music] questions, do And if you've got [music] questions, do our very best to answer those for you. our very best to answer those for you. our very best to answer those for you. Guest center is also the place if you're Guest center is also the place if you're Guest center is also the place if you're ready to be a member of our church. Uh ready to be a member of our church. Uh ready to be a member of our church. Uh we'll do your own membership class right we'll do your own membership class right we'll do your own membership class right then just for you. Take [music] 10 or 15 then just for you. Take [music] 10 or 15 then just for you. Take [music] 10 or 15 minutes depending on how many questions minutes depending on how many questions minutes depending on how many questions you have. We would be thrilled to have you have. We would be thrilled to have you have. We would be thrilled to have you connect [music] you connect [music] you connect [music] in that way. Several things I want you in that way. Several things I want you in that way. Several things I want you to know about. Watch the screens. to know about. Watch the screens. to know about. Watch the screens. At first in LR, we want every person to At first in LR, we want every person to At first in LR, we want every person to experience the [music] power of God's experience the [music] power of God's experience the [music] power of God's presence in a way that's both presence in a way that's both presence in a way that's both comfortable and meaningful. That's why comfortable and meaningful. That's why comfortable and meaningful. That's why we've created our video venue. A sensory we've created our video venue. A sensory we've created our video venue. A sensory friendly place [music] where you can be friendly place [music] where you can be friendly place [music] where you can be a part of the sanctuary service live on a part of the sanctuary service live on a part of the sanctuary service live on video. Here you'll experience the same video. Here you'll experience the same video. Here you'll experience the same worship, the same message, and [music] worship, the same message, and [music] worship, the same message, and [music] the same powerful moments, just in a the same powerful moments, just in a the same powerful moments, just in a more relaxed environment designed with more relaxed environment designed with more relaxed environment designed with you in mind. The video venue is located you in mind. The video venue is located you in mind. The video venue is located in room 106, also known as the reality in room 106, also known as the reality in room 106, also known as the reality room, [music] on the main floor of the room, [music] on the main floor of the room, [music] on the main floor of the church. Join us any Sunday at 8:30, 10, church. Join us any Sunday at 8:30, 10, church. Join us any Sunday at 8:30, 10, or [music] 11:30 a.m. in the video or [music] 11:30 a.m. in the video or [music] 11:30 a.m. in the video venue.

venue. venue. >> Experiencing [music] the death of a >> Experiencing [music] the death of a >> Experiencing [music] the death of a spouse, child, or friend is more than spouse, child, or friend is more than spouse, child, or friend is more than just difficult. [music] just difficult. [music] just difficult. [music] It can be devastating. It can be devastating. It can be devastating. Some days you just aren't sure how to Some days you just aren't sure how to Some days you just aren't sure how to move forward. [music] move forward. [music] move forward. [music] Griefshare is a 13-week class designed Griefshare is a 13-week class designed Griefshare is a 13-week class designed as a warm, [music] as a warm, [music] as a warm, [music] caring environment to help you find hope caring environment to help you find hope caring environment to help you find hope and healing. Hosted by Randy and and healing. Hosted by Randy and and healing. Hosted by Randy and Michelle Tyson, [music] Grief Share Michelle Tyson, [music] Grief Share Michelle Tyson, [music] Grief Share features video teaching from Christian features video teaching from Christian features video teaching from Christian counseling experts as well as counseling experts as well as counseling experts as well as encouraging conversations [music] with encouraging conversations [music] with encouraging conversations [music] with others who are on the same journey. The others who are on the same journey. The others who are on the same journey. The next session begins August 9th and meets next session begins August 9th and meets next session begins August 9th and meets [music] every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in [music] every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in [music] every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in room 215. Register online at [music] room 215. Register online at [music] room 215. Register online at [music] firstnlr.com/events firstnlr.com/events firstnlr.com/events or email [email protected] [music] or email [email protected] [music] or email [email protected] [music] for more information.

>> Join us on August 9th at 5:00 p.m. for a >> Join us on August 9th at 5:00 p.m. for a [music] night of worship and prayer. We [music] night of worship and prayer. We [music] night of worship and prayer. We are expecting a meaningful time in God's are expecting a meaningful time in God's are expecting a meaningful time in God's presence [music] and a special time of presence [music] and a special time of presence [music] and a special time of prayer for those going to school this prayer for those going to school this prayer for those going to school this fall. We would love for you to be there. fall. We would love for you to be there. fall. We would love for you to be there. We'll see you on August [music] 9th at We'll see you on August [music] 9th at We'll see you on August [music] 9th at 5:00 p.m. for worship and back to school 5:00 p.m. for worship and back to school 5:00 p.m. for worship and back to school prayer. prayer. prayer. >> It's hard to believe it's almost time >> It's hard to believe it's almost time >> It's hard to believe it's almost time for kids to go back to school. I mean, I for kids to go back to school. I mean, I for kids to go back to school. I mean, I remember the days when you got out of remember the days when you got out of remember the days when you got out of school before Memorial Day and you school before Memorial Day and you school before Memorial Day and you didn't go back till after Labor Day. And didn't go back till after Labor Day. And didn't go back till after Labor Day. And if you elect me president, we will go if you elect me president, we will go if you elect me president, we will go right back to that. right back to that. right back to that. Uh, we need to pray for our students. Uh, we need to pray for our students. Uh, we need to pray for our students. We're walking through a passage in 2 We're walking through a passage in 2 We're walking through a passage in 2 Corinthians where Paul taught about Corinthians where Paul taught about Corinthians where Paul taught about [music] giving. 2 Corinthians 9 starting [music] giving. 2 Corinthians 9 starting [music] giving. 2 Corinthians 9 starting with verse 6. Remember this. Whoever sws with verse 6. Remember this. Whoever sws with verse 6. Remember this. Whoever sws sparingly will also reap sparingly. sparingly will also reap sparingly. sparingly will also reap sparingly. Whoever sws generously will also reap Whoever sws generously will also reap Whoever sws generously will also reap generously. In other words, you help generously. In other words, you help generously. In other words, you help determine the measure God uses to bless determine the measure God uses to bless determine the measure God uses to bless you. Scripture teaches the starting you. Scripture teaches the starting you. Scripture teaches the starting point of biblical giving is the tithe. point of biblical giving is the tithe. point of biblical giving is the tithe. [music] [music] [music] Giving God the first 10%.

Giving God the first 10%. Giving God the first 10%. Verse seven, each man should give what Verse seven, each man should give what Verse seven, each man should give what he's decided in his heart to give, he's decided in his heart to give, he's decided in his heart to give, [music] not reluctantly or under [music] not reluctantly or under [music] not reluctantly or under compulsion. For God loves a cheerful compulsion. For God loves a cheerful compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. How do you become a cheerful giver. How do you become a cheerful giver. How do you become a cheerful giver? Not because giving is always giver? Not because giving is always giver? Not because giving is always easy, but because you [music] know who easy, but because you [music] know who easy, but because you [music] know who you're trusting. Cheerfulness grows when you're trusting. Cheerfulness grows when you're trusting. Cheerfulness grows when you understand that putting God first you understand that putting God first you understand that putting God first frees you from the fear of not having frees you from the fear of not having frees you from the fear of not having enough. Your confidence isn't in your enough. Your confidence isn't in your enough. Your confidence isn't in your paycheck or your bank account. Your paycheck or your bank account. Your paycheck or your bank account. Your confidence [music] is in God's promise, confidence [music] is in God's promise, confidence [music] is in God's promise, which is found in verse eight. And God which is found in verse eight. And God which is found in verse eight. And God is able to make all grace abound to you. is able to make all grace abound to you. is able to make all grace abound to you. So that in all things at all times So that in all things at all times So that in all things at all times having all that you need, you will having all that you need, you will having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. Listen to abound in every good work. Listen to abound in every good work. Listen to those words. All things. All times those words. All things. All times those words. All things. All times having all that you need. God [music] having all that you need. God [music] having all that you need. God [music] doesn't promise to give you everything doesn't promise to give you everything doesn't promise to give you everything you want. He does promise to faithfully you want. He does promise to faithfully you want. He does promise to faithfully provide [music] everything you need as provide [music] everything you need as provide [music] everything you need as you put him first. And that's what makes you put him first. And that's what makes you put him first. And that's what makes [music] giving a joy instead of a [music] giving a joy instead of a [music] giving a joy instead of a burden. I love giving to God. Every time burden. I love giving to God. Every time burden. I love giving to God. Every time I give, I remind myself that [music] he I give, I remind myself that [music] he I give, I remind myself that [music] he is my source and my provider. He's is my source and my provider. He's is my source and my provider. He's always been faithful and he'll always be always been faithful and he'll always be always been faithful and he'll always be faithful. That's what I want to pray for faithful. That's what I want to pray for faithful. That's what I want to pray for you. When I'm done praying, the ushers you. When I'm done praying, the ushers you. When I'm done praying, the ushers will come to receive our tithe and will come to receive our tithe and will come to receive our tithe and offering. If you're watching online, you offering. If you're watching online, you offering. If you're watching online, you can give at firstnlr.com/give.

Lord, thank you. Lord, thank you. Thank you for your promises [music] and Thank you for your promises [music] and Thank you for your promises [music] and thank you that as we put you first and thank you that as we put you first and thank you that as we put you first and cheerfully give it to you that you've cheerfully give it to you that you've cheerfully give it to you that you've promised to [music] make sure in all promised to [music] make sure in all promised to [music] make sure in all things at all times we have all we need. things at all times we have all we need. things at all times we have all we need. So I pray that today for every faithful So I pray that today for every faithful So I pray that today for every faithful [music] tither. We give to you with [music] tither. We give to you with [music] tither. We give to you with confidence and joy knowing that you'll confidence and joy knowing that you'll confidence and joy knowing that you'll meet our needs. Pray your [music] meet our needs. Pray your [music] meet our needs. Pray your [music] blessing for every faithful tither in blessing for every faithful tither in blessing for every faithful tither in Jesus name. Amen. [music] And God bless Jesus name. Amen. [music] And God bless Jesus name. Amen. [music] And God bless you as you give. Make me [music] wise to walk this earth Make me [music] wise to walk this earth and gentle [music] like you, father, and gentle [music] like you, father, and gentle [music] like you, father, joyful like a child secure. joyful like a child secure. joyful like a child secure. [music] [music] [music] Make me brave to speak your words. Make me brave to speak your words. Make me brave to speak your words. Give faith that beckons mirales.

