The Matter With You | Part 2 | Andy Stanley

Well, good morning. Welcome to North Well, good morning. Welcome to North Point. If we haven't had the chance to Point. If we haven't had the chance to Point. If we haven't had the chance to meet, my name is Holly and I'm the meet, my name is Holly and I'm the meet, my name is Holly and I'm the executive pastor around here. And if it executive pastor around here. And if it executive pastor around here. And if it is your first time with us, well, I'm is your first time with us, well, I'm is your first time with us, well, I'm just so glad that you joined us today. just so glad that you joined us today. just so glad that you joined us today. And if you pulled in and it's your first And if you pulled in and it's your first And if you pulled in and it's your first time and you thought, is this even a time and you thought, is this even a time and you thought, is this even a church? There's no steeple. There's so church? There's no steeple. There's so church? There's no steeple. There's so much parking. Uh, I'm not sure what to much parking. Uh, I'm not sure what to much parking. Uh, I'm not sure what to make of this. Well, we are a church and make of this. Well, we are a church and make of this. Well, we are a church and we're on a mission that is to inspire we're on a mission that is to inspire we're on a mission that is to inspire people to follow Jesus. And we've gotten people to follow Jesus. And we've gotten people to follow Jesus. And we've gotten pretty good at making a big church feel pretty good at making a big church feel pretty good at making a big church feel like your church. And one of the ways like your church. And one of the ways like your church. And one of the ways that we do that is we love to connect that we do that is we love to connect that we do that is we love to connect people. Whether you're new to the people. Whether you're new to the people. Whether you're new to the community, new to church, or even if community, new to church, or even if community, new to church, or even if you've been around for a while and you you've been around for a while and you you've been around for a while and you just are thinking, "Hey, I'd like to just are thinking, "Hey, I'd like to just are thinking, "Hey, I'd like to find my people." We'd love to introduce find my people." We'd love to introduce find my people." We'd love to introduce you to them. And the best way to start you to them. And the best way to start you to them. And the best way to start that conversation is for you to head to that conversation is for you to head to that conversation is for you to head to connections, which is right off the connections, which is right off the connections, which is right off the lobby. Pop in there after church. We'd lobby. Pop in there after church. We'd lobby. Pop in there after church. We'd love to answer any questions that you love to answer any questions that you love to answer any questions that you may have. Now, one of the great things may have. Now, one of the great things may have. Now, one of the great things about a big church is we always are about a big church is we always are about a big church is we always are having a hangout and we do one in having a hangout and we do one in having a hangout and we do one in between services every single Sunday. We between services every single Sunday. We between services every single Sunday. We call it Sundays in the West. It was call it Sundays in the West. It was call it Sundays in the West. It was designed for those of you who are single designed for those of you who are single designed for those of you who are single or in your empty nest phase of life. And or in your empty nest phase of life. And or in your empty nest phase of life. And one of our favorite empty nesters is one of our favorite empty nesters is one of our favorite empty nesters is over there this morning. Andy, how's it over there this morning. Andy, how's it over there this morning. Andy, how's it going?

going? going? >> One of your favorite empty nesters >> One of your favorite empty nesters >> One of your favorite empty nesters >> and my boss. >> and my boss. >> and my boss. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Empty nest is the best, Holly. You've >> Empty nest is the best, Holly. You've >> Empty nest is the best, Holly. You've got a lot to look forward to. Um, yeah. got a lot to look forward to. Um, yeah. got a lot to look forward to. Um, yeah. So, this is so great. So, right after So, this is so great. So, right after So, this is so great. So, right after the service, if you're single or empty the service, if you're single or empty the service, if you're single or empty neester because here, we understand neester because here, we understand neester because here, we understand this. You show up on a Sunday and you this. You show up on a Sunday and you this. You show up on a Sunday and you think if you don't have a stroller, think if you don't have a stroller, think if you don't have a stroller, you're not checking kids into our you're not checking kids into our you're not checking kids into our fabulous kids programs, how am I ever fabulous kids programs, how am I ever fabulous kids programs, how am I ever going to find my people? So, we've we've going to find my people? So, we've we've going to find my people? So, we've we've uh created this environment specifically uh created this environment specifically uh created this environment specifically for you to just drop by, as Holly said, for you to just drop by, as Holly said, for you to just drop by, as Holly said, to get some free coffee. And here's the to get some free coffee. And here's the to get some free coffee. And here's the great news. If you're an empty neester, great news. If you're an empty neester, great news. If you're an empty neester, we have a special event coming up later we have a special event coming up later we have a special event coming up later this summer, July the 29th. July 29th, this summer, July the 29th. July 29th, this summer, July the 29th. July 29th, July 29th. Um, we're going to have an July 29th. Um, we're going to have an July 29th. Um, we're going to have an event here. Sandra and I are hosting. event here. Sandra and I are hosting. event here. Sandra and I are hosting. Our friend Shanti Feldhan is gonna come Our friend Shanti Feldhan is gonna come Our friend Shanti Feldhan is gonna come deliver a message. She's amazing. We've deliver a message. She's amazing. We've deliver a message. She's amazing. We've known her for years. And I just talked a known her for years. And I just talked a known her for years. And I just talked a friend of mine into coming to be our friend of mine into coming to be our friend of mine into coming to be our special guest. And I can't tell you special guest. And I can't tell you special guest. And I can't tell you who's coming. But I promise you, it's who's coming. But I promise you, it's who's coming. But I promise you, it's going to be absolutely amazing. So, going to be absolutely amazing. So, going to be absolutely amazing. So, you're going to want to be here. Invite you're going to want to be here. Invite you're going to want to be here. Invite all your emptiness nest friends, whether all your emptiness nest friends, whether all your emptiness nest friends, whether they attend church or not, or attend one they attend church or not, or attend one they attend church or not, or attend one of our churches or maybe one of our of our churches or maybe one of our of our churches or maybe one of our other campuses. This is a ticketed other campuses. This is a ticketed other campuses. This is a ticketed event. So, if you'll go to the top three event. So, if you'll go to the top three event. So, if you'll go to the top three website, it's number two on the top website, it's number two on the top website, it's number two on the top three website. It's going to be three website. It's going to be three website. It's going to be absolutely fantastic later this in July.

