Why Christians Never Fight Alone | Pastor Josh Howerton

Hey guys, thanks for checking out this Hey guys, thanks for checking out this Bible [music] teaching. Um, every week Bible [music] teaching. Um, every week Bible [music] teaching. Um, every week we release a podcast that corresponds to we release a podcast that corresponds to we release a podcast that corresponds to the sermon. It's like a little bit of a the sermon. It's like a little bit of a the sermon. It's like a little bit of a deeper dive where we hit some things deeper dive where we hit some things deeper dive where we hit some things that didn't [music] make it into the that didn't [music] make it into the that didn't [music] make it into the sermon, some theological concepts. We sermon, some theological concepts. We sermon, some theological concepts. We talk about things that are going on in talk about things that are going on in talk about things that are going on in our culture and how to think about them our culture and how to think about them our culture and how to think about them from a biblical perspective. We call from a biblical perspective. We call from a biblical perspective. We call that podcast Live Free. An episode that podcast Live Free. An episode that podcast Live Free. An episode releases every Monday that corresponds releases every Monday that corresponds releases every Monday that corresponds to the sermon. If you would [music] like to the sermon. If you would [music] like to the sermon. If you would [music] like to check out Live Free, just go to the to check out Live Free, just go to the to check out Live Free, just go to the Lakeoint YouTube channel and look for Lakeoint YouTube channel and look for Lakeoint YouTube channel and look for the podcast tab there. We'll see you at the podcast tab there. We'll see you at the podcast tab there. We'll see you at Live Free. Now enjoy this Bible Live Free. Now enjoy this Bible Live Free. Now enjoy this Bible teaching. teaching. teaching. >> All right, man. Hey, like one family, if >> All right, man. Hey, like one family, if >> All right, man. Hey, like one family, if you guys got your Bibles, head over to you guys got your Bibles, head over to you guys got your Bibles, head over to second Timothy chapter 4. Throwing you a second Timothy chapter 4. Throwing you a second Timothy chapter 4. Throwing you a curveball. Chapter 4. Okay, it's going curveball. Chapter 4. Okay, it's going curveball. Chapter 4. Okay, it's going to be great. Hey, um before you guys uh to be great. Hey, um before you guys uh to be great. Hey, um before you guys uh or while you're headed over there, let or while you're headed over there, let or while you're headed over there, let me just give you a heads up. Quick me just give you a heads up. Quick me just give you a heads up. Quick family meeting, Lake Point Church. Um family meeting, Lake Point Church. Um family meeting, Lake Point Church. Um this you've been hearing about it for this you've been hearing about it for this you've been hearing about it for the last 3 weeks. This Thursday at 7 the last 3 weeks. This Thursday at 7 the last 3 weeks. This Thursday at 7 p.m. is this like an all hands- on deck p.m. is this like an all hands- on deck p.m. is this like an all hands- on deck family meeting. Um if you call yourself family meeting. Um if you call yourself family meeting. Um if you call yourself a part of Lakeoint Church or you are a part of Lakeoint Church or you are a part of Lakeoint Church or you are interested in the future of Lake Point interested in the future of Lake Point interested in the future of Lake Point Church, um I'm going to talk about it. Church, um I'm going to talk about it. Church, um I'm going to talk about it. what's going on on Thursday. I'm going what's going on on Thursday. I'm going what's going on on Thursday. I'm going to shoot you real straight and when to shoot you real straight and when to shoot you real straight and when you're looking around our rooms and just you're looking around our rooms and just you're looking around our rooms and just seeing what's going on right now, man, seeing what's going on right now, man, seeing what's going on right now, man, glory to God, we just feel like a kite glory to God, we just feel like a kite glory to God, we just feel like a kite caught in a hurricane of grace. And um caught in a hurricane of grace. And um caught in a hurricane of grace. And um we have not been in a moment like I we have not been in a moment like I we have not been in a moment like I think that we're in right now in our think that we're in right now in our think that we're in right now in our church. What it's kind of like it's been church. What it's kind of like it's been church. What it's kind of like it's been 31 years since we've kind of been in in 31 years since we've kind of been in in 31 years since we've kind of been in in a moment like this. And so I need to a moment like this. And so I need to a moment like this. And so I need to roll out to the people of our church roll out to the people of our church roll out to the people of our church where we're headed as a church in the where we're headed as a church in the where we're headed as a church in the next few years. and some pretty uh next few years. and some pretty uh next few years. and some pretty uh pretty awesome, pretty significant pretty awesome, pretty significant pretty awesome, pretty significant things that um that we're going to be things that um that we're going to be things that um that we're going to be rolling out. So, if you can this

rolling out. So, if you can this rolling out. So, if you can this Thursday, 7 PM, I'm gonna be there Thursday, 7 PM, I'm gonna be there Thursday, 7 PM, I'm gonna be there rolling that stuff out. Um and uh I'll rolling that stuff out. Um and uh I'll rolling that stuff out. Um and uh I'll see you there. It's going to be awesome. see you there. It's going to be awesome. see you there. It's going to be awesome. Okay, so mark the calendars. I'm Okay, so mark the calendars. I'm Okay, so mark the calendars. I'm excited. All right, let's get into this excited. All right, let's get into this excited. All right, let's get into this is week three of a series that we just is week three of a series that we just is week three of a series that we just been calling Fight the Good Fight. Fight been calling Fight the Good Fight. Fight been calling Fight the Good Fight. Fight the good fight. And I just want to the good fight. And I just want to the good fight. And I just want to remind you while we're doing this remind you while we're doing this remind you while we're doing this series, because this is why we do series, because this is why we do series, because this is why we do everything is uh everything that we're everything is uh everything that we're everything is uh everything that we're doing this year, it hangs on this one doing this year, it hangs on this one doing this year, it hangs on this one theme of I am a disciple. Not I'm a fan, theme of I am a disciple. Not I'm a fan, theme of I am a disciple. Not I'm a fan, not I'm a watcher, not I'm in a big not I'm a watcher, not I'm in a big not I'm a watcher, not I'm in a big crowd. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. crowd. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. crowd. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. And what disciples do is disciple, it And what disciples do is disciple, it And what disciples do is disciple, it means follower. And you're going to hear means follower. And you're going to hear means follower. And you're going to hear me say this every single week is that it me say this every single week is that it me say this every single week is that it is impossible to be following somebody is impossible to be following somebody is impossible to be following somebody and standing still at the same time. And and standing still at the same time. And and standing still at the same time. And so what we're doing is we are asking in so what we're doing is we are asking in so what we're doing is we are asking in this series, all the book of second this series, all the book of second this series, all the book of second Timothy, here's all it is. Is it is the Timothy, here's all it is. Is it is the Timothy, here's all it is. Is it is the greatest disciple of Jesus Christ who greatest disciple of Jesus Christ who greatest disciple of Jesus Christ who ever lived, the Apostle Paul. His age ever lived, the Apostle Paul. His age ever lived, the Apostle Paul. His age starts with a five or a six. We're going starts with a five or a six. We're going starts with a five or a six. We're going to read his final recorded words today to read his final recorded words today to read his final recorded words today before his death. It's him looking at before his death. It's him looking at before his death. It's him looking at this young fatherless kid named Timothy this young fatherless kid named Timothy this young fatherless kid named Timothy that he takes up under his arm, makes that he takes up under his arm, makes that he takes up under his arm, makes his spiritual son, and disciples him.

his spiritual son, and disciples him. his spiritual son, and disciples him. And so as we're just going, man, I just And so as we're just going, man, I just And so as we're just going, man, I just want to be a follower of Jesus Christ want to be a follower of Jesus Christ want to be a follower of Jesus Christ and a disciple, we're just going, okay, and a disciple, we're just going, okay, and a disciple, we're just going, okay, Paul, what's it look like to when Paul Paul, what's it look like to when Paul Paul, what's it look like to when Paul disciples his guy Timothy? Now, of disciples his guy Timothy? Now, of disciples his guy Timothy? Now, of everything we're saying, I've been everything we're saying, I've been everything we're saying, I've been telling you this every week. I've been telling you this every week. I've been telling you this every week. I've been telling you this every week. All I'm telling you this every week. All I'm telling you this every week. All I'm asking is for this series for you to ask asking is for this series for you to ask asking is for this series for you to ask this one question, God, what is the one this one question, God, what is the one this one question, God, what is the one step, the one step that you're asking me step, the one step that you're asking me step, the one step that you're asking me to take that would help me follow Jesus to take that would help me follow Jesus to take that would help me follow Jesus Christ more closely? I'm going to shoot Christ more closely? I'm going to shoot Christ more closely? I'm going to shoot you real straight. There's a reason this you real straight. There's a reason this you real straight. There's a reason this is the only part of the series where I'm is the only part of the series where I'm is the only part of the series where I'm going out of order from the book because going out of order from the book because going out of order from the book because what we're going to talk about today is what we're going to talk about today is what we're going to talk about today is the one step that you will either take the one step that you will either take the one step that you will either take or you will not take. And this one step, or you will not take. And this one step, or you will not take. And this one step, whether you take this one step in your whether you take this one step in your whether you take this one step in your life as a disciple will determine the life as a disciple will determine the life as a disciple will determine the trajectory of your life as a disciple or trajectory of your life as a disciple or trajectory of your life as a disciple or a non-disciple more than any other step a non-disciple more than any other step a non-disciple more than any other step in your entire life. Okay, now let me in your entire life. Okay, now let me in your entire life. Okay, now let me set it up. Chuck Swindoll, anybody know set it up. Chuck Swindoll, anybody know set it up. Chuck Swindoll, anybody know who Chuck Swindall is? I hope so. Y'all who Chuck Swindall is? I hope so. Y'all who Chuck Swindall is? I hope so. Y'all know Chuck Swindoll. All right. Chuck know Chuck Swindoll. All right. Chuck know Chuck Swindoll. All right. Chuck Swindoll, legend. Chuck Swindoll, um 91 Swindoll, legend. Chuck Swindoll, um 91 Swindoll, legend. Chuck Swindoll, um 91 years old, might be one of the greatest years old, might be one of the greatest years old, might be one of the greatest still living preachers. He read this still living preachers. He read this still living preachers. He read this little story at the beginning of a a little story at the beginning of a a little story at the beginning of a a message that I watched. He he said this, message that I watched. He he said this, message that I watched. He he said this, "If your age starts with a five rub, "If your age starts with a five rub, "If your age starts with a five rub, you're going to like this." He said, "I you're going to like this." He said, "I you're going to like this." He said, "I know I shouldn't have done this. I'm 83 know I shouldn't have done this. I'm 83 know I shouldn't have done this. I'm 83 is when it happened. I am 83 years old."

is when it happened. I am 83 years old." is when it happened. I am 83 years old." He was reading this story. Somebody else He was reading this story. Somebody else He was reading this story. Somebody else said, "I was in the McDonald's said, "I was in the McDonald's said, "I was in the McDonald's drive-thru this morning. The young lady drive-thru this morning. The young lady drive-thru this morning. The young lady behind me leaned on her horn and started behind me leaned on her horn and started behind me leaned on her horn and started mouththing some ugly things because I mouththing some ugly things because I mouththing some ugly things because I was taking too long to place my order. was taking too long to place my order. was taking too long to place my order. So when I got to the window, first So when I got to the window, first So when I got to the window, first window, I paid for her order along with window, I paid for her order along with window, I paid for her order along with my own. The cashier must have told her my own. The cashier must have told her my own. The cashier must have told her what I had done because as we moved up, what I had done because as we moved up, what I had done because as we moved up, she leaned out her window, waved to me, she leaned out her window, waved to me, she leaned out her window, waved to me, and began mouththing, "Thank you. Thank and began mouththing, "Thank you. Thank and began mouththing, "Thank you. Thank you." probably feeling embarrassed that you." probably feeling embarrassed that you." probably feeling embarrassed that I had repaid her rudeness with kindness. I had repaid her rudeness with kindness. I had repaid her rudeness with kindness. When I got to the second window, I When I got to the second window, I When I got to the second window, I showed the server both receipts and took showed the server both receipts and took showed the server both receipts and took her food, too. her food, too. her food, too. [clears throat] Now she has to go back [clears throat] Now she has to go back [clears throat] Now she has to go back to the end of the queue and start all to the end of the queue and start all to the end of the queue and start all over again. Don't blow your horn at old over again. Don't blow your horn at old over again. Don't blow your horn at old people. We've been around for a long people. We've been around for a long people. We've been around for a long time. All right, there it is. All right, time. All right, there it is. All right, time. All right, there it is. All right, there it is. Now, [laughter] there it is. Now, [laughter] there it is. Now, [laughter] somebody like that. I heard that. somebody like that. I heard that. somebody like that. I heard that. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] Now, what we're getting ready to do is Now, what we're getting ready to do is Now, what we're getting ready to do is read the final recorded words of an old read the final recorded words of an old read the final recorded words of an old disciple who had been around for a long disciple who had been around for a long disciple who had been around for a long time. And the Apostle Paul in what we're time. And the Apostle Paul in what we're time. And the Apostle Paul in what we're getting ready to read is it'll make your getting ready to read is it'll make your getting ready to read is it'll make your eyes sweat just thinking about it. He's eyes sweat just thinking about it. He's eyes sweat just thinking about it. He's in a prison cell and this young disciple in a prison cell and this young disciple in a prison cell and this young disciple that he made his son Timothy, you that he made his son Timothy, you that he made his son Timothy, you imagine Timothy reading what we're about imagine Timothy reading what we're about imagine Timothy reading what we're about to read. And the Apostle Paul is going to read. And the Apostle Paul is going to read. And the Apostle Paul is going to tell Timothy, he's going to tell him, to tell Timothy, he's going to tell him, to tell Timothy, he's going to tell him, "Hey, I know I'm about to die. You're "Hey, I know I'm about to die. You're "Hey, I know I'm about to die. You're going to read it here in a second. The going to read it here in a second. The going to read it here in a second. The time for my departure is near. He's an time for my departure is near. He's an time for my departure is near. He's an old man. He's been following Jesus for a old man. He's been following Jesus for a old man. He's been following Jesus for a minute and he did it better than anybody minute and he did it better than anybody minute and he did it better than anybody else did it. And what he's going to tell else did it. And what he's going to tell else did it. And what he's going to tell Timothy is going to say, "Hey Tim, Timothy is going to say, "Hey Tim, Timothy is going to say, "Hey Tim, before I go to be with the Lord," he's

