The Struggle is Real

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 complex concepts like justification complex concepts like justification [music] and predestination, and talk [music] and predestination, and talk [music] and predestination, and talk about topics Paul noticed in the first about topics Paul noticed in the first about topics Paul noticed in the first century church that are still relevant century church that are still relevant century church that are still relevant to us today, like politics, race, and to us today, like politics, race, and to us today, like politics, race, and disagreements with fellow Christians. disagreements with fellow Christians. disagreements with fellow Christians. Each week, you'll hear from different Each week, you'll hear from different Each week, you'll hear from different voices through short videos that voices through short videos that voices through short videos that highlight key themes from Romans and highlight key themes from Romans and highlight key themes from Romans and [music] unpack what Paul is teaching. [music] unpack what Paul is teaching. [music] unpack what Paul is teaching. Each week, we'll help you move from Each week, we'll help you move from Each week, we'll help you move from learning what scripture says to learning what scripture says to 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 [music] and Romans meant to happen alone [music] and Romans meant to happen alone [music] and Romans has so much for us to discover. So, has so much for us to discover. So, has so much for us to discover. So, let's dive in together.

Woo! Woo! Woo! Well, good morning everyone. Welcome to Well, good morning everyone. Welcome to church. Y'all come on in. Everybody church. Y'all come on in. Everybody church. Y'all come on in. Everybody stand up on your feet. You might need to stand up on your feet. You might need to stand up on your feet. You might need to slide in. Make a little room for the slide in. Make a little room for the slide in. Make a little room for the people who are coming in. I'm so excited people who are coming in. I'm so excited people who are coming in. I'm so excited to be with you guys and worship the Lord to be with you guys and worship the Lord to be with you guys and worship the Lord this morning. Psalm 100 says, "Know that this morning. Psalm 100 says, "Know that this morning. Psalm 100 says, "Know that the Lord, he is God. It is he who made the Lord, he is God. It is he who made the Lord, he is God. It is he who made us and we are his. We are his people, us and we are his. We are his people, us and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his the sheep of his pasture. Enter his the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts gates with thanksgiving and his courts gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and with praise. Give thanks to him and with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. And that is what we are bless his name. And that is what we are bless his name. And that is what we are here to do this morning, guys. We are here to do this morning, guys. We are here to do this morning, guys. We are here to bless the name of Jesus. And I'm here to bless the name of Jesus. And I'm here to bless the name of Jesus. And I'm excited to be with y'all. My name is excited to be with y'all. My name is excited to be with y'all. My name is Tara [music] Cummings if I haven't Tara [music] Cummings if I haven't Tara [music] Cummings if I haven't gotten the chance to meet you. And I gotten the chance to meet you. And I gotten the chance to meet you. And I serve on staff here with our creative serve on staff here with our creative serve on staff here with our creative team. And I want to let you know we have team. And I want to let you know we have team. And I want to let you know we have a very, very special day [music] planned a very, very special day [music] planned a very, very special day [music] planned for you. But before we hop into all the for you. But before we hop into all the for you. But before we hop into all the excitement of today, I have to take a excitement of today, I have to take a excitement of today, I have to take a second and celebrate everything that we second and celebrate everything that we second and celebrate everything that we have seen God do in just the past week have seen God do in just the past week have seen God do in just the past week [music] in the life of our church.

[music] in the life of our church. [music] in the life of our church. Starting this time last week, Sunday Starting this time last week, Sunday Starting this time last week, Sunday here in Anderson, we saw 61 people get here in Anderson, we saw 61 people get here in Anderson, we saw 61 people get baptized. 61 people publicly professing baptized. 61 people publicly professing baptized. 61 people publicly professing the name of Jesus Christ as their Lord the name of Jesus Christ as their Lord the name of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. And then later that night, and Savior. And then later that night, and Savior. And then later that night, Sunday night, we had our men's night. We Sunday night, we had our men's night. We Sunday night, we had our men's night. We had hundreds of men here in Anderson had hundreds of men here in Anderson had hundreds of men here in Anderson gather with their groups, with the men's gather with their groups, with the men's gather with their groups, with the men's groups, learn more about their identity, groups, learn more about their identity, groups, learn more about their identity, encourage and spur one another on into encourage and spur one another on into encourage and spur one another on into all we have this fall. So proud of you, all we have this fall. So proud of you, all we have this fall. So proud of you, men of God. And then fast forward men of God. And then fast forward men of God. And then fast forward Wednesday, we had a pretty big event at Wednesday, we had a pretty big event at Wednesday, we had a pretty big event at Fuse Fusa Palooa. Yes, [laughter] Fuse Fusa Palooa. Yes, [laughter] Fuse Fusa Palooa. Yes, [laughter] it was absolutely insane, y'all. In it was absolutely insane, y'all. In it was absolutely insane, y'all. In Anderson alone, 880 Anderson alone, 880 Anderson alone, 880 students. 880 students here in Anderson. students. 880 students here in Anderson. students. 880 students here in Anderson. Bless you, Fuse team. That is bonkers. Bless you, Fuse team. That is bonkers. Bless you, Fuse team. That is bonkers. But y'all deeper than that. Listen to But y'all deeper than that. Listen to But y'all deeper than that. Listen to this. We had 111 this. We had 111 this. We had 111 students raise their hand to pursue a students raise their hand to pursue a students raise their hand to pursue a conversation about salvation and about conversation about salvation and about conversation about salvation and about starting a life of following Jesus.

starting a life of following Jesus. starting a life of following Jesus. Y'all, and it's easy. It's so easy y'all Y'all, and it's easy. It's so easy y'all Y'all, and it's easy. It's so easy y'all to clap and celebrate and move on. But I to clap and celebrate and move on. But I to clap and celebrate and move on. But I don't want to move on. These 111 don't want to move on. These 111 don't want to move on. These 111 students, these represent students who students, these represent students who students, these represent students who were invited to fuse for the very first were invited to fuse for the very first were invited to fuse for the very first time and met Jesus. These these time and met Jesus. These these time and met Jesus. These these represent students who have moms and represent students who have moms and represent students who have moms and dads in this room who you have prayed dads in this room who you have prayed dads in this room who you have prayed and you have begged God for your child's and you have begged God for your child's and you have begged God for your child's salvation. You got to see it on salvation. You got to see it on salvation. You got to see it on Wednesday, y'all. 111 students. And it's Wednesday, y'all. 111 students. And it's Wednesday, y'all. 111 students. And it's not just a one-off conversation. I not just a one-off conversation. I not just a one-off conversation. I believe through the disciplehip of our believe through the disciplehip of our believe through the disciplehip of our church and through the disciplehip of church and through the disciplehip of church and through the disciplehip of our fused student ministry, these our fused student ministry, these our fused student ministry, these students are going to graduate into a students are going to graduate into a students are going to graduate into a lifetime of following Jesus. And this is lifetime of following Jesus. And this is lifetime of following Jesus. And this is my story, y'all. I grew up in Kids my story, y'all. I grew up in Kids my story, y'all. I grew up in Kids Springs. Some of y'all knew this. I I Springs. Some of y'all knew this. I I Springs. Some of y'all knew this. I I got saved at Fuse in the sixth grade and got saved at Fuse in the sixth grade and got saved at Fuse in the sixth grade and here I am almost 20 years later loving here I am almost 20 years later loving here I am almost 20 years later loving Jesus, pursuing the things of God, Jesus, pursuing the things of God, Jesus, pursuing the things of God, raising my children to know the Lord. raising my children to know the Lord. raising my children to know the Lord. Um, and that's exactly what I believe Um, and that's exactly what I believe Um, and that's exactly what I believe for every single one of those 111 for every single one of those 111 for every single one of those 111 students that just met Jesus in Anderson students that just met Jesus in Anderson students that just met Jesus in Anderson [music] this week. So absolutely [music] this week. So absolutely [music] this week. So absolutely incredible. And we're about to respond incredible. And we're about to respond incredible. And we're about to respond in celebration, in worship, in singing, in celebration, in worship, in singing, in celebration, in worship, in singing, and in giving to God for all that he is and in giving to God for all that he is and in giving to God for all that he is doing right now in the life of our doing right now in the life of our doing right now in the life of our church. And I just want to say a thank church. And I just want to say a thank church. And I just want to say a thank you to every single person in this room you to every single person in this room you to every single person in this room who gives, who tithes so faithfully. You who gives, who tithes so faithfully. You who gives, who tithes so faithfully. You bring the first 10% every single month, bring the first 10% every single month, bring the first 10% every single month, every single week. I want to say thank every single week. I want to say thank every single week. I want to say thank you because you were a massive [music] you because you were a massive [music] you because you were a massive [music] part of every single miracle that we part of every single miracle that we part of every single miracle that we have seen in the life of our church this have seen in the life of our church this have seen in the life of our church this week. Every single one. And if you week. Every single one. And if you week. Every single one. And if you aren't giving yet, I want to challenge aren't giving yet, I want to challenge aren't giving yet, I want to challenge you. Today is the day. Today's the day

you. Today is the day. Today's the day you. Today is the day. Today's the day to hand it over to the Lord and be a to hand it over to the Lord and be a to hand it over to the Lord and be a part of everything that he is doing part of everything that he is doing part of everything that he is doing right now in our church and in our right now in our church and in our right now in our church and in our communities. So now with a posture of communities. So now with a posture of communities. So now with a posture of gratitude and thankfulness for all that gratitude and thankfulness for all that gratitude and thankfulness for all that the Lord is doing, we're going to the Lord is doing, we're going to the Lord is doing, we're going to respond. We're going to respond in respond. We're going to respond in respond. We're going to respond in giving and in singing. So would each of giving and in singing. So would each of giving and in singing. So would each of you pray this giving prayer with me as you pray this giving prayer with me as you pray this giving prayer with me as we posture our hearts. Almighty God, we posture our hearts. Almighty God, we posture our hearts. Almighty God, everything we have comes from you. everything we have comes from you. everything we have comes from you. [music] You are our source, our [music] You are our source, our [music] You are our source, our strength, and our provider. with open strength, and our provider. with open strength, and our provider. with open hands and expectant hearts. We bring our hands and expectant hearts. We bring our hands and expectant hearts. We bring our tithes and offerings, not out of duty, tithes and offerings, not out of duty, tithes and offerings, not out of duty, but out of delight. Use them to bless but out of delight. Use them to bless but out of delight. Use them to bless others, to fuel your mission, [music] to others, to fuel your mission, [music] to others, to fuel your mission, [music] to shine your light in dark places, and to shine your light in dark places, and to shine your light in dark places, and to move your kingdom forward. You are move your kingdom forward. You are move your kingdom forward. You are worthy of our trust, our resources, and worthy of our trust, our resources, and worthy of our trust, our resources, and our [music] praise in Jesus name. Amen. Jesus, you [music] have turned our Jesus, you [music] have turned our mourning into dancing. You have loosed mourning into dancing. You have loosed mourning into dancing. You have loosed our sackcloth and clothe us with our sackcloth and clothe us with our sackcloth and clothe us with gladness this morning. So, we're going gladness this morning. So, we're going gladness this morning. So, we're going to sing [music] and not be silent. Come to sing [music] and not be silent. Come to sing [music] and not be silent. Come on, can we put our hands together on, can we put our hands together on, can we put our hands together everybody from the right section, left everybody from the right section, left everybody from the right section, left section, balcony, let's all sing this section, balcony, let's all sing this section, balcony, let's all sing this together. [music] Remember what he's together. [music] Remember what he's together. [music] Remember what he's done. Oh, come and magnify him.

done. Oh, come and magnify him. done. Oh, come and magnify him. Exalt [music] Exalt [music] Exalt [music] his name together from the rising of the his name together from the rising of the his name together from the rising of the sun [music] sun [music] sun [music] until the day is done. I will bless the until the day is done. I will bless the until the day is done. I will bless the Lord. All right, every voice we sing Lord. All right, every voice we sing Lord. All right, every voice we sing [music] that again. Here we go. Oh, come [music] that again. Here we go. Oh, come [music] that again. Here we go. Oh, come and magnify [music] and magnify [music] and magnify [music] him. him. him. Exalt [singing] his name together from Exalt [singing] his name together from Exalt [singing] his name together from the rising of the sun till the [music] the rising of the sun till the [music] the rising of the sun till the [music] day is done. Oh, and I will bless the day is done. Oh, and I will bless the day is done. Oh, and I will bless the Lord. Lord. Lord. Come on church, we sing. I will bless Come on church, we sing. I will bless Come on church, we sing. I will bless the [music] Lord. At all times I will magnify. [music] At all times I will magnify. [music] I will bless the Lord. [music] And I saw him and he answered [music] And I saw him and he answered and he freed me [music] and he freed me [music] and he freed me [music] from all my fears. From the rising of from all my fears. From the rising of from all my fears. From the rising of the sun until the day the sun until the day the sun until the day [music and singing] sun, I will bless [music and singing] sun, I will bless [music and singing] sun, I will bless the Lord.

the Lord. the Lord. >> So we sing. I will bless the Lord. >> So we sing. I will bless the Lord. >> So we sing. I will bless the Lord. [music] I will bless the [singing] Lord I will bless the [singing] Lord [music] at all times. I will [music] magnify. at all times. I will [music] magnify. I will bless the Lord I will bless the Lord I will bless the Lord every season. [music] I will bless the every season. [music] I will bless the every season. [music] I will bless the Lord. I [music] will magnify. I [music] will magnify. I will bless the Lord. I will bless the Lord. I will bless the Lord. Lord, he is worthy this morning. Lord, he is worthy this morning. Lord, he is worthy this morning. Taste and see Taste and see Taste and see that he is God. Those who [music] see that he is God. Those who [music] see that he is God. Those who [music] see enough. I will make my [music] enough. I will make my [music] enough. I will make my [music] in the Lord our God. in the Lord our God. in the Lord our God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We lost taste and see [music] [music] those who see those who see those who see I make my I make my I make my Lord [music] our God Lord [music] our God Lord [music] our God at all times. Oh, I will bless the Lord.

at all times. Oh, I will bless the Lord. at all times. Oh, I will bless the Lord. [music] [music] [music] Thank you, Lord. I will bless the Lord. Thank you, Lord. I will bless the Lord. Thank you, Lord. I will bless the Lord. Think about what he's done for you this Think about what he's done for you this Think about what he's done for you this morning. At all times, [music] morning. At all times, [music] morning. At all times, [music] I will magnify. I will magnify. I will magnify. I will bless the Lord. [music] I will bless the Lord. I will bless the Lord. [music] at all times. [music] at all times. [music] I will magnify I will magnify I will magnify at all times. I will [music] testify. at all times. I will [music] testify. at all times. I will [music] testify. At all times I will [music] magnify. At all times I will [music] magnify. At all times I will [music] magnify. I will bless the Lord. [music] [music] We worship you Lord. We worship you Lord. We worship you Lord. Yeah. We're about to sing a song that Yeah. We're about to sing a song that Yeah. We're about to sing a song that was written from our house that comes was written from our house that comes was written from our house that comes from our house. And it is just speaking from our house. And it is just speaking from our house. And it is just speaking the truth of [music] scripture over our the truth of [music] scripture over our the truth of [music] scripture over our hearts, over our minds. Because the word hearts, over our minds. Because the word hearts, over our minds. Because the word tells us that we are more than tells us that we are more than tells us that we are more than conquerors. [music] not just conquerors, conquerors. [music] not just conquerors, conquerors. [music] not just conquerors, more than that. And that nothing can more than that. And that nothing can more than that. And that nothing can separate us from the love of God. So separate us from the love of God. So separate us from the love of God. So this morning, [music] even if you're this morning, [music] even if you're this morning, [music] even if you're having a hard time believing it, sing having a hard time believing it, sing having a hard time believing it, sing those words. Tell your heart and your those words. Tell your heart and your those words. Tell your heart and your mind [music] what is true. Let your mind [music] what is true. Let your mind [music] what is true. Let your heart follow the words of Christ. So heart follow the words of Christ. So heart follow the words of Christ. So let's lift this up.