absolutely fantastic later this in July. absolutely fantastic later this in July. So, you're not going to want to miss So, you're not going to want to miss So, you're not going to want to miss that. That's what's coming up. Holly, that. That's what's coming up. Holly, that. That's what's coming up. Holly, what's going on? Uh, also next weekend. what's going on? Uh, also next weekend. what's going on? Uh, also next weekend. Tell us about that. Tell us about that. Tell us about that. >> Yeah, next weekend is Fourth of July >> Yeah, next weekend is Fourth of July >> Yeah, next weekend is Fourth of July weekend. Can you believe how fast weekend. Can you believe how fast weekend. Can you believe how fast summer's going? We were just chatting summer's going? We were just chatting summer's going? We were just chatting about that on the front row here. It's about that on the front row here. It's about that on the front row here. It's like this is how I feel after the Fourth like this is how I feel after the Fourth like this is how I feel after the Fourth of July weekend. It's like few more of July weekend. It's like few more of July weekend. It's like few more weeks and then we're doing the whole weeks and then we're doing the whole weeks and then we're doing the whole school year over again. So, enjoy Fourth school year over again. So, enjoy Fourth school year over again. So, enjoy Fourth of July weekend. have some fun on of July weekend. have some fun on of July weekend. have some fun on Saturday and then on Sunday be here Saturday and then on Sunday be here Saturday and then on Sunday be here because we're having services like because we're having services like because we're having services like normal 9 and 11 and it's the 250th uh normal 9 and 11 and it's the 250th uh normal 9 and 11 and it's the 250th uh birthday of our nation which is pretty birthday of our nation which is pretty birthday of our nation which is pretty exciting. I know. And Andy is going to exciting. I know. And Andy is going to exciting. I know. And Andy is going to bring us a special message. Andy, any bring us a special message. Andy, any bring us a special message. Andy, any teasers on that message? teasers on that message? teasers on that message? >> I thought you were going to say and been >> I thought you were going to say and been >> I thought you were going to say and been here for most of it. So, [laughter] here for most of it. So, [laughter] here for most of it. So, [laughter] thank you for not saying that. Uh yeah. thank you for not saying that. Uh yeah. thank you for not saying that. Uh yeah. So, next Sunday I'm going to talk about So, next Sunday I'm going to talk about So, next Sunday I'm going to talk about our country and being a Christian in our our country and being a Christian in our our country and being a Christian in our country. So, that's going to be a lot. country. So, that's going to be a lot. country. So, that's going to be a lot. and 250. I just keep thinking of a cake and 250. I just keep thinking of a cake and 250. I just keep thinking of a cake with 250 candles. That's That's a lot of with 250 candles. That's That's a lot of with 250 candles. That's That's a lot of heat. That's a lot of candles. Hey, heat. That's a lot of candles. Hey, heat. That's a lot of candles. Hey, today um Grayson is going public with today um Grayson is going public with today um Grayson is going public with his faith. He's going to share a bit of his faith. He's going to share a bit of his faith. He's going to share a bit of his story. Um it's it's it's amazing. his story. Um it's it's it's amazing. his story. Um it's it's it's amazing. So, you're going to appreciate that. Um So, you're going to appreciate that. Um So, you're going to appreciate that. Um I believe that's right. Is that nine I believe that's right. Is that nine I believe that's right. Is that nine o'clock? Right.

