Why Christians Never Fight Alone | Pastor Josh Howerton | Full Worship Experience

Hey, church online. Welcome, welcome, Hey, church online. Welcome, welcome, welcome. If we haven't met yet, my name welcome. If we haven't met yet, my name welcome. If we haven't met yet, my name is Antoine and I serve as the North is Antoine and I serve as the North is Antoine and I serve as the North Dallas campus pastor. Thanks for Dallas campus pastor. Thanks for Dallas campus pastor. Thanks for spending part of your weekend with us. spending part of your weekend with us. spending part of your weekend with us. Listen, we're already in week three of Listen, we're already in week three of Listen, we're already in week three of Fight the Good Fight. Can you believe Fight the Good Fight. Can you believe Fight the Good Fight. Can you believe that? And this series has been reminding that? And this series has been reminding that? And this series has been reminding us that faith isn't a sprint. It's a us that faith isn't a sprint. It's a us that faith isn't a sprint. It's a lifelong journey of trusting Jesus every lifelong journey of trusting Jesus every lifelong journey of trusting Jesus every step of the way. And today's message step of the way. And today's message step of the way. And today's message from Pastor Josh focuses on something from Pastor Josh focuses on something from Pastor Josh focuses on something every one of us needs. The right people every one of us needs. The right people every one of us needs. The right people walking beside us, you and me. God often walking beside us, you and me. God often walking beside us, you and me. God often uses relationships to strengthen our uses relationships to strengthen our uses relationships to strengthen our faith, encourages us through challenges, faith, encourages us through challenges, faith, encourages us through challenges, and helps us stay focused on his and helps us stay focused on his and helps us stay focused on his purpose. Now, if you're new today, we're purpose. Now, if you're new today, we're purpose. Now, if you're new today, we're so glad that you're here. We hope that so glad that you're here. We hope that so glad that you're here. We hope that you continue with us for the rest of the you continue with us for the rest of the you continue with us for the rest of the series because each message builds upon series because each message builds upon series because each message builds upon the one that came before it. And if Live the one that came before it. And if Live the one that came before it. And if Live Free brought you here, let us know in Free brought you here, let us know in Free brought you here, let us know in the chat. You can drop any of the the chat. You can drop any of the the chat. You can drop any of the phrases that they say on the podcast. phrases that they say on the podcast. phrases that they say on the podcast. Maybe like, "Let's kick this pig." Maybe like, "Let's kick this pig." Maybe like, "Let's kick this pig." Whatever you want to say, because new Whatever you want to say, because new Whatever you want to say, because new episodes release every Monday. And they episodes release every Monday. And they episodes release every Monday. And they continue the conversations that we're continue the conversations that we're continue the conversations that we're having through the messages that Pastor having through the messages that Pastor having through the messages that Pastor Jos preaches, offering practical Jos preaches, offering practical Jos preaches, offering practical biblical wisdom. To all of our church biblical wisdom. To all of our church biblical wisdom. To all of our church online regulars, welcome back. Drop your online regulars, welcome back. Drop your online regulars, welcome back. Drop your city in the chat. Maybe you're in the city in the chat. Maybe you're in the city in the chat. Maybe you're in the Dallas area like I am, but but maybe Dallas area like I am, but but maybe Dallas area like I am, but but maybe you're in Tampa Bay. Maybe you're in you're in Tampa Bay. Maybe you're in you're in Tampa Bay. Maybe you're in Washington. Maybe you're somewhere in Washington. Maybe you're somewhere in Washington. Maybe you're somewhere in the continent of Africa. Wherever you're the continent of Africa. Wherever you're the continent of Africa. Wherever you're watching right now, we're so glad that watching right now, we're so glad that watching right now, we're so glad that you're joining us here week after week.

you're joining us here week after week. you're joining us here week after week. And if you are a DFW, we'd love to meet And if you are a DFW, we'd love to meet And if you are a DFW, we'd love to meet you at one of our campuses. Like I told you at one of our campuses. Like I told you at one of our campuses. Like I told you, I I get to be the campus pastor at you, I I get to be the campus pastor at you, I I get to be the campus pastor at Lakeoint Church, North Dallas. And I Lakeoint Church, North Dallas. And I Lakeoint Church, North Dallas. And I want to tell you a story. Let's call him want to tell you a story. Let's call him want to tell you a story. Let's call him Larry. See, Larry came during week four Larry. See, Larry came during week four Larry. See, Larry came during week four of At the Movies, which is a a specific of At the Movies, which is a a specific of At the Movies, which is a a specific message series we do every July that message series we do every July that message series we do every July that hyperfocuses on the clear gospel hyperfocuses on the clear gospel hyperfocuses on the clear gospel message. And when Larry walked into our message. And when Larry walked into our message. And when Larry walked into our doors, he was burdened by life. He began doors, he was burdened by life. He began doors, he was burdened by life. He began to share his story with me, which led to to share his story with me, which led to to share his story with me, which led to him attending church that weekend. And I him attending church that weekend. And I him attending church that weekend. And I was like, "Man, attend church with me." was like, "Man, attend church with me." was like, "Man, attend church with me." And he was sobbing through worship. He And he was sobbing through worship. He And he was sobbing through worship. He was sobbing through the message. Why? was sobbing through the message. Why? was sobbing through the message. Why? Because the Holy Spirit was pressing Because the Holy Spirit was pressing Because the Holy Spirit was pressing upon him that there was a missing piece upon him that there was a missing piece upon him that there was a missing piece in his life. And that missing piece was in his life. And that missing piece was in his life. And that missing piece was the message, love, and hope of Jesus. So the message, love, and hope of Jesus. So the message, love, and hope of Jesus. So much so that at the end of it, when much so that at the end of it, when much so that at the end of it, when Pastor Josh gave the salvation call, Pastor Josh gave the salvation call, Pastor Josh gave the salvation call, Larry responded to that. Stories like Larry responded to that. Stories like Larry responded to that. Stories like that are happening week after week, not that are happening week after week, not that are happening week after week, not just at my campus, but at every single just at my campus, but at every single just at my campus, but at every single campus. And to find a location near you, campus. And to find a location near you, campus. And to find a location near you, visit lakepoint.urch/loations visit lakepoint.urch/loations visit lakepoint.urch/loations to find the campus nearest you. And if to find the campus nearest you. And if to find the campus nearest you. And if there's anything you need prayer for there's anything you need prayer for there's anything you need prayer for today, let me just pause and say, I want today, let me just pause and say, I want today, let me just pause and say, I want you to text prayer to 20411.

you to text prayer to 20411. you to text prayer to 20411. Here's why. Our team would be so honored Here's why. Our team would be so honored Here's why. Our team would be so honored to pray with you. Whatever you're to pray with you. Whatever you're to pray with you. Whatever you're looking for, whatever you need today, looking for, whatever you need today, looking for, whatever you need today, our team would be so honored to partner our team would be so honored to partner our team would be so honored to partner with you in that way. All right, church. with you in that way. All right, church. with you in that way. All right, church. Listen, I'm so excited for this next Listen, I'm so excited for this next Listen, I'm so excited for this next part. You and I get to worship God part. You and I get to worship God part. You and I get to worship God together. So, lay aside any together. So, lay aside any together. So, lay aside any distractions. Let's lock in. Let's honor distractions. Let's lock in. Let's honor distractions. Let's lock in. Let's honor God together and let's worship Jesus God together and let's worship Jesus God together and let's worship Jesus right now. right now. right now. [music] [music] [music] >> Oh, big big welcome. Welcome to Lake >> Oh, big big welcome. Welcome to Lake >> Oh, big big welcome. Welcome to Lake Point Church family. It's so good to see Point Church family. It's so good to see Point Church family. It's so good to see you in the house of the Lord. Listen, in you in the house of the Lord. Listen, in you in the house of the Lord. Listen, in [music] the presence of the Lord, there [music] the presence of the Lord, there [music] the presence of the Lord, there is fullness of joy and at his right hand is fullness of joy and at his right hand is fullness of joy and at his right hand there's pleasures forever more. We have there's pleasures forever more. We have there's pleasures forever more. We have so many reasons [music] to praise the so many reasons [music] to praise the so many reasons [music] to praise the name of the Lord. So, let's start right name of the Lord. So, let's start right name of the Lord. So, let's start right now. Come on, let's sing together.

now. Come on, let's sing together. now. Come on, let's sing together. Wandering into [music] the night, Wandering into [music] the night, Wandering into [music] the night, wanting a place to hide this way. wanting a place to hide this way. wanting a place to hide this way. [music] Come on. And I tried [music] with all my Come on. And I tried [music] with all my body, body, body, but I just can't fight. I'm slowly but I just can't fight. I'm slowly but I just can't fight. I'm slowly [music] drifting. [music] drifting. [music] drifting. Oh, back on. Come on. You know the word. Oh, back on. Come on. You know the word. Oh, back on. Come on. You know the word. Sing it out. Come on. [music] And just Sing it out. Come on. [music] And just Sing it out. Come on. [music] And just when I ran out the road, I met a man I when I ran out the road, I met a man I when I ran out the road, I met a man I [music] didn't know. And he told me that [music] didn't know. And he told me that [music] didn't know. And he told me that I was not. Come on, L. [music] Sing it I was not. Come on, L. [music] Sing it I was not. Come on, L. [music] Sing it out. 1 2 3. Come on. Pick me up. Come out. 1 2 3. Come on. Pick me up. Come out. 1 2 3. Come on. Pick me up. Come on. He turned me around. He placed my on. He turned me around. He placed my on. He turned me around. He placed my feet on solid [music] ground. I master. feet on solid [music] ground. I master. feet on solid [music] ground. I master. I s I s I s my [music] heart. He my forever free.

my [music] heart. He my forever free. my [music] heart. He my forever free. [music] I'm not a master. [music] I'm not a master. [music] I'm not a master. Come on, sing it out. Come on, sing it out. Come on, sing it out. Come on [music] Come on [music] Come on [music] church. Let's go together. Come on. I cannot deny what I've seen. Got I cannot deny what I've seen. Got [music] no choice but to believe. My [music] no choice but to believe. My [music] no choice but to believe. My doubts are burning. Oh yes, they are doubts are burning. Oh yes, they are doubts are burning. Oh yes, they are like ashes in the wind. I love this part like ashes in the wind. I love this part like ashes in the wind. I love this part so much. She says, "So [music] show to so much. She says, "So [music] show to so much. She says, "So [music] show to my old friend." Come on, wave it out. my old friend." Come on, wave it out. my old friend." Come on, wave it out. What you say? Burnings and bitterness, What you say? Burnings and bitterness, What you say? Burnings and bitterness, [music] [music] [music] you can just keep it moving. you can just keep it moving. you can just keep it moving. Wo! Cuz you're [music] not welcome. Wo! Cuz you're [music] not welcome. Wo! Cuz you're [music] not welcome. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. From Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. From Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. From now [music] till I walk the streets, now [music] till I walk the streets, now [music] till I walk the streets, I'll still have you my soul. [music] I'll still have you my soul. [music] I'll still have you my soul. [music] This way has found his way. 1 2 3 [music] 1 2 3 [music] me up me up me up around around around my my my [music] [music] [music] master I master I master I because he my heart [music] my name because he my heart [music] my name because he my heart [music] my name forever free I'm not the same I master forever free I'm not the same I master forever free I'm not the same I master [music] I am savior. I thank God. Oh [music] I am savior. I thank God. Oh [music] I am savior. I thank God. Oh yeah. Oh yeah. [music] Oh yeah. I thank yeah. Oh yeah. [music] Oh yeah. I thank yeah. Oh yeah. [music] Oh yeah. I thank God. I thank God. [music] We thank you God. I thank God. [music] We thank you God. I thank God. [music] We thank you Jesus. Come on. Come [music] on. Sing

