Source of Truth | Pastor Daniel Floyd

[music] We want to say welcome to church [music] We want to say welcome to church and of course to everybody online and and of course to everybody online and and of course to everybody online and our gateway gatherings, our prison our gateway gatherings, our prison our gateway gatherings, our prison campuses and maybe on demand later in campuses and maybe on demand later in campuses and maybe on demand later in the week. We're glad you're in church. the week. We're glad you're in church. the week. We're glad you're in church. If you're here for the very first time If you're here for the very first time If you're here for the very first time at any campus or even joining us online, at any campus or even joining us online, at any campus or even joining us online, we want to say welcome. We're so glad we want to say welcome. We're so glad we want to say welcome. We're so glad you're here at every campus. Why don't you're here at every campus. Why don't you're here at every campus. Why don't we put our hands together and welcome we put our hands together and welcome we put our hands together and welcome everybody that may be with us for the everybody that may be with us for the everybody that may be with us for the first time. First time in a long time. first time. First time in a long time. first time. First time in a long time. [music] [music] [music] As I said, we just had our youth As I said, we just had our youth As I said, we just had our youth conference. I wanted to give you a conference. I wanted to give you a conference. I wanted to give you a little update on that. Um, just over little update on that. Um, just over little update on that. Um, just over 2400 students were a part of youth 2400 students were a part of youth 2400 students were a part of youth conference. [music] conference. [music] conference. [music] Um, over 30 students, well, let me back Um, over 30 students, well, let me back Um, over 30 students, well, let me back up. We partnered with an organization up. We partnered with an organization up. We partnered with an organization this year called Stay Here. They're this year called Stay Here. They're this year called Stay Here. They're doing remarkable work as it relates to doing remarkable work as it relates to doing remarkable work as it relates to suicide prevention and they are suicide prevention and they are suicide prevention and they are partnering with schools and churches partnering with schools and churches partnering with schools and churches [music] and major corporations now are [music] and major corporations now are [music] and major corporations now are inviting them in to train and teach and inviting them in to train and teach and inviting them in to train and teach and they offer an amazing resource and um they offer an amazing resource and um they offer an amazing resource and um they started it because they could not they started it because they could not they started it because they could not they had a hard time finding a they had a hard time finding a they had a hard time finding a faith-based suicide prevention faith-based suicide prevention faith-based suicide prevention organization and they felt like God organization and they felt like God organization and they felt like God asked them to start [music] it and um so asked them to start [music] it and um so asked them to start [music] it and um so we did workshops in the afternoon where we did workshops in the afternoon where we did workshops in the afternoon where students could pick various workshops to students could pick various workshops to students could pick various workshops to go through and one of the workshops was go through and one of the workshops was go through and one of the workshops was in in the room here at South Lake in in the room here at South Lake in in the room here at South Lake [music] and um a lot of students came to [music] and um a lot of students came to [music] and um a lot of students came to it afterwards they had opportunity to it afterwards they had opportunity to it afterwards they had opportunity to talk with leaders [music] over 30 talk with leaders [music] over 30 talk with leaders [music] over 30 students came forward and said I've been students came forward and said I've been students came forward and said I've been contemplating taking my life but I've contemplating taking my life but I've contemplating taking my life but I've decided not to after being a part of decided not to after being a part of decided not to after being a part of this session that's confident really this session that's confident really this session that's confident really powerful [music]

um you gave just [music] over $24,000 in um you gave just [music] over $24,000 in scholarships allowed students to come scholarships allowed students to come scholarships allowed students to come that otherwise would not have been able that otherwise would not have been able that otherwise would not have been able to come. So, thank you for your amazing to come. So, thank you for your amazing to come. So, thank you for your amazing generosity. You are an incredibly generosity. You are an incredibly generosity. You are an incredibly generous church. [music] Uh 245 people generous church. [music] Uh 245 people generous church. [music] Uh 245 people took time off work, got up early, stayed took time off work, got up early, stayed took time off work, got up early, stayed up late. Our [music] serve team, can we up late. Our [music] serve team, can we up late. Our [music] serve team, can we put our hands together for all the put our hands together for all the put our hands together for all the adults that invested time, energy, adults that invested time, energy, adults that invested time, energy, resources into this? And then this one resources into this? And then this one resources into this? And then this one should get the biggest applause. 65 should get the biggest applause. 65 should get the biggest applause. 65 students stood to their feet in front of students stood to their feet in front of students stood to their feet in front of their peers and said, "I'm giving my their peers and said, "I'm giving my their peers and said, "I'm giving my life to Jesus today." Come on, let's life to Jesus today." Come on, let's life to Jesus today." Come on, let's clap our hands for that. [music] clap our hands for that. [music] clap our hands for that. [music] It was a It was a It was a powerful weekend. And uh parents, powerful weekend. And uh parents, powerful weekend. And uh parents, registration's already open for next registration's already open for next registration's already open for next year. And uh I here's my prayer. I'm year. And uh I here's my prayer. I'm year. And uh I here's my prayer. I'm praying for the day that our South Lake praying for the day that our South Lake praying for the day that our South Lake campus can no longer hold youth campus can no longer hold youth campus can no longer hold youth conference. And uh so get your students conference. And uh so get your students conference. And uh so get your students registered and believe in faith with me. registered and believe in faith with me. registered and believe in faith with me. All right. Come on. Can we clap for All right. Come on. Can we clap for All right. Come on. Can we clap for that? A lot of clapping today. All that? A lot of clapping today. All that? A lot of clapping today. All right. right. right. Well, we're kicking off a brand new Well, we're kicking off a brand new Well, we're kicking off a brand new series called Tick-Talk Theology. If series called Tick-Talk Theology. If series called Tick-Talk Theology. If you're new to church, a series is simply you're new to church, a series is simply you're new to church, a series is simply a collection of talks around a common a collection of talks around a common a collection of talks around a common thought or theme. And we're going to be thought or theme. And we're going to be thought or theme. And we're going to be looking at this next three weeks. I hope looking at this next three weeks. I hope looking at this next three weeks. I hope you'll make a point to be here every you'll make a point to be here every you'll make a point to be here every week of it. And before we get in, I want week of it. And before we get in, I want week of it. And before we get in, I want to pray for us. So, let's pray together.

to pray for us. So, let's pray together. to pray for us. So, let's pray together. Father, our hearts and minds are open to Father, our hearts and minds are open to Father, our hearts and minds are open to you today. The Holy Spirit speak to us, you today. The Holy Spirit speak to us, you today. The Holy Spirit speak to us, challenge us. We believe we'll never be challenge us. We believe we'll never be challenge us. We believe we'll never be the same because of it. And we pray the same because of it. And we pray the same because of it. And we pray [music] this in Jesus name. Everybody [music] this in Jesus name. Everybody [music] this in Jesus name. Everybody said amen. said amen. said amen. >> Amen. So this series, just so you know >> Amen. So this series, just so you know >> Amen. So this series, just so you know up front, it's not about like um putting up front, it's not about like um putting up front, it's not about like um putting down social media. It's not a you down social media. It's not a you down social media. It's not a you shouldn't have Tik Tok and all the evils shouldn't have Tik Tok and all the evils shouldn't have Tik Tok and all the evils of social media. All right, I just want of social media. All right, I just want of social media. All right, I just want to get that out of the way. I kind of to get that out of the way. I kind of to get that out of the way. I kind of like social media. Um I keep up with, like social media. Um I keep up with, like social media. Um I keep up with, you know, PGA on social media. I uh you know, PGA on social media. I uh you know, PGA on social media. I uh watch Nate Barati clips on watch Nate Barati clips on watch Nate Barati clips on >> get a little laugh on so Okay. on social >> get a little laugh on so Okay. on social >> get a little laugh on so Okay. on social media. Um, I stalk my children media. Um, I stalk my children media. Um, I stalk my children on social media. It's really the only on social media. It's really the only on social media. It's really the only reason I have Tik Tok, um, is so I can reason I have Tik Tok, um, is so I can reason I have Tik Tok, um, is so I can stalk my children. Um, Tammy and I have stalk my children. Um, Tammy and I have stalk my children. Um, Tammy and I have a pretty strong, uh, real game that we a pretty strong, uh, real game that we a pretty strong, uh, real game that we DM each other. It's actually a big part DM each other. It's actually a big part DM each other. It's actually a big part of our marriage, honestly. of our marriage, honestly. of our marriage, honestly. Where we direct message each other, Where we direct message each other, Where we direct message each other, funny reels. Um, pretty good at memes. I funny reels. Um, pretty good at memes. I funny reels. Um, pretty good at memes. I like to send those out to to people that like to send those out to to people that like to send those out to to people that I trust that won't, you know, judge me.