o'clock? Right. o'clock? Right. >> Right. Grayson. Yeah. Um anyway, and >> Right. Grayson. Yeah. Um anyway, and >> Right. Grayson. Yeah. Um anyway, and then today I'm going to pick up where I then today I'm going to pick up where I then today I'm going to pick up where I left off last week with the messages, left off last week with the messages, left off last week with the messages, the two-part little miniseries. If you the two-part little miniseries. If you the two-part little miniseries. If you weren't here last Sunday, I hope that weren't here last Sunday, I hope that weren't here last Sunday, I hope that you'll catch up. We're going to pick up you'll catch up. We're going to pick up you'll catch up. We're going to pick up where we left off. Before that, we're where we left off. Before that, we're where we left off. Before that, we're gonna sing a little bit with Allison gonna sing a little bit with Allison gonna sing a little bit with Allison over here in the west with me, I over here in the west with me, I over here in the west with me, I believe, and BJ and Claudia over there believe, and BJ and Claudia over there believe, and BJ and Claudia over there with you. Michelle over here in the with you. Michelle over here in the with you. Michelle over here in the west. Tan over here in the west. And west. Tan over here in the west. And west. Tan over here in the west. And Tommy as well. Tommy as well. Tommy as well. >> I got Tommy in the east. >> I got Tommy in the east. >> I got Tommy in the east. >> You got Tommy. You got Tommy. All right. >> You got Tommy. You got Tommy. All right. >> You got Tommy. You got Tommy. All right. You got Tommy. Yes, you do. You got You got Tommy. Yes, you do. You got You got Tommy. Yes, you do. You got Tommy. How about you? Anyway, so if you Tommy. How about you? Anyway, so if you Tommy. How about you? Anyway, so if you would [laughter] would [laughter] would [laughter] um this this song is a song we've sung um this this song is a song we've sung um this this song is a song we've sung many times, but we haven't sung it in a many times, but we haven't sung it in a many times, but we haven't sung it in a while. Last summer, we actually took it while. Last summer, we actually took it while. Last summer, we actually took it apart and put it back together. And the apart and put it back together. And the apart and put it back together. And the line that I love says this, "The cross line that I love says this, "The cross line that I love says this, "The cross has spoken. There's nothing left to has spoken. There's nothing left to has spoken. There's nothing left to fear. Um, once and for all, he's shown fear. Um, once and for all, he's shown fear. Um, once and for all, he's shown how far his grace would go for us. Our how far his grace would go for us. Our how far his grace would go for us. Our God is love. And the reason I love that God is love. And the reason I love that God is love. And the reason I love that line is this. The reason, and if you're line is this. The reason, and if you're line is this. The reason, and if you're new to faith or considering faith, this new to faith or considering faith, this new to faith or considering faith, this is important. The reason we believe God is important. The reason we believe God is important. The reason we believe God is love is not because the world is is love is not because the world is is love is not because the world is lovely and not because our lives are lovely and not because our lives are lovely and not because our lives are always lovely. But when God sent his son always lovely. But when God sent his son always lovely. But when God sent his son into this world to pay for our sin and into this world to pay for our sin and into this world to pay for our sin and to demonstrate his love for us on planet to demonstrate his love for us on planet to demonstrate his love for us on planet Earth, that's how we know. That's where Earth, that's how we know. That's where Earth, that's how we know. That's where we kind of put a stake in the ground to we kind of put a stake in the ground to we kind of put a stake in the ground to say God is love whether I see love say God is love whether I see love say God is love whether I see love around me or not. So that's why we around me or not. So that's why we around me or not. So that's why we celebrate that and that's what celebrate that and that's what celebrate that and that's what Christianity is really all about. So Christianity is really all about. So Christianity is really all about. So stand say hey to somebody and we will stand say hey to somebody and we will stand say hey to somebody and we will sing this together. Here we go.

sing this together. Here we go. sing this together. Here we go. >> Here we go. >> Here we go. >> Here we go. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> See >> See >> See you brother coming every way all over you brother coming every way all over you brother coming every way all over the world and all ashamed the world and all ashamed the world and all ashamed it's overflowing [music] it's overflowing [music] it's overflowing [music] it's overflowing [singing] it's overflowing [singing] it's overflowing [singing] our God is enough you're overcoming our God is enough you're overcoming our God is enough you're overcoming [music] any Overwhelming [music] any Overwhelming [music] any Overwhelming all the shame. It's overflowing. [music] all the shame. It's overflowing. [music] all the shame. It's overflowing. [music] It's overflowing. It's overflowing. It's overflowing. Our [singing] God is enough. You Our [singing] God is enough. You Our [singing] God is enough. You overcoming [music] overcoming [music] overcoming [music] every flowing. It's overflowing.

flowing. It's overflowing. Our [music] God is enough. You know Our [music] God is enough. You know Our [music] God is enough. You know anyway anyway anyway all the way all the way all the way over over over [music] [music] [music] I got [singing] There's nothing left to be on [music] There's nothing left to be on [music] show. [singing] [singing] My God [music] My God [music] My God [music] is is is overcoming overcoming overcoming everything. [music] [music] It's overflowing. It's overflowing. It's overflowing. It's overflowing. It's overflowing. It's overflowing. My God is love. You know coming [music] My God is love. You know coming [music] My God is love. You know coming [music] every day every day every day I see it's overflowing. [music] I see it's overflowing. [music] I see it's overflowing. [music] It's overflowing.