Give faith that beckons mirales. Give faith that beckons mirales. Make me [music] pure and holy [singing] Make me [music] pure and holy [singing] Make me [music] pure and holy [singing] yours. yours. yours. I want to be like [music] you. I want to I want to be like [music] you. I want to I want to be like [music] you. I want to be like you. be like you. be like you. [music] And I [music] And I [music] And I only want [singing] to be found only want [singing] to be found only want [singing] to be found faithful. faithful. faithful. Lord, make us able [music and singing] Lord, make us able [music and singing] Lord, make us able [music and singing] to represent you well. to represent you well. to represent you well. And I want to bring [music] And I want to bring [music] And I want to bring [music] the children to your table. [singing] the children to your table. [singing] the children to your table. [singing] The only place where they will know The only place where they will know The only place where they will know [music and singing] love like this. [music and singing] love like this. [music and singing] love like this. There's nothing better than love like There's nothing better than love like There's nothing better than love like this. this. this. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, there's nothing better than love there's nothing better than love there's nothing better than love [singing] like [music] [singing] like [music] [singing] like [music] this. this. this. Oh, give me [music] grace to not give me [music] grace to not let me miss a moment.

let me miss a moment. let me miss a moment. Give me [music] eyes to read the hearts Give me [music] eyes to read the hearts Give me [music] eyes to read the hearts of men. of men. of men. [music] [music] [music] Inspire hope to risk again. Inspire hope to risk again. Inspire hope to risk again. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> take chances for your kingdom. >> take chances for your kingdom. >> take chances for your kingdom. I choose today [music] to spend my life I choose today [music] to spend my life I choose today [music] to spend my life with them. with them. with them. I want [music] to be like you. I want to I want [music] to be like you. I want to I want [music] to be like you. I want to be [singing] like you. [music] be [singing] like you. [music] be [singing] like you. [music] And I I only want to be found [singing] And I I only want to be found [singing] And I I only want to be found [singing] faithful. faithful. faithful. Lord, make a sable [music] Lord, make a sable [music] Lord, make a sable [music] to represent [singing] to represent [singing] to represent [singing] you well. you well. you well. And I want to bring And I want to bring And I want to bring the children [music] to your table. the children [music] to your table. the children [music] to your table. The only place where [music] they will The only place where [music] they will The only place where [music] they will know [singing] love like this. There's know [singing] love like this. There's know [singing] love like this. There's nothing [music] better than love like nothing [music] better than love like nothing [music] better than love like this. this. this. Oh, Oh, Oh, there's nothing better [music] than love there's nothing better [music] than love there's nothing better [music] than love like this. Oh, [music] [music] as freely as I have received you, I will as freely as I have received you, I will as freely as I have received you, I will give you.

give you. give you. I will [music] give you as freely as [singing] I have received as freely as [singing] I have received you. [music] you. [music] you. [music] I will give you. I will give you. I will give you. Oh, I will give you [music] Oh, I will give you [music] Oh, I will give you [music] as freely as freely as freely as [singing] freely as I have received as [singing] freely as I have received as [singing] freely as I have received [music] [music] [music] you. I will [singing] give you. you. I will [singing] give you. you. I will [singing] give you. I [music] will give you I [music] will give you I [music] will give you as [singing] freely. as [singing] freely. as [singing] freely. As freely as I [music] have received As freely as I [music] have received As freely as I [music] have received you, I will [singing] give you. you, I will [singing] give you. you, I will [singing] give you. [music] I will give you because [music] because [music] I I I I only want to be found [singing] I only want to be found [singing] I only want to be found [singing] faithful. faithful. faithful. Lord, make us sable [music and singing] Lord, make us sable [music and singing] Lord, make us sable [music and singing] to represent you well. to represent you well. to represent you well. And I want to bring [music] And I want to bring [music] And I want to bring [music] the children [singing] to your table.

the children [singing] to your table. the children [singing] to your table. The only place where they [music] will The only place where they [music] will The only place where they [music] will know love like this. There's nothing know love like this. There's nothing know love like this. There's nothing better than love like this. better than love like this. better than love like this. Oh, Oh, Oh, there's nothing better there's nothing better there's nothing better [music and singing] than love like this. [music and singing] than love like this. [music and singing] than love like this. Oh, there is an amazing disconnect between there is an amazing disconnect between what people say and what they do. what people say and what they do. what people say and what they do. They talk a good game that they don't They talk a good game that they don't They talk a good game that they don't live. live. live. You know them. See them at work. See You know them. See them at work. See You know them. See them at work. See them at school. them at school. them at school. So-called Christians who don't act So-called Christians who don't act So-called Christians who don't act anything like Christians. anything like Christians. anything like Christians. If you ask people in America about If you ask people in America about If you ask people in America about faith, you hear a lot of confident faith, you hear a lot of confident faith, you hear a lot of confident answers. People say things like, "I answers. People say things like, "I answers. People say things like, "I believe in God." Or, "I'm a Christian."

believe in God." Or, "I'm a Christian." believe in God." Or, "I'm a Christian." I grew up in church. I grew up in church. I grew up in church. Faith is a word that most people are Faith is a word that most people are Faith is a word that most people are comfortable using. Athletes talk about comfortable using. Athletes talk about comfortable using. Athletes talk about it after a game. Politicians thank God it after a game. Politicians thank God it after a game. Politicians thank God after winning an election. Surveys tell after winning an election. Surveys tell after winning an election. Surveys tell us that the majority of Americans us that the majority of Americans us that the majority of Americans believe in God and consider themselves believe in God and consider themselves believe in God and consider themselves people of faith. people of faith. people of faith. But belief is not the same as But belief is not the same as But belief is not the same as transformation. transformation. transformation. A person can say they believe in God and A person can say they believe in God and A person can say they believe in God and still live exactly like everyone else. A still live exactly like everyone else. A still live exactly like everyone else. A person can attend church, know Bible person can attend church, know Bible person can attend church, know Bible stories, use the right language, but the stories, use the right language, but the stories, use the right language, but the way they treat people, the choices that way they treat people, the choices that way they treat people, the choices that they make, the priorities that they live they make, the priorities that they live they make, the priorities that they live by, and the way they respond under by, and the way they respond under by, and the way they respond under pressure looks exactly like everyone pressure looks exactly like everyone pressure looks exactly like everyone around them. That raises an important around them. That raises an important around them. That raises an important question for us. What does real faith question for us. What does real faith question for us. What does real faith look like? How do you know the look like? How do you know the look like? How do you know the difference between faith that is genuine difference between faith that is genuine difference between faith that is genuine and faith that is just talk? How can you and faith that is just talk? How can you and faith that is just talk? How can you tell when someone truly has a tell when someone truly has a tell when someone truly has a relationship with Jesus versus someone relationship with Jesus versus someone relationship with Jesus versus someone who simply believes that God exists?

who simply believes that God exists? who simply believes that God exists? That question is not new. 2,000 years That question is not new. 2,000 years That question is not new. 2,000 years ago, the early church wrestled with the ago, the early church wrestled with the ago, the early church wrestled with the same issue. same issue. same issue. James writing to a group of churches James writing to a group of churches James writing to a group of churches that had been scattered by persecution that had been scattered by persecution that had been scattered by persecution addressed some of those questions. addressed some of those questions. addressed some of those questions. How much of your faith is what you say? How much of your faith is what you say? How much of your faith is what you say? How much of your faith is what you do? How much of your faith is what you do? How much of your faith is what you do? Is it enough to believe in God and say Is it enough to believe in God and say Is it enough to believe in God and say the right things? Or does God require the right things? Or does God require the right things? Or does God require more? more? more? Just how important is action to your Just how important is action to your Just how important is action to your faith? faith? faith? What do you do? How much do you have to What do you do? How much do you have to What do you do? How much do you have to do? Do you really have to reach out to do? Do you really have to reach out to do? Do you really have to reach out to your community? Do you really need to be your community? Do you really need to be your community? Do you really need to be in ministry? Do you have to go to church in ministry? Do you have to go to church in ministry? Do you have to go to church to be a Christian? Or is it enough to to be a Christian? Or is it enough to to be a Christian? Or is it enough to just believe in God? Really, what just believe in God? Really, what just believe in God? Really, what difference do your actions make? difference do your actions make? difference do your actions make? Jesus addressed the issue in Matthew Jesus addressed the issue in Matthew Jesus addressed the issue in Matthew chapter 7 while talking about false chapter 7 while talking about false chapter 7 while talking about false teachers. He said, "By their fruit, you teachers. He said, "By their fruit, you teachers. He said, "By their fruit, you will recognize them. Every good tree will recognize them. Every good tree will recognize them. Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear fruit. Every tree that does not bear fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into good fruit is cut down and thrown into good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit, you will the fire. Thus, by their fruit, you will the fire. Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them.

recognize them. recognize them. Jesus indicated that you will be able to Jesus indicated that you will be able to Jesus indicated that you will be able to identify people according to their identify people according to their identify people according to their fruit, what they produce, what they do. fruit, what they produce, what they do. fruit, what they produce, what they do. James took it a step further. James James took it a step further. James James took it a step further. James chapter 2:1 17. In the same way, faith chapter 2:1 17. In the same way, faith chapter 2:1 17. In the same way, faith by itself, by itself, by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, if it is not accompanied by action, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. is dead. is dead. It's pretty strong. It's pretty strong. It's pretty strong. James said, "If you have words of faith, James said, "If you have words of faith, James said, "If you have words of faith, but don't act on them, your faith is but don't act on them, your faith is but don't act on them, your faith is dead." dead." dead." Now remember, James is writing this to a Now remember, James is writing this to a Now remember, James is writing this to a group of people about to endure enormous group of people about to endure enormous group of people about to endure enormous persecution. Think little things like persecution. Think little things like persecution. Think little things like being burned at the stake. being burned at the stake. being burned at the stake. You expect James to be talking about You expect James to be talking about You expect James to be talking about laying low, taking it easy, finding laying low, taking it easy, finding laying low, taking it easy, finding shelter, hiding out. Instead, he said, shelter, hiding out. Instead, he said, shelter, hiding out. Instead, he said, in spite of it all, make sure your faith in spite of it all, make sure your faith in spite of it all, make sure your faith is visible through your actions.

is visible through your actions. is visible through your actions. When people face hard times, they often When people face hard times, they often When people face hard times, they often take a break from their ministry role or take a break from their ministry role or take a break from their ministry role or cut back on their commitments. James cut back on their commitments. James cut back on their commitments. James says, "You can't do that because faith says, "You can't do that because faith says, "You can't do that because faith without action is dead." without action is dead." without action is dead." It's not enough to say, "I believe. I'm It's not enough to say, "I believe. I'm It's not enough to say, "I believe. I'm a Christian. I have faith." Actions make a Christian. I have faith." Actions make a Christian. I have faith." Actions make your faith alive. This idea is easy to understand it if This idea is easy to understand it if you look at in the context of a you look at in the context of a you look at in the context of a hospital. hospital. hospital. If you go to the hospital and you are If you go to the hospital and you are If you go to the hospital and you are dying, it's not enough for a doctor to dying, it's not enough for a doctor to dying, it's not enough for a doctor to say, "I'm a doctor. I have a degree. I say, "I'm a doctor. I have a degree. I say, "I'm a doctor. I have a degree. I know how to save your life." They have know how to save your life." They have know how to save your life." They have to act on their knowledge and actually to act on their knowledge and actually to act on their knowledge and actually save your life. If they claim all of save your life. If they claim all of save your life. If they claim all of those things and do nothing with them, those things and do nothing with them, those things and do nothing with them, they're not a good doctor and you're they're not a good doctor and you're they're not a good doctor and you're going to die. According to James, faith going to die. According to James, faith going to die. According to James, faith has to be backed up with action. What has to be backed up with action. What has to be backed up with action. What you do, you do, you do, if your faith can't be seen through your if your faith can't be seen through your if your faith can't be seen through your actions, if you aren't doing anything actions, if you aren't doing anything actions, if you aren't doing anything with your faith, your faith is worthless with your faith, your faith is worthless with your faith, your faith is worthless and dead.