I trust that won't, you know, judge me. I trust that won't, you know, judge me. Um, come on. You know, I'm telling the Um, come on. You know, I'm telling the Um, come on. You know, I'm telling the truth. You can judge me for this. I truth. You can judge me for this. I truth. You can judge me for this. I haven't repented of it. I just don't haven't repented of it. I just don't haven't repented of it. I just don't want to yet. Um, but some of our want to yet. Um, but some of our want to yet. Um, but some of our favorite videos Tammy and I send each favorite videos Tammy and I send each favorite videos Tammy and I send each other are of people falling. other are of people falling. other are of people falling. Come on. You got to know you laugh at Come on. You got to know you laugh at Come on. You got to know you laugh at those. Don't like when they're walking those. Don't like when they're walking those. Don't like when they're walking down the steps and their feet go out and down the steps and their feet go out and down the steps and their feet go out and groceries go everywhere or they slip on groceries go everywhere or they slip on groceries go everywhere or they slip on ice, right? I just can't stop laughing. ice, right? I just can't stop laughing. ice, right? I just can't stop laughing. Part of me feels it's wrong. Part of me Part of me feels it's wrong. Part of me Part of me feels it's wrong. Part of me feels like it's not. So, I haven't feels like it's not. So, I haven't feels like it's not. So, I haven't figured that out yet. figured that out yet. figured that out yet. But, I don't think it's it's all bad. But, I don't think it's it's all bad. But, I don't think it's it's all bad. But here's the truth. is that the But here's the truth. is that the But here's the truth. is that the algorithms are wanting to influence you. algorithms are wanting to influence you. algorithms are wanting to influence you. Matter of fact, it's not even a secret. Matter of fact, it's not even a secret. Matter of fact, it's not even a secret. There's some people that are called There's some people that are called There's some people that are called influencers. They're social media influencers. They're social media influencers. They're social media influencers. And their whole idea is influencers. And their whole idea is influencers. And their whole idea is that by them promoting something, that by them promoting something, that by them promoting something, talking about something, sharing talking about something, sharing talking about something, sharing something that it would influence you. something that it would influence you. something that it would influence you. And the word influence literally means And the word influence literally means And the word influence literally means to change your opinion, character, or to change your opinion, character, or to change your opinion, character, or behavior. behavior. behavior. And not all of it's bad. Some of it's, And not all of it's bad. Some of it's, And not all of it's bad. Some of it's, you know, clothes. I mean, you know, clothes. I mean, you know, clothes. I mean, I I've heard that you can get on social I I've heard that you can get on social I I've heard that you can get on social media and all of a sudden packages start media and all of a sudden packages start media and all of a sudden packages start showing up at your house of like showing up at your house of like showing up at your house of like theoretically heard about that. Other theoretically heard about that. Other theoretically heard about that. Other homes, not mine.

homes, not mine. homes, not mine. Uh influence where you want to go eat. Uh influence where you want to go eat. Uh influence where you want to go eat. That's another thing we love sending That's another thing we love sending That's another thing we love sending each other. What's the newest restaurant each other. What's the newest restaurant each other. What's the newest restaurant in the area, right? um influence uh what in the area, right? um influence uh what in the area, right? um influence uh what music you listen to, what concert you go music you listen to, what concert you go music you listen to, what concert you go to, what what you know what weight loss to, what what you know what weight loss to, what what you know what weight loss thing you're going to do, what workout thing you're going to do, what workout thing you're going to do, what workout plan, whatever it may be, wanting to plan, whatever it may be, wanting to plan, whatever it may be, wanting to influence. But here's my my concern is influence. But here's my my concern is influence. But here's my my concern is that we would allow content to shape that we would allow content to shape that we would allow content to shape convictions, convictions, convictions, that we would allow trends to lead us that we would allow trends to lead us that we would allow trends to lead us and not truth to lead us. and not truth to lead us. and not truth to lead us. And so in this first installment, I want And so in this first installment, I want And so in this first installment, I want to talk to you today about this idea, to talk to you today about this idea, to talk to you today about this idea, the source of truth. Because if a lot of the source of truth. Because if a lot of the source of truth. Because if a lot of inputs are coming into our life, we've inputs are coming into our life, we've inputs are coming into our life, we've got to be able to discern what is true got to be able to discern what is true got to be able to discern what is true and what is not true. And here's why and what is not true. And here's why and what is not true. And here's why this is so important is because what you this is so important is because what you this is so important is because what you think about God think about God think about God determines a whole lot about your life. determines a whole lot about your life. determines a whole lot about your life. what you think about anything. Matter of what you think about anything. Matter of what you think about anything. Matter of fact, your life is the culmination of fact, your life is the culmination of fact, your life is the culmination of decisions you've made based on things decisions you've made based on things decisions you've made based on things you thought. Where you are in life, you thought. Where you are in life, you thought. Where you are in life, where you are in your marriage, where where you are in your marriage, where where you are in your marriage, where you are financially, where you are in you are financially, where you are in you are financially, where you are in your career, where you are in school, your career, where you are in school, your career, where you are in school, where you are in friendships, where you are in friendships, where you are in friendships, relationships, it is the culmination of relationships, it is the culmination of relationships, it is the culmination of decisions you've made and choices you've decisions you've made and choices you've decisions you've made and choices you've made as a result of thoughts that you made as a result of thoughts that you made as a result of thoughts that you thought.

thought. thought. And so what shapes your thinking shapes And so what shapes your thinking shapes And so what shapes your thinking shapes your life. And so it matters what's your life. And so it matters what's your life. And so it matters what's going in. Matter of fact, what happens going in. Matter of fact, what happens going in. Matter of fact, what happens is if we're not careful, and I don't is if we're not careful, and I don't is if we're not careful, and I don't think we wake up and do this think we wake up and do this think we wake up and do this intentionally, we can allow all the intentionally, we can allow all the intentionally, we can allow all the inputs, the headlines, the algorithm, inputs, the headlines, the algorithm, inputs, the headlines, the algorithm, the feed, all the things coming in to the feed, all the things coming in to the feed, all the things coming in to begin to shape the way we think, not begin to shape the way we think, not begin to shape the way we think, not just about life and people, but about just about life and people, but about just about life and people, but about God. And so, we end up with a Tik Tok God. And so, we end up with a Tik Tok God. And so, we end up with a Tik Tok theology, but not a biblical theology. theology, but not a biblical theology. theology, but not a biblical theology. And so, I want to give you a working And so, I want to give you a working And so, I want to give you a working definition of theology. And some of you definition of theology. And some of you definition of theology. And some of you like, I didn't come to go to class like, I didn't come to go to class like, I didn't come to go to class today. Just hang with me. It's so good. today. Just hang with me. It's so good. today. Just hang with me. It's so good. I promise you the message it's it's I promise you the message it's it's I promise you the message it's it's average, but it's really good content. average, but it's really good content. average, but it's really good content. Okay? Okay? Okay? Hope to exceed your expectations. All Hope to exceed your expectations. All Hope to exceed your expectations. All right? Here's a working definition. If right? Here's a working definition. If right? Here's a working definition. If you're a notetaker, write it down. If you're a notetaker, write it down. If you're a notetaker, write it down. If not, write it down anyways. All right? not, write it down anyways. All right? not, write it down anyways. All right? Theology is simply this. It's thoughts Theology is simply this. It's thoughts Theology is simply this. It's thoughts about God. about God. about God. It's thoughts about God. Now, I know It's thoughts about God. Now, I know It's thoughts about God. Now, I know technically the definition, I've been to technically the definition, I've been to technically the definition, I've been to seminary, ology means study of theo, seminary, ology means study of theo, seminary, ology means study of theo, theos Greek means God. So, study of God. theos Greek means God. So, study of God. theos Greek means God. So, study of God. I understand that. But a working I understand that. But a working I understand that. But a working definition to make it simple is just definition to make it simple is just definition to make it simple is just thoughts about God. It's what we think thoughts about God. It's what we think thoughts about God. It's what we think about when we think about God is our about when we think about God is our about when we think about God is our theology. Doesn't mean it's good.

theology. Doesn't mean it's good. theology. Doesn't mean it's good. Doesn't mean it's been shaped right. But Doesn't mean it's been shaped right. But Doesn't mean it's been shaped right. But what we think about when we think about what we think about when we think about what we think about when we think about God is our theology. And this is so God is our theology. And this is so God is our theology. And this is so important. And I agree with what Awtoer important. And I agree with what Awtoer important. And I agree with what Awtoer said. He wrote it in the book called The said. He wrote it in the book called The said. He wrote it in the book called The Knowledge of the Holy. Great read if Knowledge of the Holy. Great read if Knowledge of the Holy. Great read if you're into reading. He says, "What you're into reading. He says, "What you're into reading. He says, "What comes into our minds when we think about comes into our minds when we think about comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about God is the most important thing about God is the most important thing about us. us. us. Listen to me. He's right. Listen to me. He's right. Listen to me. He's right. What you think about when you think What you think about when you think What you think about when you think about God is the most important thing. about God is the most important thing. about God is the most important thing. Your net worth is not the most important Your net worth is not the most important Your net worth is not the most important thing. Your network, your relational thing. Your network, your relational thing. Your network, your relational connections, what you've achieved, connections, what you've achieved, connections, what you've achieved, success, lack of success, that is not success, lack of success, that is not success, lack of success, that is not the most important thing about you. What the most important thing about you. What the most important thing about you. What the most important thing about you is is the most important thing about you is is the most important thing about you is is what you think about when you think what you think about when you think what you think about when you think about God. Because if you have wrong about God. Because if you have wrong about God. Because if you have wrong thoughts about God, then your eternal thoughts about God, then your eternal thoughts about God, then your eternal destination can be really messed up. destination can be really messed up. destination can be really messed up. If you think God is this ogre in heaven If you think God is this ogre in heaven If you think God is this ogre in heaven that's just waiting to zap you every that's just waiting to zap you every that's just waiting to zap you every time you sin and is wanting to rain on time you sin and is wanting to rain on time you sin and is wanting to rain on your parade and keep you from all the your parade and keep you from all the your parade and keep you from all the fun things in life, then that's how fun things in life, then that's how fun things in life, then that's how you're going to relate to God. If you you're going to relate to God. If you you're going to relate to God. If you think God is a long-haired hippie that's think God is a long-haired hippie that's think God is a long-haired hippie that's just walking through the daisies and just walking through the daisies and just walking through the daisies and like peace and love, man, then you're never going to know the then you're never going to know the truth of God. And so, what you think truth of God. And so, what you think truth of God. And so, what you think about when you think about God is about when you think about God is about when you think about God is critically important. And so, where do critically important. And so, where do critically important. And so, where do we go to know God? There's got to be a we go to know God? There's got to be a we go to know God? There's got to be a source of truth. There've got to be a source of truth. There've got to be a source of truth. There've got to be a source that tells us this is who God is.