It's overflowing. It's overflowing. Our God is love. It's overflowing. It's Our God is love. It's overflowing. It's Our God is love. It's overflowing. It's overflowing. [music] overflowing. [music] overflowing. [music] Our God is love. Our God is love. Our God is love. It's overflowing. [music] It's overflowing. [music] It's overflowing. [music] It's overflowing. It's overflowing. It's overflowing. Our God is love. [singing] >> Great is thy [singing and music] >> Great is thy [singing and music] faithfulness, faithfulness, faithfulness, oh God, my father. [singing] There is no shadow There is no shadow of turning [singing] of turning [singing] of turning [singing] with thee. with thee. with thee. Thou [singing] changes Thou [singing] changes Thou [singing] changes none. Thy compassions none. Thy compassions none. Thy compassions or [music and singing] they fail not.

or [music and singing] they fail not. or [music and singing] they fail not. As thou has been, [singing] now forever As thou has been, [singing] now forever As thou has been, [singing] now forever will [music] be. Come on, let's sing. will [music] be. Come on, let's sing. will [music] be. Come on, let's sing. Great [singing] is thy faithfulness. Great [singing] is thy faithfulness. Great [singing] is thy faithfulness. Yeah. Great [singing and music] is thy Yeah. Great [singing and music] is thy Yeah. Great [singing and music] is thy faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. Morning Morning Morning by [music] morning. [singing] by [music] morning. [singing] by [music] morning. [singing] New mercies New mercies New mercies I see [music] I see [music] I see [music] and all I [singing] have needed and all I [singing] have needed and all I [singing] have needed I can [music] have proided. I can [music] have proided. I can [music] have proided. Oh, great [singing] Oh, great [singing] Oh, great [singing] is thy [music] faithfulness, is thy [music] faithfulness, is thy [music] faithfulness, Lord, [singing] Lord, [singing] Lord, [singing] to me. to me. to me. [music] you. Depart [singing] you. Depart [singing] from my sin from my sin from my sin and [music] a peace that [singing] and [music] a peace that [singing] and [music] a peace that [singing] endure.

endure. endure. With thine own dear [singing] With thine own dear [singing] With thine own dear [singing] presence presence presence to cheer and to [singing] guide [music] to cheer and to [singing] guide [music] to cheer and to [singing] guide [music] with strength for tomorrow with strength for tomorrow with strength for tomorrow [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] and bright and bright and bright for tomorrow. Blessings [music and singing] Blessings [music and singing] all all all with 10,000. [music and singing] [music] [music] Oh, great is thyfulness. Great [music and singing] is thy Great [music and singing] is thy faithfulness faithfulness faithfulness each morning. [singing] each morning. [singing] each morning. [singing] My [music] morning [music] [music] your hand [music] [music] is [singing] [singing] [singing] seen that faithfulness.

seen that faithfulness. seen that faithfulness. Live [music and singing] that Live [music and singing] that Live [music and singing] that faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. I know that faithfulness. Amen. Amen. >> Well, North Point, thank you so much for >> Well, North Point, thank you so much for >> Well, North Point, thank you so much for singing. Y'all can go ahead and [music] singing. Y'all can go ahead and [music] singing. Y'all can go ahead and [music] take a seat. take a seat. take a seat. Today is one of the things that we love Today is one of the things that we love Today is one of the things that we love [music] to do, which is celebrate some [music] to do, which is celebrate some [music] to do, which is celebrate some really amazing life change that's really amazing life change that's really amazing life change that's happening right here [music] in our happening right here [music] in our happening right here [music] in our church family. church family. church family. Um the story that you're about to hear Um the story that you're about to hear Um the story that you're about to hear is really incredible. [music] So, we is really incredible. [music] So, we is really incredible. [music] So, we would love to celebrate alongside would love to celebrate alongside would love to celebrate alongside Grayson this morning. Let's take a look. Hi, my name is [music] Grayson Bergman. Hi, my name is [music] Grayson Bergman. I never really thought I'd get baptized. I never really thought I'd get baptized. I never really thought I'd get baptized. Religion for a long time for me was Religion for a long time for me was Religion for a long time for me was [music] kind of a more of a private [music] kind of a more of a private [music] kind of a more of a private thing. We went to church every Sunday thing. We went to church every Sunday thing. We went to church every Sunday and I went, you know, Sunday school, did and I went, you know, Sunday school, did and I went, you know, Sunday school, did all the things that you do as a as a kid all the things that you do as a as a kid all the things that you do as a as a kid in the church and [music] kind of saw a in the church and [music] kind of saw a in the church and [music] kind of saw a lot of the what I saw then as hypocrisy lot of the what I saw then as hypocrisy lot of the what I saw then as hypocrisy and not living up to what was being and not living up to what was being and not living up to what was being taught, not understanding that life is taught, not understanding that life is taught, not understanding that life is messy and we're all inherently flawed.