Jesus. Come on. Come [music] on. Sing Jesus. Come on. Come [music] on. Sing this one out. this one out. this one out. They lost another one. Come on. You sing They lost another one. Come on. You sing They lost another one. Come on. You sing it out. Sing [music] it out. Sing [music] it out. Sing [music] I am free. I am free. I am free. They lost another one. [music] They lost another one. [music] They lost another one. [music] I am free. I am free. [music] I am free. I am free. I am free. I am free. [music] [music] [music] Los Los Los I am free. [music] I am free. I am free. I am free. [music] I am free. I am free. I am free. [music] I am free. I am free. Los [music] Los [music] Los [music] I am free. I am free. I am free. We say I am free. I am free. I am free. We say I am free. I am free. I am free. We say [music] [music] [music] oh I am free. oh I am free. oh I am free. Come on. Come on. Come on. [music] [music] [music] Turn me around. Turn me around. Turn me around. My feeling. My feeling. My feeling. [music] [music] [music] I master. I can save you because I master. I can save you because I master. I can save you because [music] [music] [music] my name thank [music] God.

thank [music] God. I thank God. [music] I thank God. [music] I thank God. [music] Oh, I thank God. Someone had a prayerful Oh, I thank God. Someone had a prayerful Oh, I thank God. Someone had a prayerful person in the house. Lift up a shout person in the house. Lift up a shout person in the house. Lift up a shout [music] of praise. Come on. [music] of praise. Come on. [music] of praise. Come on. Come on, church. Can we lift up a shout Come on, church. Can we lift up a shout Come on, church. Can we lift up a shout [music] of praise in response to the [music] of praise in response to the [music] of praise in response to the greatest story that's ever been told? greatest story that's ever been told? greatest story that's ever been told? Jesus defeated death [music] and he is Jesus defeated death [music] and he is Jesus defeated death [music] and he is alive. So come on. Can we sing this out? alive. So come on. Can we sing this out? alive. So come on. Can we sing this out? Only you see Only you see Only you see [music] his body broken. [music] his body broken. [music] his body broken. A king forsen A king forsen A king forsen as he on [music] that cross as he on [music] that cross as he on [music] that cross failed in pieces. failed in pieces. failed in pieces. The temple sen [music] they mourn the savior they mourn the savior but [music] it wasn't for long. but [music] it wasn't for long. but [music] it wasn't for long. Oh Oh Oh he's he's risen [music] from the grave. he's he's risen [music] from the grave. he's he's risen [music] from the grave. Victorious our savior Victorious our savior Victorious our savior reigns. [music] reigns. [music] reigns. [music] Oh yes. He reigns. He ro the stone Oh yes. He reigns. He ro the stone Oh yes. He reigns. He ro the stone [music] is roll away [music] is roll away [music] is roll away forever. Our redeemer [music] lives. Oh forever. Our redeemer [music] lives. Oh forever. Our redeemer [music] lives. Oh yes he is.

They're in the silence. They're in the They're in the silence. They're in the [music] silence. Come on. It wasn't [music] silence. Come on. It wasn't [music] silence. Come on. It wasn't over. over. over. Oh, our redeemer [music] was getting Oh, our redeemer [music] was getting Oh, our redeemer [music] was getting ready to rise. [singing] ready to rise. [singing] ready to rise. [singing] And all [music] that morning And all [music] that morning And all [music] that morning came to find him. That was empty. came to find him. That was empty. came to find him. That was empty. He is [music] alive. [singing] He is [music] alive. [singing] He is [music] alive. [singing] That was empty. That was empty. That was empty. She is alive. She is alive. She is alive. Oh yes, he's risen [music] from the Oh yes, he's risen [music] from the Oh yes, he's risen [music] from the grave. Victorious grave. Victorious grave. Victorious our savior. [music] our savior. [music] our savior. [music] Oh yes, he reigns. He [music] Oh yes, he reigns. He [music] Oh yes, he reigns. He [music] the stone is rolled away the stone is rolled away the stone is rolled away forever. Our redeemer. forever. Our redeemer. forever. Our redeemer. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Oh yes, he is.

>> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, he lives. He lives. >> Oh, he lives. He lives. >> Oh, he lives. He lives. Oh, he lives. Oh, he lives. Jesus [music] Christ crucified Jesus [music] Christ crucified through his death. There is life by the through his death. There is life by the through his death. There is life by the blood of the lamb. We have been for blood of the lamb. We have been for blood of the lamb. We have been for [music] our debt has been paid. There is [music] our debt has been paid. There is [music] our debt has been paid. There is grace upon grace. [music] grace upon grace. [music] grace upon grace. [music] Only one thing that saves and his name Only one thing that saves and his name Only one thing that saves and his name is Jesus [music] Christ crucified is Jesus [music] Christ crucified is Jesus [music] Christ crucified through his death. There is life [music] through his death. There is life [music] through his death. There is life [music] by the blood of the lamb. We have been his name is Jesus. [music] his name is Jesus. [music] is risen from the grave. Victory is our is risen from the grave. Victory is our is risen from the grave. Victory is our [music] savior.

[music] savior. [music] savior. Oh yes. He [music] He [music] sto amen. Amen. church [music] family, can amen. Amen. church [music] family, can we just celebrate the fact that our we just celebrate the fact that our we just celebrate the fact that our savior is alive, that he reigns savior is alive, that he reigns savior is alive, that he reigns victorious, that [music] there is no one victorious, that [music] there is no one victorious, that [music] there is no one more greater than him. Amen. Amen. more greater than him. Amen. Amen. more greater than him. Amen. Amen. [music] And I just want to let you know [music] And I just want to let you know [music] And I just want to let you know today that we're we will be ending today that we're we will be ending today that we're we will be ending services just a little bit differently. services just a little bit differently. services just a little bit differently. [music] And so right now, we're actually [music] And so right now, we're actually [music] And so right now, we're actually going to enter into a time of giving. going to enter into a time of giving. going to enter into a time of giving. And as we're doing this, would you just And as we're doing this, would you just And as we're doing this, would you just be [music] reminded by the work that he be [music] reminded by the work that he be [music] reminded by the work that he has done for you and for me? and would has done for you and for me? and would has done for you and for me? and would praise and [music] gratitude pour back praise and [music] gratitude pour back praise and [music] gratitude pour back out to him. And there'll be a couple out to him. And there'll be a couple out to him. And there'll be a couple ways that you can give today. Uh there ways that you can give today. Uh there ways that you can give today. Uh there will be buckets being passed around. will be buckets being passed around. will be buckets being passed around. There will also be boxes on your way There will also be boxes on your way There will also be boxes on your way out. But the easiest way is just simply out. But the easiest way is just simply out. But the easiest way is just simply text [music] the word give to 20411.

text [music] the word give to 20411. text [music] the word give to 20411. And so, hey, as we continue in worship And so, hey, as we continue in worship And so, hey, as we continue in worship today, we're going to do so through today, we're going to do so through today, we're going to do so through giving and through song. [music] But giving and through song. [music] But giving and through song. [music] But just be reminded by the faithfulness of just be reminded by the faithfulness of just be reminded by the faithfulness of our God that he has been so good to you our God that he has been so good to you our God that he has been so good to you and me. [music] And worship arises as we and me. [music] And worship arises as we and me. [music] And worship arises as we sing of his faithfulness unto us. Oh, your [music] mercy never fails me. Oh, your [music] mercy never fails me. And all my days And all my days And all my days I've been held in your [music] hands. I've been held in your [music] hands. I've been held in your [music] hands. From the moment that I wake [singing] up From the moment that I wake [singing] up From the moment that I wake [singing] up until I lay my head, until I lay my head, until I lay my head, I will sing I will sing I will sing of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness of God. Come on, [music] every voice of God. Come on, [music] every voice of God. Come on, [music] every voice tonight. All my [singing] life you have been All my [singing] life you have been faithful.

[music] [music] All my life you have been so so good. All my life you have been so so good. All my life you have been so so good. [music] With every breath that I am. With every breath that I am. Oh, I will sing Oh, I will sing Oh, I will sing of the goodness of the goodness of the goodness of God. of God. of God. [music] I love your voice. [music] You are led me through the fire. [music] You are led me through the fire. In [music] darkest night, In [music] darkest night, In [music] darkest night, you are close like your [music] you are close like your [music] you are close like your [music] I know you as a father. [singing] I know [music] you as a friend I know [music] you as a friend and I love you. and I love you. and I love you. [music] [music] [music] What have you seen the moon? Would you What have you seen the moon? Would you What have you seen the moon? Would you sing it out today? sing it out today? sing it out today? All my [music and singing] you have been All my [music and singing] you have been All my [music and singing] you have been faithful.

Oh, you have [music] Oh, you have [music] so so My life down. My life down. [music] [music] [music] I give you everything. I give you everything. I give you everything. [music] [music] [music] Your goodness is running out. Your goodness is running out. Your goodness is running out. [music] [music] [music] Your hand Your hand Your hand is running out. All my life you [music] have been All my life you [music] have been [singing] faithful.