and dead. and dead. But someone will say, "You have faith. I But someone will say, "You have faith. I But someone will say, "You have faith. I have deeds. Show me your faith without have deeds. Show me your faith without have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by deeds, and I will show you my faith by deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." If you claim to be a what I do." If you claim to be a what I do." If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, people are watching follower of Jesus, people are watching follower of Jesus, people are watching to see if your faith talk is backed up to see if your faith talk is backed up to see if your faith talk is backed up by your actions. by your actions. by your actions. When your actions match your words, your When your actions match your words, your When your actions match your words, your faith becomes visible. faith becomes visible. faith becomes visible. It's one of the many reasons we are so It's one of the many reasons we are so It's one of the many reasons we are so involved in our community as a church. involved in our community as a church. involved in our community as a church. things like homebound ministry, going things like homebound ministry, going things like homebound ministry, going into hospitals, into hospitals, into hospitals, big events and community outreach, big events and community outreach, big events and community outreach, disaster relief, supporting things like disaster relief, supporting things like disaster relief, supporting things like FCA and Youth Alive. FCA and Youth Alive. FCA and Youth Alive. Every year we minister to our sanitation Every year we minister to our sanitation Every year we minister to our sanitation crews at a sanitation lunch. We partner crews at a sanitation lunch. We partner crews at a sanitation lunch. We partner and work with our first responders. We and work with our first responders. We and work with our first responders. We provide backpacks for kids on weekends provide backpacks for kids on weekends provide backpacks for kids on weekends who don't have enough food to make it who don't have enough food to make it who don't have enough food to make it through the weekend. We provide through the weekend. We provide through the weekend. We provide groceries for people in the community groceries for people in the community groceries for people in the community and in our church family. We currently and in our church family. We currently and in our church family. We currently give out just under a hundred bags a give out just under a hundred bags a give out just under a hundred bags a week of groceries. It's the reason we week of groceries. It's the reason we week of groceries. It's the reason we have an immigration ministry.

have an immigration ministry. have an immigration ministry. It's why we started Metro Worship It's why we started Metro Worship It's why we started Metro Worship Center. It's why we do prison ministry. Center. It's why we do prison ministry. Center. It's why we do prison ministry. It's why we do the week of giving. It's It's why we do the week of giving. It's It's why we do the week of giving. It's why our kids and student ministry teams why our kids and student ministry teams why our kids and student ministry teams are involved in our local schools. We do are involved in our local schools. We do are involved in our local schools. We do all of those things because we want all of those things because we want all of those things because we want people to see that our faith goes beyond people to see that our faith goes beyond people to see that our faith goes beyond our words and it affects our actions. our words and it affects our actions. our words and it affects our actions. In fact, actions often give the In fact, actions often give the In fact, actions often give the opportunity to share your faith. When opportunity to share your faith. When opportunity to share your faith. When you love and care for people, they you love and care for people, they you love and care for people, they become open to hearing about the love of become open to hearing about the love of become open to hearing about the love of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Verse 19, you believe that there is one Verse 19, you believe that there is one Verse 19, you believe that there is one God. Good. Even the demons believe that God. Good. Even the demons believe that God. Good. Even the demons believe that and shudder. and shudder. and shudder. You've heard people say, "I believe in You've heard people say, "I believe in You've heard people say, "I believe in God." God." God." James responds, "Good for you." James responds, "Good for you." James responds, "Good for you." But unless you do something about your But unless you do something about your But unless you do something about your faith, you're no better than the demons. faith, you're no better than the demons. faith, you're no better than the demons. Ouch.

Ouch. Ouch. Now, don't be mad at me. Be mad at Now, don't be mad at me. Be mad at Now, don't be mad at me. Be mad at James. He's the one that said it. I'm James. He's the one that said it. I'm James. He's the one that said it. I'm just repeating it. James continues, "You just repeating it. James continues, "You just repeating it. James continues, "You foolish man. Do you want evidence that foolish man. Do you want evidence that foolish man. Do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not faith without deeds is useless? Was not faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered our ancestor Abraham considered our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he righteous for what he did when he righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac at the altar? You offered his son Isaac at the altar? You offered his son Isaac at the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were see that his faith and his actions were see that his faith and his actions were working together and his faith was made working together and his faith was made working together and his faith was made complete by what he did. complete by what he did. complete by what he did. Your actions in response to your faith Your actions in response to your faith Your actions in response to your faith make your faith full real complete. Verse 23. Verse 23. And the scripture was fulfilled that And the scripture was fulfilled that And the scripture was fulfilled that says Abraham believed God and it was says Abraham believed God and it was says Abraham believed God and it was credit to credited to him as credit to credited to him as credit to credited to him as righteousness. And he was called God's righteousness. And he was called God's righteousness. And he was called God's friend. friend. friend. You see that a person is justified by You see that a person is justified by You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. what he does and not by faith alone. what he does and not by faith alone. It's not by faith alone. Just believing It's not by faith alone. Just believing It's not by faith alone. Just believing in that God exists isn't enough.

in that God exists isn't enough. in that God exists isn't enough. It's not by actions alone. Just doing It's not by actions alone. Just doing It's not by actions alone. Just doing good deeds isn't enough. According to good deeds isn't enough. According to good deeds isn't enough. According to James, the equation is faith plus James, the equation is faith plus James, the equation is faith plus actions equals real faith. actions equals real faith. actions equals real faith. It's not just about words. It's not just It's not just about words. It's not just It's not just about words. It's not just about actions. It's about both. about actions. It's about both. about actions. It's about both. Faith without action is dead. Faith without action is dead. Faith without action is dead. Action without faith is simply charity. Action without faith is simply charity. Action without faith is simply charity. actions make your faith real. Now, let's look at what according to Now, let's look at what according to James are some characteristics of faith James are some characteristics of faith James are some characteristics of faith that works. Real faith. that works. Real faith. that works. Real faith. Chapter 1 22. Do not merely listen to Chapter 1 22. Do not merely listen to Chapter 1 22. Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. the word and so deceive yourselves. the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Do what it says. Do what it says. If you know God's word, If you know God's word, If you know God's word, obey God's word. obey God's word. obey God's word. Unfortunately, that's not automatic.

Unfortunately, that's not automatic. Unfortunately, that's not automatic. There is a tendency to pick and choose There is a tendency to pick and choose There is a tendency to pick and choose what you obey. You know what the Bible what you obey. You know what the Bible what you obey. You know what the Bible says, but if it's too difficult to obey says, but if it's too difficult to obey says, but if it's too difficult to obey or you just don't like a particular or you just don't like a particular or you just don't like a particular command, you skip it. command, you skip it. command, you skip it. The Bible teaches that gossip is sin. The Bible teaches that gossip is sin. The Bible teaches that gossip is sin. That it will send you to the same hell That it will send you to the same hell That it will send you to the same hell as murder. If you know that, why do you as murder. If you know that, why do you as murder. If you know that, why do you keep gossiping? Now, there's a lot of excuses, but it Now, there's a lot of excuses, but it comes down to this. You're choosing not comes down to this. You're choosing not comes down to this. You're choosing not to obey the commands of God. to obey the commands of God. to obey the commands of God. You know what the Bible says about You know what the Bible says about You know what the Bible says about finances and tithing, but America, more finances and tithing, but America, more finances and tithing, but America, more than three4s of all who claim to be than three4s of all who claim to be than three4s of all who claim to be Christians don't tithe. Christians don't tithe. Christians don't tithe. I'm not sure why. Perhaps God's command I'm not sure why. Perhaps God's command I'm not sure why. Perhaps God's command in this area of their life is considered in this area of their life is considered in this area of their life is considered unreasonable. unreasonable. unreasonable. It's fascinating, but they'll ignore It's fascinating, but they'll ignore It's fascinating, but they'll ignore God's command and then they get mad when God's command and then they get mad when God's command and then they get mad when they don't receive his blessing. they don't receive his blessing. they don't receive his blessing. We know what the Bible says about We know what the Bible says about We know what the Bible says about conflict resolution. How to resolve conflict resolution. How to resolve conflict resolution. How to resolve issues with brothers and sisters in issues with brothers and sisters in issues with brothers and sisters in Christ. You're supposed to go to them Christ. You're supposed to go to them Christ. You're supposed to go to them with a spirit of love and resolve your with a spirit of love and resolve your with a spirit of love and resolve your disagreement face to face. You know disagreement face to face. You know disagreement face to face. You know that, but you continue in dysfunctional that, but you continue in dysfunctional that, but you continue in dysfunctional social media patterns.

social media patterns. social media patterns. You know God's word, you just choose not You know God's word, you just choose not You know God's word, you just choose not to obey it. I could go on and on. You to obey it. I could go on and on. You to obey it. I could go on and on. You know what God's word says about sex know what God's word says about sex know what God's word says about sex outside of marriage. You know what God's outside of marriage. You know what God's outside of marriage. You know what God's word says about sharing your faith. You word says about sharing your faith. You word says about sharing your faith. You know what God's word says about loving know what God's word says about loving know what God's word says about loving your enemies. You get the point. Knowing your enemies. You get the point. Knowing your enemies. You get the point. Knowing doesn't always equal doing. doesn't always equal doing. doesn't always equal doing. And oh, let's not forget Satan knows the And oh, let's not forget Satan knows the And oh, let's not forget Satan knows the word of God. word of God. word of God. It takes more than just knowing. It's It takes more than just knowing. It's It takes more than just knowing. It's not enough to listen to God's word, even not enough to listen to God's word, even not enough to listen to God's word, even to memorize it. It's not just knowledge. to memorize it. It's not just knowledge. to memorize it. It's not just knowledge. You have to obey it. According to James, You have to obey it. According to James, You have to obey it. According to James, your lack of action and disobedience your lack of action and disobedience your lack of action and disobedience renders your faith worthless. religion that God our father accepts as religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this to look after pure and faultless is this to look after pure and faultless is this to look after orphans and widows in their distress. orphans and widows in their distress. orphans and widows in their distress. Another translation says it more Another translation says it more Another translation says it more accurately accurately accurately this way. The fatherless and widows in this way. The fatherless and widows in this way. The fatherless and widows in their affliction, their affliction, their affliction, pure and faultless.