source that tells us this is who God is. source that tells us this is who God is. This is what he's like. This is how he This is what he's like. This is how he This is what he's like. This is how he thinks. And this is how you and I relate thinks. And this is how you and I relate thinks. And this is how you and I relate to him. And I would propose that the to him. And I would propose that the to him. And I would propose that the scriptures are the source of truth. scriptures are the source of truth. scriptures are the source of truth. Now there are some things that truth is Now there are some things that truth is Now there are some things that truth is not. I want to show you those first. not. I want to show you those first. not. I want to show you those first. Give you three things truth is not. Give you three things truth is not. Give you three things truth is not. Number one, truth is not relative. The philosophy would be relativism. The philosophy would be relativism. And the idea of relativism is simply And the idea of relativism is simply And the idea of relativism is simply this. It means that there are no this. It means that there are no this. It means that there are no absolutes. absolutes. absolutes. which that statement in itself is which that statement in itself is which that statement in itself is absolute. Are y'all following me? Are y'all following me? >> It would say that there's no absolutes, >> It would say that there's no absolutes, >> It would say that there's no absolutes, that what is true for you may not be that what is true for you may not be that what is true for you may not be true for me, that there's no true for me, that there's no true for me, that there's no foundational truth. But the problem with foundational truth. But the problem with foundational truth. But the problem with that is that we live in a world of that is that we live in a world of that is that we live in a world of absolutes. We just don't want to apply absolutes. We just don't want to apply absolutes. We just don't want to apply it to God and to the Bible. Let me give it to God and to the Bible. Let me give it to God and to the Bible. Let me give you an example. You ever been to the you an example. You ever been to the you an example. You ever been to the doctor, gives you a prescription, he doctor, gives you a prescription, he doctor, gives you a prescription, he doesn't say, "Take them. Take whatever doesn't say, "Take them. Take whatever doesn't say, "Take them. Take whatever you feel like.

you feel like. you feel like. If you want one pill, three pills, five, If you want one pill, three pills, five, If you want one pill, three pills, five, just whatever you feel like. No, he just whatever you feel like. No, he just whatever you feel like. No, he gives you an absolute prescription, gives you an absolute prescription, gives you an absolute prescription, right? One pill every day for seven right? One pill every day for seven right? One pill every day for seven days, two pills every other day for days, two pills every other day for days, two pills every other day for three weeks, whatever it may be. He three weeks, whatever it may be. He three weeks, whatever it may be. He gives you an absolute gives you an absolute gives you an absolute prescription and you follow that or it prescription and you follow that or it prescription and you follow that or it can injure you. Think about stop speed can injure you. Think about stop speed can injure you. Think about stop speed limit signs. limit signs. limit signs. Now to some of you they're suggestions but it's an absolute. but it's an absolute. If you get caught If you get caught If you get caught exceeding the number on the sign exceeding the number on the sign exceeding the number on the sign then you will get a penalty for then you will get a penalty for then you will get a penalty for exceeding the number on the sign. Are exceeding the number on the sign. Are exceeding the number on the sign. Are y'all following me? So this whole idea y'all following me? So this whole idea y'all following me? So this whole idea that there are no absolutes isn't even that there are no absolutes isn't even that there are no absolutes isn't even how we actually live our life. We just how we actually live our life. We just how we actually live our life. We just don't like it when God says something don't like it when God says something don't like it when God says something that is true that conflicts with how we that is true that conflicts with how we that is true that conflicts with how we want to behave. And so we would rather want to behave. And so we would rather want to behave. And so we would rather say, "God, you're wrong." than to say, say, "God, you're wrong." than to say, say, "God, you're wrong." than to say, "I'm wrong and I need to adjust "I'm wrong and I need to adjust "I'm wrong and I need to adjust to the speed limit sign."

to the speed limit sign." to the speed limit sign." Is this good? Are y'all with me? Number Is this good? Are y'all with me? Number Is this good? Are y'all with me? Number two, truth is not, it's not always two, truth is not, it's not always two, truth is not, it's not always popular. popular. popular. It's not always the most popular thing It's not always the most popular thing It's not always the most popular thing of the day. It's not always what of the day. It's not always what of the day. It's not always what everybody is promoting. Truth is not everybody is promoting. Truth is not everybody is promoting. Truth is not always popular. And let me say this. always popular. And let me say this. always popular. And let me say this. Just because it's trending doesn't mean Just because it's trending doesn't mean Just because it's trending doesn't mean it's true. >> All right. If we're going to clap, >> All right. If we're going to clap, everybody clap. All right. You know how everybody clap. All right. You know how everybody clap. All right. You know how this works. It it just because it's trending doesn't It it just because it's trending doesn't mean it's true. Just because everybody mean it's true. Just because everybody mean it's true. Just because everybody is buying into it doesn't mean that it is buying into it doesn't mean that it is buying into it doesn't mean that it is true. There has to be a source of is true. There has to be a source of is true. There has to be a source of truth. There has to be a place that we truth. There has to be a place that we truth. There has to be a place that we go where we find what is true. What does go where we find what is true. What does go where we find what is true. What does God say is true? And just because it's God say is true? And just because it's God say is true? And just because it's popular doesn't mean that it's true. You popular doesn't mean that it's true. You popular doesn't mean that it's true. You know, we've know, we've know, we've 20 years ago, 20 years ago, 20 years ago, this idea of tolerance was this that you this idea of tolerance was this that you this idea of tolerance was this that you can disagree with me and I can be polite can disagree with me and I can be polite can disagree with me and I can be polite about it.

about it. about it. But now tolerance means if you don't But now tolerance means if you don't But now tolerance means if you don't agree with me then there's something agree with me then there's something agree with me then there's something wrong with you. Are y'all following me? wrong with you. Are y'all following me? wrong with you. Are y'all following me? And so now the popular opinion is that And so now the popular opinion is that And so now the popular opinion is that if you don't see it the way I see it and if you don't see it the way I see it and if you don't see it the way I see it and you don't see it then you get called a you don't see it then you get called a you don't see it then you get called a lot of bad names lot of bad names lot of bad names because truth is not always what's because truth is not always what's because truth is not always what's popular. popular. popular. Number three, truth is not what we feel. Number three, truth is not what we feel. Number three, truth is not what we feel. Feelings are valid. Feelings are valid. Feelings are valid. We have feelings. I have two. I get it. We have feelings. I have two. I get it. We have feelings. I have two. I get it. I'm usually happy or I'm mad. And it I'm usually happy or I'm mad. And it I'm usually happy or I'm mad. And it takes a whole lot to get me mad. So, I takes a whole lot to get me mad. So, I takes a whole lot to get me mad. So, I live in the happy place a lot. Our live in the happy place a lot. Our live in the happy place a lot. Our counselor was like, "You have more than counselor was like, "You have more than counselor was like, "You have more than two feelings. Do you need a feelings two feelings. Do you need a feelings two feelings. Do you need a feelings chart?" I was like, "I'm about to leave. chart?" I was like, "I'm about to leave. chart?" I was like, "I'm about to leave. I have two feelings." Tammy actually I have two feelings." Tammy actually I have two feelings." Tammy actually grabbed my hand. I was like, "If we grabbed my hand. I was like, "If we grabbed my hand. I was like, "If we start singing Kumbaya, ya," and he comes start singing Kumbaya, ya," and he comes start singing Kumbaya, ya," and he comes close and starts talking softly, I'm out close and starts talking softly, I'm out close and starts talking softly, I'm out of here. Getting too weird. of here. Getting too weird. of here. Getting too weird. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> But we have a phrase in culture today >> But we have a phrase in culture today >> But we have a phrase in culture today that says this that this is my truth that says this that this is my truth that says this that this is my truth and I understand what is behind that and I understand what is behind that and I understand what is behind that what's being expressed is this is I have what's being expressed is this is I have what's being expressed is this is I have an experience that I've lived out I have an experience that I've lived out I have an experience that I've lived out I have a lived experience and from that live a lived experience and from that live a lived experience and from that live experience then I have the truth about experience then I have the truth about experience then I have the truth about that and it's mine but whenever your that and it's mine but whenever your that and it's mine but whenever your truth what you've experienced what you truth what you've experienced what you truth what you've experienced what you feel contradicts what the source of feel contradicts what the source of feel contradicts what the source of truth says, then I can understand I have truth says, then I can understand I have truth says, then I can understand I have feelings but my feelings are not good