All my life you have been [music] so so All my life you have been [music] so so good. good. good. With every [music] With every [music] With every [music] breath that I am able. breath that I am able. breath that I am able. Oh, I will sing of the goodness Oh, I will sing of the goodness Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God. of God. of God. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Come on. Have you seen him be faithful >> Come on. Have you seen him be faithful >> Come on. Have you seen him be faithful in your life? Would you just [music] in your life? Would you just [music] in your life? Would you just [music] give him praise today? We have seen the give him praise today? We have seen the give him praise today? We have seen the goodness of our God in the land of the goodness of our God in the land of the goodness of our God in the land of the living. Amen. Amen. Lakeoint [music] living. Amen. Amen. Lakeoint [music] living. Amen. Amen. Lakeoint [music] family, it is always such a joy to family, it is always such a joy to family, it is always such a joy to worship with you. You can go ahead and worship with you. You can go ahead and worship with you. You can go ahead and take a seat.

take a seat. take a seat. And hey, as we continue tonight in And hey, as we continue tonight in And hey, as we continue tonight in worship, may we reminded of the Lord's worship, may we reminded of the Lord's worship, may we reminded of the Lord's faithfulness [music] and goodness unto faithfulness [music] and goodness unto faithfulness [music] and goodness unto us as we celebrate with those taking a us as we celebrate with those taking a us as we celebrate with those taking a next step through baptism. next step through baptism. next step through baptism. Hey, Lake Point family, [music] what a Hey, Lake Point family, [music] what a Hey, Lake Point family, [music] what a great day to celebrate new life in great day to celebrate new life in great day to celebrate new life in Christ. This is Hrix. Hendricks, have Christ. This is Hrix. Hendricks, have Christ. This is Hrix. Hendricks, have you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life? Savior of your life? Savior of your life? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It's your dad's honor and my honor to >> It's your dad's honor and my honor to >> It's your dad's honor and my honor to baptize you name the Father, Son, and baptize you name the Father, Son, and baptize you name the Father, Son, and [music] Holy Spirit. >> and family. This [music] is Terry. >> and family. This [music] is Terry. Terry, have you accepted Jesus as Lord Terry, have you accepted Jesus as Lord Terry, have you accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life? and Savior of your life? and Savior of your life? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> It's my honor to baptize you in the name >> It's my honor to baptize you in the name >> It's my honor to baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, [music] and Holy of the Father, Son, [music] and Holy of the Father, Son, [music] and Holy Spirit. >> Well, hey church online. Welcome back to >> Well, hey church online. Welcome back to week three of our fight the good fight week three of our fight the good fight week three of our fight the good fight series. Each week we've been discovering series. Each week we've been discovering series. Each week we've been discovering what it means to remain faithful in a what it means to remain faithful in a what it means to remain faithful in a world that constantly pulls us in world that constantly pulls us in world that constantly pulls us in different directions. And today's different directions. And today's different directions. And today's message from Pastor Josh reminds us that message from Pastor Josh reminds us that message from Pastor Josh reminds us that God never intended for us to fight this God never intended for us to fight this God never intended for us to fight this battle alone. And so here's the heart of battle alone. And so here's the heart of battle alone. And so here's the heart of it. God gives each of us a purpose, but it. God gives each of us a purpose, but it. God gives each of us a purpose, but he also surrounds us with people who he also surrounds us with people who he also surrounds us with people who encourage us, sharpen us, and help us encourage us, sharpen us, and help us encourage us, sharpen us, and help us stay faithful. We were created to walk stay faithful. We were created to walk stay faithful. We were created to walk with Christ and to walk alongside one with Christ and to walk alongside one with Christ and to walk alongside one another. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul writes, another. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul writes, another. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul writes, "Get Mark and bring him with you because

"Get Mark and bring him with you because "Get Mark and bring him with you because he is helpful to me in my ministry." he is helpful to me in my ministry." he is helpful to me in my ministry." Even near the end of his life, Paul Even near the end of his life, Paul Even near the end of his life, Paul understood the value of faithful understood the value of faithful understood the value of faithful relationships. And God often relationships. And God often relationships. And God often accomplishes his purposes through people accomplishes his purposes through people accomplishes his purposes through people who are willing to serve together. And who are willing to serve together. And who are willing to serve together. And this is why the local church matters so this is why the local church matters so this is why the local church matters so much. It is this is where we grow and much. It is this is where we grow and much. It is this is where we grow and encourage one another, discover our encourage one another, discover our encourage one another, discover our calling, and join together to make an calling, and join together to make an calling, and join together to make an eternal difference. And every week what eternal difference. And every week what eternal difference. And every week what we're seeing is just lives transformed we're seeing is just lives transformed we're seeing is just lives transformed as people trust Jesus, take their next as people trust Jesus, take their next as people trust Jesus, take their next step in baptism, and get connected in step in baptism, and get connected in step in baptism, and get connected in meaningful ways. And by the way, none of meaningful ways. And by the way, none of meaningful ways. And by the way, none of that happens by accident. It happens that happens by accident. It happens that happens by accident. It happens because people faithfully invest their because people faithfully invest their because people faithfully invest their time, their gifts, and their generosity time, their gifts, and their generosity time, their gifts, and their generosity so others can experience the hope of so others can experience the hope of so others can experience the hope of Christ. And so if you'd like to be a Christ. And so if you'd like to be a Christ. And so if you'd like to be a part of what God is doing through Lake part of what God is doing through Lake part of what God is doing through Lake Point, you can give anytime by texting Point, you can give anytime by texting Point, you can give anytime by texting the word give to 2041. Or you can also the word give to 2041. Or you can also the word give to 2041. Or you can also visit lakepoint.urch/give. visit lakepoint.urch/give. visit lakepoint.urch/give. Now, here's your next step. If you are Now, here's your next step. If you are Now, here's your next step. If you are here joining us and you're in the DFW here joining us and you're in the DFW here joining us and you're in the DFW area, we'd love to welcome you in area, we'd love to welcome you in area, we'd love to welcome you in person. There's something powerful about person. There's something powerful about person. There's something powerful about gathering with God's people. So find the gathering with God's people. So find the gathering with God's people. So find the campus closest to you at lakpoint.urch/ campus closest to you at lakpoint.urch/ campus closest to you at lakpoint.urch/ locations. And if also you're here and locations. And if also you're here and locations. And if also you're here and perhaps you're joining us from outside perhaps you're joining us from outside perhaps you're joining us from outside of the DFW. Welcome. We're so glad of the DFW. Welcome. We're so glad of the DFW. Welcome. We're so glad you're here. Man, we want to encourage you're here. Man, we want to encourage you're here. Man, we want to encourage you to get planted in a healthy you to get planted in a healthy you to get planted in a healthy bibleelving church near you. Just text bibleelving church near you. Just text bibleelving church near you. Just text the word map to 20411 the word map to 20411 the word map to 20411 and we'll help you connect you with a and we'll help you connect you with a and we'll help you connect you with a church Lake Point has helped plant. Hey, church Lake Point has helped plant. Hey, church Lake Point has helped plant. Hey, let's continue fighting the good fight let's continue fighting the good fight let's continue fighting the good fight and let's never forget we're stronger and let's never forget we're stronger and let's never forget we're stronger when we follow Jesus together.

Hey, Lake Point Vision Night is coming Hey, Lake Point Vision Night is coming up Thursday, August 27th at 7 p.m. We're up Thursday, August 27th at 7 p.m. We're up Thursday, August 27th at 7 p.m. We're gathering at every campus to hear gathering at every campus to hear gathering at every campus to hear directly from Pastor Josh about where directly from Pastor Josh about where directly from Pastor Josh about where God is leading Lake Point over the next God is leading Lake Point over the next God is leading Lake Point over the next two years. Childcare is available from two years. Childcare is available from two years. Childcare is available from birth to third grade. To pre-register birth to third grade. To pre-register birth to third grade. To pre-register for childare and get more details, for childare and get more details, for childare and get more details, [music] text vision to 20411. [music] text vision to 20411. [music] text vision to 20411. And our next rooted session begins And our next rooted session begins And our next rooted session begins September 8th. This 10-week disciplehip September 8th. This 10-week disciplehip September 8th. This 10-week disciplehip experience will help you grow in your experience will help you grow in your experience will help you grow in your relationship with Christ, build relationship with Christ, build relationship with Christ, build meaningful community, and practice seven meaningful community, and practice seven meaningful community, and practice seven rhythms of following Jesus. Register rhythms of following Jesus. Register rhythms of following Jesus. Register today by texting rooted to 2041. And if today by texting rooted to 2041. And if today by texting rooted to 2041. And if you're new and curious about what Rooted you're new and curious about what Rooted you're new and curious about what Rooted is or where to get started, be sure to is or where to get started, be sure to is or where to get started, be sure to stop by our NextStep Center in all of stop by our NextStep Center in all of stop by our NextStep Center in all of our lobbies after service today. Our our lobbies after service today. Our our lobbies after service today. Our team would love to connect with you, team would love to connect with you, team would love to connect with you, [music] answer whatever questions you [music] answer whatever questions you [music] answer whatever questions you have, and help you get plugged in. Now, have, and help you get plugged in. Now, have, and help you get plugged in. Now, attention to parents of young kids. attention to parents of young kids. attention to parents of young kids. Parent dedication is next weekend, Parent dedication is next weekend, Parent dedication is next weekend, August 29th and 30th. If you're ready to August 29th and 30th. If you're ready to August 29th and 30th. If you're ready to publicly commit to raising your [music] publicly commit to raising your [music] publicly commit to raising your [music] child in a Christc center home, be sure child in a Christc center home, be sure child in a Christc center home, be sure to register before the deadline on to register before the deadline on to register before the deadline on August 24th at 5:00 p.m. To learn more August 24th at 5:00 p.m. To learn more August 24th at 5:00 p.m. To learn more and register, [music] head to lp.events.