Some [music] trust in horses and Some [music] trust in horses and chariot, but I'll trust in the name chariot, but I'll trust in the name chariot, but I'll trust in the name [music] [music] [music] of [singing] Jesus. He is the king above of [singing] Jesus. He is the king above of [singing] Jesus. He is the king above [music] all kings. If he's [music] for me, then who stands If he's [music] for me, then who stands against me? He is the against me? He is the against me? He is the [singing and music] beginning and [singing and music] beginning and [singing and music] beginning and ending. I'll be still and watch him ending. I'll be still and watch him ending. I'll be still and watch him fight for [music and singing] fight for [music and singing] fight for [music and singing] me. Let's declare this. He's already me. Let's declare this. He's already me. Let's declare this. He's already won. won. won. Oh, [music] the battle's over. Oh, [music] the battle's over. Oh, [music] the battle's over. All praise to the sun. All praise to the sun. All praise to the sun. [music] So now we stand and sing. We're [music] So now we stand and sing. We're [music] So now we stand and sing. We're more than conquerors. more than conquerors. more than conquerors. We're so victorious. We're so victorious. We're so victorious. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] Cuz nothing separates us from the love Cuz nothing separates us from the love Cuz nothing separates us from the love of [music] Christ. And he's alive. So of [music] Christ. And he's alive. So of [music] Christ. And he's alive. So thank him for the cross. thank him for the cross. thank him for the cross. Oh, death [music] has lost its se. Oh, death [music] has lost its se. Oh, death [music] has lost its se. The enemy was powerless at Calvary. So The enemy was powerless at Calvary. So The enemy was powerless at Calvary. So now we sing we're more than conquerors.

now we sing we're more than conquerors. now we sing we're more than conquerors. [screaming] [screaming] [screaming] That's worth celebrating this morning. That's worth celebrating this morning. That's worth celebrating this morning. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [music] In the arms of my heavenly [music] In the arms of my heavenly [music] In the arms of my heavenly [singing] [singing] [singing] father. No weapon [music] against me father. No weapon [music] against me father. No weapon [music] against me will prosper. My God will come to will prosper. My God will come to will prosper. My God will come to [singing] my defense. Yeah, that's true. [singing] my defense. Yeah, that's true. [singing] my defense. Yeah, that's true. [music] Let's sing that again. He always [music] Let's sing that again. He always [music] Let's sing that again. He always He always comes to might defense. He always comes to might defense. He always comes to might defense. [music] He's already quiet. He's already quiet. Oh, [music] the battle's over. Lift your Oh, [music] the battle's over. Lift your Oh, [music] the battle's over. Lift your voice. I'll praise you to the sun. voice. I'll praise you to the sun. voice. I'll praise you to the sun. [music] [music] [music] So now we stand and sing. We're more So now we stand and sing. We're more So now we stand and sing. We're more than conquerors. than conquerors. than conquerors. [music] [music] [music] We're so victorious We're so victorious We're so victorious cuz [music] nothing separates [singing] cuz [music] nothing separates [singing] cuz [music] nothing separates [singing] us from the love of Christ. He's [music] us from the love of Christ. He's [music] us from the love of Christ. He's [music] alive. So thank him for this. Now lift alive. So thank him for this. Now lift alive. So thank him for this. Now lift up your worship. Oh death has lost it. up your worship. Oh death has lost it. up your worship. Oh death has lost it. [music] [music] [music] The enemy was powerless at Calary.

The enemy was powerless at Calary. The enemy was powerless at Calary. So [music] now we [singing] sing we're So [music] now we [singing] sing we're So [music] now we [singing] sing we're more than conquerors. more than conquerors. more than conquerors. [music] Would you just thank the Lord [music] Would you just thank the Lord [music] Would you just thank the Lord this morning? Remember your testimony. this morning? Remember your testimony. this morning? Remember your testimony. How Christ has [music] overcome every How Christ has [music] overcome every How Christ has [music] overcome every sin, all death because of his blood. sin, all death because of his blood. sin, all death because of his blood. No death, no life, [music] No death, no life, [music] No death, no life, [music] no [singing] death, no high no [singing] death, no high no [singing] death, no high could ever separate [music] could ever separate [music] could ever separate [music] us could ever separate [singing] us could ever separate [singing] us could ever separate [singing] us. No past nor future, no fear or us. No past nor future, no fear or us. No past nor future, no fear or danger [music and singing] danger [music and singing] danger [music and singing] could ever set. Come on. This is Romans could ever set. Come on. This is Romans could ever set. Come on. This is Romans 8. This is scripture. Let's lift this 8. This is scripture. Let's lift this 8. This is scripture. Let's lift this up. [music] up. [music] up. [music] Not even hell or evil Not even hell or evil Not even hell or evil or any scheme [music] of man or any scheme [music] of man or any scheme [music] of man could ever separate could ever separate could ever separate us. [music] us. [music] us. [music] Could ever separate [singing] Could ever separate [singing] Could ever separate [singing] us. and he gave his son [music] what us. and he gave his son [music] what us. and he gave his son [music] what could he have done. Thank you, Lord, to could he have done. Thank you, Lord, to could he have done. Thank you, Lord, to show us that he we [music] show us that he we [music] show us that he we [music] really love.

We're more [music] than conquerors. We're more [music] than conquerors. We're strong because of your life. We're strong because of your life. We're strong because of your life. [music] [music] [music] Nothing separates us from the Nothing separates us from the Nothing separates us from the li [music] li [music] li [music] for the cross. for the cross. for the cross. has lost his has lost his has lost his [music] [music] [music] power. So now it's easy to get [music] more So now it's easy to get [music] more than than than we're so victorious. [music] Nothing separates us from the Nothing separates us from the [music] light [music] light [music] light for the cross. for the cross. for the cross. Oh death [music] powerless powerless calary. So now we say [music] we exalt calary. So now we say [music] we exalt calary. So now we say [music] we exalt thee. Come on. You know these words. Oh, thee. Come on. You know these words. Oh, thee. Come on. You know these words. Oh, we [music] exalt we [music] exalt we [music] exalt thee. This is our only response.

thee. This is our only response. thee. This is our only response. We exalt [music] Oh, Oh, even [music] if it cost us something even [music] if it cost us something even [music] if it cost us something this morning, let's lift up our praise. this morning, let's lift up our praise. this morning, let's lift up our praise. We exalt We exalt We exalt thee forever and ever. thee forever and ever. thee forever and ever. We exalt [music] We exalt [music] We exalt [music] thee. Oh, we exalt Oh, we exalt thee, [music] oh oh Lord. Lord. Lord. Sing [music] that one more time. We Sing [music] that one more time. We Sing [music] that one more time. We exalt. exalt. exalt. We exalt We exalt We exalt thee. [music] We exalt [singing] We exalt [singing] thee. thee. thee. >> Yeah. [music] Lift that up to him this >> Yeah. [music] Lift that up to him this >> Yeah. [music] Lift that up to him this morning. morning. morning. >> We exalt >> We exalt >> We exalt thee, [singing] >> oh >> oh Lord. [music and singing] Lord. [music and singing] Lord. [music and singing] Yeah. Lift up your praise to him this Yeah. Lift up your praise to him this Yeah. Lift up your praise to him this morning. He's worth it. He's worthy of morning. He's worth it. He's worthy of morning. He's worth it. He's worthy of it.

it. it. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Thank you, Jesus, that your blood and >> Thank you, Jesus, that your blood and >> Thank you, Jesus, that your blood and your death on the cross earned our your death on the cross earned our your death on the cross earned our victory. victory. victory. >> That doesn't [music] make sense >> That doesn't [music] make sense >> That doesn't [music] make sense that we get to take on your victory as that we get to take on your victory as that we get to take on your victory as our own. our own. our own. But we thank you, God. [music] But we thank you, God. [music] But we thank you, God. [music] >> Yes, >> Yes, >> Yes, >> you're worth our comfort. >> you're worth our comfort. >> you're worth our comfort. You're worth the cost. You're worth the cost. You're worth the cost. So, we bless your name this morning. We So, we bless your name this morning. We So, we bless your name this morning. We honor you honor you honor you >> in our hearts. We regard you as holy. >> in our hearts. We regard you as holy. >> in our hearts. We regard you as holy. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Thank you, Jesus, for who you are and Thank you, Jesus, for who you are and Thank you, Jesus, for who you are and what you've done for us. We love you. what you've done for us. We love you. what you've done for us. We love you. It's in your name that we pray. Amen. It's in your name that we pray. Amen. It's in your name that we pray. Amen. Amen. You guys can be seated. We're Amen. You guys can be seated. We're Amen. You guys can be seated. We're going to watch a testimony from our going to watch a testimony from our going to watch a testimony from our Florence campus. My story starts from from day one of my My story starts from from day one of my life. Um I was abandoned at birth and life. Um I was abandoned at birth and life. Um I was abandoned at birth and then I was adopted um by a family. They then I was adopted um by a family. They then I was adopted um by a family. They provided well, however, they weren't provided well, however, they weren't provided well, however, they weren't very forgiving.

very forgiving. very forgiving. Always had a fear of abandonment. Up Always had a fear of abandonment. Up Always had a fear of abandonment. Up till about 13, 14, I had been introduced till about 13, 14, I had been introduced till about 13, 14, I had been introduced to drugs, which eliminated that fear of to drugs, which eliminated that fear of to drugs, which eliminated that fear of abandonment for me. Um, continued down abandonment for me. Um, continued down abandonment for me. Um, continued down that path [music] into college. I felt that path [music] into college. I felt that path [music] into college. I felt like I needed a change. So, I joined the like I needed a change. So, I joined the like I needed a change. So, I joined the military. military. military. I met my first wife, um, Catherine. um I met my first wife, um, Catherine. um I met my first wife, um, Catherine. um did a lot of things together and we um did a lot of things together and we um did a lot of things together and we um were married and had two children and were married and had two children and were married and had two children and really were best friends [music] in 1996. in 1996. She was killed in in an accident She was killed in in an accident She was killed in in an accident again. again. again. That abandonment That abandonment That abandonment came back [music] over me. Only this came back [music] over me. Only this came back [music] over me. Only this time I was abandoned with two children. I I did start using harder and harder I I did start using harder and harder things and and yeah, I I was using to things and and yeah, I I was using to things and and yeah, I I was using to cope. I I was I was trying to fill that cope. I I was I was trying to fill that cope. I I was I was trying to fill that void um with anything and [music] void um with anything and [music] void um with anything and [music] everything that I could.

everything that I could. everything that I could. We moved the girls and I went down to um We moved the girls and I went down to um We moved the girls and I went down to um Myrtle [music] Beach. I was um working Myrtle [music] Beach. I was um working Myrtle [music] Beach. I was um working selling time share and that's where I selling time share and that's where I selling time share and that's where I met Sharon, my wife now. She knew um met Sharon, my wife now. She knew um met Sharon, my wife now. She knew um about my drug use, but then when she about my drug use, but then when she about my drug use, but then when she became pregnant, [music] that's when became pregnant, [music] that's when became pregnant, [music] that's when that's when kind of the the hammer hit that's when kind of the the hammer hit that's when kind of the the hammer hit down that you need to be done. down that you need to be done. down that you need to be done. I I always completed and did what I was I I always completed and did what I was I I always completed and did what I was supposed to be doing as a father, um as supposed to be doing as a father, um as supposed to be doing as a father, um as a husband. Um but again, I always had a husband. Um but again, I always had a husband. Um but again, I always had that secret hidden sin that I was that secret hidden sin that I was that secret hidden sin that I was carrying. When I came to work in Florence at the When I came to work in Florence at the sheriff's office, I figured this would sheriff's office, I figured this would sheriff's office, I figured this would put a [music] fence around me. I would put a [music] fence around me. I would put a [music] fence around me. I would have protection, accountability, um, have protection, accountability, um, have protection, accountability, um, drug testing. [music] Same thing with drug testing. [music] Same thing with drug testing. [music] Same thing with the military. But the one thing I failed the military. But the one thing I failed the military. But the one thing I failed in doing is that I never shut the gate in doing is that I never shut the gate in doing is that I never shut the gate to the fence. Um, the gate stayed open to the fence. Um, the gate stayed open to the fence. Um, the gate stayed open and the enemy would get in. and the enemy would get in. and the enemy would get in. Uh, everything was good. Our marriage Uh, everything was good. Our marriage Uh, everything was good. Our marriage was good. The family was good. And, was good. The family was good. And, was good. The family was good. And, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> um, you know, things were good. um until >> um, you know, things were good. um until >> um, you know, things were good. um until it wasn't.

it wasn't. it wasn't. I'd started using again um and I had I'd started using again um and I had I'd started using again um and I had gotten fired. gotten fired. gotten fired. One of the worst days of my life. I now One of the worst days of my life. I now One of the worst days of my life. I now had to go home and and tell my wife that had to go home and and tell my wife that had to go home and and tell my wife that um I had lost my job due to my addiction um I had lost my job due to my addiction um I had lost my job due to my addiction and my drug use. My face was posted all and my drug use. My face was posted all and my drug use. My face was posted all over Facebook, the news, and it was just over Facebook, the news, and it was just over Facebook, the news, and it was just um it was it was brutal. you you would have thought that that was you you would have thought that that was enough for me to wake up and say that's enough for me to wake up and say that's enough for me to wake up and say that's it. But um in 2020 I had relapsed again it. But um in 2020 I had relapsed again it. But um in 2020 I had relapsed again and that was [music] the big fall. and that was [music] the big fall. and that was [music] the big fall. My wife asked me to leave and at [music] My wife asked me to leave and at [music] My wife asked me to leave and at [music] that point we were renovating an older that point we were renovating an older that point we were renovating an older home. home. home. I had moved out into this [music] house I had moved out into this [music] house I had moved out into this [music] house where there was absolutely nothing where there was absolutely nothing where there was absolutely nothing except a a small wooden table [music] except a a small wooden table [music] except a a small wooden table [music] and a small wooden chair. And really the and a small wooden chair. And really the and a small wooden chair. And really the only thing I had with me was a Bible. I only thing I had with me was a Bible. I only thing I had with me was a Bible. I was by myself. And was by myself. And was by myself. And that was the first time [music] in my that was the first time [music] in my that was the first time [music] in my life that I've life that I've life that I've ever asked for help. And I threw my ever asked for help. And I threw my ever asked for help. And I threw my hands up to God and I said, "God, I'm hands up to God and I said, "God, I'm hands up to God and I said, "God, I'm I'm done. Help me. Help me." Um, I can't I'm done. Help me. Help me." Um, I can't I'm done. Help me. Help me." Um, I can't do it on my own. My wife can't do it. I do it on my own. My wife can't do it. I do it on my own. My wife can't do it. I need you, God. Was truly the first time need you, God. Was truly the first time need you, God. Was truly the first time that I listened for the Lord. It was in that I listened for the Lord. It was in that I listened for the Lord. It was in about probably 10 [music] days to two about probably 10 [music] days to two about probably 10 [music] days to two weeks that um