pure and faultless. pure and faultless. That's the kind of religion I want. Pure That's the kind of religion I want. Pure That's the kind of religion I want. Pure religion according to God's word looks religion according to God's word looks religion according to God's word looks out for others. Pure religion cares for out for others. Pure religion cares for out for others. Pure religion cares for those in need. those in need. those in need. That's those in need right here in That's those in need right here in That's those in need right here in central Arkansas central Arkansas central Arkansas and those in need around the world. If and those in need around the world. If and those in need around the world. If someone is apathetic towards those in someone is apathetic towards those in someone is apathetic towards those in need, if they refuse to act, their need, if they refuse to act, their need, if they refuse to act, their religion is not pure. religion is not pure. religion is not pure. Verse 27 continues, "And to keep oneself Verse 27 continues, "And to keep oneself Verse 27 continues, "And to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." In from being polluted by the world." In from being polluted by the world." In other words, holiness, other words, holiness, other words, holiness, that word holiness is often that word holiness is often that word holiness is often misunderstood. misunderstood. misunderstood. So, let's take a few minutes. Let's So, let's take a few minutes. Let's So, let's take a few minutes. Let's unpack it a little bit and we're going unpack it a little bit and we're going unpack it a little bit and we're going to talk about first what holiness is not to talk about first what holiness is not to talk about first what holiness is not and then we'll look at what holiness is. and then we'll look at what holiness is. and then we'll look at what holiness is. Holiness is not following a lot of Holiness is not following a lot of Holiness is not following a lot of rules. rules. rules. That's what the Pharisees did. They That's what the Pharisees did. They That's what the Pharisees did. They developed lots of rules that had to be developed lots of rules that had to be developed lots of rules that had to be followed.

followed. followed. Some of you, when I use the term Some of you, when I use the term Some of you, when I use the term holiness, you instantly think back to holiness, you instantly think back to holiness, you instantly think back to days when holiness was defined by what days when holiness was defined by what days when holiness was defined by what you wore, how your hair was cut, whether you wore, how your hair was cut, whether you wore, how your hair was cut, whether or not you wore makeup. or not you wore makeup. or not you wore makeup. Now, it would be great if I could just Now, it would be great if I could just Now, it would be great if I could just give you a list of rules to follow that give you a list of rules to follow that give you a list of rules to follow that would make you officially holy. would make you officially holy. would make you officially holy. But it's not that easy. Our world But it's not that easy. Our world But it's not that easy. Our world changes too quickly. Situations are too changes too quickly. Situations are too changes too quickly. Situations are too difficult to predict. I would have to difficult to predict. I would have to difficult to predict. I would have to make some kind of a website that would make some kind of a website that would make some kind of a website that would give you daily holiness rules updates. give you daily holiness rules updates. give you daily holiness rules updates. But that's not holiness. But that's not holiness. But that's not holiness. Holiness is not a manner of speech or a Holiness is not a manner of speech or a Holiness is not a manner of speech or a title. title. title. If you went to Bible school, you will If you went to Bible school, you will If you went to Bible school, you will completely resonate with this. But in completely resonate with this. But in completely resonate with this. But in Bible school, when people would complete Bible school, when people would complete Bible school, when people would complete their first step of ministerial their first step of ministerial their first step of ministerial credentials and they would receive their credentials and they would receive their credentials and they would receive their card that officially made them a card that officially made them a card that officially made them a reverend, they can now be a reverend. reverend, they can now be a reverend. reverend, they can now be a reverend. Suddenly, they got that card and they Suddenly, they got that card and they Suddenly, they got that card and they developed this new I'm a preacher voice. developed this new I'm a preacher voice. developed this new I'm a preacher voice. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] You know what I'm talking about. They You know what I'm talking about. They You know what I'm talking about. They started breathing in between syllables.

started breathing in between syllables. started breathing in between syllables. They'd speak in their new voice to you. They'd speak in their new voice to you. They'd speak in their new voice to you. I'm like, "What are you doing?" They I'm like, "What are you doing?" They I'm like, "What are you doing?" They would pray in their new voice. You could would pray in their new voice. You could would pray in their new voice. You could always tell when somebody had just always tell when somebody had just always tell when somebody had just gotten their official card and they gotten their official card and they gotten their official card and they prayed in chapel or they prayed in class prayed in chapel or they prayed in class prayed in chapel or they prayed in class because they would start their prayer because they would start their prayer because they would start their prayer and and they would say every theological and and they would say every theological and and they would say every theological term that they had just learned in the term that they had just learned in the term that they had just learned in the class before that was big and sounded class before that was big and sounded class before that was big and sounded really good even though they didn't really good even though they didn't really good even though they didn't really know what it meant, but they really know what it meant, but they really know what it meant, but they would just string them all together. would just string them all together. would just string them all together. They'd write reverend in front of their They'd write reverend in front of their They'd write reverend in front of their name on their test papers. It was like, name on their test papers. It was like, name on their test papers. It was like, "Okay, now that I'm a reverend, now I'm "Okay, now that I'm a reverend, now I'm "Okay, now that I'm a reverend, now I'm holy." That's not holiness. Holiness is holy." That's not holiness. Holiness is holy." That's not holiness. Holiness is not a title. not a title. not a title. Holiness is not living in a cave. You Holiness is not living in a cave. You Holiness is not living in a cave. You know the people, the world is evil. know the people, the world is evil. know the people, the world is evil. Their kids are going to be influenced. Their kids are going to be influenced. Their kids are going to be influenced. So they head for the hills. They run to So they head for the hills. They run to So they head for the hills. They run to holiness. holiness. holiness. They group together protected from the They group together protected from the They group together protected from the world's influences. The thought is that world's influences. The thought is that world's influences. The thought is that to be holy requires complete and total to be holy requires complete and total to be holy requires complete and total isolation from the world and society.

isolation from the world and society. isolation from the world and society. Now, you may not know anybody that's Now, you may not know anybody that's Now, you may not know anybody that's that extreme, probably because they're that extreme, probably because they're that extreme, probably because they're living in caves and not talking to you, living in caves and not talking to you, living in caves and not talking to you, but you have met people who are deathly but you have met people who are deathly but you have met people who are deathly afraid of coming in contact with the afraid of coming in contact with the afraid of coming in contact with the world. And they call their isolation world. And they call their isolation world. And they call their isolation holiness. holiness. holiness. Holiness is not avoiding non-believers. Holiness is not avoiding non-believers. Holiness is not avoiding non-believers. Jesus told us to be salt and light and Jesus told us to be salt and light and Jesus told us to be salt and light and to penetrate our world. You can't do to penetrate our world. You can't do to penetrate our world. You can't do that if you shun everyone who is that if you shun everyone who is that if you shun everyone who is different than you. different than you. different than you. If holiness is not isolationism, what is If holiness is not isolationism, what is If holiness is not isolationism, what is it? it? it? Holiness is living in the world but not Holiness is living in the world but not Holiness is living in the world but not thinking and acting like others in the thinking and acting like others in the thinking and acting like others in the world. world. world. Holiness is living out your Holiness is living out your Holiness is living out your relationship, your convictions, your relationship, your convictions, your relationship, your convictions, your beliefs in the context of everyday life. beliefs in the context of everyday life. beliefs in the context of everyday life. Holiness is not extremism. Holiness is not extremism. Holiness is not extremism. You hear holiness and and you instantly You hear holiness and and you instantly You hear holiness and and you instantly think of the extremes, something that think of the extremes, something that think of the extremes, something that there's no way you could ever be capable there's no way you could ever be capable there's no way you could ever be capable of doing. You may reserve holiness for of doing. You may reserve holiness for of doing. You may reserve holiness for the preachers, the elderly saints, the the preachers, the elderly saints, the the preachers, the elderly saints, the unusual, and you believe that it's unusual, and you believe that it's unusual, and you believe that it's impossible for an ordinary person to be impossible for an ordinary person to be impossible for an ordinary person to be holy.

holy. holy. But holiness is not extreme or weird. But holiness is not extreme or weird. But holiness is not extreme or weird. Holiness is a healthy approach. It's not Holiness is a healthy approach. It's not Holiness is a healthy approach. It's not an outofcrol live like a monk existence. an outofcrol live like a monk existence. an outofcrol live like a monk existence. you can still be a real person and be you can still be a real person and be you can still be a real person and be holy. holy. holy. So if that's what holiness is not, what So if that's what holiness is not, what So if that's what holiness is not, what is holiness? is holiness? is holiness? Holiness is choices determined by Holiness is choices determined by Holiness is choices determined by relationship, not rules. I love my wife, Meredith. She's the most I love my wife, Meredith. She's the most important person in my life. I won't important person in my life. I won't important person in my life. I won't have an affair. I don't avoid having an have an affair. I don't avoid having an have an affair. I don't avoid having an affair just because it's wrong or affair just because it's wrong or affair just because it's wrong or violates my vows. I won't have an affair violates my vows. I won't have an affair violates my vows. I won't have an affair because my relationship with Meredith is because my relationship with Meredith is because my relationship with Meredith is important to me. Now, I know the rules, important to me. Now, I know the rules, important to me. Now, I know the rules, but referring to them is not the point. but referring to them is not the point. but referring to them is not the point. I make the right choice, not because of I make the right choice, not because of I make the right choice, not because of rules, but because of my relationship. rules, but because of my relationship. rules, but because of my relationship. People have missed the point on People have missed the point on People have missed the point on holiness. They say things like, "Well, I holiness. They say things like, "Well, I holiness. They say things like, "Well, I can never give all that up. All the good can never give all that up. All the good can never give all that up. All the good movies are rated R. They just don't want movies are rated R. They just don't want movies are rated R. They just don't want me to have fun." Or, "God doesn't want me to have fun." Or, "God doesn't want me to have fun." Or, "God doesn't want me to be unhappy.

me to be unhappy. me to be unhappy. slow down because you have missed it. If slow down because you have missed it. If slow down because you have missed it. If you say things like that, the problem is you say things like that, the problem is you say things like that, the problem is not the rules, it's the relationship. not the rules, it's the relationship. not the rules, it's the relationship. Side note, I challenge you to try and Side note, I challenge you to try and Side note, I challenge you to try and find that whole God wants me to be happy find that whole God wants me to be happy find that whole God wants me to be happy verse in the Bible. I'll help you out. verse in the Bible. I'll help you out. verse in the Bible. I'll help you out. It's not there. God doesn't command you It's not there. God doesn't command you It's not there. God doesn't command you to be happy. He commands you to be holy. to be happy. He commands you to be holy. to be happy. He commands you to be holy. If your relationship with Jesus is real, If your relationship with Jesus is real, If your relationship with Jesus is real, if it's dynamic, if it's ongoing, you if it's dynamic, if it's ongoing, you if it's dynamic, if it's ongoing, you avoid things because you want to, not avoid things because you want to, not avoid things because you want to, not because you have to. You don't want to because you have to. You don't want to because you have to. You don't want to do anything that could cause harm or do anything that could cause harm or do anything that could cause harm or damage your relationship or your damage your relationship or your damage your relationship or your testimony. You say no because you love testimony. You say no because you love testimony. You say no because you love Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Holiness is identifying the weak links Holiness is identifying the weak links Holiness is identifying the weak links in your life. in your life. in your life. If you ever played sports, you probably If you ever played sports, you probably If you ever played sports, you probably heard your coach say it. But a team is heard your coach say it. But a team is heard your coach say it. But a team is only as good as its weakest link. only as good as its weakest link. only as good as its weakest link. A football team wins by finding the A football team wins by finding the A football team wins by finding the other team's weakest player and other team's weakest player and other team's weakest player and exploiting them. If you can improve your exploiting them. If you can improve your exploiting them. If you can improve your weakest player, the team improves.

