Champion of Hope

>> We were all designed for an everyday >> We were all designed for an everyday relationship with Jesus. And Romans is relationship with Jesus. And Romans is relationship with Jesus. And Romans is packed with truth and hope that helps us packed with truth and hope that helps us packed with truth and hope that helps us deepen that relationship. But reading it deepen that relationship. But reading it deepen that relationship. But reading it on our own can leave you with questions. on our own can leave you with questions. on our own can leave you with questions. To deepen our understanding of God's To deepen our understanding of God's To deepen our understanding of God's word, let's open Romans together. As we word, let's open Romans together. As we word, let's open Romans together. As we journey through this book, we'll uncover journey through this book, we'll uncover journey through this book, we'll uncover fundamental theology about sin, fundamental theology about sin, fundamental theology about sin, salvation, and sacrifice. We'll discuss salvation, and sacrifice. We'll discuss salvation, and sacrifice. We'll discuss complex concepts like justification and complex concepts like justification and complex concepts like justification and predestination and talk about topics predestination and talk about topics predestination and talk about topics Paul noticed in the first century church Paul noticed in the first century church Paul noticed in the first century church that are still relevant to us today like that are still relevant to us today like that are still relevant to us today like politics, race, and disagreements with politics, race, and disagreements with politics, race, and disagreements with fellow Christians. Each week, you'll fellow Christians. Each week, you'll fellow Christians. Each week, you'll hear from different voices through short hear from different voices through short hear from different voices through short videos that highlight key themes from videos that highlight key themes from videos that highlight key themes from Romans and [music] unpack what Paul is Romans and [music] unpack what Paul is Romans and [music] unpack what Paul is teaching. Each week, we'll help you move teaching. Each week, we'll help you move teaching. Each week, we'll help you move from learning what scripture says to from learning what scripture says to from learning what scripture says to understanding what it means and understanding what it means and understanding what it means and ultimately to living it out in your ultimately to living it out in your ultimately to living it out in your everyday life. Disciplehip was never everyday life. Disciplehip was never everyday life. Disciplehip was never meant to happen [music] alone and Romans meant to happen [music] alone and Romans meant to happen [music] alone 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! [music] All right. All right. Good morning, All right. All right. Good morning, church. Good morning, Lane. Let me try church. Good morning, Lane. Let me try church. Good morning, Lane. Let me try that again. I know I didn't set you up that again. I know I didn't set you up that again. I know I didn't set you up the best by the way I asked, but I'm the best by the way I asked, but I'm the best by the way I asked, but I'm going to say good morning, church. And going to say good morning, church. And going to say good morning, church. And you all say good morning back. Good morning, church. Good morning, church. Wonderful. I love that. Welcome, Wonderful. I love that. Welcome, Wonderful. I love that. Welcome, welcome, welcome. Hey, if you're in the welcome, welcome. Hey, if you're in the welcome, welcome. Hey, if you're in the lobby, y'all come on in. Grab a seat. lobby, y'all come on in. Grab a seat. lobby, y'all come on in. Grab a seat. We're ready to get started this morning. We're ready to get started this morning. We're ready to get started this morning. Excited to see everybody in church with Excited to see everybody in church with Excited to see everybody in church with us this morning. My name is Jason us this morning. My name is Jason us this morning. My name is Jason Wilson. If I've never had the chance to Wilson. If I've never had the chance to Wilson. If I've never had the chance to meet you, I'm our associate campus meet you, I'm our associate campus meet you, I'm our associate campus pastor here at the Anderson campus. And pastor here at the Anderson campus. And pastor here at the Anderson campus. And uh there's so many folks stepping in the uh there's so many folks stepping in the uh there's so many folks stepping in the last couple of weeks and we're so last couple of weeks and we're so last couple of weeks and we're so thankful to see you. Hey, let's put our thankful to see you. Hey, let's put our thankful to see you. Hey, let's put our hands together for anybody who's new hands together for anybody who's new hands together for anybody who's new with us.

If you're new here, welcome. If you've If you're new here, welcome. If you've been coming for a long time, welcome. been coming for a long time, welcome. been coming for a long time, welcome. We're glad to have you with us this We're glad to have you with us this We're glad to have you with us this morning at New Spring Church. And uh if morning at New Spring Church. And uh if morning at New Spring Church. And uh if you're new, if you are new, we would you're new, if you are new, we would you're new, if you are new, we would love to invite you. There's a a new here love to invite you. There's a a new here love to invite you. There's a a new here table on the right side of the atrium as table on the right side of the atrium as table on the right side of the atrium as you walk out when the gathering is over you walk out when the gathering is over you walk out when the gathering is over this morning. If you will stop by there, this morning. If you will stop by there, this morning. If you will stop by there, meet somebody, shake a hand. We would meet somebody, shake a hand. We would meet somebody, shake a hand. We would love to get to know you a little bit and love to get to know you a little bit and love to get to know you a little bit and just say hello. One of our um one of our just say hello. One of our um one of our just say hello. One of our um one of our student pas or our not one of one of our student pas or our not one of one of our student pas or our not one of one of our student staff, our student pastor, student staff, our student pastor, student staff, our student pastor, Justin Harrison. Justin Justin Harrison. Justin Justin Harrison. Justin gets the shout outs. He's actually not gets the shout outs. He's actually not gets the shout outs. He's actually not with us this morning because he's in with us this morning because he's in with us this morning because he's in Kenya Kenya Kenya with LJ and Danny Davis. There are a with LJ and Danny Davis. There are a with LJ and Danny Davis. There are a couple from Newpring who moved over to couple from Newpring who moved over to couple from Newpring who moved over to NY Kenya uh as missionaries years ago NY Kenya uh as missionaries years ago NY Kenya uh as missionaries years ago and they were with us for a few weeks. and they were with us for a few weeks. and they were with us for a few weeks. And [music] so we've sent a team over And [music] so we've sent a team over And [music] so we've sent a team over there. And so not only am I going to say there. And so not only am I going to say there. And so not only am I going to say hello this morning, but we have a team hello this morning, but we have a team hello this morning, but we have a team on the ground right now in Kenya. And so on the ground right now in Kenya. And so on the ground right now in Kenya. And so they've recorded a little something for they've recorded a little something for they've recorded a little something for us. So y'all watch this.

Hey everybody, we just want to say good Hey everybody, we just want to say good morning from Nairobi, Kenya. Uh we truly morning from Nairobi, Kenya. Uh we truly morning from Nairobi, Kenya. Uh we truly are seeing his glory on full display all are seeing his glory on full display all are seeing his glory on full display all across the world and this is all of our across the world and this is all of our across the world and this is all of our family that that we've got an family that that we've got an family that that we've got an opportunity to spend some time with and opportunity to spend some time with and opportunity to spend some time with and we wanted to say good morning together. we wanted to say good morning together. we wanted to say good morning together. So hallelujah. [screaming] So hallelujah. [screaming] So hallelujah. [screaming] >> Hey, we'll see y'all when we get back. >> Hey, we'll see y'all when we get back. >> Hey, we'll see y'all when we get back. >> I love it. I love it. What a gift. So, New Spring Church, we What a gift. So, New Spring Church, we remind us we are a sending church. And remind us we are a sending church. And remind us we are a sending church. And so, we've sent a team over to Nairobi, so, we've sent a team over to Nairobi, so, we've sent a team over to Nairobi, Kenya. And uh there's people all over Kenya. And uh there's people all over Kenya. And uh there's people all over the church who have been sent out to do the church who have been sent out to do the church who have been sent out to do the mission of God. We want we're a the mission of God. We want we're a the mission of God. We want we're a church, if you didn't know this, if church, if you didn't know this, if church, if you didn't know this, if you've been around a while, you've heard you've been around a while, you've heard you've been around a while, you've heard this before. If you're brand new, you this before. If you're brand new, you this before. If you're brand new, you may not know that we're a church who may not know that we're a church who may not know that we're a church who wants to see everyone everywhere in an wants to see everyone everywhere in an wants to see everyone everywhere in an everyday relationship with Jesus. And everyday relationship with Jesus. And everyday relationship with Jesus. And so, that's why we gather. That's why we so, that's why we gather. That's why we so, that's why we gather. That's why we do what we do is to see that happen. in do what we do is to see that happen. in do what we do is to see that happen. in the lives of us and everybody around us. the lives of us and everybody around us. the lives of us and everybody around us. So, what we want to do right now before So, what we want to do right now before So, what we want to do right now before we get going in our gathering is I'm we get going in our gathering is I'm we get going in our gathering is I'm gonna give you guys a chance to say gonna give you guys a chance to say gonna give you guys a chance to say hello to somebody who's sitting around hello to somebody who's sitting around hello to somebody who's sitting around you. There may be a new face that you you. There may be a new face that you you. There may be a new face that you hadn't seen. You sit in the same spot hadn't seen. You sit in the same spot hadn't seen. You sit in the same spot every week, but you don't know who this every week, but you don't know who this every week, but you don't know who this person is. So, take a moment, stand up, person is. So, take a moment, stand up, person is. So, take a moment, stand up, shake a hand, and say hello to somebody.

>> I love it. >> I love it. Very good. Very good. Y'all stay on your Very good. Very good. Y'all stay on your Very good. Very good. Y'all stay on your feet. Stay on your feet with me this feet. Stay on your feet with me this feet. Stay on your feet with me this morning. And we're going to enter into a morning. And we're going to enter into a morning. And we're going to enter into a time of singing and worship. So, we're time of singing and worship. So, we're time of singing and worship. So, we're going to sing. We're going to lift up going to sing. We're going to lift up going to sing. We're going to lift up our voices. I'm going to pray for us. our voices. I'm going to pray for us. our voices. I'm going to pray for us. We're also going to receive our tithes We're also going to receive our tithes We're also going to receive our tithes and offerings during this first song. and offerings during this first song. and offerings during this first song. And so, if you came prepared for that, And so, if you came prepared for that, And so, if you came prepared for that, thank you for that. Thank you for thank you for that. Thank you for thank you for that. Thank you for putting God first in what you have. The putting God first in what you have. The putting God first in what you have. The way that God gave to us, we always bring way that God gave to us, we always bring way that God gave to us, we always bring back to God the tithe, 10% of what he's back to God the tithe, 10% of what he's back to God the tithe, 10% of what he's given us. So, thank you if you're given us. So, thank you if you're given us. So, thank you if you're prepared for that with us this morning. prepared for that with us this morning. prepared for that with us this morning. Uh so, we'll do that during this first Uh so, we'll do that during this first Uh so, we'll do that during this first song. Uh but church, let's worship song. Uh but church, let's worship song. Uh but church, let's worship together. Let's sing, lift up our together. Let's sing, lift up our together. Let's sing, lift up our voices. Uh what a great time to be here. voices. Uh what a great time to be here. voices. Uh what a great time to be here. What a great time, a great season. And What a great time, a great season. And What a great time, a great season. And so let's just open ourselves up to so let's just open ourselves up to so let's just open ourselves up to whatever God's got for us. And let's whatever God's got for us. And let's whatever God's got for us. And let's pray this prayer out loud together as we pray this prayer out loud together as we pray this prayer out loud together as we move into this time of giving and move into this time of giving and move into this time of giving and singing. singing. singing. Almighty God, [music] everything we have Almighty God, [music] everything we have Almighty God, [music] everything we have comes from you. You are our source, our comes from you. You are our source, our comes from you. 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, to shine others, to fuel your mission, to shine others, to fuel your mission, to shine your light in dark places, and to move your light in dark places, and to move your light in dark places, and to move your kingdom forward. You are worthy of your kingdom forward. You are worthy of your kingdom forward. You are worthy of our trust, our resources, and our praise our trust, our resources, and our praise our trust, our resources, and our praise in Jesus name. Amen.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] If you're walking into this [music] If you're walking into this [music] If you're walking into this place, I'll be ready to worship the place, I'll be ready to worship the place, I'll be ready to worship the King. King. King. He's in this [music] place with us. Will He's in this [music] place with us. Will He's in this [music] place with us. Will you sing this with us? Praise God from whom all blessings Praise God from whom all blessings [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] flow. Praise [singing] him all [music] Praise [singing] him all [music] creatures creatures creatures here [singing] below. here [singing] below. here [singing] below. [music] [music] [music] Praise him above Praise him above Praise him above the heavenly [music] the heavenly [music] the heavenly [music] host. Praise [singing] Father, Praise [singing] Father, [music] Son, and Holy [music] Son, and Holy [music] Son, and Holy [music] [music] [music] God. Can we [music] do that one more time, Can we [music] do that one more time, church? church? church? [snorts] Praise God [singing] [snorts] Praise God [singing] [snorts] Praise God [singing] from whom [music] all blessings from whom [music] all blessings from whom [music] all blessings [singing] [singing] [singing] flow.

Praise him [music and singing] Praise him [music and singing] all creatures all creatures all creatures here below. Praise him [music] Praise him [music] above above above the [singing] the [singing] the [singing] heavenly heavenly heavenly host. Praise father, [music] son, [singing] Praise father, [music] son, [singing] and holy ghost. ghost. [music] Just will you raise your hands [music] Just will you raise your hands [music] Just will you raise your hands like this? And a sign of surrender, like this? And a sign of surrender, like this? And a sign of surrender, and a sign to let the world know that and a sign to let the world know that and a sign to let the world know that Jesus Christ [music] is Lord. Jesus Christ [music] is Lord. Jesus Christ [music] is Lord. He is the one we worship. He is the one we worship. He is the one we worship. He's the one we [music] praise. He's He's the one we [music] praise. He's He's the one we [music] praise. He's not only welcome in this place, but he's not only welcome in this place, but he's not only welcome in this place, but he's [music] in charge of this place. He's [music] in charge of this place. He's [music] in charge of this place. He's the center of our worship. the center of our worship. the center of our worship. Will you sing that one more time? Praise Will you sing that one more time? Praise Will you sing that one more time? Praise God from home. [music] God from home. [music] God from home. [music] Oh, blessings.

Oh, blessings. Oh, blessings. [singing] [singing] [singing] >> Yes. Come on, church. [music] You lead >> Yes. Come on, church. [music] You lead >> Yes. Come on, church. [music] You lead us. Praise him all. >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> below. Heavenly [music] Heavenly [music] host. Praise Father, [music] Praise Father, [music] Son, and Holy [singing and music] Ghost. [singing and music] Ghost. Come on, church. Praise him this Come on, church. Praise him this Come on, church. Praise him this morning. Hallelujah. Remember who he is. who he is. Remember what he's done. We won't Remember what he's done. We won't Remember what he's done. We won't [music and singing] forget his wondrous [music and singing] forget his wondrous [music and singing] forget his wondrous love.