God had come to Sharon. Um, she just God had come to Sharon. Um, she just heard you entered into a covenant of heard you entered into a covenant of heard you entered into a covenant of marriage with this man and you need to marriage with this man and you need to marriage with this man and you need to honor it. She had called me and and honor it. She had called me and and honor it. She had called me and and said, "Hey, um, come home. said, "Hey, um, come home. said, "Hey, um, come home. and and again slowly our family just and and again slowly our family just and and again slowly our family just started to to mend. Um again it was just started to to mend. Um again it was just started to to mend. Um again it was just through prayer and through God's hand through prayer and through God's hand through prayer and through God's hand and everything that um was happening. Um and everything that um was happening. Um and everything that um was happening. Um and that's when I had got a calling to and that's when I had got a calling to and that's when I had got a calling to go um on a mission trip to Africa. go um on a mission trip to Africa. go um on a mission trip to Africa. I just started praying to God um I just started praying to God um I just started praying to God um specifically to prove it to me. God just specifically to prove it to me. God just specifically to prove it to me. God just prove it to me and show me that you're prove it to me and show me that you're prove it to me and show me that you're real. [music] Fill me full of peace. you real. [music] Fill me full of peace. you real. [music] Fill me full of peace. you know, all the fruits of the Holy Spirit. know, all the fruits of the Holy Spirit. know, all the fruits of the Holy Spirit. First day that we got there and there First day that we got there and there First day that we got there and there was a bunch of kids running around was a bunch of kids running around was a bunch of kids running around playing games and [music] and these two playing games and [music] and these two playing games and [music] and these two little girls just kept catching my eye little girls just kept catching my eye little girls just kept catching my eye and they they were joyful and peaceful and they they were joyful and peaceful and they they were joyful and peaceful and but but you know, dirty clothes, no and but but you know, dirty clothes, no and but but you know, dirty clothes, no shoes, but just happy, just full of joy shoes, but just happy, just full of joy shoes, but just happy, just full of joy and I'm like, "Wow." But then they got and I'm like, "Wow." But then they got and I'm like, "Wow." But then they got to me and just like on Q, they just to me and just like on Q, they just to me and just like on Q, they just froze and stopped and looked [music] up froze and stopped and looked [music] up froze and stopped and looked [music] up at me. And I mean, all these kids had on at me. And I mean, all these kids had on at me. And I mean, all these kids had on name tags and and as I looked down, the name tags and and as I looked down, the name tags and and as I looked down, the first little girl's name was Catherine.

first little girl's name was Catherine. first little girl's name was Catherine. And that was my wife that was killed in And that was my wife that was killed in And that was my wife that was killed in in 1996. And the second little girl's in 1996. And the second little girl's in 1996. And the second little girl's name was Sharon, who's my wife now. And name was Sharon, who's my wife now. And name was Sharon, who's my wife now. And I mean, I can't explain to you the I mean, I can't explain to you the I mean, I can't explain to you the feeling [music] I got. It was just God feeling [music] I got. It was just God feeling [music] I got. It was just God speaking. Like all that mess that I had speaking. Like all that mess that I had speaking. Like all that mess that I had been living with for for 56 years been living with for for 56 years been living with for for 56 years [music] [music] [music] was just released. The pain, you know, was just released. The pain, you know, was just released. The pain, you know, the the fear of abandonment, the anger, the the fear of abandonment, the anger, the the fear of abandonment, the anger, [music] [music] [music] um it was gone. um it was gone. um it was gone. I no sooner got off the plane and I I no sooner got off the plane and I I no sooner got off the plane and I don't think we spoke a [music] word. My don't think we spoke a [music] word. My don't think we spoke a [music] word. My wife Sharon, he just looked at me and wife Sharon, he just looked at me and wife Sharon, he just looked at me and broke down and and just began thanking broke down and and just began thanking broke down and and just began thanking God. I see it. I see it. Thank you, God. God. I see it. I see it. Thank you, God. God. I see it. I see it. Thank you, God. You know, you've done in 10 days [music] You know, you've done in 10 days [music] You know, you've done in 10 days [music] what I've tried to do for 20 years and what I've tried to do for 20 years and what I've tried to do for 20 years and what he's tried to do for 50ome years. what he's tried to do for 50ome years. what he's tried to do for 50ome years. everything that I've been through, everything that I've been through, everything that I've been through, unlike my earthly father who abandoned unlike my earthly father who abandoned unlike my earthly father who abandoned me, unlike my adopted [music] me, unlike my adopted [music] me, unlike my adopted [music] father who never forgave me um for father who never forgave me um for father who never forgave me um for things that I did. Um [music] I look and things that I did. Um [music] I look and things that I did. Um [music] I look and just I'm thankful for my heavenly father just I'm thankful for my heavenly father just I'm thankful for my heavenly father who has forgiven me for for everything who has forgiven me for for everything who has forgiven me for for everything I've done.

I've done. I've done. Six years and four months sober and Six years and four months sober and Six years and four months sober and there's so many times that the enemy's there's so many times that the enemy's there's so many times that the enemy's like, "Period, Mike, you're done." And like, "Period, Mike, you're done." And like, "Period, Mike, you're done." And God's like, "Uh-uh, comma, I got more God's like, "Uh-uh, comma, I got more God's like, "Uh-uh, comma, I got more for you." [music] Um my wife and I just for you." [music] Um my wife and I just for you." [music] Um my wife and I just sit and laugh now that you know and and sit and laugh now that you know and and sit and laugh now that you know and and and cry and say, "Can you believe that the enemy and say, "Can you believe that the enemy tried to steal this from us?" that'll do. That'll do. Uh if you that'll do. That'll do. Uh if you already haven't been um made aware, and already haven't been um made aware, and already haven't been um made aware, and I'm sure you have today at your campus, I'm sure you have today at your campus, I'm sure you have today at your campus, Satan's been catching nails all week. Satan's been catching nails all week. Satan's been catching nails all week. If you don't know what that colloquial If you don't know what that colloquial If you don't know what that colloquial term is, it means he' been losing all term is, it means he' been losing all term is, it means he' been losing all week long. Mike's testimony. And listen, week long. Mike's testimony. And listen, week long. Mike's testimony. And listen, the beauty of that video, do not let the the beauty of that video, do not let the the beauty of that video, do not let the beauty of the production of that video, beauty of the production of that video, beauty of the production of that video, that's not a movie trailer you just that's not a movie trailer you just that's not a movie trailer you just watched.

watched. watched. It's a real life testimony of freedom It's a real life testimony of freedom It's a real life testimony of freedom that has been dealt out in an entire that has been dealt out in an entire that has been dealt out in an entire family. family. family. Satan could catch this L. Last Sunday, Satan could catch this L. Last Sunday, Satan could catch this L. Last Sunday, over 300 people got baptized. over 300 people got baptized. over 300 people got baptized. L after L after L to the enemy. L after L after L to the enemy. L after L after L to the enemy. Wednesday night at Fuse, Wednesday night at Fuse, Wednesday night at Fuse, 350, over 350 students made a 350, over 350 students made a 350, over 350 students made a declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. And it could be easy to just look at And it could be easy to just look at those numbers and be like, "Wow, isn't those numbers and be like, "Wow, isn't those numbers and be like, "Wow, isn't that great?" The enemy is losing ground. that great?" The enemy is losing ground. that great?" The enemy is losing ground. Keep your eyes open and listen. What he Keep your eyes open and listen. What he Keep your eyes open and listen. What he has done for other people, he can do for has done for other people, he can do for has done for other people, he can do for you. you. you. I ain't even got into the message yet. I I ain't even got into the message yet. I I ain't even got into the message yet. I just want you to know that you're like, just want you to know that you're like, just want you to know that you're like, "Who is this woman that came in talking "Who is this woman that came in talking "Who is this woman that came in talking about catching L's?" My name is about catching L's?" My name is about catching L's?" My name is Meredith. Uh I am New Spring is my Meredith. Uh I am New Spring is my Meredith. Uh I am New Spring is my family. Um, I was on staff here for 16 family. Um, I was on staff here for 16 family. Um, I was on staff here for 16 years. Y'all just blessed me out back in years. Y'all just blessed me out back in years. Y'all just blessed me out back in January to go do some ministry across January to go do some ministry across January to go do some ministry across the world. I feel your prayers. I am the world. I feel your prayers. I am the world. I feel your prayers. I am thankful. But every time I pull into thankful. But every time I pull into thankful. But every time I pull into this parking lot in Anderson, it's like this parking lot in Anderson, it's like this parking lot in Anderson, it's like pulling into my parents' driveway. It's pulling into my parents' driveway. It's pulling into my parents' driveway. It's like, ah, I'm home. So, it's good to be like, ah, I'm home. So, it's good to be like, ah, I'm home. So, it's good to be home. And um, today we are going to home. And um, today we are going to home. And um, today we are going to continue our conversation about the book continue our conversation about the book continue our conversation about the book of Romans. We're going to be in Romans of Romans. We're going to be in Romans of Romans. We're going to be in Romans chapter 7 today. So, if you have a chapter 7 today. So, if you have a chapter 7 today. So, if you have a Bible, go ahead and get that thing out Bible, go ahead and get that thing out Bible, go ahead and get that thing out or the New Spring app or on your phone, or the New Spring app or on your phone, or the New Spring app or on your phone, whichever way you like to read it. Get

whichever way you like to read it. Get whichever way you like to read it. Get that thing out. We're going to be in that thing out. We're going to be in that thing out. We're going to be in Romans chapter 7 in the same way we've Romans chapter 7 in the same way we've Romans chapter 7 in the same way we've done every week. Let me set up some done every week. Let me set up some done every week. Let me set up some context for the book of Romans for you. context for the book of Romans for you. context for the book of Romans for you. This was written to Jews and Gentiles by This was written to Jews and Gentiles by This was written to Jews and Gentiles by the Apostle Paul into a very tense time the Apostle Paul into a very tense time the Apostle Paul into a very tense time in the early church. Jews had been um in the early church. Jews had been um in the early church. Jews had been um exiled from Rome uh under one emperor. exiled from Rome uh under one emperor. exiled from Rome uh under one emperor. They were brought back under another They were brought back under another They were brought back under another emperor, but a fledgling community had emperor, but a fledgling community had emperor, but a fledgling community had already started with the Gentiles as a already started with the Gentiles as a already started with the Gentiles as a church. And Jews and Gentiles, if you church. And Jews and Gentiles, if you church. And Jews and Gentiles, if you don't know, they didn't like don't know, they didn't like don't know, they didn't like traditionally get along. Like, think of traditionally get along. Like, think of traditionally get along. Like, think of the most tense racial economic thing we the most tense racial economic thing we the most tense racial economic thing we could currently think of could currently think of could currently think of that plus some. And so Paul writes this that plus some. And so Paul writes this that plus some. And so Paul writes this letter and shoots it like an arrow into letter and shoots it like an arrow into letter and shoots it like an arrow into a culture of fear and disunityity as a a culture of fear and disunityity as a a culture of fear and disunityity as a beacon of hope and unity. And listen, beacon of hope and unity. And listen, beacon of hope and unity. And listen, into this current culture of fear and into this current culture of fear and into this current culture of fear and division, it still stands as a beacon of division, it still stands as a beacon of division, it still stands as a beacon of hope and unity. Amen.

hope and unity. Amen. hope and unity. Amen. And the center, the anchor of that hope And the center, the anchor of that hope And the center, the anchor of that hope and that unity is found in Romans and that unity is found in Romans and that unity is found in Romans chapter 1 16-17. We've been reading it chapter 1 16-17. We've been reading it chapter 1 16-17. We've been reading it every week. every week. every week. Look at this. Paul says, "Let me tell Look at this. Paul says, "Let me tell Look at this. Paul says, "Let me tell you something. you something. you something. I am not ashamed I am not ashamed I am not ashamed of this good news about Christ, for it of this good news about Christ, for it of this good news about Christ, for it is the power of God at work, saving is the power of God at work, saving is the power of God at work, saving everyone everywhere who believes, the everyone everywhere who believes, the everyone everywhere who believes, the Jew first and also the Gentile." This Jew first and also the Gentile." This Jew first and also the Gentile." This good news tells us how God makes us good news tells us how God makes us good news tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished right in his sight. This is accomplished right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. I hope from start to finish by faith. I hope from start to finish by faith. I hope you hear Dan Leanne's voice over and you hear Dan Leanne's voice over and you hear Dan Leanne's voice over and over again just going by faith. over again just going by faith. over again just going by faith. As the scriptures say, it is through As the scriptures say, it is through As the scriptures say, it is through faith that a righteous person has life. faith that a righteous person has life. faith that a righteous person has life. Now, a little teach within the teach. Now, a little teach within the teach. Now, a little teach within the teach. When you read the Bible, ask the Bible When you read the Bible, ask the Bible When you read the Bible, ask the Bible questions. questions. questions. You're meant to wrestle with it. You're You're meant to wrestle with it. You're You're meant to wrestle with it. You're meant to go, hm, what's that mean? And meant to go, hm, what's that mean? And meant to go, hm, what's that mean? And so when Dan read it, it'll be different so when Dan read it, it'll be different so when Dan read it, it'll be different for all of us at different times because for all of us at different times because for all of us at different times because the spirit is walking with us through the spirit is walking with us through the spirit is walking with us through different seasons. So when Dan read it, different seasons. So when Dan read it, different seasons. So when Dan read it, by faith came up. By faith. By faith.

by faith came up. By faith. By faith. by faith came up. By faith. By faith. What's that mean? When I read this, what What's that mean? When I read this, what What's that mean? When I read this, what came up was God makes us right. came up was God makes us right. came up was God makes us right. Well, the question that bubbles up when Well, the question that bubbles up when Well, the question that bubbles up when I read that is, well, what's wrong? I read that is, well, what's wrong? I read that is, well, what's wrong? And I don't traditionally And I don't traditionally And I don't traditionally like to be told I'm wrong because I'm so like to be told I'm wrong because I'm so like to be told I'm wrong because I'm so rarely wrong. You know what I mean? It's rarely wrong. You know what I mean? It's rarely wrong. You know what I mean? It's like like like it's confusing to me. It's such a it's confusing to me. It's such a it's confusing to me. It's such a foreign concept. And if you like me foreign concept. And if you like me foreign concept. And if you like me don't like to talk about what's wrong don't like to talk about what's wrong don't like to talk about what's wrong with you, let me then get us all on the with you, let me then get us all on the with you, let me then get us all on the same page, okay? With a question that I same page, okay? With a question that I same page, okay? With a question that I would say plagues the center of would say plagues the center of would say plagues the center of politics, economics, sporting events, politics, economics, sporting events, politics, economics, sporting events, and traffic jams everywhere. and traffic jams everywhere. and traffic jams everywhere. And it's this question. And it's this question. And it's this question. What's wrong with those people? What's wrong with those people? What's wrong with those people? You know what I'm talking about. You know what I'm talking about. You know what I'm talking about. Um, I was in New York City last week, Um, I was in New York City last week, Um, I was in New York City last week, apparently on some people's first day on apparently on some people's first day on apparently on some people's first day on Earth walking along and just stuck.

walking along and just stuck. Bro, there's literally millions of Bro, there's literally millions of Bro, there's literally millions of people in this city walking on the people in this city walking on the people in this city walking on the sidewalk. Move to the side. sidewalk. Move to the side. sidewalk. Move to the side. Also pertains to airports for any saints Also pertains to airports for any saints Also pertains to airports for any saints who need that. I'm getting mad right who need that. I'm getting mad right who need that. I'm getting mad right now. What's wrong with me? now. What's wrong with me? now. What's wrong with me? Few weeks before that, I was in Utah at Few weeks before that, I was in Utah at Few weeks before that, I was in Utah at a church and people after the service a church and people after the service a church and people after the service were like, "I'm gonna go on a 10-mi were like, "I'm gonna go on a 10-mi were like, "I'm gonna go on a 10-mi trail run." trail run." trail run." What's wrong with those people? What's wrong with those people? What's wrong with those people? I'm going to go to lunch. That's what I'm going to go to lunch. That's what I'm going to go to lunch. That's what I'm going to do. I'm going to do. I'm going to do. Driving anywhere when it rains Driving anywhere when it rains Driving anywhere when it rains as if we've never seen raindrops before. as if we've never seen raindrops before. as if we've never seen raindrops before. What is that rain [laughter] What is that rain [laughter] What is that rain [laughter] saint? Drive forward in Jesus name. He saint? Drive forward in Jesus name. He saint? Drive forward in Jesus name. He can part the waters. go. can part the waters. go. can part the waters. go. What is wrong with those people? What is wrong with those people? What is wrong with those people? Okay, let's bring it a little more Okay, let's bring it a little more Okay, let's bring it a little more serious. serious. serious. Why can't we go a week without horrific Why can't we go a week without horrific Why can't we go a week without horrific news breaking?