before I go to be with the Lord," he's before I go to be with the Lord," he's going to say this. If you Timothy, if going to say this. If you Timothy, if going to say this. If you Timothy, if you want to finish like I'm finishing, you want to finish like I'm finishing, you want to finish like I'm finishing, by the way, if your age starts with 5, by the way, if your age starts with 5, by the way, if your age starts with 5, six, seven or up, you're going to read six, seven or up, you're going to read six, seven or up, you're going to read about a guy in this passage named Deeus. about a guy in this passage named Deeus. about a guy in this passage named Deeus. I don't have time to talk about this. I I don't have time to talk about this. I I don't have time to talk about this. I talk about it in the podcast. You're talk about it in the podcast. You're talk about it in the podcast. You're going to read about a guy named Deeus. going to read about a guy named Deeus. going to read about a guy named Deeus. Paul's Paul mentions him in 2 Timothy 4. Paul's Paul mentions him in 2 Timothy 4. Paul's Paul mentions him in 2 Timothy 4. You're gonna read it. Paul says about You're gonna read it. Paul says about You're gonna read it. Paul says about Deeus. He says, "Deus in love with this Deeus. He says, "Deus in love with this Deeus. He says, "Deus in love with this present world has deserted me." If you present world has deserted me." If you present world has deserted me." If you do your Bible homework and you go read, do your Bible homework and you go read, do your Bible homework and you go read, I think it's Colossians and the book of I think it's Colossians and the book of I think it's Colossians and the book of Fleiman, two books written before the Fleiman, two books written before the Fleiman, two books written before the book of second Timothy, Paul refers to book of second Timothy, Paul refers to book of second Timothy, Paul refers to Deeus as quote, one of his fellow Deeus as quote, one of his fellow Deeus as quote, one of his fellow workers and one of his companions in the workers and one of his companions in the workers and one of his companions in the faith. And so all we know about Deeus, faith. And so all we know about Deeus, faith. And so all we know about Deeus, watch this, is he started well, but he watch this, is he started well, but he watch this, is he started well, but he did not finish well. In love with his did not finish well. In love with his did not finish well. In love with his present world, he abandoned Paul. He present world, he abandoned Paul. He present world, he abandoned Paul. He abandoned the cause of Christ. And abandoned the cause of Christ. And abandoned the cause of Christ. And that's the final sentence to Deeus's that's the final sentence to Deeus's that's the final sentence to Deeus's story. This is a whole different sermon, story. This is a whole different sermon, story. This is a whole different sermon, but I'm just talking to our senior but I'm just talking to our senior but I'm just talking to our senior saints right now. Hey, senior saints, saints right now. Hey, senior saints, saints right now. Hey, senior saints, you've started well. We need you to you've started well. We need you to you've started well. We need you to finish well. We need you. Listen, we're finish well. We need you. Listen, we're finish well. We need you. Listen, we're watching you to watch some people put watching you to watch some people put watching you to watch some people put some decades on the clock. Finish the some decades on the clock. Finish the some decades on the clock. Finish the race with everything you got. And with race with everything you got. And with race with everything you got. And with your final words, be able to turn around your final words, be able to turn around your final words, be able to turn around and tell your children and your and tell your children and your and tell your children and your grandchildren, watch this, and your grandchildren, watch this, and your grandchildren, watch this, and your spiritual children and your spiritual spiritual children and your spiritual spiritual children and your spiritual grandchildren. for you to be able to say grandchildren. for you to be able to say grandchildren. for you to be able to say with integrity in on your deathbed. I with integrity in on your deathbed. I with integrity in on your deathbed. I have finished the race. I have fought have finished the race. I have fought have finished the race. I have fought the fight. I have kept the faith. And the fight. I have kept the faith. And the fight. I have kept the faith. And there is then for thenceforth laid up there is then for thenceforth laid up there is then for thenceforth laid up for me a crown of righteousness from the for me a crown of righteousness from the for me a crown of righteousness from the Lord the righteous judge. We need you.

Lord the righteous judge. We need you. Lord the righteous judge. We need you. We need you. Okay. So when I read it, We need you. Okay. So when I read it, We need you. Okay. So when I read it, that wasn't in my notes. It was just in that wasn't in my notes. It was just in that wasn't in my notes. It was just in my heart like literally right now. We my heart like literally right now. We my heart like literally right now. We need you. So we we need some Paul's not need you. So we we need some Paul's not need you. So we we need some Paul's not some Demuses. So what Paul does here is some Demuses. So what Paul does here is some Demuses. So what Paul does here is he says this. Okay. Now check this out. he says this. Okay. Now check this out. he says this. Okay. Now check this out. It's got to be short. I got to get real It's got to be short. I got to get real It's got to be short. I got to get real practical. Paul says this verse six. He practical. Paul says this verse six. He practical. Paul says this verse six. He says, 'For I am already being poured out says, 'For I am already being poured out says, 'For I am already being poured out like a drink offering and the time of my like a drink offering and the time of my like a drink offering and the time of my departure is near. Watch. I have fought departure is near. Watch. I have fought departure is near. Watch. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the the good fight. I have finished the the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. By the way, race. I have kept the faith. By the way, race. I have kept the faith. By the way, we got any Marines in the room? Where we got any Marines in the room? Where we got any Marines in the room? Where the Marines at? the Marines at? the Marines at? >> All right. All right. Thank you. All >> All right. All right. Thank you. All >> All right. All right. Thank you. All right. Hey, you tell me. Somebody tell right. Hey, you tell me. Somebody tell right. Hey, you tell me. Somebody tell me what is the motto of the Marines? me what is the motto of the Marines? me what is the motto of the Marines? That's it. That's it. Simper. What? That's it. That's it. Simper. What? That's it. That's it. Simper. What? Simper. That's Thank you. That's short Simper. That's Thank you. That's short Simper. That's Thank you. That's short for simpidelis. It means always for simpidelis. It means always for simpidelis. It means always faithful. In the Latin translation of faithful. In the Latin translation of faithful. In the Latin translation of what Paul says here, when he says, "I what Paul says here, when he says, "I what Paul says here, when he says, "I have kept the faith." essentially what have kept the faith." essentially what have kept the faith." essentially what he's saying is simpelis. When the when he's saying is simpelis. When the when he's saying is simpelis. When the when the bullets started flying, I did not the bullets started flying, I did not the bullets started flying, I did not run away from my my good general and my run away from my my good general and my run away from my my good general and my good God. I stayed faithful to the end. good God. I stayed faithful to the end. good God. I stayed faithful to the end. This is what he's saying right here. So This is what he's saying right here. So This is what he's saying right here. So he's saying, I have kept the faith. Now he's saying, I have kept the faith. Now he's saying, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of there is in store for me the crown of there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteousness which the Lord, the righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on righteous judge, will award to me on righteous judge, will award to me on that day. And not only to me, but to all that day. And not only to me, but to all that day. And not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing. And who have longed for his appearing. And who have longed for his appearing. And then he says this point number one. He then he says this point number one. He then he says this point number one. He says, "Do your best to come to me says, "Do your best to come to me says, "Do your best to come to me quickly." Do your best to come to me quickly." Do your best to come to me quickly." Do your best to come to me quickly. Now, circle that in your quickly. Now, circle that in your quickly. Now, circle that in your Bibles. Now, let me just start right Bibles. Now, let me just start right Bibles. Now, let me just start right here. And I just need to establish here. And I just need to establish here. And I just need to establish something. I don't care who you are. I something. I don't care who you are. I something. I don't care who you are. I don't care if at any of our campuses you don't care if at any of our campuses you don't care if at any of our campuses you gave me a good URA or simp, you know, gave me a good URA or simp, you know, gave me a good URA or simp, you know, whatever. Can I just say something? The whatever. Can I just say something? The whatever. Can I just say something? The Apostle Paul was tougher than you. I Apostle Paul was tougher than you. I Apostle Paul was tougher than you. I don't care who you are. The Apostle Paul

don't care who you are. The Apostle Paul don't care who you are. The Apostle Paul was stubborn than you. Shipwrecked three was stubborn than you. Shipwrecked three was stubborn than you. Shipwrecked three times, beaten five times, stoned, that's times, beaten five times, stoned, that's times, beaten five times, stoned, that's rocks, not. We did that already. Bitten rocks, not. We did that already. Bitten rocks, not. We did that already. Bitten by a viper. assassination plots by by a viper. assassination plots by by a viper. assassination plots by Jewish ninjas walk 20 miles a day, Jewish ninjas walk 20 miles a day, Jewish ninjas walk 20 miles a day, 12,000 miles on foot. Dude is singing 12,000 miles on foot. Dude is singing 12,000 miles on foot. Dude is singing hymns and torture devices in the book of hymns and torture devices in the book of hymns and torture devices in the book of Acts. And yet when he is in a pit and Acts. And yet when he is in a pit and Acts. And yet when he is in a pit and he's alone, the Apostle Paul reaches out he's alone, the Apostle Paul reaches out he's alone, the Apostle Paul reaches out to a disciple friend named Timothy and to a disciple friend named Timothy and to a disciple friend named Timothy and says, "I need you. Do your best to come says, "I need you. Do your best to come says, "I need you. Do your best to come to me soon." Point number one, a to me soon." Point number one, a to me soon." Point number one, a disciple assembles a band of brothers or disciple assembles a band of brothers or disciple assembles a band of brothers or sisters. sisters. sisters. A disciple assembles a band of brothers A disciple assembles a band of brothers A disciple assembles a band of brothers and sisters. Now, this one decision will and sisters. Now, this one decision will and sisters. Now, this one decision will be the most important decision you make be the most important decision you make be the most important decision you make to determine your disciplehip. Now, let to determine your disciplehip. Now, let to determine your disciplehip. Now, let me explain why. Okay? The Bible says me explain why. Okay? The Bible says me explain why. Okay? The Bible says that the devil is in the quote the that the devil is in the quote the that the devil is in the quote the domain of darkness. So, the darkness is domain of darkness. So, the darkness is domain of darkness. So, the darkness is where the devil's domain is. But then 1 where the devil's domain is. But then 1 where the devil's domain is. But then 1 John chapter 1 says that if we walk in John chapter 1 says that if we walk in John chapter 1 says that if we walk in the light as he is in the light, he is the light as he is in the light, he is the light as he is in the light, he is Jesus. If we walk in the light as he is Jesus. If we walk in the light as he is Jesus. If we walk in the light as he is in the light, the blood of Jesus in the light, the blood of Jesus in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us uh and separates us from all cleanses us uh and separates us from all cleanses us uh and separates us from all sin. So, check this out. The Bible says, sin. So, check this out. The Bible says, sin. So, check this out. The Bible says, "The devil's domain is darkness, but "The devil's domain is darkness, but "The devil's domain is darkness, but Jesus is out where the light is." Now, Jesus is out where the light is." Now, Jesus is out where the light is." Now, check this out. Here's why. Your check this out. Here's why. Your check this out. Here's why. Your decision whether or not to assemble a decision whether or not to assemble a decision whether or not to assemble a band of brothers or a band of sisters band of brothers or a band of sisters band of brothers or a band of sisters will determine the outcome of your will determine the outcome of your will determine the outcome of your disciplehip more than anything else.

disciplehip more than anything else. disciplehip more than anything else. Check this out. What most people do and Check this out. What most people do and Check this out. What most people do and what many of you are doing right now is what many of you are doing right now is what many of you are doing right now is whenever sin or things that entangle you whenever sin or things that entangle you whenever sin or things that entangle you when addictions and strongholds get you when addictions and strongholds get you when addictions and strongholds get you is what you do is you fight the devil in is what you do is you fight the devil in is what you do is you fight the devil in the dark, you bottle it in. I'm not the dark, you bottle it in. I'm not the dark, you bottle it in. I'm not going to tell nobody. I'mma fight it going to tell nobody. I'mma fight it going to tell nobody. I'mma fight it alone. I'm a bow up. I got this. By the alone. I'm a bow up. I got this. By the alone. I'm a bow up. I got this. By the way, I've heard it said before, the way, I've heard it said before, the way, I've heard it said before, the three most dangerous words in the three most dangerous words in the three most dangerous words in the English language are, "I got this." English language are, "I got this." English language are, "I got this." Heads up. You don't got this. The devil Heads up. You don't got this. The devil Heads up. You don't got this. The devil is bigger than you. Thin is stronger is bigger than you. Thin is stronger is bigger than you. Thin is stronger than you. But watch this. But greater is than you. But watch this. But greater is than you. But watch this. But greater is he that is in you than he that is in the he that is in you than he that is in the he that is in you than he that is in the world. You don't got this on your own. world. You don't got this on your own. world. You don't got this on your own. And so what most people do is they get And so what most people do is they get And so what most people do is they get up all up in these my marriage is up all up in these my marriage is up all up in these my marriage is struggling. The addiction is going on. struggling. The addiction is going on. struggling. The addiction is going on. The sin is besetting me. All these The sin is besetting me. All these The sin is besetting me. All these things. And check it out. They stay things. And check it out. They stay things. And check it out. They stay alone. They stay is isolated. Tell no alone. They stay is isolated. Tell no alone. They stay is isolated. Tell no one. And they fight the devil in the one. And they fight the devil in the one. And they fight the devil in the dark. Now listen, let me go a layer dark. Now listen, let me go a layer dark. Now listen, let me go a layer deeper deeper. Listen to me. Don't fight deeper deeper. Listen to me. Don't fight deeper deeper. Listen to me. Don't fight the devil in the dark because the the devil in the dark because the the devil in the dark because the darkness is his domain. Let me say it darkness is his domain. Let me say it darkness is his domain. Let me say it like this. If you try to fight the devil like this. If you try to fight the devil like this. If you try to fight the devil in the dark, you are always going to in the dark, you are always going to in the dark, you are always going to lose because the darkness is his domain. lose because the darkness is his domain. lose because the darkness is his domain. But what we want to do, check this out, But what we want to do, check this out, But what we want to do, check this out, is the Bible says the darkness is the is the Bible says the darkness is the is the Bible says the darkness is the devil's domain. But it says that the devil's domain. But it says that the devil's domain. But it says that the light, we need to walk in the light, out light, we need to walk in the light, out light, we need to walk in the light, out in the light where Jesus is. If we bring in the light where Jesus is. If we bring in the light where Jesus is. If we bring it out there, that's what we need to do.