The one who came to save, [music] The one who came to save, [music] who lose the grip of chain. The lamb who lose the grip of chain. The lamb who lose the grip of chain. The lamb [music] was slain in place of us. Oh, I [music] was slain in place of us. Oh, I [music] was slain in place of us. Oh, I love this right here. love this right here. love this right here. Forgiving [music and singing] all our Forgiving [music and singing] all our Forgiving [music and singing] all our sins and healing our disease. sins and healing our disease. sins and healing our disease. We won't [music] We won't [music] We won't [music] forget forget forget your benefits. Redeem [music] Redeem [music] us [singing] from the pin. Your grace us [singing] from the pin. Your grace us [singing] from the pin. Your grace has no way. We won't forget has no way. We won't forget has no way. We won't forget your faithfulness. your faithfulness. your faithfulness. [singing] We won't [music] forget, Lord. We won't We won't [music] forget, Lord. We won't forget. He's the one that satisfy our forget. He's the one that satisfy our forget. He's the one that satisfy our soul. Watchers and sin is out. [music] soul. Watchers and sin is out. [music] soul. Watchers and sin is out. [music] Oh God, Oh God, Oh God, you satisfy the soul. you satisfy the soul. you satisfy the soul. Your goodness overflows. Your goodness overflows. Your goodness overflows. [music] You fill our hearts and [music] You fill our hearts and [music] You fill our hearts and [singing] made us whole.

[singing] made us whole. [singing] made us whole. Oh [music] redeemed. Now we have been Oh [music] redeemed. Now we have been Oh [music] redeemed. Now we have been redeemed. redeemed. redeemed. Your [music] blood has set us free. Your [music] blood has set us free. Your [music] blood has set us free. You cross and cross the enemy. You cross and cross the enemy. You cross and cross the enemy. [music] You can sing that again. [music] You can sing that again. [music] You can sing that again. You cross [music and singing] the enemy. You cross [music and singing] the enemy. You cross [music and singing] the enemy. Oh, we're forgiiving Oh, we're forgiiving Oh, we're forgiiving [music] all our [singing] sins and [music] all our [singing] sins and [music] all our [singing] sins and healing our [music] disease. We won't healing our [music] disease. We won't healing our [music] disease. We won't forget forget forget your benefit. [music] your benefit. [music] your benefit. [music] Redeem the strong [singing] king. Your Redeem the strong [singing] king. Your Redeem the strong [singing] king. Your grace that [music] has no end. We won't grace that [music] has no end. We won't grace that [music] has no end. We won't forget forget forget your faithfulness. Has he been faithful to you, church? Oh, Has he been faithful to you, church? Oh, he's been faithful to me. [music] He's he's been faithful to me. [music] He's he's been faithful to me. [music] He's forever faithful. Yes, Lord. Thank you.

forever faithful. Yes, Lord. Thank you. forever faithful. Yes, Lord. Thank you. [music] [music] [music] Praise God. Come on. Praise God. Come on. Praise God. Come on. Praise [singing] God Praise [singing] God Praise [singing] God [music] [music] [music] from whom all blessings from whom all blessings from whom all blessings fall. fall. fall. [music] Praise him. We praise you Lord. [music] Praise him. We praise you Lord. [music] Praise him. We praise you Lord. Praise him all creatures [music] all creatures [music] [singing] here below. [singing] here below. [singing] here below. Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Praise God. Hallelujah. Praise God. Hallelujah. Praise God. Hallelujah. Praise [singing] God from [music] whom all blessings from [music] whom all blessings flow. flow. flow. Oh, we praise him. [music] Praise him. Oh, we praise him. [music] Praise him. Oh, we praise him. [music] Praise him. Praise [singing] him. Oh, Lord. All Praise [singing] him. Oh, Lord. All Praise [singing] him. Oh, Lord. All creatures hear me, [music] creatures hear me, [music] creatures hear me, [music] Lord. Lord. Lord. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Oh, praise [singing] God.

from our from our >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, praise him. praise him. praise him. Praise [music] Praise [music] Praise [music] him. Forgive Forgive me all my sins, [music] heal me. me all my sins, [music] heal me. me all my sins, [music] heal me. [singing] [singing] [singing] I [music] forget I [music] forget I [music] forget your your your face. [music] face. [music] face. [music] Redee from the Redee from the Redee from the [music] praise has no way. We [music] [music] praise God. praise God. praise God. Praise [music] Praise [music] Praise [music] God. Oh, praise him.

Oh, praise him. Praise [music] Praise [music] Praise [music] him. [singing] We won't forget [music] We won't forget [music] your faithfulness. >> [music] >> [music] >> We won't forget >> We won't forget >> We won't forget you have been faithful. Praise God for Praise God for this. [music] are you, Lord God are you, Lord God Almighty. Almighty. Almighty. [singing] [singing] [singing] Worthy, worthy is [music] the lamb. Worthy, worthy is [music] the lamb. Worthy, worthy is [music] the lamb. Worthy [singing] is the lamb. [music] Let's [music] Let's every voice sing hallelujah.

every voice sing hallelujah. every voice sing hallelujah. Hallelujah. [singing] Hallelu Hallelu [singing] for the Lord God Almighty [music] for the Lord God Almighty [music] reigns >> everybody. Hallelujah. >> everybody. Hallelujah. Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [singing] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] For the Lord God Almighty [music] For the Lord God Almighty [music] For the Lord God Almighty reigns. [music] are you, oh [singing] God [music] are you, oh [singing] God almighty. almighty. almighty. [music] [music] [music] Worthy [singing] is the lamb.

Worthy [singing] is the lamb. Worthy [singing] is the lamb. [music] Worthy is the lamb. For you are [music] Worthy is the lamb. For you are [music] Worthy is the lamb. For you are holy. [music] holy. [music] holy. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Holy are [singing] you, Lord God [music] are [singing] you, Lord God [music] Almighty, worthy [music] is the lamb. worthy [music] is the lamb. Worthy is [singing] the lamb. For you Worthy is [singing] the lamb. For you Worthy is [singing] the lamb. For you are holy, [music] are holy, [music] are holy, [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] holy holy holy [music] [music] [music] are you, Lord God are you, Lord God are you, Lord God Almighty. Almighty. Almighty. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Worthy is the lamb. >> Worthy is the lamb. >> Worthy is the lamb. [music] Worthy is the lamb. For you are [music] Worthy is the lamb. For you are [music] Worthy is the lamb. For you are holy, holy, holy, [music] [music] [music] holy. Are you God Are you God almighty? [music] What is the name?

What is the name? [music] [music] [music] What is the lamb for? You are holy, are you, Lord God are you, Lord God Almighty. Almighty. Almighty. [music] [music] Worthy is the Worthy is the [music] [music] [music] worthy is worthy. worthy is worthy. worthy is worthy. Where is the rain? Where is the rain? Where is the rain? [music] [music] [music] Where is the Amen. Let's stay right there in that Amen. Let's stay right there in that moment. Church family all across the moment. Church family all across the moment. Church family all across the state, we claim Jesus Christ. [music] state, we claim Jesus Christ. [music] state, we claim Jesus Christ. [music] You are worthy. There's none like you. You are worthy. There's none like you. You are worthy. There's none like you. We bless you, Father, Son, and Spirit. We bless you, Father, Son, and Spirit. We bless you, Father, Son, and Spirit. and we thank you for your gathered and we thank you for your gathered and we thank you for your gathered church. We thank you for the good news church. We thank you for the good news church. We thank you for the good news of the gospel. Would you move freely of the gospel. Would you move freely of the gospel. Would you move freely among us today, Lord? We pray that you among us today, Lord? We pray that you among us today, Lord? We pray that you would be magnified and made much of. And would be magnified and made much of. And would be magnified and made much of. And that as we magnify and make much of you, that as we magnify and make much of you, that as we magnify and make much of you, God, that you would give us joy that the God, that you would give us joy that the God, that you would give us joy that the world can't quench. That life can can world can't quench. That life can can world can't quench. That life can can carry us, God, ultimately carry us carry us, God, ultimately carry us carry us, God, ultimately carry us through the the ups and downs of our through the the ups and downs of our through the the ups and downs of our existence. and that ultimately we look existence. and that ultimately we look existence. and that ultimately we look forward and we're anchored in the forward and we're anchored in the forward and we're anchored in the reality of eternity with you. We love reality of eternity with you. We love reality of eternity with you. We love you, King Jesus. We bless you. We pray you, King Jesus. We bless you. We pray you, King Jesus. We bless you. We pray that you join us now as we open and

that you join us now as we open and that you join us now as we open and continue in worship through reading and continue in worship through reading and continue in worship through reading and really sitting with your word. We ask really sitting with your word. We ask really sitting with your word. We ask all of this in Christ Jesus name. And we all of this in Christ Jesus name. And we all of this in Christ Jesus name. And we say together on every single campus, say together on every single campus, say together on every single campus, amen. Hey, before you take a seat, could amen. Hey, before you take a seat, could amen. Hey, before you take a seat, could you raise a hallelujah, a hand clap, you raise a hallelujah, a hand clap, you raise a hallelujah, a hand clap, give the Lord your very best shout? give the Lord your very best shout? give the Lord your very best shout? Yeah. Come on. Amen. Amen. Y'all go Yeah. Come on. Amen. Amen. Y'all go Yeah. Come on. Amen. Amen. Y'all go ahead and grab a seat. Grab a seat. Good ahead and grab a seat. Grab a seat. Good ahead and grab a seat. Grab a seat. Good morning, church family. And while you're morning, church family. And while you're morning, church family. And while you're grabbing your seat and uh getting your grabbing your seat and uh getting your grabbing your seat and uh getting your bearings and opening up your Bible to bearings and opening up your Bible to bearings and opening up your Bible to Romans chapter 5, I want to just invite Romans chapter 5, I want to just invite Romans chapter 5, I want to just invite you to help me say good morning and you to help me say good morning and you to help me say good morning and welcome. I'll look right right at the welcome. I'll look right right at the welcome. I'll look right right at the camera for a moment. We've got two camera for a moment. We've got two camera for a moment. We've got two mission groups that are out from the uh mission groups that are out from the uh mission groups that are out from the uh Anderson campus. We've got a group in Anderson campus. We've got a group in Anderson campus. We've got a group in Kenya that's leaning in and watching. Kenya that's leaning in and watching. Kenya that's leaning in and watching. And so we want to say hello our Kenya And so we want to say hello our Kenya And so we want to say hello our Kenya group. And we've also got a group from group. And we've also got a group from group. And we've also got a group from our Northeast Colombia campus that's in our Northeast Colombia campus that's in our Northeast Colombia campus that's in Guatemala. So, two of our mission groups Guatemala. So, two of our mission groups Guatemala. So, two of our mission groups are leaning in and watching online. are leaning in and watching online. are leaning in and watching online. Church family, would you let them know Church family, would you let them know Church family, would you let them know that you're supporting and praying for that you're supporting and praying for that you're supporting and praying for them and so good to see you guys. Uh them and so good to see you guys. Uh them and so good to see you guys. Uh God's doing great stuff. Hey, we've also God's doing great stuff. Hey, we've also God's doing great stuff. Hey, we've also got a whole bunch of college students got a whole bunch of college students got a whole bunch of college students that are back on all of our campuses.

that are back on all of our campuses. that are back on all of our campuses. Move in day over the last it was a hot Move in day over the last it was a hot Move in day over the last it was a hot one yesterday. I heard they were moving one yesterday. I heard they were moving one yesterday. I heard they were moving in in Colombia yesterday and it's in in Colombia yesterday and it's in in Colombia yesterday and it's already uh famously hot in Colombia. For already uh famously hot in Colombia. For already uh famously hot in Colombia. For any of those college students that are any of those college students that are any of those college students that are back on all of our campuses, welcome back on all of our campuses, welcome back on all of our campuses, welcome back. We're so glad you're here and back. We're so glad you're here and back. We're so glad you're here and we're looking forward to seeing you jump we're looking forward to seeing you jump we're looking forward to seeing you jump in and getting involved. But New Spring in and getting involved. But New Spring in and getting involved. But New Spring Church family, would you say hello to Church family, would you say hello to Church family, would you say hello to all our college students all across the all our college students all across the all our college students all across the state of South Carolina? Good to see you state of South Carolina? Good to see you state of South Carolina? Good to see you guys. guys. guys. Well, excellent. Well, if you got your Well, excellent. Well, if you got your Well, excellent. Well, if you got your Bible or you want to open up the New Bible or you want to open up the New Bible or you want to open up the New Spring app, we're going to continue Spring app, we're going to continue Spring app, we're going to continue today in our uh our sermon series in the today in our uh our sermon series in the today in our uh our sermon series in the book of Romans and uh Pastor Dan last book of Romans and uh Pastor Dan last book of Romans and uh Pastor Dan last week, my goodness, Romans chapter 4, it week, my goodness, Romans chapter 4, it week, my goodness, Romans chapter 4, it was an unbelievable message. If you was an unbelievable message. If you was an unbelievable message. If you didn't get a chance to be here for that, didn't get a chance to be here for that, didn't get a chance to be here for that, you got to go back and watch it. He you got to go back and watch it. He you got to go back and watch it. He leaned into the star witness of Paul's leaned into the star witness of Paul's leaned into the star witness of Paul's letter to the Roman church, Abraham, and letter to the Roman church, Abraham, and letter to the Roman church, Abraham, and talked about Abraham by faith. And let talked about Abraham by faith. And let talked about Abraham by faith. And let me just say this, next week, Pastor me just say this, next week, Pastor me just say this, next week, Pastor Clayton's going to be with us, and we're Clayton's going to be with us, and we're Clayton's going to be with us, and we're going to get to celebrate a lot of going to get to celebrate a lot of going to get to celebrate a lot of people uh going forward publicly in people uh going forward publicly in people uh going forward publicly in baptism next week. It's going to be a baptism next week. It's going to be a baptism next week. It's going to be a really, really special Sunday. So, I'll really, really special Sunday. So, I'll really, really special Sunday. So, I'll just go ahead and tell you that. But, just go ahead and tell you that. But, just go ahead and tell you that. But, let's remind ourselves of what's going let's remind ourselves of what's going let's remind ourselves of what's going on in the letter to the Romans. And so, on in the letter to the Romans. And so, on in the letter to the Romans. And so, not rhetorical on all of our campuses.