feelings but my feelings are not good feelings but my feelings are not good narrators of truth. narrators of truth. narrators of truth. My if I live by my feelings then My if I live by my feelings then My if I live by my feelings then sometimes I wouldn't get out of bed. If sometimes I wouldn't get out of bed. If sometimes I wouldn't get out of bed. If I live by my feelings then sometimes I I live by my feelings then sometimes I I live by my feelings then sometimes I wouldn't be generous. If I lived by my wouldn't be generous. If I lived by my wouldn't be generous. If I lived by my feelings then I would eat whatever I feelings then I would eat whatever I feelings then I would eat whatever I wanted to and not take care of my health wanted to and not take care of my health wanted to and not take care of my health and of my body. Are y'all following me? and of my body. Are y'all following me? and of my body. Are y'all following me? Like living by your feelings isn't the Like living by your feelings isn't the Like living by your feelings isn't the the way that we want to live. We live by the way that we want to live. We live by the way that we want to live. We live by something that is more solid and stable something that is more solid and stable something that is more solid and stable and steady, which is truth. One of our and steady, which is truth. One of our and steady, which is truth. One of our speakers for Youth Con, her name's Becky speakers for Youth Con, her name's Becky speakers for Youth Con, her name's Becky Johnson, brought in a phenomenal word to Johnson, brought in a phenomenal word to Johnson, brought in a phenomenal word to our students. Yeah. [applause] our students. Yeah. [applause] our students. Yeah. [applause] But she said this. She said, "We've But she said this. She said, "We've But she said this. She said, "We've trained a generation that life is about trained a generation that life is about trained a generation that life is about self. self. self. What's in it for me? How do I get more? What's in it for me? How do I get more? What's in it for me? How do I get more? Me, mine, I. Do what feels good to you. Me, mine, I. Do what feels good to you. Me, mine, I. Do what feels good to you. to do whatever is your truth, what what to do whatever is your truth, what what to do whatever is your truth, what what whatever makes you happy, whatever. She whatever makes you happy, whatever. She whatever makes you happy, whatever. She just went on and on. But stats show that just went on and on. But stats show that just went on and on. But stats show that we have a more depressed, anxious we have a more depressed, anxious we have a more depressed, anxious generation than ever before. And the generation than ever before. And the generation than ever before. And the number two cause of life ending of number two cause of life ending of number two cause of life ending of someone's life ending that's I think 10 someone's life ending that's I think 10 someone's life ending that's I think 10 to like 17 is suicide.

to like 17 is suicide. to like 17 is suicide. So can I tell you something that living So can I tell you something that living So can I tell you something that living for self and what you feel leads to for self and what you feel leads to for self and what you feel leads to destruction. Amen. destruction. Amen. destruction. Amen. >> And so truth is not what I feel. >> And so truth is not what I feel. >> And so truth is not what I feel. Feelings aren't wrong. God created them. Feelings aren't wrong. God created them. Feelings aren't wrong. God created them. They're not bad. I told you I've got They're not bad. I told you I've got They're not bad. I told you I've got two. You may have more. You're more two. You may have more. You're more two. You may have more. You're more blessed than me. blessed than me. blessed than me. But it's not a good narrator of truth. But it's not a good narrator of truth. But it's not a good narrator of truth. If you're with me, say, "Amen." If you're with me, say, "Amen." If you're with me, say, "Amen." >> Okay, here's what I want for you. >> Okay, here's what I want for you. >> Okay, here's what I want for you. Ephesians chapter 4, it says this. Then Ephesians chapter 4, it says this. Then Ephesians chapter 4, it says this. Then we'll no longer be infants tossed back we'll no longer be infants tossed back we'll no longer be infants tossed back and forth by the waves blown everywhere and forth by the waves blown everywhere and forth by the waves blown everywhere by what? every wind of teaching and by by what? every wind of teaching and by by what? every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in the cunning and craftiness of people in the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming instead their deceitful scheming instead their deceitful scheming instead speaking the truth in love. speaking the truth in love. speaking the truth in love. Let me take a time out from the message. Let me take a time out from the message. Let me take a time out from the message. In love. In love. In love. Let me say it again. In love. The world Let me say it again. In love. The world Let me say it again. In love. The world doesn't need more nasty Christians. No more megaphone Christians. No more megaphone Christians. We'll shove truth down. No, they need We'll shove truth down. No, they need We'll shove truth down. No, they need people that will love them so that their people that will love them so that their people that will love them so that their heart becomes open to truth. Are you heart becomes open to truth. Are you heart becomes open to truth. Are you following me? You're not going to debate following me? You're not going to debate following me? You're not going to debate anybody into heaven. You're going to anybody into heaven. You're going to anybody into heaven. You're going to love It is the kindness of God that love It is the kindness of God that love It is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. You're not going leads us to repentance. You're not going leads us to repentance. You're not going to shame people to heaven. You're not to shame people to heaven. You're not to shame people to heaven. You're not going to condemn people to heaven. Come going to condemn people to heaven. Come going to condemn people to heaven. Come on, can I get a better amen? You're on, can I get a better amen? You're on, can I get a better amen? You're going to love them. [applause] going to love them. [applause] going to love them. [applause] He says when we do, we'll be grow and He says when we do, we'll be grow and He says when we do, we'll be grow and we'll become mature. And this what God we'll become mature. And this what God we'll become mature. And this what God wants for us. All right. So, in the next

wants for us. All right. So, in the next wants for us. All right. So, in the next few moments, if that's what truth is few moments, if that's what truth is few moments, if that's what truth is not, then what is truth? I'm give you not, then what is truth? I'm give you not, then what is truth? I'm give you four thoughts around what is truth. And four thoughts around what is truth. And four thoughts around what is truth. And uh so for this person, we're put your uh so for this person, we're put your uh so for this person, we're put your thinking cap on for a little bit. Okay? thinking cap on for a little bit. Okay? thinking cap on for a little bit. Okay? Y'all with me? Say amen. Y'all with me? Say amen. Y'all with me? Say amen. >> All right. Number one, truth is >> All right. Number one, truth is >> All right. Number one, truth is revealed. revealed. revealed. Truth is revealed. Truth has been Truth is revealed. Truth has been Truth is revealed. Truth has been revealed to us. Aren't you thankful that revealed to us. Aren't you thankful that revealed to us. Aren't you thankful that you and I, we're not walking around you and I, we're not walking around you and I, we're not walking around wondering what is truth? God wasn't wondering what is truth? God wasn't wondering what is truth? God wasn't like, "Hey, good luck everybody." like, "Hey, good luck everybody." like, "Hey, good luck everybody." But he revealed truth to us in the But he revealed truth to us in the But he revealed truth to us in the scriptures. Matter of fact, Jesus scriptures. Matter of fact, Jesus scriptures. Matter of fact, Jesus himself validates the scriptures in John himself validates the scriptures in John himself validates the scriptures in John chapter 5 when he says this. He's chapter 5 when he says this. He's chapter 5 when he says this. He's speaking to Jewish people. He says, "You speaking to Jewish people. He says, "You speaking to Jewish people. He says, "You study the scriptures diligently because study the scriptures diligently because study the scriptures diligently because you think the scriptures will give you you think the scriptures will give you you think the scriptures will give you life, give you eternal life." He goes, life, give you eternal life." He goes, life, give you eternal life." He goes, "But it's the scriptures that are "But it's the scriptures that are "But it's the scriptures that are actually testifying about me." actually testifying about me." actually testifying about me." So truth has been revealed. The person So truth has been revealed. The person So truth has been revealed. The person of Jesus has been revealed in the of Jesus has been revealed in the of Jesus has been revealed in the scriptures. And this this is what Jesus scriptures. And this this is what Jesus scriptures. And this this is what Jesus is telling them. He says, "But you is telling them. He says, "But you is telling them. He says, "But you refuse to come to me and have life." refuse to come to me and have life." refuse to come to me and have life." So truth has been revealed. The person So truth has been revealed. The person So truth has been revealed. The person of Jesus has been revealed and it's been of Jesus has been revealed and it's been of Jesus has been revealed and it's been revealed through the scriptures to you revealed through the scriptures to you revealed through the scriptures to you and I. And God in his sovereignty and and I. And God in his sovereignty and and I. And God in his sovereignty and grace has sustained the scriptures for grace has sustained the scriptures for grace has sustained the scriptures for us throughout generations so that you us throughout generations so that you us throughout generations so that you and I sitting here in 2026 can have and I sitting here in 2026 can have and I sitting here in 2026 can have access to what is true, what is right, access to what is true, what is right, access to what is true, what is right, how do I live life, how do I do life how do I live life, how do I do life how do I live life, how do I do life God's way that is the best way God has God's way that is the best way God has God's way that is the best way God has sustained it for us. Matter of fact, the sustained it for us. Matter of fact, the sustained it for us. Matter of fact, the Bible says this that all flesh is as