it out there, that's what we need to do. it out there, that's what we need to do. So check this out. When you take, So check this out. When you take, So check this out. When you take, listen, don't fight the devil in the listen, don't fight the devil in the listen, don't fight the devil in the dark. The darkness is his domain. When dark. The darkness is his domain. When dark. The darkness is his domain. When you stay alone in the thing that is you stay alone in the thing that is you stay alone in the thing that is attacking you, bro, that's like that's attacking you, bro, that's like that's attacking you, bro, that's like that's like an away game, night game, LSU, uh, like an away game, night game, LSU, uh, like an away game, night game, LSU, uh, all the refs got Tigers jerseys on, Lane all the refs got Tigers jerseys on, Lane all the refs got Tigers jerseys on, Lane Keven got your playbook, and the dad gum Keven got your playbook, and the dad gum Keven got your playbook, and the dad gum assistant coach running the scoreboard. assistant coach running the scoreboard. assistant coach running the scoreboard. You're going to lose. You're going to You're going to lose. You're going to You're going to lose. You're going to lose. Don't fight the devil in the dark. lose. Don't fight the devil in the dark. lose. Don't fight the devil in the dark. The darkness is his domain. So, what we The darkness is his domain. So, what we The darkness is his domain. So, what we want to do as disciples is we want to want to do as disciples is we want to want to do as disciples is we want to walk in the light as he is in the light. walk in the light as he is in the light. walk in the light as he is in the light. When you're struggling with something, When you're struggling with something, When you're struggling with something, what you want to do is you want to take what you want to do is you want to take what you want to do is you want to take that sin, take that shame, take that that sin, take that shame, take that that sin, take that shame, take that addiction, take that stronghold, drag it addiction, take that stronghold, drag it addiction, take that stronghold, drag it out into the light where Jesus is with a out into the light where Jesus is with a out into the light where Jesus is with a band of brothers, drag it out there and band of brothers, drag it out there and band of brothers, drag it out there and let Jesus Christ reign victorious over let Jesus Christ reign victorious over let Jesus Christ reign victorious over that thing. This is what Jesus has that thing. This is what Jesus has that thing. This is what Jesus has called us to do. And it is why our called us to do. And it is why our called us to do. And it is why our decision whether or not to to assemble a decision whether or not to to assemble a decision whether or not to to assemble a band of brothers will be the most band of brothers will be the most band of brothers will be the most important decision you make in your important decision you make in your important decision you make in your life. Now, this message going to be real life. Now, this message going to be real life. Now, this message going to be real practical. So, let me get real practical practical. So, let me get real practical practical. So, let me get real practical and real straightforward. We believe and real straightforward. We believe and real straightforward. We believe this insane crazy thing at Lake Point. I this insane crazy thing at Lake Point. I this insane crazy thing at Lake Point. I know this sounds nuts. Insane crazy know this sounds nuts. Insane crazy know this sounds nuts. Insane crazy thing. We believe this crazy thing at thing. We believe this crazy thing at thing. We believe this crazy thing at Lake Point that men and women are Lake Point that men and women are Lake Point that men and women are different. I know that's nuts. It's different. I know that's nuts. It's different. I know that's nuts. It's crazy. We believe this. Okay, I know crazy. We believe this. Okay, I know crazy. We believe this. Okay, I know your jo professor in your HR department your jo professor in your HR department your jo professor in your HR department said that's crazy, but we're going with said that's crazy, but we're going with said that's crazy, but we're going with the Bible on that one. Okay, so now the Bible on that one. Okay, so now the Bible on that one. Okay, so now check this out. Let me let me talk to check this out. Let me let me talk to check this out. Let me let me talk to you in a straightforward way. Men and you in a straightforward way. Men and you in a straightforward way. Men and women are different. So, watch this. Men women are different. So, watch this. Men women are different. So, watch this. Men and women do relationships differently.

and women do relationships differently. and women do relationships differently. When Janice's friends come over, what When Janice's friends come over, what When Janice's friends come over, what they do is they all sit on a couch. They they do is they all sit on a couch. They they do is they all sit on a couch. They look each other in the eye. They their look each other in the eye. They their look each other in the eye. They their body language is like crossing their body language is like crossing their body language is like crossing their legs like looking at each other. They legs like looking at each other. They legs like looking at each other. They sit there look at each other in the eye sit there look at each other in the eye sit there look at each other in the eye and talk about their feelings. Okay. and talk about their feelings. Okay. and talk about their feelings. Okay. Okay. Now, if a dude grabbed me and was Okay. Now, if a dude grabbed me and was Okay. Now, if a dude grabbed me and was like, "Hey, Josh, uh, you want to come like, "Hey, Josh, uh, you want to come like, "Hey, Josh, uh, you want to come over tonight, sit on the couch, cross over tonight, sit on the couch, cross over tonight, sit on the couch, cross your legs, look at me, and talk about your legs, look at me, and talk about your legs, look at me, and talk about our feelings?" I'd say, "Number one, our feelings?" I'd say, "Number one, our feelings?" I'd say, "Number one, no." And number two, the fact that you no." And number two, the fact that you no." And number two, the fact that you asked me makes me real suspicious of asked me makes me real suspicious of asked me makes me real suspicious of you. That's what I'd say. No, I do not. you. That's what I'd say. No, I do not. you. That's what I'd say. No, I do not. Go. So, let me talk real practically Go. So, let me talk real practically Go. So, let me talk real practically about how men and women need to assemble about how men and women need to assemble about how men and women need to assemble a band of brothers because each of you, a band of brothers because each of you, a band of brothers because each of you, men and women, you're going to struggle men and women, you're going to struggle men and women, you're going to struggle with this in different ways. So, let me with this in different ways. So, let me with this in different ways. So, let me ask I'm going to ask two questions. ask I'm going to ask two questions. ask I'm going to ask two questions. Maybe you need to write these questions Maybe you need to write these questions Maybe you need to write these questions down. First, let me talk to the ladies. down. First, let me talk to the ladies. down. First, let me talk to the ladies. Ladies, let me point this out. Paul is, Ladies, let me point this out. Paul is, Ladies, let me point this out. Paul is, watch this. He's asking Timothy, watch this. He's asking Timothy, watch this. He's asking Timothy, he's asking Timothy to come to him. he's asking Timothy to come to him. he's asking Timothy to come to him. Ladies, let me ask you this question. Ladies, let me ask you this question. Ladies, let me ask you this question. Are you pursuing relationships with Are you pursuing relationships with Are you pursuing relationships with other godly women? Are you pursuing other godly women? Are you pursuing other godly women? Are you pursuing them? Now, ladies, let me just be real them? Now, ladies, let me just be real them? Now, ladies, let me just be real gentle and just say something. You know, gentle and just say something. You know, gentle and just say something. You know, a lot of you ladies, not all of you, a a lot of you ladies, not all of you, a a lot of you ladies, not all of you, a lot of you ladies, you need to hear lot of you ladies, you need to hear lot of you ladies, you need to hear this. Some of you, you are terrible at this. Some of you, you are terrible at this. Some of you, you are terrible at developing friendships. You're terrible developing friendships. You're terrible developing friendships. You're terrible at it. And what I mean is, you'll walk at it. And what I mean is, you'll walk at it. And what I mean is, you'll walk into a church like this and you're into a church like this and you're into a church like this and you're literally surrounded by 30,000 other literally surrounded by 30,000 other literally surrounded by 30,000 other godly people, godly women, and and godly people, godly women, and and godly people, godly women, and and you're looking, you're like telling your you're looking, you're like telling your you're looking, you're like telling your husband, "I'm trying to find some good husband, "I'm trying to find some good husband, "I'm trying to find some good godly friends, trying to make some godly friends, trying to make some godly friends, trying to make some friends." And then you'll get home, and friends." And then you'll get home, and friends." And then you'll get home, and here's what you'll do. You'll come to a here's what you'll do. You'll come to a here's what you'll do. You'll come to a place like this. You'll stand in a dark place like this. You'll stand in a dark place like this. You'll stand in a dark corner. the whole time. And then you'll corner. the whole time. And then you'll corner. the whole time. And then you'll get home and your husband husband would get home and your husband husband would get home and your husband husband would be like, "Hey, did you make any be like, "Hey, did you make any be like, "Hey, did you make any friends?" You be like, "Uh, no. Nobody

friends?" You be like, "Uh, no. Nobody friends?" You be like, "Uh, no. Nobody talked to me." talked to me." talked to me." Or, "Oh, I'm waiting for someone else to Or, "Oh, I'm waiting for someone else to Or, "Oh, I'm waiting for someone else to ask. ask. ask. I don't want to bother her. I bet she's I don't want to bother her. I bet she's I don't want to bother her. I bet she's really busy." Okay, [laughter] that's really busy." Okay, [laughter] that's really busy." Okay, [laughter] that's what you do. While while you stood in a what you do. While while you stood in a what you do. While while you stood in a corner and made it look like you didn't corner and made it look like you didn't corner and made it look like you didn't want anybody to come ask you. That's want anybody to come ask you. That's want anybody to come ask you. That's what you do. Okay. Now, men develop what you do. Okay. Now, men develop what you do. Okay. Now, men develop friendships very different. I'm speaking friendships very different. I'm speaking friendships very different. I'm speaking in a straightforward way. Men develop in a straightforward way. Men develop in a straightforward way. Men develop friendships very differently. men, it's friendships very differently. men, it's friendships very differently. men, it's around activities. So, it's like, "Hey, around activities. So, it's like, "Hey, around activities. So, it's like, "Hey, dude, you want to be friends?" I was dude, you want to be friends?" I was dude, you want to be friends?" I was like, "Hey, man. You into baseball?" like, "Hey, man. You into baseball?" like, "Hey, man. You into baseball?" "Nope." "You into golf?" "Nope." "You "Nope." "You into golf?" "Nope." "You "Nope." "You into golf?" "Nope." "You fish?" "Yes." Bang. Now, we're friends. fish?" "Yes." Bang. Now, we're friends. fish?" "Yes." Bang. Now, we're friends. We're friends now. Okay, that's how it We're friends now. Okay, that's how it We're friends now. Okay, that's how it works. So, ladies, let me just say this. works. So, ladies, let me just say this. works. So, ladies, let me just say this. What you're going to have to do to What you're going to have to do to What you're going to have to do to assemble a band of sisters, you're going assemble a band of sisters, you're going assemble a band of sisters, you're going to have to pursue it. You're going to to have to pursue it. You're going to to have to pursue it. You're going to have to make the phone call. You're have to make the phone call. You're have to make the phone call. You're going to have to send the text. You're going to have to send the text. You're going to have to send the text. You're going to need to take a step to begin to going to need to take a step to begin to going to need to take a step to begin to assemble this band of sisters that you assemble this band of sisters that you assemble this band of sisters that you need. Now, men, let me point this out to need. Now, men, let me point this out to need. Now, men, let me point this out to you. The men that the Apostle Paul you. The men that the Apostle Paul you. The men that the Apostle Paul surrounds himself with, watch this, they surrounds himself with, watch this, they surrounds himself with, watch this, they are men of God doing the things of God. are men of God doing the things of God. are men of God doing the things of God. Let me ask you this question, men. Are Let me ask you this question, men. Are Let me ask you this question, men. Are your relationships, are they rooted in your relationships, are they rooted in your relationships, are they rooted in Christ or are they rooted in your Christ or are they rooted in your Christ or are they rooted in your hobbies?

hobbies? hobbies? Listen, man. Men, what we do is we we Listen, man. Men, what we do is we we Listen, man. Men, what we do is we we just naturally, it's like we got just naturally, it's like we got just naturally, it's like we got buddies. I got tons of buddies. Okay? We buddies. I got tons of buddies. Okay? We buddies. I got tons of buddies. Okay? We got golfing buddies. You got fishing got golfing buddies. You got fishing got golfing buddies. You got fishing buddies. You got hunting buddies. You buddies. You got hunting buddies. You buddies. You got hunting buddies. You got football watching buddies. You got got football watching buddies. You got got football watching buddies. You got tons of buddies. But watch this. Watch. tons of buddies. But watch this. Watch. tons of buddies. But watch this. Watch. When you just have buddies and the When you just have buddies and the When you just have buddies and the relationships are just rooted in an relationships are just rooted in an relationships are just rooted in an activity. I'm going to tell you right activity. I'm going to tell you right activity. I'm going to tell you right now what's going to happen to you now what's going to happen to you now what's going to happen to you because I've done this many times. The because I've done this many times. The because I've done this many times. The depth of the relationship is going to be depth of the relationship is going to be depth of the relationship is going to be determined by the depth of the activity determined by the depth of the activity determined by the depth of the activity which is about like this. which is about like this. which is about like this. But watch also the duration of the But watch also the duration of the But watch also the duration of the brotherhood is going to be determined by brotherhood is going to be determined by brotherhood is going to be determined by the duration of the activity. When the the duration of the activity. When the the duration of the activity. When the activity is over, the relationship's activity is over, the relationship's activity is over, the relationship's over. Listen men, what you need, you over. Listen men, what you need, you over. Listen men, what you need, you don't need buddies. Here's what we need. don't need buddies. Here's what we need. don't need buddies. Here's what we need. Apostle Paul, we don't need buddies. We Apostle Paul, we don't need buddies. We Apostle Paul, we don't need buddies. We need a band of brothers who have their need a band of brothers who have their need a band of brothers who have their eyes fixed on Jesus Christ who will eyes fixed on Jesus Christ who will eyes fixed on Jesus Christ who will stand by your side when you're alone or stand by your side when you're alone or stand by your side when you're alone or going the wrong direction and they will going the wrong direction and they will going the wrong direction and they will encourage you to fight the good fight of encourage you to fight the good fight of encourage you to fight the good fight of faith and keep your eyes fixed on him. faith and keep your eyes fixed on him. faith and keep your eyes fixed on him. So what we want to do is we want to find So what we want to do is we want to find So what we want to do is we want to find those dudes and like let them get up in those dudes and like let them get up in those dudes and like let them get up in our into our life and do that. Now our into our life and do that. Now our into our life and do that. Now here's question number two. Great. How here's question number two. Great. How here's question number two. Great. How do I do that? Okay, watch what the do I do that? Okay, watch what the do I do that? Okay, watch what the Apostle Paul does. Number two, a Apostle Paul does. Number two, a Apostle Paul does. Number two, a disciple structures their relationships disciple structures their relationships disciple structures their relationships like Jesus Christ. Okay, super like Jesus Christ. Okay, super like Jesus Christ. Okay, super practical. A disciple structures their practical. A disciple structures their practical. A disciple structures their relationships like Jesus Christ. Now, relationships like Jesus Christ. Now, relationships like Jesus Christ. Now, there's a little diagram I'm getting there's a little diagram I'm getting there's a little diagram I'm getting ready to give you. I try to give this ready to give you. I try to give this ready to give you. I try to give this diagram at least once a year. It's been diagram at least once a year. It's been diagram at least once a year. It's been two years since I got it. Check this two years since I got it. Check this two years since I got it. Check this out. When I do repetition, I don't do out. When I do repetition, I don't do out. When I do repetition, I don't do repetition out of laziness. I do it out repetition out of laziness. I do it out repetition out of laziness. I do it out of emphasis.