not rhetorical on all of our campuses. not rhetorical on all of our campuses. Who wrote the letter to the Romans? I've Who wrote the letter to the Romans? I've Who wrote the letter to the Romans? I've already said his name once. Who wrote already said his name once. Who wrote already said his name once. Who wrote it? it? it? >> Paul. >> Paul. >> Paul. >> Paul. Right. And he was writing it to a >> Paul. Right. And he was writing it to a >> Paul. Right. And he was writing it to a church that he had never actually been church that he had never actually been church that he had never actually been there, but they were in the midst of a there, but they were in the midst of a there, but they were in the midst of a merger. Dan did this well last week. I'm merger. Dan did this well last week. I'm merger. Dan did this well last week. I'm not going to get the image out of my not going to get the image out of my not going to get the image out of my head of Clemson fans and Carolina fans head of Clemson fans and Carolina fans head of Clemson fans and Carolina fans touching the rock and running down the touching the rock and running down the touching the rock and running down the hill while sandstorm and white towels hill while sandstorm and white towels hill while sandstorm and white towels are swinging. that that that kind of uh are swinging. that that that kind of uh are swinging. that that that kind of uh crazy unity is exactly what's described crazy unity is exactly what's described crazy unity is exactly what's described by Paul here. And the reason for this is by Paul here. And the reason for this is by Paul here. And the reason for this is there had been about a six seven-year there had been about a six seven-year there had been about a six seven-year uh leaving of the Jewish Christians from uh leaving of the Jewish Christians from uh leaving of the Jewish Christians from the city of Rome. We know this from the city of Rome. We know this from the city of Rome. We know this from history. And so now that Claudius, the history. And so now that Claudius, the history. And so now that Claudius, the emperor who had kicked them out of Rome, emperor who had kicked them out of Rome, emperor who had kicked them out of Rome, had died and Nero was in, all of these had died and Nero was in, all of these had died and Nero was in, all of these Christian Jewish leaders, Christians Christian Jewish leaders, Christians Christian Jewish leaders, Christians were invited back in. And so the were invited back in. And so the were invited back in. And so the Gentiles that had been leading in the Gentiles that had been leading in the Gentiles that had been leading in the church in Rome and the Jews were having church in Rome and the Jews were having church in Rome and the Jews were having to come back together. And uh it kind of to come back together. And uh it kind of to come back together. And uh it kind of reminds me a little bit of parenting, reminds me a little bit of parenting, reminds me a little bit of parenting, trying to get kids to get along. I don't trying to get kids to get along. I don't trying to get kids to get along. I don't know if you moms and dads, where you at, know if you moms and dads, where you at, know if you moms and dads, where you at, moms and dads, wave at me if you're moms and dads, wave at me if you're moms and dads, wave at me if you're doing a little bit. Okay, this is me, doing a little bit. Okay, this is me, doing a little bit. Okay, this is me, too. uh a friend of ours uh on staff, too. uh a friend of ours uh on staff, too. uh a friend of ours uh on staff, she talked about one of the things that she talked about one of the things that she talked about one of the things that her mama used to do and that she has her mama used to do and that she has her mama used to do and that she has done now for her kids. She calls it the done now for her kids. She calls it the done now for her kids. She calls it the getalong shirt. And the get along shirt getalong shirt. And the get along shirt getalong shirt. And the get along shirt is when two of your children are is when two of your children are is when two of your children are fighting. Instead of sending one to the fighting. Instead of sending one to the fighting. Instead of sending one to the room or doing this the other, she has a

room or doing this the other, she has a room or doing this the other, she has a big t-shirt that she makes both the kids big t-shirt that she makes both the kids big t-shirt that she makes both the kids wear and they have to get along. and she wear and they have to get along. and she wear and they have to get along. and she puts it over the top of them and makes puts it over the top of them and makes puts it over the top of them and makes them sit together for five minutes and them sit together for five minutes and them sit together for five minutes and get along. And I think that's that's get along. And I think that's that's get along. And I think that's that's maybe cruel and unusual. Not really. I maybe cruel and unusual. Not really. I maybe cruel and unusual. Not really. I think it's brilliant. But I want you to think it's brilliant. But I want you to think it's brilliant. But I want you to see this gospel that Paul is writing. see this gospel that Paul is writing. see this gospel that Paul is writing. He's putting the get along shirt over He's putting the get along shirt over He's putting the get along shirt over the tops of the Gentile and Jewish the tops of the Gentile and Jewish the tops of the Gentile and Jewish Christians and saying, "No, no, no, no. Christians and saying, "No, no, no, no. Christians and saying, "No, no, no, no. We're not going to break apart. We're We're not going to break apart. We're We're not going to break apart. We're not going to have a house church of Jews not going to have a house church of Jews not going to have a house church of Jews over here and a house church of Gentiles over here and a house church of Gentiles over here and a house church of Gentiles over there. In the unity of Christ, over there. In the unity of Christ, over there. In the unity of Christ, we're called to get along, everybody. we're called to get along, everybody. we're called to get along, everybody. We're called to get along. And so that's We're called to get along. And so that's We're called to get along. And so that's why there's so much Jew and Greek or Jew why there's so much Jew and Greek or Jew why there's so much Jew and Greek or Jew and Gentile language because, listen to and Gentile language because, listen to and Gentile language because, listen to this, our unity in Christ matters. One this, our unity in Christ matters. One this, our unity in Christ matters. One of the values of our church, you walk by of the values of our church, you walk by of the values of our church, you walk by it, every single time you come into a it, every single time you come into a it, every single time you come into a gathering, it's up on the wall, is that gathering, it's up on the wall, is that gathering, it's up on the wall, is that we are a people that are going to pursue we are a people that are going to pursue we are a people that are going to pursue uncommon unity. And that comes straight uncommon unity. And that comes straight uncommon unity. And that comes straight from the scripture. So, I'll just give from the scripture. So, I'll just give from the scripture. So, I'll just give you a moment to look around at every you a moment to look around at every you a moment to look around at every campus, old and young, different campus, old and young, different campus, old and young, different complexions from different ethnicities, complexions from different ethnicities, complexions from different ethnicities, different socioeconomic realities. But different socioeconomic realities. But different socioeconomic realities. But how many of you know at New Spring how many of you know at New Spring how many of you know at New Spring Church that we in Christ are called to Church that we in Christ are called to Church that we in Christ are called to be the most unified yet diverse be the most unified yet diverse be the most unified yet diverse expression of humanity in all of the expression of humanity in all of the expression of humanity in all of the world? And so, it's why we're going to world? And so, it's why we're going to world? And so, it's why we're going to be about pursuing in common unity. And be about pursuing in common unity. And be about pursuing in common unity. And so you'll even get a flavor of that in so you'll even get a flavor of that in so you'll even get a flavor of that in the thesis statement of the letter to the thesis statement of the letter to the thesis statement of the letter to the Roman church. Right in the

the Roman church. Right in the the Roman church. Right in the beginning, if you want to look at this beginning, if you want to look at this beginning, if you want to look at this or write it down, jot this down. Romans or write it down, jot this down. Romans or write it down, jot this down. Romans 1 16 and 17. It says this. Paul writes, 1 16 and 17. It says this. Paul writes, 1 16 and 17. It says this. Paul writes, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For "For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For "For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God." Everybody say it is the power of God." Everybody say it is the power of God." Everybody say power of God. No. Say power of God like power of God. No. Say power of God like power of God. No. Say power of God like you got caffeine. Power of God. Yeah. you got caffeine. Power of God. Yeah. you got caffeine. Power of God. Yeah. It's the power of God for salvation. It's the power of God for salvation. It's the power of God for salvation. Look at this. to everyone who believes Look at this. to everyone who believes Look at this. to everyone who believes first to the Jew, the Jew first, and first to the Jew, the Jew first, and first to the Jew, the Jew first, and also to the Greek or the Gentile. For in also to the Greek or the Gentile. For in also to the Greek or the Gentile. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed it the righteousness of God is revealed it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, from faith for faith, as it is written, from faith for faith, as it is written, the righteous shall live by faith. the righteous shall live by faith. the righteous shall live by faith. And so, you've got this unity in Christ And so, you've got this unity in Christ And so, you've got this unity in Christ that Paul wants to make sure everyone that Paul wants to make sure everyone that Paul wants to make sure everyone understands. And it's worth us working understands. And it's worth us working understands. And it's worth us working through all of our different differences through all of our different differences through all of our different differences because we're going to be unified in because we're going to be unified in because we're going to be unified in Christ. And now as we go to chapter 5 Christ. And now as we go to chapter 5 Christ. And now as we go to chapter 5 for just a moment, I want you to know for just a moment, I want you to know for just a moment, I want you to know today we're going to really begin to see today we're going to really begin to see today we're going to really begin to see the value of what it is to be in Christ.

the value of what it is to be in Christ. the value of what it is to be in Christ. As Paul articulates in this entire As Paul articulates in this entire As Paul articulates in this entire chapter, three major emphases on what chapter, three major emphases on what chapter, three major emphases on what the new identity in Christ is. And we the new identity in Christ is. And we the new identity in Christ is. And we talked about this at the beginning of talked about this at the beginning of talked about this at the beginning of this series. The theme of the book of this series. The theme of the book of this series. The theme of the book of Romans is it is a forming book. It is a Romans is it is a forming book. It is a Romans is it is a forming book. It is a cristo formation in three major areas. cristo formation in three major areas. cristo formation in three major areas. One of Paul's major areas is he wants us One of Paul's major areas is he wants us One of Paul's major areas is he wants us to be formed into the image of Christ. to be formed into the image of Christ. to be formed into the image of Christ. If you are in Christ, you and I are If you are in Christ, you and I are If you are in Christ, you and I are going to look more like Jesus every day, going to look more like Jesus every day, going to look more like Jesus every day, every week, every month, every year that every week, every month, every year that every week, every month, every year that we walk with him. We're going to be we walk with him. We're going to be we walk with him. We're going to be formed. We're not going to be static. formed. We're not going to be static. formed. We're not going to be static. Matter of fact, there is no such thing Matter of fact, there is no such thing Matter of fact, there is no such thing as static in the Christian life. We're as static in the Christian life. We're as static in the Christian life. We're going to be looking more like Jesus. The going to be looking more like Jesus. The going to be looking more like Jesus. The second area of formation is the body of second area of formation is the body of second area of formation is the body of Christ is going to be formed. We're not Christ is going to be formed. We're not Christ is going to be formed. We're not going to be isolated individuals. We're going to be isolated individuals. We're going to be isolated individuals. We're going to look more like we do right now. going to look more like we do right now. going to look more like we do right now. We're going to be with others and we're We're going to be with others and we're We're going to be with others and we're going to find our context as we use our going to find our context as we use our going to find our context as we use our gifts alongside of brothers and sisters gifts alongside of brothers and sisters gifts alongside of brothers and sisters from varied backgrounds. And we're going from varied backgrounds. And we're going from varied backgrounds. And we're going to be the body of Christ, the family of to be the body of Christ, the family of to be the body of Christ, the family of God. And then the third formation that's God. And then the third formation that's God. And then the third formation that's going to exist is the mission of Christ going to exist is the mission of Christ going to exist is the mission of Christ is going to be formed in us. So is going to be formed in us. So is going to be formed in us. So individually, we're going to look more individually, we're going to look more individually, we're going to look more like Christ. Collectively, we're going like Christ. Collectively, we're going like Christ. Collectively, we're going to look more like the body and then to look more like the body and then to look more like the body and then collectively we're going to live a life collectively we're going to live a life collectively we're going to live a life on mission. That's what he is after.

on mission. That's what he is after. on mission. That's what he is after. Now, question before I jump into the Now, question before I jump into the Now, question before I jump into the text. Where am I public school folk at text. Where am I public school folk at text. Where am I public school folk at that were raised in public school, that were raised in public school, that were raised in public school, middle school, high school, public middle school, high school, public middle school, high school, public school folk, okay? All all across the school folk, okay? All all across the school folk, okay? All all across the camp. All right? I folks that that went camp. All right? I folks that that went camp. All right? I folks that that went back to public schools back in the back to public schools back in the back to public schools back in the 1900s. I'm talking to you. Okay? I need 1900s. I'm talking to you. Okay? I need 1900s. I'm talking to you. Okay? I need you in your mind's eye to go back to you in your mind's eye to go back to you in your mind's eye to go back to your maybe your middle school or your your maybe your middle school or your your maybe your middle school or your high school for a moment and close your high school for a moment and close your high school for a moment and close your eyes and I want you to see the sights, eyes and I want you to see the sights, eyes and I want you to see the sights, hear the sounds, but specifically I want hear the sounds, but specifically I want hear the sounds, but specifically I want you to you to you to smell with me what your middle school smell with me what your middle school smell with me what your middle school and your high school smelled like. What and your high school smelled like. What and your high school smelled like. What are some of those nostalgic smells that are some of those nostalgic smells that are some of those nostalgic smells that come to your mind? come to your mind? come to your mind? Anderson campus, I'm going to ask you to Anderson campus, I'm going to ask you to Anderson campus, I'm going to ask you to just toss some out. Does anybody out just toss some out. Does anybody out just toss some out. Does anybody out there smell square pizza? Come on, there smell square pizza? Come on, there smell square pizza? Come on, Square Pizza. It's Friday at our public Square Pizza. It's Friday at our public Square Pizza. It's Friday at our public school. Square Pizza, how about Does school. Square Pizza, how about Does school. Square Pizza, how about Does anybody smell Can of corn, for whatever anybody smell Can of corn, for whatever anybody smell Can of corn, for whatever reason, that like Giblly corn, you know, reason, that like Giblly corn, you know, reason, that like Giblly corn, you know, on the on the on the tray. Some of y'all on the on the on the tray. Some of y'all on the on the on the tray. Some of y'all y'all were bougie. Your mama packed your y'all were bougie. Your mama packed your y'all were bougie. Your mama packed your lunch. You didn't You didn't eat school lunch. You didn't You didn't eat school lunch. You didn't You didn't eat school lunch like the rest of us did. Okay. All lunch like the rest of us did. Okay. All lunch like the rest of us did. Okay. All right. Does somebody somebody smell a right. Does somebody somebody smell a right. Does somebody somebody smell a little bit of mold because the the wet?