and register, [music] head to lp.events. and register, [music] head to lp.events. And now, finally, a great disciplehip And now, finally, a great disciplehip And now, finally, a great disciplehip tool to keep at your fingertips [music] tool to keep at your fingertips [music] tool to keep at your fingertips [music] is the Lakeoint app, where you can stay is the Lakeoint app, where you can stay is the Lakeoint app, where you can stay connected all week. Download it today to connected all week. Download it today to connected all week. Download it today to follow our daily Bible reading, watch follow our daily Bible reading, watch follow our daily Bible reading, watch messages, get early access to live free messages, get early access to live free messages, get early access to live free episodes, and so much more. Text app to episodes, and so much more. Text app to episodes, and so much more. Text app to 20411 to get started. Now, let's dive 20411 to get started. Now, let's dive 20411 to get started. Now, let's dive back into our series, Fight the Good back into our series, Fight the Good back into our series, Fight the Good Fight. [music] >> All right, man. Hey, like one point >> All right, man. Hey, like one point family, if you guys got your Bibles, family, if you guys got your Bibles, family, if you guys got your Bibles, head over to Second Timothy, chapter 4. head over to Second Timothy, chapter 4. head over to Second Timothy, chapter 4. Throwing you a curveball. Chapter 4. Throwing you a curveball. Chapter 4. Throwing you a curveball. Chapter 4. Okay, it's going to be great. Hey, um Okay, it's going to be great. Hey, um Okay, it's going to be great. Hey, um before you guys uh or while you're before you guys uh or while you're before you guys uh or while you're headed over there, let me just give you headed over there, let me just give you headed over there, let me just give you a heads up. Quick family meeting, a heads up. Quick family meeting, a heads up. Quick family meeting, Laypoint Church. Um this you've been Laypoint Church. Um this you've been Laypoint Church. Um this you've been hearing about it for the last three hearing about it for the last three hearing about it for the last three weeks. this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. It's weeks. this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. It's weeks. this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. It's this is like an all hands- on deck this is like an all hands- on deck this is 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. Well, it's kind of like it's church. Well, it's kind of like it's church. Well, it's kind of like it's been 31 years since we've kind of been been 31 years since we've kind of been been 31 years since we've kind of been in in a moment like this. And so, I need in in a moment like this. And so, I need in in a moment like this. And so, I need to roll out to the people of our church to roll out to the people of our church to 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 pretty next few years and some pretty uh pretty next few years and some pretty uh pretty awesome, pretty significant things that awesome, pretty significant things that awesome, pretty significant things that um that we're going to be rolling out. um that we're going to be rolling out. um that we're going to be rolling out. So, if you can this Thursday, 700 p.m. So, if you can this Thursday, 700 p.m. So, if you can this Thursday, 700 p.m. I'm going to be there rolling that stuff I'm going to be there rolling that stuff I'm going to be there rolling that stuff out. Um and uh I'll see you there. It's out. Um and uh I'll see you there. It's out. Um and uh I'll see you there. It's going to be awesome. Okay, so mark the going to be awesome. Okay, so mark the going to be awesome. Okay, so mark the calendars. I'm excited. All right, let's calendars. I'm excited. All right, let's calendars. I'm excited. All right, let's get into this is week three of a series get into this is week three of a series get into this is week three of a series that we just been calling Fight the Good that we just been calling Fight the Good that we just been calling Fight the Good Fight. Fight the good fight. And I just Fight. Fight the good fight. And I just Fight. Fight the good fight. And I just want to remind you while we're doing want to remind you while we're doing want to remind you while we're doing this series, because this is why we do this series, because this is why we do this 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 is here's all it is is it is the Timothy is here's all it is is it is the Timothy is 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 gonna shoot you Christ more closely. I'm gonna shoot you Christ more closely. I'm gonna shoot you real straight. There's a reason this is real straight. There's a reason this is real straight. There's a reason this is the only part of the series where I'm the only part of the series where I'm 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. set it up. set it up. Chuck Swindoll, anybody know who Chuck Chuck Swindoll, anybody know who Chuck Chuck Swindoll, anybody know who Chuck Swindall is? I hope so. Y'all know Chuck Swindall is? I hope so. Y'all know Chuck Swindall is? I hope so. Y'all know Chuck Swindoll? All right. Chuck Swindoll, Swindoll? All right. Chuck Swindoll, Swindoll? All right. Chuck Swindoll, legend. Chuck Swindoll, um 91 years old, legend. Chuck Swindoll, um 91 years old, legend. Chuck Swindoll, um 91 years old, might be one of the greatest still might be one of the greatest still might be one of the greatest still living preachers. He read this little living preachers. He read this little living preachers. He read this little story at the beginning of a a message story at the beginning of a a message story at the beginning of a a message that I watched. And he he said this, "If that I watched. And he he said this, "If that I watched. And he he said this, "If your age starts with a five rub, you're your age starts with a five rub, you're your age starts with a five rub, you're going to like this." He said, "I know I going to like this." He said, "I know I going to like this." He said, "I know I shouldn't have done this. I'm 83 is when shouldn't have done this. I'm 83 is when shouldn't have done this. I'm 83 is when it happened." "I am 83 years old." He it happened." "I am 83 years old." He it happened." "I am 83 years old." He was reading this story. Somebody else was reading this story. Somebody else 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. Now she has to go back to the end of the Now she has to go back to the end of the Now she has to go back to the end of the queue and start all over again. Don't queue and start all over again. Don't queue and start all over again. Don't blow your horn at old people. We've been blow your horn at old people. We've been blow your horn at old people. We've been around for a long time. All right, there around for a long time. All right, there around for a long time. All right, there it is. All right, there it is. Now, it is. All right, there it is. Now, it is. All right, there it is. Now, [laughter] [laughter] [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, "Tim, hey, hey Timothy is going to say, "Tim, hey, hey Timothy is going to say, "Tim, hey, hey Tim, before I go to be with the Lord," Tim, before I go to be with the Lord," Tim, before I go to be with the Lord," he's going to say this. If you, Timothy, he's going to say this. If you, Timothy, he's going to say this. If you, Timothy, if you want to finish like I'm if you want to finish like I'm if you want to finish like I'm finishing, by the way, if your age finishing, by the way, if your age finishing, by the way, if your age starts with 56, seven or up, you're starts with 56, seven or up, you're starts with 56, seven or up, you're going to read about a guy in this going to read about a guy in this going to read about a guy in this passage named Deeus. I don't have time passage named Deeus. I don't have time passage named Deeus. I don't have time to talk about this. I talk about it in to talk about this. I talk about it in to talk about this. I talk about it in the podcast. You're going to read about the podcast. You're going to read about the podcast. You're going to read about a guy named Deeus. Paul's Paul mentions a guy named Deeus. Paul's Paul mentions a guy named Deeus. Paul's Paul mentions him in 2 Timothy 4. You're going to read him in 2 Timothy 4. You're going to read him in 2 Timothy 4. You're going to read it. Paul says about Deeus. He says, it. Paul says about Deeus. He says, it. Paul says about Deeus. He says, "Deus in love with this present world "Deus in love with this present world "Deus in love with this present world has deserted me." If you do your Bible has deserted me." If you do your Bible has deserted me." If you do your Bible homework and you go read, I think it's homework and you go read, I think it's homework and you go read, I think it's Colossians and the book of Fleiman. Two Colossians and the book of Fleiman. Two Colossians and the book of Fleiman. Two books written before the book of Second books written before the book of Second books written before the book of Second Timothy. Paul refers to Deeus as quote,

Timothy. Paul refers to Deeus as quote, Timothy. Paul refers to Deeus as quote, "one of his fellow workers and one of "one of his fellow workers and one of "one of his fellow workers and one of his companions in the faith." And so all his companions in the faith." And so all his companions in the faith." And so all we know about Deeus, watch this, is he we know about Deeus, watch this, is he we know about Deeus, watch this, is he started well, but he did not finish well started well, but he did not finish well started well, but he did not finish well in love with his present world. He in love with his present world. He in love with his present world. He abandoned Paul. He abandoned the cause abandoned Paul. He abandoned the cause abandoned Paul. He abandoned the cause of Christ. And that's the final sentence of Christ. And that's the final sentence of Christ. And that's the final sentence to Deeus' story. This is a whole to Deeus' story. This is a whole to Deeus' story. This is a whole different sermon, but I'm just talking different sermon, but I'm just talking different sermon, but I'm just talking to our senior saints right now. Hey to our senior saints right now. Hey to our senior saints right now. Hey senior saints, you've started well. We senior saints, you've started well. We senior saints, you've started well. We need you to finish well. We need you. need you to finish well. We need you. need you to finish well. We need you. Listen, we're watching you to watch some Listen, we're watching you to watch some Listen, we're watching you to watch some people put some decades on the clock. people put some decades on the clock. people put some decades on the clock. finish the race with everything you got finish the race with everything you got finish the race with everything you got and with your final words be able to and with your final words be able to and with your final words be able to turn around and tell your children and turn around and tell your children and turn around and tell your children and your grandchildren, watch this, and your your grandchildren, watch this, and your 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 thence forth laid up there is then for thence forth laid up there is then for thence forth 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 like a drink offering. And the time of like a drink offering. And the time of my departure is near. Watch. I have my departure is near. Watch. I have my departure is near. Watch. I have fought the good fight. I have finished fought the good fight. I have finished fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." By the the race. I have kept the faith." By the the race. I have kept the faith." By the way, we got any Marines in the room. way, we got any Marines in the room. way, we got any Marines in the room. Where the Marines at? Where the Marines at? Where 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 have what Paul says here when he says I have what Paul says here when he says I have kept the faith. Essentially what he's kept the faith. Essentially what he's kept the faith. Essentially what he's saying is simpelis. When the when the saying is simpelis. When the when the saying is simpelis. When the when the bullets started flying, I did not run bullets started flying, I did not run bullets started flying, I did not run away from my my good general and my good away from my my good general and my good away from my my good general and my good God. I stayed faithful to the end. This God. I stayed faithful to the end. This God. I stayed faithful to the end. This is what he's saying right here. So he's is what he's saying right here. So he's is what he's saying right here. So he's saying, "I have kept the faith. Now saying, "I have kept the faith. Now 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 urrah or simp, you know, gave me a good urrah or simp, you know, gave me a good urrah 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. As assassination plots by by a viper. As assassination plots by by a viper. As assassination plots by Jewish ninjas, walk 20 m a day, 12,000 m Jewish ninjas, walk 20 m a day, 12,000 m Jewish ninjas, walk 20 m a day, 12,000 m on foot. Dude is singing hymns and

on foot. Dude is singing hymns and on foot. Dude is singing hymns and torture devices in the book of Acts. And torture devices in the book of Acts. And torture devices in the book of Acts. And yet, when he is in a pit and he's alone, yet, when he is in a pit and he's alone, yet, when he is in a pit and he's alone, the Apostle Paul reaches out to a the Apostle Paul reaches out to a the Apostle Paul reaches out to a disciple friend named Timothy and says, disciple friend named Timothy and says, disciple friend named Timothy and says, "I need you. Do your best to come to me "I need you. Do your best to come to me "I need you. Do your best to come to me soon. Point number one, a disciple soon. Point number one, a disciple soon. Point number one, a disciple assembles a band of brothers or sisters. assembles a band of brothers or sisters. assembles a band of brothers or sisters. A disciple assembles assembles a band of A disciple assembles assembles a band of A disciple assembles assembles a band of brothers and sisters. Now, this one brothers and sisters. Now, this one brothers and sisters. Now, this one decision will be the most important decision will be the most important decision will be the most important decision you make to determine your decision you make to determine your decision you make to determine your disciplehip. Now, let me explain why. disciplehip. Now, let me explain why. disciplehip. Now, let me explain why. Okay, the Bible says that the devil is Okay, the Bible says that the devil is Okay, the Bible says that the devil is in the quote the domain of darkness. So, in the quote the domain of darkness. So, in the quote the domain of darkness. So, the darkness is where the devil's domain the darkness is where the devil's domain the darkness is where the devil's domain is. But then 1 John chapter 1 says that is. But then 1 John chapter 1 says that is. But then 1 John chapter 1 says that if we walk in the light as he is in the if we walk in the light as he is in the if we walk in the light as he is in the light, he is Jesus. If we walk in the light, he is Jesus. If we walk in the light, he is Jesus. If we walk in the light as he is in the light, the blood light as he is in the light, the blood light as he is in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us uh and separates us of Jesus cleanses us uh and separates us of Jesus cleanses us uh and separates us from all sin. So check this out. The from all sin. So check this out. The from all sin. So check this out. The Bible says the devil's domain is Bible says the devil's domain is Bible says the devil's domain is darkness, but Jesus is out where the darkness, but Jesus is out where the darkness, but Jesus is out where the light is. Now check this out. Here's why light is. Now check this out. Here's why light is. Now check this out. Here's why your decision whether or not to assemble your decision whether or not to assemble your decision whether or not to assemble a band of brothers or a band of sisters a band of brothers or a band of sisters a 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'mma bow up. I got this. By the alone. I'mma bow up. I got this. By the alone. I'mma 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. Heads English language are, I got this. Heads English language are, I got this. Heads up. You don't got this. The devil is up. You don't got this. The devil is up. You don't got this. The devil is bigger than you. Thin is stronger than bigger than you. Thin is stronger than bigger than you. Thin is stronger than you. But watch this. But greater is he you. But watch this. But greater is he you. But watch this. But greater is he that is in you than he that is in the that is in you than he that is in the 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 a dad gum Keven got your playbook, and a dad gum Keven got your playbook, and a 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 and look at each other in the sit there and look at each other in the sit there and look at each other in the eye and talk about their feelings. Okay.