weakest player, the team improves. weakest player, the team improves. Holiness works the same way. Holiness Holiness works the same way. Holiness Holiness works the same way. Holiness says, "What part of my life and my says, "What part of my life and my says, "What part of my life and my testimony is the weakest link in my testimony is the weakest link in my testimony is the weakest link in my relationship with Jesus?" relationship with Jesus?" relationship with Jesus?" The person who's truly striving to be The person who's truly striving to be The person who's truly striving to be holy is always working on something in holy is always working on something in holy is always working on something in their lives, constantly working on their their lives, constantly working on their their lives, constantly working on their weak link. Holiness says, "I want to weak link. Holiness says, "I want to weak link. Holiness says, "I want to know what that area is so I can dedicate know what that area is so I can dedicate know what that area is so I can dedicate it to Jesus and improve it. And when I it to Jesus and improve it. And when I it to Jesus and improve it. And when I get that one improved, I'm going to get that one improved, I'm going to get that one improved, I'm going to start on the next one." start on the next one." start on the next one." So, what's your weakest link? Is it So, what's your weakest link? Is it So, what's your weakest link? Is it lust? Is it lack of commitment? Is it lust? Is it lack of commitment? Is it lust? Is it lack of commitment? Is it lying? Is it not trusting God? lying? Is it not trusting God? lying? Is it not trusting God? Is it stealing? Is it unethical business Is it stealing? Is it unethical business Is it stealing? Is it unethical business dealings? Is it what you say, what you dealings? Is it what you say, what you dealings? Is it what you say, what you watch, where you go? Maybe it's a watch, where you go? Maybe it's a watch, where you go? Maybe it's a conversation that isn't pleasing to God. conversation that isn't pleasing to God. conversation that isn't pleasing to God. Holiness says, "I'm going to identify Holiness says, "I'm going to identify Holiness says, "I'm going to identify that weakness and I'm going to kick it that weakness and I'm going to kick it that weakness and I'm going to kick it out of my life." And you might be out of my life." And you might be out of my life." And you might be thinking, "How do I identify that area thinking, "How do I identify that area thinking, "How do I identify that area in my life?" Get real. You know the in my life?" Get real. You know the in my life?" Get real. You know the area. The second I started talking about area. The second I started talking about area. The second I started talking about it, you already identified the area. And it, you already identified the area. And it, you already identified the area. And if you don't know the area, I'll help if you don't know the area, I'll help if you don't know the area, I'll help you. It's denial.

Holiness is lived out in the context of Holiness is lived out in the context of your life. Your holiness is not your life. Your holiness is not your life. Your holiness is not something that you check at the door something that you check at the door something that you check at the door when you leave the church. when you leave the church. when you leave the church. It's not being boring, predictable, or It's not being boring, predictable, or It's not being boring, predictable, or timid. It's allowing your relationship timid. It's allowing your relationship timid. It's allowing your relationship with Jesus to affect the way you live in with Jesus to affect the way you live in with Jesus to affect the way you live in every situation. every situation. every situation. Jesus said, "They will know us by our Jesus said, "They will know us by our Jesus said, "They will know us by our fruit." fruit." fruit." In other words, the way you live reveals In other words, the way you live reveals In other words, the way you live reveals the level of your relationship with the level of your relationship with the level of your relationship with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Holiness is making right choices for the Holiness is making right choices for the Holiness is making right choices for the right reasons. right reasons. right reasons. Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it? Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it? Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it? Choices between obvious, right, and Choices between obvious, right, and Choices between obvious, right, and wrong are really pretty easy to make. wrong are really pretty easy to make. wrong are really pretty easy to make. Should I kill the person irritating me? Should I kill the person irritating me? Should I kill the person irritating me? No. Easy choice. You shouldn't do that. No. Easy choice. You shouldn't do that. No. Easy choice. You shouldn't do that. I can't afford the new truck I want, so I can't afford the new truck I want, so I can't afford the new truck I want, so I should sneak into Mclarde Toyota I should sneak into Mclarde Toyota I should sneak into Mclarde Toyota tonight and I'm going to steal it. No. tonight and I'm going to steal it. No. tonight and I'm going to steal it. No. Easy choice. Don't do that. The Bible's Easy choice. Don't do that. The Bible's Easy choice. Don't do that. The Bible's pretty clear in those areas. It It's a pretty clear in those areas. It It's a pretty clear in those areas. It It's a great black and white issue. I love great black and white issue. I love great black and white issue. I love those kinds of things.

those kinds of things. those kinds of things. But what about the gray areas? Now, But what about the gray areas? Now, But what about the gray areas? Now, before you get mad, I understand there before you get mad, I understand there before you get mad, I understand there are many people who feel there's no such are many people who feel there's no such are many people who feel there's no such thing as a gray area. So, let me phrase thing as a gray area. So, let me phrase thing as a gray area. So, let me phrase it a different way. What about those it a different way. What about those it a different way. What about those things, the decisions that the Bible things, the decisions that the Bible things, the decisions that the Bible doesn't specifically address and you're doesn't specifically address and you're doesn't specifically address and you're just not sure? just not sure? just not sure? How do you make a decision when you How do you make a decision when you How do you make a decision when you don't have a clear answer? Well, I want don't have a clear answer? Well, I want don't have a clear answer? Well, I want to share with you 10 questions to help to share with you 10 questions to help to share with you 10 questions to help you make tough decisions. Anytime you're you make tough decisions. Anytime you're you make tough decisions. Anytime you're about to make a hard decision or need to about to make a hard decision or need to about to make a hard decision or need to make a tough decision in your life, go make a tough decision in your life, go make a tough decision in your life, go through these 10 questions and it'll through these 10 questions and it'll through these 10 questions and it'll help. First, what does the Bible say? help. First, what does the Bible say? help. First, what does the Bible say? The Bible's our guide book for living. The Bible's our guide book for living. The Bible's our guide book for living. This is the first place you should go This is the first place you should go This is the first place you should go when you need guidance. when you need guidance. when you need guidance. Does the Bible have instructions, either Does the Bible have instructions, either Does the Bible have instructions, either general or specific, that pertain to general or specific, that pertain to general or specific, that pertain to this activity? this activity? this activity? Here are a couple of really good verses Here are a couple of really good verses Here are a couple of really good verses that I like to go through when I'm that I like to go through when I'm that I like to go through when I'm working through this and trying to working through this and trying to working through this and trying to figure out an area of my life. 1 figure out an area of my life. 1 figure out an area of my life. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says, "Abstain from Thessalonians 5:2 says, "Abstain from Thessalonians 5:2 says, "Abstain from all appearance of evil."

all appearance of evil." all appearance of evil." Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is brothers, whatever is true, whatever is brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or admirable, if anything is excellent or admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." praiseworthy, think about such things." praiseworthy, think about such things." 2 Timothy 2:22, "Flee the evil desires 2 Timothy 2:22, "Flee the evil desires 2 Timothy 2:22, "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, of youth and pursue righteousness, of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those faith, love, and peace along with those faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure who call on the Lord out of a pure who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." heart." heart." Second, what do my spiritual authorities Second, what do my spiritual authorities Second, what do my spiritual authorities say? What do the people I've entrusted say? What do the people I've entrusted say? What do the people I've entrusted with my spiritual growth and well-being with my spiritual growth and well-being with my spiritual growth and well-being think? What do the people who have my think? What do the people who have my think? What do the people who have my best interest at heart say? Many times best interest at heart say? Many times best interest at heart say? Many times you don't ask because you know what the you don't ask because you know what the you don't ask because you know what the answer is already going to be. answer is already going to be. answer is already going to be. And that right there should be good And that right there should be good And that right there should be good enough information to help you make your enough information to help you make your enough information to help you make your decision. When you choose to ignore the decision. When you choose to ignore the decision. When you choose to ignore the people who love you and have your best people who love you and have your best people who love you and have your best interest at heart, you make bad interest at heart, you make bad interest at heart, you make bad decisions.

decisions. decisions. Number three, what does my conscience Number three, what does my conscience Number three, what does my conscience tell me? tell me? tell me? Or in southern terms, what does my gut Or in southern terms, what does my gut Or in southern terms, what does my gut say? say? say? Does it feel wrong? Does it feel wrong? Does it feel wrong? Now, understand that you can't use any Now, understand that you can't use any Now, understand that you can't use any of these questions by themselves. You of these questions by themselves. You of these questions by themselves. You should really use them all together. should really use them all together. should really use them all together. Because some of you, your gut landed you Because some of you, your gut landed you Because some of you, your gut landed you in prison. in prison. in prison. Your gut led you to a really bad Your gut led you to a really bad Your gut led you to a really bad relationship. relationship. relationship. Your gut led you to buy a worthless Your gut led you to buy a worthless Your gut led you to buy a worthless cryptocurrency. cryptocurrency. cryptocurrency. Many times, sin feels good for a season. Many times, sin feels good for a season. Many times, sin feels good for a season. You can't just trust your gut to always You can't just trust your gut to always You can't just trust your gut to always lead you in the right direction. lead you in the right direction. lead you in the right direction. Fourth, what are the other people like Fourth, what are the other people like Fourth, what are the other people like who are involved in the activity? who are involved in the activity? who are involved in the activity? Now, this is a good one. Now, I am not Now, this is a good one. Now, I am not Now, this is a good one. Now, I am not suggesting that you should judge people. suggesting that you should judge people. suggesting that you should judge people. But when you are working on and making But when you are working on and making But when you are working on and making an important decision for your life, you an important decision for your life, you an important decision for your life, you need to take a look at the other people need to take a look at the other people need to take a look at the other people who are involved in the activity you're who are involved in the activity you're who are involved in the activity you're thinking about being a part of. If they thinking about being a part of. If they thinking about being a part of. If they are all far from God and living in sin, are all far from God and living in sin, are all far from God and living in sin, chances are this may not be a good chances are this may not be a good chances are this may not be a good decision or a right thing for you to do decision or a right thing for you to do decision or a right thing for you to do or a right place for you to go.

or a right place for you to go. or a right place for you to go. Five. Five. Five. Would I do this in front of my parents, Would I do this in front of my parents, Would I do this in front of my parents, my pastor, or my spouse? my pastor, or my spouse? my pastor, or my spouse? If you would be ashamed of doing it in If you would be ashamed of doing it in If you would be ashamed of doing it in front of the people that matter most to front of the people that matter most to front of the people that matter most to you, chances are bad choice. Six. Six. What does this activity lead to? What's What does this activity lead to? What's What does this activity lead to? What's the logical next step? the logical next step? the logical next step? Many times you can know to avoid an Many times you can know to avoid an Many times you can know to avoid an activity by what it leads to. For activity by what it leads to. For activity by what it leads to. For instance, what is the next logical step instance, what is the next logical step instance, what is the next logical step of attending a keg party? of attending a keg party? of attending a keg party? What's the logical next step when you What's the logical next step when you What's the logical next step when you climb into the backseat of your car with climb into the backseat of your car with climb into the backseat of your car with your girlfriend? If the logical next your girlfriend? If the logical next your girlfriend? If the logical next step is wrong, avoid the activity. step is wrong, avoid the activity. step is wrong, avoid the activity. When people make foolish decisions, they When people make foolish decisions, they When people make foolish decisions, they very rarely consider the logical next very rarely consider the logical next very rarely consider the logical next step. Very few people do this. They step. Very few people do this. They step. Very few people do this. They think through the now and not the later.