of emphasis. of emphasis. So, when I'm doing this, the reason I So, when I'm doing this, the reason I So, when I'm doing this, the reason I get this in is it's literally if like I get this in is it's literally if like I get this in is it's literally if like I was preaching two sermons to leave you was preaching two sermons to leave you was preaching two sermons to leave you with before I died. I would preach a with before I died. I would preach a with before I died. I would preach a gospel sermon and then I would preach a gospel sermon and then I would preach a gospel sermon and then I would preach a sermon that had this diagram in it. It's sermon that had this diagram in it. It's sermon that had this diagram in it. It's that critical for your disciplehip. Now, that critical for your disciplehip. Now, that critical for your disciplehip. Now, zoom out. I want you to see something zoom out. I want you to see something zoom out. I want you to see something about the relationships of the Apostle about the relationships of the Apostle about the relationships of the Apostle Paul. Now, check this out. There is a Paul. Now, check this out. There is a Paul. Now, check this out. There is a defined structure. And if you're taking defined structure. And if you're taking defined structure. And if you're taking notes, I I want you to to draw this notes, I I want you to to draw this notes, I I want you to to draw this diagram. I'm going to give you some diagram. I'm going to give you some diagram. I'm going to give you some homework. There is a defined structure homework. There is a defined structure homework. There is a defined structure to the nature of the Apostle Paul's to the nature of the Apostle Paul's to the nature of the Apostle Paul's relationships. Now, watch. You'll miss relationships. Now, watch. You'll miss relationships. Now, watch. You'll miss it. You'll watch. Now, what we're doing it. You'll watch. Now, what we're doing it. You'll watch. Now, what we're doing getting ready to do, we're getting ready getting ready to do, we're getting ready getting ready to do, we're getting ready to read like the phone book section of to read like the phone book section of to read like the phone book section of the where Paul goes, "Tell that guy said the where Paul goes, "Tell that guy said the where Paul goes, "Tell that guy said hi and that guy said hi and tell them to hi and that guy said hi and tell them to hi and that guy said hi and tell them to wear my little coat and all that stuff." wear my little coat and all that stuff." wear my little coat and all that stuff." Let me just remind you of something. It Let me just remind you of something. It Let me just remind you of something. It takes the whole Bible to make a whole takes the whole Bible to make a whole takes the whole Bible to make a whole disciple. disciple. disciple. Every jot and tit of the law, Jesus Every jot and tit of the law, Jesus Every jot and tit of the law, Jesus said, would not pass away before his said, would not pass away before his said, would not pass away before his words came. Okay, so check this out. words came. Okay, so check this out. words came. Okay, so check this out. What that means, all we need all What that means, all we need all What that means, all we need all scripture, including passages like this. scripture, including passages like this. scripture, including passages like this. There's way more here than you think.

There's way more here than you think. There's way more here than you think. Now, check this out. There's a defined Now, check this out. There's a defined Now, check this out. There's a defined structure to the Apostle Paul's structure to the Apostle Paul's structure to the Apostle Paul's relationships. I I want you to see this. relationships. I I want you to see this. relationships. I I want you to see this. So, there's three guys that Paul treats So, there's three guys that Paul treats So, there's three guys that Paul treats differently than other guys. Watch. differently than other guys. Watch. differently than other guys. Watch. Okay, first one is up here. He says, "Do Okay, first one is up here. He says, "Do Okay, first one is up here. He says, "Do your best." Who's you? He's writing to your best." Who's you? He's writing to your best." Who's you? He's writing to He's writing to Timothy. So, Timothy, He's writing to Timothy. So, Timothy, He's writing to Timothy. So, Timothy, the you is Timothy. There's one. Now, the you is Timothy. There's one. Now, the you is Timothy. There's one. Now, number two, go to the next one. He says, number two, go to the next one. He says, number two, go to the next one. He says, "Luke is with me." That's Dr. Luke wrote "Luke is with me." That's Dr. Luke wrote "Luke is with me." That's Dr. Luke wrote Acts and the Gospel of Luke. So, Luke is Acts and the Gospel of Luke. So, Luke is Acts and the Gospel of Luke. So, Luke is with me. And then number three, watch with me. And then number three, watch with me. And then number three, watch this. Get Mark and bring him with you. this. Get Mark and bring him with you. this. Get Mark and bring him with you. Now, what's really cool, I don't got Now, what's really cool, I don't got Now, what's really cool, I don't got time to go into this in Acts. I love time to go into this in Acts. I love time to go into this in Acts. I love this so much. Think about this. Paul's this so much. Think about this. Paul's this so much. Think about this. Paul's dying words in the book of Acts. dying words in the book of Acts. dying words in the book of Acts. Actually, I'm not going to do it. Yeah. Actually, I'm not going to do it. Yeah. Actually, I'm not going to do it. Yeah. Okay. I got to do it. I already teased. Okay. I got to do it. I already teased. Okay. I got to do it. I already teased. Okay, in the book of Acts, Paul goes on Okay, in the book of Acts, Paul goes on Okay, in the book of Acts, Paul goes on his first missionary journey and him and his first missionary journey and him and his first missionary journey and him and his dude named Mark, they have a falling his dude named Mark, they have a falling his dude named Mark, they have a falling out, a relational falling out because out, a relational falling out because out, a relational falling out because Mark flakes. Mark's a younger guy, a Mark flakes. Mark's a younger guy, a Mark flakes. Mark's a younger guy, a little timid. Body was willing, spirit little timid. Body was willing, spirit little timid. Body was willing, spirit was weak. That kind of thing. Spirit was was weak. That kind of thing. Spirit was was weak. That kind of thing. Spirit was willing, body was weak. Mark flaked and willing, body was weak. Mark flaked and willing, body was weak. Mark flaked and he left Paul on the missionary journey.

he left Paul on the missionary journey. he left Paul on the missionary journey. I love this so much. Paul did not let I love this so much. Paul did not let I love this so much. Paul did not let his relationship with Mark be defined by his relationship with Mark be defined by his relationship with Mark be defined by Mark's failure. He let the grace of the Mark's failure. He let the grace of the Mark's failure. He let the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ come back in, redeem Lord Jesus Christ come back in, redeem Lord Jesus Christ come back in, redeem what the enemy had wrecked. And one of what the enemy had wrecked. And one of what the enemy had wrecked. And one of the last things the Apostle Paul tells the last things the Apostle Paul tells the last things the Apostle Paul tells Mark before he dies is, "Get that guy Mark before he dies is, "Get that guy Mark before he dies is, "Get that guy and bring him back. He is very useful to and bring him back. He is very useful to and bring him back. He is very useful to me." Can I Can I just tell you me." Can I Can I just tell you me." Can I Can I just tell you something? Some of you have had something? Some of you have had something? Some of you have had relationships and betrayals fall on your relationships and betrayals fall on your relationships and betrayals fall on your life. Can I tell you something? God can life. Can I tell you something? God can life. Can I tell you something? God can redeem what the enemy has wrecked. He redeem what the enemy has wrecked. He redeem what the enemy has wrecked. He does this with Mark right here. In fact, does this with Mark right here. In fact, does this with Mark right here. In fact, Mark is one of these three dudes. Mark is one of these three dudes. Mark is one of these three dudes. There's only three guys in this passage. There's only three guys in this passage. There's only three guys in this passage. When Paul's in prison, he's like, "Man, When Paul's in prison, he's like, "Man, When Paul's in prison, he's like, "Man, I need these three guys." Now, watch I need these three guys." Now, watch I need these three guys." Now, watch this. If you're drawing the diagram, this. If you're drawing the diagram, this. If you're drawing the diagram, draw this. His inner circle is I'm going draw this. His inner circle is I'm going draw this. His inner circle is I'm going to call it his circle of intimacy. to call it his circle of intimacy. to call it his circle of intimacy. Intimacy means into me see. When Paul is Intimacy means into me see. When Paul is Intimacy means into me see. When Paul is in a weak moment, he's like, "I need in a weak moment, he's like, "I need in a weak moment, he's like, "I need those three guys. Come strengthen me." those three guys. Come strengthen me." those three guys. Come strengthen me." But watch, there's a whole next group. But watch, there's a whole next group. But watch, there's a whole next group. You're going to see 13 names that he You're going to see 13 names that he You're going to see 13 names that he treats differently than the three. Check treats differently than the three. Check treats differently than the three. Check this out. Go back to it. So, the next uh this out. Go back to it. So, the next uh this out. Go back to it. So, the next uh go to the Here it is. Here goes. I'm go to the Here it is. Here goes. I'm go to the Here it is. Here goes. I'm just going to read them real quick.

just going to read them real quick. just going to read them real quick. Cresins has gone to Galatia. Titus to Cresins has gone to Galatia. Titus to Cresins has gone to Galatia. Titus to Dalmatia who's picking up 12 dogs. T or Dalmatia who's picking up 12 dogs. T or Dalmatia who's picking up 12 dogs. T or 101 dogs. 101 dogs. Ticus. Okay, just 101 dogs. 101 dogs. Ticus. Okay, just 101 dogs. 101 dogs. Ticus. Okay, just keep going. Just do them real fast. keep going. Just do them real fast. keep going. Just do them real fast. Carpass. He's going over here. Carpass. He's going over here. Carpass. He's going over here. Priscilla. We got Aquilla. Our buddy Priscilla. We got Aquilla. Our buddy Priscilla. We got Aquilla. Our buddy Oniferus makes another appearance. Aras. Oniferus makes another appearance. Aras. Oniferus makes another appearance. Aras. We got over here Tropheus. Well, I want We got over here Tropheus. Well, I want We got over here Tropheus. Well, I want to get out of the way. Oh, there it is. to get out of the way. Oh, there it is. to get out of the way. Oh, there it is. Ubulus. And then we got this over here. Ubulus. And then we got this over here. Ubulus. And then we got this over here. I just I I just want to say, man, I just I I just want to say, man, I just I I just want to say, man, Putin's is here. I'm waiting for Putin's is here. I'm waiting for Putin's is here. I'm waiting for somebody to go baby name Putin. We need somebody to go baby name Putin. We need somebody to go baby name Putin. We need another sounds like a rural Kentucky another sounds like a rural Kentucky another sounds like a rural Kentucky name that I grew up with. Lionus, name that I grew up with. Lionus, name that I grew up with. Lionus, Claudia, all these things. Okay, now Claudia, all these things. Okay, now Claudia, all these things. Okay, now check this out. So now there's 13. check this out. So now there's 13. check this out. So now there's 13. They're not in the circle of intimacy, They're not in the circle of intimacy, They're not in the circle of intimacy, but watch this. Paul has still he has but watch this. Paul has still he has but watch this. Paul has still he has influence on their lives and they have influence on their lives and they have influence on their lives and they have influence on Paul's life. Check this influence on Paul's life. Check this influence on Paul's life. Check this out. There's this second group of out. There's this second group of out. There's this second group of relationships. It's a circle of relationships. It's a circle of relationships. It's a circle of influence. Paul knows these people influence. Paul knows these people influence. Paul knows these people shouldertosh shoulder. They're up in shouldertosh shoulder. They're up in shouldertosh shoulder. They're up in each other's lives, but it's not as each other's lives, but it's not as each other's lives, but it's not as tight as a circle of intimacy. Now, tight as a circle of intimacy. Now, tight as a circle of intimacy. Now, watch this third circle Paul just watch this third circle Paul just watch this third circle Paul just mentions at the very end. He says, "And mentions at the very end. He says, "And mentions at the very end. He says, "And all the brothers and sisters, these are all the brothers and sisters, these are all the brothers and sisters, these are the people at the church, the people the people at the church, the people the people at the church, the people Paul ministers to." Now, go back to Paul ministers to." Now, go back to Paul ministers to." Now, go back to this. So, what you get when you see the this. So, what you get when you see the this. So, what you get when you see the Apostle Paul's relationships, here's how Apostle Paul's relationships, here's how Apostle Paul's relationships, here's how a disciple of Jesus Christ structures a disciple of Jesus Christ structures a disciple of Jesus Christ structures their relationships. Okay? He's got like their relationships. Okay? He's got like their relationships. Okay? He's got like three people in here. He's got 13, 12, three people in here. He's got 13, 12, three people in here. He's got 13, 12, 13 people in here. This is the entire 13 people in here. This is the entire 13 people in here. This is the entire church. could be hundreds of people.

