We Have All Sinned - Lee McDerment

Hey, Hey, [music] >> We were all designed for an everyday >> We were all designed for an everyday relationship with Jesus. And Romans is relationship with Jesus. And Romans is relationship with Jesus. And Romans is packed with truth and hope that helps us packed with truth and hope that helps us packed with truth and hope that helps us deepen that relationship. But reading it deepen that relationship. But reading it deepen that relationship. But reading it on our own can leave you with questions. on our own can leave you with questions. on our own can leave you with questions. to deepen our understanding of God's to deepen our understanding of God's to deepen our understanding of God's word. Let's open Romans together as we word. Let's open Romans together as we word. Let's open Romans together as we journey through this book. We'll uncover journey through this book. We'll uncover journey through this book. We'll uncover fundamental theology about sin, fundamental theology about sin, fundamental theology about sin, salvation, and sacrifice. We'll discuss salvation, and sacrifice. We'll discuss salvation, and sacrifice. We'll discuss complex concepts like justification, and complex concepts like justification, and complex concepts like justification, and predestination, and talk about topics predestination, and talk about topics predestination, and talk about topics Paul noticed in the first century church Paul noticed in the first century church Paul noticed in the first century church that are still relevant to us today, that are still relevant to us today, that are still relevant to us today, like politics, race, and disagreements like politics, race, and disagreements like politics, race, and disagreements with fellow Christians. Each week you'll with fellow Christians. Each week you'll with fellow Christians. Each week you'll hear from different voices through short hear from different voices through short hear from different voices through short videos that highlight key themes from videos that highlight key themes from videos that highlight key themes from Romans and unpack [music] what Paul is Romans and unpack [music] what Paul is Romans and unpack [music] what Paul is teaching. Each week we'll help you move teaching. Each week we'll help you move teaching. Each week we'll help you move from learning what scripture says to from learning what scripture says to from learning what scripture says to understanding what it means and understanding what it means and understanding what it means and ultimately to living it out in your ultimately to living it out in your ultimately to living it out in your everyday life. Disciplehip was never everyday life. Disciplehip was never everyday life. Disciplehip was never meant to happen alone. And Romans has so meant to happen alone. And Romans has so meant to happen alone. And Romans has so much for us to discover. [music] So much for us to discover. [music] So much for us to discover. [music] So let's dive in together.

[music] [music] >> That's cuz I believe I'm Free. I'm free. >> That's cuz I believe I'm Free. I'm free. >> That's cuz I believe I'm Free. I'm free. Thank God I'm free. [singing] Thank God I'm free. [singing] Thank God I'm free. [singing] You took the cross [music] and you broke You took the cross [music] and you broke You took the cross [music] and you broke your body. your body. your body. You shed your blood. Now the sinner You shed your blood. Now the sinner You shed your blood. Now the sinner can't see. My debt is [music] paid and can't see. My debt is [music] paid and can't see. My debt is [music] paid and my record is clean. I couldn't do it, so my record is clean. I couldn't do it, so my record is clean. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. You took [music] the you did it for me. You took [music] the you did it for me. You took [music] the cross and you broke your body. cross and you broke your body. cross and you broke your body. You shed your blood, now [music] the You shed your blood, now [music] the You shed your blood, now [music] the sinner can't see. My debt is paid and my sinner can't see. My debt is paid and my sinner can't see. My debt is paid and my record is clean. I [music] couldn't do record is clean. I [music] couldn't do record is clean. I [music] couldn't do it, so you did it for me. You took the it, so you did it for me. You took the it, so you did it for me. You took the cross and you broke your body. You cross and you broke your body. You cross and you broke your body. You [music] shed your blood, now the sinner [music] shed your blood, now the sinner [music] shed your blood, now the sinner can't see. My debt is paid and my record can't see. My debt is paid and my record can't see. My debt is paid and my record is clean. [music] is clean. [music] is clean. [music] I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do [music] it, so you did it I couldn't do [music] it, so you did it I couldn't do [music] it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. [singing] [music] [music] Where are those chains that once held Where are those chains that once held Where are those chains that once held me? I'm [music] free. I'm free. I'm me? I'm [music] free. I'm free. I'm me? I'm [music] free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. My sin is gone. How can free. I'm free. My sin is gone. How can free. I'm free. My sin is gone. How can it be? I'm free. I'm free. [music] it be? I'm free. I'm free. [music] it be? I'm free. I'm free. [music] I'm free. I'm free. So look at what the I'm free. I'm free. So look at what the I'm free. I'm free. So look at what the Lord has done. I'm never going back to Lord has done. I'm never going back to Lord has done. I'm never going back to the way I was. I'll sing. [music] I'll the way I was. I'll sing. [music] I'll the way I was. I'll sing. [music] I'll dance cuz I believe. I'm free. I'm free.

dance cuz I believe. I'm free. I'm free. dance cuz I believe. I'm free. I'm free. Thank God I'm free. You took the cross Thank God I'm free. You took the cross Thank God I'm free. You took the cross and you broke your [music] body. You and you broke your [music] body. You and you broke your [music] body. You shed your blood. Now the s can't. shed your blood. Now the s can't. shed your blood. Now the s can't. My de is paid and my [music] record is My de is paid and my [music] record is My de is paid and my [music] record is clean. I couldn't do it. So you you took clean. I couldn't do it. So you you took clean. I couldn't do it. So you you took the cross. [music] the cross. [music] the cross. [music] You shed your blood. You shed your blood. You shed your blood. My daddy [music] is My daddy [music] is My daddy [music] is my Oh, I couldn't do it. my Oh, I couldn't do it. my Oh, I couldn't do it. [music] [music] [music] I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't [music] do it, so you did it I couldn't [music] do it, so you did it I couldn't [music] do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for me. I couldn't do it, so you did it for [music] me. So look at what the Lord has done. I'm So look at what the Lord has done. I'm never going back to the way [music] I never going back to the way [music] I never going back to the way [music] I was. was. was. Look at what the Lord has said. I'm Look at what the Lord has said. I'm Look at what the Lord has said. I'm never going back to the way I look at never going back to the way I look at never going back to the way I look at what the Lord. [music] Oh, I'm never going back to the way I Oh, I'm never going back to the way I look at what the [music] Lord look at what the [music] Lord look at what the [music] Lord has. I'm never going back to the way has. I'm never going back to the way has. I'm never going back to the way [music] I was.

Yes, heavenly father [music] God, we uh Yes, heavenly father [music] God, we uh acknowledge and receive the freedom that acknowledge and receive the freedom that acknowledge and receive the freedom that is on offer through your son this is on offer through your son this is on offer through your son this morning. God saying thank you morning. God saying thank you morning. God saying thank you collectively for that that we [music] collectively for that that we [music] collectively for that that we [music] get to respond in worship, respond in get to respond in worship, respond in get to respond in worship, respond in song, respond by hearing your [music] song, respond by hearing your [music] song, respond by hearing your [music] word preached. And Lord, may we apply it word preached. And Lord, may we apply it word preached. And Lord, may we apply it so that we can be more like Jesus each so that we can be more like Jesus each so that we can be more like Jesus each day. It's in his name we pray. Amen. day. It's in his name we pray. Amen. day. It's in his name we pray. Amen. Amen. Good morning everybody. You guys Amen. Good morning everybody. You guys Amen. Good morning everybody. You guys can take a seat. can take a seat. can take a seat. It's August. It's August. It's August. Grab a spot. You got to go back to Grab a spot. You got to go back to Grab a spot. You got to go back to school this week. So we're going to give school this week. So we're going to give school this week. So we're going to give you a little load off. I see just smiles you a little load off. I see just smiles you a little load off. I see just smiles from the youths. So excited to start from the youths. So excited to start from the youths. So excited to start classes. Hey everybody, I'm glad you're classes. Hey everybody, I'm glad you're classes. Hey everybody, I'm glad you're here. My name is Allan. I'm the campus here. My name is Allan. I'm the campus here. My name is Allan. I'm the campus pastor here at the Anderson campus. I've pastor here at the Anderson campus. I've pastor here at the Anderson campus. I've been at the beach. So if I get a little been at the beach. So if I get a little been at the beach. So if I get a little loose up here this morning, it's because loose up here this morning, it's because loose up here this morning, it's because I had the week off and you know I'm tan I had the week off and you know I'm tan I had the week off and you know I'm tan and sun soaked and all the things. So uh and sun soaked and all the things. So uh and sun soaked and all the things. So uh I got a laugh from Justin there. That's I got a laugh from Justin there. That's I got a laugh from Justin there. That's really all I want is Justin to laugh at really all I want is Justin to laugh at really all I want is Justin to laugh at me. Hey, it is so good to see uh so many me. Hey, it is so good to see uh so many me. Hey, it is so good to see uh so many people here. I heard the rain pouring at people here. I heard the rain pouring at people here. I heard the rain pouring at 8:30. I was like, man, people are going 8:30. I was like, man, people are going 8:30. I was like, man, people are going to get wet. And here you are to worship to get wet. And here you are to worship to get wet. And here you are to worship together. I am so thankful for that. God together. I am so thankful for that. God together. I am so thankful for that. God is good. I'm sitting out looking at the is good. I'm sitting out looking at the is good. I'm sitting out looking at the ocean last week and I'm like, man, there ocean last week and I'm like, man, there ocean last week and I'm like, man, there was a creator that knit that together.

was a creator that knit that together. was a creator that knit that together. That's a pretty staggering thing to That's a pretty staggering thing to That's a pretty staggering thing to think about that like the sky, the sun, think about that like the sky, the sun, think about that like the sky, the sun, the stars, the ocean, the sands, like the stars, the ocean, the sands, like the stars, the ocean, the sands, like the Lord put all of that together the Lord put all of that together the Lord put all of that together [music] for your good and his glory. And [music] for your good and his glory. And [music] for your good and his glory. And what a gift that is. And so I'm so what a gift that is. And so I'm so what a gift that is. And so I'm so honored that you're here. Listen, I want honored that you're here. Listen, I want honored that you're here. Listen, I want to make you aware of some good news to make you aware of some good news to make you aware of some good news that's been happening. uh for the last that's been happening. uh for the last that's been happening. uh for the last eight weeks we were a part of uh uh eight weeks we were a part of uh uh eight weeks we were a part of uh uh [music] uh I want to call it a program [music] uh I want to call it a program [music] uh I want to call it a program that's a terrible word for it but but we that's a terrible word for it but but we that's a terrible word for it but but we took undertook an initiative in which took undertook an initiative in which took undertook an initiative in which new folks uh sent a text in and we gave new folks uh sent a text in and we gave new folks uh sent a text in and we gave gifts on their behalf to Calvary Home gifts on their behalf to Calvary Home gifts on their behalf to Calvary Home Bridge Center the lot project and who am Bridge Center the lot project and who am Bridge Center the lot project and who am I missing Anderson Pregnancy Care and um I missing Anderson Pregnancy Care and um I missing Anderson Pregnancy Care and um we had,00 we had,00 we had,00 people over the course of eight weeks people over the course of eight weeks people over the course of eight weeks step into what God is doing in our step into what God is doing in our step into what God is doing in our church and text that number in. We're church and text that number in. We're church and text that number in. We're able to give thousands and thousands of able to give thousands and thousands of able to give thousands and thousands of dollars to organizations across the dollars to organizations across the dollars to organizations across the state. And yes, I am so thankful.

state. And yes, I am so thankful. state. And yes, I am so thankful. I'm so thankful to be a church that I'm so thankful to be a church that I'm so thankful to be a church that supports organizations like that around. supports organizations like that around. supports organizations like that around. I also want to lean into you just a I also want to lean into you just a I also want to lean into you just a little bit, Carly, as we think about little bit, Carly, as we think about little bit, Carly, as we think about what that means for our church. So the what that means for our church. So the what that means for our church. So the Anderson staff is a group of 18 people, Anderson staff is a group of 18 people, Anderson staff is a group of 18 people, right? right? right? If we had,00 folks step into what our If we had,00 folks step into what our If we had,00 folks step into what our church is doing and we're about to enter church is doing and we're about to enter church is doing and we're about to enter the back to school season, [snorts] the back to school season, [snorts] the back to school season, [snorts] there are opportunities for us to make there are opportunities for us to make there are opportunities for us to make connections with people and wrap our connections with people and wrap our connections with people and wrap our arms around them so that they can feel arms around them so that they can feel arms around them so that they can feel tangibly the love of Christ. And so I am tangibly the love of Christ. And so I am tangibly the love of Christ. And so I am begging you honestly to step into that begging you honestly to step into that begging you honestly to step into that process of wrapping your arms around the process of wrapping your arms around the process of wrapping your arms around the new folks that you may recognize from new folks that you may recognize from new folks that you may recognize from work or school or the community and work or school or the community and work or school or the community and things that you're involved in to wrap things that you're involved in to wrap things that you're involved in to wrap your arms around those people when you your arms around those people when you your arms around those people when you see them here so that they can see them here so that they can see them here so that they can experience the love of Christ. It's experience the love of Christ. It's experience the love of Christ. It's about so much more than what we teach on about so much more than what we teach on about so much more than what we teach on a Sunday morning. It's about the a Sunday morning. It's about the a Sunday morning. It's about the connections that people make across connections that people make across connections that people make across rows. And so I'm so thankful to be a rows. And so I'm so thankful to be a rows. And so I'm so thankful to be a part of a church that's welcoming, part of a church that's welcoming, part of a church that's welcoming, that's bringing people in, that gives in that's bringing people in, that gives in that's bringing people in, that gives in a way that allows us to put on a way that allows us to put on a way that allows us to put on programming that allows you to make programming that allows you to make programming that allows you to make connections with one another so that you connections with one another so that you connections with one another so that you can love and encourage one another. As I can love and encourage one another. As I can love and encourage one another. As I was walking out here, Lee's preaching was walking out here, Lee's preaching was walking out here, Lee's preaching this morning, I thought about Lee's this morning, I thought about Lee's this morning, I thought about Lee's message a few weeks ago where he talked message a few weeks ago where he talked message a few weeks ago where he talked about the tithe being the training about the tithe being the training about the tithe being the training wheels for generosity.