Bible says this that all flesh is as Bible says this that all flesh is as grass grass grass and the glory of man as the flower of and the glory of man as the flower of and the glory of man as the flower of the grass. And then he says this about the grass. And then he says this about the grass. And then he says this about those two things. The grass withers and those two things. The grass withers and those two things. The grass withers and its flowers fall away, but the word of its flowers fall away, but the word of its flowers fall away, but the word of the Lord remains. Everybody say it with the Lord remains. Everybody say it with the Lord remains. Everybody say it with me. me. me. >> Forever. >> Forever. >> Forever. The word of the Lord remains forever. So The word of the Lord remains forever. So The word of the Lord remains forever. So God has sustained his word. He hasn't God has sustained his word. He hasn't God has sustained his word. He hasn't changed his mind. He's not moving with changed his mind. He's not moving with changed his mind. He's not moving with popular opinion. popular opinion. popular opinion. You may not like everything he says. And You may not like everything he says. And You may not like everything he says. And I don't like everything that it says cuz I don't like everything that it says cuz I don't like everything that it says cuz it confronts my sin. It confronts my it confronts my sin. It confronts my it confronts my sin. It confronts my selfishness. selfishness. selfishness. Sometimes I want to read and then go, Sometimes I want to read and then go, Sometimes I want to read and then go, I'm I'm going to go to a different I'm I'm going to go to a different I'm I'm going to go to a different story. story. story. Hello. Hello. Hello. But it doesn't mean it hasn't been But it doesn't mean it hasn't been But it doesn't mean it hasn't been revealed to us. And this is what Timothy revealed to us. And this is what Timothy revealed to us. And this is what Timothy or Paul told Timothy about scripture. He or Paul told Timothy about scripture. He or Paul told Timothy about scripture. He said, "All of it is God breathed." And what's it good for? It's good for And what's it good for? It's good for teaching and rebuking. We don't like teaching and rebuking. We don't like teaching and rebuking. We don't like that correcting. We don't like that that correcting. We don't like that that correcting. We don't like that training in righteousness. Why? So you training in righteousness. Why? So you training in righteousness. Why? So you can be equipped for every good work. God can be equipped for every good work. God can be equipped for every good work. God wants you fully equipped. He doesn't wants you fully equipped. He doesn't wants you fully equipped. He doesn't want you to walk around in the dark. He want you to walk around in the dark. He want you to walk around in the dark. He doesn't want you not knowing. He's not a doesn't want you not knowing. He's not a doesn't want you not knowing. He's not a God that's playing hide and seek with God that's playing hide and seek with God that's playing hide and seek with you and you just got to kind of figure you and you just got to kind of figure you and you just got to kind of figure it out and wait till you make a mistake it out and wait till you make a mistake it out and wait till you make a mistake and then he'll zap you and then you'll and then he'll zap you and then you'll and then he'll zap you and then you'll know, okay, I'll never do that again.

know, okay, I'll never do that again. know, okay, I'll never do that again. No, no, no. He's revealed his truth to No, no, no. He's revealed his truth to No, no, no. He's revealed his truth to you. you. you. 66 books written over 1600 years, many 66 books written over 1600 years, many 66 books written over 1600 years, many continents, 40 writers writers, one continents, 40 writers writers, one continents, 40 writers writers, one author, author, author, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, and this love letter that he's given to and this love letter that he's given to and this love letter that he's given to us on how to live life and live it to us on how to live life and live it to us on how to live life and live it to the full. And can I tell you something? the full. And can I tell you something? the full. And can I tell you something? It is a trustworthy document. It is a trustworthy document. It is a trustworthy document. It is a reliable document. It is a reliable document. It is a reliable document. Will you come into my classroom for with Will you come into my classroom for with Will you come into my classroom for with me for a minute? I want to walk you me for a minute? I want to walk you me for a minute? I want to walk you through a few things that that you maybe through a few things that that you maybe through a few things that that you maybe have read or come in contact with or saw have read or come in contact with or saw have read or come in contact with or saw in college and they're presented as in college and they're presented as in college and they're presented as trustworthy documents and I want to show trustworthy documents and I want to show trustworthy documents and I want to show you them compared to the New Testament. you them compared to the New Testament. you them compared to the New Testament. Look at this. The writings of Plato. Look at this. The writings of Plato. Look at this. The writings of Plato. All right. From the original writing to All right. From the original writing to All right. From the original writing to its first known copy is 1200 years and its first known copy is 1200 years and its first known copy is 1200 years and there's only seven copies to validate it there's only seven copies to validate it there's only seven copies to validate it with. You got that? Are you tracking?

with. You got that? Are you tracking? with. You got that? Are you tracking? >> Okay, let's go. Caesar, the writing of >> Okay, let's go. Caesar, the writing of >> Okay, let's go. Caesar, the writing of Caesar. There's a thousand years between Caesar. There's a thousand years between Caesar. There's a thousand years between the original writing and the first copy the original writing and the first copy the original writing and the first copy and we have 10 copies to validate and we have 10 copies to validate and we have 10 copies to validate whether or not it's accurate. whether or not it's accurate. whether or not it's accurate. Aristotle, there's 1400 years between Aristotle, there's 1400 years between Aristotle, there's 1400 years between the first copy and the original writing the first copy and the original writing the first copy and the original writing and the copies and there's only 49 of and the copies and there's only 49 of and the copies and there's only 49 of those to validate whether or not they're those to validate whether or not they're those to validate whether or not they're accurate. accurate. accurate. Homer's Iliad. I think we were assigned Homer's Iliad. I think we were assigned Homer's Iliad. I think we were assigned that in school. that in school. that in school. Somebody said yes. I missed that day. Somebody said yes. I missed that day. Somebody said yes. I missed that day. 500 years between the original writing 500 years between the original writing 500 years between the original writing and the copies we have. And we have 643 and the copies we have. And we have 643 and the copies we have. And we have 643 of those. But look at this. The New of those. But look at this. The New of those. But look at this. The New Testament, less than a hundred years between the original writings and the between the original writings and the copies. And we have 24,000 copies. And we have 24,000 copies. And we have 24,000 manuscripts to compare it against. I'm manuscripts to compare it against. I'm manuscripts to compare it against. I'm just trying to show you that the Bible just trying to show you that the Bible just trying to show you that the Bible is a reliable document.

is a reliable document. is a reliable document. I'm not even to the place yet of do you I'm not even to the place yet of do you I'm not even to the place yet of do you believe it. I'm just saying it's believe it. I'm just saying it's believe it. I'm just saying it's reliable and you have to wrestle with reliable and you have to wrestle with reliable and you have to wrestle with what it says. what it says. what it says. 24,000. Now, 24,000 documents, that's a 24,000. Now, 24,000 documents, that's a 24,000. Now, 24,000 documents, that's a lot of proof to go back and say these lot of proof to go back and say these lot of proof to go back and say these line up with the originals. And you may line up with the originals. And you may line up with the originals. And you may think, well, man, they must have found a think, well, man, they must have found a think, well, man, they must have found a ton of variations and a ton of ton of variations and a ton of ton of variations and a ton of discrepancies and all that. And discrepancies and all that. And discrepancies and all that. And actually, they didn't. And the ones that actually, they didn't. And the ones that actually, they didn't. And the ones that they did find were spelling errors. And they did find were spelling errors. And they did find were spelling errors. And none of it affected the doctrine of the none of it affected the doctrine of the none of it affected the doctrine of the church. I'm just trying to help you see church. I'm just trying to help you see church. I'm just trying to help you see that we're not just following some fairy that we're not just following some fairy that we're not just following some fairy tale or some cool little story or some tale or some cool little story or some tale or some cool little story or some ancient things that come together and ancient things that come together and ancient things that come together and we're just all putting our faith in them we're just all putting our faith in them we're just all putting our faith in them and hoping that one day it's all true and hoping that one day it's all true and hoping that one day it's all true and it'll all end up being right. No, and it'll all end up being right. No, and it'll all end up being right. No, this is God. The grass withers and the this is God. The grass withers and the this is God. The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of the Lord flower fades, but the word of the Lord flower fades, but the word of the Lord has remained from generation to has remained from generation to has remained from generation to generation to generation to generation. generation to generation to generation. generation to generation to generation. And it can be trusted. And it can be trusted. And it can be trusted. And if that is true, then it should And if that is true, then it should And if that is true, then it should inform how I live inform how I live inform how I live and how I think and how I love people and how I think and how I love people and how I think and how I love people and what I think about other people and and what I think about other people and and what I think about other people and how I handle my marriage and how I how I handle my marriage and how I how I handle my marriage and how I parent and how I handle my finances. If parent and how I handle my finances. If parent and how I handle my finances. If it is the word of the living God and it it is the word of the living God and it it is the word of the living God and it has been revealed to us and it is the has been revealed to us and it is the has been revealed to us and it is the source of truth, then that means that source of truth, then that means that source of truth, then that means that whenever something comes up in my whenever something comes up in my whenever something comes up in my algorithm, I just don't accept it.