little bit of mold because the the wet? little bit of mold because the the wet? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. All Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. All Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. All right. Okay. Okay. That's there. All right. Okay. Okay. That's there. All right. Okay. Okay. That's there. All right. How about Does anybody smell right. How about Does anybody smell right. How about Does anybody smell body odor? Yeah. Okay. Okay. Uh I was body odor? Yeah. Okay. Okay. Uh I was body odor? Yeah. Okay. Okay. Uh I was preaching on Thursday night in in at in preaching on Thursday night in in at in preaching on Thursday night in in at in our Greenville campus and uh one of the our Greenville campus and uh one of the our Greenville campus and uh one of the staff members said she can smell Axe staff members said she can smell Axe staff members said she can smell Axe body spray. I said that's a new feature. body spray. I said that's a new feature. body spray. I said that's a new feature. Uh I was beyond Axe body spray. That was Uh I was beyond Axe body spray. That was Uh I was beyond Axe body spray. That was in my youth pastor days. But now in in my youth pastor days. But now in in my youth pastor days. But now in middle school it's like axe body spray. middle school it's like axe body spray. middle school it's like axe body spray. Okay. All right. Okay. One more. One Okay. All right. Okay. One more. One Okay. All right. Okay. One more. One more. One more. Does anybody smell more. One more. Does anybody smell more. One more. Does anybody smell [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] formaldahhide? formaldahhide? formaldahhide? Y'all remember that? A distinct smell, Y'all remember that? A distinct smell, Y'all remember that? A distinct smell, wasn't it? Now on the day that you walk wasn't it? Now on the day that you walk wasn't it? Now on the day that you walk into your school and maybe you didn't into your school and maybe you didn't into your school and maybe you didn't never know what that smell was and you never know what that smell was and you never know what that smell was and you smell vermaldahhide what is going on at smell vermaldahhide what is going on at smell vermaldahhide what is going on at the school during that week maybe that the school during that week maybe that the school during that week maybe that two week period what's happening okay two week period what's happening okay two week period what's happening okay EVERYBODY YEAH THERE'S DISSECTION okay EVERYBODY YEAH THERE'S DISSECTION okay EVERYBODY YEAH THERE'S DISSECTION okay okay listen listen I want you to know okay listen listen I want you to know okay listen listen I want you to know that today in Romans chapter 5 everybody that today in Romans chapter 5 everybody that today in Romans chapter 5 everybody breathe in with me on three 1 2 3 breathe in with me on three 1 2 3 breathe in with me on three 1 2 3 we're going to be sniffing right now we're going to be sniffing right now we're going to be sniffing right now around this text gospel vermaldahhide around this text gospel vermaldahhide around this text gospel vermaldahhide Paul is about to lay out for us the body Paul is about to lay out for us the body Paul is about to lay out for us the body of evidence of evidence of evidence and not just talk about it from just a and not just talk about it from just a and not just talk about it from just a words and logic. He's actually going to words and logic. He's actually going to words and logic. He's actually going to invite us in to handle and experience invite us in to handle and experience invite us in to handle and experience what the gospel does. We can read about what the gospel does. We can read about what the gospel does. We can read about it in the textbook. We can see how all it in the textbook. We can see how all it in the textbook. We can see how all of it fits together. It's a thorough of it fits together. It's a thorough of it fits together. It's a thorough explanation of the gospel. But then he's explanation of the gospel. But then he's explanation of the gospel. But then he's going to invite us in to actually going to invite us in to actually going to invite us in to actually experience for the words to come off the

experience for the words to come off the experience for the words to come off the page to show itself to be living and page to show itself to be living and page to show itself to be living and active. And it's not just something you active. And it's not just something you active. And it's not just something you read about. It's something you read about. It's something you read about. It's something you experience. And we're going to actually, experience. And we're going to actually, experience. And we're going to actually, if you want to write this down, we're if you want to write this down, we're if you want to write this down, we're going to see Paul dissect hope going to see Paul dissect hope going to see Paul dissect hope today. Where does hope come from? Where today. Where does hope come from? Where today. Where does hope come from? Where does it spring from? And how do we get does it spring from? And how do we get does it spring from? And how do we get more of it? How can we have access to more of it? How can we have access to more of it? How can we have access to it? So, with that, let's get into the it? So, with that, let's get into the it? So, with that, let's get into the text. If you if you don't mind, would text. If you if you don't mind, would text. If you if you don't mind, would you holler at me and invite me to bring you holler at me and invite me to bring you holler at me and invite me to bring out the book? Everybody bring out the out the book? Everybody bring out the out the book? Everybody bring out the book. All right. Let's read the word of book. All right. Let's read the word of book. All right. Let's read the word of God. Romans chapter 5. We'll read the God. Romans chapter 5. We'll read the God. Romans chapter 5. We'll read the first 11 verses. Paul writes to the first 11 verses. Paul writes to the first 11 verses. Paul writes to the church and he says, "Therefore, church and he says, "Therefore, church and he says, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, since we have been justified by faith, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord we have peace with God through our Lord we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ through him, we have also Jesus Christ through him, we have also Jesus Christ through him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace obtained access by faith into this grace obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in in which we stand. And we rejoice in in which we stand. And we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Well, that's hope of the glory of God." Well, that's hope of the glory of God." Well, that's amazing. first two verses. Now watch amazing. first two verses. Now watch amazing. first two verses. Now watch this. Not only that, but we rejoice in this. Not only that, but we rejoice in this. Not only that, but we rejoice in our suffering, our suffering, our suffering, knowing that suffering produces knowing that suffering produces knowing that suffering produces endurance. Endurance produces character.

endurance. Endurance produces character. endurance. Endurance produces character. Character produces what? Hope. And hope Character produces what? Hope. And hope Character produces what? Hope. And hope does not put us to shame. Because God's does not put us to shame. Because God's does not put us to shame. Because God's love has been poured into our hearts love has been poured into our hearts love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been through the Holy Spirit who has been through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still given to us. For while we were still given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for weak, at the right time, Christ died for weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. the ungodly. the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a For one will scarcely die for a For one will scarcely die for a righteous person, though perhaps for a righteous person, though perhaps for a righteous person, though perhaps for a good person, one would dare even to die. good person, one would dare even to die. good person, one would dare even to die. Look at verse eight. But God shows his Look at verse eight. But God shows his Look at verse eight. But God shows his love for us in that while we were still love for us in that while we were still love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since sinners, Christ died for us. Since sinners, Christ died for us. Since therefore we have now been justified by therefore we have now been justified by therefore we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved his blood, much more shall we be saved his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if by him from the wrath of God. For if by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were while we were enemies, we were while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his reconciled to God by the death of his reconciled to God by the death of his son, much more now that we are son, much more now that we are son, much more now that we are reconciled shall we be saved by his reconciled shall we be saved by his reconciled shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in life. More than that, we also rejoice in life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, God through our Lord Jesus Christ, God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received through whom we have now received through whom we have now received reconciliation.

reconciliation. reconciliation. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. So, let me ask a question there to God. So, let me ask a question there to God. So, let me ask a question there for a moment that we see Paul talk for a moment that we see Paul talk for a moment that we see Paul talk about. about. about. Where does hope come from? Where does hope come from? Where does hope come from? Where does hope come from? Maybe you Where does hope come from? Maybe you Where does hope come from? Maybe you should jot that down. Where does hope should jot that down. Where does hope should jot that down. Where does hope come from? And he tells us in this text come from? And he tells us in this text come from? And he tells us in this text three things in chapter 5. He tells us three things in chapter 5. He tells us three things in chapter 5. He tells us and and I want to make sure you get and and I want to make sure you get and and I want to make sure you get these. He he he's going to say right at these. He he he's going to say right at these. He he he's going to say right at the beginning in verse one that hope the beginning in verse one that hope the beginning in verse one that hope comes from this idea of justification. comes from this idea of justification. comes from this idea of justification. That the upshot of justification is that That the upshot of justification is that That the upshot of justification is that we have hope. Justification just a legal we have hope. Justification just a legal we have hope. Justification just a legal term. It means that we have been term. It means that we have been term. It means that we have been declared righteous. And Dan last week, declared righteous. And Dan last week, declared righteous. And Dan last week, Pastor Lee the week before that told us Pastor Lee the week before that told us Pastor Lee the week before that told us very clearly where that righteousness very clearly where that righteousness very clearly where that righteousness comes from. It comes and Dan made us comes from. It comes and Dan made us comes from. It comes and Dan made us yell it out last week. He says it comes yell it out last week. He says it comes yell it out last week. He says it comes by faith in Jesus Christ and that by by faith in Jesus Christ and that by by faith in Jesus Christ and that by faith in Jesus we are justified and faith in Jesus we are justified and faith in Jesus we are justified and therefore those that are in Christ, therefore those that are in Christ, therefore those that are in Christ, those that are being formed into the those that are being formed into the those that are being formed into the image of Christ have hope, have a reason image of Christ have hope, have a reason image of Christ have hope, have a reason to hope. Now hope is kind of a wild to hope. Now hope is kind of a wild to hope. Now hope is kind of a wild idea. It's a really important word and idea. It's a really important word and idea. It's a really important word and people understand it that we live in a people understand it that we live in a people understand it that we live in a space and a place in our world where space and a place in our world where space and a place in our world where there's a lot of hopelessness.

there's a lot of hopelessness. there's a lot of hopelessness. Maybe even here today there's folks that Maybe even here today there's folks that Maybe even here today there's folks that are feeling hopeless. are feeling hopeless. are feeling hopeless. But let me ask you a question. When you But let me ask you a question. When you But let me ask you a question. When you think about hope, what are some of the think about hope, what are some of the think about hope, what are some of the moments of hope or or memories of hope moments of hope or or memories of hope moments of hope or or memories of hope that you think about? Because our world that you think about? Because our world that you think about? Because our world talks about hope a lot. But I don't talks about hope a lot. But I don't talks about hope a lot. But I don't think necessarily they're talking about think necessarily they're talking about think necessarily they're talking about biblical hope. And so we want to get biblical hope. And so we want to get biblical hope. And so we want to get around biblical hope. Where does hope around biblical hope. Where does hope around biblical hope. Where does hope come from? I can remember in my memory come from? I can remember in my memory come from? I can remember in my memory banks, uh there was a there was actually banks, uh there was a there was actually banks, uh there was a there was actually a campaign in in an election for America a campaign in in an election for America a campaign in in an election for America years ago, 2008, where there was there years ago, 2008, where there was there years ago, 2008, where there was there was actually a presidential candidate was actually a presidential candidate was actually a presidential candidate that use the word hope and and so they that use the word hope and and so they that use the word hope and and so they would leverage this word hope and the would leverage this word hope and the would leverage this word hope and the feelings that it gives the world to feelings that it gives the world to feelings that it gives the world to motivate people to vote for them. And so motivate people to vote for them. And so motivate people to vote for them. And so some people think hope is it's it's a some people think hope is it's it's a some people think hope is it's it's a motivational tool. It's a it's a motivational tool. It's a it's a motivational tool. It's a it's a powerful motivator to get people powerful motivator to get people powerful motivator to get people aligned. And so they didn't necessarily aligned. And so they didn't necessarily aligned. And so they didn't necessarily use the biblical definition of hope, but use the biblical definition of hope, but use the biblical definition of hope, but just the thought of hope, just the just the thought of hope, just the just the thought of hope, just the thought of a better future, just hope in thought of a better future, just hope in thought of a better future, just hope in the future was enough to motivate the future was enough to motivate the future was enough to motivate people. Another example of hope for my people. Another example of hope for my people. Another example of hope for my memory banks is uh from a movie. Do I memory banks is uh from a movie. Do I memory banks is uh from a movie. Do I have any fans out there of the original have any fans out there of the original have any fans out there of the original Space Jam? Anybody out there? Space Jam.

Space Jam? Anybody out there? Space Jam. Space Jam? Anybody out there? Space Jam. Okay. I'm not talking about the new one Okay. I'm not talking about the new one Okay. I'm not talking about the new one that features the second best player in that features the second best player in that features the second best player in in NBA history. I'm talking about the in NBA history. I'm talking about the in NBA history. I'm talking about the original that features the goat. Michael original that features the goat. Michael original that features the goat. Michael Jordan, uh the very best player ever. Jordan, uh the very best player ever. Jordan, uh the very best player ever. And uh Michael Jordan, you remember, if And uh Michael Jordan, you remember, if And uh Michael Jordan, you remember, if you've not seen this one, you can watch you've not seen this one, you can watch you've not seen this one, you can watch this one with your kids. Michael Jordan this one with your kids. Michael Jordan this one with your kids. Michael Jordan was trying to take some Looney Tunes and was trying to take some Looney Tunes and was trying to take some Looney Tunes and they were going to have to try to defeat they were going to have to try to defeat they were going to have to try to defeat the Mon Stars. Remember the Monst Stars? the Mon Stars. Remember the Monst Stars? the Mon Stars. Remember the Monst Stars? And uh there was a great song that comes And uh there was a great song that comes And uh there was a great song that comes to mind when I think of Space Jam. to mind when I think of Space Jam. to mind when I think of Space Jam. Anybody else got it playing in their Anybody else got it playing in their Anybody else got it playing in their head? Space Jam, it's your chance. Do head? Space Jam, it's your chance. Do head? Space Jam, it's your chance. Do your dance with the SP. Okay. All right. your dance with the SP. Okay. All right. your dance with the SP. Okay. All right. Now, y'all didn't want to go with me at Now, y'all didn't want to go with me at Now, y'all didn't want to go with me at 9:15 this morning. Okay, I saw a couple 9:15 this morning. Okay, I saw a couple 9:15 this morning. Okay, I saw a couple of you get out. That's another smell, by of you get out. That's another smell, by of you get out. That's another smell, by the way, of middle school, the sock hop. the way, of middle school, the sock hop. the way, of middle school, the sock hop. The sock hop middle school smell, Space The sock hop middle school smell, Space The sock hop middle school smell, Space Jam. And Michael Jordan tried to Jam. And Michael Jordan tried to Jam. And Michael Jordan tried to motivate those Looney Tunes with some motivate those Looney Tunes with some motivate those Looney Tunes with some hope. And he used something that maybe hope. And he used something that maybe hope. And he used something that maybe perhaps you will remember. It was called perhaps you will remember. It was called perhaps you will remember. It was called Michael's Secret Stuff. Michael's Secret Stuff. Michael's Secret Stuff. What was Michael's secret stuff? Anybody What was Michael's secret stuff? Anybody What was Michael's secret stuff? Anybody on the front row remember what Michael's on the front row remember what Michael's on the front row remember what Michael's secret stuff was? Yeah, ring guy said secret stuff was? Yeah, ring guy said secret stuff was? Yeah, ring guy said it. just regular old water. It was a it. just regular old water. It was a it. just regular old water. It was a placebo. And so he took this water and placebo. And so he took this water and placebo. And so he took this water and all of the Looney Tunes believe that all of the Looney Tunes believe that all of the Looney Tunes believe that Michael drinks this secret stuff and it Michael drinks this secret stuff and it Michael drinks this secret stuff and it makes him the very best ever. And so all makes him the very best ever. And so all makes him the very best ever. And so all this is is this is a ploy of hope. It this is is this is a ploy of hope. It this is is this is a ploy of hope. It was a placebo that if you just put was a placebo that if you just put was a placebo that if you just put Michael's secret stuff on it, put it in Michael's secret stuff on it, put it in Michael's secret stuff on it, put it in the hands of the greatest basketball the hands of the greatest basketball the hands of the greatest basketball player of all time, he drinks it and player of all time, he drinks it and player of all time, he drinks it and he's so good. If you drink it, you'll be he's so good. If you drink it, you'll be he's so good. If you drink it, you'll be good, too. Friends, that's just the good, too. Friends, that's just the good, too. Friends, that's just the basics of marketing and advertising.

basics of marketing and advertising. basics of marketing and advertising. That's what your Instagram is doing to That's what your Instagram is doing to That's what your Instagram is doing to you every single day. You can look like you every single day. You can look like you every single day. You can look like this. You can live like this. You can this. You can live like this. You can this. You can live like this. You can experience life like this. This is experience life like this. This is experience life like this. This is false hope. Not to pick on Michael false hope. Not to pick on Michael false hope. Not to pick on Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes. It's a Jordan and the Looney Tunes. It's a Jordan and the Looney Tunes. It's a great movie. And they end up winning in great movie. And they end up winning in great movie. And they end up winning in the end. Spoiler alert. But I want you the end. Spoiler alert. But I want you the end. Spoiler alert. But I want you to know that's not the kind of hope that to know that's not the kind of hope that to know that's not the kind of hope that Paul's writing to the church in Rome Paul's writing to the church in Rome Paul's writing to the church in Rome about. It is not propaganda. It is not about. It is not propaganda. It is not about. It is not propaganda. It is not marketing and advertising. and the marketing and advertising. and the marketing and advertising. and the Christian hope. When we sing about hope Christian hope. When we sing about hope Christian hope. When we sing about hope in our songs and we preach about hope in in our songs and we preach about hope in in our songs and we preach about hope in our sermons and we live anchored in our sermons and we live anchored in our sermons and we live anchored in hope, we are not just leaning into some hope, we are not just leaning into some hope, we are not just leaning into some kind of placebo effect that if we just kind of placebo effect that if we just kind of placebo effect that if we just smile and we sing and we just kind of smile and we sing and we just kind of smile and we sing and we just kind of act like life is good, then it's all act like life is good, then it's all act like life is good, then it's all going to be okay. Paul is actually going to be okay. Paul is actually going to be okay. Paul is actually giving us objective, concrete, real hope giving us objective, concrete, real hope giving us objective, concrete, real hope that'll carry us through this life and that'll carry us through this life and that'll carry us through this life and all that we'll go through and into all that we'll go through and into all that we'll go through and into eternity. And that is good news. That is eternity. And that is good news. That is eternity. And that is good news. That is the power of the gospel. Somebody better the power of the gospel. Somebody better the power of the gospel. Somebody better say amen. And so the first thing that say amen. And so the first thing that say amen. And so the first thing that justification when you're in Christ justification when you're in Christ justification when you're in Christ gives you, I want you to write this gives you, I want you to write this gives you, I want you to write this down, is that we get the opportunity to down, is that we get the opportunity to down, is that we get the opportunity to stand in hope.