Seventh question, what kind of influence Seventh question, what kind of influence will this have on my Christian friends? will this have on my Christian friends? will this have on my Christian friends? Will this diminish my leadership Will this diminish my leadership Will this diminish my leadership ability? Will it negatively affect my ability? Will it negatively affect my ability? Will it negatively affect my friends who may not be as mature in friends who may not be as mature in friends who may not be as mature in Christ? Christ? Christ? 1 Corinthiansapter 8:9 Paul when talking 1 Corinthiansapter 8:9 Paul when talking 1 Corinthiansapter 8:9 Paul when talking about unclean food which was a big deal about unclean food which was a big deal about unclean food which was a big deal back then said this but be careful not back then said this but be careful not back then said this but be careful not to use your freedom to eat it lest you to use your freedom to eat it lest you to use your freedom to eat it lest you cause some Christian brother to sin cause some Christian brother to sin cause some Christian brother to sin whose conscience is weaker than yours. whose conscience is weaker than yours. whose conscience is weaker than yours. In other words, you may have the freedom In other words, you may have the freedom In other words, you may have the freedom to do this but if it's going to cause to do this but if it's going to cause to do this but if it's going to cause your brother to sin who's weaker in your brother to sin who's weaker in your brother to sin who's weaker in their relationship with the Lord than their relationship with the Lord than their relationship with the Lord than you, you shouldn't do it. you, you shouldn't do it. you, you shouldn't do it. Eight. How will this affect my testimony Eight. How will this affect my testimony Eight. How will this affect my testimony before non-believers? before non-believers? before non-believers? What will my non-Christian friends What will my non-Christian friends What will my non-Christian friends think? think? think? If it will cause doubt to be cast on If it will cause doubt to be cast on If it will cause doubt to be cast on your relationship with Jesus, don't do your relationship with Jesus, don't do your relationship with Jesus, don't do it. Don't say it. it. Don't say it. it. Don't say it. Don't post it.

Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. Don't post it. If Christians would just pause and think If Christians would just pause and think If Christians would just pause and think about the effects and the damage that about the effects and the damage that about the effects and the damage that their words are going to cause to both their words are going to cause to both their words are going to cause to both fellow Christians and non-believers fellow Christians and non-believers fellow Christians and non-believers before they posted something on social before they posted something on social before they posted something on social media. If we would just pause media. If we would just pause media. If we would just pause and think, who knows, we might actually and think, who knows, we might actually and think, who knows, we might actually win our world for Jesus. win our world for Jesus. win our world for Jesus. But our opinions matter more than the But our opinions matter more than the But our opinions matter more than the people who are reading them. I'm going to move on because I got more I'm going to move on because I got more to say. Number nine. What are the to say. Number nine. What are the to say. Number nine. What are the consequences of this activity? Long-term and short term. What are the Long-term and short term. What are the consequences for my health, my family, consequences for my health, my family, consequences for my health, my family, my finances, my testimony, my future? my finances, my testimony, my future? my finances, my testimony, my future? What are the consequences of this What are the consequences of this What are the consequences of this action?

action? action? Think through them all. good and bad. Think through them all. good and bad. Think through them all. good and bad. Finally, number 10, Finally, number 10, Finally, number 10, have I prayed about it? have I prayed about it? have I prayed about it? And when I did, did that result in And when I did, did that result in And when I did, did that result in feeling peace? If you aren't sure about an action or a If you aren't sure about an action or a decision, ask all 10 of these questions. decision, ask all 10 of these questions. decision, ask all 10 of these questions. And if after you've worked through all And if after you've worked through all And if after you've worked through all 10, you still aren't sure, 10, you still aren't sure, 10, you still aren't sure, don't do it. don't do it. don't do it. I would always rather heir on the side I would always rather heir on the side I would always rather heir on the side of holiness than seeing how much I can of holiness than seeing how much I can of holiness than seeing how much I can get away with get away with get away with every time. That's what we're supposed to strive for That's what we're supposed to strive for as Christians. as Christians. as Christians. Is it easy? No. Is it easy? No. Is it easy? No. Is it instant? No. Is it instant? No. Is it instant? No. But the goal is to be like him.

But the goal is to be like him. But the goal is to be like him. Our society and our world will not be Our society and our world will not be Our society and our world will not be attracted to a casual and different attracted to a casual and different attracted to a casual and different hypocritical religion. hypocritical religion. hypocritical religion. The unchurched will be attracted to a The unchurched will be attracted to a The unchurched will be attracted to a real dynamic relationship that results real dynamic relationship that results real dynamic relationship that results in changed behavior. in changed behavior. in changed behavior. That is holiness. What good is it, my brothers, if a man What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? claims to have faith but has no deeds? claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a Can such faith save him? Suppose a Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and brother or sister is without clothes and brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, daily food. If one of you says to him, daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well. Keep warm and "Go, I wish you well. Keep warm and "Go, I wish you well. Keep warm and wellfed," but does nothing about his wellfed," but does nothing about his wellfed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? physical needs, what good is it? physical needs, what good is it? Here's the bottom line. What James says Here's the bottom line. What James says Here's the bottom line. What James says about faith that works, about real about faith that works, about real about faith that works, about real faith. The difference between faith and faith. The difference between faith and faith. The difference between faith and belief is action. belief is action. belief is action. Do more than just talk, Do more than just talk, Do more than just talk, act, act, act, do something, do something, do something, serve, care for people, meet someone's serve, care for people, meet someone's serve, care for people, meet someone's needs, share your faith.

needs, share your faith. needs, share your faith. James close chapter 2 with one of the James close chapter 2 with one of the James close chapter 2 with one of the most sobering statements in the entire most sobering statements in the entire most sobering statements in the entire book found in verse 26. As the body book found in verse 26. As the body book found in verse 26. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without the spirit is dead, so faith without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. without deeds is dead. without deeds is dead. A body without breath is a corpse. A body without breath is a corpse. A body without breath is a corpse. It may look alive for a moment. It may It may look alive for a moment. It may It may look alive for a moment. It may even still resemble a living person, but even still resemble a living person, but even still resemble a living person, but there is no life in it. James said, there is no life in it. James said, there is no life in it. James said, "Faith can be the same way. You can say "Faith can be the same way. You can say "Faith can be the same way. You can say the right words. You can attend church. the right words. You can attend church. the right words. You can attend church. You can know Bible verses. You can You can know Bible verses. You can You can know Bible verses. You can say,"I believe in God." But if your say,"I believe in God." But if your say,"I believe in God." But if your faith never affects the way you live, if faith never affects the way you live, if faith never affects the way you live, if it never changes your choices, if it it never changes your choices, if it it never changes your choices, if it never moves you to care for others, if never moves you to care for others, if never moves you to care for others, if it never moves you to obedience, it never moves you to obedience, it never moves you to obedience, James says that faith is dead. So the key question for you to ponder So the key question for you to ponder is, is your faith alive?

is, is your faith alive? is, is your faith alive? Is it changing the way that you live? Is Is it changing the way that you live? Is Is it changing the way that you live? Is it affecting the way that you treat it affecting the way that you treat it affecting the way that you treat people? Is it affecting the way that you people? Is it affecting the way that you people? Is it affecting the way that you speak about people? speak about people? speak about people? Faith that works doesn't just talk about Faith that works doesn't just talk about Faith that works doesn't just talk about it. Faith that works says Jesus whatever you Faith that works says Jesus whatever you ask of me I will do it. When faith ask of me I will do it. When faith ask of me I will do it. When faith becomes action people don't just hear becomes action people don't just hear becomes action people don't just hear about Jesus they see Jesus in you. about Jesus they see Jesus in you. about Jesus they see Jesus in you. So do people see Jesus in you? Perhaps the better question is, is the Perhaps the better question is, is the Jesus that people see in you Jesus that people see in you Jesus that people see in you an accurate picture of what we know an accurate picture of what we know an accurate picture of what we know about Jesus from his word? Because we don't want to be Because we don't want to be people who just talk about faith.

people who just talk about faith. people who just talk about faith. We want faith to be reflected in our We want faith to be reflected in our We want faith to be reflected in our actions, actions, actions, in what we [music] do. Lord, would you forgive us? Lord, would you forgive us? Would you forgive us for those times Would you forgive us for those times Would you forgive us for those times when our faith has only [music] been when our faith has only [music] been when our faith has only [music] been something that we've talked about and something that we've talked about and something that we've talked about and not something that we actually do? Would you forgive us for the times Would you forgive us for the times when our actions have not been in when our actions have not been in when our actions have not been in alignment with our words alignment with our words alignment with our words and we've caused damage to people and and we've caused damage to people and and we've caused damage to people and damage to your kingdom damage to your kingdom damage to your kingdom by our actions by our actions by our actions and our behavior. and our behavior. and our behavior. Lord, we want to be [music] holy. We Lord, we want to be [music] holy. We Lord, we want to be [music] holy. We want to be more like you. So would you help us be holy So would you help us be holy individually? Would you just through individually? Would you just through individually? Would you just through your Holy Spirit? Would you reveal your Holy Spirit? Would you reveal your Holy Spirit? Would you reveal things to us that we need to work on in things to us that we need to work on in things to us that we need to work on in our own lives? The areas in our lives our own lives? The areas in our lives our own lives? The areas in our lives that are not holy and that need to that are not holy and that need to that are not holy and that need to change.