church. could be hundreds of people. church. could be hundreds of people. Now, this is my point. This is how where Now, this is my point. This is how where Now, this is my point. This is how where did Paul get this? He got this from did Paul get this? He got this from did Paul get this? He got this from Jesus. Some of you need to hear. You Jesus. Some of you need to hear. You Jesus. Some of you need to hear. You need a freedom that I'm about to give need a freedom that I'm about to give need a freedom that I'm about to give you from the ministry of Jesus. Jesus you from the ministry of Jesus. Jesus you from the ministry of Jesus. Jesus loved everybody. Watch. Jesus loved loved everybody. Watch. Jesus loved loved everybody. Watch. Jesus loved everybody. He fed 5,000. He trained 120. everybody. He fed 5,000. He trained 120. everybody. He fed 5,000. He trained 120. He discipled 12. He mentored three. He discipled 12. He mentored three. He discipled 12. He mentored three. Check this out. Check this out. Jesus Check this out. Check this out. Jesus Check this out. Check this out. Jesus was friendly towards all, but he was was friendly towards all, but he was was friendly towards all, but he was only friends with a few. only friends with a few. only friends with a few. Listen, some of some of you really need Listen, some of some of you really need Listen, some of some of you really need to hear this. I point this out to you to hear this. I point this out to you to hear this. I point this out to you because some of you need to see from the because some of you need to see from the because some of you need to see from the life of Jesus. This is permission to life of Jesus. This is permission to life of Jesus. This is permission to create relational boundaries with create relational boundaries with create relational boundaries with people. Jesus did not share all of his people. Jesus did not share all of his people. Jesus did not share all of his intimacy and vulnerability with intimacy and vulnerability with intimacy and vulnerability with everyone. He only invited three people everyone. He only invited three people everyone. He only invited three people into the garden of Gethsemane where into the garden of Gethsemane where into the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus allowed himself to fall apart and Jesus allowed himself to fall apart and Jesus allowed himself to fall apart and weep and see his vulnerability. Some of weep and see his vulnerability. Some of weep and see his vulnerability. Some of you need to hear this right now. You you need to hear this right now. You you need to hear this right now. You think that you're being nice by treating think that you're being nice by treating think that you're being nice by treating everybody the same? That is not being everybody the same? That is not being everybody the same? That is not being nice. That's being naive. nice. That's being naive. nice. That's being naive. We do not treat everybody the same. We We do not treat everybody the same. We We do not treat everybody the same. We treat people according to their treat people according to their treat people according to their character.

character. character. And there are people, and this is And there are people, and this is And there are people, and this is happening to some of you right now, happening to some of you right now, happening to some of you right now, there are people who if you show them there are people who if you show them there are people who if you show them your weakness, they will betray you. your weakness, they will betray you. your weakness, they will betray you. They will use it against you and they They will use it against you and they They will use it against you and they will treat you differently from that will treat you differently from that will treat you differently from that point on. Okay? So, this is what is point on. Okay? So, this is what is point on. Okay? So, this is what is happening in in Paul's life. He's happening in in Paul's life. He's happening in in Paul's life. He's structuring his relationships like this. structuring his relationships like this. structuring his relationships like this. Okay? Now, let me just give a little Okay? Now, let me just give a little Okay? Now, let me just give a little flavor to this because I need you as flavor to this because I need you as flavor to this because I need you as disciples to move towards this. Okay, disciples to move towards this. Okay, disciples to move towards this. Okay, the circle, go back to the diagram. the circle, go back to the diagram. the circle, go back to the diagram. The circle of intimacy. So, here's who The circle of intimacy. So, here's who The circle of intimacy. So, here's who this is. This is like your squad. This this is. This is like your squad. This this is. This is like your squad. This is your crew. These are your ride or is your crew. These are your ride or is your crew. These are your ride or die. It's like these are the three die. It's like these are the three die. It's like these are the three people in your life that when you walk people in your life that when you walk people in your life that when you walk into a room, it's like the camera goes into a room, it's like the camera goes into a room, it's like the camera goes into slow motion. There's entry music. into slow motion. There's entry music. into slow motion. There's entry music. Okay, this is, you know, if you you got Okay, this is, you know, if you you got Okay, this is, you know, if you you got a generation up on this is like Star and a generation up on this is like Star and a generation up on this is like Star and Hutch. This is Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Hutch. This is Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Hutch. This is Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Kevin Hart the right. This is Snoop Dogg Kevin Hart the right. This is Snoop Dogg Kevin Hart the right. This is Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. Okay, so this is and Martha Stewart. Okay, so this is and Martha Stewart. Okay, so this is it's like tight type. This is who you it's like tight type. This is who you it's like tight type. This is who you got right here. These are you type. got right here. These are you type. got right here. These are you type. And then this is your circle of And then this is your circle of And then this is your circle of influence. These are people that you influence. These are people that you influence. These are people that you influence and they influence you, influence and they influence you, influence and they influence you, [clears throat] but they're not in this [clears throat] but they're not in this [clears throat] but they're not in this tight circle where they're like seeing tight circle where they're like seeing tight circle where they're like seeing everything about your life. And then out everything about your life. And then out everything about your life. And then out here, check this out. So in the No, keep here, check this out. So in the No, keep here, check this out. So in the No, keep keep on the diagram. So in the second keep on the diagram. So in the second keep on the diagram. So in the second come Yep. In the second circle, these come Yep. In the second circle, these come Yep. In the second circle, these are people that influence you, you are people that influence you, you are people that influence you, you influence, but it's not as intimate.

influence, but it's not as intimate. influence, but it's not as intimate. These are people on the outside that you These are people on the outside that you These are people on the outside that you minister to, but they do not influence minister to, but they do not influence minister to, but they do not influence you. Now, here here's what I'm I'm you. Now, here here's what I'm I'm you. Now, here here's what I'm I'm driving at. This inner circle right driving at. This inner circle right driving at. This inner circle right here, this right here, that's your band here, this right here, that's your band here, this right here, that's your band of brothers. Let me give you analogy. My of brothers. Let me give you analogy. My of brothers. Let me give you analogy. My buddy Joby Martin, this is a little buddy Joby Martin, this is a little buddy Joby Martin, this is a little language he uses. I like it so much. In language he uses. I like it so much. In language he uses. I like it so much. In Luke chapter 5, there's a paralytic man Luke chapter 5, there's a paralytic man Luke chapter 5, there's a paralytic man who can't walk. He's got four friends who can't walk. He's got four friends who can't walk. He's got four friends who put him on a mat. They carry him who put him on a mat. They carry him who put him on a mat. They carry him miles. They break open the roof of a miles. They break open the roof of a miles. They break open the roof of a house and they lower their buddy to house and they lower their buddy to house and they lower their buddy to Jesus. And the Bible says, watch this. Jesus. And the Bible says, watch this. Jesus. And the Bible says, watch this. It says Jesus seeing their faith, not It says Jesus seeing their faith, not It says Jesus seeing their faith, not his faith. Their faith looks at the guy his faith. Their faith looks at the guy his faith. Their faith looks at the guy seeing the faith of the friends and go, seeing the faith of the friends and go, seeing the faith of the friends and go, "Your faith has made you well." Now "Your faith has made you well." Now "Your faith has made you well." Now watch. Here's what here's what you need. watch. Here's what here's what you need. watch. Here's what here's what you need. You need four people in your life. And You need four people in your life. And You need four people in your life. And here's your homework. You need four here's your homework. You need four here's your homework. You need four people in your life whose names you can people in your life whose names you can people in your life whose names you can write down that they're Matt carriers in write down that they're Matt carriers in write down that they're Matt carriers in your life. when you're wounded or when your life. when you're wounded or when your life. when you're wounded or when you're moving the wrong direction. You you're moving the wrong direction. You you're moving the wrong direction. You need four dudes or ladies. You need four need four dudes or ladies. You need four need four dudes or ladies. You need four ladies and they need to be of the same ladies and they need to be of the same ladies and they need to be of the same gender as you. You need four people who gender as you. You need four people who gender as you. You need four people who they can pick you up, put you on a mat, they can pick you up, put you on a mat, they can pick you up, put you on a mat, and carry you to Jesus when you're going and carry you to Jesus when you're going and carry you to Jesus when you're going the other way. Here's here's what they the other way. Here's here's what they the other way. Here's here's what they need to look like in your life. Those need to look like in your life. Those need to look like in your life. Those relationships need to look like they got relationships need to look like they got relationships need to look like they got I it's called refrigerator rights.

I it's called refrigerator rights. I it's called refrigerator rights. Refrigerator rights. These are the Refrigerator rights. These are the Refrigerator rights. These are the people who are so tight with you. It's people who are so tight with you. It's people who are so tight with you. It's like they just walk up in your house and like they just walk up in your house and like they just walk up in your house and they know where the K Cups are and the, they know where the K Cups are and the, they know where the K Cups are and the, you know, the good candy is and they you know, the good candy is and they you know, the good candy is and they know all that stuff. This is Kramer just know all that stuff. This is Kramer just know all that stuff. This is Kramer just walking in. Okay, if you don't know who walking in. Okay, if you don't know who walking in. Okay, if you don't know who Kramer is, he was an evangelist in the Kramer is, he was an evangelist in the Kramer is, he was an evangelist in the '90s. Okay, so this all this stuff. '90s. Okay, so this all this stuff. '90s. Okay, so this all this stuff. That's also a Joby Martin joke. That's a That's also a Joby Martin joke. That's a That's also a Joby Martin joke. That's a hilarious joke. You need these people. hilarious joke. You need these people. hilarious joke. You need these people. But watch your Mac carriers needed But watch your Mac carriers needed But watch your Mac carriers needed people. Watch. They just they don't just people. Watch. They just they don't just people. Watch. They just they don't just have the rights to your fridge. They have the rights to your fridge. They have the rights to your fridge. They have the rights to your soul. You have have the rights to your soul. You have have the rights to your soul. You have deputized three to four people in your deputized three to four people in your deputized three to four people in your life where you just say, "Hey man, if life where you just say, "Hey man, if life where you just say, "Hey man, if you see me off, if you see me moving in you see me off, if you see me moving in you see me off, if you see me moving in the in the wrong direction, I've put a the in the wrong direction, I've put a the in the wrong direction, I've put a badge on your chest and given you badge on your chest and given you badge on your chest and given you permission to call a foul and bring me permission to call a foul and bring me permission to call a foul and bring me back." These are mat carriers. Here's back." These are mat carriers. Here's back." These are mat carriers. Here's your homework. If you can't think of your homework. If you can't think of your homework. If you can't think of four names, men or women, four names four names, men or women, four names four names, men or women, four names that you can write on a sheet of paper that you can write on a sheet of paper that you can write on a sheet of paper who relationships like that in your life who relationships like that in your life who relationships like that in your life with them, that's your homework this with them, that's your homework this with them, that's your homework this week is you need to this week get four week is you need to this week get four week is you need to this week get four names on a sheet of paper and be like, names on a sheet of paper and be like, names on a sheet of paper and be like, "That's what it looks like." Now, you "That's what it looks like." Now, you "That's what it looks like." Now, you better whenever you figure out who those better whenever you figure out who those better whenever you figure out who those people are, check this out. Let me go a people are, check this out. Let me go a people are, check this out. Let me go a layer deeper. You better make sure that layer deeper. You better make sure that layer deeper. You better make sure that the people who carry you carry your mat the people who carry you carry your mat the people who carry you carry your mat are carrying you in the right direction.

are carrying you in the right direction. are carrying you in the right direction. Here's why I say this. Let me give you a Here's why I say this. Let me give you a Here's why I say this. Let me give you a Bible verse. This is the book of Bible verse. This is the book of Bible verse. This is the book of Proverbs. Whoever walks with the wise Proverbs. Whoever walks with the wise Proverbs. Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools becomes wise, but the companion of fools becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Let me say this will suffer harm. Let me say this will suffer harm. Let me say this another way. The decision in your life another way. The decision in your life another way. The decision in your life about the type of disciple that you will about the type of disciple that you will about the type of disciple that you will become is most determined by your become is most determined by your become is most determined by your decision about how who you put in that decision about how who you put in that decision about how who you put in that inner circle of influence in your life. inner circle of influence in your life. inner circle of influence in your life. Okay. Now, what I need need to do right Okay. Now, what I need need to do right Okay. Now, what I need need to do right here, my job is to disciple you. So, let here, my job is to disciple you. So, let here, my job is to disciple you. So, let me just say something that's got like me just say something that's got like me just say something that's got like it's got a bit of an edge to it. It's it's got a bit of an edge to it. It's it's got a bit of an edge to it. It's very straightforward. And when I say it, very straightforward. And when I say it, very straightforward. And when I say it, it's gonna it's going to hit some spots it's gonna it's going to hit some spots it's gonna it's going to hit some spots in your in some of your lives, but just in your in some of your lives, but just in your in some of your lives, but just go with me. Let me just say something in go with me. Let me just say something in go with me. Let me just say something in a very straightforward way. God wants a very straightforward way. God wants a very straightforward way. God wants your closest relationships to be with your closest relationships to be with your closest relationships to be with other and I want you to say this word other and I want you to say this word other and I want you to say this word out loud. With other what? Other out loud. With other what? Other out loud. With other what? Other >> committed Christians. >> committed Christians. >> committed Christians. God wants the closest relationships in God wants the closest relationships in God wants the closest relationships in your life to be with other committed your life to be with other committed your life to be with other committed Christians. The younger you are, the Christians. The younger you are, the Christians. The younger you are, the faster I need you to get this. Check faster I need you to get this. Check faster I need you to get this. Check this out. I said committed Christians.