stand in hope. stand in hope. To stand in hope. To stand in hope. To stand in hope. Now, I've actually got a definition of Now, I've actually got a definition of Now, I've actually got a definition of hope that I want you to write down hope that I want you to write down hope that I want you to write down because I think it kind of shows you the because I think it kind of shows you the because I think it kind of shows you the distinction between the hope the world distinction between the hope the world distinction between the hope the world talks about and the hope that Paul and talks about and the hope that Paul and talks about and the hope that Paul and the scriptures talk about. And here's the scriptures talk about. And here's the scriptures talk about. And here's the definition of hope. In the Bible, the definition of hope. In the Bible, the definition of hope. In the Bible, hope is not wishful thinking. No, hope is not wishful thinking. No, hope is not wishful thinking. No, or uncertain desire. or uncertain desire. or uncertain desire. It is confident It is confident It is confident expectation and joyful assurance of expectation and joyful assurance of expectation and joyful assurance of future good based on God's character and future good based on God's character and future good based on God's character and promises. That's what hope is, promises. That's what hope is, promises. That's what hope is, everybody. everybody. everybody. This is the hope that we cling to as This is the hope that we cling to as This is the hope that we cling to as Christ followers. If you are in Christ, Christ followers. If you are in Christ, Christ followers. If you are in Christ, you are justified. Then the upshot of you are justified. Then the upshot of you are justified. Then the upshot of that in your life is that you've got that in your life is that you've got that in your life is that you've got real hope. And look at me, you can stand real hope. And look at me, you can stand real hope. And look at me, you can stand on that. real hope, not placebo effect, on that. real hope, not placebo effect, on that. real hope, not placebo effect, not propaganda, not advertising and not propaganda, not advertising and not propaganda, not advertising and marketing, but you've got real hope that marketing, but you've got real hope that marketing, but you've got real hope that Paul writes to the church and he says, Paul writes to the church and he says, Paul writes to the church and he says, "Therefore, since we have been justified "Therefore, since we have been justified "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through by faith, we have peace with God through by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. And through him, our Lord Jesus Christ. And through him, our Lord Jesus Christ. And through him, we've obtained access by faith into we've obtained access by faith into we've obtained access by faith into grace." So, we've got peace, we've got grace." So, we've got peace, we've got grace." So, we've got peace, we've got grace, and we now stand in it, and we grace, and we now stand in it, and we grace, and we now stand in it, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. We've got real hope. Now, one of the We've got real hope. Now, one of the We've got real hope. Now, one of the prerequisites for all of this that we've prerequisites for all of this that we've prerequisites for all of this that we've got to reckon with, and I'm hearing got to reckon with, and I'm hearing got to reckon with, and I'm hearing right now the famous British pastor of right now the famous British pastor of right now the famous British pastor of yestery year, Charles Spurgeon, talk a yestery year, Charles Spurgeon, talk a yestery year, Charles Spurgeon, talk a little bit about this, and I'm little bit about this, and I'm little bit about this, and I'm paraphrasing here, but he said, you paraphrasing here, but he said, you paraphrasing here, but he said, you know, in heaven, everybody that made it know, in heaven, everybody that made it know, in heaven, everybody that made it to heaven, that makes it to heaven, all to heaven, that makes it to heaven, all to heaven, that makes it to heaven, all of them will know themselves to be of them will know themselves to be of them will know themselves to be sinners. That's the only people that sinners. That's the only people that sinners. That's the only people that make it to heaven. And hell will be make it to heaven. And hell will be make it to heaven. And hell will be filled up with all the people that filled up with all the people that filled up with all the people that denied they ever sinned. denied they ever sinned. denied they ever sinned. And so one of the the litmus tests for And so one of the the litmus tests for And so one of the the litmus tests for hope in order to see that it's real is hope in order to see that it's real is hope in order to see that it's real is real hope can handle sin. And that is real hope can handle sin. And that is real hope can handle sin. And that is really good news. The hope of the gospel really good news. The hope of the gospel really good news. The hope of the gospel can handle sin. Michael Jordan's secret can handle sin. Michael Jordan's secret can handle sin. Michael Jordan's secret stuff can't handle sin. The hope of the stuff can't handle sin. The hope of the stuff can't handle sin. The hope of the world, it can't handle sin. But the hope world, it can't handle sin. But the hope world, it can't handle sin. But the hope of the gospel can handle our very worst. of the gospel can handle our very worst. of the gospel can handle our very worst. And in fact, in verse eight, I want you And in fact, in verse eight, I want you And in fact, in verse eight, I want you to look at it again with me. In verse to look at it again with me. In verse to look at it again with me. In verse eight of this chapter, it says something eight of this chapter, it says something eight of this chapter, it says something incredible. Actually, in verse eight of incredible. Actually, in verse eight of incredible. Actually, in verse eight of this chapter, it it says these words, this chapter, it it says these words, this chapter, it it says these words, "But God shows his love for us in that "But God shows his love for us in that "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died while we were still sinners, Christ died while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." That's a whole lot of hope. We for us." That's a whole lot of hope. We for us." That's a whole lot of hope. We ought to have a Pentecostal praise break ought to have a Pentecostal praise break ought to have a Pentecostal praise break and bring out the tambourines. Maybe and bring out the tambourines. Maybe and bring out the tambourines. Maybe come out and let's just let's just go come out and let's just let's just go come out and let's just let's just go crazy for about two minutes right there.

crazy for about two minutes right there. crazy for about two minutes right there. I mean, I don't know about you, but when I mean, I don't know about you, but when I mean, I don't know about you, but when Jesus met me, I was still a sinner. Jesus met me, I was still a sinner. Jesus met me, I was still a sinner. He didn't mean me cleaning my act up or He didn't mean me cleaning my act up or He didn't mean me cleaning my act up or doing good religious works. All of doing good religious works. All of doing good religious works. All of those, the Bible says, aren't good those, the Bible says, aren't good those, the Bible says, aren't good enough. But Christ comes to us while we enough. But Christ comes to us while we enough. But Christ comes to us while we were still sinners. And when that hits were still sinners. And when that hits were still sinners. And when that hits your heart, boom, you have hope that now your heart, boom, you have hope that now your heart, boom, you have hope that now you stand in. Whoa, God, you love me in you stand in. Whoa, God, you love me in you stand in. Whoa, God, you love me in spite of me. spite of me. spite of me. Sin is not, friends, just something we Sin is not, friends, just something we Sin is not, friends, just something we do. The Bible tells us, Romans tells us do. The Bible tells us, Romans tells us do. The Bible tells us, Romans tells us that sin is actually something we are that sin is actually something we are that sin is actually something we are from birth. from birth. from birth. And that we do from our very identity And that we do from our very identity And that we do from our very identity act out in sin. Sins of omission, sins act out in sin. Sins of omission, sins act out in sin. Sins of omission, sins of commission, sins of attitude and of commission, sins of attitude and of commission, sins of attitude and action. That we're a people, all of us, action. That we're a people, all of us, action. That we're a people, all of us, on the same page here. We're all marred on the same page here. We're all marred on the same page here. We're all marred by sin. And because of that, we are by sin. And because of that, we are by sin. And because of that, we are separated from God. But here comes the separated from God. But here comes the separated from God. But here comes the hope. But the gospel says that when you hope. But the gospel says that when you hope. But the gospel says that when you receive Jesus by faith, you now have receive Jesus by faith, you now have receive Jesus by faith, you now have this hope because God loved us enough to this hope because God loved us enough to this hope because God loved us enough to send his son to die for us while we were send his son to die for us while we were send his son to die for us while we were still rebels, still rebels, still rebels, enemies enemies enemies hating God, and he dies for us. And when hating God, and he dies for us. And when hating God, and he dies for us. And when you realize that, it breaks your heart you realize that, it breaks your heart you realize that, it breaks your heart open. It cracks open that heart of open. It cracks open that heart of open. It cracks open that heart of stone. It gives you a brand new heart.

stone. It gives you a brand new heart. stone. It gives you a brand new heart. It puts a new spirit in you, and you It puts a new spirit in you, and you It puts a new spirit in you, and you stand in hope. And oh, by the way, when stand in hope. And oh, by the way, when stand in hope. And oh, by the way, when you understand that, you move to the you understand that, you move to the you understand that, you move to the second thing. You don't just stand in second thing. You don't just stand in second thing. You don't just stand in hope, but you begin to identify with hope, but you begin to identify with hope, but you begin to identify with Christ. Christ. Christ. We identify with Christ. We identify with Christ. We identify with Christ. And so now we no longer identify with And so now we no longer identify with And so now we no longer identify with the old man, the old woman, Adam. We now the old man, the old woman, Adam. We now the old man, the old woman, Adam. We now begin to identify with Christ. And so in begin to identify with Christ. And so in begin to identify with Christ. And so in verses 12- 19, Paul's going to actually verses 12- 19, Paul's going to actually verses 12- 19, Paul's going to actually lay those two bodies out in front of lay those two bodies out in front of lay those two bodies out in front of everybody in the text. And he says, everybody in the text. And he says, everybody in the text. And he says, "Listen, you need to see what it means "Listen, you need to see what it means "Listen, you need to see what it means to be justified by faith. You're going to be justified by faith. You're going to be justified by faith. You're going to have real hope. You can stand in it to have real hope. You can stand in it to have real hope. You can stand in it and you can start identifying with and you can start identifying with and you can start identifying with Christ. And so he puts these two in Christ. And so he puts these two in Christ. And so he puts these two in juosition and I actually have made a juosition and I actually have made a juosition and I actually have made a slide for all of you to get because it slide for all of you to get because it slide for all of you to get because it makes it really clear. And so let's go makes it really clear. And so let's go makes it really clear. And so let's go to that wide shot and let's look what to that wide shot and let's look what to that wide shot and let's look what Paul says in verses 12-19. He lays out Paul says in verses 12-19. He lays out Paul says in verses 12-19. He lays out on one side what it is to be an Adam, on one side what it is to be an Adam, on one side what it is to be an Adam, what all of us were born into, sons and what all of us were born into, sons and what all of us were born into, sons and daughters of Adam and Eve. And because daughters of Adam and Eve. And because daughters of Adam and Eve. And because of the sin nature that is inside of Adam of the sin nature that is inside of Adam of the sin nature that is inside of Adam and inside of all of humanity, he says and inside of all of humanity, he says and inside of all of humanity, he says that by one trespass there came that by one trespass there came that by one trespass there came condemnation. Condemnation led to death condemnation. Condemnation led to death condemnation. Condemnation led to death and it spread to all and then that made and it spread to all and then that made and it spread to all and then that made all of us sinners. And we are looking all of us sinners. And we are looking all of us sinners. And we are looking forward in Adam to sure and future forward in Adam to sure and future forward in Adam to sure and future judgment.

judgment. judgment. But the good news of those that are But the good news of those that are But the good news of those that are justified, those that are in Christ, who justified, those that are in Christ, who justified, those that are in Christ, who have received him by faith, is that have received him by faith, is that have received him by faith, is that something crazy has occurred. a miracle something crazy has occurred. a miracle something crazy has occurred. a miracle that Jesus came, he lived the perfect that Jesus came, he lived the perfect that Jesus came, he lived the perfect life and that his act of righteousness, life and that his act of righteousness, life and that his act of righteousness, his death on the cross, it absorbed the his death on the cross, it absorbed the his death on the cross, it absorbed the judgment of God. And that that judgment of God. And that that judgment of God. And that that justification of his life gives us much justification of his life gives us much justification of his life gives us much more grace. And that that grace is more grace. And that that grace is more grace. And that that grace is abounding. And now we are made righteous abounding. And now we are made righteous abounding. And now we are made righteous if we've received him. And we have this if we've received him. And we have this if we've received him. And we have this free gift of eternal life. We have, as free gift of eternal life. We have, as free gift of eternal life. We have, as Dan said last week, way more than 100 Dan said last week, way more than 100 Dan said last week, way more than 100 million US dollars in our account million US dollars in our account million US dollars in our account because Christ gave us his account and because Christ gave us his account and because Christ gave us his account and we stand in his righteousness. we stand in his righteousness. we stand in his righteousness. And so I just need you to get a picture And so I just need you to get a picture And so I just need you to get a picture of this because I want to look at you in of this because I want to look at you in of this because I want to look at you in the eyes and I want to ask you right the eyes and I want to ask you right the eyes and I want to ask you right now, where are you in the lineage? now, where are you in the lineage? now, where are you in the lineage? Where is your current position? Where is your current position? Where is your current position? Are you in Christ by faith? Or have you Are you in Christ by faith? Or have you Are you in Christ by faith? Or have you not yet responded to the gift of God not yet responded to the gift of God not yet responded to the gift of God that while you were yet a sinner, he that while you were yet a sinner, he that while you were yet a sinner, he died for you? Because if that's true, died for you? Because if that's true, died for you? Because if that's true, then you could literally by faith today then you could literally by faith today then you could literally by faith today move from being an Adam to being in move from being an Adam to being in move from being an Adam to being in Christ and your future Christ and your future Christ and your future is established. You can stand in hope is established. You can stand in hope is established. You can stand in hope and you now can look forward as the text and you now can look forward as the text and you now can look forward as the text said, not only that he saved you, but said, not only that he saved you, but said, not only that he saved you, but now that he's got a reason or you now now that he's got a reason or you now now that he's got a reason or you now understand that you you understand that understand that you you understand that understand that you you understand that he didn't just die for your sin. He died he didn't just die for your sin. He died he didn't just die for your sin. He died for your future and all of your purpose for your future and all of your purpose for your future and all of your purpose and meaning. You understand that to be

and meaning. You understand that to be and meaning. You understand that to be saved is got two sides to it, right? saved is got two sides to it, right? saved is got two sides to it, right? that you have been saved from something, that you have been saved from something, that you have been saved from something, judgment, but you've also been saved for judgment, but you've also been saved for judgment, but you've also been saved for something, life and purpose and meaning something, life and purpose and meaning something, life and purpose and meaning and eternity. Don't just settle for like and eternity. Don't just settle for like and eternity. Don't just settle for like a thin uh salvation where you're in a thin uh salvation where you're in a thin uh salvation where you're in Christ and now you're saved from hell. Christ and now you're saved from hell. Christ and now you're saved from hell. He didn't just save you from hell. He He didn't just save you from hell. He He didn't just save you from hell. He saved you for bringing the kingdom of saved you for bringing the kingdom of saved you for bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth. We're called to be heaven to earth. We're called to be heaven to earth. We're called to be living on mission. We're called to be living on mission. We're called to be living on mission. We're called to be living in the context of having a future living in the context of having a future living in the context of having a future and a hope. This is what was going to and a hope. This is what was going to and a hope. This is what was going to ballast and bolster the church in Rome ballast and bolster the church in Rome ballast and bolster the church in Rome and the church today is that we are and the church today is that we are and the church today is that we are found in Christ. So where is your found in Christ. So where is your found in Christ. So where is your identity? Where do you sit right now? identity? Where do you sit right now? identity? Where do you sit right now? And then third and finally, the very And then third and finally, the very And then third and finally, the very last thing he says is that one, you're last thing he says is that one, you're last thing he says is that one, you're going to be able to stand in hope. Two, going to be able to stand in hope. Two, going to be able to stand in hope. Two, you're going to be able to identify it you're going to be able to identify it you're going to be able to identify it with Christ. But the third upshot of with Christ. But the third upshot of with Christ. But the third upshot of justification that you've received by justification that you've received by justification that you've received by faith is that you and I, we're going to faith is that you and I, we're going to faith is that you and I, we're going to begin to move in grace.