wheels for generosity. wheels for generosity. that what God gave us was this process that what God gave us was this process that what God gave us was this process where he's like, "Hey, I'm going to keep where he's like, "Hey, I'm going to keep where he's like, "Hey, I'm going to keep it very clear for you. 10% it very clear for you. 10% it very clear for you. 10% right off the top to the local church in right off the top to the local church in right off the top to the local church in order to honor me with your finances." order to honor me with your finances." order to honor me with your finances." Cuz see, I'm stubborn and I like to find Cuz see, I'm stubborn and I like to find Cuz see, I'm stubborn and I like to find loopholes. And Lee used the language, loopholes. And Lee used the language, loopholes. And Lee used the language, hey, sometimes finding those loopholes hey, sometimes finding those loopholes hey, sometimes finding those loopholes just gives us enough rope to hang just gives us enough rope to hang just gives us enough rope to hang ourselves with. And that was such a such ourselves with. And that was such a such ourselves with. And that was such a such a it was an indictment of me because I a it was an indictment of me because I a it was an indictment of me because I find myself thinking through how can I find myself thinking through how can I find myself thinking through how can I get more and God wants me to think get more and God wants me to think get more and God wants me to think through the lens of how can I give more? through the lens of how can I give more? through the lens of how can I give more? How can I be of greater use to the How can I be of greater use to the How can I be of greater use to the people around me? And so as we give people around me? And so as we give people around me? And so as we give today, I want you to think about the today, I want you to think about the today, I want you to think about the fact as the baskets are passing, [music] fact as the baskets are passing, [music] fact as the baskets are passing, [music] this is something that the entire church this is something that the entire church this is something that the entire church is involved with collectively so that we is involved with collectively so that we is involved with collectively so that we can support one another. So I'm going to can support one another. So I'm going to can support one another. So I'm going to invite you all to your feet now. [music] invite you all to your feet now. [music] invite you all to your feet now. [music] You've had a load off. I've reminded you You've had a load off. I've reminded you You've had a load off. I've reminded you kids of school. We're going to pray this kids of school. We're going to pray this kids of school. We're going to pray this prayer prayer prayer together as we take up our tithes and together as we take up our tithes and together as we take up our tithes and offerings. And we're going to offerings. And we're going to offerings. And we're going to acknowledge that God can do infinitely acknowledge that God can do infinitely acknowledge that God can do infinitely more through all of us than he could more through all of us than he could more through all of us than he could ever do through any one of us alone.

ever do through any one of us alone. ever do through any one of us alone. Let's pray this together. Almighty God, Let's pray this together. Almighty God, Let's pray this together. Almighty God, everything we have comes from you. You everything we have comes from you. You everything we have comes from you. You are our source, our strength, [music] are our source, our strength, [music] are our source, our strength, [music] and our provider. With open hands and and our provider. With open hands and and our provider. With open hands and expectant hearts, we bring our tithes expectant hearts, we bring our tithes expectant hearts, we bring our tithes and offerings, not out of duty, but out and offerings, not out of duty, but out and offerings, not out of duty, but out of delight. [music] Use them to bless of delight. [music] Use them to bless of delight. [music] Use them to bless others, to fuel your mission, to shine others, to fuel your mission, to shine others, to fuel your mission, to shine your light in dark places, and to move your light in dark places, and to move your light in dark places, and to move your kingdom forward. [music] You are your kingdom forward. [music] You are your kingdom forward. [music] You are worthy of our trust, our resources, and worthy of our trust, our resources, and worthy of our trust, our resources, and our praise in Jesus name. Amen. Let's all sing together. Remember who he Let's all sing together. Remember who he is. is. is. Remember [music] who he is. Remember [music] who he is. Remember [music] who he is. Remember [singing] what he's done.

Remember [singing] what he's done. Remember [singing] what he's done. We won't [music] forget his wondous We won't [music] forget his wondous We won't [music] forget his wondous love. love. love. [music] [music] [music] The one who came to save, who loosed the The one who came to save, who loosed the The one who came to save, who loosed the grip [music] of shame. The lamb grip [music] of shame. The lamb grip [music] of shame. The lamb [singing] was slain in place of [music] [singing] was slain in place of [music] [singing] was slain in place of [music] us. Let's sing what he's done. us. Let's sing what he's done. us. Let's sing what he's done. forgiving [singing] all our sins, forgiving [singing] all our sins, forgiving [singing] all our sins, healing [music] our disease. We won't healing [music] our disease. We won't healing [music] our disease. We won't forget [music] forget [music] forget [music] your benefits. your benefits. your benefits. [singing] [singing] [singing] Redee us [music] from the pit. Your Redee us [music] from the pit. Your Redee us [music] from the pit. Your grace that has [singing] no end. We grace that has [singing] no end. We grace that has [singing] no end. We [music] won't forget [music] won't forget [music] won't forget your faithfulness. your faithfulness. your faithfulness. [singing] You satisfy the [music and singing] You satisfy the [music and singing] soul.

soul. soul. Your goodness overflows. Your goodness overflows. Your goodness overflows. You [music] filled our hearts and made You [music] filled our hearts and made You [music] filled our hearts and made us whole. [singing] Now we [music] have been redeemed. Now we [music] have been redeemed. [singing] [singing] [singing] Your blood has set us free. Your blood has set us free. Your blood has set us free. Your cross has [singing] crushed the Your cross has [singing] crushed the Your cross has [singing] crushed the enemy. [music] [music] Your cross has crushed the enemy. Your cross has crushed the enemy. Your cross has crushed the enemy. [music] Forgiving all our sins, [singing] Forgiving all our sins, [singing] healing our [music] disease. We won't healing our [music] disease. We won't healing our [music] disease. We won't forget [singing] forget [singing] forget [singing] your benefits. [music] your benefits. [music] your benefits. [music] Redeem us from [singing] the pin. Redeem us from [singing] the pin. Redeem us from [singing] the pin. [music] Your grace that has no way. We [music] Your grace that has no way. We [music] Your grace that has no way. We won't forget won't forget won't forget your faithfulness. your faithfulness. your faithfulness. [music] No, we won't forget. [music] No, we won't forget. [music] Come on, let's return our praise back to Come on, let's return our praise back to Come on, let's return our praise back to him. Sing praise God.

him. Sing praise God. him. Sing praise God. Praise [music] God. Praise [music] God. Praise [music] God. Praise God from whom [music and singing] all from whom [music and singing] all blessings blessings blessings flow. flow. flow. So, praise [music] him. Praise him. So, praise [music] him. Praise him. So, praise [music] him. Praise him. Praise [music and singing] Praise [music and singing] Praise [music and singing] him. All creatures here [singing] below. All creatures here [singing] below. Praise God. [music] Praise God. [music] Praise God. [music] Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. [singing and music] Praise him. Praise him. Praise [music and singing] him. Oh creatures hear me Lord. Oh creatures hear me Lord. [music] Praise God. [music] Praise God. [music] Praise God. Praise God Praise God Praise God [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] for all.

Praise [music] him. Praise [music] him. Praise him. Praise him. Praise him. [music] [music] [music] Oh, [music] [music] you killing you killing you killing our sins, [music and singing] our sins, [music and singing] our sins, [music and singing] healing our disease. We won't forget healing our disease. We won't forget healing our disease. We won't forget [music] [music] [music] your redee from [music] the pain. Your grace redee from [music] the pain. Your grace that has no way we [music] won't forget that has no way we [music] won't forget that has no way we [music] won't forget your praise [music] God. praise [music] God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Heat. Heat. Yeah.

Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Can we all just sing that doxology Can we all just sing that doxology together? Praise [music] God from whom together? Praise [music] God from whom together? Praise [music] God from whom all blessings flow. Just taking a moment all blessings flow. Just taking a moment all blessings flow. Just taking a moment and reminding ourselves where [music] and reminding ourselves where [music] and reminding ourselves where [music] every good gift comes from and that we every good gift comes from and that we every good gift comes from and that we return our praise back to him. So we return our praise back to him. So we return our praise back to him. So we just every single voice in the room. just every single voice in the room. just every single voice in the room. [music] Let's join together. Sing with [music] Let's join together. Sing with [music] Let's join together. Sing with me. me. me. Praise God [singing] from whom all Praise God [singing] from whom all Praise God [singing] from whom all blessings [music] blessings [music] blessings [music] flow. [singing] Praise him all creatures Praise him all creatures here [singing] below. Praise him [singing] above Praise him [singing] above [music] the heavenly [music] the heavenly [music] the heavenly host. [singing] Praise father, [music] Praise father, [music] son, and [singing] son, and [singing] son, and [singing] holy holy holy ghost.

ghost. ghost. Amen. How great the [music] chasm [singing] How great the [music] chasm [singing] that lay between us. [music] that lay between us. [music] that lay between us. [music] How high the [singing] mountain How high the [singing] mountain How high the [singing] mountain I could not climb. I could not climb. I could not climb. In desperation, [music] I turned to heaven I turned to heaven and spoke [music] your name into the and spoke [music] your name into the and spoke [music] your name into the night. night. night. Then through the [music] darkness, Then through the [music] darkness, Then through the [music] darkness, your loving kindness [singing] your loving kindness [singing] your loving kindness [singing] tore through the shadows [music] tore through the shadows [music] tore through the shadows [music] of my soul. of my soul. of my soul. The work is finished.

The work is finished. The work is finished. The end is [music] written. The end is [music] written. The end is [music] written. Jesus Christ my [music] livinging Jesus Christ my [music] livinging Jesus Christ my [music] livinging hope. imagy. imagy. [music] What heart could [music] fathom What heart could [music] fathom such boundless grace? such boundless grace? such boundless grace? The dawn of [music and singing] aes The dawn of [music and singing] aes The dawn of [music and singing] aes sent down from glory sent down from glory sent down from glory to [music] bear my sin to [music] bear my sin to [music] bear my sin and bear my shame. and bear my shame. and bear my shame. The cross has spoken. The cross has spoken. The cross has spoken. I am [music] forgiven. I am [music] forgiven. I am [music] forgiven. The King of Kings [music] calls me his The King of Kings [music] calls me his The King of Kings [music] calls me his own. Oh Savior, [music] Oh Savior, [music] I'm yours forever.

I'm yours forever. I'm yours forever. Jesus Christ, my living. [music] Praise the Lord [singing] who set me Praise the Lord [singing] who set me free. [music] free. [music] free. [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [singing] Death has lost his grip on me. [singing] Death has lost his grip on me. [singing] Death has lost his grip on me. You have broken [music] You have broken [music] You have broken [music] every chain. There's [singing] salvation every chain. There's [singing] salvation every chain. There's [singing] salvation in your [music] name. Jesus Christ, my in your [music] name. Jesus Christ, my in your [music] name. Jesus Christ, my livinging [music and singing] livinging [music and singing] livinging [music and singing] hope. Then came the [singing] morning Then came the [singing] morning that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. [music] Your buried [singing] body [music] Your buried [singing] body [music] Your buried [singing] body began to breathe. began to breathe. began to breathe. Out [music] of the silence, Out [music] of the silence, Out [music] of the silence, the roaring lion the roaring lion the roaring lion declare [music and singing] declare [music and singing] declare [music and singing] the word hath no claim on me.

>> [music] >> [music] >> In the morning >> In the morning >> In the morning that sealed the proise, that sealed the proise, that sealed the proise, [music] your [singing] very body [music] your [singing] very body [music] your [singing] very body began to bl began to bl began to bl out [music] of the silence. out [music] of the silence. out [music] of the silence. Glor [singing] [music] [music] declare the gra Jesus yours [singing] Jesus yours [singing] [music] is the victory. Oh Oh hallelujah. [music] Praise the Lord you set me free. Praise the Lord you set me free. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Death has lost it for me. You have Death has lost it for me. You have [music] broken every chain. There's [music] broken every chain. There's [music] broken every chain. There's salvation in your name. Jesus Christ my salvation in your name. Jesus Christ my salvation in your name. Jesus Christ my living. [music] Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] Praise the Lord. Set me free. Praise the Lord. Set me free. Praise the Lord. Set me free. Hallelujah. Death has lost [music] his grip on me. Death has lost [music] his grip on me. You have broken every chain. There's You have broken every chain. There's You have broken every chain. There's salvation in your name. [music] salvation in your name. [music] salvation in your name. [music] Jesus Christ, my living. Oh Jesus Christ, [music] Oh Jesus Christ, [music] my living. [music] [music] Come on family, put your hands together. Come on family, put your hands together. Come on family, put your hands together. Let's praise the Lord for his sacrifice Let's praise the Lord for his sacrifice Let's praise the Lord for his sacrifice for us, for the gospel, for the good for us, for the gospel, for the good for us, for the gospel, for the good news, for the living hope that we find news, for the living hope that we find news, for the living hope that we find in Jesus Christ. God, you have our in Jesus Christ. God, you have our in Jesus Christ. God, you have our complete attention right now. And we complete attention right now. And we complete attention right now. And we give you praise. We give you thanks for give you praise. We give you thanks for give you praise. We give you thanks for this living hope. this living hope. this living hope. Friends, let's just stay standing right Friends, let's just stay standing right Friends, let's just stay standing right now in this moment at all of our now in this moment at all of our now in this moment at all of our campuses. I want to share something with campuses. I want to share something with campuses. I want to share something with you. This is not playing in my notes.