this out. I said committed Christians. this out. I said committed Christians. So, not like, well, you know, I love So, not like, well, you know, I love So, not like, well, you know, I love Jesus, but not the church. No, no. Jesus, but not the church. No, no. Jesus, but not the church. No, no. Committed Christians. Committed Christians. Committed Christians. Not like, uh, well, you know, like she Not like, uh, well, you know, like she Not like, uh, well, you know, like she drinks and cusss a lot and she sleeps drinks and cusss a lot and she sleeps drinks and cusss a lot and she sleeps around, but she wears a cross necklace. around, but she wears a cross necklace. around, but she wears a cross necklace. No, no, no. Committed Christians. No, no, no. Committed Christians. No, no, no. Committed Christians. Not like, oh, well, they're a Christian, Not like, oh, well, they're a Christian, Not like, oh, well, they're a Christian, but they root for the Philadelphia but they root for the Philadelphia but they root for the Philadelphia Eagles. No, no. committed good solid. Eagles. No, no. committed good solid. Eagles. No, no. committed good solid. That's how I got to get that in there. That's how I got to get that in there. That's how I got to get that in there. Okay? Got to get that in there. Okay? Got to get that in there. Okay? Got to get that in there. Committed Christians. Let me just say Committed Christians. Let me just say Committed Christians. Let me just say this is not a dating sermon. Let me just this is not a dating sermon. Let me just this is not a dating sermon. Let me just get up in this. I'm going to do this get up in this. I'm going to do this get up in this. I'm going to do this verse here in a second. This very, very, verse here in a second. This very, very, verse here in a second. This very, very, very, very much applies to who you're very, very much applies to who you're very, very much applies to who you're dating. Very much. So, listen. Not let dating. Very much. So, listen. Not let dating. Very much. So, listen. Not let me do one more. Committed Christians, me do one more. Committed Christians, me do one more. Committed Christians, not evangelating. not evangelating. not evangelating. We're not evangelating. Not like, oh We're not evangelating. Not like, oh We're not evangelating. Not like, oh man, he's not on team Jesus yet, but man, he's not on team Jesus yet, but man, he's not on team Jesus yet, but he's got a lot of potential. No, no, no. he's got a lot of potential. No, no, no. he's got a lot of potential. No, no, no. Can I just tell you something? You are Can I just tell you something? You are Can I just tell you something? You are not going to influence him for not going to influence him for not going to influence him for righteousness. He is going to influence righteousness. He is going to influence righteousness. He is going to influence you for darkness. I know that because you for darkness. I know that because you for darkness. I know that because the Bible says this. It says, "Do not be the Bible says this. It says, "Do not be the Bible says this. It says, "Do not be deceived. Bad company corrupts good deceived. Bad company corrupts good deceived. Bad company corrupts good character." Notice the Bible does not character." Notice the Bible does not character." Notice the Bible does not say that uh righteous character redeems say that uh righteous character redeems say that uh righteous character redeems bad character. It says what more bad character. It says what more bad character. It says what more frequently happens is that do not be frequently happens is that do not be frequently happens is that do not be deceived, bad company corrupts good deceived, bad company corrupts good deceived, bad company corrupts good character. You say, "Oh, but he's so character. You say, "Oh, but he's so character. You say, "Oh, but he's so hot."

hot." hot." So is hell. You got to make the So is hell. You got to make the So is hell. You got to make the decision. You got to figure this out. decision. You got to figure this out. decision. You got to figure this out. God. So here here we go. So other God. So here here we go. So other God. So here here we go. So other committed Christians, watch this. Here committed Christians, watch this. Here committed Christians, watch this. Here here's what the Bible says. It just says here's what the Bible says. It just says here's what the Bible says. It just says this. This is a very straightforward this. This is a very straightforward this. This is a very straightforward command. Do not be watch. What's that command. Do not be watch. What's that command. Do not be watch. What's that say? Do not be Say it. You say it. Do say? Do not be Say it. You say it. Do say? Do not be Say it. You say it. Do not be not be not be >> yolked together with unbelievers. For >> yolked together with unbelievers. For >> yolked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness what do righteousness and wickedness what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can have in common? Or what fellowship can have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? Now I want a light have with darkness? Now I want a light have with darkness? Now I want a lot of people don't know. They hear, you lot of people don't know. They hear, you lot of people don't know. They hear, you know, it's like most a lot of you guys know, it's like most a lot of you guys know, it's like most a lot of you guys never been in church before. So you hear never been in church before. So you hear never been in church before. So you hear yolked and you're like, "Yo, you know, yolked and you're like, "Yo, you know, yolked and you're like, "Yo, you know, is that what you mean?" No, no, that's is that what you mean?" No, no, that's is that what you mean?" No, no, that's not what we're talking about. This is not what we're talking about. This is not what we're talking about. This is like a This is like an agrarian farming like a This is like an agrarian farming like a This is like an agrarian farming analogy. So, I'm actually I don't I analogy. So, I'm actually I don't I analogy. So, I'm actually I don't I don't like doing visual illustrations don't like doing visual illustrations don't like doing visual illustrations ever. So, it's not I'm not it's not not ever. So, it's not I'm not it's not not ever. So, it's not I'm not it's not not my thing, but sometimes it's really my thing, but sometimes it's really my thing, but sometimes it's really helpful. So, Jordan, will you come up helpful. So, Jordan, will you come up helpful. So, Jordan, will you come up here? Everybody welcome Jordan Lloyd up here? Everybody welcome Jordan Lloyd up here? Everybody welcome Jordan Lloyd up the stage real quick. Come on. Come on, the stage real quick. Come on. Come on, the stage real quick. Come on. Come on, man. Team Jordan. Okay, let me do this man. Team Jordan. Okay, let me do this man. Team Jordan. Okay, let me do this real quick. You stand over there. So, real quick. You stand over there. So, real quick. You stand over there. So, here's what this is. Here's all a yoke here's what this is. Here's all a yoke here's what this is. Here's all a yoke right there. Stand right there. He He right there. Stand right there. He He right there. Stand right there. He He didn't know. Just He's You're going to didn't know. Just He's You're going to didn't know. Just He's You're going to do a great job. Okay. So here's all a do a great job. Okay. So here's all a do a great job. Okay. So here's all a yoke is a yoke was a wooden beam yoke is a yoke was a wooden beam yoke is a yoke was a wooden beam structure they would put on two oxen to structure they would put on two oxen to structure they would put on two oxen to put the oxen together so that they could put the oxen together so that they could put the oxen together so that they could plow a field together because when two plow a field together because when two plow a field together because when two are plow watch this are plowing at the are plow watch this are plowing at the are plow watch this are plowing at the same time in a field in the same same time in a field in the same same time in a field in the same direction. There's an exponential it's direction. There's an exponential it's direction. There's an exponential it's an exponential thing that comes so it's an exponential thing that comes so it's an exponential thing that comes so it's not just the strength of two it's like not just the strength of two it's like not just the strength of two it's like the strength of five. So what this is the strength of five. So what this is the strength of five. So what this is saying is when it says do not be yolked saying is when it says do not be yolked saying is when it says do not be yolked together with somebody who's not together with somebody who's not together with somebody who's not following Christ in the same way as you.

following Christ in the same way as you. following Christ in the same way as you. It's saying man don't put a relational It's saying man don't put a relational It's saying man don't put a relational connection point on your life with connection point on your life with connection point on your life with somebody who's not moving in the same somebody who's not moving in the same somebody who's not moving in the same direction. And watch this at the same direction. And watch this at the same direction. And watch this at the same speed as you. Now watch here's what speed as you. Now watch here's what speed as you. Now watch here's what happens. So me and Jordan, we're going happens. So me and Jordan, we're going happens. So me and Jordan, we're going to get yolked, okay? With not don't even to get yolked, okay? With not don't even to get yolked, okay? With not don't even got to lift. We're move that way. Go got to lift. We're move that way. Go got to lift. We're move that way. Go that way. Now watch. Notice that way. Now watch. Notice that way. Now watch. Notice it is impossible for us to move in it is impossible for us to move in it is impossible for us to move in different directions. So what this different directions. So what this different directions. So what this passage said, Jordan, I'm going to ask passage said, Jordan, I'm going to ask passage said, Jordan, I'm going to ask you to move walk that way in just a you to move walk that way in just a you to move walk that way in just a second. Don't do it. Don't do it. Okay. second. Don't do it. Don't do it. Okay. second. Don't do it. Don't do it. Okay. What this passage said is it said, "What What this passage said is it said, "What What this passage said is it said, "What fellowship can light have with fellowship can light have with fellowship can light have with darkness?" And one translation says, darkness?" And one translation says, darkness?" And one translation says, "What fellowship can Christ have with "What fellowship can Christ have with "What fellowship can Christ have with bile?" bile?" bile?" So what this means, listen, where some So what this means, listen, where some So what this means, listen, where some of you are, here's where you're at. Some of you are, here's where you're at. Some of you are, here's where you're at. Some of you where you're at is you've been of you where you're at is you've been of you where you're at is you've been saved by Christ. You've been given a new saved by Christ. You've been given a new saved by Christ. You've been given a new life. You've been given a new identity. life. You've been given a new identity. life. You've been given a new identity. You've been given a new future. But You've been given a new future. But You've been given a new future. But watch this. All these new things, but watch this. All these new things, but watch this. All these new things, but you still have your old relationships. you still have your old relationships. you still have your old relationships. Here's what your life looks like. Here's what your life looks like. Here's what your life looks like. Jordan, try to walk that way. Go that Jordan, try to walk that way. Go that Jordan, try to walk that way. Go that way. And now I'm going to walk this way. way. And now I'm going to walk this way. way. And now I'm going to walk this way. It's not going to work. It's not going to work. It's not going to work. Something has to give. So, you've got to Something has to give. So, you've got to Something has to give. So, you've got to be relation. It's saying relationally be relation. It's saying relationally be relation. It's saying relationally yolked with other disciples of Jesus yolked with other disciples of Jesus yolked with other disciples of Jesus Christ who are committed to his cause, Christ who are committed to his cause, Christ who are committed to his cause, moving in the same direction. Now, watch moving in the same direction. Now, watch moving in the same direction. Now, watch this. If we start trying to move this. If we start trying to move this. If we start trying to move together, let's go.

together, let's go. together, let's go. It has to be coordinated. Now watch. The It has to be coordinated. Now watch. The It has to be coordinated. Now watch. The problem is if he gets distracted, get problem is if he gets distracted, get problem is if he gets distracted, get distracted and walk somewhere. Get distracted and walk somewhere. Get distracted and walk somewhere. Get distracted. Okay. Uhuh. Uhuh. If that's distracted. Okay. Uhuh. Uhuh. If that's distracted. Okay. Uhuh. Uhuh. If that's it. If he gets distracted, that's going it. If he gets distracted, that's going it. If he gets distracted, that's going to make me get distracted. I got to move to make me get distracted. I got to move to make me get distracted. I got to move in that direction. If I get distracted, in that direction. If I get distracted, in that direction. If I get distracted, start wandering off. Sorry, Jordan. I'm start wandering off. Sorry, Jordan. I'm start wandering off. Sorry, Jordan. I'm going to pull him the wrong direction. going to pull him the wrong direction. going to pull him the wrong direction. But we're going to go ahead and turn But we're going to go ahead and turn But we're going to go ahead and turn around. We got a little dance we got around. We got a little dance we got around. We got a little dance we got going on. Okay. Watch this. You stay going on. Okay. Watch this. You stay going on. Okay. Watch this. You stay behind me right here just a little bit behind me right here just a little bit behind me right here just a little bit for the camera. I want them to see it. for the camera. I want them to see it. for the camera. I want them to see it. Now, here's what'll happen. Here's Now, here's what'll happen. Here's Now, here's what'll happen. Here's what's happening to a lot of you right what's happening to a lot of you right what's happening to a lot of you right now. Here's what's happening. You got to now. Here's what's happening. You got to now. Here's what's happening. You got to be careful who you get relationally be careful who you get relationally be careful who you get relationally yolked to because watch, here's what's yolked to because watch, here's what's yolked to because watch, here's what's going to happen. Some of you, here's going to happen. Some of you, here's going to happen. Some of you, here's what happens. You've got somebody in what happens. You've got somebody in what happens. You've got somebody in your life who when you started the your life who when you started the your life who when you started the relationship, they were like moving relationship, they were like moving relationship, they were like moving towards Jesus, team Jesus, disciples. towards Jesus, team Jesus, disciples. towards Jesus, team Jesus, disciples. But watch, as long as you were moving, But watch, as long as you were moving, But watch, as long as you were moving, you're good. As long as you were moving you're good. As long as you were moving you're good. As long as you were moving at the same time in the same direction, at the same time in the same direction, at the same time in the same direction, it was good. But then what happened to it was good. But then what happened to it was good. But then what happened to you is somewhere along the way, they you is somewhere along the way, they you is somewhere along the way, they stopped. They stopped pursuing Christ stopped. They stopped pursuing Christ stopped. They stopped pursuing Christ and you kept trying to pursue Christ. and you kept trying to pursue Christ. and you kept trying to pursue Christ. And now here, watch, here's what And now here, watch, here's what And now here, watch, here's what happens. They stopped, but you kept happens. They stopped, but you kept happens. They stopped, but you kept trying to pursue him. And now, here's trying to pursue him. And now, here's trying to pursue him. And now, here's what's going on in your life. This is what's going on in your life. This is what's going on in your life. This is like a visual representation of what's like a visual representation of what's like a visual representation of what's happening to you right now. Now, what's happening to you right now. Now, what's happening to you right now. Now, what's happening is, watch, you're praying.