algorithm, I just don't accept it. algorithm, I just don't accept it. I have to compare it. Does this line up I have to compare it. Does this line up I have to compare it. Does this line up with what God has said? Because he has with what God has said? Because he has with what God has said? Because he has revealed his truth to me in the revealed his truth to me in the revealed his truth to me in the scriptures and it's reliable. Thought scriptures and it's reliable. Thought scriptures and it's reliable. Thought number two is that truth is number two is that truth is number two is that truth is foundational. foundational. foundational. I love how the message paraphrase put I love how the message paraphrase put I love how the message paraphrase put this in Matthew chapter 7. It says, this in Matthew chapter 7. It says, this in Matthew chapter 7. It says, "These words I speak to you, they're not "These words I speak to you, they're not "These words I speak to you, they're not incidental additions to your life." incidental additions to your life." incidental additions to your life." In other words, the word of God isn't In other words, the word of God isn't In other words, the word of God isn't your good luck charm. your good luck charm. your good luck charm. It's not it's not, you know, cute phrase It's not it's not, you know, cute phrase It's not it's not, you know, cute phrase to put on a mug. All that is great, to put on a mug. All that is great, to put on a mug. All that is great, right? But it's not that. It's not even right? But it's not that. It's not even right? But it's not that. It's not even homeowner improvements to your standard homeowner improvements to your standard homeowner improvements to your standard of living. It's not just how do I get of living. It's not just how do I get of living. It's not just how do I get more blessed? Does God want to bless more blessed? Does God want to bless more blessed? Does God want to bless you? Absolutely. What good father you? Absolutely. What good father you? Absolutely. What good father doesn't want to give good gifts to his doesn't want to give good gifts to his doesn't want to give good gifts to his children? children? children? But it's not just so I have a better But it's not just so I have a better But it's not just so I have a better standard of living. They are standard of living. They are standard of living. They are foundational words to build your life foundational words to build your life foundational words to build your life on. on. on. Not just to consider on Sunday, not just Not just to consider on Sunday, not just Not just to consider on Sunday, not just a a cool scripture that makes you feel a a cool scripture that makes you feel a a cool scripture that makes you feel good. No, no. It's it's worth building good. No, no. It's it's worth building good. No, no. It's it's worth building your life completely on. When Tammy and your life completely on. When Tammy and your life completely on. When Tammy and I were in Virginia 10 years ago, we we I were in Virginia 10 years ago, we we I were in Virginia 10 years ago, we we built a home. first time we first and built a home. first time we first and built a home. first time we first and only time we'd ever built and I would go only time we'd ever built and I would go only time we'd ever built and I would go out every day because I I just I love out every day because I I just I love out every day because I I just I love the process of watching it being built.

the process of watching it being built. the process of watching it being built. And so I remember the day that they And so I remember the day that they And so I remember the day that they started pouring the footers for the started pouring the footers for the started pouring the footers for the house. So we had a basement and so they house. So we had a basement and so they house. So we had a basement and so they would pour the footers and then pour the would pour the footers and then pour the would pour the footers and then pour the walls for the basement. But I remember walls for the basement. But I remember walls for the basement. But I remember watching how meticulous they were about watching how meticulous they were about watching how meticulous they were about all the reinforcements and all the all the reinforcements and all the all the reinforcements and all the things that they did to put in the things that they did to put in the things that they did to put in the footers of it. Why? because a footers of it. Why? because a footers of it. Why? because a three-story home was about to be put on three-story home was about to be put on three-story home was about to be put on those footers. And if those footers, if those footers. And if those footers, if those footers. And if those footers, if the foundation of the house wasn't the foundation of the house wasn't the foundation of the house wasn't secure, then not even the storms that secure, then not even the storms that secure, then not even the storms that hit the house, just the natural shifting hit the house, just the natural shifting hit the house, just the natural shifting of the dirt and the natural shifting of of the dirt and the natural shifting of of the dirt and the natural shifting of the land would cause us problems the land would cause us problems the land would cause us problems structurally later on. Are y'all structurally later on. Are y'all structurally later on. Are y'all following me? This is what Matthew is following me? This is what Matthew is following me? This is what Matthew is telling us is that the word of God is telling us is that the word of God is telling us is that the word of God is like a footer for your life. like a footer for your life. like a footer for your life. And that if you don't build your life on And that if you don't build your life on And that if you don't build your life on something that is stable and steady and something that is stable and steady and something that is stable and steady and constant, if you're building it on trend constant, if you're building it on trend constant, if you're building it on trend or you're building it just on the or you're building it just on the or you're building it just on the popularity of the day, then whenever popularity of the day, then whenever popularity of the day, then whenever that trend shifts, then all of a sudden that trend shifts, then all of a sudden that trend shifts, then all of a sudden your life is unstable.

your life is unstable. your life is unstable. But when I build my life on the But when I build my life on the But when I build my life on the foundation of the word of God, then no foundation of the word of God, then no foundation of the word of God, then no matter what happens around me, I stay matter what happens around me, I stay matter what happens around me, I stay steady because I'm connected to the firm steady because I'm connected to the firm steady because I'm connected to the firm foundation of God's word. Does that make foundation of God's word. Does that make foundation of God's word. Does that make sense? Let me give you an example. If I sense? Let me give you an example. If I sense? Let me give you an example. If I build my life on the word of God, and build my life on the word of God, and build my life on the word of God, and this is what it looks like that when this is what it looks like that when this is what it looks like that when anxiety comes up in my life, then know I anxiety comes up in my life, then know I anxiety comes up in my life, then know I stand on the word that says, "Be anxious stand on the word that says, "Be anxious stand on the word that says, "Be anxious about nothing, but in all things through about nothing, but in all things through about nothing, but in all things through prayer and supplication with prayer and supplication with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made thanksgiving, let your requests be made thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God known unto God. And the peace of God known unto God. And the peace of God that passes all understanding will fill that passes all understanding will fill that passes all understanding will fill your heart and mind in Christ." So, I your heart and mind in Christ." So, I your heart and mind in Christ." So, I don't walk around going, "I'm just an don't walk around going, "I'm just an don't walk around going, "I'm just an anxious person. I'll always be anxious." anxious person. I'll always be anxious." anxious person. I'll always be anxious." No, I've built my life on the foundation No, I've built my life on the foundation No, I've built my life on the foundation of the word of God. And what I feel may of the word of God. And what I feel may of the word of God. And what I feel may be one thing, but what God has said is be one thing, but what God has said is be one thing, but what God has said is another thing. I'm going to put my faith another thing. I'm going to put my faith another thing. I'm going to put my faith in what God has said because I'm in what God has said because I'm in what God has said because I'm standing on the word. [applause] And so truth is your foundation.

And so truth is your foundation. When life When life When life is lifing, is lifing, is lifing, what you're standing on matters. what you're standing on matters. what you're standing on matters. I'd hear I'd hear I'd hear people that have been walking with Jesus people that have been walking with Jesus people that have been walking with Jesus for a long time. They'd be like, "I'm for a long time. They'd be like, "I'm for a long time. They'd be like, "I'm standing on the word." And when I was a standing on the word." And when I was a standing on the word." And when I was a kid, I was like, like you like you put kid, I was like, like you like you put kid, I was like, like you like you put your Bible on the ground like and but now walking with Jesus a little bit, but now walking with Jesus a little bit, I get what they were saying I get what they were saying I get what they were saying because the storms will come in this because the storms will come in this because the storms will come in this world. You will have trouble, world. You will have trouble, world. You will have trouble, but take heart. Jesus said, "He's but take heart. Jesus said, "He's but take heart. Jesus said, "He's overcome the world." So, what is the overcome the world." So, what is the overcome the world." So, what is the foundation you're building it on? Number foundation you're building it on? Number foundation you're building it on? Number three, three, three, truth is freedom. truth is freedom. truth is freedom. Some of us think that truth is God Some of us think that truth is God Some of us think that truth is God trying to cage in us to a life that's no trying to cage in us to a life that's no trying to cage in us to a life that's no fun fun fun or or limit us in areas of our life or or limit us in areas of our life or or limit us in areas of our life where we can't really do what we want. where we can't really do what we want. where we can't really do what we want. Do we but I would propose that truth is Do we but I would propose that truth is Do we but I would propose that truth is freedom. Jesus said this. He said to the freedom. Jesus said this. He said to the freedom. Jesus said this. He said to the Jews who had believed him Jesus said if Jews who had believed him Jesus said if Jews who had believed him Jesus said if you hold to my teaching you're really my you hold to my teaching you're really my you hold to my teaching you're really my disciples. That's an interesting disciples. That's an interesting disciples. That's an interesting thought. So you just can't name Jesus.