you. This is not playing in my notes. you. This is not playing in my notes. This is not pl I I uh just felt the Holy This is not pl I I uh just felt the Holy This is not pl I I uh just felt the Holy Spirit nudge me toward this right in Spirit nudge me toward this right in Spirit nudge me toward this right in this moment. I feel like God wants to this moment. I feel like God wants to this moment. I feel like God wants to say something special to some folks who say something special to some folks who say something special to some folks who are who are here at all of our campuses are who are here at all of our campuses are who are here at all of our campuses potentially. I want to tell you guys potentially. I want to tell you guys potentially. I want to tell you guys this. In January of this year, u January this. In January of this year, u January this. In January of this year, u January 17th, you know, I was going back through 17th, you know, I was going back through 17th, you know, I was going back through my journal. my journal. my journal. Um the Lord draw my attention to Um the Lord draw my attention to Um the Lord draw my attention to Zechariah chapter 1. like go study this Zechariah chapter 1. like go study this Zechariah chapter 1. like go study this passage that Zechariah chapter 1 is all passage that Zechariah chapter 1 is all passage that Zechariah chapter 1 is all about an invitation to return and the about an invitation to return and the about an invitation to return and the promise of a new beginning. promise of a new beginning. promise of a new beginning. And during that time of prayer and And during that time of prayer and And during that time of prayer and study, I felt like the Lord was like, study, I felt like the Lord was like, study, I felt like the Lord was like, this is what he told me back in January, this is what he told me back in January, this is what he told me back in January, I feel like what he was saying was, Lee, I feel like what he was saying was, Lee, I feel like what he was saying was, Lee, pay attention [music] to the month of pay attention [music] to the month of pay attention [music] to the month of August August August of this year, 2026. of this year, 2026. of this year, 2026. It will be an invitation to return and It will be an invitation to return and It will be an invitation to return and the promise of a new beginning. the promise of a new beginning. the promise of a new beginning. Can I just ask this question right now? Can I just ask this question right now? Can I just ask this question right now? Is there anybody here who would like to Is there anybody here who would like to Is there anybody here who would like to have a new beginning in some area of have a new beginning in some area of have a new beginning in some area of their life? Can I just get you to raise their life? Can I just get you to raise their life? Can I just get you to raise your hand if that's you? You want a new your hand if that's you? You want a new your hand if that's you? You want a new beginning, a fresh start in some area of beginning, a fresh start in some area of beginning, a fresh start in some area of your life. Okay.

your life. Okay. your life. Okay. The Lord invites you to return The Lord invites you to return The Lord invites you to return and to open yourself up to that and to open yourself up to that and to open yourself up to that possibility right here at the on the possibility right here at the on the possibility right here at the on the doorstep of this month. So, if that's doorstep of this month. So, if that's doorstep of this month. So, if that's you, could we all just pray together? If you, could we all just pray together? If you, could we all just pray together? If you would like to have God maybe open you would like to have God maybe open you would like to have God maybe open the door for a new beginning in your the door for a new beginning in your the door for a new beginning in your life right now, would you just put your life right now, would you just put your life right now, would you just put your hands out in front of you in a posture hands out in front of you in a posture hands out in front of you in a posture of receiving? of receiving? of receiving? And what I want to invite you to do is And what I want to invite you to do is And what I want to invite you to do is just have a little conversation in your just have a little conversation in your just have a little conversation in your heart with God. heart with God. heart with God. Let it be a moment of confession [music] Let it be a moment of confession [music] Let it be a moment of confession [music] and repentance and returning. and repentance and returning. and repentance and returning. Friends, confession and repentance, Friends, confession and repentance, Friends, confession and repentance, that's the doorway into freedom. Aba Father offers you today right here. Aba Father offers you today right here. You right where you are You right where you are You right where you are an invitation to return to him. an invitation to return to him. an invitation to return to him. Whatever that means for you Whatever that means for you Whatever that means for you and the promise of a new beginning. and the promise of a new beginning. and the promise of a new beginning. Let's take I'm going to give you 15 Let's take I'm going to give you 15 Let's take I'm going to give you 15 seconds [music] just to have a seconds [music] just to have a seconds [music] just to have a conversation with God. conversation with God. conversation with God. Come on back. It's time to return.

Heather Father, Heather Father, I confess my own need for a new I confess my own need for a new I confess my own need for a new beginning right now. For all the things beginning right now. For all the things beginning right now. For all the things that you've invited me into that I've that you've invited me into that I've that you've invited me into that I've just slow rolled you on or just left just slow rolled you on or just left just slow rolled you on or just left hanging. hanging. hanging. I'm coming back, God. I I I want to pick I'm coming back, God. I I I want to pick I'm coming back, God. I I I want to pick up what's what you offered to me that up what's what you offered to me that up what's what you offered to me that I've left on the ground. I've left on the ground. I've left on the ground. And I bring you all my joy and all my And I bring you all my joy and all my And I bring you all my joy and all my hope at your promise of a brand new hope at your promise of a brand new hope at your promise of a brand new beginning. Thank you. beginning. Thank you. beginning. Thank you. And so for all my brothers and sisters And so for all my brothers and sisters And so for all my brothers and sisters here today who have taken a step into here today who have taken a step into here today who have taken a step into this invitation to return the promise of this invitation to return the promise of this invitation to return the promise of a new beginning, I [music] bless them. I a new beginning, I [music] bless them. I a new beginning, I [music] bless them. I bless them. God bless them to hear you, to see you, to receive you to hear you, to see you, to receive you fresh now on the doorstep of this month, fresh now on the doorstep of this month, fresh now on the doorstep of this month, in this new season, [music] a new in this new season, [music] a new in this new season, [music] a new beginning for them. beginning for them. beginning for them. And we agree together collectively And we agree together collectively And we agree together collectively for new spring church. We return to you, for new spring church. We return to you, for new spring church. We return to you, God, right here on this Lord's day.

God, right here on this Lord's day. God, right here on this Lord's day. and we say, "You have our full surrender and we say, "You have our full surrender and we say, "You have our full surrender and unconditional allegiance, King and unconditional allegiance, King and unconditional allegiance, King Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Please bring your new beginning right Please bring your new beginning right Please bring your new beginning right now. now. now. We're ready. We're curious. We're filled We're ready. We're curious. We're filled We're ready. We're curious. We're filled with hope and expectation. with hope and expectation. with hope and expectation. For you are a promise maker [music] and For you are a promise maker [music] and For you are a promise maker [music] and a promise keeper. a promise keeper. a promise keeper. Thank you, God. We give you our great Thank you, God. We give you our great Thank you, God. We give you our great thanks and you have all of our trust thanks and you have all of our trust thanks and you have all of our trust in Jesus mighty name. And everybody in Jesus mighty name. And everybody in Jesus mighty name. And everybody said, "Amen." Amen. Can we give the Lord said, "Amen." Amen. Can we give the Lord said, "Amen." Amen. Can we give the Lord a hand right now? Thank you, God. Thank a hand right now? Thank you, God. Thank a hand right now? Thank you, God. Thank you, Lord. You may be seated. Wow. I did you, Lord. You may be seated. Wow. I did you, Lord. You may be seated. Wow. I did not expect to do that, but I am so glad. not expect to do that, but I am so glad. not expect to do that, but I am so glad. I needed that. And uh I'm very, very I needed that. And uh I'm very, very I needed that. And uh I'm very, very excited for you. I'm very excited for excited for you. I'm very excited for excited for you. I'm very excited for our church in this season. Can I get an our church in this season. Can I get an our church in this season. Can I get an amen, somebody? All right, y'all. Hey, amen, somebody? All right, y'all. Hey, amen, somebody? All right, y'all. Hey, you and I were made for friendship with you and I were made for friendship with you and I were made for friendship with God. Anytime you hear me preach, you'll God. Anytime you hear me preach, you'll God. Anytime you hear me preach, you'll hear me say something along those lines. hear me say something along those lines. hear me say something along those lines. That means that you and I were designed That means that you and I were designed That means that you and I were designed to hear his voice. And so at the to hear his voice. And so at the to hear his voice. And so at the beginning of this message, week two of beginning of this message, week two of beginning of this message, week two of our Romans series, I want to invite you our Romans series, I want to invite you our Romans series, I want to invite you to open up your Bible and break out a to open up your Bible and break out a to open up your Bible and break out a journal because we want to catch what journal because we want to catch what journal because we want to catch what God is saying through his word and God is saying through his word and God is saying through his word and through his spirit. Amen.

through his spirit. Amen. through his spirit. Amen. >> All right. So, I want you to turn in >> All right. So, I want you to turn in >> All right. So, I want you to turn in your Bibles to Romans chapter 1. More your Bibles to Romans chapter 1. More your Bibles to Romans chapter 1. More like chapter 1. Am I right? like chapter 1. Am I right? like chapter 1. Am I right? >> All right. Romans chapter 1. And uh >> All right. Romans chapter 1. And uh >> All right. Romans chapter 1. And uh we're going to be going from Romans we're going to be going from Romans we're going to be going from Romans chapter 1 18 all the way to chapter 31. chapter 1 18 all the way to chapter 31. chapter 1 18 all the way to chapter 31. So we got things to do y'all. This is So we got things to do y'all. This is So we got things to do y'all. This is going to be amazing. So at that part of going to be amazing. So at that part of going to be amazing. So at that part of your journal where you're writing a your journal where you're writing a your journal where you're writing a title today, the title of today's title today, the title of today's title today, the title of today's message is we're all in this together. message is we're all in this together. message is we're all in this together. Everybody, would you say it with me? Everybody, would you say it with me? Everybody, would you say it with me? We're all in this together. Because We're all in this together. Because We're all in this together. Because we're all in this together. Right. We're we're all in this together. Right. We're we're all in this together. Right. We're all in this together. Last week, Pastor all in this together. Last week, Pastor all in this together. Last week, Pastor Brad helped us to see the big picture of Brad helped us to see the big picture of Brad helped us to see the big picture of what Paul is trying to say and what Paul is trying to say and what Paul is trying to say and communicate u through this letter to communicate u through this letter to communicate u through this letter to Rome. So, let me recap the background Rome. So, let me recap the background Rome. So, let me recap the background just for a couple of moments. This just for a couple of moments. This just for a couple of moments. This letter was written by the Apostle Paul, letter was written by the Apostle Paul, letter was written by the Apostle Paul, delivered by Phoebe. Shout out to all delivered by Phoebe. Shout out to all delivered by Phoebe. Shout out to all the women of God carrying the word of the women of God carrying the word of the women of God carrying the word of God. Amen. And it was read by Phoebe in God. Amen. And it was read by Phoebe in God. Amen. And it was read by Phoebe in Rome to, you know, at least five house Rome to, you know, at least five house Rome to, you know, at least five house churches. This multi-sight congregation churches. This multi-sight congregation churches. This multi-sight congregation around the greater Rome area sometime uh around the greater Rome area sometime uh around the greater Rome area sometime uh between the years 55 and 58 AD. This was between the years 55 and 58 AD. This was between the years 55 and 58 AD. This was a a a very diverse congregation.

very diverse congregation. very diverse congregation. You had Jews and Gentiles, religious and You had Jews and Gentiles, religious and You had Jews and Gentiles, religious and non-religious, rule followers, rule non-religious, rule followers, rule non-religious, rule followers, rule breakers. It is racially, ethnically, breakers. It is racially, ethnically, breakers. It is racially, ethnically, socioeconomically socioeconomically socioeconomically diverse. You have slaves and free diverse. You have slaves and free diverse. You have slaves and free people, rich and poor, men and women and people, rich and poor, men and women and people, rich and poor, men and women and children. This is a network of churches children. This is a network of churches children. This is a network of churches of every kind of person that you can of every kind of person that you can of every kind of person that you can think. They had been persecuted. They think. They had been persecuted. They think. They had been persecuted. They had been scattered. They were now all had been scattered. They were now all had been scattered. They were now all back together. And it's into this crazy back together. And it's into this crazy back together. And it's into this crazy diverse family that Paul addresses this diverse family that Paul addresses this diverse family that Paul addresses this letter. letter. letter. You know, Romans really works well for You know, Romans really works well for You know, Romans really works well for us today, too. When I think about that us today, too. When I think about that us today, too. When I think about that description of the church at Rome, I description of the church at Rome, I description of the church at Rome, I think, man, that sounds a lot like New think, man, that sounds a lot like New think, man, that sounds a lot like New Spring Church. There's a multi-sight Spring Church. There's a multi-sight Spring Church. There's a multi-sight congregation. Every kind of person up in congregation. Every kind of person up in congregation. Every kind of person up in here, religious people, non-religious here, religious people, non-religious here, religious people, non-religious people, rule followers, rule breakers. people, rule followers, rule breakers. people, rule followers, rule breakers. We've got racially, ethnically, We've got racially, ethnically, We've got racially, ethnically, socioeconomically diverse men, women, socioeconomically diverse men, women, socioeconomically diverse men, women, children. We got every kind of person up children. We got every kind of person up children. We got every kind of person up in this church. It's a new thing now in this church. It's a new thing now in this church. It's a new thing now springing up. Do you not perceive it? springing up. Do you not perceive it? springing up. Do you not perceive it? Away in the wilderness, streams in the Away in the wilderness, streams in the Away in the wilderness, streams in the wasteland. wasteland. wasteland. This book of Romans works for us, too, This book of Romans works for us, too, This book of Romans works for us, too, right here in 2026.

right here in 2026. right here in 2026. So, one thing I want to say to everybody So, one thing I want to say to everybody So, one thing I want to say to everybody who's a part of New Spring Church, this who's a part of New Spring Church, this who's a part of New Spring Church, this is a new beginning season for our is a new beginning season for our is a new beginning season for our church. And I think there's something church. And I think there's something church. And I think there's something special that God wants to do in your special that God wants to do in your special that God wants to do in your life. So, I want to make this invitation life. So, I want to make this invitation life. So, I want to make this invitation this fall. We are starting a bunch of this fall. We are starting a bunch of this fall. We are starting a bunch of groups that are going to highlight go groups that are going to highlight go groups that are going to highlight go deeper into this book. If you're deeper into this book. If you're deeper into this book. If you're interested in that, you want some interested in that, you want some interested in that, you want some community, you want to go deeper with community, you want to go deeper with community, you want to go deeper with God in this, I want you to text groups God in this, I want you to text groups God in this, I want you to text groups to 30303. to 30303. to 30303. We would love to help you get connected. We would love to help you get connected. We would love to help you get connected. You will find friends. you will find a You will find friends. you will find a You will find friends. you will find a new kingdom family and you'll be able to new kingdom family and you'll be able to new kingdom family and you'll be able to understand what God is trying to say to understand what God is trying to say to understand what God is trying to say to you in this new beginning season. Can I you in this new beginning season. Can I you in this new beginning season. Can I get an amen, somebody? All right, y'all. get an amen, somebody? All right, y'all. get an amen, somebody? All right, y'all. Okay. So, last week we highlighted the Okay. So, last week we highlighted the Okay. So, last week we highlighted the truth from Romans chapter 1 that is truth from Romans chapter 1 that is truth from Romans chapter 1 that is elevated in verses 16 and 17 of chapter elevated in verses 16 and 17 of chapter elevated in verses 16 and 17 of chapter 1. So, that's our lens verse, our banner 1. So, that's our lens verse, our banner 1. So, that's our lens verse, our banner over this whole series. Let's go there over this whole series. Let's go there over this whole series. Let's go there right now. Somebody say, bring out the right now. Somebody say, bring out the right now. Somebody say, bring out the book. All right, y'all. Romans chapter 1 book. All right, y'all. Romans chapter 1 book. All right, y'all. Romans chapter 1 verse 16 and 17. Here it is. verse 16 and 17. Here it is. verse 16 and 17. Here it is. For I am not ashamed of this good news. For I am not ashamed of this good news. For I am not ashamed of this good news. Somebody say good news.