happening is, watch, you're praying. happening is, watch, you're praying. You're attending church. You're reading You're attending church. You're reading You're attending church. You're reading your Bible. You're studying Second your Bible. You're studying Second your Bible. You're studying Second Timothy. You're doing all the things. Timothy. You're doing all the things. Timothy. You're doing all the things. And there's this weird thing happening And there's this weird thing happening And there's this weird thing happening where you're noticing, man, I'm moving where you're noticing, man, I'm moving where you're noticing, man, I'm moving around a lot, but I'm not moving around a lot, but I'm not moving around a lot, but I'm not moving forward. And the reason is you're yolked forward. And the reason is you're yolked forward. And the reason is you're yolked to somebody who you're trying to move to somebody who you're trying to move to somebody who you're trying to move towards Jesus and they're not anymore. towards Jesus and they're not anymore. towards Jesus and they're not anymore. And now you're caught in a cycle and And now you're caught in a cycle and And now you're caught in a cycle and you're moving around a lot but you're you're moving around a lot but you're you're moving around a lot but you're not moving forward. Okay? And listen, not moving forward. Okay? And listen, not moving forward. Okay? And listen, can I just say something to you? Listen, can I just say something to you? Listen, can I just say something to you? Listen, for some of you, there's like nothing's for some of you, there's like nothing's for some of you, there's like nothing's even wrong with you. You're not even even wrong with you. You're not even even wrong with you. You're not even doing anything wrong. You're doing all doing anything wrong. You're doing all doing anything wrong. You're doing all the right things, but as you're doing the right things, but as you're doing the right things, but as you're doing them, you're moving around, but not them, you're moving around, but not them, you're moving around, but not forward. Why? Because you're unequally forward. Why? Because you're unequally forward. Why? Because you're unequally yolked to somebody who stopped pursuing yolked to somebody who stopped pursuing yolked to somebody who stopped pursuing him. And can I say something to you? him. And can I say something to you? him. And can I say something to you? Here's where a lot of you are. The Here's where a lot of you are. The Here's where a lot of you are. The biggest decision and the hardest biggest decision and the hardest biggest decision and the hardest decision that you will ever make after decision that you will ever make after decision that you will ever make after being converted to Christ is converting being converted to Christ is converting being converted to Christ is converting the relationships in your life. And the relationships in your life. And the relationships in your life. And watch this. Some of you, you've got to watch this. Some of you, you've got to watch this. Some of you, you've got to make a hard decision to unyoke from make a hard decision to unyoke from make a hard decision to unyoke from someone so that you can be free to someone so that you can be free to someone so that you can be free to follow Jesus Christ with your whole follow Jesus Christ with your whole follow Jesus Christ with your whole heart. Does that make sense? Okay, this heart. Does that make sense? Okay, this heart. Does that make sense? Okay, this is what this is saying right here. Do is what this is saying right here. Do is what this is saying right here. Do not be unequally yolked to these things.

not be unequally yolked to these things. not be unequally yolked to these things. Okay, now watch this. The reason that Okay, now watch this. The reason that Okay, now watch this. The reason that becomes so important is check this out. becomes so important is check this out. becomes so important is check this out. Last thing, point number three, because Last thing, point number three, because Last thing, point number three, because a band of brothers is what watch a band of brothers is what watch a band of brothers is what watch delivers you from the lion's mouth. delivers you from the lion's mouth. delivers you from the lion's mouth. A band of brothers is what delivers you A band of brothers is what delivers you A band of brothers is what delivers you from the lion's mouth. Watch how Paul from the lion's mouth. Watch how Paul from the lion's mouth. Watch how Paul finishes. These are the last recorded finishes. These are the last recorded finishes. These are the last recorded words of the apostle Paul. words of the apostle Paul. words of the apostle Paul. He says, "At my first defense, no one He says, "At my first defense, no one He says, "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone came to my support, but everyone came to my support, but everyone deserted me." I love this. May it not be deserted me." I love this. May it not be deserted me." I love this. May it not be held against them. Can I just say held against them. Can I just say held against them. Can I just say [music] say this? Paul didn't let what [music] say this? Paul didn't let what [music] say this? Paul didn't let what people had done to him keep him from people had done to him keep him from people had done to him keep him from what God had for him. what God had for him. what God had for him. He didn't let bitterness or past hurt He didn't let bitterness or past hurt He didn't let bitterness or past hurt keep him from moving towards the people keep him from moving towards the people keep him from moving towards the people of God and the purposes of God. Check of God and the purposes of God. Check of God and the purposes of God. Check this out. Verse 17. But the Lord stood this out. Verse 17. But the Lord stood this out. Verse 17. But the Lord stood at my side and he gave me strength so at my side and he gave me strength so at my side and he gave me strength so that through me the message might be that through me the message might be that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it and I was delivered from might hear it and I was delivered from might hear it and I was delivered from the lion's mouth. And the Lord [music] the lion's mouth. And the Lord [music] the lion's mouth. And the Lord [music] will rescue me from every evil attack will rescue me from every evil attack will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly and will bring me safely to his heavenly and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. [music] kingdom. [music] kingdom. [music] To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. Amen. Amen. I love it. Now watch this. Amen. Amen. I love it. Now watch this. Amen. Amen. I love it. Now watch this. When Paul says, "Delivered me from the When Paul says, "Delivered me from the When Paul says, "Delivered me from the lion's mouth." 1 Peter 5:8, it says that lion's mouth." 1 Peter 5:8, it says that lion's mouth." 1 Peter 5:8, it says that the devil prowls about like a, watch the devil prowls about like a, watch the devil prowls about like a, watch this, a roaring lion. And if you've this, a roaring lion. And if you've this, a roaring lion. And if you've [music] ever watched those um those [music] ever watched those um those [music] ever watched those um those little National Geographic like you'll little National Geographic like you'll little National Geographic like you'll see like like lion month or whatever it see like like lion month or whatever it see like like lion month or whatever it is um and you'll see like they're is um and you'll see like they're is um and you'll see like they're hunting the little gazels and this weird hunting the little gazels and this weird hunting the little gazels and this weird evil thing pops up during lion month. evil thing pops up during lion month. evil thing pops up during lion month. You're like rooting for the lion and You're like rooting for the lion and You're like rooting for the lion and it's real weird. Okay, but if you watch it's real weird. Okay, but if you watch it's real weird. Okay, but if you watch those things I got a picture. Go and those things I got a picture. Go and those things I got a picture. Go and toss that picture up here. If you watch toss that picture up here. If you watch toss that picture up here. If you watch those things, you'll see like this those things, you'll see like this those things, you'll see like this moment. moment. moment. And the Bible says the devil is prowling And the Bible says the devil is prowling And the Bible says the devil is prowling about like a roaring lion seeking about like a roaring lion seeking about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. And if you watch someone to devour. And if you watch someone to devour. And if you watch those things, what's really interesting those things, what's really interesting those things, what's really interesting [music] if you watch those, which [music] if you watch those, which [music] if you watch those, which gazelle does the lion get? It's not the gazelle does the lion get? It's not the gazelle does the lion get? It's not the weak one. That's not the one. Is if the weak one. That's not the one. Is if the weak one. That's not the one. Is if the lion can get in there and just separate lion can get in there and just separate lion can get in there and just separate one of the gazels from the rest of the one of the gazels from the rest of the one of the gazels from the rest of the pack. If they can get one separated so pack. If they can get one separated so pack. If they can get one separated so it's not the weak one, it's the isolated it's not the weak one, it's the isolated it's not the weak one, it's the isolated one that gets devoured.

one that gets devoured. one that gets devoured. And what the the Apostle Paul is saying And what the the Apostle Paul is saying And what the the Apostle Paul is saying here is, man, one of the things in the here is, man, one of the things in the here is, man, one of the things in the scriptures that's going to keep you from scriptures that's going to keep you from scriptures that's going to keep you from being devoured by our enemy is it's a being devoured by our enemy is it's a being devoured by our enemy is it's a decision that you will make [music] at decision that you will make [music] at decision that you will make [music] at some point in your life. It will not some point in your life. It will not some point in your life. It will not passively happen to you. You will have passively happen to you. You will have passively happen to you. You will have to make a decision. The decision a man to make a decision. The decision a man to make a decision. The decision a man of God or a woman of God makes to of God or a woman of God makes to of God or a woman of God makes to assemble a band of brothers or a band of assemble a band of brothers or a band of assemble a band of brothers or a band of [music] sisters. Okay? You're going to [music] sisters. Okay? You're going to [music] sisters. Okay? You're going to have to make that decision. have to make that decision. have to make that decision. Now, I just want to let me just finish. Now, I just want to let me just finish. Now, I just want to let me just finish. I just want to tell you how what this I just want to tell you how what this I just want to tell you how what this has done in my life. Like, I'm going to has done in my life. Like, I'm going to has done in my life. Like, I'm going to be just personal [music] be just personal [music] be just personal [music] and a little little vulnerable. Um, my and a little little vulnerable. Um, my and a little little vulnerable. Um, my life honestly man incredibly blessed. life honestly man incredibly blessed. life honestly man incredibly blessed. I have a very very [music] boring I have a very very [music] boring I have a very very [music] boring testimony. uh testimony. uh testimony. uh born into a Christian family, Christian born into a Christian family, Christian born into a Christian family, Christian parents, [music] raised us in church, parents, [music] raised us in church, parents, [music] raised us in church, you know, did the whole thing and called you know, did the whole thing and called you know, did the whole thing and called to ministry and [music] went to a to ministry and [music] went to a to ministry and [music] went to a Christian college and I'm just going to Christian college and I'm just going to Christian college and I'm just going to be real awkward and just kind of like, be real awkward and just kind of like, be real awkward and just kind of like, you know, went to a I didn't have like a you know, went to a I didn't have like a you know, went to a I didn't have like a prodigal [music] season. Got married prodigal [music] season. Got married prodigal [music] season. Got married when I was a virgin to a Christian girl when I was a virgin to a Christian girl when I was a virgin to a Christian girl and started a Christian family. Got and started a Christian family. Got and started a Christian family. Got three Christian kids and honestly, man, three Christian kids and honestly, man, three Christian kids and honestly, man, I've never had a season in my life where I've never had a season in my life where I've never had a season in my life where like I went kind of prodigal and got like I went kind of prodigal and got like I went kind of prodigal and got sideways.

sideways. sideways. And I think what what some people think And I think what what some people think And I think what what some people think who their story is different than mine who their story is different than mine who their story is different than mine is you might [music] think, "Well, man, is you might [music] think, "Well, man, is you might [music] think, "Well, man, that's just because you're be you're that's just because you're be you're that's just because you're be you're better. You're better than me." And I better. You're better than me." And I better. You're better than me." And I just want to tell you right now, it's just want to tell you right now, it's just want to tell you right now, it's not cuz I'm better than you. Let me show not cuz I'm better than you. Let me show not cuz I'm better than you. Let me show you why that happened in my life. Okay? you why that happened in my life. Okay? you why that happened in my life. Okay? So, this this is a p. This is a family So, this this is a p. This is a family So, this this is a p. This is a family picture from the 80s. That's what that picture from the 80s. That's what that picture from the 80s. That's what that is. I'm over here with a cowick. [music] is. I'm over here with a cowick. [music] is. I'm over here with a cowick. [music] That's me. That's me. That's me. Born into a Christian family. Dad's a Born into a Christian family. Dad's a Born into a Christian family. Dad's a pastor and and and mom's a woman of God. pastor and and and mom's a woman of God. pastor and and and mom's a woman of God. And so we grow up and I'm surrounded by And so we grow up and I'm surrounded by And so we grow up and I'm surrounded by by Christians. Okay, that's early by Christians. Okay, that's early by Christians. Okay, that's early childhood. Then I'm raised in church. childhood. Then I'm raised in church. childhood. Then I'm raised in church. This is my I think [music] my sixth This is my I think [music] my sixth This is my I think [music] my sixth grade life group. That's what this is. I grade life group. That's what this is. I grade life group. That's what this is. I don't want to keep this picture up. It's don't want to keep this picture up. It's don't want to keep this picture up. It's too awkward. That's my sixth grade life too awkward. That's my sixth grade life too awkward. That's my sixth grade life group. So these are like my bros growing group. So these are like my bros growing group. So these are like my bros growing up in elementary school, middle school. up in elementary school, middle school. up in elementary school, middle school. I'm the brooding one. Uh that's me being I'm the brooding one. Uh that's me being I'm the brooding one. Uh that's me being super weird and creepy [music] in the super weird and creepy [music] in the super weird and creepy [music] in the middle. Don't know why I'm doing that. middle. Don't know why I'm doing that. middle. Don't know why I'm doing that. Okay, now go to the next one. So that's Okay, now go to the next one. So that's Okay, now go to the next one. So that's middle school. Now, actually, because middle school. Now, actually, because middle school. Now, actually, because this is church, go to the next one. this is church, go to the next one. this is church, go to the next one. [music] We're There we go. Okay, that's [music] We're There we go. Okay, that's [music] We're There we go. Okay, that's it.

it. it. So, these are my guys when I go to when So, these are my guys when I go to when So, these are my guys when I go to when I go to college. I go to college. And I go to college. I go to college. And I go to college. I go to college. And literally, the first thing I did, I literally, the first thing I did, I literally, the first thing I did, I still text these guys. The first thing I still text these guys. The first thing I still text these guys. The first thing I did freshman year of college is I made a did freshman year of college is I made a did freshman year of college is I made a decision as a freshman to go find and decision as a freshman to go find and decision as a freshman to go find and pursue and assemble a band of brothers. pursue and assemble a band of brothers. pursue and assemble a band of brothers. And it was like, guys, I like we like to And it was like, guys, I like we like to And it was like, guys, I like we like to fish, we like to hike. We were over here fish, we like to hike. We were over here fish, we like to hike. We were over here in Appalachian Mountains. is like, "My in Appalachian Mountains. is like, "My in Appalachian Mountains. is like, "My guys, they love me. They love Jesus. guys, they love me. They love Jesus. guys, they love me. They love Jesus. They love streams and rivers and They love streams and rivers and They love streams and rivers and mountains. Those are my guys." And once mountains. Those are my guys." And once mountains. Those are my guys." And once [music] a week, 9:00 p.m. in the [music] a week, 9:00 p.m. in the [music] a week, 9:00 p.m. in the comments, we'd get in there, we'd read a comments, we'd get in there, we'd read a comments, we'd get in there, we'd read a Bible, we confess in, we'd pursue Jesus. Bible, we confess in, we'd pursue Jesus. Bible, we confess in, we'd pursue Jesus. Okay, so that's college. Okay, now go to Okay, so that's college. Okay, now go to Okay, so that's college. Okay, now go to the next one. Oh, these are out of the next one. Oh, these are out of the next one. Oh, these are out of order. This was high school. This was order. This was high school. This was order. This was high school. This was These are We'll switch them next These are We'll switch them next These are We'll switch them next service. This was high school. Somebody service. This was high school. Somebody service. This was high school. Somebody asked me before the service, was this on asked me before the service, was this on asked me before the service, was this on the set of Dawson's Creek? No, it was the set of Dawson's Creek? No, it was the set of Dawson's Creek? No, it was not. This was just the '90s. That's all not. This was just the '90s. That's all not. This was just the '90s. That's all that was, '90s. So, these are my guys in that was, '90s. So, these are my guys in that was, '90s. So, these are my guys in high school. You've heard me talk before high school. You've heard me talk before high school. You've heard me talk before about my youth pastor Jeff Carile about my youth pastor Jeff Carile about my youth pastor Jeff Carile discipling me for two years. These are discipling me for two years. These are discipling me for two years. These are some of the guys that were in some of the guys that were in some of the guys that were in disciplehip with me. So that's high disciplehip with me. So that's high disciplehip with me. So that's high school. I already did college. I go to school. I already did college. I go to school. I already did college. I go to the next one. Then I get to the end of the next one. Then I get to the end of the next one. Then I get to the end of college and I meet this little girl. And college and I meet this little girl. And college and I meet this little girl. And by the way, people always point this by the way, people always point this by the way, people always point this out. Uh Jana looks virtually exactly the out. Uh Jana looks virtually exactly the out. Uh Jana looks virtually exactly the same and I am completely unrecognizable.