Why is it so often easy to lie, Why is it so often easy to lie, even if it's a small one? even if it's a small one? even if it's a small one? Why do I secretly think horrible things Why do I secretly think horrible things Why do I secretly think horrible things about people, about people, about people, whether I ever admit it or not. whether I ever admit it or not. whether I ever admit it or not. Romans 7 Romans 7 Romans 7 tells us what's wrong with those people tells us what's wrong with those people tells us what's wrong with those people by revealing that those people are us. by revealing that those people are us. by revealing that those people are us. Look what Romans 7:15 to 24 says. Look what Romans 7:15 to 24 says. Look what Romans 7:15 to 24 says. Some of y'all, you're going to identify Some of y'all, you're going to identify Some of y'all, you're going to identify with this so much. Says, "I don't really with this so much. Says, "I don't really with this so much. Says, "I don't really understand myself." understand myself." understand myself." same for I want to do what is right but same for I want to do what is right but same for I want to do what is right but I don't do it instead I do what I hate I don't do it instead I do what I hate I don't do it instead I do what I hate but if I know that what I am doing is but if I know that what I am doing is but if I know that what I am doing is wrong this shows that I agree that the wrong this shows that I agree that the wrong this shows that I agree that the law is good so I am not the one doing law is good so I am not the one doing law is good so I am not the one doing wrong it is sin living in me that does wrong it is sin living in me that does wrong it is sin living in me that does it and I know that nothing good lives in it and I know that nothing good lives in it and I know that nothing good lives in me that is in my sinful nature I want to me that is in my sinful nature I want to me that is in my sinful nature I want to do what's right but I can't I want to do do what's right but I can't I want to do do what's right but I can't I want to do what is good but I don't I don't want to what is good but I don't I don't want to what is good but I don't I don't want to do what is wrong but I do it anyway but do what is wrong but I do it anyway but do what is wrong but I do it anyway but if I do what I don't want to do I'm not if I do what I don't want to do I'm not if I do what I don't want to do I'm not really the one doing it. It's sin living really the one doing it. It's sin living really the one doing it. It's sin living in me that does it. I've discovered this in me that does it. I've discovered this in me that does it. I've discovered this principle of life that when I want to do principle of life that when I want to do principle of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is what is right, I inevitably do what is what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my wrong. I love God's law with all my wrong. I love God's law with all my heart.

heart. heart. But there is another power within me But there is another power within me But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power that is at war with my mind. This power that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is makes me a slave to the sin that is makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable still within me. Oh, what a miserable still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am. Who will free me from this person I am. Who will free me from this person I am. Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? life that is dominated by sin and death? life that is dominated by sin and death? Some of you are like, Some of you are like, Some of you are like, "Oh, the Bible, too." You know, feel "Oh, the Bible, too." You know, feel "Oh, the Bible, too." You know, feel like you just sometimes are crazy. Like, like you just sometimes are crazy. Like, like you just sometimes are crazy. Like, why do I do the stuff I don't want to why do I do the stuff I don't want to why do I do the stuff I don't want to do, the things I do want to do. Now, I do, the things I do want to do. Now, I do, the things I do want to do. Now, I want to make sure that I do some want to make sure that I do some want to make sure that I do some theological work here because I don't theological work here because I don't theological work here because I don't know if Dr. Neil is here today. He was know if Dr. Neil is here today. He was know if Dr. Neil is here today. He was my professor at Anderson University in my professor at Anderson University in my professor at Anderson University in theology. And sometimes I'm like, I got theology. And sometimes I'm like, I got theology. And sometimes I'm like, I got to say this because Dr. Neil is here, to say this because Dr. Neil is here, to say this because Dr. Neil is here, but also because the Bible needs but also because the Bible needs but also because the Bible needs clarity. clarity. clarity. This is one of the most highly contested This is one of the most highly contested This is one of the most highly contested passages of scripture in all the Bible passages of scripture in all the Bible passages of scripture in all the Bible because people disagree on well is Paul because people disagree on well is Paul because people disagree on well is Paul talking about like his pre-saved self talking about like his pre-saved self talking about like his pre-saved self like before he had the spirit of God and like before he had the spirit of God and like before he had the spirit of God and that's why it's such a struggle or is he that's why it's such a struggle or is he that's why it's such a struggle or is he talking about postsaved self? talking about postsaved self? talking about postsaved self? Well, the answer is I'm not going to get Well, the answer is I'm not going to get Well, the answer is I'm not going to get into all of that, but we can't get into into all of that, but we can't get into into all of that, but we can't get into the the depths of it and miss the real the the depths of it and miss the real the the depths of it and miss the real point Paul is trying to make. He is point Paul is trying to make. He is point Paul is trying to make. He is doing a loving work here to expose our doing a loving work here to expose our doing a loving work here to expose our problem and that those people are us.

problem and that those people are us. problem and that those people are us. But he also does it to reveal the good But he also does it to reveal the good But he also does it to reveal the good news at the end. So what I'm going to do news at the end. So what I'm going to do news at the end. So what I'm going to do is work with Paul and the Holy Spirit to is work with Paul and the Holy Spirit to is work with Paul and the Holy Spirit to show us through the this passage what's show us through the this passage what's show us through the this passage what's wrong with us, but then the good news of wrong with us, but then the good news of wrong with us, but then the good news of how we have been made right. Just a how we have been made right. Just a how we have been made right. Just a caveat before I get into it. The New caveat before I get into it. The New caveat before I get into it. The New Testament was written to be taken in Testament was written to be taken in Testament was written to be taken in communally. It is written to us. It must communally. It is written to us. It must communally. It is written to us. It must be about us in our individualistic be about us in our individualistic be about us in our individualistic American culture. We always read the American culture. We always read the American culture. We always read the Bible through I I I. This is a book that Bible through I I I. This is a book that Bible through I I I. This is a book that would have been written to a community would have been written to a community would have been written to a community of people that would have been read in of people that would have been read in of people that would have been read in front of a community of people and then front of a community of people and then front of a community of people and then they would have a discussion with a they would have a discussion with a they would have a discussion with a community of people, which is why we're community of people, which is why we're community of people, which is why we're having groups having groups having groups to read this. I heard someone say one to read this. I heard someone say one to read this. I heard someone say one time, "The best cults were started by time, "The best cults were started by time, "The best cults were started by someone alone with their Bible." someone alone with their Bible." someone alone with their Bible." Get in a group, Get in a group, Get in a group, talk about the Bible together, just like talk about the Bible together, just like talk about the Bible together, just like the early church would have done. the early church would have done. the early church would have done. Say law. Say law. Say law. But let's get into what Paul is saying But let's get into what Paul is saying But let's get into what Paul is saying about what's wrong with us communally. about what's wrong with us communally. about what's wrong with us communally. Number one, he says this. What's wrong Number one, he says this. What's wrong Number one, he says this. What's wrong with us? Well, sin is wrong with us. And with us? Well, sin is wrong with us. And with us? Well, sin is wrong with us. And I know as soon as I say sin, there's two I know as soon as I say sin, there's two I know as soon as I say sin, there's two groups of people. One group is like, groups of people. One group is like, groups of people. One group is like, yes, yes, yes, talk about it.

talk about it. talk about it. It's usually the super reformed people, It's usually the super reformed people, It's usually the super reformed people, which is fine. which is fine. which is fine. The other side are those who like, do we The other side are those who like, do we The other side are those who like, do we have to talk about the have to talk about the have to talk about the why we got to talk about this again? Lee why we got to talk about this again? Lee why we got to talk about this again? Lee just did this. He did a beautiful job of just did this. He did a beautiful job of just did this. He did a beautiful job of this in week two. Why we got to talk this in week two. Why we got to talk this in week two. Why we got to talk about it again? Well, Paul keeps talking about it again? Well, Paul keeps talking about it again? Well, Paul keeps talking about it, so I got to keep teaching about it, so I got to keep teaching about it, so I got to keep teaching about it. And to be clear, when I bring about it. And to be clear, when I bring about it. And to be clear, when I bring up sin, when we bring up sin, when the up sin, when we bring up sin, when the up sin, when we bring up sin, when the Bible brings up sin, we're not talking Bible brings up sin, we're not talking Bible brings up sin, we're not talking about behavior modification. Such a about behavior modification. Such a about behavior modification. Such a shallow reality. We're talking about shallow reality. We're talking about shallow reality. We're talking about what has gone wrong in the core of who what has gone wrong in the core of who what has gone wrong in the core of who we are. Genesis 1 and 2, God created you we are. Genesis 1 and 2, God created you we are. Genesis 1 and 2, God created you good and he loves who he made. But good and he loves who he made. But good and he loves who he made. But Genesis 3 comes in, sin enters the Genesis 3 comes in, sin enters the Genesis 3 comes in, sin enters the picture. And it's not just that. We were picture. And it's not just that. We were picture. And it's not just that. We were like, "And now my behavior changed. Our like, "And now my behavior changed. Our like, "And now my behavior changed. Our insides broke. Our motivations broke. insides broke. Our motivations broke. insides broke. Our motivations broke. Our affections broke. Sin has broken us. Our affections broke. Sin has broken us. Our affections broke. Sin has broken us. and it may look a lot more ordinary than and it may look a lot more ordinary than and it may look a lot more ordinary than you're even thinking. you're even thinking. you're even thinking. There's a beautiful book written by Tim There's a beautiful book written by Tim There's a beautiful book written by Tim Keller um who was a pastor for a long Keller um who was a pastor for a long Keller um who was a pastor for a long time in Manhattan. Um he recently passed time in Manhattan. Um he recently passed time in Manhattan. Um he recently passed away. By the way, if you're looking if away. By the way, if you're looking if away. By the way, if you're looking if you feel a little um cynical toward the you feel a little um cynical toward the you feel a little um cynical toward the church and pastors, which I get there's church and pastors, which I get there's church and pastors, which I get there's a lot of news breaking all the time. Tim a lot of news breaking all the time. Tim a lot of news breaking all the time. Tim Keller is a pastor who finished Well, Keller is a pastor who finished Well, Keller is a pastor who finished Well, highly recommend his books. He wrote a highly recommend his books. He wrote a highly recommend his books. He wrote a book called What's Wrong with the World?

book called What's Wrong with the World? book called What's Wrong with the World? And he has this to say about what sin And he has this to say about what sin And he has this to say about what sin has done to us and it's how ordinary it has done to us and it's how ordinary it has done to us and it's how ordinary it looks. Look what he says. In the 1960s, looks. Look what he says. In the 1960s, looks. Look what he says. In the 1960s, a former Nazi and organizer of the a former Nazi and organizer of the a former Nazi and organizer of the Holocaust named Adolf Ikeman was Holocaust named Adolf Ikeman was Holocaust named Adolf Ikeman was arrested after he was found hiding in arrested after he was found hiding in arrested after he was found hiding in Argentina. Argentina. Argentina. What many found unnerving about Ikeman What many found unnerving about Ikeman What many found unnerving about Ikeman and indeed many other Nazis tried for and indeed many other Nazis tried for and indeed many other Nazis tried for war crimes was how ordinary he appeared. war crimes was how ordinary he appeared. war crimes was how ordinary he appeared. When Hannah Arent, a German American When Hannah Arent, a German American When Hannah Arent, a German American political theorist, reported on Ikeman's political theorist, reported on Ikeman's political theorist, reported on Ikeman's trial for the atrocities he committed, trial for the atrocities he committed, trial for the atrocities he committed, she coined the now famous phrase, "The she coined the now famous phrase, "The she coined the now famous phrase, "The bality of evil," to convey his seeming bality of evil," to convey his seeming bality of evil," to convey his seeming ordinariness, despite what he had done. ordinariness, despite what he had done. ordinariness, despite what he had done. We want to believe ordinary people can't We want to believe ordinary people can't We want to believe ordinary people can't do monstrous things, that only the truly do monstrous things, that only the truly do monstrous things, that only the truly evil ones do things like that. But when evil ones do things like that. But when evil ones do things like that. But when we see the monsters, we see that they're we see the monsters, we see that they're we see the monsters, we see that they're like us. They're ordinary. like us. They're ordinary. like us. They're ordinary. If they're capable, we're capable. If they're capable, we're capable. If they're capable, we're capable. Historically, we want to believe that Historically, we want to believe that Historically, we want to believe that ordinary people are all right. But the ordinary people are all right. But the ordinary people are all right. But the Bible tells us that at the heart of the Bible tells us that at the heart of the Bible tells us that at the heart of the ordinary is a monster.