change. change. And would you give us the power, the And would you give us the power, the And would you give us the power, the determination, determination, determination, and just the willingness and just the willingness and just the willingness to change to change to change to be more holy? to be more holy? to be more holy? Lord, would you give us the the power to Lord, would you give us the the power to Lord, would you give us the the power to walk away from some [music] from some walk away from some [music] from some walk away from some [music] from some things that this world praises that things that this world praises that things that this world praises that aren't holy? Would you just would you help us to Would you just would you help us to change change change to not act like the world and instead to not act like the world and instead to not act like the world and instead act like you because we recognize that act like you because we recognize that act like you because we recognize that the things we are doing that aren't in the things we are doing that aren't in the things we are doing that aren't in alignment with you are causing damage to alignment with you are causing damage to alignment with you are causing damage to your kingdom. your kingdom. your kingdom. They're causing people to walk away, are They're causing people to walk away, are They're causing people to walk away, are causing people to abandon their faith. causing people to abandon their faith. causing people to abandon their faith. Help us to change, Lord. Help us to be Help us to change, Lord. Help us to be Help us to change, Lord. Help us to be people that when when others look at the people that when when others look at the people that when when others look at the fruit of our lives, they see you, fruit of our lives, they see you, fruit of our lives, they see you, the real you.

the real you. the real you. Because we want everything we say and Because we want everything we say and Because we want everything we say and everything we do to accurately reflect everything we do to accurately reflect everything we do to accurately reflect [music] [music] [music] you, the person of Jesus. Help us as a church to not just be a Help us as a church to not just be a place that talks about faith, to not place that talks about faith, to not place that talks about faith, to not just be a place that says things like just be a place that says things like just be a place that says things like every soul matters to God, but Lord, every soul matters to God, but Lord, every soul matters to God, but Lord, would as a church, would that be would as a church, would that be would as a church, would that be revealed in our actions, in the way that revealed in our actions, in the way that revealed in our actions, in the way that we love people, in the way that we serve we love people, in the way that we serve we love people, in the way that we serve people? Lord, help us to be more [music] like Lord, help us to be more [music] like you. you. you. Help us Help us Help us to be people who have real faith. Faith to be people who have real faith. Faith to be people who have real faith. Faith that works. Faith that is alive. that works. Faith that is alive. that works. Faith that is alive. We need your help, Lord. We worship you, We need your help, Lord. We worship you, We need your help, Lord. We worship you, Jesus. It's in your mighty name we pray. Jesus. It's in your mighty name we pray. Jesus. It's in your mighty name we pray. Amen. And amen. [music] Thanks for being Amen. And amen. [music] Thanks for being Amen. And amen. [music] Thanks for being at church today. Enjoy uh what feels at church today. Enjoy uh what feels at church today. Enjoy uh what feels like a sauna outside.

>> At last >> At last [music] and did my savior [music] and did my savior [music] and did my savior bleed and did my [music and singing] bleed and did my [music and singing] bleed and did my [music and singing] sovereign die. sovereign die. sovereign die. Would he Would he Would he devote that [music] devote that [music] devote that [music] sacred sacred sacred head for sinners [music] head for sinners [music] head for sinners [music] such as I such as I such as I at the cross [music] at the cross [music] at the cross [music] at the cross where I first saw the light at the cross where I first saw the light at the cross where I first saw the light and the burden of my [music] heart and the burden of my [music] heart and the burden of my [music] heart away. away. away. It was [music] there by faith. I It was [music] there by faith. I It was [music] there by faith. I received my sight and now I am [music] received my sight and now I am [music] received my sight and now I am [music] happy all the day. happy all the day. happy all the day. Was it for Was it for Was it for crimes that [music] I have done? He crimes that [music] I have done? He crimes that [music] I have done? He grown up on the tree.

grown up on the tree. grown up on the tree. Amazing Amazing Amazing pity, [music and singing] pity, [music and singing] pity, [music and singing] grace unknown and love beyond grace unknown and love beyond grace unknown and love beyond [singing and music] degree. [singing and music] degree. [singing and music] degree. Oh, at the cross. At the cross where I Oh, at the cross. At the cross where I Oh, at the cross. At the cross where I first [music] first [music] first [music] saw the light and the burdens of my saw the light and the burdens of my saw the light and the burdens of my heart roll [music] away. heart roll [music] away. heart roll [music] away. It was there by day. I received [music] It was there by day. I received [music] It was there by day. I received [music] my sight. And now I am happy [music] all my sight. And now I am happy [music] all my sight. And now I am happy [music] all the day. the day. the day. But [music and singing] drops of grief But [music and singing] drops of grief But [music and singing] drops of grief can never can never can never pay the debt [music] of love I [singing] pay the debt [music] of love I [singing] pay the debt [music] of love I [singing] owe. owe. owe. Here, Lord. Here, Lord. Here, Lord. I give myself I give myself I give myself away is all [music and singing] away is all [music and singing] away is all [music and singing] that I can do.

At the cross, [music] At the cross, [music] at the cross, where I first saw the at the cross, where I first saw the at the cross, where I first saw the light and the burden of light and the burden of light and the burden of [music and singing] my heart roll away. [music and singing] my heart roll away. [music and singing] my heart roll away. It [music] was there by faith. I It [music] was there by faith. I It [music] was there by faith. I received my [music] sight. received my [music] sight. received my [music] sight. Now I am happy all [music] the day. Now I am happy all [music] the day. Now I am happy all [music] the day. At the cross, at the cross where I first At the cross, at the cross where I first At the cross, at the cross where I first [music] [music] [music] saw the light and the burden of [music] saw the light and the burden of [music] saw the light and the burden of [music] my heart my heart my heart away. away. away. It [music] was there by faith. I It [music] was there by faith. I It [music] was there by faith. I [singing] received my sign. [music] [singing] received my sign. [music] [singing] received my sign. [music] And now I am happy all the day. And now I am happy all the day. And now I am happy all the day. [music] I was good as I was good as hallelujahedle.

>> and >> and sin was [music] stained on me sin was [music] stained on me sin was [music] stained on me and shame was running deep. and shame was running deep. and shame was running deep. But love was spilled on Calvary. [music] But love was spilled on Calvary. [music] But love was spilled on Calvary. [music] Oh, hallelujah. I'm clean. And God, how Oh, hallelujah. I'm clean. And God, how Oh, hallelujah. I'm clean. And God, how can [music] it be? can [music] it be? can [music] it be? I'm ransomed and [singing] redeemed I'm ransomed and [singing] redeemed I'm ransomed and [singing] redeemed and standing in your victory. and standing in your victory. and standing in your victory. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed in the Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed in the Oh, hallelujah. I'll be washed in the water. Washed in [music] the blood. I'm water. Washed in [music] the blood. I'm water. Washed in [music] the blood. I'm as good as you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be as good as you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be as good as you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be in the water. Washed in the blood. I'll in the water. Washed in the blood. I'll in the water. Washed in the blood. I'll be be be Oh, hallelujah. I'm clean. It's not what Oh, hallelujah. I'm clean. It's not what Oh, hallelujah. I'm clean. It's not what I [music] have done I [music] have done I [music] have done for what you done for me. for what you done for me. for what you done for me. You paid it all upon that tree. Oh, You paid it all upon that tree. Oh, You paid it all upon that tree. Oh, hallelujah. I'm hallelujah. I'm hallelujah. I'm your love has [music] overcome your love has [music] overcome your love has [music] overcome and your mercy is supreme.

and your mercy is supreme. and your mercy is supreme. I'm [music] dancing in your victory. I'm [music] dancing in your victory. I'm [music] dancing in your victory. Oh, hallelujah. Oh, hallelujah. Oh, hallelujah. Washed in the water. Washed [music] in Washed in the water. Washed [music] in Washed in the water. Washed [music] in the blood. I'm as good as new. Oh, the blood. I'm as good as new. Oh, the blood. I'm as good as new. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be in the washed in the hallelujah. I'll be in the washed in the hallelujah. I'll be in the washed in the blood. All because of you. I'll sing it blood. All because of you. I'll sing it blood. All because of you. I'll sing it again. I'll [music] be in the water. In again. I'll [music] be in the water. In again. I'll [music] be in the water. In the blood. I'm as good as you. Oh, the blood. I'm as good as you. Oh, the blood. I'm as good as you. Oh, hallelujah. I'll be in the water. In the hallelujah. I'll be in the water. In the hallelujah. I'll be in the water. In the blood. blood. blood. Oh, hallelujah. You shame You shame and you nailed it to the cross. and you nailed it to the cross. and you nailed it to the cross. You [music] got me running off the You [music] got me running off the You [music] got me running off the grave. grave. grave. Oh, hallelujah. Here I come Oh, hallelujah. Here I come Oh, hallelujah. Here I come cuz he took away [music] my strength to the cross. to the cross. You got me running out of grave. You got me running out of grave. You got me running out of grave. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Oh, we took it away. You took away my Oh, we took it away. You took away my Oh, we took it away. You took away my shame. shame. shame. When you got it, they don't walk close. When you got it, they don't walk close. When you got it, they don't walk close. I'll be running out. I'll be running out. I'll be running out. >> Oh, hallelujah. Here I come. Cuz he took >> Oh, hallelujah. Here I come. Cuz he took >> Oh, hallelujah. Here I come. Cuz he took away to the cross. to the cross. [music] >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I sing. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Here I sing. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Here I sing. Hallelujah. Here I come. Here I come. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. Hallelujah. Here I come. Here I come. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> I'm not depressed anymore. >> I'm not depressed anymore. >> I'm not depressed anymore. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> Hallelujah. Here I come. >> My anxiety. Come on, you say Come on, you say I've beened in the water. [music] I've beened in the water. [music] I've beened in the water. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] I'm as good as new. Oh, hallelujah. I'm I'm as good as new. Oh, hallelujah. I'm I'm as good as new. Oh, hallelujah. I'm in the [music and singing] water.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Coming coming. >> Coming coming. >> Coming coming. >> We will not be shaken. >> We will not be shaken. >> We will not be shaken. >> And we will not be moved. >> And we will not be moved. >> And we will not be moved. >> I won't go nowhere. No. >> I won't go nowhere. No. >> I won't go nowhere. No. >> The Lord is beside us. >> The Lord is beside us. >> The Lord is beside us. >> With him. With him. We cannot lose. >> With him. With him. We cannot lose. >> With him. With him. We cannot lose. [music] Know the shadow surrounds us. Know the shadow surrounds us. >> Shadow surrounds us. >> Shadow surrounds us. >> Shadow surrounds us. >> You don't have to be afraid. >> You don't have to be afraid. >> You don't have to be afraid. >> We will fear no evil. >> We will fear no evil. >> We will fear no evil. >> And I [music] trust in the Lord. >> And I [music] trust in the Lord. >> And I [music] trust in the Lord. >> Trust in the heart with our hearts and >> Trust in the heart with our hearts and >> Trust in the heart with our hearts and in your [music] joy. We will dwell in your [music] joy. We will dwell in your [music] joy. We will dwell forever. forever. forever. >> Dwell forever. Though the night may seem [music] weary, Though the night may seem [music] weary, >> I know >> I know >> I know >> joy is coming >> joy is coming >> joy is coming in the morningus. [music] Cuz I know Cuz I know >> I know >> I know >> I know [music] [music] you do me cuz if you me. I know [music] you do me cuz if you me. I know she us [music] >> I know. I know. I know.