Verses 20 and 21, if you've got your Verses 20 and 21, if you've got your text open, actually say, "Where sin came text open, actually say, "Where sin came text open, actually say, "Where sin came into the earth, grace abounded all the into the earth, grace abounded all the into the earth, grace abounded all the more." If you get back into the language more." If you get back into the language more." If you get back into the language there of the original language, this is there of the original language, this is there of the original language, this is this is like hyper grace or super grace this is like hyper grace or super grace this is like hyper grace or super grace or let's speak German for a moment, uber or let's speak German for a moment, uber or let's speak German for a moment, uber grace grace grace that we as a people begin to move in that we as a people begin to move in that we as a people begin to move in uber grace. Now, what if that's what our uber grace. Now, what if that's what our uber grace. Now, what if that's what our schools and that's what our subdivisions schools and that's what our subdivisions schools and that's what our subdivisions and that's what our apartment complexes and that's what our apartment complexes and that's what our apartment complexes and that's what our communities felt and that's what our communities felt and that's what our communities felt about New Spring Church being identified about New Spring Church being identified about New Spring Church being identified in Christ standing in hope and now in Christ standing in hope and now in Christ standing in hope and now moving in uber grace. Somebody make a moving in uber grace. Somebody make a moving in uber grace. Somebody make a t-shirt. Uber grace, super grace, hyper t-shirt. Uber grace, super grace, hyper t-shirt. Uber grace, super grace, hyper grace. It's so much grace in fact that grace. It's so much grace in fact that grace. It's so much grace in fact that the very first words of chapter 6 and the very first words of chapter 6 and the very first words of chapter 6 and we'll get to that next week with Clayton we'll get to that next week with Clayton we'll get to that next week with Clayton is do we sin all the more to make grace is do we sin all the more to make grace is do we sin all the more to make grace abound all the more? Surely not because abound all the more? Surely not because abound all the more? Surely not because it is scandalous. it is scandalous. it is scandalous. It's a scandalous kind of grace that It's a scandalous kind of grace that It's a scandalous kind of grace that Christ loved us so much that he would Christ loved us so much that he would Christ loved us so much that he would die for us while we were still sinners. die for us while we were still sinners. die for us while we were still sinners. And now we live our lives in an And now we live our lives in an And now we live our lives in an abundance and an abounding in a super abundance and an abounding in a super abundance and an abounding in a super uber gracious manner. And you and I can uber gracious manner. And you and I can uber gracious manner. And you and I can only offer that to the world. Look at only offer that to the world. Look at only offer that to the world. Look at me. If we've actually been transformed me. If we've actually been transformed me. If we've actually been transformed by that ourselves.

by that ourselves. by that ourselves. The one who has been forgiven much loves The one who has been forgiven much loves The one who has been forgiven much loves much. much. much. And we move in this kind of super grace. And we move in this kind of super grace. And we move in this kind of super grace. We see that Christ has made a way. Check We see that Christ has made a way. Check We see that Christ has made a way. Check this out. Not just for the moment to this out. Not just for the moment to this out. Not just for the moment to stand in suffering, but listen to me. He stand in suffering, but listen to me. He stand in suffering, but listen to me. He actually says that now that you have actually says that now that you have actually says that now that you have this, you can endure suffering and it this, you can endure suffering and it this, you can endure suffering and it actually grows more hope. actually grows more hope. actually grows more hope. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Christian, what if uh let me get my >> Christian, what if uh let me get my >> Christian, what if uh let me get my bottle of water here. What if um Dan bottle of water here. What if um Dan bottle of water here. What if um Dan mentioned Elon Elon Musk last week. What mentioned Elon Elon Musk last week. What mentioned Elon Elon Musk last week. What if we could sell hope? if we could sell hope? if we could sell hope? What if we knew how to grow it, knew how What if we knew how to grow it, knew how What if we knew how to grow it, knew how to bottle it, knew how to market it, and to bottle it, knew how to market it, and to bottle it, knew how to market it, and we could sell it to the world around us? we could sell it to the world around us? we could sell it to the world around us? Do you think Elon Musk would be the Do you think Elon Musk would be the Do you think Elon Musk would be the richest person on the planet? I don't richest person on the planet? I don't richest person on the planet? I don't think so. I think whoever could sell think so. I think whoever could sell think so. I think whoever could sell hope, grow hope, bottle up hope, would hope, grow hope, bottle up hope, would hope, grow hope, bottle up hope, would be the richest person on the planet. But be the richest person on the planet. But be the richest person on the planet. But this text actually tells us how. It this text actually tells us how. It this text actually tells us how. It says, when you stand in hope, when you says, when you stand in hope, when you says, when you stand in hope, when you know your identity is in Christ and know your identity is in Christ and know your identity is in Christ and you're moving in super grace, when you're moving in super grace, when you're moving in super grace, when suffering comes your way, it's just suffering comes your way, it's just suffering comes your way, it's just going to lead to more hope. So, I want going to lead to more hope. So, I want going to lead to more hope. So, I want to encourage you, Christ follower, to to encourage you, Christ follower, to to encourage you, Christ follower, to get your hope up. There is absolutely get your hope up. There is absolutely get your hope up. There is absolutely nothing that the enemy could throw at nothing that the enemy could throw at nothing that the enemy could throw at you in this life that could cause you to you in this life that could cause you to you in this life that could cause you to lose hope unless he can fool you into lose hope unless he can fool you into lose hope unless he can fool you into thinking that your shity is not in thinking that your shity is not in thinking that your shity is not in Christ.

Christ. Christ. In Christ, suffering leads to character, In Christ, suffering leads to character, In Christ, suffering leads to character, character, persever, and all these character, persever, and all these character, persever, and all these things. And ultimately, you get more things. And ultimately, you get more things. And ultimately, you get more hope and that hope will not lead to any hope and that hope will not lead to any hope and that hope will not lead to any shame and you can be unashamed in the shame and you can be unashamed in the shame and you can be unashamed in the power of hope. Now, for the last 25 power of hope. Now, for the last 25 power of hope. Now, for the last 25 minutes or so, I've been opening up the minutes or so, I've been opening up the minutes or so, I've been opening up the textbook and showing you about this textbook and showing you about this textbook and showing you about this super hope that we have in Christ. But I super hope that we have in Christ. But I super hope that we have in Christ. But I want to now ask you to close your want to now ask you to close your want to now ask you to close your textbook for a moment and let's walk textbook for a moment and let's walk textbook for a moment and let's walk over over over to the actual bodies of evidence that to the actual bodies of evidence that to the actual bodies of evidence that are all around us. And let's let's lean are all around us. And let's let's lean are all around us. And let's let's lean into the lab and see how this works out into the lab and see how this works out into the lab and see how this works out in the life of somebody who has actually in the life of somebody who has actually in the life of somebody who has actually drank deep. of the hope we have in Christ who now of the hope we have in Christ who now identifies with Christ and now moves in identifies with Christ and now moves in identifies with Christ and now moves in super grace. And this same grace is on super grace. And this same grace is on super grace. And this same grace is on offer for you and me today. Y'all listen offer for you and me today. Y'all listen offer for you and me today. Y'all listen to this testimony.

When I was [music] growing up, I didn't When I was [music] growing up, I didn't know who I was. And anything I thought I know who I was. And anything I thought I know who I was. And anything I thought I knew about myself was completely false. knew about myself was completely false. knew about myself was completely false. What I was trained to think of God was What I was trained to think of God was What I was trained to think of God was that he was just this [music] that he was just this [music] that he was just this [music] authoritarian and he was looming over authoritarian and he was looming over authoritarian and he was looming over me, waiting for me to mess up so that he me, waiting for me to mess up so that he me, waiting for me to mess up so that he could punish me. I just eventually got could punish me. I just eventually got could punish me. I just eventually got to the point I was like, "Well, you've to the point I was like, "Well, you've to the point I was like, "Well, you've labeled me a sinner. You keep calling me labeled me a sinner. You keep calling me labeled me a sinner. You keep calling me this horrible person." [music] this horrible person." [music] this horrible person." [music] And all of those things is the only And all of those things is the only And all of those things is the only reason that Jesus had to die for me. I reason that Jesus had to die for me. I reason that Jesus had to die for me. I checked out on church and I started checked out on church and I started checked out on church and I started drinking and started getting on dating drinking and started getting on dating drinking and started getting on dating apps and just chasing fun elsewhere apps and just chasing fun elsewhere apps and just chasing fun elsewhere [music] [music] [music] because it felt like anything I tried to because it felt like anything I tried to because it felt like anything I tried to do for fun at home or in the church was do for fun at home or in the church was do for fun at home or in the church was considered sinful. Anyways, that is when considered sinful. Anyways, that is when considered sinful. Anyways, that is when things really really started going things really really started going things really really started going downhill. [music] I had started dating someone. That I had started dating someone. That relationship relationship relationship started to [music] turn um sexually and started to [music] turn um sexually and started to [music] turn um sexually and emotionally abusive. I was almost going emotionally abusive. I was almost going emotionally abusive. I was almost going to break up with him, but then I didn't to break up with him, but then I didn't to break up with him, but then I didn't follow through. And a [music] couple follow through. And a [music] couple follow through. And a [music] couple weeks later was when I found out that I weeks later was when I found out that I weeks later was when I found out that I was pregnant.

When I told my boyfriend, [music] he When I told my boyfriend, [music] he basically just asked, "So, when is your basically just asked, "So, when is your basically just asked, "So, when is your appointment?" meaning when is the appointment?" meaning when is the appointment?" meaning when is the abortion appointment? [music] Like abortion appointment? [music] Like abortion appointment? [music] Like keeping the child wasn't even an option keeping the child wasn't even an option keeping the child wasn't even an option for him. So I had an abortion and found for him. So I had an abortion and found for him. So I had an abortion and found out that I was six and a half [music] out that I was six and a half [music] out that I was six and a half [music] weeks along. One of my brothers had just moved to One of my brothers had just moved to Greenville and they had started going to Greenville and they had started going to Greenville and they had started going to the Greenville campus [music] of Newring the Greenville campus [music] of Newring the Greenville campus [music] of Newring and they invited me to go with them. And and they invited me to go with them. And and they invited me to go with them. And then then then one or two weeks later I went to an one or two weeks later I went to an one or two weeks later I went to an encounter [music] night at the encounter [music] night at the encounter [music] night at the Patterville campus. After the service, I Patterville campus. After the service, I Patterville campus. After the service, I had some people pray with me and they had some people pray with me and they had some people pray with me and they ended up getting me connected to the ended up getting me connected to the ended up getting me connected to the Piedmont Women's Center. They just walk you through repentance They just walk you through repentance [music] [music] [music] and healing. And we spent a lot of time and healing. And we spent a lot of time and healing. And we spent a lot of time in Psalms and Romans. Those two books in Psalms and Romans. Those two books in Psalms and Romans. Those two books were my absolute lifeline.

one of the weeks you get to pick a name. one of the weeks you get to pick a name. And so I I always had [music] the idea I And so I I always had [music] the idea I And so I I always had [music] the idea I don't know for sure, but I had the idea don't know for sure, but I had the idea don't know for sure, but I had the idea that he was a boy. I chose the name means gift from God and then Atlas means means gift from God and then Atlas means to carry or to endure. to carry or to endure. to carry or to endure. And when I thought about him, I wanted And when I thought about him, I wanted And when I thought about him, I wanted to remember that he to remember that he to remember that he even though I chose not to keep him, he even though I chose not to keep him, he even though I chose not to keep him, he was still a gift from God. If it had not was still a gift from God. If it had not was still a gift from God. If it had not been for that brokenness, been for that brokenness, been for that brokenness, I may have never actually seen my need I may have never actually seen my need I may have never actually seen my need for Jesus. God ended up moving me from the God ended up moving me from the Greenville campus to the Powdersville Greenville campus to the Powdersville Greenville campus to the Powdersville campus. And when he did that, he campus. And when he did that, he campus. And when he did that, he immediately put like five women around immediately put like five women around immediately put like five women around me who were me who were me who were they just prayed for [music] me. I could they just prayed for [music] me. I could they just prayed for [music] me. I could be really open and honest with them.

be really open and honest with them. be really open and honest with them. They were so encouraging. They told me They were so encouraging. They told me They were so encouraging. They told me they're like, "We will teach you. We they're like, "We will teach you. We they're like, "We will teach you. We will teach you [music] will teach you [music] will teach you [music] how to hear from God." And even now, as how to hear from God." And even now, as how to hear from God." And even now, as I'm still facing things that I'm working I'm still facing things that I'm working I'm still facing things that I'm working through, I have people that are safe through, I have people that are safe through, I have people that are safe that I can call [music] on for prayer that I can call [music] on for prayer that I can call [music] on for prayer and for accountability. The people that and for accountability. The people that and for accountability. The people that I have met on this journey in the church I have met on this journey in the church I have met on this journey in the church have just loved me like Christ does. And have just loved me like Christ does. And have just loved me like Christ does. And even to be around people who could speak even to be around people who could speak even to be around people who could speak life into [music] me, that was one of life into [music] me, that was one of life into [music] me, that was one of the biggest differences I think growing the biggest differences I think growing the biggest differences I think growing up. If I had to label the types of words up. If I had to label the types of words up. If I had to label the types of words people spoke, it was they were basically people spoke, it was they were basically people spoke, it was they were basically just speaking death over you. If I [music] could go back, I would If I [music] could go back, I would speak these over seven-year-old me. speak these over seven-year-old me. speak these over seven-year-old me. You are strong and courageous. You were You are strong and courageous. You were You are strong and courageous. You were created on [music] purpose, with a created on [music] purpose, with a created on [music] purpose, with a purpose, and for a purpose. You are more purpose, and for a purpose. You are more purpose, and for a purpose. You are more than someone's opinion of you. You are than someone's opinion of you. You are than someone's opinion of you. You are not just a survivor, but you are an not just a survivor, but you are an not just a survivor, but you are an overcomer. You are more than a conqueror overcomer. You are more than a conqueror overcomer. You are more than a conqueror through him who has saved you. You have through him who has saved you. You have through him who has saved you. You have been fearfully [music] and wonderfully been fearfully [music] and wonderfully been fearfully [music] and wonderfully made. You are greatly loved by God. You made. You are greatly loved by God. You made. You are greatly loved by God. You are complete and alive in Christ. You are complete and alive in Christ. You are complete and alive in Christ. You are healed and whole in Jesus. Your true are healed and whole in Jesus. Your true are healed and whole in Jesus. Your true help and protection comes from him. He help and protection comes from him. He help and protection comes from him. He will guard you and guide you and never will guard you and guide you and never will guard you and guide you and never let you stumble or fall. He is your let you stumble or fall. He is your let you stumble or fall. He is your keeper. He will never fail, forget or keeper. He will never fail, forget or keeper. He will never fail, forget or >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> ignore you. He will protect you now and >> ignore you. He will protect you now and >> ignore you. He will protect you now and he will protect you forever more.