Somebody say good news. Somebody say good news. Christ. It is the power of God at work Christ. It is the power of God at work Christ. It is the power of God at work saving everyone who believes, the Jew saving everyone who believes, the Jew saving everyone who believes, the Jew first and also the Gentile. This good first and also the Gentile. This good first and also the Gentile. This good news tells us how God makes us right in news tells us how God makes us right in news tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from his sight. This is accomplished from his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the start to finish by faith. As the start to finish by faith. As the scriptures say, it's through faith that scriptures say, it's through faith that scriptures say, it's through faith that a righteous person has life. Beautiful. a righteous person has life. Beautiful. a righteous person has life. Beautiful. That's some great news, isn't it? It's That's some great news, isn't it? It's That's some great news, isn't it? It's the gospel. I love good news. I got to the gospel. I love good news. I got to the gospel. I love good news. I got to be honest with you, I hate bad news. Can be honest with you, I hate bad news. Can be honest with you, I hate bad news. Can Can we do a little survey on all of our Can we do a little survey on all of our Can we do a little survey on all of our campuses right now? If somebody were to campuses right now? If somebody were to campuses right now? If somebody were to come up to you and say, "Hey, man. I got come up to you and say, "Hey, man. I got come up to you and say, "Hey, man. I got some good news. I got some bad news." some good news. I got some bad news." some good news. I got some bad news." Think about it in your mind for just a Think about it in your mind for just a Think about it in your mind for just a moment. Which one do you want first? moment. Which one do you want first? moment. Which one do you want first? Anybody in here want good news first? Anybody in here want good news first? Anybody in here want good news first? That's That didn't go how I was That's That didn't go how I was That's That didn't go how I was expecting. There's a lot fewer people. expecting. There's a lot fewer people. expecting. There's a lot fewer people. You know, sometimes with a preaching You know, sometimes with a preaching You know, sometimes with a preaching illustration, you expect it to go a illustration, you expect it to go a illustration, you expect it to go a particular way, and that did not happen particular way, and that did not happen particular way, and that did not happen the way that I that I was hoping for. the way that I that I was hoping for. the way that I that I was hoping for. All right. So, I'm guessing everybody All right. So, I'm guessing everybody All right. So, I'm guessing everybody wants the bad news first. Okay. Okay. wants the bad news first. Okay. Okay. wants the bad news first. Okay. Okay. All right. All right. All right. We're All right. All right. All right. We're All right. All right. All right. We're all in this together. Okay. We're all in all in this together. Okay. We're all in all in this together. Okay. We're all in this together. You know, I I got to be this together. You know, I I got to be this together. You know, I I got to be honest. Let me Let me reframe this honest. Let me Let me reframe this honest. Let me Let me reframe this little survey. How many of you guys you little survey. How many of you guys you little survey. How many of you guys you would say, "I am an optimist. I am a would say, "I am an optimist. I am a would say, "I am an optimist. I am a glass half full kind of person." Yeah, glass half full kind of person." Yeah, glass half full kind of person." Yeah, that's a lot of folks right there. Can I that's a lot of folks right there. Can I that's a lot of folks right there. Can I just be honest with you guys? I'm not just be honest with you guys? I'm not just be honest with you guys? I'm not I'm not a glass half full kind of I'm not a glass half full kind of I'm not a glass half full kind of person. I'm a glass completely full kind person. I'm a glass completely full kind person. I'm a glass completely full kind of person. Like it's like it's half is of person. Like it's like it's half is of person. Like it's like it's half is water and half is air. It's totally water and half is air. It's totally water and half is air. It's totally full. It's just, you know, there's full. It's just, you know, there's full. It's just, you know, there's different stuff in there. Like that's different stuff in there. Like that's different stuff in there. Like that's how much of an optimist I am.

how much of an optimist I am. how much of an optimist I am. >> Um I hear the laughter of people who are >> Um I hear the laughter of people who are >> Um I hear the laughter of people who are all like, "Yes, me too." Or other best all like, "Yes, me too." Or other best all like, "Yes, me too." Or other best friend is your elbowing him right now. friend is your elbowing him right now. friend is your elbowing him right now. How many people in here you would say, How many people in here you would say, How many people in here you would say, "I'm not a no shame in my game. I'm a "I'm not a no shame in my game. I'm a "I'm not a no shame in my game. I'm a pessimist." That's fine. Yeah. Anybody? pessimist." That's fine. Yeah. Anybody? pessimist." That's fine. Yeah. Anybody? All right. I I appreciate you. I All right. I I appreciate you. I All right. I I appreciate you. I appreciate you. Y'all are seeing things appreciate you. Y'all are seeing things appreciate you. Y'all are seeing things the way that they really are and the way the way that they really are and the way the way that they really are and the way that they, you know. Yeah. Worst case that they, you know. Yeah. Worst case that they, you know. Yeah. Worst case scenario, folks. I love y'all. Y'all, scenario, folks. I love y'all. Y'all, scenario, folks. I love y'all. Y'all, you guys help me. You guys help me so you guys help me. You guys help me so you guys help me. You guys help me so much in my life. I appreciate you. much in my life. I appreciate you. much in my life. I appreciate you. Well, today I got to tell you guys, I Well, today I got to tell you guys, I Well, today I got to tell you guys, I have got some good news and I got some have got some good news and I got some have got some good news and I got some bad news. bad news. bad news. And you don't get a choice. I gota I got And you don't get a choice. I gota I got And you don't get a choice. I gota I got to bring you the bad news first. to bring you the bad news first. to bring you the bad news first. the bad news from the Apostle Paul. Uh, the bad news from the Apostle Paul. Uh, the bad news from the Apostle Paul. Uh, but I do want you guys y'all stay with but I do want you guys y'all stay with but I do want you guys y'all stay with me as I bring this bad news because some me as I bring this bad news because some me as I bring this bad news because some really good news is coming. really good news is coming. really good news is coming. Good news. So good you can't you can't Good news. So good you can't you can't Good news. So good you can't you can't even believe it. You can't even believe even believe it. You can't even believe even believe it. You can't even believe how good this good news is.

how good this good news is. how good this good news is. Before I get I want to tell you this Before I get I want to tell you this Before I get I want to tell you this story. So when I got married to Ally story. So when I got married to Ally story. So when I got married to Ally [snorts] almost 15 years ago now, right [snorts] almost 15 years ago now, right [snorts] almost 15 years ago now, right after we got married, you know, she was after we got married, you know, she was after we got married, you know, she was like, "Oh, look at all those freckles. like, "Oh, look at all those freckles. like, "Oh, look at all those freckles. You are so pale. We need to get you to a You are so pale. We need to get you to a You are so pale. We need to get you to a dermatologist." dermatologist." dermatologist." And and you know, if you're a single And and you know, if you're a single And and you know, if you're a single guy, like I barely look in the mirror in guy, like I barely look in the mirror in guy, like I barely look in the mirror in any day of the week, you know what I any day of the week, you know what I any day of the week, you know what I mean? And she's like, "Mhm, this is a mean? And she's like, "Mhm, this is a mean? And she's like, "Mhm, this is a problem. You need to go to the doctor." problem. You need to go to the doctor." problem. You need to go to the doctor." So I go to the dermatologist at the So I go to the dermatologist at the So I go to the dermatologist at the request of my wife and everything. It's request of my wife and everything. It's request of my wife and everything. It's like, "Yeah, everything looks good. You like, "Yeah, everything looks good. You like, "Yeah, everything looks good. You know, how you and then walk around, you know, how you and then walk around, you know, how you and then walk around, you know, to my back, look out in the middle know, to my back, look out in the middle know, to my back, look out in the middle of the back, and then everything gets of the back, and then everything gets of the back, and then everything gets quiet and they're like, "We're going to quiet and they're like, "We're going to quiet and they're like, "We're going to need to take a little sample of that." need to take a little sample of that." need to take a little sample of that." I'm like, "Okay." So, u I do want to I'm like, "Okay." So, u I do want to I'm like, "Okay." So, u I do want to tell you, so they finally got a hold of tell you, so they finally got a hold of tell you, so they finally got a hold of me and were like, "This is not good me and were like, "This is not good me and were like, "This is not good news. This is some bad news. This is news. This is some bad news. This is news. This is some bad news. This is melanoma. We're going to have to do melanoma. We're going to have to do melanoma. We're going to have to do something with that." I know a lot of something with that." I know a lot of something with that." I know a lot of y'all have that a similar kind of story. y'all have that a similar kind of story. y'all have that a similar kind of story. You know what I mean? But um getting You know what I mean? But um getting You know what I mean? But um getting that bad news that bad news that bad news is so important and it gets your is so important and it gets your is so important and it gets your attention in a hurry.

attention in a hurry. attention in a hurry. That's one reason why we need to hear That's one reason why we need to hear That's one reason why we need to hear this bad news from the Apostle Paul this bad news from the Apostle Paul this bad news from the Apostle Paul today is because it's got to get our today is because it's got to get our today is because it's got to get our attention attention attention and move us and move us and move us toward decision. toward decision. toward decision. All right. Okay. All right. Okay. All right. Okay. So, as we hear this bad news from the So, as we hear this bad news from the So, as we hear this bad news from the word, I want us to know a couple of word, I want us to know a couple of word, I want us to know a couple of things about the Bible itself. Before we things about the Bible itself. Before we things about the Bible itself. Before we dive in to this difficult thing to hear, dive in to this difficult thing to hear, dive in to this difficult thing to hear, Paul tells Timothy, Paul tells Timothy, Paul tells Timothy, "All scriptures breathed out by God and "All scriptures breathed out by God and "All scriptures breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reprove, profitable for teaching, reprove, profitable for teaching, reprove, correcting, training, and righteousness correcting, training, and righteousness correcting, training, and righteousness so that the men and women of God might so that the men and women of God might so that the men and women of God might be complete, fully equipped for every be complete, fully equipped for every be complete, fully equipped for every good work." All these words are breathed good work." All these words are breathed good work." All these words are breathed out by God. Also in the book of Hebrews, out by God. Also in the book of Hebrews, out by God. Also in the book of Hebrews, it says the li the word of God is living it says the li the word of God is living it says the li the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged and active, sharper than any two-edged and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul sword, piercing to the division of soul sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, joints of marrow, discerning and spirit, joints of marrow, discerning and spirit, joints of marrow, discerning the thoughts and the intention of the the thoughts and the intention of the the thoughts and the intention of the heart. So this living word, this bit of heart. So this living word, this bit of heart. So this living word, this bit of God's word, this bad news God's word, this bad news God's word, this bad news is going to cut right to our hearts and is going to cut right to our hearts and is going to cut right to our hearts and get our attention so that we understand get our attention so that we understand get our attention so that we understand what's going on and it motivates us what's going on and it motivates us what's going on and it motivates us toward decision today. Are you with me, toward decision today. Are you with me, toward decision today. Are you with me, church? Okay. All right. Let's go to the church? Okay. All right. Let's go to the church? Okay. All right. Let's go to the scriptures now. Verse 18 of chapter 1, scriptures now. Verse 18 of chapter 1, scriptures now. Verse 18 of chapter 1, I'm going to read this lengthy passage I'm going to read this lengthy passage I'm going to read this lengthy passage because we just need to hear it from because we just need to hear it from because we just need to hear it from Paul what he's saying. Verse 18, but God Paul what he's saying. Verse 18, but God Paul what he's saying. Verse 18, but God shows his anger from heaven against all shows his anger from heaven against all shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the sinful, wicked people who suppress the sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he's made it truth about God because he's made it truth about God because he's made it obvious to them. For ever since the obvious to them. For ever since the obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the world was created, people have seen the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God

earth and sky. Through everything God earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible made, they can clearly see his invisible made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine qualities, his eternal power and divine qualities, his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not nature. So they have no excuse for not nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. knowing God. knowing God. Paul's highlighting to us that God set Paul's highlighting to us that God set Paul's highlighting to us that God set this up from beginning. His relationship this up from beginning. His relationship this up from beginning. His relationship with humanity, he was not trying to with humanity, he was not trying to with humanity, he was not trying to hide. hide. hide. He was being extremely obvious, He was being extremely obvious, He was being extremely obvious, revealing his character and nature revealing his character and nature revealing his character and nature in the design of how things are made. in the design of how things are made. in the design of how things are made. Verse 21. Yes. Verse 21. Yes. Verse 21. Yes. They knew God, but they wouldn't worship They knew God, but they wouldn't worship They knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And him as God or even give him thanks. And him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of they began to think up foolish ideas of they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their what God was like. As a result, their what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. You can minds became dark and confused. You can minds became dark and confused. You can you guys see already the first bits of you guys see already the first bits of you guys see already the first bits of rebellion rebellion rebellion immediately downward spiral into immediately downward spiral into immediately downward spiral into confusion and darkness. Claiming to be wise, they instead became Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping utter fools. And instead of worshiping utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious everliving God, they the glorious everliving God, they the glorious everliving God, they worshiped idols. made to look like mere worshiped idols. made to look like mere worshiped idols. made to look like mere people and birds and animals and people and birds and animals and people and birds and animals and reptiles. 24. So God abandoned them to reptiles. 24. So God abandoned them to reptiles. 24. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts do whatever shameful things their hearts do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. Think about that statement as desired. Think about that statement as desired. Think about that statement as God's just giving people what they God's just giving people what they God's just giving people what they already want. They're rejecting God, already want. They're rejecting God, already want. They're rejecting God, moving against him in rebellion, and he moving against him in rebellion, and he moving against him in rebellion, and he is like, "Okay, I'll let you have what is like, "Okay, I'll let you have what is like, "Okay, I'll let you have what you think you want."