>> I know. I know. I know. [music] [music] [music] >> Our praise to you. >> Our praise to you. >> Our praise to you. cuz I know joy is cuz I know joy is cuz I know joy is >> I know joy is coming >> I know joy is coming >> I know joy is coming >> through the night [music] >> joy is coming >> joy is coming in the [music] morning praise you in the [music] morning praise you in the [music] morning praise you >> praise you my savior my master >> praise you my savior my master >> praise you my savior my master >> I know joy is [music] coming >> I know joy is [music] coming >> I know joy is [music] coming >> I know I know I know >> I know I know I know >> I know I know I know it's coming for me it's coming for you it's coming for me it's coming for you it's coming for me it's coming for you it's it's it's It's coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming for me. [music] [music] >> We won't sorrow. Our joy is coming in >> We won't sorrow. Our joy is coming in >> We won't sorrow. Our joy is coming in the morning. [music] the morning. [music] the morning. [music] >> We've been for a night. I know. I know. >> We've been for a night. I know. I know. >> We've been for a night. I know. I know. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> Do it for a night. I know. >> Do it for a night. I know. >> Do it for a night. I know. Your light [music] Your light [music] Your light [music] and bring [music] [music] good news today. I've got good news good news today. I've got good news good news today. I've got good news today.

today. today. >> In the morning. [music] >> It's in the morning. >> It's in the morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> What you been praying for? It's in the >> What you been praying for? It's in the >> What you been praying for? It's in the morning. morning. morning. >> In the morning. [music] >> In the morning. [music] >> In the morning. [music] >> It needs to wake up. Wake up. Wake up. >> It needs to wake up. Wake up. Wake up. >> It needs to wake up. Wake up. Wake up. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> You're taking good care of me. taking >> You're taking good care of me. taking >> You're taking good care of me. taking [music] good care of me [music] good care of me [music] good care of me >> in the morning. >> in the morning. >> in the morning. >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, in the morning. in the morning. in the morning. >> Everything you need is waiting on you in >> Everything you need is waiting on you in >> Everything you need is waiting on you in the morning. the morning. the morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> In the morning. >> Everything you need is waiting on you in >> Everything you need is waiting on you in >> Everything you need is waiting on you in the morning. Your mcle, your m up, wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. up, wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. >> Wake up. Wake up. >> Wake up. Wake up. >> Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. [music] >> Oh, praise to you, King [music] Jesus. >> Oh, praise to you, King [music] Jesus. >> I know that >> I know that >> I know that >> I know.

>> I know. >> I know. >> It's coming for you. >> It's coming for you. >> It's coming for you. >> It's coming for you. Coming for me. >> It's coming for you. Coming for me. >> It's coming for you. Coming for me. [music] [music] [music] >> Coming for me. It's coming for you. It's >> Coming for me. It's coming for you. It's >> Coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming for me. It's coming for you. It's coming for me. The more I think, the more I praise. The more I think, the more I praise. For [music] every victory, there's a For [music] every victory, there's a For [music] every victory, there's a thank you, Jesus. thank you, Jesus. thank you, Jesus. But if [music] I really told the truth, But if [music] I really told the truth, But if [music] I really told the truth, then think I'd make it through. then think I'd make it through. then think I'd make it through. We made a way. We made a way. We made a way. He's done [music] so much I can't He's done [music] so much I can't He's done [music] so much I can't contain. Can't keep it to myself Can't keep it to myself [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] cuz I had my doubts. So close friends the more I live, the more I see [music]

the more I live, the more I see [music] the mercy always follow the mercy always follow the mercy always follow me. So every day that I'm alive, I'll me. So every day that I'm alive, I'll me. So every day that I'm alive, I'll lift his praises [music] high. I know lift his praises [music] high. I know lift his praises [music] high. I know who saved my life. >> [music] >> [music] >> And if he doesn't do another blessings on blessings, I don't really blessings on blessings, I don't really need another. [music] need another. [music] need another. [music] He doesn't do another thing. He's He doesn't do another thing. He's He doesn't do another thing. He's already done. already done. already done. [music] That's enough. [music] That's enough. [music] That's enough. I don't really need another [music] blessings. [music] blessings. >> I don't really need another >> I don't really need another >> I don't really need another [music] Blessed in the city, blessed in [music] Blessed in the city, blessed in [music] the field. Blessed when I come and go.

the field. Blessed when I come and go. the field. Blessed when I come and go. Blessed everywhere. It's not about Blessed everywhere. It's not about Blessed everywhere. It's not about [music] what I have. It's all about who [music] what I have. It's all about who [music] what I have. It's all about who I know. Blessed in my rising. Blessed I know. Blessed in my rising. Blessed I know. Blessed in my rising. Blessed when I fall. Blessed in my highs and when I fall. Blessed in my highs and when I fall. Blessed in my highs and lows. Blessed all the time. It's not lows. Blessed all the time. It's not lows. Blessed all the time. It's not about what I have. It's all about who I about what I have. It's all about who I about what I have. It's all about who I am. Blessed in the city. Blessed in the am. Blessed in the city. Blessed in the am. Blessed in the city. Blessed in the [music] field. Blessed when I come and [music] field. Blessed when I come and [music] field. Blessed when I come and go. Blessed. go. Blessed. go. Blessed. It's all about who I am. I It's all about who I am. I It's all about who I am. I just about about >> It's all about who [music] I know. >> It's all about who [music] I know. >> It's all about who [music] I know. It's not about where I am. It's not about where I am. It's not about where I am. >> It's all about who I know. >> It's all about who I know. >> It's all about who I know. >> Oh, it's not about where I been. >> Oh, it's not about where I been. >> Oh, it's not about where I been. >> It's all about who I know. >> It's all about who I know. >> It's all about who I know. >> Oh, it's not about how I [music] feel. >> Oh, it's not about how I [music] feel. >> Oh, it's not about how I [music] feel. >> It's all about who I know. >> It's all about who I know. >> It's all about who I know. It's not about what I have. And if he It's not about what I have. And if he It's not about what I have. And if he doesn't do another blessings on [music] blessings, I don't blessings on [music] blessings, I don't really need another.

really need another. really need another. And if he doesn't do another blessing. I don't really [music] need blessing. I don't really [music] need another I [music and singing] dug deep looking I [music and singing] dug deep looking for peace in the dark. [music] in the dark. [music] I found death cornered me.

When your light [singing] When your light [singing] broke [music] through and poured over broke [music] through and poured over broke [music] through and poured over me. I could see [music] the truth and it set I could see [music] the truth and it set me free. free free by your spirit here with me. by your spirit here with me. by your spirit here with me. I'm forever [music and singing] yours. yours. I won't be ashamed anymore. I won't be ashamed anymore. I won't be ashamed anymore. It was by grace [music] It was by grace [music] It was by grace [music] I've been saved. I've been saved. I've been saved. I can never be the same. I can never be the same. I can never be the same. I'm [music] forever I'm [music] forever I'm [music] forever [singing] [singing] [singing] free. free. free. I'm forever I'm forever I'm forever free.

I will [music] build my house on what I I will [music] build my house on what I [music] as the shifting as the shifting face into [music] the sea. You're the rock on which [music] I place You're the rock on which [music] I place everything we need. I'm a child [music] of God. You set me I'm a child [music] of God. You set me free. I'm forever I'm forever [music] [music] [music] free. free. free. By your spirit here with me. [music] I'm By your spirit here with me. [music] I'm By your spirit here with me. [music] I'm forever forever forever yours. yours. yours. I won't be ashamed [music] anymore. I won't be ashamed [music] anymore. I won't be ashamed [music] anymore. came with my grace. I've been saved. came with my grace. I've been saved. came with my grace. I've been saved. [music] I can never be the same. [music] I can never be the same. [music] I can never be the same. I'm forever [music] I'm forever [music] I'm forever [music] free. free. free. I'm forever I'm forever I'm forever free.

Forever [music] Forever [music] free. free. free. >> Forever >> Forever >> Forever free. I'm not I'm not [music] [music] [music] changed here in this place. [singing] changed here in this place. [singing] changed here in this place. [singing] Lord, I surrender Lord, I surrender Lord, I surrender all of [music] my heart and all of my all of [music] my heart and all of my all of [music] my heart and all of my mind for all of my life. Lord, mind for all of my life. Lord, mind for all of my life. Lord, [music and singing] I surrender. [music and singing] I surrender. [music and singing] I surrender. I'm not the same. My life has changed I'm not the same. My life has changed I'm not the same. My life has changed here in this place. Lord, I here in this place. Lord, I here in this place. Lord, I [music and singing] surrender. [music and singing] surrender. [music and singing] surrender. All of my heart and all of my mind, all All of my heart and all of my mind, all All of my heart and all of my mind, all [music] of my life. Lord, I [singing] [music] of my life. Lord, I [singing] [music] of my life. Lord, I [singing] surrender. surrender. surrender. Done with me. I'm now healed and hold. Done with me. I'm now healed and hold. Done with me. I'm now healed and hold. I'm coming home. Lord, I surrender. I'm coming home. Lord, I surrender. I'm coming home. Lord, I surrender. All to the son that bought me with blood All to the son that bought me with blood All to the son that bought me with blood poured out in love. Lord, I poured out in love. Lord, I poured out in love. Lord, I [music and singing] surrender.

[music and singing] surrender. [music and singing] surrender. Done with the old, I'm now healed and Done with the old, I'm now healed and Done with the old, I'm now healed and whole. I'm [music] coming home. Lord, I whole. I'm [music] coming home. Lord, I whole. I'm [music] coming home. Lord, I surrender all to the son that bought me surrender all to the son that bought me surrender all to the son that bought me with blood poured out in love. Lord, I with blood poured out in love. Lord, I with blood poured out in love. Lord, I surrender. [music] >> I'm forever >> I'm forever free free free by your [music] spirit here with me. by your [music] spirit here with me. by your [music] spirit here with me. I'm forever I'm forever I'm forever yours. yours. yours. I [music] won't be ashamed anymore. I [music] won't be ashamed anymore. I [music] won't be ashamed anymore. It was by grace I have been saved. It was by grace I have been saved. It was by grace I have been saved. I can never be [music] the same.

I can never be [music] the same. I can never be [music] the same. I'm forever I'm forever I'm forever free. free. free. I'm forever [music] free. free. I'm forever I'm forever I'm forever free. free. free. I'm forever I'm forever I'm forever free. >> With every [music] single breath, we >> With every [music] single breath, we break the power of death. We're speaking break the power of death. We're speaking break the power of death. We're speaking life in Jesus name. life in Jesus name. life in Jesus name. We're trading [music] chains for crowns. We're trading [music] chains for crowns. We're trading [music] chains for crowns. We've seen the walls come down. This We've seen the walls come down. This We've seen the walls come down. This generation's full of f [music]