messy and we're all inherently flawed. messy and we're all inherently flawed. When I was a kid, I was accidentally When I was a kid, I was accidentally When I was a kid, I was accidentally exposed to some things that exposed to some things that exposed to some things that really messed up my sense of what's really messed up my sense of what's really messed up my sense of what's right and wrong and honestly what what a right and wrong and honestly what what a right and wrong and honestly what what a godly man was supposed [music] to be. So godly man was supposed [music] to be. So godly man was supposed [music] to be. So living in this kind of what I believed living in this kind of what I believed living in this kind of what I believed was a separated life. I had the side that was all good and and had the side that was all good and and true and everything was great and inside true and everything was great and inside true and everything was great and inside was just was just was just searching and seeking something that searching and seeking something that searching and seeking something that actually mattered that that made me actually mattered that that made me actually mattered that that made me whole. In 2016, I got married to a whole. In 2016, I got married to a whole. In 2016, I got married to a wonderful woman who has just always wonderful woman who has just always wonderful woman who has just always helped me become a better man. So, we helped me become a better man. So, we helped me become a better man. So, we moved back to Atlanta and began moved back to Atlanta and began moved back to Atlanta and began attending North Point after the worship attending North Point after the worship attending North Point after the worship pastor at our previous church had pastor at our previous church had pastor at our previous church had suggested it about two years ago. Andy suggested it about two years ago. Andy suggested it about two years ago. Andy was doing his series called [music] The was doing his series called [music] The was doing his series called [music] The Responsibles. Responsibles. Responsibles. And it all just kind of clicked. Being a And it all just kind of clicked. Being a And it all just kind of clicked. Being a a dad, I'm a stay-at-home dad there. a dad, I'm a stay-at-home dad there. a dad, I'm a stay-at-home dad there. That is my That is my That is my my day in and day out is being with my my day in and day out is being with my my day in and day out is being with my two boys who I love so much.

two boys who I love so much. two boys who I love so much. And not being able to show them the kind And not being able to show them the kind And not being able to show them the kind of love that I was shown [music] when I of love that I was shown [music] when I of love that I was shown [music] when I was a kid and that I came to know was a kid and that I came to know was a kid and that I came to know through Christ through Christ through Christ made me realize that I had dropped the made me realize that I had dropped the made me realize that I had dropped the ball ball ball and not being there for them and showing and not being there for them and showing and not being there for them and showing them that way. As I came running back to them that way. As I came running back to them that way. As I came running back to my heavenly father, I my heavenly father, I my heavenly father, I [music] found in him [music] found in him [music] found in him such grace, such love. I knew that such grace, such love. I knew that such grace, such love. I knew that nothing that I could ever do could earn nothing that I could ever do could earn nothing that I could ever do could earn me salvation or or the grace that we are me salvation or or the grace that we are me salvation or or the grace that we are offered through Jesus's sacrifice on the offered through Jesus's sacrifice on the offered through Jesus's sacrifice on the cross and through his resurrection. cross and through his resurrection. cross and through his resurrection. [music] It is a love we can't escape. So I have It is a love we can't escape. So I have embraced. embraced. embraced. I'm getting baptized today as a public I'm getting baptized today as a public I'm getting baptized today as a public declaration of my need for my king. I declaration of my need for my king. I declaration of my need for my king. I was lost and I'm found. [applause] [applause] Well, Grayson, Well, Grayson, Well, Grayson, wow. It is an honor to be standing here wow. It is an honor to be standing here wow. It is an honor to be standing here with you today as you go public with with you today as you go public with with you today as you go public with your faith in Jesus as your Lord and your faith in Jesus as your Lord and your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, your King. You are found and I Savior, your King. You are found and I Savior, your King. You are found and I am so grateful that you've experienced am so grateful that you've experienced am so grateful that you've experienced [music] his love, his perfect love, so [music] his love, his perfect love, so [music] his love, his perfect love, so you now can do the same for your boys.

you now can do the same for your boys. you now can do the same for your boys. [snorts] You are enough [snorts] You are enough [snorts] You are enough and they love you. and they love you. and they love you. You're setting an example. And the You're setting an example. And the You're setting an example. And the example you're setting today is for them example you're setting today is for them example you're setting today is for them they can follow as well. But it's they can follow as well. But it's they can follow as well. But it's because of your trust, your belief, and because of your trust, your belief, and because of your trust, your belief, and your decision to follow Jesus that I your decision to follow Jesus that I your decision to follow Jesus that I baptize you. Name of the Father, the baptize you. Name of the Father, the baptize you. Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Grayson, Grayson, if you can hear me, thank you so much if you can hear me, thank you so much if you can hear me, thank you so much for sharing your story. I love when you for sharing your story. I love when you for sharing your story. I love when you said this. You said, "You cannot escape said this. You said, "You cannot escape said this. You said, "You cannot escape God's love." That is so true. It's God's love." That is so true. It's God's love." That is so true. It's probably the most true thing about us. probably the most true thing about us. probably the most true thing about us. God's love, it is running after you. It God's love, it is running after you. It God's love, it is running after you. It is running after me. And his mercies are is running after me. And his mercies are is running after me. And his mercies are fresh every day. Thank you for that fresh every day. Thank you for that fresh every day. Thank you for that reminder this morning. And maybe you're reminder this morning. And maybe you're reminder this morning. And maybe you're sitting here this morning and you can sitting here this morning and you can sitting here this morning and you can relate to Grayson's story and you're relate to Grayson's story and you're relate to Grayson's story and you're thinking, "I've never really considered thinking, "I've never really considered thinking, "I've never really considered baptism. I'd really prefer to just to baptism. I'd really prefer to just to baptism. I'd really prefer to just to keep the whole thing private."