you think you want." you think you want." As a result, they did vile and degrading As a result, they did vile and degrading As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. They things with each other's bodies. They things with each other's bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So traded the truth about God for a lie. So traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served things God they worshiped and served things God they worshiped and served things God created instead of the creator himself created instead of the creator himself created instead of the creator himself who is worthy of eternal praise. Amen. who is worthy of eternal praise. Amen. who is worthy of eternal praise. Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their That is why God abandoned them to their That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned shameful desires. Even the women turned shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and against the natural way to have sex and against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. instead indulged in sex with each other. instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men instead of having normal And the men instead of having normal And the men instead of having normal sexual relations with women burned with sexual relations with women burned with sexual relations with women burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful lust for each other. Men did shameful lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men. And as a result things with other men. And as a result things with other men. And as a result of this sin, they suffered within of this sin, they suffered within of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. themselves the penalty they deserved. themselves the penalty they deserved. The rebellion of humanity, The rebellion of humanity, The rebellion of humanity, a rebellion against a designer, a a rebellion against a designer, a a rebellion against a designer, a rebellion against the design. rebellion against the design. rebellion against the design. The consequence of sin is that it turns The consequence of sin is that it turns The consequence of sin is that it turns into a downward spiral that distorts into a downward spiral that distorts into a downward spiral that distorts identity and sexuality, identity and sexuality, identity and sexuality, things that are at the very core of what things that are at the very core of what things that are at the very core of what God designed to bring glory to his own God designed to bring glory to his own God designed to bring glory to his own name and good to everything in the name and good to everything in the name and good to everything in the universe.

universe. universe. Verse 28, since they thought it foolish to since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do their foolish thinking and let them do their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their things that should never be done. Their things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of lives became full of every kind of lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious murder, quarreling, deception, malicious murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They're behavior, and gossip. They're behavior, and gossip. They're backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new proud, and boastful. They invent new proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their ways of sinning, and they disobey their ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand. They parents. They refuse to understand. They parents. They refuse to understand. They break their promises, are heartless, break their promises, are heartless, break their promises, are heartless, have no mercy. They know God's justice have no mercy. They know God's justice have no mercy. They know God's justice requires that those who do these things requires that those who do these things requires that those who do these things deserve to die. yet they do them anyway. deserve to die. yet they do them anyway. deserve to die. yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do Worse yet, they encourage others to do Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too. Right here, Right here, think about it. If you're hearing Phoebe think about it. If you're hearing Phoebe think about it. If you're hearing Phoebe read this in the living room of one of read this in the living room of one of read this in the living room of one of your friends who started up one of these your friends who started up one of these your friends who started up one of these churches in Rome, and if you happen to churches in Rome, and if you happen to churches in Rome, and if you happen to be a Gentile, like one of those be a Gentile, like one of those be a Gentile, like one of those non-religious rulebreaking kind of folks non-religious rulebreaking kind of folks non-religious rulebreaking kind of folks who just got saved by the grace of Jesus who just got saved by the grace of Jesus who just got saved by the grace of Jesus Christ, you are like, "Paul, you need to Christ, you are like, "Paul, you need to Christ, you are like, "Paul, you need to chill out for just a second.

chill out for just a second. chill out for just a second. Paul is calling out everybody in the Paul is calling out everybody in the Paul is calling out everybody in the pagan rule breaker camp right here. The pagan rule breaker camp right here. The pagan rule breaker camp right here. The non-religious, non-churched, gentile non-religious, non-churched, gentile non-religious, non-churched, gentile camp. Just imagine in your mind a scene camp. Just imagine in your mind a scene camp. Just imagine in your mind a scene Phoebe sharing this part of Paul's Phoebe sharing this part of Paul's Phoebe sharing this part of Paul's letter and all the former heathens in letter and all the former heathens in letter and all the former heathens in the group are getting quiet, maybe the group are getting quiet, maybe the group are getting quiet, maybe filled with shame. Maybe just maybe some filled with shame. Maybe just maybe some filled with shame. Maybe just maybe some of those good churchgoing Jewish people of those good churchgoing Jewish people of those good churchgoing Jewish people who are sitting right next to them are who are sitting right next to them are who are sitting right next to them are starting to feel pretty good about starting to feel pretty good about starting to feel pretty good about themselves themselves themselves looking down their nose at Yeah, that's looking down their nose at Yeah, that's looking down their nose at Yeah, that's right. We try to tell y'all right. We try to tell y'all right. We try to tell y'all kind of our attitude, but Paul's about to come for them, too. but Paul's about to come for them, too. Let's continue into chapter 2. Paul now Let's continue into chapter 2. Paul now Let's continue into chapter 2. Paul now turns and starts talking to all the turns and starts talking to all the turns and starts talking to all the religious folk in the room. religious folk in the room. religious folk in the room. You may think you can condemn such You may think you can condemn such You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad and you people, but you are just as bad and you people, but you are just as bad and you have no excuse. have no excuse. have no excuse. When you say they are wicked and should When you say they are wicked and should When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning be punished, you are condemning be punished, you are condemning yourself. For you who judge others do yourself. For you who judge others do yourself. For you who judge others do the very same things, and we know that the very same things, and we know that the very same things, and we know that God in his justice will punish anyone God in his justice will punish anyone God in his justice will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge who does such things. Since you judge who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do others for doing these things, why do others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God's judgment you think you can avoid God's judgment you think you can avoid God's judgment when you do the same things? Don't you when you do the same things? Don't you when you do the same things? Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean patient God is with you? Does this mean patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you?

nothing to you? nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is Can't you see that his kindness is Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Go back there into that Roman living Go back there into that Roman living room and just imagine one of the gentile room and just imagine one of the gentile room and just imagine one of the gentile folks now looking at all the Jewish folks now looking at all the Jewish folks now looking at all the Jewish people being like, "Oh, he said you're people being like, "Oh, he said you're people being like, "Oh, he said you're just as bad." So what's Paul saying through all this? So what's Paul saying through all this? He's saying that it doesn't matter if He's saying that it doesn't matter if He's saying that it doesn't matter if you're a Jew, a Gentile, a goodie, two you're a Jew, a Gentile, a goodie, two you're a Jew, a Gentile, a goodie, two shoes, or a bonafide hell raiser. shoes, or a bonafide hell raiser. shoes, or a bonafide hell raiser. Everyone is dead in their sins. Everyone is dead in their sins. Everyone is dead in their sins. >> We're all in this together. >> We're all in this together. >> We're all in this together. We're all in this together. What Paul's saying right there is that What Paul's saying right there is that good people, good people good people, good people good people, good people don't get a free pass. don't get a free pass. don't get a free pass. Romans 2:1 Paul continues and he says, Romans 2:1 Paul continues and he says, Romans 2:1 Paul continues and he says, "For God does not show favoritism. "For God does not show favoritism. "For God does not show favoritism. Trying to be a good person on the Trying to be a good person on the Trying to be a good person on the outside outside outside doesn't cut it." Verse 28. For you're doesn't cut it." Verse 28. For you're doesn't cut it." Verse 28. For you're not a true Jew just because you were not a true Jew just because you were not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you born of Jewish parents or because you born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of have gone through the ceremony of have gone through the ceremony of circumcision or because you got baptized circumcision or because you got baptized circumcision or because you got baptized at age six of First Baptist Church in at age six of First Baptist Church in at age six of First Baptist Church in Lost, Mississippi and your granddaddy Lost, Mississippi and your granddaddy Lost, Mississippi and your granddaddy was a preacher because you your mom dragged you to because you your mom dragged you to church and you went into through Sunday church and you went into through Sunday church and you went into through Sunday school and you did RAS and gas and AAS school and you did RAS and gas and AAS school and you did RAS and gas and AAS and everything else because you were and everything else because you were and everything else because you were confirmed and you know, confirmed and you know, confirmed and you know, do y'all get what I'm saying?

do y'all get what I'm saying? do y'all get what I'm saying? >> No. A true Jew is one whose heart is >> No. A true Jew is one whose heart is >> No. A true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is right with God. And true circumcision is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the not merely obeying the letter of the not merely obeying the letter of the law. Rather, it is a change of heart law. Rather, it is a change of heart law. Rather, it is a change of heart produced by the spirit. produced by the spirit. produced by the spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks And a person with a changed heart seeks And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. Paul praise from God, not from people. Paul praise from God, not from people. Paul doesn't care doesn't care doesn't care if, like me, you grew up in church, or if, like me, you grew up in church, or if, like me, you grew up in church, or if you ain't [clears throat] never if you ain't [clears throat] never if you ain't [clears throat] never killed nobody, or if you're just a good killed nobody, or if you're just a good killed nobody, or if you're just a good person. person. person. The point that Paul is making is when it The point that Paul is making is when it The point that Paul is making is when it comes to sin, you don't compare yourself comes to sin, you don't compare yourself comes to sin, you don't compare yourself to other humans. to other humans. to other humans. You compare yourself to the glorious You compare yourself to the glorious You compare yourself to the glorious standard of God. And in light of that, standard of God. And in light of that, standard of God. And in light of that, there's no such thing as good people. there's no such thing as good people. there's no such thing as good people. We're all in this together. Now, I do want to say this. Any of you Now, I do want to say this. Any of you guys in your friends group, you got that guys in your friends group, you got that guys in your friends group, you got that one person who will always tell you the one person who will always tell you the one person who will always tell you the truth? That truth teller in your friend truth? That truth teller in your friend truth? That truth teller in your friend group? I love that person. They're great group? I love that person. They're great group? I love that person. They're great at parties. You got to be careful with at parties. You got to be careful with at parties. You got to be careful with that person at, you know, that person at, you know, that person at, you know, but there are some measure of friendship but there are some measure of friendship but there are some measure of friendship that demands truthtelling, right?

that demands truthtelling, right? that demands truthtelling, right? Friends, let me tell you, God didn't Friends, let me tell you, God didn't Friends, let me tell you, God didn't make you for judgment. He didn't design make you for judgment. He didn't design make you for judgment. He didn't design you you you for judgment. He designed you for for judgment. He designed you for for judgment. He designed you for friendship with himself. friendship with himself. friendship with himself. And so that means he is going to put the And so that means he is going to put the And so that means he is going to put the truth right in front of our faces truth right in front of our faces truth right in front of our faces in order to draw us back into friendship in order to draw us back into friendship in order to draw us back into friendship with him. with him. with him. You know, there's there's You know, there's there's You know, there's there's there's an adversary that we have. there's an adversary that we have. there's an adversary that we have. There's opposition to this bad news. There's opposition to this bad news. There's opposition to this bad news. Everywhere we are in our world, Everywhere we are in our world, Everywhere we are in our world, everything in the world around us is everything in the world around us is everything in the world around us is trying to let us know that sin's really trying to let us know that sin's really trying to let us know that sin's really not that big a deal. It's not that bad. not that big a deal. It's not that bad. not that big a deal. It's not that bad. Everybody does. It's not It's not that Everybody does. It's not It's not that Everybody does. It's not It's not that big a deal. any type of sitcom or movie big a deal. any type of sitcom or movie big a deal. any type of sitcom or movie or anything out there in social media, or anything out there in social media, or anything out there in social media, anything in the world right now is anything in the world right now is anything in the world right now is trying to tell you that the bad news is trying to tell you that the bad news is trying to tell you that the bad news is not really that bad, right? He's trying not really that bad, right? He's trying not really that bad, right? He's trying to desensitize us to it. Can I go back to desensitize us to it. Can I go back to desensitize us to it. Can I go back to that that story about So, when I went to that that story about So, when I went to that that story about So, when I went to the doctor, the dermatologist, they to the doctor, the dermatologist, they to the doctor, the dermatologist, they do the biopsy and everything and then do the biopsy and everything and then do the biopsy and everything and then they tried to call me to tell me the they tried to call me to tell me the they tried to call me to tell me the news, the results of the biopsy, but I news, the results of the biopsy, but I news, the results of the biopsy, but I kept sending it to voicemail because I'm kept sending it to voicemail because I'm kept sending it to voicemail because I'm like, just leave a voicemail. It can't like, just leave a voicemail. It can't like, just leave a voicemail. It can't be that big a deal. And they wouldn't do be that big a deal. And they wouldn't do be that big a deal. And they wouldn't do it. And I finally called him. They're it. And I finally called him. They're it. And I finally called him. They're like, "Mr. McDermott, we've been trying like, "Mr. McDermott, we've been trying like, "Mr. McDermott, we've been trying to tell call you, but we can't. This to tell call you, but we can't. This to tell call you, but we can't. This news is such that we can't leave it on a news is such that we can't leave it on a news is such that we can't leave it on a voicemail. I was like, all right.

voicemail. I was like, all right. voicemail. I was like, all right. They're like, we're sorry to inform you They're like, we're sorry to inform you They're like, we're sorry to inform you that you you have melanoma. And I was that you you have melanoma. And I was that you you have melanoma. And I was like, all right. Well, I appreciate you. like, all right. Well, I appreciate you. like, all right. Well, I appreciate you. Thank you for I mean, do we need to Thank you for I mean, do we need to Thank you for I mean, do we need to reschedule? Like, is there another reschedule? Like, is there another reschedule? Like, is there another appointment I need to make? Hang up the appointment I need to make? Hang up the appointment I need to make? Hang up the phone. And my mom called me later. She phone. And my mom called me later. She phone. And my mom called me later. She was like, hey, I heard, you know, Ally was like, hey, I heard, you know, Ally was like, hey, I heard, you know, Ally told me you had an appointment. How did told me you had an appointment. How did told me you had an appointment. How did it go? And everything. I was like, yeah, it go? And everything. I was like, yeah, it go? And everything. I was like, yeah, they told me I had melanoma, blah, blah, they told me I had melanoma, blah, blah, they told me I had melanoma, blah, blah, blah. And she was like, "Le, blah. And she was like, "Le, blah. And she was like, "Le, do you need me to come up and pray for do you need me to come up and pray for do you need me to come up and pray for you or sit with you?" And I was like, you or sit with you?" And I was like, you or sit with you?" And I was like, "Is this a big deal?" Up until that point, I'd never heard the Up until that point, I'd never heard the word before. I didn't even know what word before. I didn't even know what word before. I didn't even know what melanoma was. melanoma was. melanoma was. And she's like, "Yes, it's a big deal." And she's like, "Yes, it's a big deal." And she's like, "Yes, it's a big deal." And that got my attention. And that got my attention. And that got my attention. The bad news about sin, friends, is that The bad news about sin, friends, is that The bad news about sin, friends, is that it is a very big deal. Death is the only thing that wipes sin Death is the only thing that wipes sin off the books, friends. off the books, friends. off the books, friends. And death is what sin causes.