thought. So you just can't name Jesus. thought. So you just can't name Jesus. You actually have to live like Jesus. You actually have to live like Jesus. You actually have to live like Jesus. But he says this, then you will know the But he says this, then you will know the But he says this, then you will know the truth. And the truth will set you, truth. And the truth will set you, truth. And the truth will set you, everybody say at every campus, the truth everybody say at every campus, the truth everybody say at every campus, the truth will set you free. will set you free. will set you free. >> It'll set you free. >> It'll set you free. >> It'll set you free. So the truth that God gives us in his So the truth that God gives us in his So the truth that God gives us in his word isn't to limit us. It's actually to word isn't to limit us. It's actually to word isn't to limit us. It's actually to give us freedom in our lives. give us freedom in our lives. give us freedom in our lives. It's actually, let me say it this way. It's actually, let me say it this way. It's actually, let me say it this way. It's the creator knows the best way for It's the creator knows the best way for It's the creator knows the best way for creation to operate creation to operate creation to operate and so he gives you truth. and so he gives you truth. and so he gives you truth. Let me illustrate it this way. How many Let me illustrate it this way. How many Let me illustrate it this way. How many of you have ever put an address in your of you have ever put an address in your of you have ever put an address in your GPS? It gave you a direction to go GPS? It gave you a direction to go GPS? It gave you a direction to go and at some point some turn you thought and at some point some turn you thought and at some point some turn you thought I know a better way. I know a better way. I know a better way. Come on. Come on. Come on. So you take that turn and what does it So you take that turn and what does it So you take that turn and what does it say? Recalculating, right? say? Recalculating, right? say? Recalculating, right? and it's trying to reroute you back to and it's trying to reroute you back to and it's trying to reroute you back to the original path. Why? Because the original path. Why? Because the original path. Why? Because something about that GPS knows that something about that GPS knows that something about that GPS knows that there could be an accident on the way there could be an accident on the way there could be an accident on the way that you wanted to go, which is going to that you wanted to go, which is going to that you wanted to go, which is going to cost you another hour of time. It's cost you another hour of time. It's cost you another hour of time. It's going to cost you some Uturns. Come on, going to cost you some Uturns. Come on, going to cost you some Uturns. Come on, somebody. You ever been there? Like, I somebody. You ever been there? Like, I somebody. You ever been there? Like, I thought I took the better way and I end thought I took the better way and I end thought I took the better way and I end up in a bunch of traffic. Can I tell you up in a bunch of traffic. Can I tell you up in a bunch of traffic. Can I tell you something that whenever we follow the something that whenever we follow the something that whenever we follow the truth of God's word, then we're like truth of God's word, then we're like truth of God's word, then we're like ones that are following the GPS. And the ones that are following the GPS. And the ones that are following the GPS. And the moment we decide that this is moment we decide that this is moment we decide that this is constraining and the truth isn't letting constraining and the truth isn't letting constraining and the truth isn't letting me be me, then we end up taking a turn me be me, then we end up taking a turn me be me, then we end up taking a turn that is outside of the word of God. And that is outside of the word of God. And that is outside of the word of God. And what happens? We end up with more pain what happens? We end up with more pain what happens? We end up with more pain and more tears and more regret and more

and more tears and more regret and more and more tears and more regret and more shame because the enemy does not lead shame because the enemy does not lead shame because the enemy does not lead you to life. Jesus said the thief came you to life. Jesus said the thief came you to life. Jesus said the thief came to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus said, to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus said, to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus said, "I've come that you might have life and "I've come that you might have life and "I've come that you might have life and that you might have it to the full." that you might have it to the full." that you might have it to the full." So truth is freedom, everybody. Truth is freedom. Truth is freedom. And then number four, final thought. And then number four, final thought. And then number four, final thought. Truth is a person. Truth is a person. Truth is a person. So truth is not just abstract So truth is not just abstract So truth is not just abstract thoughts, principles, precepts, thoughts, principles, precepts, thoughts, principles, precepts, theories, philosophies, ideas. theories, philosophies, ideas. theories, philosophies, ideas. Truth was revealed to us in a person. Truth was revealed to us in a person. Truth was revealed to us in a person. Jesus answered, "I am the way, the Jesus answered, "I am the way, the Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to truth, and the life, and no one comes to truth, and the life, and no one comes to the father except through me." the father except through me." the father except through me." The the word there's two words in the The the word there's two words in the The the word there's two words in the Greek for life. One is bios, which is Greek for life. One is bios, which is Greek for life. One is bios, which is where we get biology. That's the life where we get biology. That's the life where we get biology. That's the life your parents gave you. But this word is your parents gave you. But this word is your parents gave you. But this word is the word zoe. It's a life that doesn't the word zoe. It's a life that doesn't the word zoe. It's a life that doesn't that can't be extinguished.

that can't be extinguished. that can't be extinguished. It's the life Jesus gives you. Your It's the life Jesus gives you. Your It's the life Jesus gives you. Your biological life will be extinguished at biological life will be extinguished at biological life will be extinguished at some moment. But Jesus says, "I am the some moment. But Jesus says, "I am the some moment. But Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and I bring you life, way, the truth, and I bring you life, way, the truth, and I bring you life, and I'm the only way to get it." In John and I'm the only way to get it." In John and I'm the only way to get it." In John chapter 1, it says this, [music] that in chapter 1, it says this, [music] that in chapter 1, it says this, [music] that in the beginning was the word, and the word the beginning was the word, and the word the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. He was with God, and the word was God. He was with God, and the word was God. He was with God in the beginning, and was with God in the beginning, and was with God in the beginning, and through him all things were made. through him all things were made. through him all things were made. Without him, [music] Without him, [music] Without him, [music] nothing was made that has been made. The nothing was made that has been made. The nothing was made that has been made. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling Word became flesh and made his dwelling Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. They're talking about Jesus, among us. They're talking about Jesus, among us. They're talking about Jesus, everybody. And we [music] have seen his everybody. And we [music] have seen his everybody. And we [music] have seen his glory. The glory of the one and only son glory. The glory of the one and only son glory. The glory of the one and only son who came from the father full of grace who came from the father full of grace who came from the father full of grace and everybody say it together and and and everybody say it together and and and everybody say it together and and truth. That's what he came to bring us. truth. That's what he came to bring us. truth. That's what he came to bring us. Grace, truth. Grace, truth. Grace, truth. He came to He came to He came to show us what truth looks like. What does show us what truth looks like. What does show us what truth looks like. What does it look like to live truth? Grace and it look like to live truth? Grace and it look like to live truth? Grace and truth. The woman caught in the act of truth. The woman caught in the act of truth. The woman caught in the act of adultery. Why are they doing it? Go in adultery. Why are they doing it? Go in adultery. Why are they doing it? Go in sin no more. Grace, truth, sin no more. Grace, truth, sin no more. Grace, truth, love, truth.

love, truth. love, truth. Truth isn't a hammer Truth isn't a hammer Truth isn't a hammer you wield you wield you wield over the lives of others. Truth is a over the lives of others. Truth is a over the lives of others. Truth is a person and his name is Jesus. person and his name is Jesus. person and his name is Jesus. And ultimately, every truth you [music] And ultimately, every truth you [music] And ultimately, every truth you [music] learn is not to give you more knowledge. learn is not to give you more knowledge. learn is not to give you more knowledge. The Bible says that knowledge will make The Bible says that knowledge will make The Bible says that knowledge will make you puffed up and proud. you puffed up and proud. you puffed up and proud. It's [music] to lead you to the person It's [music] to lead you to the person It's [music] to lead you to the person of Jesus of Jesus of Jesus so that you know him more, love him so that you know him more, love him so that you know him more, love him more, look like him more, live him more, more, look like him more, live him more, more, look like him more, live him more, express his express his express his goodness to the world around you. goodness to the world around you. goodness to the world around you. [music] It's not [music] It's not [music] It's not principle for the sake of principle. principle for the sake of principle. principle for the sake of principle. It's [music] principle for the sake of It's [music] principle for the sake of It's [music] principle for the sake of knowing the source of truth. knowing the source of truth. knowing the source of truth. It was Jesus. It was Jesus. It was Jesus. So what a guy named Justin in the first So what a guy named Justin in the first So what a guy named Justin in the first century learned. century learned. century learned. I want to read it to you so I get it I want to read it to you so I get it I want to read it to you so I get it accurate. [music] I didn't memorize this accurate. [music] I didn't memorize this accurate. [music] I didn't memorize this part. part. part. It's about 100 AD. He was a [music] guy It's about 100 AD. He was a [music] guy It's about 100 AD. He was a [music] guy far from God, far from God, far from God, but he had a hunger for truth.

but he had a hunger for truth. but he had a hunger for truth. And he did what any serious seeker of And he did what any serious seeker of And he did what any serious seeker of truth [music] in his day did. He went truth [music] in his day did. He went truth [music] in his day did. He went shopping for a philosophy. shopping for a philosophy. shopping for a philosophy. And he studied under a stoic teacher And he studied under a stoic teacher And he studied under a stoic teacher first. first. first. But he said the man never even tried But he said the man never even tried But he said the man never even tried [music] to explain God or who he [music] to explain God or who he [music] to explain God or who he actually was. So he left unsatisfied actually was. So he left unsatisfied actually was. So he left unsatisfied because philosophy will leave you because philosophy will leave you because philosophy will leave you unsatisfied. unsatisfied. unsatisfied. He found a Pythogoran. I think I'm He found a Pythogoran. I think I'm He found a Pythogoran. I think I'm saying that correctly. I had to look it saying that correctly. I had to look it saying that correctly. I had to look it up. I didn't know what I never heard up. I didn't know what I never heard up. I didn't know what I never heard that. [music] But they believed that that. [music] But they believed that that. [music] But they believed that numbers were the ultimate reality. numbers were the ultimate reality. numbers were the ultimate reality. and he told him you couldn't learn and he told him you couldn't learn and he told him you couldn't learn anything about God until first [music] anything about God until first [music] anything about God until first [music] you had mastered music, astronomy, and you had mastered music, astronomy, and you had mastered music, astronomy, and geometry. geometry. geometry. And he decided he didn't want to spend And he decided he didn't want to spend And he decided he didn't want to spend years of his life on those years of his life on those years of his life on those prerequisites. So he moved on again. prerequisites. So he moved on again. prerequisites. So he moved on again. And he finally landed under the And he finally landed under the And he finally landed under the philosophy of Plato. And for a while he philosophy of Plato. And for a while he philosophy of Plato. And for a while he was genuinely proud of himself. He later was genuinely proud of himself. He later was genuinely proud of himself. He later wrote that studying their ideas about wrote that studying their ideas about wrote that studying their ideas about God made him feel like his mind had God made him feel like his mind had God made him feel like his mind had grown wings and he had finally become grown wings and he had finally become grown wings and he had finally become wise. But then one day he was walking wise. But then one day he was walking wise. But then one day he was walking along by the seashore and he was along by the seashore and he was along by the seashore and he was thinking about [music] these thinking about [music] these thinking about [music] these philosophies he had learned and he ran philosophies he had learned and he ran philosophies he had learned and he ran into an old man who struck up a into an old man who struck up a into an old man who struck up a conversation with him and the old man conversation with him and the old man conversation with him and the old man started asking questions Justin couldn't started asking questions Justin couldn't started asking questions Justin couldn't [music] answer pressing on the cracks in [music] answer pressing on the cracks in [music] answer pressing on the cracks in everything he'd built his confidence on.