keep the whole thing private." keep the whole thing private." And here's what I want to challenge you And here's what I want to challenge you And here's what I want to challenge you towards today. I want you to know this. towards today. I want you to know this. towards today. I want you to know this. Baptism, baptism is just a symbol of an Baptism, baptism is just a symbol of an Baptism, baptism is just a symbol of an inward change that's already happened. inward change that's already happened. inward change that's already happened. So, if you consider yourself a follower So, if you consider yourself a follower So, if you consider yourself a follower of Jesus and you've never experienced of Jesus and you've never experienced of Jesus and you've never experienced this milestone, you've never taken a this milestone, you've never taken a this milestone, you've never taken a moment to just put a stake in the ground moment to just put a stake in the ground moment to just put a stake in the ground and say, "I am his and I want to follow and say, "I am his and I want to follow and say, "I am his and I want to follow him." Maybe, just maybe, this is your him." Maybe, just maybe, this is your him." Maybe, just maybe, this is your season. On Sunday, July 26, we're going season. On Sunday, July 26, we're going season. On Sunday, July 26, we're going to host a baptism Sunday. And all to host a baptism Sunday. And all to host a baptism Sunday. And all morning long, we are going to celebrate morning long, we are going to celebrate morning long, we are going to celebrate life change. And there's not going to be life change. And there's not going to be life change. And there's not going to be a video, no spotlight, just a simple a video, no spotlight, just a simple a video, no spotlight, just a simple step of obedience. step of obedience. step of obedience. So this morning, if you're feeling the So this morning, if you're feeling the So this morning, if you're feeling the nudge, there's that little thing inside nudge, there's that little thing inside nudge, there's that little thing inside of you that won't go away, pay attention of you that won't go away, pay attention of you that won't go away, pay attention to that. to that. to that. That may be the Lord inviting you to That may be the Lord inviting you to That may be the Lord inviting you to take a step closer to him. And as your take a step closer to him. And as your take a step closer to him. And as your church family, we would love to be there church family, we would love to be there church family, we would love to be there to celebrate that with you. You can find to celebrate that with you. You can find to celebrate that with you. You can find out more about Baptism Sunday at our top out more about Baptism Sunday at our top out more about Baptism Sunday at our top three website. And at this time, if you three website. And at this time, if you three website. And at this time, if you will turn your attention to the screens will turn your attention to the screens will turn your attention to the screens and we will continue our service.