eye and talk about their feelings. Okay. eye 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, no. our feelings?" I'd say, "Number one, no. our feelings?" I'd say, "Number one, no. Number two, the fact that you asked me Number two, the fact that you asked me Number two, the fact that you asked me makes me real suspicious of you." That's makes me real suspicious of you." That's makes me real suspicious of you." That's what I'd say. No, I do not. Go. So, let what I'd say. No, I do not. Go. So, let what I'd say. No, I do not. Go. So, let me talk real practically about how men me talk real practically about how men me talk real practically about how men and women need to assemble a band of and women need to assemble a band of and women need to assemble a band of brothers because each of you men and brothers because each of you men and brothers because each of you men and women, you're going to struggle with women, you're going to struggle with women, you're going to struggle with this in different ways. So, let me ask this in different ways. So, let me ask this in different ways. So, let me ask I'm going to ask two questions. Maybe I'm going to ask two questions. Maybe I'm going to ask two questions. Maybe you need to write these questions down. you need to write these questions down. you need to write these questions down. First, let me talk to the ladies. First, let me talk to the ladies. 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, lot a lot of you ladies, not all of you, lot a lot of you ladies, not all of you, lot of you ladies, you need to hear this. of you ladies, you need to hear this. of you ladies, you need to hear this. Some of you, you are terrible at Some of you, you are terrible at 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, and friends." And then you'll get, and friends." And then you'll get, 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 friends?

be like hey did you make any friends? be like hey did you make any friends? You be like uh nobody talked to me You be like uh nobody talked to me You be like uh nobody 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] really busy. Okay, [laughter] really busy. Okay, [laughter] that's what you do. While while you that's what you do. While while you that's what you do. While while you stood in a corner and made it look like stood in a corner and made it look like stood in a corner and made it look like you didn't want anybody to come ask you. you didn't want anybody to come ask you. you didn't want anybody to come ask you. That's what you do. Okay. Now men That's what you do. Okay. Now men That's what you do. Okay. Now men develop friendships very different. I'm develop friendships very different. I'm develop friendships very different. I'm speaking to you a straightforward way. speaking to you a straightforward way. speaking to you a straightforward way. Men develop friendships very Men develop friendships very Men develop friendships very differently. man, it's around differently. man, it's around differently. man, it's around activities. So, it's like, "Hey, dude, activities. So, it's like, "Hey, dude, activities. So, it's like, "Hey, dude, you want to be friends?" I was like, you want to be friends?" I was like, you want to be friends?" I was like, "Hey, man. You into baseball?" "Nope." "Hey, man. You into baseball?" "Nope." "Hey, man. You into baseball?" "Nope." "You into golf?" "Nope." "You fish?" "You into golf?" "Nope." "You fish?" "You into golf?" "Nope." "You fish?" "Yes." "Now we're friends. We're friends "Yes." "Now we're friends. We're friends "Yes." "Now we're friends. We're friends now." Okay, that's how it works. So, now." Okay, that's how it works. So, now." Okay, that's how it works. So, ladies, let me just say this. What ladies, let me just say this. What ladies, let me just say this. What you're going to have to do to assemble a you're going to have to do to assemble a you're going to have to do to assemble a band of sisters, you're going to have to band of sisters, you're going to have to band of sisters, you're going to have to pursue it. You're going to have to make pursue it. You're going to have to make pursue it. You're going to have to make the phone call. You're going to have to the phone call. You're going to have to the phone call. You're going to have to send the text. You're going to need to send the text. You're going to need to send the text. You're going to need to take a step to begin to assemble this take a step to begin to assemble this take a step to begin to assemble this band of sisters that you need. Now, men, band of sisters that you need. Now, men, band of sisters that you need. Now, men, let me point this out to you. The men let me point this out to you. The men let me point this out to you. The men that the apostle Paul surrounds himself that the apostle Paul surrounds himself that the apostle Paul surrounds himself with, watch this, they are men of God with, watch this, they are men of God with, watch this, they are men of God doing the things of God. Let me ask you doing the things of God. Let me ask you doing the things of God. Let me ask you this question, man. Are your this question, man. Are your this question, man. Are your relationships, are they rooted in relationships, are they rooted in 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 gonna tell you right now activity, I'm gonna tell you right now activity, I'm gonna tell you right now what's going to happen to you because what's going to happen to you because what's going to happen to you because I've done this many times. The depth of I've done this many times. The depth of I've done this many times. The depth of the relationship is going to be the relationship is going to be 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 there get this in is it's literally if there get this in is it's literally if there if like I was preaching two sermons to if like I was preaching two sermons to if like I was preaching two sermons to leave you with before I died. I would leave you with before I died. I would leave you 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 preach a sermon that had this diagram in preach a sermon that had this diagram in it. It's that critical for your it. It's that critical for your it. It's that critical for your disciplehip. Now, zoom out. I want you disciplehip. Now, zoom out. I want you disciplehip. Now, zoom out. I want you to see something about the relationships to see something about the relationships to see something about the relationships of the Apostle Paul. Now, check this of the Apostle Paul. Now, check this of the Apostle Paul. Now, check this out. There is a defined structure. And out. There is a defined structure. And out. There is a defined structure. And if you're taking notes, I I want you to if you're taking notes, I I want you to if you're taking notes, I I want you to to draw this diagram. I'm going to give to draw this diagram. I'm going to give to draw this diagram. I'm going to give you some homework. There is a defined you some homework. There is a defined you some homework. There is a defined structure to the nature of the Apostle structure to the nature of the Apostle structure to the nature of the Apostle Paul's relationships. Now, watch. You'll Paul's relationships. Now, watch. You'll Paul's relationships. Now, watch. You'll miss it. You'll watch. Now, what we're miss it. You'll watch. Now, what we're miss it. You'll watch. Now, what we're do getting ready to do, we're getting do getting ready to do, we're getting do getting ready to do, we're getting ready to read like the phone book ready to read like the phone book ready to read like the phone book section of the where Paul goes, "Tell section of the where Paul goes, "Tell section of the where Paul goes, "Tell that guy hi and that guy said hi and that guy hi and that guy said hi and that guy hi and that guy said hi and tell them to wear my little coat and all tell them to wear my little coat and all tell them to wear my little coat and all that stuff." Let me just remind you of that stuff." Let me just remind you of that stuff." Let me just remind you of something. It takes the whole Bible to something. It takes the whole Bible to something. It takes the whole Bible to make a whole disciple. make a whole disciple. make a whole 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 U is Timothy. There's one. Now, the U is Timothy. There's one. Now, the U 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. Now, in the book of Acts, Paul Okay. Now, in the book of Acts, Paul Okay. Now, in the book of Acts, Paul goes on his first missionary journey. goes on his first missionary journey. goes on his first missionary journey. And him and his dude named Mark. They And him and his dude named Mark. They And him and his dude named Mark. They have a falling out, a relational falling have a falling out, a relational falling have a falling out, a relational falling out because Mark flakes. Mark's a out because Mark flakes. Mark's a out because Mark flakes. Mark's a younger guy, a little timid. Body was younger guy, a little timid. Body was younger guy, a little timid. Body was willing, spirit was weak. That kind of willing, spirit was weak. That kind of willing, spirit was weak. That kind of thing. Spirit was willing, body was thing. Spirit was willing, body was thing. Spirit was willing, body was weak. Mark flaked and he left Paul on weak. Mark flaked and he left Paul on weak. Mark flaked and he left Paul on the missionary journey. I love this so the missionary journey. I love this so the missionary journey. I love this so much. Paul did not let his relationship much. Paul did not let his relationship much. Paul did not let his relationship with Mark be defined by Mark's failure.

with Mark be defined by Mark's failure. with Mark be defined by Mark's failure. He let the grace of the Lord Jesus He let the grace of the Lord Jesus He let the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ come back in redeem what the Christ come back in redeem what the Christ come back in redeem what the enemy had wrecked. And one of the last enemy had wrecked. And one of the last enemy had wrecked. And one of the last things the Apostle Paul tells Mark things the Apostle Paul tells Mark things the Apostle Paul tells Mark before he dies is get that guy and bring before he dies is get that guy and bring before he dies is get that guy and bring him back. He is very useful to me. Can I him back. He is very useful to me. Can I him back. He is very useful to me. Can I Can I just tell you something? Some of Can I just tell you something? Some of Can I just tell you something? Some of you have had relationships and betrayals you have had relationships and betrayals you have had relationships and betrayals fall on your life. Can I tell you fall on your life. Can I tell you fall on your life. Can I tell you something? God can redeem what the enemy something? God can redeem what the enemy something? God can redeem what the enemy has wrecked. He does this with Mark has wrecked. He does this with Mark has wrecked. He does this with Mark right here. In fact, Mark is one of right here. In fact, Mark is one of right here. In fact, Mark is one of these three dudes. There's only three these three dudes. There's only three these three dudes. There's only three guys in this passage. When Paul's in guys in this passage. When Paul's in guys in this passage. When Paul's in prison, he's like, "Man, I need these prison, he's like, "Man, I need these prison, he's like, "Man, I need these three guys." Now, watch this. If you're three guys." Now, watch this. If you're three guys." Now, watch this. If you're drawing the diagram, draw this. His drawing the diagram, draw this. His drawing the diagram, draw this. His inner circle is I'm going to call it his inner circle is I'm going to call it his inner circle is I'm going to call it his circle of intimacy. Intimacy means into circle of intimacy. Intimacy means into circle of intimacy. Intimacy means into me see. When Paul is in a weak moment, me see. When Paul is in a weak moment, me see. When Paul is in a weak moment, he's like, "I need those three guys. he's like, "I need those three guys. he's like, "I need those three guys. Come strengthen me." But watch, there's Come strengthen me." But watch, there's Come strengthen me." But watch, there's a whole next group. You're going to see a whole next group. You're going to see a whole next group. You're going to see 13 names that he treats differently than 13 names that he treats differently than 13 names that he treats differently than the three. Check this out. Go back to the three. Check this out. Go back to the three. Check this out. Go back to it. So, the next uh go to the Here it it. So, the next uh go to the Here it it. So, the next uh go to the Here it is. I'm just going to read them real is. I'm just going to read them real is. I'm just going to read them real quick. Cresins has gone to Galatia. quick. Cresins has gone to Galatia. quick. Cresins has gone to Galatia. Titus to Dalatia. He's picking up 12 Titus to Dalatia. He's picking up 12 Titus to Dalatia. He's picking up 12 dogs. T or 101 dogs. 101 dogs. Ticus.