But God shows his love for us and that But God shows his love for us and that while we were still sinners, Christ died while we were still sinners, Christ died while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. for us. for us. I want you to hear that not with your I want you to hear that not with your I want you to hear that not with your ears but with your heart. Can you ears but with your heart. Can you ears but with your heart. Can you believe that gospel? believe that gospel? believe that gospel? that God shows his love for us and that that God shows his love for us and that that God shows his love for us and that while we were still sinners, not while while we were still sinners, not while while we were still sinners, not while we're getting our stuff figured out or we're getting our stuff figured out or we're getting our stuff figured out or getting our act together or showing up. getting our act together or showing up. getting our act together or showing up. No, no. While we're still sinners, No, no. While we're still sinners, No, no. While we're still sinners, Christ died for us. Christ died for us. Christ died for us. That's the the reality that exploded in That's the the reality that exploded in That's the the reality that exploded in Hannah's heart. And Hannah, just to say Hannah's heart. And Hannah, just to say Hannah's heart. And Hannah, just to say to you this morning on behalf of all of to you this morning on behalf of all of to you this morning on behalf of all of your church family, thank you for your church family, thank you for your church family, thank you for sharing your courageous testimony with sharing your courageous testimony with sharing your courageous testimony with us. We love you and we're so grateful. us. We love you and we're so grateful. us. We love you and we're so grateful. You've encouraged my heart. I've watched You've encouraged my heart. I've watched You've encouraged my heart. I've watched your testimony probably a dozen times your testimony probably a dozen times your testimony probably a dozen times now and I'm emotional every single time. now and I'm emotional every single time. now and I'm emotional every single time. And Hannah's a part of our Powdersville And Hannah's a part of our Powdersville And Hannah's a part of our Powdersville campus. I think she's even playing the campus. I think she's even playing the campus. I think she's even playing the keys this morning on the worship team. keys this morning on the worship team. keys this morning on the worship team. So, we love you, Hannah, and thank you So, we love you, Hannah, and thank you So, we love you, Hannah, and thank you for that. But one of the lines from for that. But one of the lines from for that. But one of the lines from Hannah's testimony was in the middle of Hannah's testimony was in the middle of Hannah's testimony was in the middle of her brokenness, it was there where her her brokenness, it was there where her her brokenness, it was there where her brokenness brokenness brokenness actually gave her the opportunity to actually gave her the opportunity to actually gave her the opportunity to understand the gospel.

understand the gospel. understand the gospel. She faced it. She faced herself. And it She faced it. She faced herself. And it She faced it. She faced herself. And it was this brokenness, this sin nature in was this brokenness, this sin nature in was this brokenness, this sin nature in her that she experienced through the her that she experienced through the her that she experienced through the loss, the tragedy of Jonathan Atlas loss, the tragedy of Jonathan Atlas loss, the tragedy of Jonathan Atlas being aborted that Christ met her there. being aborted that Christ met her there. being aborted that Christ met her there. What a scandalous gospel that he can What a scandalous gospel that he can What a scandalous gospel that he can handle. The gospel can handle all of our handle. The gospel can handle all of our handle. The gospel can handle all of our big and small sins. Church, do you big and small sins. Church, do you big and small sins. Church, do you believe that? can handle all of your believe that? can handle all of your believe that? can handle all of your brokenness and shame, past, present, and brokenness and shame, past, present, and brokenness and shame, past, present, and future. By the way, it's a powerful future. By the way, it's a powerful future. By the way, it's a powerful gospel. That's why the entire thesis gospel. That's why the entire thesis gospel. That's why the entire thesis statement is that Paul says, "I'm statement is that Paul says, "I'm statement is that Paul says, "I'm unashshamed of this gospel because it's unashshamed of this gospel because it's unashshamed of this gospel because it's the power of God for salvation for the power of God for salvation for the power of God for salvation for everyone if they would believe." And so, everyone if they would believe." And so, everyone if they would believe." And so, the question I've got to ask you is, the question I've got to ask you is, the question I've got to ask you is, look at me in the eyes. Do you believe look at me in the eyes. Do you believe look at me in the eyes. Do you believe that gospel? that gospel? that gospel? Have you received that gospel? Have you Have you received that gospel? Have you Have you received that gospel? Have you received that hope? Are you standing in received that hope? Are you standing in received that hope? Are you standing in it? Are you identifying with Christ? And it? Are you identifying with Christ? And it? Are you identifying with Christ? And are you moving in that kind of grace?

are you moving in that kind of grace? are you moving in that kind of grace? Because that's what the heart of God Because that's what the heart of God Because that's what the heart of God intends for you and I. And so this intends for you and I. And so this intends for you and I. And so this morning, before we move into our morning, before we move into our morning, before we move into our response time, which we are going to response time, which we are going to response time, which we are going to respond, I want to just invite you to respond, I want to just invite you to respond, I want to just invite you to bow your head and close your eyes on all bow your head and close your eyes on all bow your head and close your eyes on all of our campuses. And if today is the day of our campuses. And if today is the day of our campuses. And if today is the day you have felt, maybe it was even in you have felt, maybe it was even in you have felt, maybe it was even in worship this morning or maybe the worship this morning or maybe the worship this morning or maybe the preaching of the word or maybe it was in preaching of the word or maybe it was in preaching of the word or maybe it was in Hannah's testimony that today's the day Hannah's testimony that today's the day Hannah's testimony that today's the day that by faith you need to be justified that by faith you need to be justified that by faith you need to be justified by faith in Jesus Christ. And heads are by faith in Jesus Christ. And heads are by faith in Jesus Christ. And heads are bowed, eyes are closed, but I just want bowed, eyes are closed, but I just want bowed, eyes are closed, but I just want to invite you right here where you sit. to invite you right here where you sit. to invite you right here where you sit. If today's the day for you to put your If today's the day for you to put your If today's the day for you to put your faith in Jesus, I want to invite you faith in Jesus, I want to invite you faith in Jesus, I want to invite you just to slip your hand up straight over just to slip your hand up straight over just to slip your hand up straight over your head wherever you are. Today's the your head wherever you are. Today's the your head wherever you are. Today's the day. I'm not going to count, but you day. I'm not going to count, but you day. I'm not going to count, but you know it front to back. If this is the know it front to back. If this is the know it front to back. If this is the day that you need to put your faith in day that you need to put your faith in day that you need to put your faith in Jesus and be justified and identify with Jesus and be justified and identify with Jesus and be justified and identify with him. Amen. Amen. Anybody else says, him. Amen. Amen. Anybody else says, him. Amen. Amen. Anybody else says, "Today's my day. I want to put my faith "Today's my day. I want to put my faith "Today's my day. I want to put my faith in Jesus Christ for my forgiveness of in Jesus Christ for my forgiveness of in Jesus Christ for my forgiveness of sin, for my redemption." Amen. Amen.

sin, for my redemption." Amen. Amen. sin, for my redemption." Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Praise God. We can put hands Amen. Amen. Praise God. We can put hands Amen. Amen. Praise God. We can put hands down. Church family, let's all pray down. Church family, let's all pray down. Church family, let's all pray together. And if you raised your hand on together. And if you raised your hand on together. And if you raised your hand on every single campus or maybe even every single campus or maybe even every single campus or maybe even watching online right now, just pray out watching online right now, just pray out watching online right now, just pray out loud loud enough for your heart to hear loud loud enough for your heart to hear loud loud enough for your heart to hear it. And we're going to all pray this it. And we're going to all pray this it. And we're going to all pray this prayer together. Let's all pray this prayer together. Let's all pray this prayer together. Let's all pray this together, church. Dear Jesus, together, church. Dear Jesus, together, church. Dear Jesus, >> no, we're going to do it louder. Dear >> no, we're going to do it louder. Dear >> no, we're going to do it louder. Dear Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >> thank you for your gospel >> thank you for your gospel >> thank you for your gospel that while I was still a sinner, that while I was still a sinner, that while I was still a sinner, you died for me. you died for me. you died for me. I turn from my sin I turn from my sin I turn from my sin and I turn to you. and I turn to you. and I turn to you. Fill me up now, Holy Spirit. Fill me up now, Holy Spirit. Fill me up now, Holy Spirit. Help me to identify with Jesus Help me to identify with Jesus Help me to identify with Jesus and move in your mission and move in your mission and move in your mission for the rest of my life. for the rest of my life. for the rest of my life. In your name I pray, Christ. In your name I pray, Christ. In your name I pray, Christ. Amen. Amen. Church family, would you put Amen. Amen. Church family, would you put Amen. Amen. Church family, would you put your hands together for those folks that your hands together for those folks that your hands together for those folks that have placed their faith in Christ today?

have placed their faith in Christ today? have placed their faith in Christ today? I want to invite you on your feet at all I want to invite you on your feet at all I want to invite you on your feet at all of our campuses. And I want to say very of our campuses. And I want to say very of our campuses. And I want to say very clearly, this is one of the most clearly, this is one of the most clearly, this is one of the most important times in our service. important times in our service. important times in our service. Our ministry teams are going to come. Our ministry teams are going to come. Our ministry teams are going to come. But I want to just put a little edge on But I want to just put a little edge on But I want to just put a little edge on this. As our ministry teams come, I want this. As our ministry teams come, I want this. As our ministry teams come, I want you to see something. Our world is you to see something. Our world is you to see something. Our world is moving more digital, more isolated, more moving more digital, more isolated, more moving more digital, more isolated, more lonely than ever before. But one of the lonely than ever before. But one of the lonely than ever before. But one of the ways that we make experiencing God, look ways that we make experiencing God, look ways that we make experiencing God, look at me, non-downloadable at me, non-downloadable at me, non-downloadable is in this next moment. When the church is in this next moment. When the church is in this next moment. When the church ministers to the church, when we receive ministers to the church, when we receive ministers to the church, when we receive communion from another saint, when we communion from another saint, when we communion from another saint, when we come and invite others to pray for us, come and invite others to pray for us, come and invite others to pray for us, when we come and lay our our our burdens when we come and lay our our our burdens when we come and lay our our our burdens at the altar and we join corporately in at the altar and we join corporately in at the altar and we join corporately in singing, one of the things that we've singing, one of the things that we've singing, one of the things that we've got to reckon with is this is one of the got to reckon with is this is one of the got to reckon with is this is one of the most important times in a gathering is most important times in a gathering is most important times in a gathering is that when we engage here, so I just want that when we engage here, so I just want that when we engage here, so I just want to put that edge. This is what you can't to put that edge. This is what you can't to put that edge. This is what you can't get if you're watching on YouTube. Sorry get if you're watching on YouTube. Sorry get if you're watching on YouTube. Sorry all you folks out there watching on all you folks out there watching on all you folks out there watching on YouTube this morning. Okay, this is YouTube this morning. Okay, this is YouTube this morning. Okay, this is where the church is really tangibly where the church is really tangibly where the church is really tangibly incarnationally incarnationally incarnationally valuable in this 2026 moment. And so I valuable in this 2026 moment. And so I valuable in this 2026 moment. And so I just want to say if you want to come just want to say if you want to come just want to say if you want to come Christ followers and receive communion, Christ followers and receive communion, Christ followers and receive communion, do that. If you raised your hand and do that. If you raised your hand and do that. If you raised your hand and prayed that prayer of salvation, come to prayed that prayer of salvation, come to prayed that prayer of salvation, come to the cross today. If you want to come and the cross today. If you want to come and the cross today. If you want to come and lay a burden down, just like Hannah did lay a burden down, just like Hannah did lay a burden down, just like Hannah did at a gathering years ago in at a gathering years ago in at a gathering years ago in Powdersville, come and lay that burden Powdersville, come and lay that burden Powdersville, come and lay that burden down and maybe invite one of our prayer down and maybe invite one of our prayer down and maybe invite one of our prayer ministry teams to pray with you so you ministry teams to pray with you so you ministry teams to pray with you so you don't walk out into this week burdened.

don't walk out into this week burdened. don't walk out into this week burdened. But let's all lean in and engage But let's all lean in and engage But let's all lean in and engage wherever we are with singing, with wherever we are with singing, with wherever we are with singing, with worship, with prayer. I'll pray and then worship, with prayer. I'll pray and then worship, with prayer. I'll pray and then you feel free to move. Father God, we you feel free to move. Father God, we you feel free to move. Father God, we thank you. Thank you for this morning. thank you. Thank you for this morning. thank you. Thank you for this morning. Thank you for the testimony of hope. Thank you for the testimony of hope. Thank you for the testimony of hope. Thank you that we can stand in it. we Thank you that we can stand in it. we Thank you that we can stand in it. we can identify with Christ and we can move can identify with Christ and we can move can identify with Christ and we can move in uber grace as we operate on mission in uber grace as we operate on mission in uber grace as we operate on mission wherever we are. Would you minister to wherever we are. Would you minister to wherever we are. Would you minister to us now as we minister one to another in us now as we minister one to another in us now as we minister one to another in the next few moments and be glorified in the next few moments and be glorified in the next few moments and be glorified in through it all. In Christ's name we through it all. In Christ's name we through it all. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Let's give the Lord a hand.