Paul continues into chapter 3. Well, Paul continues into chapter 3. Well, then should we con conclude that the then should we con conclude that the then should we con conclude that the Jews are better than others? No, not at Jews are better than others? No, not at Jews are better than others? No, not at all. But we've already shown that all all. But we've already shown that all all. But we've already shown that all people whether Jews or Gentiles are people whether Jews or Gentiles are people whether Jews or Gentiles are under the power of sin as scriptures say under the power of sin as scriptures say under the power of sin as scriptures say this. You can write in your notes here this. You can write in your notes here this. You can write in your notes here Psalm 14, Psalm 53. That's where Paul's Psalm 14, Psalm 53. That's where Paul's Psalm 14, Psalm 53. That's where Paul's quoting. quoting. quoting. No one is righteous, not even one. No No one is righteous, not even one. No No one is righteous, not even one. No one is truly wise. No one is seeking one is truly wise. No one is seeking one is truly wise. No one is seeking God. All have turned away. All have God. All have turned away. All have God. All have turned away. All have become useless. No one does good. Not a become useless. No one does good. Not a become useless. No one does good. Not a single one. So the question emerges for single one. So the question emerges for single one. So the question emerges for me at least, why have the rules if they me at least, why have the rules if they me at least, why have the rules if they can't help anybody? Paul answers that can't help anybody? Paul answers that can't help anybody? Paul answers that question. Verse 19. Obviously, the law question. Verse 19. Obviously, the law question. Verse 19. Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given. applies to those to whom it was given. applies to those to whom it was given. For its purpose is to keep people from For its purpose is to keep people from For its purpose is to keep people from having excuses having excuses having excuses and to show that the entire world is and to show that the entire world is and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. guilty before God. guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with For no one can ever be made right with For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The God by doing what the law commands. The God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. law simply shows us how sinful we are. law simply shows us how sinful we are. We're all in this together. We're all in this together. We're all in this together. Now, is anybody ready for some good news? is anybody ready for some good news? Anybody? I am. Imag. I know you're ready Anybody? I am. Imag. I know you're ready Anybody? I am. Imag. I know you're ready for it. Imagine how I feel. Let's go to for it. Imagine how I feel. Let's go to for it. Imagine how I feel. Let's go to verse 21. Martin Luther said that verse verse 21. Martin Luther said that verse verse 21. Martin Luther said that verse 21 through 26 are the greatest verses in 21 through 26 are the greatest verses in 21 through 26 are the greatest verses in all of scripture. Here we go. Y'all look all of scripture. Here we go. Y'all look all of scripture. Here we go. Y'all look at this.

at this. at this. But now, But now, But now, God has shown us a way to be made right God has shown us a way to be made right God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the with him without keeping the with him without keeping the requirements of the law. As was promised requirements of the law. As was promised requirements of the law. As was promised in the writings of Moses and the in the writings of Moses and the in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right prophets long ago. We are made right prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus with God by placing our faith in Jesus with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone Christ. And this is true for everyone Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes no matter who we are. who believes no matter who we are. who believes no matter who we are. Verse 23, for everyone is sinned. We all Verse 23, for everyone is sinned. We all Verse 23, for everyone is sinned. We all fall short of God's glorious standard. fall short of God's glorious standard. fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God in his grace freely makes us Yet God in his grace freely makes us Yet God in his grace freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through right in his sight. He did this through right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the Christ Jesus when he freed us from the Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented penalty for our sins. For God presented penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. Jesus paid it all. Jesus paid the debt. Jesus paid it all. Jesus paid the debt. Jesus paid it all. Jesus paid the debt. People are made right with God when they People are made right with God when they People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life believe that Jesus sacrificed his life believe that Jesus sacrificed his life shedding his blood. Now, this next shedding his blood. Now, this next shedding his blood. Now, this next sentence, y'all pay, y'all lean in with sentence, y'all pay, y'all lean in with sentence, y'all pay, y'all lean in with me because I want to share something me because I want to share something me because I want to share something with you that absolutely transformed my with you that absolutely transformed my with you that absolutely transformed my life and I think it's going to have the life and I think it's going to have the life and I think it's going to have the same effect for you guys. Listen to same effect for you guys. Listen to same effect for you guys. Listen to this.

this. this. This sacrifice shows that God was being This sacrifice shows that God was being This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not fair when he held back and did not fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past. punish those who sinned in times past. punish those who sinned in times past. For he was looking ahead and including For he was looking ahead and including For he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present them in what he would do in this present them in what he would do in this present time. Wait, what? He's being fair. time. Wait, what? He's being fair. time. Wait, what? He's being fair. Every every time I think about Jesus on Every every time I think about Jesus on Every every time I think about Jesus on the cross, I don't think about I don't the cross, I don't think about I don't the cross, I don't think about I don't ever think that it's fair. Do you know ever think that it's fair. Do you know ever think that it's fair. Do you know what I'm saying? what I'm saying? what I'm saying? But Jesus going to the cross shows that But Jesus going to the cross shows that But Jesus going to the cross shows that God was being fair when he held back and God was being fair when he held back and God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times did not punish those who sinned in times did not punish those who sinned in times past. Okay, y'all get this image in your past. Okay, y'all get this image in your past. Okay, y'all get this image in your mind. God dropping a huge stone in the mind. God dropping a huge stone in the mind. God dropping a huge stone in the middle of a still pond and then all of a middle of a still pond and then all of a middle of a still pond and then all of a sudden these ripples go out in every sudden these ripples go out in every sudden these ripples go out in every direction. Let me let me tell you what I direction. Let me let me tell you what I direction. Let me let me tell you what I mean. Let's go back in history just for mean. Let's go back in history just for mean. Let's go back in history just for a second. 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, the story a second. 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, the story a second. 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, the story of King David. Remember King David? He's of King David. Remember King David? He's of King David. Remember King David? He's the songwriter, the one who killed the songwriter, the one who killed the songwriter, the one who killed Goliath. He's the great king, the one Goliath. He's the great king, the one Goliath. He's the great king, the one who we all esteem so highly. He's the who we all esteem so highly. He's the who we all esteem so highly. He's the one they make movies of. You know what one they make movies of. You know what one they make movies of. You know what I'm saying? That my kids watch. I mean, I'm saying? That my kids watch. I mean, I'm saying? That my kids watch. I mean, this is King David. King David was also this is King David. King David was also this is King David. King David was also the one who committed adultery and then the one who committed adultery and then the one who committed adultery and then murdered the husband of the woman he murdered the husband of the woman he murdered the husband of the woman he committed adultery with, who also, by committed adultery with, who also, by committed adultery with, who also, by the way, was like one of his best the way, was like one of his best the way, was like one of his best friends. And then he lied to cover it friends. And then he lied to cover it friends. And then he lied to cover it all up.

all up. all up. After he was found out about that, the After he was found out about that, the After he was found out about that, the prophet told him, "God says, I put your prophet told him, "God says, I put your prophet told him, "God says, I put your sin behind my back. If you were Uriah's sin behind my back. If you were Uriah's sin behind my back. If you were Uriah's father, Uriah is the guy he murdered. If father, Uriah is the guy he murdered. If father, Uriah is the guy he murdered. If you're Uriah's father and you hear about you're Uriah's father and you hear about you're Uriah's father and you hear about this, you're looking at God and saying, this, you're looking at God and saying, this, you're looking at God and saying, "You are not fair. You are unjust." All of the sin from the beginning of All of the sin from the beginning of human history from the people who human history from the people who human history from the people who believe by believed in God by faith. believe by believed in God by faith. believe by believed in God by faith. This is think about Abraham, Isaac, This is think about Abraham, Isaac, This is think about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, everybody who was coming Jacob, David, everybody who was coming Jacob, David, everybody who was coming up in the past. Jesus goes to the cross up in the past. Jesus goes to the cross up in the past. Jesus goes to the cross to pay for all of their sin into the to pay for all of their sin into the to pay for all of their sin into the past. And that that work he did on the past. And that that work he did on the past. And that that work he did on the cross was so huge, so powerful, so cross was so huge, so powerful, so cross was so huge, so powerful, so just just just it's hard to find the words for it for it's hard to find the words for it for it's hard to find the words for it for how massive it was. It went immediately how massive it was. It went immediately how massive it was. It went immediately in two directions and completely took in two directions and completely took in two directions and completely took care of all the sin of of humanity for care of all the sin of of humanity for care of all the sin of of humanity for who would believe in him. So who would believe in him. So who would believe in him. So >> at one moment in time when Jesus said >> at one moment in time when Jesus said >> at one moment in time when Jesus said patellisti which is a financial word patellisti which is a financial word patellisti which is a financial word that means the the mortgage has been that means the the mortgage has been that means the the mortgage has been paid off baby the debt has been paid.

paid off baby the debt has been paid. paid off baby the debt has been paid. When he says it is finished he means When he says it is finished he means When he says it is finished he means it's finished for King David and he it's finished for King David and he it's finished for King David and he means it's finished for me. >> Verse 26. For he was looking ahead and >> Verse 26. For he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in including them in what he would do in including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to this present time. God did this to this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness. For he demonstrate his righteousness. For he demonstrate his righteousness. For he himself is fair and he's just and he himself is fair and he's just and he himself is fair and he's just and he makes sinners right in his sight when makes sinners right in his sight when makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. they believe in Jesus. they believe in Jesus. [snorts] And when they told me that bad news that And when they told me that bad news that I had melanoma, I was like, "Okay, well, I had melanoma, I was like, "Okay, well, I had melanoma, I was like, "Okay, well, I can't do anything to help myself I can't do anything to help myself I can't do anything to help myself except for believe that the doctor is except for believe that the doctor is except for believe that the doctor is going to do whatever he can do." going to do whatever he can do." going to do whatever he can do." So, I go to the doctor, they do the So, I go to the doctor, they do the So, I go to the doctor, they do the little surgery on my back. I got like little surgery on my back. I got like little surgery on my back. I got like some football laces, you know, on my some football laces, you know, on my some football laces, you know, on my back. It's a nice little tattoo back back. It's a nice little tattoo back back. It's a nice little tattoo back there. there. there. And then I wait for the call from the And then I wait for the call from the And then I wait for the call from the doctor. So I get a call back and it's doctor. So I get a call back and it's doctor. So I get a call back and it's like, "Yeah, we've tested everything and like, "Yeah, we've tested everything and like, "Yeah, we've tested everything and we have good news for you, Mr. we have good news for you, Mr. we have good news for you, Mr. McDermott. We got it all."

Friends, can I tell you Jesus on the Friends, can I tell you Jesus on the cross, he got it all. He got it all. He got it all. Now that is some good news. The Roman road, the gospel message goes The Roman road, the gospel message goes something like this. something like this. something like this. For all people have sinned and fall For all people have sinned and fall For all people have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but God short of the glory of God, but God short of the glory of God, but God demonstrates his own love for us in demonstrates his own love for us in demonstrates his own love for us in this. That while we were still sinners, this. That while we were still sinners, this. That while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. That death was Christ died for us. That death was Christ died for us. That death was necessary because the wages of sin is necessary because the wages of sin is necessary because the wages of sin is death. [music] But the free gift of God death. [music] But the free gift of God death. [music] But the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our is eternal life through Jesus Christ our is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Lord. Lord. So if you confess with your mouth that So if you confess with your mouth that So if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and you believe in your Jesus is Lord and you believe in your Jesus is Lord and you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, heart that God raised him from the dead, heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved because everybody who you will be saved because everybody who you will be saved because everybody who calls on the name of the Lord will be calls on the name of the Lord will be calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Good news. saved. Good news. saved. Good news. In light of all this bad news, in light In light of all this bad news, in light In light of all this bad news, in light of all this good news, what do we do of all this good news, what do we do of all this good news, what do we do now? now? now? Would you stand with me, everyone on all Would you stand with me, everyone on all Would you stand with me, everyone on all of our campuses?