dogs. T or 101 dogs. 101 dogs. Ticus. dogs. T or 101 dogs. 101 dogs. Ticus. Okay, let just keep going. Just do them Okay, let just keep going. Just do them Okay, let just keep going. Just do them real fast. Carpass. He's going over real fast. Carpass. He's going over real fast. Carpass. He's going over here. Priscilla. We got Aquilla. Our here. Priscilla. We got Aquilla. Our here. Priscilla. We got Aquilla. Our buddy Onusiferus makes another buddy Onusiferus makes another buddy Onusiferus makes another appearance. Aras. We got over here appearance. Aras. We got over here appearance. Aras. We got over here Trophy. Well, I want to get out of the Trophy. Well, I want to get out of the Trophy. Well, I want to get out of the way. Oh, there it is. Ubulus. And then way. Oh, there it is. Ubulus. And then way. Oh, there it is. Ubulus. And then we got this over here. I just I I just we got this over here. I just I I just we got this over here. I just I I just want to say, man, Putin's is here. I'm want to say, man, Putin's is here. I'm want to say, man, Putin's is here. I'm waiting for somebody to go baby name waiting for somebody to go baby name waiting for somebody to go baby name Putin's. We need another sounds like a Putin's. We need another sounds like a Putin's. We need another sounds like a rural Kentucky name that I grew up with. rural Kentucky name that I grew up with. rural Kentucky name that I grew up with. Lionus, Claudia, all these things. Okay, Lionus, Claudia, all these things. Okay, Lionus, Claudia, all these things. Okay, now check this out. So now there's 13. now check this out. So now there's 13. now 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 this.

Paul ministers to. Now, go back to this. Paul ministers to. Now, go back to this. So, what you get when you see the So, what you get when you see the 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 you some of you really Listen, some of you some of you really Listen, some of you some of you really need to hear this. I point this out to need to hear this. I point this out to need to hear this. I point this out to you because some of you need to see from you because some of you need to see from you because some of you need to see from the life of Jesus. This is permission to the life of Jesus. This is permission to the 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, who this is? and Martha Stewart. Okay, who this is? and Martha Stewart. Okay, who this is? It's like tie tight. This is who you got It's like tie tight. This is who you got It's like tie tight. This is who you got right here. These are your tight. right here. These are your tight. right here. These are your tight. 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, but influence and they influence you, but influence and they influence you, but they're not in this tight circle where they're not in this tight circle where they're not in this tight circle where they're like seeing everything about they're like seeing everything about they're like seeing everything about your life. And then out here, check this your life. And then out here, check this your life. And then out here, check this out. So in the No, keep keep on the out. So in the No, keep keep on the out. So in the No, keep keep on the diagram. So in the second come Yep. In diagram. So in the second come Yep. In diagram. So in the second come Yep. In the second circle, these are people that the second circle, these are people that the second circle, these are people that influence you, you influence, but it's influence you, you influence, but it's influence you, you influence, but it's not as intimate. These are people on the not as intimate. These are people on the not as intimate. These are people on the outside that you minister to, but they outside that you minister to, but they outside that you minister to, but they do not influence you. Now, here here's do not influence you. Now, here here's do not influence you. Now, here here's what I'm I'm driving at. This inner what I'm I'm driving at. This inner what I'm I'm driving at. This inner circle right here, this right here,

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

it's called refrigerator rights. 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 going to it's going to hit some it's going to it's going to hit some it's going to it's going to hit some spots in your in some of your lives, but spots in your in some of your lives, but spots in your in some of your lives, but just go with me. Let me just say just go with me. Let me just say just go with me. Let me just say something in a very straightforward way. something in a very straightforward way. something in a very straightforward way. God wants your closest relationships to God wants your closest relationships to God wants your closest relationships to be with other. And I want you to say be with other. And I want you to say be with other. And I want you to say this word out loud. With other what? this word out loud. With other what? this word out loud. With other what? Other Other 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, no. Committed, good, Eagles. No, no, no. Committed, good, Eagles. No, no, no. Committed, good, solid, that's how got to get that in solid, that's how got to get that in solid, that's how got to get that in there. Okay. Got to get that in there. there. Okay. Got to get that in there. 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, he's got a lot of potential." No, no, he's got a lot of potential." No, no, no. Can I just tell you something? You no. Can I just tell you something? You no. Can I just tell you something? You are not going to influence him for are not going to influence him for are 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." And you say, "What? He's so character." And you say, "What? He's so character." And you say, "What? 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. Okay? So here, here we go. So other Okay? So here, here we go. So other Okay? 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 very straightforward this. This is very straightforward this. This is 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 yolked together with unbelievers. not be yolked together with unbelievers. not be yolked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness For what do righteousness and wickedness For 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 to church before. So, you never been to church before. So, you never been to church before. So, you hear yolked and you're like, "Yeah, you hear yolked and you're like, "Yeah, you hear yolked and you're like, "Yeah, you know, is that what you mean?" No, no, know, is that what you mean?" No, no, know, is that what you mean?" No, no, it's not what we're talking about. This it's not what we're talking about. This it's not what we're talking about. This is like a this is like an agrarian is like a this is like an agrarian is like a this is like an agrarian farming analogy. So, I'm actually I farming analogy. So, I'm actually I farming analogy. So, I'm actually I don't I don't like doing visual don't I don't like doing visual don't I don't like doing visual illustrations ever so it's not I'm not illustrations ever so it's not I'm not illustrations ever so it's not I'm not it's not not my thing, but sometimes it's not not my thing, but sometimes it's not not my thing, but sometimes it's really helpful. So, Jordan, will it's really helpful. So, Jordan, will it's really helpful. So, Jordan, will you come up here? Everybody welcome you come up here? Everybody welcome you come up here? Everybody welcome Jordan Lloyd up the stage real quick. Jordan Lloyd up the stage real quick. Jordan Lloyd up the stage real quick. Come on. Come on, man. Team Jordan. Come on. Come on, man. Team Jordan. Come on. Come on, man. Team Jordan. Okay, let me do this real quick. You Okay, let me do this real quick. You Okay, let me do this real quick. You stand over there. So, here's what this stand over there. So, here's what this stand over there. So, here's what this is. Here's all a yolk right there. Stand is. Here's all a yolk right there. Stand is. Here's all a yolk right there. Stand right there. He He didn't know. Just right there. He He didn't know. Just right there. He He didn't know. Just He's You're going to do a great job. He's You're going to do a great job. He's You're going to do a great job. Okay. [clears throat] Okay. [clears throat] Okay. [clears throat] So, here's all a yoke is. A yoke was a So, here's all a yoke is. A yoke was a So, here's all a yoke is. A yoke was a wooden beam structure they would put on wooden beam structure they would put on wooden beam structure they would put on two oxen to put the oxen together so two oxen to put the oxen together so two oxen to put the oxen together so that they could plow a field together.

that they could plow a field together. that they could plow a field together. Because when two are plow, watch this, Because when two are plow, watch this, Because when two are plow, watch this, are plowing at the same time in a field are plowing at the same time in a field are plowing at the same time in a field in the same direction, there's an in the same direction, there's an in the same direction, there's an exponential, it's an exponential thing exponential, it's an exponential thing exponential, it's an exponential thing that comes. So it's not just the that comes. So it's not just the that comes. So it's not just the strength of two, it's like the strength strength of two, it's like the strength strength of two, it's like the strength of five. So what this is saying is when of five. So what this is saying is when of five. So what this is saying is when it says, "Do not be yolked together with it says, "Do not be yolked together with it says, "Do not be yolked together with somebody who's not following Christ in somebody who's not following Christ in somebody who's not following Christ in the same way as you." It's saying, "Man, the same way as you." It's saying, "Man, the same way as you." It's saying, "Man, don't put a relational connection point don't put a relational connection point don't put a relational connection point on your life with somebody who's not on your life with somebody who's not on your life with somebody who's not moving in the same direction." And watch moving in the same direction." And watch moving in the same direction." And watch this at the same speed as you. Now this at the same speed as you. Now this at the same speed as you. Now watch, here's what happens. So me and watch, here's what happens. So me and watch, here's what happens. So me and Jordan, we're going to get yolked, okay? Jordan, we're going to get yolked, okay? Jordan, we're going to get yolked, okay? With not don't even got to lift. We're With not don't even got to lift. We're With not don't even got to lift. We're move that way. Go that way. Now watch. move that way. Go that way. Now watch. move that way. Go that way. Now watch. Notice Notice 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 gonna ask you passage said, Jordan, I'm gonna ask you passage said, Jordan, I'm gonna ask you to move walk that way in just a second. to move walk that way in just a second. to move walk that way in just a second. Don't do it. Don't do it. Okay. What Don't do it. Don't do it. Okay. What Don't do it. Don't do it. Okay. What this passage said is it said, "What this passage said is it said, "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. It has to be together, let's go. It has to be together, let's go. It has to be coordinated. Now watch. The problem is coordinated. Now watch. The problem is coordinated. Now watch. The problem is if he gets distracted, get distracted if he gets distracted, get distracted 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 it. If he Okay. Uhuh. Uhuh. If that's it. If he Okay. Uhuh. Uhuh. If that's it. If he gets distracted, that's going to make me gets distracted, that's going to make me gets distracted, that's going to make me get distracted. I got to move in that get distracted. I got to move in that get distracted. I got to move in that direction. If I get distracted, start direction. If I get distracted, start direction. If I get distracted, start wandering off. Sorry, Jordan. I'm going wandering off. Sorry, Jordan. I'm going wandering off. Sorry, Jordan. I'm going to pull him the wrong direction. But to pull him the wrong direction. But to pull him the wrong direction. But we're going to go ahead and turn around. we're going to go ahead and turn around. we're going to go ahead and turn around. We got a little dance we got going on. We got a little dance we got going on. We got a little dance we got going on. Okay, watch this. You stay behind me Okay, watch this. You stay behind me Okay, watch this. You stay behind me right here just a little bit for the right here just a little bit for the right here just a little bit for the camera. I want them to see it. Now, camera. I want them to see it. Now, camera. I want them to see it. Now, here's what'll happen. Here's what's here's what'll happen. Here's what's here's what'll happen. Here's what's happening to a lot of you right now. happening to a lot of you right now. happening to a lot of you right now. Here's what's happening. You got to be Here's what's happening. You got to be Here's what's happening. You got to be careful. careful. careful. who you get relationally yolked to who you get relationally yolked to who you get relationally yolked to because watch here's what's going to because watch here's what's going to because watch here's what's going to happen. Some of you, here's what happen. Some of you, here's what happen. Some of you, here's what happens. You've got somebody in your happens. You've got somebody in your happens. You've got somebody in your life who when you started the life who when you started the 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 happens. And now here, watch here's what happens. And now here, watch here's what happens. They stopped, but you kept trying to They stopped, but you kept trying to They stopped, but you kept trying to pursue him. And now here's what's going pursue him. And now here's what's going pursue him. And now here's what's going on in your life. This is like a visual on in your life. This is like a visual on in your life. This is like a visual representation of what's happening to representation of what's happening to representation of what's happening to you right now. Now what's happening is you right now. Now what's happening is you right now. Now what's happening is watch. You're praying. You're attending watch. You're praying. You're attending watch. You're praying. You're attending church. You're reading your Bible. church. You're reading your Bible. church. You're reading your Bible. You're studying Second Timothy. You're You're studying Second Timothy. You're You're studying Second Timothy. You're doing all the things. And there's this doing all the things. And there's this doing all the things. And there's this weird thing happening where you're weird thing happening where you're weird thing happening where you're noticing, man, I'm moving around a lot, noticing, man, I'm moving around a lot, noticing, man, I'm moving around a lot, but I'm not moving forward. And the but I'm not moving forward. And the but I'm not moving forward. And the reason is you're yolked to somebody who reason is you're yolked to somebody who reason is you're yolked to somebody who you're trying to move towards Jesus and you're trying to move towards Jesus and you're trying to move towards Jesus and they're not anymore. And now you're they're not anymore. And now you're they're not anymore. And now you're caught in a cycle and you're moving caught in a cycle and you're moving caught in a cycle and you're moving around a lot, but you're not moving around a lot, but you're not moving around a lot, but you're not moving forward. Okay? And listen, can I just forward. Okay? And listen, can I just forward. Okay? And listen, can I just say something to you? Listen, for some say something to you? Listen, for some say something to you? Listen, for some of you, there's like nothing's even of you, there's like nothing's even of you, there's like nothing's even wrong with you. You're not even doing wrong with you. You're not even doing wrong with you. You're not even doing anything wrong. You're doing all the anything wrong. You're doing all the anything wrong. You're doing all the right things, but as you're doing them, right things, but as you're doing them, right things, but as you're doing them, you're moving around, but not forward.