So, I want to welcome all the Atlanta So, I want to welcome all the Atlanta area churches who are joining us today, area churches who are joining us today, area churches who are joining us today, our friends that on the south side, um our friends that on the south side, um our friends that on the south side, um our partner churches really all over the our partner churches really all over the our partner churches really all over the country, people watching from all over country, people watching from all over country, people watching from all over the world. And thank you to those of you the world. And thank you to those of you the world. And thank you to those of you through deeper wider who are making that through deeper wider who are making that through deeper wider who are making that possible. It is really amazing what's possible. It is really amazing what's possible. It is really amazing what's happening and the influence that you happening and the influence that you happening and the influence that you have literally more and more in have literally more and more in have literally more and more in different countries all over the world. different countries all over the world. different countries all over the world. Sandra and I are headed to Braz actually Sandra and I are headed to Braz actually Sandra and I are headed to Braz actually I'm headed to Brazil in a couple of I'm headed to Brazil in a couple of I'm headed to Brazil in a couple of weeks. Um we're going to break up our weeks. Um we're going to break up our weeks. Um we're going to break up our Latin American um conf network and start Latin American um conf network and start Latin American um conf network and start a brand new network in Brazil because a brand new network in Brazil because a brand new network in Brazil because they speak Portuguese and it's all they speak Portuguese and it's all they speak Portuguese and it's all because of your influence and their because of your influence and their because of your influence and their their gratitude to you. It just goes on their gratitude to you. It just goes on their gratitude to you. It just goes on and on and on. Um so real quick tell you and on and on. Um so real quick tell you and on and on. Um so real quick tell you a story about a friend of mine. Um most a story about a friend of mine. Um most a story about a friend of mine. Um most of you know we have a church in Buckhead of you know we have a church in Buckhead of you know we have a church in Buckhead if you're watching from some other part if you're watching from some other part if you're watching from some other part of the country. Buckhead is a community of the country. Buckhead is a community of the country. Buckhead is a community just north of Atlanta. And before we had just north of Atlanta. And before we had just north of Atlanta. And before we had a a c a property there or building a a c a property there or building a a c a property there or building there, uh we met on Sunday afternoons there, uh we met on Sunday afternoons there, uh we met on Sunday afternoons and rented space at a Baptist church who and rented space at a Baptist church who and rented space at a Baptist church who allowed us to use their space and we allowed us to use their space and we allowed us to use their space and we paid them. And the other stipulation was paid them. And the other stipulation was paid them. And the other stipulation was you got to clean up what you mess up. So you got to clean up what you mess up. So you got to clean up what you mess up. So before we would leave on Sunday before we would leave on Sunday before we would leave on Sunday afternoons, we cleaned up everything. We afternoons, we cleaned up everything. We afternoons, we cleaned up everything. We just wanted to leave it spotless. So one just wanted to leave it spotless. So one just wanted to leave it spotless. So one Sunday afternoon, I was walking around Sunday afternoon, I was walking around Sunday afternoon, I was walking around thanking volunteers. I preached here on thanking volunteers. I preached here on thanking volunteers. I preached here on Sunday morning and then headed up there Sunday morning and then headed up there Sunday morning and then headed up there that afternoon. And there was a guy that afternoon. And there was a guy that afternoon. And there was a guy literally vacuuming the carpet up in literally vacuuming the carpet up in literally vacuuming the carpet up in the, you know, far left corner of the of the, you know, far left corner of the of the, you know, far left corner of the of the room. So I walked up and thanked the room. So I walked up and thanked the room. So I walked up and thanked him. And he looked up and he said, him. And he looked up and he said, him. And he looked up and he said, "Andy?" He said, he said, "This church "Andy?" He said, he said, "This church "Andy?" He said, he said, "This church changed my life." And I'm like, changed my life." And I'm like, changed my life." And I'm like, "Really?" He said, "Yes." And he he told "Really?" He said, "Yes." And he he told "Really?" He said, "Yes." And he he told me his story. And then as years went by, me his story. And then as years went by, me his story. And then as years went by, I heard him share this story with other I heard him share this story with other I heard him share this story with other people um as well. He said, "Yeah." He people um as well. He said, "Yeah." He people um as well. He said, "Yeah." He my story is this. He said, "I was not a my story is this. He said, "I was not a my story is this. He said, "I was not a church person." He was probably in his church person." He was probably in his church person." He was probably in his mid30s. He was already a very successful

mid30s. He was already a very successful mid30s. He was already a very successful real estate developer in the city of real estate developer in the city of real estate developer in the city of Atlanta. He was just super talented guy, Atlanta. He was just super talented guy, Atlanta. He was just super talented guy, had done well. He said, "I was not a had done well. He said, "I was not a had done well. He said, "I was not a church person." He said, "But you know, church person." He said, "But you know, church person." He said, "But you know, things look good on the outside, things things look good on the outside, things things look good on the outside, things weren't so good on the inside." and weren't so good on the inside." and weren't so good on the inside." and several friends kept saying, "You need several friends kept saying, "You need several friends kept saying, "You need to go to Alpharett and go to this to go to Alpharett and go to this to go to Alpharett and go to this church, this North Point Community church, this North Point Community church, this North Point Community Church." He's like, "But I'm not a Church." He's like, "But I'm not a Church." He's like, "But I'm not a church person." He said, "So, one Sunday church person." He said, "So, one Sunday church person." He said, "So, one Sunday I drove up there and there's all these I drove up there and there's all these I drove up there and there's all these people." And he said, "I stood in the people." And he said, "I stood in the people." And he said, "I stood in the back against the wall the whole time in back against the wall the whole time in back against the wall the whole time in case I needed to make a quick exit." case I needed to make a quick exit." case I needed to make a quick exit." [snorts] And you laugh and I I see some [snorts] And you laugh and I I see some [snorts] And you laugh and I I see some of you back there in the dark on the of you back there in the dark on the of you back there in the dark on the back rows, you know, in case you need to back rows, you know, in case you need to back rows, you know, in case you need to make a quick exit. He said, "I leaned make a quick exit. He said, "I leaned make a quick exit. He said, "I leaned against the wall." He said, "Here's what against the wall." He said, "Here's what against the wall." He said, "Here's what I thought. I leaned against the wall I thought. I leaned against the wall I thought. I leaned against the wall with my arms crossed and I thought with my arms crossed and I thought with my arms crossed and I thought because all these hundreds of people because all these hundreds of people because all these hundreds of people pouring in and he said I thought these pouring in and he said I thought these pouring in and he said I thought these people are so disciplined. They're so people are so disciplined. They're so people are so disciplined. They're so disciplined. I'm I'm just not disciplined. I'm I'm just not disciplined. I'm I'm just not disciplined enough to be this is these disciplined enough to be this is these disciplined enough to be this is these were his words. I'm not disciplined were his words. I'm not disciplined were his words. I'm not disciplined enough to be like them. I'm not enough to be like them. I'm not enough to be like them. I'm not disciplined enough to be a Christian. disciplined enough to be a Christian. disciplined enough to be a Christian. Just referencing the life he was living. Just referencing the life he was living. Just referencing the life he was living. And he said, "But I came back and I came And he said, "But I came back and I came And he said, "But I came back and I came back and I would stand against the wall back and I would stand against the wall back and I would stand against the wall and I would look at all these and I would look at all these and I would look at all these disciplined people and then eventually I disciplined people and then eventually I disciplined people and then eventually I sat down and then I moved a little bit sat down and then I moved a little bit sat down and then I moved a little bit closer to the to the front and then and closer to the to the front and then and closer to the to the front and then and these are my words, not his." The these are my words, not his." The these are my words, not his." The tension that built in him was this. He tension that built in him was this. He tension that built in him was this. He realized and he even said this. He said, realized and he even said this. He said, realized and he even said this. He said, "I realized I actually believe what "I realized I actually believe what "I realized I actually believe what you're teaching. I really believe what you're teaching. I really believe what you're teaching. I really believe what you said about God is true. What you you said about God is true. What you you said about God is true. What you said about Jesus is true." And so he was said about Jesus is true." And so he was said about Jesus is true." And so he was he became a believer. Um he just wasn't he became a believer. Um he just wasn't he became a believer. Um he just wasn't a behavior. And the reason he wasn't a a behavior. And the reason he wasn't a a behavior. And the reason he wasn't a behavior is he's like, I just don't behavior is he's like, I just don't behavior is he's like, I just don't think I can I don't think I can be a think I can I don't think I can be a think I can I don't think I can be a Christian. I don't think I can do all Christian. I don't think I can do all Christian. I don't think I can do all that stuff. And maybe you're here today