And I want to invite all of our ministry And I want to invite all of our ministry team members to come and take their team members to come and take their team members to come and take their positions because I want to give some time for because I want to give some time for some response. some response. some response. Even before we enjoy the feast of Even before we enjoy the feast of Even before we enjoy the feast of communion, [music] I want us to have a communion, [music] I want us to have a communion, [music] I want us to have a moment to be able to moment to be able to moment to be able to have a conversation with God. have a conversation with God. have a conversation with God. If you're here today and if I were to ask you if you died and if I were to ask you if you died tonight and you went to heaven tonight and you went to heaven tonight and you went to heaven and Jesus said, "Why should I let you and Jesus said, "Why should I let you and Jesus said, "Why should I let you in?" If your response is, "Well, because in?" If your response is, "Well, because in?" If your response is, "Well, because I've been a good person and I went to I've been a good person and I went to I've been a good person and I went to church, A part of the good news A part of the good news is the idea that you don't get in by is the idea that you don't get in by is the idea that you don't get in by keeping the rules. It's a gift. It's a keeping the rules. It's a gift. It's a keeping the rules. It's a gift. It's a free gift. free gift. free gift. And so even right now, And so even right now, And so even right now, if you know you've just been trying to if you know you've just been trying to if you know you've just been trying to be a good person, trying to stack up be a good person, trying to stack up be a good person, trying to stack up enough good works in order to please enough good works in order to please enough good works in order to please God, but you know that that's not it.

God, but you know that that's not it. God, but you know that that's not it. You need a relationship with Jesus, I You need a relationship with Jesus, I You need a relationship with Jesus, I just want you to go ahead and move. step just want you to go ahead and move. step just want you to go ahead and move. step out into the aisle and come on, let out into the aisle and come on, let out into the aisle and come on, let somebody pray for you to receive Christ somebody pray for you to receive Christ somebody pray for you to receive Christ right now. That's on offer. At any point right now. That's on offer. At any point right now. That's on offer. At any point while I'm talking or the rest of this while I'm talking or the rest of this while I'm talking or the rest of this response time, you can just you can go response time, you can just you can go response time, you can just you can go for it. Our ministry team members would for it. Our ministry team members would for it. Our ministry team members would love to lead [music] you to Christ. love to lead [music] you to Christ. love to lead [music] you to Christ. You just need to know that the offer of You just need to know that the offer of You just need to know that the offer of his free gift of salvation is for you his free gift of salvation is for you his free gift of salvation is for you and it's for right now. Why would you and it's for right now. Why would you and it's for right now. Why would you wait? He got it all and he wants to wait? He got it all and he wants to wait? He got it all and he wants to offer you his forgiveness today. offer you his forgiveness today. offer you his forgiveness today. For every believer in Jesus who's here For every believer in Jesus who's here For every believer in Jesus who's here though, I [music] I do have this. I know though, I [music] I do have this. I know though, I [music] I do have this. I know that some of you, some of us, you have that some of you, some of us, you have that some of you, some of us, you have been carrying around the guilt and the been carrying around the guilt and the been carrying around the guilt and the shame and the regret from some sins of shame and the regret from some sins of shame and the regret from some sins of your past and they've been chasing you your past and they've been chasing you your past and they've been chasing you down and nipping at your heels and a down and nipping at your heels and a down and nipping at your heels and a giant burden on your shoulders. And giant burden on your shoulders. And giant burden on your shoulders. And we're not putting up with that anymore we're not putting up with that anymore we're not putting up with that anymore because Jesus got it all. because Jesus got it all. because Jesus got it all. Whatever your sin was in your past, you Whatever your sin was in your past, you Whatever your sin was in your past, you don't get to hang on to it anymore don't get to hang on to it anymore don't get to hang on to it anymore because Jesus paid for it. It's his. He because Jesus paid for it. It's his. He because Jesus paid for it. It's his. He would like to take it from you right would like to take it from you right would like to take it from you right now.

now. now. >> So, I just want to tell you this altar >> So, I just want to tell you this altar >> So, I just want to tell you this altar that's open, let me tell you what's down that's open, let me tell you what's down that's open, let me tell you what's down here at this altar at every campus. Joy here at this altar at every campus. Joy here at this altar at every campus. Joy and lightness of spirit, a release of and lightness of spirit, a release of and lightness of spirit, a release of the burden that sin has tried to put on the burden that sin has tried to put on the burden that sin has tried to put on your shoulders. And so, maybe you need your shoulders. And so, maybe you need your shoulders. And so, maybe you need to come and pray with somebody. Maybe to come and pray with somebody. Maybe to come and pray with somebody. Maybe you need to come and kneel and just you need to come and kneel and just you need to come and kneel and just leave it here. Whatever you leave here leave it here. Whatever you leave here leave it here. Whatever you leave here at the altar, don't take it back with at the altar, don't take it back with at the altar, don't take it back with you to your seat because Jesus paid for you to your seat because Jesus paid for you to your seat because Jesus paid for it all. It's his. It belongs to him now. it all. It's his. It belongs to him now. it all. It's his. It belongs to him now. It don't belong to you. It don't belong to you. It don't belong to you. I also got to say to some folks in here I also got to say to some folks in here I also got to say to some folks in here who have been wounded by sin, who have who have been wounded by sin, who have who have been wounded by sin, who have been hurt deeply, and you just don't been hurt deeply, and you just don't been hurt deeply, and you just don't know how in the world you could ever know how in the world you could ever know how in the world you could ever forgive somebody, can I just tell you forgive somebody, can I just tell you forgive somebody, can I just tell you Jesus would like to offer you access to Jesus would like to offer you access to Jesus would like to offer you access to the to the bank account where all of his the to the bank account where all of his the to the bank account where all of his forgiveness is. all of that wealth that forgiveness is. all of that wealth that forgiveness is. all of that wealth that he used to forgive all of us, that's he used to forgive all of us, that's he used to forgive all of us, that's available to you to forgive anyone who available to you to forgive anyone who available to you to forgive anyone who has offended you. And so maybe you need has offended you. And so maybe you need has offended you. And so maybe you need to come to the altar today to finally to come to the altar today to finally to come to the altar today to finally lay down that bitterness. Maybe you need lay down that bitterness. Maybe you need lay down that bitterness. Maybe you need to come to the altar today to pray with to come to the altar today to pray with to come to the altar today to pray with somebody to completely forgive that somebody to completely forgive that somebody to completely forgive that person who wounded you so deeply. You person who wounded you so deeply. You person who wounded you so deeply. You need to let it go. Today's the day need to let it go. Today's the day need to let it go. Today's the day you're going to be free today.

you're going to be free today. you're going to be free today. Somebody's going to be free today. Somebody's going to be free today. Somebody's going to be free today. Somebody's going to be free today. Somebody's going to be free today. Somebody's going to be free today. Yeah. So, let's pray and then in a moment So, let's pray and then in a moment we'll respond. we'll respond. we'll respond. If you got something you need to lay at If you got something you need to lay at If you got something you need to lay at the altar, you need to come on right the altar, you need to come on right the altar, you need to come on right now. You need to come on right now. Do now. You need to come on right now. Do now. You need to come on right now. Do not delay. Leave it here. This not delay. Leave it here. This not delay. Leave it here. This is a day of a new beginning. It's a day is a day of a new beginning. It's a day is a day of a new beginning. It's a day of a [music] new beginning. Aba Father, I give you great thanks and Aba Father, I give you great thanks and praise for the truth of the message of praise for the truth of the message of praise for the truth of the message of the gospel. the gospel. the gospel. And King Jesus, I thank you for your And King Jesus, I thank you for your And King Jesus, I thank you for your allsufficient work. Your blood so allsufficient work. Your blood so allsufficient work. Your blood so strong, no sin is more powerful than strong, no sin is more powerful than strong, no sin is more powerful than your blood, King Jesus. your blood, King Jesus. your blood, King Jesus. And Holy Spirit, I just I welcome and And Holy Spirit, I just I welcome and And Holy Spirit, I just I welcome and invite you to come and to touch our invite you to come and to touch our invite you to come and to touch our hearts and to move us into action. hearts and to move us into action. hearts and to move us into action. I pray that you would blow through here I pray that you would blow through here I pray that you would blow through here completely. Blow away the fog of the completely. Blow away the fog of the completely. Blow away the fog of the religious spirit in [music] our church.

religious spirit in [music] our church. religious spirit in [music] our church. And would you grant us rich grace into a And would you grant us rich grace into a And would you grant us rich grace into a new beginning of gospel freedom in Jesus new beginning of gospel freedom in Jesus new beginning of gospel freedom in Jesus name? And everybody said [music] amen. name? And everybody said [music] amen. name? And everybody said [music] amen. Come on friends, it's time to move. It's Come on friends, it's time to move. It's Come on friends, it's time to move. It's time to move all all around this room time to move all all around this room time to move all all around this room and at every campus, it's time to move. and at every campus, it's time to move. and at every campus, it's time to move. Let's respond now. As we [music] respond right now and as As we [music] respond right now and as we move around the room just in a few we move around the room just in a few we move around the room just in a few minutes we'll pass communion. That's how minutes we'll pass communion. That's how minutes we'll pass communion. That's how we'll end our time together. So the room we'll end our time together. So the room we'll end our time together. So the room is wide open now. [music] As Lee said, is wide open now. [music] As Lee said, is wide open now. [music] As Lee said, there's people that will pray with you. there's people that will pray with you. there's people that will pray with you. Can come to the altar. There's people Can come to the altar. There's people Can come to the altar. There's people waiting for you at the cross. [music] waiting for you at the cross. [music] waiting for you at the cross. [music] We'll just play for a minute before we We'll just play for a minute before we We'll just play for a minute before we start singing together.

Light of the world, [music] you step Light of the world, [music] you step down into darkness. down into darkness. down into darkness. Open [singing] Open [singing] Open [singing] my eyes. Let me see. Beauty [music] Beauty [music] that [singing] made this heart adore that [singing] made this heart adore that [singing] made this heart adore [music] you. Hope of a life spend with [music] you. Hope of a life spend with [music] you. Hope of a life spend with you. Here I am to worship. [music] you. Here I am to worship. [music] you. Here I am to worship. [music] Here I am to bow [singing] down. Here I Here I am to bow [singing] down. Here I Here I am to bow [singing] down. Here I am to say that [music] you're my God. am to say that [music] you're my God. am to say that [music] you're my God. You're all together lovely, [music] You're all together lovely, [music] You're all together lovely, [music] allto together [singing] allto together [singing] allto together [singing] worthy, worthy, worthy, allto together wonderful allto together wonderful allto together wonderful [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] to me.

>> [music] >> [music] >> King [singing] of all days, oh so highly >> King [singing] of all days, oh so highly >> King [singing] of all days, oh so highly exalted, [music] exalted, [music] exalted, [music] glorious in heaven [singing] glorious in heaven [singing] glorious in heaven [singing] above. Humbly [singing] Humbly [singing] [music] you came to the earth. You [music] you came to the earth. You [music] you came to the earth. You created created created [music] all for love's sake became [music] all for love's sake became [music] all for love's sake became [singing] poor. [singing] poor. [singing] poor. Here I am to worship. [music] Here I am to worship. [music] Here I am to worship. [music] Here I am to [singing] bow down. Here I Here I am to [singing] bow down. Here I Here I am to [singing] bow down. Here I am to [music] say that you're my God. am to [music] say that you're my God. am to [music] say that you're my God. You're all together lovely. You're all together lovely. You're all together lovely. [music and singing] Allto together [music and singing] Allto together [music and singing] Allto together worthy. worthy. worthy. All together, wonderful All together, wonderful All together, wonderful [music] to me. Sing here I am. [music] to me. Sing here I am. [music] to me. Sing here I am. Here I am to worship. [music] Here I am Here I am to worship. [music] Here I am Here I am to worship. [music] Here I am to bow [singing] down. Here I am to to bow [singing] down. Here I am to to bow [singing] down. Here I am to [music] say that you're my God.

[music] say that you're my God. [music] say that you're my God. You're [music] all together lovely, You're [music] all together lovely, You're [music] all together lovely, [singing] allto together worthy, [singing] allto together worthy, [singing] allto together worthy, allto [music] together [singing] allto [music] together [singing] allto [music] together [singing] wonderful wonderful wonderful to me. to me. to me. [music] And I'll [singing] never [music] And I'll [singing] never [music] And I'll [singing] never know how much it costs [music] to see my know how much it costs [music] to see my know how much it costs [music] to see my [singing] sin. [singing] sin. [singing] sin. upon that [music] cross. I'll [singing] upon that [music] cross. I'll [singing] upon that [music] cross. I'll [singing] never never never know how much it costs to see [music] know how much it costs to see [music] know how much it costs to see [music] my [singing] my [singing] my [singing] sin sin sin upon. Can we all sing that? And I'll upon. Can we all sing that? And I'll upon. Can we all sing that? And I'll [music and singing] never [music and singing] never [music and singing] never know how much it costs to see know how much it costs to see know how much it costs to see [music and singing] my sin [music and singing] my sin [music and singing] my sin upon that [music] cross. I'll never upon that [music] cross. I'll never upon that [music] cross. I'll never [singing] know how [music] much it costs [singing] know how [music] much it costs [singing] know how [music] much it costs to see my sin [music and singing] to see my sin [music and singing] to see my sin [music and singing] upon one more time.

upon one more time. upon one more time. And I'll [music and singing] never And I'll [music and singing] never And I'll [music and singing] never know how much it costs to see my know how much it costs to see my know how much it costs to see my [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] sin sin sin upon that cross. I'll never [singing] upon that cross. I'll never [singing] upon that cross. I'll never [singing] know how much it [music] costs to see my know how much it [music] costs to see my know how much it [music] costs to see my [singing] sin [singing] sin [singing] sin upon the cross. [music] He'll never know [music] how much it He'll never know [music] how much it costs. Thank you, Jesus. costs. Thank you, Jesus. costs. Thank you, Jesus. We just steer our hearts right now to We just steer our hearts right now to We just steer our hearts right now to what happened [music] after the cross. what happened [music] after the cross. what happened [music] after the cross. We already sang this this morning, but We already sang this this morning, but We already sang this this morning, but just felt like we should remind just felt like we should remind just felt like we should remind ourselves. Let's sing this together. ourselves. Let's sing this together. ourselves. Let's sing this together. Then [music] came the morning. Then [music] came the morning. Then [music] came the morning. Then came [singing] the morning [music] Then came [singing] the morning [music] Then came [singing] the morning [music] that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. Your [singing] buried body Your [singing] buried body Your [singing] buried body [music] [music] [music] began to breathe.