Woe mayor and Tim Keller. That's a lot. Woe mayor and Tim Keller. That's a lot. But this revelation happens at the very But this revelation happens at the very But this revelation happens at the very early chapters of scripture. God himself early chapters of scripture. God himself early chapters of scripture. God himself talks about sin in this way to the third talks about sin in this way to the third talks about sin in this way to the third person on the planet. person on the planet. person on the planet. The third person on the planet and the The third person on the planet and the The third person on the planet and the fourth person on the planet, Cain and fourth person on the planet, Cain and fourth person on the planet, Cain and Abel. They bring an offering to God. God Abel. They bring an offering to God. God Abel. They bring an offering to God. God looks favor favorably on Abel's, not on looks favor favorably on Abel's, not on looks favor favorably on Abel's, not on Cain's jealousy starts to stir in Cain's Cain's jealousy starts to stir in Cain's Cain's jealousy starts to stir in Cain's heart. By the way, it wasn't about the heart. By the way, it wasn't about the heart. By the way, it wasn't about the size of the offering. It was about the size of the offering. It was about the size of the offering. It was about the posture of the heart. But that's another posture of the heart. But that's another posture of the heart. But that's another sermon for another day. God sees what's sermon for another day. God sees what's sermon for another day. God sees what's happening in Cain's heart. And look what happening in Cain's heart. And look what happening in Cain's heart. And look what he says to him. Be aware, Cain, for sin he says to him. Be aware, Cain, for sin he says to him. Be aware, Cain, for sin is crouching at your door. Its desire is is crouching at your door. Its desire is is crouching at your door. Its desire is for you. He gives this language of a for you. He gives this language of a for you. He gives this language of a monster who's just crouching. This has monster who's just crouching. This has monster who's just crouching. This has the posture of something that is trying the posture of something that is trying the posture of something that is trying to stay hidden. to stay hidden. to stay hidden. We think of staying away from sin as We think of staying away from sin as We think of staying away from sin as like, well, I won't do the big ones. It like, well, I won't do the big ones. It like, well, I won't do the big ones. It is the nature of sin to not draw is the nature of sin to not draw is the nature of sin to not draw attention to itself.

attention to itself. attention to itself. It wants you to not think about the It wants you to not think about the It wants you to not think about the little ones. little ones. little ones. First Peter talks about the same thing. First Peter talks about the same thing. First Peter talks about the same thing. He says that the enemy is prowling He says that the enemy is prowling He says that the enemy is prowling around. I don't know if this is how around. I don't know if this is how around. I don't know if this is how lions prowl, lions prowl, lions prowl, but I think there's like the enemy's got but I think there's like the enemy's got but I think there's like the enemy's got some neck involved. some neck involved. some neck involved. Prowls around like a roaring lion Prowls around like a roaring lion Prowls around like a roaring lion looking for whom he may devour. Sin doesn't care how much you stay away Sin doesn't care how much you stay away from the big ones. It's Mike just told from the big ones. It's Mike just told from the big ones. It's Mike just told us. He said, "I left the gate open. It's us. He said, "I left the gate open. It's us. He said, "I left the gate open. It's looking for that little piece that it looking for that little piece that it looking for that little piece that it can sneak into and consume your life." can sneak into and consume your life." can sneak into and consume your life." I'm here to call awareness today because I'm here to call awareness today because I'm here to call awareness today because you know what? I'm sick and tired of sin you know what? I'm sick and tired of sin you know what? I'm sick and tired of sin creeping into my friends and my family's creeping into my friends and my family's creeping into my friends and my family's life and ruining their families with it. life and ruining their families with it. life and ruining their families with it. Because we just don't we let sin just Because we just don't we let sin just Because we just don't we let sin just come in the door and before you think come in the door and before you think come in the door and before you think I'm coming for you, I'll confess mine. I'm coming for you, I'll confess mine. I'm coming for you, I'll confess mine. The little ones that I'm like, that's The little ones that I'm like, that's The little ones that I'm like, that's not a big deal.

not a big deal. not a big deal. Know that my face is hot before even Know that my face is hot before even Know that my face is hot before even reading these cuz this is a vulnerable reading these cuz this is a vulnerable reading these cuz this is a vulnerable thing for me. thing for me. thing for me. This is one of my little ones. This is one of my little ones. This is one of my little ones. You know what? I just need to process You know what? I just need to process You know what? I just need to process something with you. something with you. something with you. Nah, girl. You trying to gossip? Nah, girl. You trying to gossip? Nah, girl. You trying to gossip? If the power of life and death is in the If the power of life and death is in the If the power of life and death is in the tongue tongue tongue and we keep praying against division, in and we keep praying against division, in and we keep praying against division, in the meantime, we're just spewing it the meantime, we're just spewing it the meantime, we're just spewing it across group texts, Facebook messages, across group texts, Facebook messages, across group texts, Facebook messages, hanging out in our dorm room. College hanging out in our dorm room. College hanging out in our dorm room. College students students students is prowling, wanting to consume you. is prowling, wanting to consume you. is prowling, wanting to consume you. How about this one? I wasn't going to How about this one? I wasn't going to How about this one? I wasn't going to say this one, but I'm going to cuz I'm say this one, but I'm going to cuz I'm say this one, but I'm going to cuz I'm You make me brave. Okay. You make me brave. Okay. You make me brave. Okay. scrolling through social media, one of scrolling through social media, one of scrolling through social media, one of mine straight up, and I think, mine straight up, and I think, mine straight up, and I think, "You let her get married? Did you just say the quiet thing out Did you just say the quiet thing out loud?" I did. Envy prowling around loud?" I did. Envy prowling around loud?" I did. Envy prowling around trying to steal my satisfaction in the trying to steal my satisfaction in the trying to steal my satisfaction in the Lord alone by getting me looking at Lord alone by getting me looking at Lord alone by getting me looking at other people's life. How about this one?

other people's life. How about this one? other people's life. How about this one? It's just a little road rage. or of course I'm mad at work. I have to or of course I'm mad at work. I have to do everything around here. That wasn't do everything around here. That wasn't do everything around here. That wasn't when I worked here. That was other places. That's not when I worked other places. That's not when I worked here. That didn't happen here. How about this one? I don't have any How about this one? I don't have any kids of my own, but I go to my friends. kids of my own, but I go to my friends. kids of my own, but I go to my friends. Baseball, softball, te-ball, basketball, Baseball, softball, te-ball, basketball, Baseball, softball, te-ball, basketball, volleyball, pickle ball games. volleyball, pickle ball games. volleyball, pickle ball games. How about a few of these thoughts? That How about a few of these thoughts? That How about a few of these thoughts? That umpire is an idiot. umpire is an idiot. umpire is an idiot. The coach doesn't know what he's doing. The coach doesn't know what he's doing. The coach doesn't know what he's doing. Which is ironic because some of my Which is ironic because some of my Which is ironic because some of my friends coach their kids. That dude's friends coach their kids. That dude's friends coach their kids. That dude's kid. kid. kid. That dude's kid shouldn't be starting That dude's kid shouldn't be starting That dude's kid shouldn't be starting over my friend's kid. Just me. I'm confessing mine. Just me. I'm confessing mine. Or how about this one? I love this Or how about this one? I love this Or how about this one? I love this podcast. Me and this guy are always mad podcast. Me and this guy are always mad podcast. Me and this guy are always mad at the same people.

red flag. red flag. Listen, I did a whole message on rage Listen, I did a whole message on rage Listen, I did a whole message on rage just a couple months ago. You should just a couple months ago. You should just a couple months ago. You should listen. It is the nature of anger to listen. It is the nature of anger to listen. It is the nature of anger to consume your life. The more you feed consume your life. The more you feed consume your life. The more you feed rage, the more it will feast on you. rage, the more it will feast on you. rage, the more it will feast on you. Last one, then I'll confess. Last one, then I'll confess. Last one, then I'll confess. You know what? I'll just fast forward You know what? I'll just fast forward You know what? I'll just fast forward that part of the movie. It won't be a that part of the movie. It won't be a that part of the movie. It won't be a big deal. big deal. big deal. And lust is over to the side going, And lust is over to the side going, And lust is over to the side going, "Yes, "Yes, "Yes, gate open." gate open." gate open." And again, you may be thinking, "This is And again, you may be thinking, "This is And again, you may be thinking, "This is a lot. You're being dramatic. It's not a lot. You're being dramatic. It's not a lot. You're being dramatic. It's not that deep." Jesus Christ himself would that deep." Jesus Christ himself would that deep." Jesus Christ himself would say, "It is absolutely that deep." He say, "It is absolutely that deep." He say, "It is absolutely that deep." He doubles down. Sermon on the mount. I doubles down. Sermon on the mount. I doubles down. Sermon on the mount. I double dog dare you this week to go read double dog dare you this week to go read double dog dare you this week to go read Matthew 5 through7. Matthew 5 through7. Matthew 5 through7. Confronting sermon. Confronting sermon. Confronting sermon. He says things like, He says things like, He says things like, "You've heard it said, do not murder, "You've heard it said, do not murder, "You've heard it said, do not murder, but I tell you that anyone who says, but I tell you that anyone who says, but I tell you that anyone who says, "You fool," will be liable to hellfire. "You fool," will be liable to hellfire. "You fool," will be liable to hellfire. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Jesus and Paul together are doing a Jesus and Paul together are doing a Jesus and Paul together are doing a loving work to reveal. Again, it's not loving work to reveal. Again, it's not loving work to reveal. Again, it's not about your behavior. It is a heart about your behavior. It is a heart about your behavior. It is a heart condition. We need help.

condition. We need help. condition. We need help. Which takes us to our next point. Which takes us to our next point. Which takes us to our next point. What's wrong with us? What's wrong with us? What's wrong with us? We can't fix it, but we keep trying to. Y'all ever um mess something up and the Y'all ever um mess something up and the more you try to fix it, the worse it more you try to fix it, the worse it more you try to fix it, the worse it gets. Rachel, I see you laughing. gets. Rachel, I see you laughing. gets. Rachel, I see you laughing. For me, For me, For me, whenever I start to drop coffee, I whenever I start to drop coffee, I whenever I start to drop coffee, I should just let it drop because then should just let it drop because then should just let it drop because then it'll just be a little puddle on the it'll just be a little puddle on the it'll just be a little puddle on the floor. I just clean it up. But the floor. I just clean it up. But the floor. I just clean it up. But the moment I try to drop coffee, the more moment I try to drop coffee, the more moment I try to drop coffee, the more I'm trying to fumble around to catch it. I'm trying to fumble around to catch it. I'm trying to fumble around to catch it. at the end, not only is on the floor, at the end, not only is on the floor, at the end, not only is on the floor, it's on my face. It's somehow over the it's on my face. It's somehow over the it's on my face. It's somehow over the countertop. How to get on the ceiling? countertop. How to get on the ceiling? countertop. How to get on the ceiling? The more I try to fix it, the worse it The more I try to fix it, the worse it The more I try to fix it, the worse it becomes. becomes. becomes. There is no human solution for what is There is no human solution for what is There is no human solution for what is wrong with us. The more we try to fix wrong with us. The more we try to fix wrong with us. The more we try to fix it, the worse it becomes. it, the worse it becomes. it, the worse it becomes. Paul does this in the rest of the Paul does this in the rest of the Paul does this in the rest of the letter. You've heard us say week in and letter. You've heard us say week in and letter. You've heard us say week in and week out. He's writing to Jew and week out. He's writing to Jew and week out. He's writing to Jew and Gentile. But this specific chapter, he Gentile. But this specific chapter, he Gentile. But this specific chapter, he pulls his Jewish brothers and sisters pulls his Jewish brothers and sisters pulls his Jewish brothers and sisters aside and he says, "Hey, hey, side aside and he says, "Hey, hey, side aside and he says, "Hey, hey, side chat."

chat." chat." You know this is true because God gave You know this is true because God gave You know this is true because God gave us the law very clear of, "Hey, sin's us the law very clear of, "Hey, sin's us the law very clear of, "Hey, sin's trying to do this, but you do this." If trying to do this, but you do this." If trying to do this, but you do this." If you don't know what the law is, it's you don't know what the law is, it's you don't know what the law is, it's like, think ten commandments. Think the like, think ten commandments. Think the like, think ten commandments. Think the first five books of the Bible. And he first five books of the Bible. And he first five books of the Bible. And he says to them, "You and I both know you says to them, "You and I both know you says to them, "You and I both know you ain't keeping this." ain't keeping this." ain't keeping this." Matter of fact, he's like, I'm like the Matter of fact, he's like, I'm like the Matter of fact, he's like, I'm like the rabbi of rabbis, the most learned. I've rabbi of rabbis, the most learned. I've rabbi of rabbis, the most learned. I've tried to keep this better than anyone. I tried to keep this better than anyone. I tried to keep this better than anyone. I myself can even keep it. As a matter of myself can even keep it. As a matter of myself can even keep it. As a matter of fact, the more I know of it, the more I fact, the more I know of it, the more I fact, the more I know of it, the more I want to do the stuff it doesn't tell me want to do the stuff it doesn't tell me want to do the stuff it doesn't tell me to do. to do. to do. What is that about? What is that about? What is that about? And so the Jewish people understandably And so the Jewish people understandably And so the Jewish people understandably raised their hand. They're like, "Time raised their hand. They're like, "Time raised their hand. They're like, "Time out. If the more we know of the law, the out. If the more we know of the law, the out. If the more we know of the law, the more we want to do the opposite of what more we want to do the opposite of what more we want to do the opposite of what it says, does that mean the law is evil? it says, does that mean the law is evil? it says, does that mean the law is evil? Love how our questions haven't changed Love how our questions haven't changed Love how our questions haven't changed all that much in the past couple all that much in the past couple all that much in the past couple thousand years. thousand years. thousand years. But let me ask you this. Let me explain But let me ask you this. Let me explain But let me ask you this. Let me explain it. Any parents in the room? Parents, I it. Any parents in the room? Parents, I it. Any parents in the room? Parents, I see you. I see you. I see you. I see see you. I see you. I see you. I see see you. I see you. I see you. I see you. I hope you get double portions of you. I hope you get double portions of you. I hope you get double portions of coffee and sleep in Jesus name.

coffee and sleep in Jesus name. coffee and sleep in Jesus name. When you tell your kid, "Don't touch When you tell your kid, "Don't touch When you tell your kid, "Don't touch this burner. It's hot." this burner. It's hot." this burner. It's hot." What do they do? What do they do? What do they do? I want to touch it. I want to touch it. I want to touch it. Does that mean your command to not touch Does that mean your command to not touch Does that mean your command to not touch the burner is evil? the burner is evil? the burner is evil? No. It simply revealed the sin that was No. It simply revealed the sin that was No. It simply revealed the sin that was already lying in that sweet little already lying in that sweet little already lying in that sweet little heart. heart. heart. And Satan's been doing this from the And Satan's been doing this from the And Satan's been doing this from the beginning. Look at what Paul says in beginning. Look at what Paul says in beginning. Look at what Paul says in Romans 7:8. Romans 7:8. Romans 7:8. Sin used the good commands to arouse all Sin used the good commands to arouse all Sin used the good commands to arouse all kinds of covetous desires within me. kinds of covetous desires within me. kinds of covetous desires within me. I love how Eugene Peterson interprets it I love how Eugene Peterson interprets it I love how Eugene Peterson interprets it in the message. Same verse, he in the message. Same verse, he in the message. Same verse, he interprets it as, "Hey, don't you interprets it as, "Hey, don't you interprets it as, "Hey, don't you remember how it was? I do perfectly remember how it was? I do perfectly remember how it was? I do perfectly well." The law code started out as an well." The law code started out as an well." The law code started out as an excellent piece of work. What happened excellent piece of work. What happened excellent piece of work. What happened though was that sin found a way to though was that sin found a way to though was that sin found a way to pervert the command into a temptation, pervert the command into a temptation, pervert the command into a temptation, making a piece of forbidden fruit out of making a piece of forbidden fruit out of making a piece of forbidden fruit out of it.

it. it. And he's been doing this from the And he's been doing this from the And he's been doing this from the beginning. beginning. beginning. Think about Genesis 1 and 2. Think about Genesis 1 and 2. Think about Genesis 1 and 2. Everything's going very good. Genesis 3, Everything's going very good. Genesis 3, Everything's going very good. Genesis 3, Satan's little slithery self slides in Satan's little slithery self slides in Satan's little slithery self slides in and gets Adam and Eve to question the and gets Adam and Eve to question the and gets Adam and Eve to question the good commands of God. It says that Eve good commands of God. It says that Eve good commands of God. It says that Eve sees that the tree is good for fruit and sees that the tree is good for fruit and sees that the tree is good for fruit and a delight to the eyes. Saints, look at a delight to the eyes. Saints, look at a delight to the eyes. Saints, look at me. Of course, she saw that it was good. me. Of course, she saw that it was good. me. Of course, she saw that it was good. God made it good. Where sin creeps in is God made it good. Where sin creeps in is God made it good. Where sin creeps in is to get us to take the good things of God to get us to take the good things of God to get us to take the good things of God and use it outside of God's good design. and use it outside of God's good design. and use it outside of God's good design. It seizes, it twists, it takes the good It seizes, it twists, it takes the good It seizes, it twists, it takes the good command and it convinces us that we command and it convinces us that we command and it convinces us that we could do better. could do better. could do better. It's always been his MMO. God creates. It's always been his MMO. God creates. It's always been his MMO. God creates. Satan counterfeits. God defines Satan counterfeits. God defines Satan counterfeits. God defines goodness. Satan questions it. God goodness. Satan questions it. God goodness. Satan questions it. God commands. Satan perverts. God invites us commands. Satan perverts. God invites us commands. Satan perverts. God invites us to follow. Satan exploits it as control to follow. Satan exploits it as control to follow. Satan exploits it as control is what he does.