you're moving around, but not forward. you're moving around, but not forward. Why? Because you're unequally yolked to Why? Because you're unequally yolked to Why? Because you're unequally yolked to somebody who stopped pursuing him. And somebody who stopped pursuing him. And somebody who stopped pursuing him. And can I say something to you? Here's where can I say something to you? Here's where can I say something to you? Here's where a lot of you are. The biggest decision a lot of you are. The biggest decision a lot of you are. The biggest decision and the hardest decision that you will and the hardest decision that you will and the hardest decision that you will ever make after being converted to ever make after being converted to ever make after being converted to Christ is converting the relationships Christ is converting the relationships Christ is converting the relationships in your life. And watch this. Some of in your life. And watch this. Some of in your life. And watch this. Some of you, you've got to make a hard decision you, you've got to make a hard decision you, you've got to make a hard decision to unyoke from someone so that you can to unyoke from someone so that you can to unyoke from someone so that you can be free to follow Jesus Christ with your be free to follow Jesus Christ with your be free to follow Jesus Christ with your whole heart. Does that make sense? Okay, whole heart. Does that make sense? Okay, whole heart. Does that make sense? Okay, this is what this is saying right here. this is what this is saying right here. this is what this is saying right here. Do not be unequally yolked to these Do not be unequally yolked to these Do not be unequally yolked to these things. Okay, now watch this. The reason things. Okay, now watch this. The reason things. Okay, now watch this. The reason that becomes so important is check this that becomes so important is check this that becomes so important is check this out. Last thing, point number three. out. Last thing, point number three. out. Last thing, point number three. Because a band of brothers is what, Because a band of brothers is what, Because a band of brothers is what, watch delivers you from the lion's watch delivers you from the lion's watch delivers you from the lion's mouth. mouth. 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. kind [music] of just held against them. kind [music] of just held against them. kind [music] of just said said it. Paul didn't let what said said it. Paul didn't let what said said it. 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. [music] and I was might hear it. [music] and I was might hear it. [music] and I was delivered from the lion's mouth. And the delivered from the lion's mouth. And the delivered from the lion's mouth. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil Lord will rescue me from every evil Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his attack and will bring me safely to his attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory heavenly kingdom. To him be glory heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. forever and ever. Amen. 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, [music] it lion's mouth," 1 Peter 5:8, [music] it lion's mouth," 1 Peter 5:8, [music] it says that the devil prowls about like a, says that the devil prowls about like a, says that the devil prowls about like a, watch this, a roaring lion. And if watch this, a roaring lion. And if watch this, a roaring lion. And if you've ever watched those [music] um you've ever watched those [music] um you've ever watched those [music] um those little National Geographic like those little National Geographic like those little National Geographic like you'll see like like lion month or you'll see like like lion month or you'll see like like lion month or whatever it is. Um and you'll see like whatever it is. Um and you'll see like whatever it is. Um and you'll see like they're hunting the little gazels and they're hunting the little gazels and they're hunting the little gazels and this weird evil thing pops up during this weird evil thing pops up during this weird evil thing pops up during lion month. You're like rooting for the lion month. You're like rooting for the lion month. You're like rooting for the lion and it's real weird. Okay. But if lion and it's real weird. Okay. But if lion and it's real weird. Okay. But if you watch those things I got a picture.

you watch those things I got a picture. you watch those things I got a picture. Go ahead and toss that picture up here. Go ahead and toss that picture up here. Go ahead and toss that picture up here. If you watch those things you'll see If you watch those things you'll see If you watch those things you'll see like this moment. like this moment. like this 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 if you watch those, which gazelle does if you watch those, which gazelle does if you watch those, which gazelle does the lion get? It's not the weak one. the lion get? It's not the weak one. the lion get? It's not the weak one. That's not the one. Is if the lion can That's not the one. Is if the lion can That's not the one. Is if the lion can get in there and just separate one of get in there and just separate one of get in there and just separate one of the gazels from the rest of the pack. If the gazels from the rest of the pack. If the gazels from the rest of the pack. If they can get one separated so it's not they can get one separated so it's not they can get one separated so it's not the weak one, it's the isolated one that the weak one, it's the isolated one that the weak one, it's the isolated one that gets devoured. gets devoured. 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 this a being devoured by our enemy is this a being devoured by our enemy is this a decision that [music] you will make at decision that [music] you will make at decision that [music] you will make 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 sisters. Okay? You're going to have to sisters. Okay? You're going to have to sisters. Okay? You're going to have to make that decision. make that decision. make that decision. Now, I just want to [clears throat] let Now, I just want to [clears throat] let Now, I just want to [clears throat] let me just I just want to tell you how what me just I just want to tell you how what me just I just want to tell you how what this has done in my life. Like, I'm this has done in my life. Like, I'm this has done in my life. Like, I'm going to be just personal going to be just personal going to be just personal and a little a little vulnerable. Um, my and a little a little vulnerable. Um, my and a little a little vulnerable. Um, my life honestly, [music] man, incredibly life honestly, [music] man, incredibly life honestly, [music] man, incredibly blessed.

blessed. 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, raised us in church, you know, parents, raised us in church, you know, parents, raised us in church, you know, did the whole thing and called to did the whole thing and called to did the whole thing and called to ministry and went [music] to a Christian ministry and went [music] to a Christian ministry and went [music] to a Christian college and I'm just going to be real college and I'm just going to be real college and I'm just going to be real awkward and just kind of like, you know, awkward and just kind of like, you know, awkward and just kind of like, you know, went to a I didn't have like a prodigal went to a I didn't have like a prodigal went to a I didn't have like a prodigal season. Got married when I was a virgin season. Got married when I was a virgin season. Got married when I was a virgin to a Christian girl and started a to a Christian girl and started a to a Christian girl and started a Christian family, got three Christian Christian family, got three Christian Christian family, got three Christian kids, and honestly, man, I've never had kids, and honestly, man, I've never had kids, and honestly, man, I've never had a season in my life where like I went a season in my life where like I went a season in my life where like I went kind of prodigal and got sideways. kind of prodigal and got sideways. kind of prodigal and got sideways. And I think what [music] what some And I think what [music] what some And I think what [music] what some people think who their story is people think who their story is people think who their story is different than mine is you might think, different than mine is you might think, different than mine is you might think, "Well, man, that's just because you're "Well, man, that's just because you're "Well, man, that's just because you're be you're better. You're better than be you're better. You're better than be you're better. You're better than me." And I just want to tell you right me." And I just want to tell you right me." And I just want to tell you right now, it's not cuz I'm better than you. now, it's not cuz I'm better than you. now, it's not cuz I'm better than you. Let me show you why that happened in my Let me show you why that happened in my Let me show you why that happened in my life. Okay? life. Okay? 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 cow. That's me. is. I'm over here with a cow. That's me. is. I'm over here with a cow. That's me. Born into a [music] Christian family.