Grace, how sweet the sound Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a rich that saved a rich that saved a rich like me. I once was lost but now I once was lost but now I'm found. I'm found. I'm found. Was blind but now Was blind but now Was blind but now I see. Sing. Amazing grace. Sing. Amazing grace. Amazing Amazing Amazing grace. How sweet the sound grace. How sweet the sound grace. How sweet the sound that saved a rich [singing] that saved a rich [singing] that saved a rich [singing] like me. like me. like me. I once was lost but now I'm found. I once was lost but now I'm found. I once was lost but now I'm found. [music] [music] [music] Was blind but now Was blind but now Was blind but now I see. [music] It was grace that tore my heart to fear It was grace that tore my heart to fear [music] [music] [music] and grace my fears and grace my fears and grace my fears relie. [singing] How [music] How [music] preious did that grace preious did that grace preious did that grace appear.

appear. appear. We are our first We are our first We are our first belie. belie. belie. My [music] chains are [singing] gone. My [music] chains are [singing] gone. My [music] chains are [singing] gone. I've been set free. I've been set free. I've been set free. My God, my Savior [singing] My God, my Savior [singing] My God, my Savior [singing] [music] has ransomed me. [music] has ransomed me. [music] has ransomed me. And like a flood, [music] And like a flood, [music] And like a flood, [music] his mercy his mercy his mercy raise raise raise unending love. unending love. unending love. Amazing Amazing Amazing grace. Amazing Amazing grace. [music] grace. [music] grace. [music] How sweet the sound How sweet the sound How sweet the sound that saved a rich [music] that saved a rich [music] that saved a rich [music] like me. [singing] I once was lost but now I'm found.

I once was lost but now I'm found. Was blind but now Was blind but now Was blind but now I see. [music] I see. [music] I see. [music] My chains are gone. [singing] My chains are gone. [singing] My chains are gone. [singing] I've been [music] set free. I've been [music] set free. I've been [music] set free. My God, my Savior [singing] My God, my Savior [singing] My God, my Savior [singing] [music] has ransom me. [music] has ransom me. [music] has ransom me. And like a flood, [music] his mercy And like a flood, [music] his mercy And like a flood, [music] his mercy reigns, [singing] reigns, [singing] reigns, [singing] unending love. unending love. unending love. Amazing Amazing Amazing grace. [singing] grace. [singing] grace. [singing] [music] My chains are gone. [singing] My chains are gone. [singing] I've been [music] set free. I've been [music] set free. I've been [music] set free. My God, my Savior [singing and music] My God, my Savior [singing and music] My God, my Savior [singing and music] has ransomed me. has ransomed me. has ransomed me. And like a flood, [music] And like a flood, [music] And like a flood, [music] his mercy [singing] his mercy [singing] his mercy [singing] raised raised raised [music] unending love.

[music] unending love. [music] unending love. Amazing [music] grace. >> Worthy is the [singing] lamb who was >> Worthy is the [singing] lamb who was slain. Worthy is the king who coner [singing] Worthy is the king who coner [singing] the grave. the grave. the grave. Worthy is the lamb who was slain. Worthy is the king [singing] who coner Worthy is the king [singing] who coner the grave. Sing that with us. Worthy the grave. Sing that with us. Worthy the grave. Sing that with us. Worthy [singing] [singing] [singing] is the lamb who was slain. Worthy is the king who conered [singing] Worthy is the king who conered [singing] [music] [music] [music] the earth.

the earth. the earth. Worthy is the lamb who was slain. Worthy is the lamb who was slain. Worthy is the lamb who was slain. [music] [music] [music] Worthy, [singing] Worthy, [singing] Worthy, [singing] worthy, worthy, worthy, worthy worthy worthy of. This [music] is [singing] amazing of. This [music] is [singing] amazing of. This [music] is [singing] amazing grace. This is [music] unfailing [singing] This is [music] unfailing [singing] love. There you would [singing] take [music] There you would [singing] take [music] my place. Thank you, Lord. my place. Thank you, Lord. my place. Thank you, Lord. There you [singing] There you [singing] There you [singing] will bear the cross. will bear the cross. will bear the cross. >> Thank you, Jesus. >> Thank you, Jesus. >> Thank you, Jesus. You [singing] lay down [music] You [singing] lay down [music] You [singing] lay down [music] your life. But I [singing] would be set free. But I [singing] would be set free. [music] >> Oh >> Oh Jesus, I sing for Jesus, I sing for Jesus, I sing for all that [singing and music] you done all that [singing and music] you done all that [singing and music] you done for me.

for me. for me. >> This is a holy moment. The presence of God is in this place. The presence of God is in this place. You are reminded You are reminded You are reminded of what Jesus did on the cross. of what Jesus did on the cross. of what Jesus did on the cross. And at [music] this point is so And at [music] this point is so And at [music] this point is so personal. personal. personal. It's so personal. I don't know about you, but sometimes I I don't know about you, but sometimes I wonder why and how you do that, Jesus, wonder why and how you do that, Jesus, wonder why and how you do that, Jesus, when I was still a sinner. And all we can do is to give our lives And all we can do is to give our lives to him and say you are worthy. to him and say you are worthy. to him and say you are worthy. And that's why we give [music] And that's why we give [music] And that's why we give [music] everything to you, Lord. So I want to everything to you, Lord. So I want to everything to you, Lord. So I want to give space right now for you to do that. give space right now for you to do that. give space right now for you to do that. We've been doing that all morning, but We've been doing that all morning, but We've been doing that all morning, but this is your time just to ah let the this is your time just to ah let the this is your time just to ah let the Holy Spirit minister to you.

[music] [music] Yes. I've been set [singing] free. Are you I've been set [singing] free. Are you free? My [music] God, my savior. free? My [music] God, my savior. free? My [music] God, my savior. I streng [singing] and [music] like a flood. [singing] and [music] like a flood. [singing] His mercy [music] brings His mercy [music] brings His mercy [music] brings all unending [singing] love. all unending [singing] love. all unending [singing] love. Amazing grace. Come on, [music] sing Amazing grace. Come on, [music] sing Amazing grace. Come on, [music] sing now. My [singing] chains are gone. now. My [singing] chains are gone. now. My [singing] chains are gone. I've been [music] set free. My God, my I've been [music] set free. My God, my I've been [music] set free. My God, my God, my [singing] God, my [singing] God, my [singing] savior [music] savior [music] savior [music] has trans has trans has trans like a flood and like [music] like a flood and like [music] like a flood and like [music] a fly.

a fly. a fly. His mercy His mercy His mercy [singing] [singing] [singing] unending love. Yeah. unending love. Yeah. unending love. Yeah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> My ch >> My ch >> My ch my chains are gone. like a like a [music] [music] [music] mercy. Amazing [music] Amazing [music] race. [singing] The [music] Lord has promise The [music] Lord has promise good to me. good to me. good to me. [music] >> Come on.

>> Come on. >> He [singing] will my shield [music] >> He [singing] will my shield [music] >> He [singing] will my shield [music] andship andship andship me. me. me. as long as [singing] [music] [music] let's pray. let's pray. let's pray. Father, thank you. Father, thank you. Father, thank you. Thank you for your sufficient grace. You said your grace is sufficient You said your grace is sufficient [music] for us. For your power is made [music] for us. For your power is made [music] for us. For your power is made perfect in weakness. And so we boast all perfect in weakness. And so we boast all perfect in weakness. And so we boast all the more gladly in our weakness so that the more gladly in our weakness so that the more gladly in our weakness so that your power will be made perfect in us. your power will be made perfect in us. your power will be made perfect in us. So thank you [music] father. Thank you So thank you [music] father. Thank you So thank you [music] father. Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice. And thank you Jesus for your sacrifice. And thank you Jesus for your sacrifice. And thank you Holy Spirit for moving among us, for Holy Spirit for moving among us, for Holy Spirit for moving among us, for teaching, for instructing. teaching, for instructing. teaching, for instructing. And so we ask that you would do that And so we ask that you would do that And so we ask that you would do that even more in our body. We love you. even more in our body. We love you. even more in our body. We love you. Amen. Amen. What a powerful moment, Amen. Amen. What a powerful moment, Amen. Amen. What a powerful moment, powerful day. I want to encourage you powerful day. I want to encourage you powerful day. I want to encourage you with something, church. [music] In with something, church. [music] In with something, church. [music] In Hannah's testimony that we all got to Hannah's testimony that we all got to Hannah's testimony that we all got to hear and receive from one of the things hear and receive from one of the things hear and receive from one of the things that happened in her life that you could that happened in her life that you could that happened in her life that you could see and she testified to was [music] see and she testified to was [music] see and she testified to was [music] receiving prayer and then from there receiving prayer and then from there receiving prayer and then from there moving in community.

moving in community. moving in community. From there moving in community. I know From there moving in community. I know From there moving in community. I know for a lot of folks in the room, a lot of for a lot of folks in the room, a lot of for a lot of folks in the room, a lot of us we may feel and understand God's us we may feel and understand God's us we may feel and understand God's power and presence at work in the moment power and presence at work in the moment power and presence at work in the moment and then walk out of here and we're and then walk out of here and we're and then walk out of here and we're uncertain sometimes who do we go to? How uncertain sometimes who do we go to? How uncertain sometimes who do we go to? How do we what do we where to from here? do we what do we where to from here? do we what do we where to from here? And so one of the things that we're in And so one of the things that we're in And so one of the things that we're in the middle of right now, the season that the middle of right now, the season that the middle of right now, the season that we're in, is twice a year, we'll have uh we're in, is twice a year, we'll have uh we're in, is twice a year, we'll have uh semesters that launch with our groups semesters that launch with our groups semesters that launch with our groups and our classes in [music] an effort for and our classes in [music] an effort for and our classes in [music] an effort for all of us to be connected in community. all of us to be connected in community. all of us to be connected in community. I mentioned at the top of our gathering, I mentioned at the top of our gathering, I mentioned at the top of our gathering, we're a church that wants to see we're a church that wants to see we're a church that wants to see everyone everywhere in an everyday everyone everywhere in an everyday everyone everywhere in an everyday relationship. And so every day doesn't relationship. And so every day doesn't relationship. And so every day doesn't mean Sunday only. It means Monday, mean Sunday only. It means Monday, mean Sunday only. It means Monday, [music] Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, [music] Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, [music] Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, you every day of the week. And so how do you every day of the week. And so how do you every day of the week. And so how do we do that? And so as we launch these we do that? And so as we launch these we do that? And so as we launch these groups and classes that we've been groups and classes that we've been groups and classes that we've been talking about, we want you to get talking about, we want you to get talking about, we want you to get connected. And there's a few tools that connected. And there's a few tools that connected. And there's a few tools that we uh that the church has created to we uh that the church has created to we uh that the church has created to help us with that. And so I'm going to help us with that. And so I'm going to help us with that. And so I'm going to throw up a little slide here and tell throw up a little slide here and tell throw up a little slide here and tell you to do this. Text disco for you to do this. Text disco for you to do this. Text disco for disciplehip offerings disco to 30303. disciplehip offerings disco to 30303. disciplehip offerings disco to 30303. [music] When you do that, what will [music] When you do that, what will [music] When you do that, what will happen is you'll get a text back with happen is you'll get a text back with happen is you'll get a text back with two links. One of those links will be two links. One of those links will be two links. One of those links will be for groups. One of those links will be for groups. One of those links will be for groups. One of those links will be for classes. the groups link. When you for classes. the groups link. When you for classes. the groups link. When you check when you click on that, it'll check when you click on that, it'll check when you click on that, it'll bring you to a page and you can play bring you to a page and you can play bring you to a page and you can play around with a bunch of different filters around with a bunch of different filters around with a bunch of different filters to find the right group for you. I was to find the right group for you. I was to find the right group for you. I was talking with a couple right back over talking with a couple right back over talking with a couple right back over here before the gathering about finding here before the gathering about finding here before the gathering about finding a group in their area. They live near a group in their area. They live near a group in their area. They live near Lake Secession and it's like, well, how Lake Secession and it's like, well, how Lake Secession and it's like, well, how do I find a group in that area? Play do I find a group in that area? Play do I find a group in that area? Play around with the filters. Click Anderson around with the filters. Click Anderson around with the filters. Click Anderson campus. So, you'll see the different campus. So, you'll see the different campus. So, you'll see the different groups that are available and open right groups that are available and open right groups that are available and open right now here at the Anderson campus and

now here at the Anderson campus and now here at the Anderson campus and those will be launching in a couple those will be launching in a couple those will be launching in a couple weeks. The second link that'll be in weeks. The second link that'll be in weeks. The second link that'll be in there is for classes. We're launching there is for classes. We're launching there is for classes. We're launching two classes on September the 13th. So, two classes on September the 13th. So, two classes on September the 13th. So, we're going to be launching our theology we're going to be launching our theology we're going to be launching our theology 101 class. Justin Holder is going to be 101 class. Justin Holder is going to be 101 class. Justin Holder is going to be teaching that. I'm not sure if Justin's teaching that. I'm not sure if Justin's teaching that. I'm not sure if Justin's in the room. If you're in here, say, in the room. If you're in here, say, in the room. If you're in here, say, "Hey, Justin." Now, he might be actually "Hey, Justin." Now, he might be actually "Hey, Justin." Now, he might be actually already in the lobby back there waiting already in the lobby back there waiting already in the lobby back there waiting at the classes table for us to go by and at the classes table for us to go by and at the classes table for us to go by and uh and meet and say hello to, but uh and meet and say hello to, but uh and meet and say hello to, but Justin's going to be teaching that for Justin's going to be teaching that for Justin's going to be teaching that for us. It's awesome. I hope that you're us. It's awesome. I hope that you're us. It's awesome. I hope that you're able to uh join us for that class. We're able to uh join us for that class. We're able to uh join us for that class. We're also having our financial uh class. I also having our financial uh class. I also having our financial uh class. I was broke, now I'm not. Joe's class. was broke, now I'm not. Joe's class. was broke, now I'm not. Joe's class. David Nimmons is gonna be teaching that David Nimmons is gonna be teaching that David Nimmons is gonna be teaching that for us. Again, so many people last for us. Again, so many people last for us. Again, so many people last semester were set free financially by semester were set free financially by semester were set free financially by going through the steps in that class going through the steps in that class going through the steps in that class [music] as they learn. So, we're excited [music] as they learn. So, we're excited [music] as they learn. So, we're excited about all the things ahead for us. Text about all the things ahead for us. Text about all the things ahead for us. Text that. Let me send us out with this that. Let me send us out with this that. Let me send us out with this blessing and we'll be dismissed for the blessing and we'll be dismissed for the blessing and we'll be dismissed for the day. day. day. May you remember the good news and grace May you remember the good news and grace May you remember the good news and grace of the gospel that in Christ you are of the gospel that in Christ you are of the gospel that in Christ you are justified by faith and have peace with justified by faith and have peace with justified by faith and have peace with God. May you stand in hope all the days God. May you stand in hope all the days God. May you stand in hope all the days of your life. Go now to carry this of your life. Go now to carry this of your life. Go now to carry this reconciliation and [music] mercy of the reconciliation and [music] mercy of the reconciliation and [music] mercy of the gospel into the world around you. We gospel into the world around you. We gospel into the world around you. We love you. Have a great week.

[music] who he is. [music] who he is. Remember what he's done. We won't Remember what he's done. We won't Remember what he's done. We won't [music] forget his wondous love. The [music] one who came to save. The [music] one who came to save. who loose the grip of shame. The lamb who loose the grip of shame. The lamb who loose the grip of shame. The lamb [music] was slain in place of us. Forgiving all [music] our sins, Forgiving all [music] our sins, healing our disease. We won't forget healing our disease. We won't forget healing our disease. We won't forget [music] [music] [music] your