is what he does. is what he does. And if you like the Jews in this chapter And if you like the Jews in this chapter And if you like the Jews in this chapter are thinking, are thinking, are thinking, well then why would God even give us the well then why would God even give us the well then why would God even give us the commands if he knew Satan was going to commands if he knew Satan was going to commands if he knew Satan was going to be playing with us like kids reaching be playing with us like kids reaching be playing with us like kids reaching for a burner? for a burner? for a burner? Look how again Eugene Peterson Look how again Eugene Peterson Look how again Eugene Peterson interprets this in verse eight. The law interprets this in verse eight. The law interprets this in verse eight. The law code had a perfectly legitimate code had a perfectly legitimate code had a perfectly legitimate function. Without its clear guidelines function. Without its clear guidelines function. Without its clear guidelines for right and wrong, moral behavior for right and wrong, moral behavior for right and wrong, moral behavior would be mostly guest work. would be mostly guest work. would be mostly guest work. Apart from the succinct surgical Apart from the succinct surgical Apart from the succinct surgical command, you shall not covet. I could command, you shall not covet. I could command, you shall not covet. I could have dressed covetousness up to look have dressed covetousness up to look have dressed covetousness up to look like a virtue and ruined my life with like a virtue and ruined my life with like a virtue and ruined my life with it. it. it. Without clarity on what is good, we Without clarity on what is good, we Without clarity on what is good, we could dress anything up as good and ruin could dress anything up as good and ruin could dress anything up as good and ruin our lives with it. Let's take the do not our lives with it. Let's take the do not our lives with it. Let's take the do not covet for example. A word we like to covet for example. A word we like to covet for example. A word we like to dress covetousness up as is ambition.

dress covetousness up as is ambition. dress covetousness up as is ambition. No, I'm just ambitious. No, I'm just ambitious. No, I'm just ambitious. Which just means a drive, a desire for Which just means a drive, a desire for Which just means a drive, a desire for success or toward a goal that you work success or toward a goal that you work success or toward a goal that you work hard for. That doesn't sound evil. Well, hard for. That doesn't sound evil. Well, hard for. That doesn't sound evil. Well, what the definition doesn't get at is what the definition doesn't get at is what the definition doesn't get at is the heart of it. Why are you being the heart of it. Why are you being the heart of it. Why are you being driven so hard towards that goal? driven so hard towards that goal? driven so hard towards that goal? Why do you want it? And as the spirit of Why do you want it? And as the spirit of Why do you want it? And as the spirit of God does the deep work in our hearts of God does the deep work in our hearts of God does the deep work in our hearts of revealing, hey my beloved, that is not revealing, hey my beloved, that is not revealing, hey my beloved, that is not ambition, that is covetousness. ambition, that is covetousness. ambition, that is covetousness. If you don't hand it over to me, it will If you don't hand it over to me, it will If you don't hand it over to me, it will ruin your life. ruin your life. ruin your life. And hey, if you're here and you're not a And hey, if you're here and you're not a And hey, if you're here and you're not a believer and this whole message you're believer and this whole message you're believer and this whole message you're going, guys, going, guys, going, guys, of course the law doesn't work because of course the law doesn't work because of course the law doesn't work because this thing's a myth. this thing's a myth. this thing's a myth. Of course, like y'all are binding Of course, like y'all are binding Of course, like y'all are binding yourself up with unnecessary rule. Like, yourself up with unnecessary rule. Like, yourself up with unnecessary rule. Like, of course the law doesn't work. It's not of course the law doesn't work. It's not of course the law doesn't work. It's not real. Now, listen, I get it. If you're real. Now, listen, I get it. If you're real. Now, listen, I get it. If you're here and you don't believe in the law of here and you don't believe in the law of here and you don't believe in the law of God, that's your prerogative. But let me God, that's your prerogative. But let me God, that's your prerogative. But let me tell you, what law are you living by?

tell you, what law are you living by? tell you, what law are you living by? You're living by some law. You're living by some law. You're living by some law. You may not call it faith, but belief by You may not call it faith, but belief by You may not call it faith, but belief by any other name is any other name is any other name is faith. There's a beautiful quote again from Tim There's a beautiful quote again from Tim Keller in his book, What's Wrong with Keller in his book, What's Wrong with Keller in his book, What's Wrong with the World? He says this, the World? He says this, the World? He says this, "If the terrible acts humans commit are "If the terrible acts humans commit are "If the terrible acts humans commit are a result of biology, they're a part of a result of biology, they're a part of a result of biology, they're a part of our evolutionary makeup, where our evolutionary makeup, where our evolutionary makeup, where aggression is bound up with the idea of aggression is bound up with the idea of aggression is bound up with the idea of the survival of the fittest, or the the survival of the fittest, or the the survival of the fittest, or the reasons are found in psychology. We do reasons are found in psychology. We do reasons are found in psychology. We do these terrible things because of these terrible things because of these terrible things because of repressed emotions, or in sociology, we repressed emotions, or in sociology, we repressed emotions, or in sociology, we do them because of the economic do them because of the economic do them because of the economic deprivation." But when you get a deprivation." But when you get a deprivation." But when you get a close-up view of the horrors of evil, close-up view of the horrors of evil, close-up view of the horrors of evil, all those theories fall apart. all those theories fall apart. all those theories fall apart. If those theories are true, then we If those theories are true, then we If those theories are true, then we really can't help doing what we do, and really can't help doing what we do, and really can't help doing what we do, and therefore, we're not really evil. But therefore, we're not really evil. But therefore, we're not really evil. But anyone who witnesses a parent killing anyone who witnesses a parent killing anyone who witnesses a parent killing their child knows that makes no sense. their child knows that makes no sense. their child knows that makes no sense. These acts can't be so easily explained These acts can't be so easily explained These acts can't be so easily explained away, no matter how hard we try.

away, no matter how hard we try. away, no matter how hard we try. As a serial killer, Hannibal Lectar says As a serial killer, Hannibal Lectar says As a serial killer, Hannibal Lectar says to the FBI agent trying to analyze him to the FBI agent trying to analyze him to the FBI agent trying to analyze him and the silence of the lambs, "Nothing and the silence of the lambs, "Nothing and the silence of the lambs, "Nothing happened to me, Officer Starling. I happened to me, Officer Starling. I happened to me, Officer Starling. I happened. You can't reduce me to a set happened. You can't reduce me to a set happened. You can't reduce me to a set of influences. You've given up good and of influences. You've given up good and of influences. You've given up good and evil for behaviorism. evil for behaviorism. evil for behaviorism. You got everybody in moral dignity You got everybody in moral dignity You got everybody in moral dignity pants. Nothing is ever anybody's fault. pants. Nothing is ever anybody's fault. pants. Nothing is ever anybody's fault. Tim Keller would say, "The answer the Tim Keller would say, "The answer the Tim Keller would say, "The answer the Bible gives us for why we do such Bible gives us for why we do such Bible gives us for why we do such heinous things is both simple and heinous things is both simple and heinous things is both simple and complex. The answer is sin." complex. The answer is sin." complex. The answer is sin." Many reading this may be irritated and Many reading this may be irritated and Many reading this may be irritated and think this is a primitive and think this is a primitive and think this is a primitive and old-fashioned analysis. My response and old-fashioned analysis. My response and old-fashioned analysis. My response and the Bibles is yes. Of course, it's the Bibles is yes. Of course, it's the Bibles is yes. Of course, it's primitive and old-fashioned because it's primitive and old-fashioned because it's primitive and old-fashioned because it's true and deeply woven into the world and true and deeply woven into the world and true and deeply woven into the world and its entire history. It'd be a terrible its entire history. It'd be a terrible its entire history. It'd be a terrible answer if it weren't old-fashioned. answer if it weren't old-fashioned. answer if it weren't old-fashioned. The Bible feels old-fashioned because it The Bible feels old-fashioned because it The Bible feels old-fashioned because it is woven in to the very core, the very is woven in to the very core, the very is woven in to the very core, the very essence of who we are and why we need essence of who we are and why we need essence of who we are and why we need help. But let me tell you something, help. But let me tell you something, help. But let me tell you something, this how we're going to end today. There this how we're going to end today. There this how we're going to end today. There is an ancient story that is the hope, is an ancient story that is the hope, is an ancient story that is the hope, the hope for what is wrong with us, the hope for what is wrong with us, the hope for what is wrong with us, which is my final point today.

which is my final point today. which is my final point today. What is wrong with us is not the main What is wrong with us is not the main What is wrong with us is not the main character of the story. And that is very character of the story. And that is very character of the story. And that is very good news. There's a um I got to be honest, I don't There's a um I got to be honest, I don't know if it's still being used. I'm a know if it's still being used. I'm a know if it's still being used. I'm a millennial. I'm fine with it. 40 is millennial. I'm fine with it. 40 is millennial. I'm fine with it. 40 is prowling around me trying to take over prowling around me trying to take over prowling around me trying to take over my life. But there's a phrase that was my life. But there's a phrase that was my life. But there's a phrase that was used. It's fine if it's still not. But used. It's fine if it's still not. But used. It's fine if it's still not. But it was where people talk about main it was where people talk about main it was where people talk about main character energy. You've heard of this. character energy. You've heard of this. character energy. You've heard of this. Yeah. The alarm's going off in this Yeah. The alarm's going off in this Yeah. The alarm's going off in this house. Main character energy. If you're house. Main character energy. If you're house. Main character energy. If you're at another campus, it's fine. Alarm just at another campus, it's fine. Alarm just at another campus, it's fine. Alarm just went off in this house. And it's like, went off in this house. And it's like, went off in this house. And it's like, oh, that guy has main character energy. oh, that guy has main character energy. oh, that guy has main character energy. That girl has main character energy. That girl has main character energy. That girl has main character energy. It's why I ride a bike in every city I It's why I ride a bike in every city I It's why I ride a bike in every city I go to because I want to feel like I have go to because I want to feel like I have go to because I want to feel like I have main character energy. I want to feel main character energy. I want to feel main character energy. I want to feel like I'm in a romcom. Just minus the like I'm in a romcom. Just minus the like I'm in a romcom. Just minus the romcom, double the calm. I want to just romcom, double the calm. I want to just romcom, double the calm. I want to just be the main character of my own life for be the main character of my own life for be the main character of my own life for goodness sakes.

goodness sakes. goodness sakes. But can I tell you something today? Sin But can I tell you something today? Sin But can I tell you something today? Sin acts like it has main character energy acts like it has main character energy acts like it has main character energy when in reality it is not the main when in reality it is not the main when in reality it is not the main character of your story and it is not character of your story and it is not character of your story and it is not the main character of the biblical the main character of the biblical the main character of the biblical story. story. story. Sin is like a little extra who's thirsty Sin is like a little extra who's thirsty Sin is like a little extra who's thirsty and overacts to try to get more screen and overacts to try to get more screen and overacts to try to get more screen time in the movie. You seen these time in the movie. You seen these time in the movie. You seen these extras? It's like, bro, that's extras? It's like, bro, that's extras? It's like, bro, that's embarrassing. embarrassing. embarrassing. Everybody knows you're not the main Everybody knows you're not the main Everybody knows you're not the main character. Well, I want to encourage the character. Well, I want to encourage the character. Well, I want to encourage the saints in the house, and I hope the saints in the house, and I hope the saints in the house, and I hope the enemy hears me. Satan sin. It is enemy hears me. Satan sin. It is enemy hears me. Satan sin. It is embarrassing how you keep trying to take embarrassing how you keep trying to take embarrassing how you keep trying to take up center screen when I am convinced up center screen when I am convinced up center screen when I am convinced history would tell me so. The spirit of history would tell me so. The spirit of history would tell me so. The spirit of God testifies, the Bible proclaims the God testifies, the Bible proclaims the God testifies, the Bible proclaims the good news that the cross of Jesus Christ good news that the cross of Jesus Christ good news that the cross of Jesus Christ and the empty tomb is the main character and the empty tomb is the main character and the empty tomb is the main character of the story. of the story. of the story. And it is, saints, listen to me, And it is, saints, listen to me, And it is, saints, listen to me, the main character and can be the main the main character and can be the main the main character and can be the main character of your story today.

character of your story today. character of your story today. Sin is a reality, but it is not more Sin is a reality, but it is not more Sin is a reality, but it is not more real than the power of Jesus Christ that real than the power of Jesus Christ that real than the power of Jesus Christ that came to free you from the power of sin. came to free you from the power of sin. came to free you from the power of sin. Matter of fact, go read a few verses Matter of fact, go read a few verses Matter of fact, go read a few verses before in Romans chapter 7. It says, before in Romans chapter 7. It says, before in Romans chapter 7. It says, "Right now, you have been joined to the "Right now, you have been joined to the "Right now, you have been joined to the power that conquered the grave." And power that conquered the grave." And power that conquered the grave." And we're walking around with our heads down we're walking around with our heads down we're walking around with our heads down like I just can't get past this sin. in like I just can't get past this sin. in like I just can't get past this sin. in Jesus' name. The same power that Jesus' name. The same power that Jesus' name. The same power that conquered the grave now lives in you. conquered the grave now lives in you. conquered the grave now lives in you. You take up that victory and it is time You take up that victory and it is time You take up that victory and it is time and not even like you have a you don't and not even like you have a you don't and not even like you have a you don't have to fight it yourself. have to fight it yourself. have to fight it yourself. There's this beautiful um testimony by There's this beautiful um testimony by There's this beautiful um testimony by Augustine Augustine Augustine years ago. He had a bit of a past, bit years ago. He had a bit of a past, bit years ago. He had a bit of a past, bit of a trick, had a lot of ladies. of a trick, had a lot of ladies. of a trick, had a lot of ladies. He goes to a familiar town where he and He goes to a familiar town where he and He goes to a familiar town where he and this girl used to mess around. He's this girl used to mess around. He's this girl used to mess around. He's walking down the street. This woman walking down the street. This woman walking down the street. This woman comes along and says, "Augustine, my guy, my guy, trying to do something." Augustine trying to do something." Augustine trying to do something." Augustine ignores her, keeps walking. She's like, ignores her, keeps walking. She's like, ignores her, keeps walking. She's like, "Augustine, come on. It's I." Is at that "Augustine, come on. It's I." Is at that "Augustine, come on. It's I." Is at that moment he turns around and looks at her moment he turns around and looks at her moment he turns around and looks at her and says, "Yes, but it is no longer I."

and says, "Yes, but it is no longer I." and says, "Yes, but it is no longer I." In Jesus name, sin may keep trying to In Jesus name, sin may keep trying to In Jesus name, sin may keep trying to yell at your back. yell at your back. yell at your back. It is time today to turn around and say, It is time today to turn around and say, It is time today to turn around and say, "Yeah, but it's no longer I." "Yeah, but it's no longer I." "Yeah, but it's no longer I." As a matter of fact, Augustine goes on As a matter of fact, Augustine goes on As a matter of fact, Augustine goes on in his testimony to say, "The beauty of in his testimony to say, "The beauty of in his testimony to say, "The beauty of the gospel is that when sin comes the gospel is that when sin comes the gospel is that when sin comes knocking, knocking, knocking, and it will, cuz sin is a sore loser. and it will, cuz sin is a sore loser. and it will, cuz sin is a sore loser. When it comes back and knocks at the When it comes back and knocks at the When it comes back and knocks at the door, the beauty of the gospel is you door, the beauty of the gospel is you door, the beauty of the gospel is you don't have to answer the door anymore." don't have to answer the door anymore." don't have to answer the door anymore." If you're anything like me in this If you're anything like me in this If you're anything like me in this current culture, I hate answering the current culture, I hate answering the current culture, I hate answering the door anyway. door anyway. door anyway. I get Door Dash and I'm like, When sin comes back and knocks at your When sin comes back and knocks at your door, you can say, "Jesus, someone's at door, you can say, "Jesus, someone's at door, you can say, "Jesus, someone's at the door for you." the door for you." the door for you." And when he answers the door and that And when he answers the door and that And when he answers the door and that sin and temptation sees a nail scarred sin and temptation sees a nail scarred sin and temptation sees a nail scarred hands, that thing's going to be hands, that thing's going to be hands, that thing's going to be sprinting in the other direction.