same and I am completely unrecognizable. same and I am completely unrecognizable. I just want to point this. Women age I just want to point this. Women age I just want to point this. Women age like wine, men age like milk. Okay. We like wine, men age like milk. Okay. We like wine, men age like milk. Okay. We get just white and chunky. That's we get just white and chunky. That's we get just white and chunky. That's we Okay, that's it. So, this is So, then Okay, that's it. So, this is So, then Okay, that's it. So, this is So, then I'm Who am I getting yolked to? I'm I'm Who am I getting yolked to? I'm I'm Who am I getting yolked to? I'm getting yolked to somebody who loves getting yolked to somebody who loves getting yolked to somebody who loves Jesus and is pursuing him with her whole Jesus and is pursuing him with her whole Jesus and is pursuing him with her whole heart. And then, man, like now in my heart. And then, man, like now in my heart. And then, man, like now in my life, these are my guys. Like, these are life, these are my guys. Like, these are life, these are my guys. Like, these are some of the guys on staff. They love some of the guys on staff. They love some of the guys on staff. They love Jesus with our whole heart. This us Jesus with our whole heart. This us Jesus with our whole heart. This us doing a little spiritual retreat we do doing a little spiritual retreat we do doing a little spiritual retreat we do every year. We're praying together. every year. We're praying together. every year. We're praying together. We're in the word together. This is We're in the word together. This is We're in the word together. This is these are my guys. These are my This is these are my guys. These are my This is these are my guys. These are my This is my band of brothers. Now, take that down my band of brothers. Now, take that down my band of brothers. Now, take that down and come back to me. Here's my point. I and come back to me. Here's my point. I and come back to me. Here's my point. I have not been able to walk with Jesus have not been able to walk with Jesus have not been able to walk with Jesus like this because I'm better than you. like this because I'm better than you. like this because I'm better than you. Lord knows. Prone to wander. Lord, I Lord knows. Prone to wander. Lord, I Lord knows. Prone to wander. Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave [music] leave feel it. Prone to leave [music] leave feel it. Prone to leave [music] leave the God I love. I've been able to the God I love. I've been able to the God I love. I've been able to experience that. Listen, because the experience that. Listen, because the experience that. Listen, because the people that I've been surrounded with people that I've been surrounded with people that I've been surrounded with [music] may have been better than the [music] may have been better than the [music] may have been better than the people that you have surrounded yourself people that you have surrounded yourself people that you have surrounded yourself with have been. And watch, you can with have been. And watch, you can with have been. And watch, you can [music] change that today.

[music] change that today. [music] change that today. today. today. today. Okay. So, we're starting [music] this Okay. So, we're starting [music] this Okay. So, we're starting [music] this 10-week disciplehip experience we call 10-week disciplehip experience we call 10-week disciplehip experience we call rooted at Lake Point here in a couple rooted at Lake Point here in a couple rooted at Lake Point here in a couple weeks. That is what that is designed to weeks. That is what that is designed to weeks. That is what that is designed to do, [music] to get you into a band of do, [music] to get you into a band of do, [music] to get you into a band of brothers or a band of sisters. I want brothers or a band of sisters. I want brothers or a band of sisters. I want you to see what that does in somebody's you to see what that does in somebody's you to see what that does in somebody's life when they take that step. [music] life when they take that step. [music] life when they take that step. [music] Check this out with me right here. Check this out with me right here. Check this out with me right here. She woke me up and it was about 2 hours She woke me up and it was about 2 hours She woke me up and it was about 2 hours earlier than I normally wake up. And she earlier than I normally wake up. And she earlier than I normally wake up. And she said, "Jake, wake up. Audrey's not in said, "Jake, wake up. Audrey's not in said, "Jake, wake up. Audrey's not in bed. Check the cameras. Check the bed. Check the cameras. Check the bed. Check the cameras. Check the cameras." and she's shaking. We saw our cameras." and she's shaking. We saw our cameras." and she's shaking. We saw our daughter at 4:00 in the morning riding daughter at 4:00 in the morning riding daughter at 4:00 in the morning riding her bike in the cold away from our house her bike in the cold away from our house her bike in the cold away from our house with a backpack. Fast forward 2 hours later, there's Fast forward 2 hours later, there's police cars around our house. They had police cars around our house. They had police cars around our house. They had to do a ping on her phone to find her. to do a ping on her phone to find her. to do a ping on her phone to find her. Uh she was being bullied at school. She Uh she was being bullied at school. She Uh she was being bullied at school. She didn't want to tell us. And uh I was on didn't want to tell us. And uh I was on didn't want to tell us. And uh I was on the phone with my aunt who lives in Rock the phone with my aunt who lives in Rock the phone with my aunt who lives in Rock Wall, Texas, and she said, "It sounds Wall, Texas, and she said, "It sounds Wall, Texas, and she said, "It sounds like it's time for a change of scenery. God absolutely was telling us to take a God absolutely was telling us to take a leap of faith.

leap of faith. leap of faith. >> We knew this is where we needed to be. >> We knew this is where we needed to be. >> We knew this is where we needed to be. We felt like God was calling us to DFW We felt like God was calling us to DFW We felt like God was calling us to DFW at least. I was just terrified that we at least. I was just terrified that we at least. I was just terrified that we would come here and not find a church would come here and not find a church would come here and not find a church [music] home. My way of getting church [music] home. My way of getting church [music] home. My way of getting church was watching 11:22 on YouTube. And then was watching 11:22 on YouTube. And then was watching 11:22 on YouTube. And then I started looking up, you know, more I started looking up, you know, more I started looking up, you know, more from our pastor back in Jacksonville. I from our pastor back in Jacksonville. I from our pastor back in Jacksonville. I was watching Pastor Joby on YouTube and was watching Pastor Joby on YouTube and was watching Pastor Joby on YouTube and he was at Lake Point. I'm seeing him. he was at Lake Point. I'm seeing him. he was at Lake Point. I'm seeing him. I'm like I was like, who's this guy I'm like I was like, who's this guy I'm like I was like, who's this guy that's introducing him on the stage? do that's introducing him on the stage? do that's introducing him on the stage? do a quick search. I see Rock Wall, Texas. a quick search. I see Rock Wall, Texas. a quick search. I see Rock Wall, Texas. Went that Sunday and then I remember Went that Sunday and then I remember Went that Sunday and then I remember seeing the video about Rooted. seeing the video about Rooted. seeing the video about Rooted. Everything that was like it was talking Everything that was like it was talking Everything that was like it was talking about was exactly what we were missing. about was exactly what we were missing. about was exactly what we were missing. >> I remember waking up one morning and had >> I remember waking up one morning and had >> I remember waking up one morning and had an email on my phone and he had signed an email on my phone and he had signed an email on my phone and he had signed us up in the middle of the night for us up in the middle of the night for us up in the middle of the night for Rooted. Rooted. Rooted. >> It was the best part of my week. >> It was the best part of my week. >> It was the best part of my week. >> It was going to the Rooted group. I felt >> It was going to the Rooted group. I felt >> It was going to the Rooted group. I felt like I was going to go hang out with my like I was going to go hang out with my like I was going to go hang out with my best [music] friends. best [music] friends. best [music] friends. >> My belief in Jesus as our savior really >> My belief in Jesus as our savior really >> My belief in Jesus as our savior really became real. It was almost like having a became real. It was almost like having a became real. It was almost like having a superpower and having [music] Jesus walk superpower and having [music] Jesus walk superpower and having [music] Jesus walk with you is something that a lot of with you is something that a lot of with you is something that a lot of people don't realize is available to people don't realize is available to people don't realize is available to them.

them. them. Reading the Bible with my kids, praying Reading the Bible with my kids, praying Reading the Bible with my kids, praying with my kids, Rudy kind of really helped with my kids, Rudy kind of really helped with my kids, Rudy kind of really helped me to see that. me to see that. me to see that. >> Being able to share our lives and our >> Being able to share our lives and our >> Being able to share our lives and our journey with other people who genuinely journey with other people who genuinely journey with other people who genuinely care and have the same goals and wants care and have the same goals and wants care and have the same goals and wants [music] and needs in life has been [music] and needs in life has been [music] and needs in life has been probably the best thing we found since probably the best thing we found since probably the best thing we found since we've moved to Texas. we've moved to Texas. we've moved to Texas. >> I'm Jake. >> I'm Jake. >> I'm Jake. >> I'm Coral. And this is how Jesus changed >> I'm Coral. And this is how Jesus changed >> I'm Coral. And this is how Jesus changed our lives. our lives. our lives. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Okay. Now, >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Okay. Now, >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Okay. Now, listen. It's your turn. That's all I'm listen. It's your turn. That's all I'm listen. It's your turn. That's all I'm saying. It's your turn. I've been saying. It's your turn. I've been saying. It's your turn. I've been telling you to ask, what's the one step? telling you to ask, what's the one step? telling you to ask, what's the one step? I'm telling you right now. This right I'm telling you right now. This right I'm telling you right now. This right here is the one step. So, here's what here is the one step. So, here's what here is the one step. So, here's what I'm asking. This is weird. It's a weird I'm asking. This is weird. It's a weird I'm asking. This is weird. It's a weird service. You're brand new to this. The service. You're brand new to this. The service. You're brand new to this. The service is literally over. There's no service is literally over. There's no service is literally over. There's no song after this. We don't do anything song after this. We don't do anything song after this. We don't do anything after this. Service is literally over. after this. Service is literally over. after this. Service is literally over. Here's what I'm asking. At all of our Here's what I'm asking. At all of our Here's what I'm asking. At all of our campuses, we've got your kids back in campuses, we've got your kids back in campuses, we've got your kids back in kids ministry like 10 more minutes. kids ministry like 10 more minutes. kids ministry like 10 more minutes. You're good. So, you can sit where You're good. So, you can sit where You're good. So, you can sit where you're at, talk to your spouse. Don't you're at, talk to your spouse. Don't you're at, talk to your spouse. Don't leave it. Don't leave it. Sit sit where leave it. Don't leave it. Sit sit where leave it. Don't leave it. Sit sit where you're at. Talk to your spouse. Here's you're at. Talk to your spouse. Here's you're at. Talk to your spouse. Here's what I need you to do. If you've never what I need you to do. If you've never what I need you to do. If you've never been through Rooted, our 10week been through Rooted, our 10week been through Rooted, our 10week disciplehip experience. I'm asking you disciplehip experience. I'm asking you disciplehip experience. I'm asking you as your pastor to take the leap of faith as your pastor to take the leap of faith as your pastor to take the leap of faith and get in. It's a 10-week disciplehip and get in. It's a 10-week disciplehip and get in. It's a 10-week disciplehip experience. It starts in two weeks. And experience. It starts in two weeks. And experience. It starts in two weeks. And listen, I'm not asking you to do listen, I'm not asking you to do listen, I'm not asking you to do something till Jesus returns. It's just something till Jesus returns. It's just something till Jesus returns. It's just 10 weeks. If they're weird, you got an 10 weeks. If they're weird, you got an 10 weeks. If they're weird, you got an easy out in 10 weeks. It's easy. Okay?

easy out in 10 weeks. It's easy. Okay? easy out in 10 weeks. It's easy. Okay? So, all I'm asking is for you to do that So, all I'm asking is for you to do that So, all I'm asking is for you to do that in 10 weeks. And what it is, you're in 10 weeks. And what it is, you're in 10 weeks. And what it is, you're going to be with a band of brothers, a going to be with a band of brothers, a going to be with a band of brothers, a band of sisters, learning the rhythms of band of sisters, learning the rhythms of band of sisters, learning the rhythms of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Here's being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Here's being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Here's how you can do it. You got 10 minutes how you can do it. You got 10 minutes how you can do it. You got 10 minutes hanging out in your seat and make that hanging out in your seat and make that hanging out in your seat and make that decision. You can text the word rooted decision. You can text the word rooted decision. You can text the word rooted to the number 20411. We'll get a link. to the number 20411. We'll get a link. to the number 20411. We'll get a link. You can sign up. It takes like 30 You can sign up. It takes like 30 You can sign up. It takes like 30 seconds. Number two, on your way in at seconds. Number two, on your way in at seconds. Number two, on your way in at all of our campuses, you got this little all of our campuses, you got this little all of our campuses, you got this little card. There's a little QR code right card. There's a little QR code right card. There's a little QR code right there. You can keep that. When you find there. You can keep that. When you find there. You can keep that. When you find in the little floorboard of your car, in the little floorboard of your car, in the little floorboard of your car, your seat, whatever it is, you can scan your seat, whatever it is, you can scan your seat, whatever it is, you can scan that QR code. You can sign up right that QR code. You can sign up right that QR code. You can sign up right there. But I am asking you if you've there. But I am asking you if you've there. But I am asking you if you've never been through Rooted before to take never been through Rooted before to take never been through Rooted before to take the step to join a band of brothers or a the step to join a band of brothers or a the step to join a band of brothers or a band of sisters and to do it before you band of sisters and to do it before you band of sisters and to do it before you leave your seat today. Okay, service leave your seat today. Okay, service leave your seat today. Okay, service over. Make the text. We got you covered. over. Make the text. We got you covered. over. Make the text. We got you covered. Go. Peace.