Born into a [music] Christian family. Born into a [music] Christian family. Dad's a pastor and and and mom's a woman Dad's a pastor and and and mom's a woman Dad's a pastor and and and mom's a woman of God. And so we grow up and I'm of God. And so we grow up and I'm of God. And so we grow up and I'm surrounded by by Christians. Okay, surrounded by by Christians. Okay, surrounded by by Christians. Okay, [music] that's early childhood. Then I'm [music] that's early childhood. Then I'm [music] that's early childhood. Then I'm raised in church. This is my I [music] raised in church. This is my I [music] raised in church. This is my I [music] think my sixth grade life group. That's think my sixth grade life group. That's think my sixth grade life group. That's what this is. I don't want to keep this what this is. I don't want to keep this what this is. I don't want to keep this picture up. It's too awkward. That's my picture up. It's too awkward. That's my picture up. It's too awkward. That's my sixth grade life group. So these are sixth grade life group. So these are sixth grade life group. So these are like my bros growing up in elementary like my bros growing up in elementary like my bros growing up in elementary school, middle school. I'm the brooding school, middle school. I'm the brooding school, middle school. I'm the brooding one. Uh that's me being super weird and one. Uh that's me being super weird and one. Uh that's me being super weird and creepy in [music] the middle. Don't know creepy in [music] the middle. Don't know creepy in [music] the middle. Don't know why I'm doing that. Okay, now go to the why I'm doing that. Okay, now go to the why I'm doing that. Okay, now go to the next one. So that's middle school. Now, next one. So that's middle school. Now, next one. So that's middle school. Now, actually, because this is church, go to actually, because this is church, go to actually, because this is church, go to the next one. [music] We're There we go. the next one. [music] We're There we go. the next one. [music] We're There we go. Okay, that's it. Okay, that's it. Okay, that's 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. It's like my in Appalachian Mountains. It's like my in Appalachian Mountains. It's 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 a mountains. Those are my guys. And once a mountains. Those are my guys. And once a week, 9:00 p.m. in the comments, we'd week, 9:00 p.m. in the comments, we'd week, 9:00 p.m. in the comments, we'd get in there, we'd read a Bible, we'd get in there, we'd read a Bible, we'd get in there, we'd read a Bible, we'd confess sin, we'd pursue Jesus. Okay, so confess sin, we'd pursue Jesus. Okay, so confess sin, we'd pursue Jesus. Okay, so that's college. Okay, now go to the next that's college. Okay, now go to the next that's college. Okay, now go to the next one. Oh, these are out of order. This one. Oh, these are out of order. This one. Oh, these are out of order. This was high school. This was these are was high school. This was these are was high school. This was these are we'll switch them next service. This was we'll switch them next service. This was we'll switch them next service. This was high school. Somebody asked me before high school. Somebody asked me before high school. Somebody asked me before the service, was this on the set of the service, was this on the set of the service, was this on the set of Dawson's Creek? No, it was not. This was Dawson's Creek? No, it was not. This was Dawson's Creek? No, it was not. This was just the '9s. That's all that was, the just the '9s. That's all that was, the just the '9s. That's all that was, the '90s. So, these are my guys in high '90s. So, these are my guys in high '90s. So, these are my guys in high school. You've heard me talk before school. You've heard me talk before 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. Now I go school. I already did college. Now I go school. I already did college. Now I go to the next one. Then I get to the end to the next one. Then I get to the end to the next one. Then I get to the end of college and I meet this little girl. of college and I meet this little girl. of college and I meet this little girl. And by the way, people always point this And by the way, people always point this And 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 this is my these are my guys. These are this is my these are my guys. These are this is my band of brothers. Now, take that down band of brothers. Now, take that down 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 leave the God I feel it. Prone to leave leave the God I feel it. Prone to leave leave the God I love. I've been able to experience that.

love. I've been able to experience that. love. I've been able to experience that. Listen, because the people that I've Listen, because the people that I've Listen, because the people that I've been surrounded [music] with may have been surrounded [music] with may have been surrounded [music] with may have been better than the people that you been better than the people that you been better than the people that you have surrounded yourself with have been. have surrounded yourself with have been. have surrounded yourself with have been. And watch, And watch, And watch, you can change [music] that today. you can change [music] that today. you can change [music] that today. today. today. today. Okay. So, we're starting this 10-week Okay. So, we're starting this 10-week Okay. So, we're starting this 10-week disciplehip experience we call rooted at disciplehip experience we call rooted at disciplehip experience we call rooted at Lake Point here in a couple weeks. That Lake Point here in a couple weeks. That Lake Point here in a couple weeks. That is what that is designed to do, to get is what that is designed to do, to get is what that is designed to do, to get you into a band of brothers or a band of you into a band of brothers or a band of you into a band of brothers or a band of sisters. I want you to see what that sisters. I want you to see what that sisters. I want you to see what that does in somebody's life when they take does in somebody's life when they take does in somebody's life when they take that step. Check this out with me right that step. Check this out with me right that step. Check this out with me right here. here. 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." is and she's shaking. We saw cameras." is and she's shaking. We saw cameras." is and she's shaking. We saw our daughter at 4:00 in the morning our daughter at 4:00 in the morning our daughter at 4:00 in the morning riding her bike in the cold away from riding her bike in the cold away from riding 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 home. My way of getting church was home. My way of getting church was home. My way of getting church was watching 11:22 on YouTube. And then I watching 11:22 on YouTube. And then I watching 11:22 on YouTube. And then I started looking up, you know, more from started looking up, you know, more from started looking up, you know, more from our pastor back in Jacksonville. I was our pastor back in Jacksonville. I was our pastor back in Jacksonville. I was watching Pastor Joby on YouTube and he watching Pastor Joby on YouTube and he watching Pastor Joby on YouTube and he was at [music] Lake Point. I'm seeing was at [music] Lake Point. I'm seeing was at [music] Lake Point. I'm seeing him. I'm like I was like, who's this guy him. I'm like I was like, who's this guy him. 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. [music] Rooted. [music] Rooted. [music] >> It was the best part of my week >> It was the best part of my week >> It was the best part of my week >> was going to the rooted group. I felt >> was going to the rooted group. I felt >> 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 friends.

best friends. best 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 [music] and having Jesus walk superpower [music] and having Jesus walk superpower [music] and having 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 [music] and care and have the same goals [music] and care and have the same goals [music] and wants and needs in life has been wants and needs in life has been wants 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. >> And I'm Coral. And this is how Jesus >> And I'm Coral. And this is how Jesus >> And I'm Coral. And this is how Jesus changed our lives. changed our lives. changed 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 why here is the one step." So, here's why here is the one step." So, here's why 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're not doing song after this. We're not doing song after this. We're not doing anything after this service is literally anything after this service is literally anything after this service is literally over. Here's what I'm asking. At all of over. Here's what I'm asking. At all of over. Here's what I'm asking. At all of our campuses, we've got your kids back our campuses, we've got your kids back our campuses, we've got your kids back in kids ministry for like 10 more in kids ministry for like 10 more in kids ministry for like 10 more minutes. You're good. So, you can sit minutes. You're good. So, you can sit minutes. You're good. So, you can sit where you're at, talk to your spouse.

where you're at, talk to your spouse. where you're at, talk to your spouse. Don't leave it. Don't leave it. Sit. Sit Don't leave it. Don't leave it. Sit. Sit Don't leave it. Don't leave it. Sit. Sit where you're at. Talk to your spouse. where you're at. Talk to your spouse. where you're at. Talk to your spouse. Here's what I need you to do. If you've Here's what I need you to do. If you've Here's what I need you to do. If you've never been through Rooted, our 10week never been through Rooted, our 10week never 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-e disciplehip and get in. It's a 10-e disciplehip and get in. It's a 10-e 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 or in the little floorboard of your car or in the little floorboard of your car or 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. Peace. Amen. What an encouraging message from Amen. What an encouraging message from Pastor Josh. Church alarm. Thank you so Pastor Josh. Church alarm. Thank you so Pastor Josh. Church alarm. Thank you so much for worshiping with us today. I much for worshiping with us today. I much for worshiping with us today. I hope you leave here reminded that God hope you leave here reminded that God hope you leave here reminded that God has created you with purpose. Yes, you. has created you with purpose. Yes, you. has created you with purpose. Yes, you. And that he often accomplishes his great And that he often accomplishes his great And that he often accomplishes his great work through faithful relationships and work through faithful relationships and work through faithful relationships and [music] a life that's truly surrendered [music] a life that's truly surrendered [music] a life that's truly surrendered to him. Now, as we continue through to him. Now, as we continue through to him. Now, as we continue through Fight the Good Fight, our message series Fight the Good Fight, our message series Fight the Good Fight, our message series right now, don't miss next weekend as right now, don't miss next weekend as right now, don't miss next weekend as Pastor Josh continues walking us through Pastor Josh continues walking us through Pastor Josh continues walking us through Paul's final words to Timothy. There's Paul's final words to Timothy. There's Paul's final words to Timothy. There's so much more God wants to teach us. And so much more God wants to teach us. And so much more God wants to teach us. And if you're in the DFW area, we'd love for if you're in the DFW area, we'd love for if you're in the DFW area, we'd love for you to join us in person. Listen, you to join us in person. Listen, you to join us in person. Listen, there's something special about when you there's something special about when you there's something special about when you and I get to gather together every and I get to gather together every and I get to gather together every single weekend and growing together single weekend and growing together single weekend and growing together alongside other believers. And don't alongside other believers. And don't alongside other believers. And don't forget, Monday's Live Free episode forget, Monday's Live Free episode forget, Monday's Live Free episode furthers the conversation that we had furthers the conversation that we had furthers the conversation that we had today, offering deeper and biblical today, offering deeper and biblical today, offering deeper and biblical truth with application that's going to truth with application that's going to truth with application that's going to be necessary for your life. And finally, be necessary for your life. And finally, be necessary for your life. And finally, if you need prayer today, if you need if you need prayer today, if you need if you need prayer today, if you need prayer this week, we'd love to stand prayer this week, we'd love to stand prayer this week, we'd love to stand with you. Simply text prayer to 20411 with you. Simply text prayer to 20411 with you. Simply text prayer to 20411 and someone for our team would love to and someone for our team would love to and someone for our team would love to be praying for you by name. In fact, be praying for you by name. In fact, be praying for you by name. In fact, church online family, let's pray right church online family, let's pray right church online family, let's pray right now. Father God, I pray for my friend now. Father God, I pray for my friend now. Father God, I pray for my friend listening right now. My friend that just listening right now. My friend that just listening right now. My friend that just attended an amazing worship service, attended an amazing worship service, attended an amazing worship service, God. That it won't just be right now God. That it won't just be right now God. That it won't just be right now that they sense you, God, but they begin

that they sense you, God, but they begin that they sense you, God, but they begin to sense you throughout their week, God. to sense you throughout their week, God. to sense you throughout their week, God. That they begin to be able to find That they begin to be able to find That they begin to be able to find purpose, be so present in their lives. purpose, be so present in their lives. purpose, be so present in their lives. So much so, Lord, that they take So much so, Lord, that they take So much so, Lord, that they take whatever their next step is in you, they whatever their next step is in you, they whatever their next step is in you, they take that with boldness. They take that take that with boldness. They take that take that with boldness. They take that with a posture of surrender and they get with a posture of surrender and they get with a posture of surrender and they get connected to you like never before in connected to you like never before in connected to you like never before in Jesus name. Amen. I'm so glad we got to Jesus name. Amen. I'm so glad we got to Jesus name. Amen. I'm so glad we got to spend time together today. Church online spend time together today. Church online spend time together today. Church online family, we love you. God bless you and family, we love you. God bless you and family, we love you. God bless you and your family and we'll see you next week your family and we'll see you next week your family and we'll see you next week for week four of Fight the Good Fight.