sprinting in the other direction. sprinting in the other direction. Sin may still Sin may still Sin may still come to invite you to struggle, but in come to invite you to struggle, but in come to invite you to struggle, but in Jesus name, it does not rain. Jesus name, it does not rain. Jesus name, it does not rain. College students, College students, College students, you're back in school, sin comes, you're back in school, sin comes, you're back in school, sin comes, knocking at the door, temptation to knocking at the door, temptation to knocking at the door, temptation to lust, pornography, gossip, whatever it lust, pornography, gossip, whatever it lust, pornography, gossip, whatever it is, say, "Jesus, somebody's at the door is, say, "Jesus, somebody's at the door is, say, "Jesus, somebody's at the door for you." for you." for you." Marriages. I'm not married. I don't know your I'm not married. I don't know your struggle, but please God, struggle, but please God, struggle, but please God, when those temptations when those temptations when those temptations come knocking at the door, you say, come knocking at the door, you say, come knocking at the door, you say, "Jesus, there's somebody at the door for "Jesus, there's somebody at the door for "Jesus, there's somebody at the door for you." you." you." You run a business, greed tries to creep You run a business, greed tries to creep You run a business, greed tries to creep in. Jesus, there's somebody at the door in. Jesus, there's somebody at the door in. Jesus, there's somebody at the door for you. for you. for you. The book of Romans starts with even The book of Romans starts with even The book of Romans starts with even addressing people not to the sinners in addressing people not to the sinners in addressing people not to the sinners in Rome, to the saints in Rome. Rome, to the saints in Rome. Rome, to the saints in Rome. in Jesus name. Sinner is no longer the in Jesus name. Sinner is no longer the in Jesus name. Sinner is no longer the banner of over your life when you banner of over your life when you banner of over your life when you receive [music] Christ. Saint is.

receive [music] Christ. Saint is. receive [music] Christ. Saint is. And watch this like beautiful And watch this like beautiful And watch this like beautiful eruption of joy [music] that happens in eruption of joy [music] that happens in eruption of joy [music] that happens in Paul's letter. Some of the final verses Paul's letter. Some of the final verses Paul's letter. Some of the final verses in 24 and 25. in 24 and 25. in 24 and 25. Oh, what a miserable person I am. Who Oh, what a miserable person I am. Who Oh, what a miserable person I am. Who will free me from this life that is will free me from this life that is will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God. dominated by sin and death? Thank God. dominated by sin and death? Thank God. The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank God. The answer is in Jesus Christ Thank God. The answer is in Jesus Christ Thank God. The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank God. The answer is in our Lord. Thank God. The answer is in our Lord. Thank God. The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. The good news of Jesus Christ our Lord. The good news of Jesus Christ our Lord. The good news of the gospel is you don't have to be a the gospel is you don't have to be a the gospel is you don't have to be a good person. As a matter of fact, you good person. As a matter of fact, you good person. As a matter of fact, you don't have what it takes to be a good don't have what it takes to be a good don't have what it takes to be a good person. Thank God the answer is in Jesus person. Thank God the answer is in Jesus person. Thank God the answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Right now, culture is Christ our Lord. Right now, culture is Christ our Lord. Right now, culture is working overtime to try to present to working overtime to try to present to working overtime to try to present to you some like counterfeit options to fix you some like counterfeit options to fix you some like counterfeit options to fix what is wrong. A substance, an agenda, what is wrong. A substance, an agenda, what is wrong. A substance, an agenda, an anger that makes you feel like an anger that makes you feel like an anger that makes you feel like finally I have found the solution. I finally I have found the solution. I finally I have found the solution. I bind the enemy and his lies right now in bind the enemy and his lies right now in bind the enemy and his lies right now in Jesus name. Thank God the answer is in Jesus name. Thank God the answer is in Jesus name. Thank God the answer is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Christ Jesus our Lord. Christ Jesus our Lord. He is still the center of the story He is still the center of the story He is still the center of the story today. today. today. He's been pouring out his cup of He's been pouring out his cup of He's been pouring out his cup of salvation all week. Today, drink deeply salvation all week. Today, drink deeply salvation all week. Today, drink deeply of salvation and say, "Thank God." of salvation and say, "Thank God." of salvation and say, "Thank God." The answer is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. The answer is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. The answer is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. There's some saints in here. You're There's some saints in here. You're There's some saints in here. You're saved. saved. saved. And you've been letting sin just bind And you've been letting sin just bind And you've been letting sin just bind you up, you up, you up, keeping it in the dark. Can I just tell keeping it in the dark. Can I just tell keeping it in the dark. Can I just tell you this? I prayed this [music] this you this? I prayed this [music] this you this? I prayed this [music] this morning. Darkness is not safety. You keep thinking, "I'll get it under You keep thinking, "I'll get it under control. I'll get it under control." control. I'll get it under control." control. I'll get it under control." It's not. I can fix it. I can fix it. It's not. I can fix it. I can fix it. It's not. I can fix it. I can fix it. You can't fix it You can't fix it You can't fix it by yourself. Communal letter, communal by yourself. Communal letter, communal by yourself. Communal letter, communal church. Come forward today. Confess church. Come forward today. Confess church. Come forward today. Confess [music] and repent so that times of [music] and repent so that times of [music] and repent so that times of refreshment may come. refreshment may come. refreshment may come. And I'm going to say one more thing. I'm And I'm going to say one more thing. I'm And I'm going to say one more thing. I'm fired up. I'm sweating everywhere.

fired up. I'm sweating everywhere. fired up. I'm sweating everywhere. Might be parmenopause. I think it's the Might be parmenopause. I think it's the Might be parmenopause. I think it's the spirit. There's a lot of talk right now about There's a lot of talk right now about revival. revival. revival. Revival. Revival. Did you see this Revival. Revival. Did you see this Revival. Revival. Did you see this revival? Listen, I believe it. Yes and revival? Listen, I believe it. Yes and revival? Listen, I believe it. Yes and amen. I would love revival in Jesus amen. I would love revival in Jesus amen. I would love revival in Jesus name. But I want to clarify something. name. But I want to clarify something. name. But I want to clarify something. Revival Revival Revival is not proven by the size of the crowd is not proven by the size of the crowd is not proven by the size of the crowd or the volume of the crowd. or the volume of the crowd. or the volume of the crowd. Proof of revival is in humility and Proof of revival is in humility and Proof of revival is in humility and repentance. spirit falls. The book of Acts, spirit falls. The book of Acts, Paul preaches, excuse me, Peter preaches Paul preaches, excuse me, Peter preaches Paul preaches, excuse me, Peter preaches the gospel. They say, "What must we do the gospel. They say, "What must we do the gospel. They say, "What must we do to be saved?" He says, "Repent." to be saved?" He says, "Repent." to be saved?" He says, "Repent." The same invitation is here today. And The same invitation is here today. And The same invitation is here today. And repentance for a believer is simply repentance for a believer is simply repentance for a believer is simply going, "God, I agree with what you say going, "God, I agree with what you say going, "God, I agree with what you say about me, and I disagree with that sin about me, and I disagree with that sin about me, and I disagree with that sin that I've been living in." that I've been living in." that I've been living in." So, we're going to do that now. I'm So, we're going to do that now. I'm So, we're going to do that now. I'm gonna invite you to stand it to your gonna invite you to stand it to your gonna invite you to stand it to your feet at every campus. Ministry teams, feet at every campus. Ministry teams, feet at every campus. Ministry teams, you can move forward.

And I just want to tell you in And I just want to tell you in Greenville on Thursday night this Greenville on Thursday night this Greenville on Thursday night this morning as we were praying over the morning as we were praying over the morning as we were praying over the room, the word is just freedom. room, the word is just freedom. room, the word is just freedom. There is freedom for you. There is freedom for you. There is freedom for you. Freedom from the weight of having to Freedom from the weight of having to Freedom from the weight of having to solve it yourself. freedom from the sin solve it yourself. freedom from the sin solve it yourself. freedom from the sin that binds up. Hey, if you're a that binds up. Hey, if you're a that binds up. Hey, if you're a Christian, you feel chains of sin. Those Christian, you feel chains of sin. Those Christian, you feel chains of sin. Those have already been broken. Repentance have already been broken. Repentance have already been broken. Repentance just drops them. just drops them. just drops them. Come forward. Receive prayer. Let the Come forward. Receive prayer. Let the Come forward. Receive prayer. Let the altar be this front of the stage. The altar be this front of the stage. The altar be this front of the stage. The altar be what it was always meant to be. altar be what it was always meant to be. altar be what it was always meant to be. A place of meeting, restoration, A place of meeting, restoration, A place of meeting, restoration, redemption. [music] You need to receive salvation. There's a You need to receive salvation. There's a cross at every room. I would borderline cross at every room. I would borderline cross at every room. I would borderline beg you when I say amen. Make your way beg you when I say amen. Make your way beg you when I say amen. Make your way to the cross and say, "Thank God. The to the cross and say, "Thank God. The to the cross and say, "Thank God. The answer is in Christ Jesus our Lord." answer is in Christ Jesus our Lord." answer is in Christ Jesus our Lord." We're going to take communion together. We're going to take communion together. We're going to take communion together. Pause before you take it. Pause before you take it. Pause before you take it. Hold those sacred elements and let the Hold those sacred elements and let the Hold those sacred elements and let the spirit remind you. Thank God the answer spirit remind you. Thank God the answer spirit remind you. Thank God the answer is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Let is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Let is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Let me pray for us and then we're going to me pray for us and then we're going to me pray for us and then we're going to respond. Father, respond. Father, respond. Father, if there's anything I said that's not of if there's anything I said that's not of if there's anything I said that's not of you right now, just let it blow away you right now, just let it blow away you right now, just let it blow away like chaff. But anything that is of you, like chaff. But anything that is of you, like chaff. But anything that is of you, let it take roots in hearts. I speak let it take roots in hearts. I speak let it take roots in hearts. I speak boldness over people who know they need boldness over people who know they need boldness over people who know they need to move as the enemy is trying to like to move as the enemy is trying to like to move as the enemy is trying to like have a final grasp on them. Holy Spirit, have a final grasp on them. Holy Spirit, have a final grasp on them. Holy Spirit, release his grip that a spirit of release his grip that a spirit of release his grip that a spirit of freedom may wash over this room.

freedom may wash over this room. freedom may wash over this room. Pray that people would come forward to Pray that people would come forward to Pray that people would come forward to the altar and not because we need some the altar and not because we need some the altar and not because we need some level of response because we are in need level of response because we are in need level of response because we are in need of a savior. of a savior. of a savior. Freedom is on offer today. May your Freedom is on offer today. May your Freedom is on offer today. May your people come and feast on its goodness. people come and feast on its goodness. people come and feast on its goodness. Have your way now. It's in Jesus name. Have your way now. It's in Jesus name. Have your way now. It's in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Yes. I just wanted to catch this >> Amen. Yes. I just wanted to catch this >> Amen. Yes. I just wanted to catch this really fast before anybody moved. I really fast before anybody moved. I really fast before anybody moved. I think there's two people in here. people think there's two people in here. people think there's two people in here. people who need to be set [music] free and who need to be set [music] free and who need to be set [music] free and people who get to celebrate freedom in people who get to celebrate freedom in people who get to celebrate freedom in this time of response and my story for this time of response and my story for this time of response and my story for 10 years I wrestled with pornography and 10 years I wrestled with pornography and 10 years I wrestled with pornography and addiction and was just like I can't beat addiction and was just like I can't beat addiction and was just like I can't beat [music] this and it was the truths in [music] this and it was the truths in [music] this and it was the truths in Romans that set me free therefore there Romans that set me free therefore there Romans that set me free therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are is now no condemnation for those who are is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus we are one with him in Christ Jesus we are one with him in Christ Jesus we are one with him Romans 5 it says at the right time Romans 5 it says at the right time Romans 5 it says at the right time [music] [music] [music] he died for us so this is my invitation he died for us so this is my invitation he died for us so this is my invitation there's people in here who need to be there's people in here who need to be there's people in here who need to be set free do not waste [music] time we set free do not waste [music] time we set free do not waste [music] time we got to got to got to freedom is on offer. And then my other freedom is on offer. And then my other freedom is on offer. And then my other invitation is for every single person in invitation is for every single person in invitation is for every single person in here who has experienced the freedom of here who has experienced the freedom of here who has experienced the freedom of Christ, let's celebrate this morning.

Christ, let's celebrate this morning. Christ, let's celebrate this morning. [music] Let's create an environment of [music] Let's create an environment of [music] Let's create an environment of celebration this morning. So, ready? celebration this morning. So, ready? celebration this morning. So, ready? Let's do this. Let's respond. Every Let's do this. Let's respond. Every Let's do this. Let's respond. Every single person here, let's respond how single person here, let's respond how single person here, let's respond how you feel like you need to. Let's go you feel like you need to. Let's go you feel like you need to. Let's go ahead and do it. Even as you're in line [music] for Even as you're in line [music] for communion, we can sing this together. communion, we can sing this together. communion, we can sing this together. We're more than conquerors. We're more than conquerors. We're more than conquerors. We're so [music] victorious We're so [music] victorious We're so [music] victorious cuz nothing separates us from [music] cuz nothing separates us from [music] cuz nothing separates us from [music] the love of Christ and he's alive. So the love of Christ and he's alive. So the love of Christ and he's alive. So thank him for the cross.

thank him for the cross. thank him for the cross. Oh, [music] death has lost its sting. Oh, [music] death has lost its sting. Oh, [music] death has lost its sting. The enemy was powerless [music] The enemy was powerless [music] The enemy was powerless [music] at Calvary. at Calvary. at Calvary. So now we sing we're more than So now we sing we're more than So now we sing we're more than conquerors. Come on, let's believe that conquerors. Come on, let's believe that conquerors. Come on, let's believe that that we're so [music] victorious. That's that we're so [music] victorious. That's that we're so [music] victorious. That's our story. Cuz nothing separates us from our story. Cuz nothing separates us from our story. Cuz nothing separates us from [music] [music] [music] the love of Christ and he's alive. So the love of Christ and he's alive. So the love of Christ and he's alive. So thank him for the cross. Thank you, thank him for the cross. Thank you, thank him for the cross. Thank you, Jesus. [music] Death has lost its sting. Jesus. [music] Death has lost its sting. Jesus. [music] Death has lost its sting. The enemy was powerless at Calvary. So The enemy was powerless at Calvary. So The enemy was powerless at Calvary. So now [music] we sing. We're more than now [music] we sing. We're more than now [music] we sing. We're more than conquerors. [singing] If [music] you just want to take some If [music] you just want to take some time now to remember what he's done for time now to remember what he's done for time now to remember what he's done for you. I'm just remembering how he set me you. I'm just remembering how he set me you. I'm just remembering how he set me free. I'm so [music] grateful. What is free. I'm so [music] grateful. What is free. I'm so [music] grateful. What is it that you're grateful for that he's it that you're grateful for that he's it that you're grateful for that he's done for you?