everything he'd built his confidence on. everything he'd built his confidence on. And the old man's concluded he concluded And the old man's concluded he concluded And the old man's concluded he concluded his conversation with this. He said, his conversation with this. He said, his conversation with this. He said, "All of your philosophy could prove that "All of your philosophy could prove that "All of your philosophy could prove that God exists in [music] the abstract God exists in [music] the abstract God exists in [music] the abstract somewhere out there, somewhere out there, somewhere out there, but it could never tell you who God was, but it could never tell you who God was, but it could never tell you who God was, what God wanted, and what it meant to what God wanted, and what it meant to what God wanted, and what it meant to know him." For that, the old [music] man know him." For that, the old [music] man know him." For that, the old [music] man said, "You don't need better ideas. You said, "You don't need better ideas. You said, "You don't need better ideas. You need revelation." need revelation." need revelation." And he walked away from that And he walked away from that And he walked away from that conversation shaken. And he would later conversation shaken. And he would later conversation shaken. And he would later write, "It became the hinge of his write, "It became the hinge of his write, "It became the hinge of his life." Not long after he encountered the life." Not long after he encountered the life." Not long after he encountered the writings of the prophets and the [music] writings of the prophets and the [music] writings of the prophets and the [music] story of Jesus and he surrendered his story of Jesus and he surrendered his story of Jesus and he surrendered his life to the person of truth and he spent life to the person of truth and he spent life to the person of truth and he spent [music] the rest of his life defending [music] the rest of his life defending [music] the rest of his life defending the faith in writings and around 165 AD the faith in writings and around 165 AD the faith in writings and around 165 AD he was arrested in [music] Rome. He was he was arrested in [music] Rome. He was he was arrested in [music] Rome. He was beheaded because he refused to deny beheaded because he refused to deny beheaded because he refused to deny Christ. And today he's remembered as Christ. And today he's remembered as Christ. And today he's remembered as [music] Justin the martyr. [music] Justin the martyr. [music] Justin the martyr. He spent years chasing philosophy, a He spent years chasing philosophy, a He spent years chasing philosophy, a [music] concept.

[music] concept. [music] concept. But his life was changed when he met But his life was changed when he met But his life was changed when he met [music] the person of truth. You can build your life on what's You can build your life on what's trending. trending. trending. It's a dangerous way to go. Or you It's a dangerous way to go. Or you It's a dangerous way to go. Or you [music] can build your life on the truth [music] can build your life on the truth [music] can build your life on the truth and truth is a person and his [music] and truth is a person and his [music] and truth is a person and his [music] name is Jesus. Do you receive the word name is Jesus. Do you receive the word name is Jesus. Do you receive the word of God today? of God today? of God today? [music] Will you pray with me at every campus? Will you pray with me at every campus? Every head bowed, every eye closed. Every head bowed, every eye closed. Every head bowed, every eye closed. Maybe you're here today Maybe you're here today Maybe you're here today and you've been building your life on and you've been building your life on and you've been building your life on something other than Jesus. Maybe it's something other than Jesus. Maybe it's something other than Jesus. Maybe it's not trend, but maybe it's not trend, but maybe it's not trend, but maybe it's you've been trusting yourself. You've you've been trusting yourself. You've you've been trusting yourself. You've been trusting been trusting been trusting in other things that are shifting and in other things that are shifting and in other things that are shifting and shaking like sand, but you've never shaking like sand, but you've never shaking like sand, but you've never put your faith in Jesus. put your faith in Jesus. put your faith in Jesus. Or maybe you're here today and you Or maybe you're here today and you Or maybe you're here today and you [music] would say, "Yeah, I'm a [music] would say, "Yeah, I'm a [music] would say, "Yeah, I'm a Christian, but in my heart I know I am Christian, but in my heart I know I am Christian, but in my heart I know I am far from God."

far from God." far from God." Well, no matter where you find yourself, Well, no matter where you find yourself, Well, no matter where you find yourself, [music] today can be a day of brand new [music] today can be a day of brand new [music] today can be a day of brand new beginnings. Paul wrote in the book of beginnings. Paul wrote in the book of beginnings. Paul wrote in the book of Corinthians, he said that if anyone be Corinthians, he said that if anyone be Corinthians, he said that if anyone be in Christ, they're a brand new [music] in Christ, they're a brand new [music] in Christ, they're a brand new [music] creation. All things pass away and creation. All things pass away and creation. All things pass away and everything becomes new. Today can be a everything becomes new. Today can be a everything becomes new. Today can be a day of brand new beginning for you. day of brand new beginning for you. day of brand new beginning for you. And the Bible says the way we do that is And the Bible says the way we do that is And the Bible says the way we do that is we confess with our mouth that Jesus is we confess with our mouth that Jesus is we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord. That word Lord simply means that Lord. That word Lord simply means that Lord. That word Lord simply means that he's in control. he's in control. he's in control. That you're letting him call the shots That you're letting him call the shots That you're letting him call the shots of your life. and you believe in your of your life. and you believe in your of your life. and you believe in your heart that [music] God raised Jesus from heart that [music] God raised Jesus from heart that [music] God raised Jesus from the dead. That's the resurrection. the dead. That's the resurrection. the dead. That's the resurrection. And on the authority of God's word, you And on the authority of God's word, you And on the authority of God's word, you will be forgiven. Today will be a day of will be forgiven. Today will be a day of will be forgiven. Today will be a day of brand [music] new beginnings. And if brand [music] new beginnings. And if brand [music] new beginnings. And if that's you, we're going to pray in just that's you, we're going to pray in just that's you, we're going to pray in just a moment as a church family. And we a moment as a church family. And we a moment as a church family. And we would not point you out or embarrass you would not point you out or embarrass you would not point you out or embarrass you for anything. But if you're here today for anything. But if you're here today for anything. But if you're here today and you say, "Pastor, that's [music] me. and you say, "Pastor, that's [music] me. and you say, "Pastor, that's [music] me. I need a fresh start. I need a fresh start. I need a fresh start. I've never surrendered my life to Jesus I've never surrendered my life to Jesus I've never surrendered my life to Jesus or I've kind of walked away from it, but or I've kind of walked away from it, but or I've kind of walked away from it, but today I need to come back. If that's today I need to come back. If that's today I need to come back. If that's [music] you, before we pray, I just want [music] you, before we pray, I just want [music] you, before we pray, I just want to know who I'm praying with. So, I'm to know who I'm praying with. So, I'm to know who I'm praying with. So, I'm going to ask you when I count to three going to ask you when I count to three going to ask you when I count to three just to shoot your hand up high so just to shoot your hand up high so just to shoot your hand up high so myself or the pastor at your location myself or the pastor at your location myself or the pastor at your location can see and then we're going to pray can see and then we're going to pray can see and then we're going to pray together. No one's going to come to you together. No one's going to come to you together. No one's going to come to you or point you out in any way. We just or point you out in any way. We just or point you out in any way. We just want to know who we're praying with. So, want to know who we're praying with. So, want to know who we're praying with. So, when I count to three, you lift your when I count to three, you lift your when I count to three, you lift your hand and then we're going to pray. One, hand and then we're going to pray. One, hand and then we're going to pray. One, two, three. God bless you. Just keep it two, three. God bless you. Just keep it two, three. God bless you. Just keep it up high.

up high. up high. Keep it up. Keep it up. Keep it up. I love it. All of heaven is rejoicing. I love it. All of heaven is rejoicing. I love it. All of heaven is rejoicing. The [music] Bible says all of heaven. The [music] Bible says all of heaven. The [music] Bible says all of heaven. You can put it down. Church, will you You can put it down. Church, will you You can put it down. Church, will you pray this out loud with me for the pray this out loud with me for the pray this out loud with me for the benefit of those who just slipped their benefit of those who just slipped their benefit of those who just slipped their hand up? Just say, "Jesus, I need you. I hand up? Just say, "Jesus, I need you. I hand up? Just say, "Jesus, I need you. I ask you to forgive me of all my sin. I ask you to forgive me of all my sin. I ask you to forgive me of all my sin. I believe you died for me. I believe God believe you died for me. I believe God believe you died for me. I believe God raised you from the dead. [music] raised you from the dead. [music] raised you from the dead. [music] Today, I make you my Lord and Savior. Today, I make you my Lord and Savior. Today, I make you my Lord and Savior. Thank you for a brand new beginning in Thank you for a brand new beginning in Thank you for a brand new beginning in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Come on. Can we Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Come on. Can we Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Come on. Can we celebrate those who made that decision? celebrate those who made that decision? celebrate those who made that decision? [music]