began to breathe. began to breathe. Out of [singing] the [music] silence, Out of [singing] the [music] silence, Out of [singing] the [music] silence, the roaring lion the roaring lion the roaring lion declared, "The grave has no [music] declared, "The grave has no [music] declared, "The grave has no [music] claim [singing] on me." Come on. Can we claim [singing] on me." Come on. Can we claim [singing] on me." Come on. Can we sing that one more time? Just our sing that one more time? Just our sing that one more time? Just our voices. Come on. [music] Then came voices. Come on. [music] Then came voices. Come on. [music] Then came [singing] the morning [singing] the morning [singing] the morning that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. Your buried [singing] body Your buried [singing] body Your buried [singing] body [music] began to breathe. [music] began to breathe. [music] began to breathe. Out of [singing] the silence, Out of [singing] the silence, Out of [singing] the silence, the [music] roaring lion the [music] roaring lion the [music] roaring lion declared [singing] the grave has no declared [singing] the grave has no declared [singing] the grave has no [music] claim on me. Sing Jesus, oh [music] claim on me. Sing Jesus, oh [music] claim on me. Sing Jesus, oh Jesus, yours [music] is the victory. Jesus, yours [music] is the victory. Jesus, yours [music] is the victory. Just one time together, everybody sing Just one time together, everybody sing Just one time together, everybody sing [singing] it. Hallelujah. Praise the [singing] it. Hallelujah. Praise the [singing] it. Hallelujah. Praise the one. one. one. Hallelujah. [music] [singing] Praise the one who set me [singing] Praise the one who set me free. Hallelujah.

free. Hallelujah. free. Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] Death has [singing] lost its grip on me. Death has [singing] lost its grip on me. Death has [singing] lost its grip on me. You [music] have broken every chain. You [music] have broken every chain. You [music] have broken every chain. [singing] There's salvation in your [singing] There's salvation in your [singing] There's salvation in your name. Jesus [music] Christ, my livinging name. Jesus [music] Christ, my livinging name. Jesus [music] Christ, my livinging [singing] home. [singing] home. [singing] home. Jesus [music] Christ, my livinging Jesus [music] Christ, my livinging Jesus [music] Christ, my livinging [singing] [singing] [singing] home. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. Friends, we're going to step into a time Friends, we're going to step into a time Friends, we're going to step into a time of communion, but I I want you just to of communion, but I I want you just to of communion, but I I want you just to kind of lean into what is happening in kind of lean into what is happening in kind of lean into what is happening in the room as we have so many people the room as we have so many people the room as we have so many people respond. Um, respond. Um, respond. Um, and as we take communion, I want to and as we take communion, I want to and as we take communion, I want to remind you of something from 1 remind you of something from 1 remind you of something from 1 Corinthians 10. The cup of blessing that Corinthians 10. The cup of blessing that Corinthians 10. The cup of blessing that we bless. This is verse 16. The cup of we bless. This is verse 16. The cup of we bless. This is verse 16. The cup of blessing that we bless is, is it not the blessing that we bless is, is it not the blessing that we bless is, is it not the participation [music] the participation participation [music] the participation participation [music] the participation in the blood of Christ, the bread that in the blood of Christ, the bread that in the blood of Christ, the bread that we break? Is it not the participation in we break? Is it not the participation in we break? Is it not the participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one the body of Christ? Because there is one the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many form one body, bread, we who are many form one body, bread, we who are many form one body, for we all partake [music] of one bread.

for we all partake [music] of one bread. for we all partake [music] of one bread. Friends, Friends, Friends, through Christ, even the bad news is through Christ, even the bad news is through Christ, even the bad news is good news. good news. good news. You hear me? Like even the bad news is You hear me? Like even the bad news is You hear me? Like even the bad news is good news. And so the elements are going good news. And so the elements are going good news. And so the elements are going to pass now, but you may still need to to pass now, but you may still need to to pass now, but you may still need to come down and respond and receive come down and respond and receive come down and respond and receive prayer. prayer. prayer. And that's okay because like God wants And that's okay because like God wants And that's okay because like God wants to meet you in that bad news. God has to meet you in that bad news. God has to meet you in that bad news. God has met me in that bad news. So we're going met me in that bad news. So we're going met me in that bad news. So we're going to pass the baskets now. And if you're a believer, this is for And if you're a believer, this is for you to take [music] and recognize the you to take [music] and recognize the you to take [music] and recognize the sacrifice sacrifice sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross and your that Jesus made on the cross and your that Jesus made on the cross and your [music] participation in that sacrifice. [music] participation in that sacrifice. [music] participation in that sacrifice. The call to to receive the forgiveness The call to to receive the forgiveness The call to to receive the forgiveness that is on offer for you and also to that is on offer for you and also to that is on offer for you and also to extend that same forgiveness to others.

Just as we pass the [music] basket, I'm Just as we pass the [music] basket, I'm going to pray for us. going to pray for us. going to pray for us. And you feel free to continue to respond And you feel free to continue to respond And you feel free to continue to respond as you feel led. You may need to sit as you feel led. You may need to sit as you feel led. You may need to sit down and reflect [music] on the down and reflect [music] on the down and reflect [music] on the sacrifice that Christ made. You may need sacrifice that Christ made. You may need sacrifice that Christ made. You may need to sit down and and consider a sacrifice to sit down and and consider a sacrifice to sit down and and consider a sacrifice that you're being called to make. So, that you're being called to make. So, that you're being called to make. So, the baskets are going to continue to the baskets are going to continue to the baskets are going to continue to pass. [music] Heavenly Father, pass. [music] Heavenly Father, pass. [music] Heavenly Father, Lord, I thank you for what you're doing Lord, I thank you for what you're doing Lord, I thank you for what you're doing in this room right now. For the in this room right now. For the in this room right now. For the opportunity we have to step into opportunity we have to step into opportunity we have to step into confession, [music] repentance, and the confession, [music] repentance, and the confession, [music] repentance, and the receipt of the freedom that you have on receipt of the freedom that you have on receipt of the freedom that you have on offer for [music] us. Freedom that even offer for [music] us. Freedom that even offer for [music] us. Freedom that even in the bad, there is good because you in the bad, there is good because you in the bad, there is good because you are God overall. are God overall. are God overall. Lord, I know I can testify to that so Lord, I know I can testify to that so Lord, I know I can testify to that so completely completely completely that in the hardest things in my life, that in the hardest things in my life, that in the hardest things in my life, I've seen your hand at work. I've seen I've seen your hand at work. I've seen I've seen your hand at work. I've seen the redemption and the restoration the redemption and the restoration the redemption and the restoration [music] that is on offer through you. [music] that is on offer through you. [music] that is on offer through you. And so, heavenly father, I pray right And so, heavenly father, I pray right And so, heavenly father, I pray right now that you would remind each of that. now that you would remind each of that. now that you would remind each of that. Lord, may your voice whisper in our ear Lord, may your voice whisper in our ear Lord, may your voice whisper in our ear that you are good, you're holy and that you are good, you're holy and that you are good, you're holy and righteous, that you have everything that righteous, that you have everything that righteous, that you have everything that we need, that you are a loving father we need, that you are a loving father we need, that you are a loving father who gives his [music] children good who gives his [music] children good who gives his [music] children good gifts. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

gifts. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. gifts. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Okay, friends, if you want to take the Okay, friends, if you want to take the Okay, friends, if you want to take the bread, on the night that [music] he was on the night that [music] he was betrayed, Jesus took the bread betrayed, Jesus took the bread betrayed, Jesus took the bread and he broke it, saying, "This is my and he broke it, saying, "This is my and he broke it, saying, "This is my body broken for you. Take you, body broken for you. Take you, body broken for you. Take you, therefore, all of it and do this in therefore, all of it and do this in therefore, all of it and do this in remembrance [music] of me." Let's take remembrance [music] of me." Let's take remembrance [music] of me." Let's take the bread together. In the same way, Jesus took the cup and In the same way, Jesus took the cup and blessed it, [music] saying, "This is my blessed it, [music] saying, "This is my blessed it, [music] saying, "This is my blood poured out for you. Drink you all blood poured out for you. Drink you all blood poured out for you. Drink you all of it. Do this in remembrance of me." of it. Do this in remembrance of me." of it. Do this in remembrance of me." Let's take the cup together. Heavenly Father, we do not move quickly Heavenly Father, we do not move quickly past the realization that past the realization that past the realization that you, the God of the universe, would you, the God of the universe, would you, the God of the universe, would choose to be with us individually and choose to be with us individually and choose to be with us individually and collectively this morning, collectively this morning, collectively this morning, God. [music] What a gift that is. And we God. [music] What a gift that is. And we God. [music] What a gift that is. And we say thank you. It's in Christ's name say thank you. It's in Christ's name say thank you. It's in Christ's name that we pray. Amen. Amen. Friends, what that we pray. Amen. Amen. Friends, what that we pray. Amen. Amen. Friends, what a beautiful morning. I'm so encouraged.

a beautiful morning. I'm so encouraged. a beautiful morning. I'm so encouraged. Listen, [music] Listen, [music] Listen, [music] there going to be some people that there going to be some people that there going to be some people that linger up here on the front. afterwards. linger up here on the front. afterwards. linger up here on the front. afterwards. I would love to invite you to do that as I would love to invite you to do that as I would love to invite you to do that as well. [music] And I want to encourage well. [music] And I want to encourage well. [music] And I want to encourage you into something that was noted in a you into something that was noted in a you into something that was noted in a video on the front end. Lee mentioned it video on the front end. Lee mentioned it video on the front end. Lee mentioned it with groups. I'm going to give you a with groups. I'm going to give you a with groups. I'm going to give you a little bit of this disco action if you little bit of this disco action if you little bit of this disco action if you want to [music] think back to Lee McD. want to [music] think back to Lee McD. want to [music] think back to Lee McD. We're going to have so many different We're going to have so many different We're going to have so many different things beginning here in Anderson over things beginning here in Anderson over things beginning here in Anderson over the [music] next month. And if you want the [music] next month. And if you want the [music] next month. And if you want to be a part of that, all you need to do to be a part of that, all you need to do to be a part of that, all you need to do to begin the process is to text disco to begin the process is to text disco to begin the process is to text disco disciplehip opportunities. Get it? You disciplehip opportunities. Get it? You disciplehip opportunities. Get it? You know, to 30303. And listen, I want to know, to 30303. And listen, I want to know, to 30303. And listen, I want to nudge you. nudge you. nudge you. Begin the process. Begin the process. Begin the process. Just begin the process. Like I've looked Just begin the process. Like I've looked Just begin the process. Like I've looked around and I've seen newlyweds [music] around and I've seen newlyweds [music] around and I've seen newlyweds [music] and I think back to when Jill and I are and I think back to when Jill and I are and I think back to when Jill and I are newlyweds and there's a Bible study in newlyweds and there's a Bible study in newlyweds and there's a Bible study in our living room. I see college students our living room. I see college students our living room. I see college students and I think back to the guys on my and I think back to the guys on my and I think back to the guys on my hallway that encouraged me in my next hallway that encouraged me in my next hallway that encouraged me in my next step of life. I think back to when life step of life. I think back to when life step of life. I think back to when life felt like it was falling apart and I had felt like it was falling apart and I had felt like it was falling apart and I had three kids and no money and I didn't three kids and no money and I didn't three kids and no money and I didn't know what to do and I had a group of know what to do and I had a group of know what to do and I had a group of people that surrounded me and loved me people that surrounded me and loved me people that surrounded me and loved me and sometimes they challenged me in a and sometimes they challenged me in a and sometimes they challenged me in a way that you're not going to get from a way that you're not going to get from a way that you're not going to get from a co-worker or a golf partner.

co-worker or a golf partner. co-worker or a golf partner. So text that simple fiveletter word to So text that simple fiveletter word to So text that simple fiveletter word to 30303 and start the process. [music] 30303 and start the process. [music] 30303 and start the process. [music] And whatever objection you have in your And whatever objection you have in your And whatever objection you have in your mind, I need you to put that to bed and mind, I need you to put that to bed and mind, I need you to put that to bed and do it anyway. If for no other reason, do it anyway. If for no other reason, do it anyway. If for no other reason, then do it for me. then do it for me. then do it for me. I love you guys. I'm so thankful. It's I love you guys. I'm so thankful. It's I love you guys. I'm so thankful. It's awesome to be back. I was out last week. awesome to be back. I was out last week. awesome to be back. I was out last week. It's very strange. I'd love to bless you It's very strange. I'd love to bless you It's very strange. I'd love to bless you as you go into your day and then we will as you go into your day and then we will as you go into your day and then we will head into the first [music] school week head into the first [music] school week head into the first [music] school week of the year. May you remember and of the year. May you remember and of the year. May you remember and believe that Jesus made a way for you to believe that Jesus made a way for you to believe that Jesus made a way for you to be right with God by giving his life for be right with God by giving his life for be right with God by giving his life for you. May this stir new humility and deep May this stir new humility and deep gratitude in your heart that motivates gratitude in your heart that motivates gratitude in your heart that motivates you to live a life of devotion, worship, you to live a life of devotion, worship, you to live a life of devotion, worship, and an everyday relationship with Jesus. and an everyday relationship with Jesus. and an everyday relationship with Jesus. As you do, may you take this good news As you do, may you take this good news As you do, may you take this good news to the world around you so that all to the world around you so that all to the world around you so that all might know the salvation and [music] the might know the salvation and [music] the might know the salvation and [music] the hope of the gospel. Be blessed. Love you hope of the gospel. Be blessed. Love you hope of the gospel. Be blessed. Love you guys so much. We'll see you here guys so much. We'll see you here guys so much. We'll see you here Wednesday for the first fuse of the Wednesday for the first fuse of the Wednesday for the first fuse of the school year and then next Sunday for school year and then next Sunday for school year and then next Sunday for church.