done for you? done for you? We're responding [music] to his goodness We're responding [music] to his goodness We're responding [music] to his goodness right now. We're responding. It's what right now. We're responding. It's what right now. We're responding. It's what we do when we remember what he's done. And let's remind ourselves of this And let's remind ourselves of this that no [music] death, no life, no that no [music] death, no life, no that no [music] death, no life, no [singing] depth, no height [singing] depth, no height [singing] depth, no height could ever separate could ever separate could ever separate us [music] could ever separate [singing] us [music] could ever separate [singing] us [music] could ever separate [singing] us. No past, no future, no fear or us. No past, no future, no fear or us. No past, no future, no fear or [music] danger could ever separate [music] danger could ever separate [music] danger could ever separate [singing] us could ever [music] separate [singing] us could ever [music] separate [singing] us could ever [music] separate us. Not even hell or [singing] evil or us. Not even hell or [singing] evil or us. Not even hell or [singing] evil or [music] any scheme of man [music] any scheme of man [music] any scheme of man could ever separate [music and singing] could ever separate [music and singing] could ever separate [music and singing] us. Could ever separate us. And if he us. Could ever separate us. And if he us. Could ever separate us. And if he gave his son, [music] gave his son, [music] gave his son, [music] what more could he have done what more could he have done what more could he have done to show us [music and singing] that he to show us [music and singing] that he to show us [music and singing] that he loves us? Oh God, you real. Let's sing loves us? Oh God, you real. Let's sing loves us? Oh God, you real. Let's sing that all again. You know depth, no that all again. You know depth, no that all again. You know depth, no [music and singing] high, no depth, no [music and singing] high, no depth, no [music and singing] high, no depth, no high could ever separate [music] high could ever separate [music] high could ever separate [music] us could ever separate us could ever separate us could ever separate us. No [music] past, no future, no fear

us. No [music] past, no future, no fear us. No [music] past, no future, no fear or [music] danger [singing] or [music] danger [singing] or [music] danger [singing] could ever separate could ever separate could ever separate us could ever separate [music] us could ever separate [music] us could ever separate [music] us. Not even hell or evil or [singing] us. Not even hell or evil or [singing] us. Not even hell or evil or [singing] any scheme [music] of man any scheme [music] of man any scheme [music] of man could ever separate could ever separate could ever separate us. Could ever separate [singing] us. Could ever separate [singing] us. Could ever separate [singing] us. [music] And if he gave his son, us. [music] And if he gave his son, us. [music] And if he gave his son, what more could he have done what more could he have done what more could he have done to show us that he [music and singing] to show us that he [music and singing] to show us that he [music and singing] loves us? Oh God, you really love us. loves us? Oh God, you really love us. loves us? Oh God, you really love us. Let's [music] say we're more than Let's [music] say we're more than Let's [music] say we're more than conquerors. We're more than conquerors. conquerors. We're more than conquerors. conquerors. We're more than conquerors. Come on, church. [music] We're so Come on, church. [music] We're so Come on, church. [music] We're so victorious victorious victorious cuz nothing [singing] cuz nothing [singing] cuz nothing [singing] separates us from the love of Christ. separates us from the love of Christ. separates us from the love of Christ. and he's [singing] alive. So [music] and he's [singing] alive. So [music] and he's [singing] alive. So [music] thank him for the cross. thank him for the cross. thank him for the cross. Oh, death has lost its ste.

Oh, death has lost its ste. Oh, death has lost its ste. The enemy was [singing] powerless at The enemy was [singing] powerless at The enemy was [singing] powerless at [music] Calvary. So now we sing we're [music] Calvary. So now we sing we're [music] Calvary. So now we sing we're more than conquerors. [singing] more than conquerors. [singing] more than conquerors. [singing] [music] Yes, we thank you, Jesus. [music] Yes, we thank you, Jesus. [music] Yes, we thank you, Jesus. Let's continue to remember this morning Let's continue to remember this morning Let's continue to remember this morning [music] what he has done and who he is. [music] what he has done and who he is. [music] what he has done and who he is. Let's sing. Remember what he's done Let's sing. Remember what he's done Let's sing. Remember what he's done together. together. together. Remember [music and singing] who he is. Remember [music and singing] who he is. Remember [music and singing] who he is. Remember what he's done. [music] Remember what he's done. [music] Remember what he's done. [music] We [singing] won't forget his wondous We [singing] won't forget his wondous We [singing] won't forget his wondous love. Come on. This is our testimony. love. Come on. This is our testimony. love. Come on. This is our testimony. [music] [music] [music] The one who came to save, The one who came to save, The one who came to save, who [music and singing] loosed the grip who [music and singing] loosed the grip who [music and singing] loosed the grip of shame. of shame. of shame. The lamb was slain in place [music] of The lamb was slain in place [music] of The lamb was slain in place [music] of us. Come on. And I think we're ready to us. Come on. And I think we're ready to us. Come on. And I think we're ready to celebrate. Let's say this. Forgiving celebrate. Let's say this. Forgiving celebrate. Let's say this. Forgiving [music and singing] all our sins and [music and singing] all our sins and [music and singing] all our sins and healing our disease. healing our disease. healing our disease. We won't forget We won't forget We won't forget your [music] bed. Come on. This should your [music] bed. Come on. This should your [music] bed. Come on. This should put a smile on your face. Redeem us from put a smile on your face. Redeem us from put a smile on your face. Redeem us from [singing] the pit.

[singing] the pit. [singing] the pit. Your [music] grace that has no end. We Your [music] grace that has no end. We Your [music] grace that has no end. We [singing] won't forget [music] [singing] won't forget [music] [singing] won't forget [music] your face. See that again. Forgiving all your face. See that again. Forgiving all your face. See that again. Forgiving all our sins. Forgiving all our sins. Forgiving all our sins. Forgiving all [music and singing] our sins [music and singing] our sins [music and singing] our sins and healing our disease. and healing our disease. and healing our disease. We won't [music] forget We won't [music] forget We won't [music] forget your your your face. You redeemed us from face. You redeemed us from face. You redeemed us from [music and singing] the pain. [music and singing] the pain. [music and singing] the pain. Your grace that has no way. Your grace that has no way. Your grace that has no way. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We won't forget [singing] >> We won't forget [singing] >> We won't forget [singing] your faithfulness. your faithfulness. your faithfulness. So, praise [music] God. So, praise [music] God. So, praise [music] God. Praise [singing] God. Come on, church. Praise [singing] God. Come on, church. Praise [singing] God. Come on, church. [music] [music] [music] From whom all blessings From whom all blessings From whom all blessings flow. flow. flow. Let's praise him. Praise him. [singing] Let's praise him. Praise him. [singing] Let's praise him. Praise him. [singing] Praise [music] him. All creatures here [music] below.

All creatures here [music] below. Let's sing. Let's sing. We praise God. Let's sing. Let's sing. We praise God. Let's sing. Let's sing. We praise God. He's worthy. He's worthy. He's worthy. Praise God. He's worthy. [music] Praise God. He's worthy. [music] Praise God. He's worthy. [music] From whom all blessings. From whom all blessings. From whom all blessings. [music] [music] [music] Every gift is from you. We praise him. Every gift is from you. We praise him. Every gift is from you. We praise him. We [music] praise him. [music] [music] You keep on You keep on You keep on our sins our sins our sins and healing our disease. [music] and healing our disease. [music] and healing our disease. [music] We want We want We want that we want your that we want your that we want your face face face redeemer from the [music] redeemer from the [music] redeemer from the [music] your face that has [singing] no way we praise God. Come on. [music] praise God. Come on. [music] So praise God. Yeah. Praise God. Come on So praise God. Yeah. Praise God. Come on So praise God. Yeah. Praise God. Come on church. to say [music] church. to say [music] church. to say [music] we won't forget we won't forget we won't forget your your your face. Praise [music] him.

face. Praise [music] him. face. Praise [music] him. We praise you. [music] We will we will We praise you. [music] We will we will We praise you. [music] We will we will your faithfulness. Your faithfulness. your faithfulness. Your faithfulness. your faithfulness. Your faithfulness. [music] How do we [music] forget? After all How do we [music] forget? After all you've done, Jesus, [music] we thank you for who you Jesus, [music] we thank you for who you are. Oh, [music] Oh, [music] we thank you for who you are. Come on, [music] church. Let's celebrate Come on, [music] church. Let's celebrate this morning. Let's put our hands this morning. Let's put our hands this morning. Let's put our hands together and [music] thank Jesus for the together and [music] thank Jesus for the together and [music] thank Jesus for the freedom we have. Come on. freedom we have. Come on. freedom we have. Come on. Yes. We thank you, God. We remember all Yes. We thank you, God. We remember all Yes. We thank you, God. We remember all of your benefits. And Father, we thank of your benefits. And Father, we thank of your benefits. And Father, we thank you, God, that it is your kindness that you, God, that it is your kindness that you, God, that it is your kindness that leads us to repentance. We thank you leads us to repentance. We thank you leads us to repentance. We thank you that you are a kind God, that you are a kind God, that you are a kind God, that you love us, and that you have met that you love us, and that you have met that you love us, and that you have met with us today in Jesus name. [music] with us today in Jesus name. [music] with us today in Jesus name. [music] Amen. Amen. I hope you feel blessed. I Amen. Amen. I hope you feel blessed. I Amen. Amen. I hope you feel blessed. I hope you feel encouraged this morning.

hope you feel encouraged this morning. hope you feel encouraged this morning. And [music] I just want to say one more And [music] I just want to say one more And [music] I just want to say one more time, I know what it feels like to sit time, I know what it feels like to sit time, I know what it feels like to sit in a seat and your heart's beating real in a seat and your heart's beating real in a seat and your heart's beating real fast and there's this tiny little thing fast and there's this tiny little thing fast and there's this tiny little thing you feel like you got to say to you feel like you got to say to you feel like you got to say to somebody, but you just can't [music] do somebody, but you just can't [music] do somebody, but you just can't [music] do it. You just can't do it. Well, you're it. You just can't do it. Well, you're it. You just can't do it. Well, you're going to have to walk to leave. So, when going to have to walk to leave. So, when going to have to walk to leave. So, when you're walking out, we'll have a few you're walking out, we'll have a few you're walking out, we'll have a few ministry team members [music] left. And ministry team members [music] left. And ministry team members [music] left. And if you just want to swing by on your way if you just want to swing by on your way if you just want to swing by on your way out and let someone pray over you and out and let someone pray over you and out and let someone pray over you and encourage you [music] in the freedom encourage you [music] in the freedom encourage you [music] in the freedom that Jesus Christ has for you, I would that Jesus Christ has for you, I would that Jesus Christ has for you, I would encourage you to do that today before encourage you to do that today before encourage you to do that today before you leave. And just a reminder, we have you leave. And just a reminder, we have you leave. And just a reminder, we have so many disciplehip offerings and groups so many disciplehip offerings and groups so many disciplehip offerings and groups launching this week. There are so many, launching this week. There are so many, launching this week. There are so many, y'all. I'm not exaggerating. There are y'all. I'm not exaggerating. There are y'all. I'm not exaggerating. There are ones pretty much every single day of the ones pretty much every single day of the ones pretty much every single day of the week. Men's groups, women's groups, week. Men's groups, women's groups, week. Men's groups, women's groups, co-ed groups, groups for all ages. You co-ed groups, groups for all ages. You co-ed groups, groups for all ages. You truly have no excuse. And I I know so truly have no excuse. And I I know so truly have no excuse. And I I know so many of you. I've been talking to you. many of you. I've been talking to you. many of you. I've been talking to you. You've been on the fence. And today's You've been on the fence. And today's You've been on the fence. And today's the day. Let's jump over the fence. the day. Let's jump over the fence. the day. Let's jump over the fence. Let's sign up for a group so that you Let's sign up for a group so that you Let's sign up for a group so that you can fight in biblical community. [music] can fight in biblical community. [music] can fight in biblical community. [music] I would love to see you. We're starting I would love to see you. We're starting I would love to see you. We're starting a women's group on Tuesday morning, 6:00 a women's group on Tuesday morning, 6:00 a women's group on Tuesday morning, 6:00 a.m. Over a hundred women are coming, a.m. Over a hundred women are coming, a.m. Over a hundred women are coming, which is incredible. I can't believe which is incredible. I can't believe which is incredible. I can't believe we're going to we're going to wake up we're going to we're going to wake up we're going to we're going to wake up that early and talk about the Bible, but that early and talk about the Bible, but that early and talk about the Bible, but we're going to do it. Um, but there are we're going to do it. Um, but there are we're going to do it. Um, but there are groups at lunchtime, groups in the groups at lunchtime, groups in the groups at lunchtime, groups in the evenings. If you'll just text the word evenings. If you'll just text the word evenings. If you'll just text the word disco to 30303, a little party, a little disco to 30303, a little party, a little disco to 30303, a little party, a little joy in your day. Text the word disco to joy in your day. Text the word disco to joy in your day. Text the word disco to 30303, 30303, 30303, it's going to send you um to a group it's going to send you um to a group it's going to send you um to a group finder. You can filter to the Anderson finder. You can filter to the Anderson finder. You can filter to the Anderson [music] campus and see every single

[music] campus and see every single [music] campus and see every single group and class that we have on offer group and class that we have on offer group and class that we have on offer for you over the next season [music] and for you over the next season [music] and for you over the next season [music] and you can jump into those this week. So, you can jump into those this week. So, you can jump into those this week. So, we would love to see you there. Um, we would love to see you there. Um, we would love to see you there. Um, college students, really quickly, 9:15 college students, really quickly, 9:15 college students, really quickly, 9:15 specifically, I want to say welcome back specifically, I want to say welcome back specifically, I want to say welcome back to all of our college students. to all of our college students. to all of our college students. Specifically, freshmen in the room. Specifically, freshmen in the room. Specifically, freshmen in the room. College freshmen, raise your hand. College freshmen, raise your hand. College freshmen, raise your hand. College freshman, any college [music] College freshman, any college [music] College freshman, any college [music] freshman? Yes. Wow. Okay. College freshman? Yes. Wow. Okay. College freshman? Yes. Wow. Okay. College freshmen, we would love to meet you um freshmen, we would love to meet you um freshmen, we would love to meet you um and just have a quick little catch up and just have a quick little catch up and just have a quick little catch up with you in the classroom right outside with you in the classroom right outside with you in the classroom right outside of right after the 9:15 [music] in the of right after the 9:15 [music] in the of right after the 9:15 [music] in the atrium, the little Glaston area. college atrium, the little Glaston area. college atrium, the little Glaston area. college freshmen, we would love to meet with you freshmen, we would love to meet with you freshmen, we would love to meet with you and just say hello and tell you about and just say hello and tell you about and just say hello and tell you about all the things that we have coming up all the things that we have coming up all the things that we have coming up for you this [music] fall. So, please for you this [music] fall. So, please for you this [music] fall. So, please swing by there. And with that, I would swing by there. And with that, I would swing by there. And with that, I would love for everyone to just open your love for everyone to just open your love for everyone to just open your hands, open your heart to receive this hands, open your heart to receive this hands, open your heart to receive this blessing as you walk out into your week. blessing as you walk out into your week. blessing as you walk out into your week. It is for freedom that Christ has set It is for freedom that Christ has set It is for freedom that Christ has set you [music] free. May you stand firm in you [music] free. May you stand firm in you [music] free. May you stand firm in your faith, follow Jesus every day, and your faith, follow Jesus every day, and your faith, follow Jesus every day, and walk forward in the freedom purchased walk forward in the freedom purchased walk forward in the freedom purchased for you [music] on the cross. Go now to for you [music] on the cross. Go now to for you [music] on the cross. Go now to invite others into this same hope of the invite others into this same hope of the invite others into this same hope of the gospel. Be blessed, church. We'll see gospel. Be blessed, church. We'll see gospel. Be blessed, church. We'll see you soon.