that stuff. And maybe you're here today that stuff. And maybe you're here today or watching and you can identify with or watching and you can identify with or watching and you can identify with that. It's like, yeah, I believe. I just that. It's like, yeah, I believe. I just that. It's like, yeah, I believe. I just don't behave. And the thing is, as much don't behave. And the thing is, as much don't behave. And the thing is, as much as he wanted to be kind of an insider as he wanted to be kind of an insider as he wanted to be kind of an insider and, you know, really be a follower of and, you know, really be a follower of and, you know, really be a follower of Jesus, he's like, I just didn't have the Jesus, he's like, I just didn't have the Jesus, he's like, I just didn't have the the ability to, or his words, I just the ability to, or his words, I just the ability to, or his words, I just didn't have the discipline to do the didn't have the discipline to do the didn't have the discipline to do the things you talked about on Sunday. So I things you talked about on Sunday. So I things you talked about on Sunday. So I said, well, but now he's better said, well, but now he's better said, well, but now he's better vacuuming the floor. I'm like, "Well, vacuuming the floor. I'm like, "Well, vacuuming the floor. I'm like, "Well, what happened?" He said, "I just kept what happened?" He said, "I just kept what happened?" He said, "I just kept coming and I just kept listening." He coming and I just kept listening." He coming and I just kept listening." He said, "I even took some notes and then said, "I even took some notes and then said, "I even took some notes and then every Sunday I would buy the CD." This every Sunday I would buy the CD." This every Sunday I would buy the CD." This is how long ago that was. Do you is how long ago that was. Do you is how long ago that was. Do you remember CDs? Yeah. Anyway, he said, "I remember CDs? Yeah. Anyway, he said, "I remember CDs? Yeah. Anyway, he said, "I would buy the CD." And he said, "I would would buy the CD." And he said, "I would would buy the CD." And he said, "I would listen to my car." He said, "I would listen to my car." He said, "I would listen to my car." He said, "I would listen all week long trying to get this listen all week long trying to get this listen all week long trying to get this stuff in my head." And then he told me stuff in my head." And then he told me stuff in my head." And then he told me this funny story, which is awkward this funny story, which is awkward this funny story, which is awkward because it's about me, but I think it's because it's about me, but I think it's because it's about me, but I think it's worth sharing. He and so he had this worth sharing. He and so he had this worth sharing. He and so he had this convertible Porsche. He said, "And I convertible Porsche. He said, "And I convertible Porsche. He said, "And I would just I just listen to you would just I just listen to you would just I just listen to you everywhere I went instead of music." He everywhere I went instead of music." He everywhere I went instead of music." He said, "So one weekend or one day I said, "So one weekend or one day I said, "So one weekend or one day I pulled up a at a at a intersection and pulled up a at a at a intersection and pulled up a at a at a intersection and two lanes each way." And um the guy next two lanes each way." And um the guy next two lanes each way." And um the guy next to me was in a convertible and I looked to me was in a convertible and I looked to me was in a convertible and I looked over and he looked back and he said, over and he looked back and he said, over and he looked back and he said, "Are you listening to Andy?"

"Are you listening to Andy?" "Are you listening to Andy?" And he said, "Yeah." Anyway, so that he And he said, "Yeah." Anyway, so that he And he said, "Yeah." Anyway, so that he was just and the point was he just he was just and the point was he just he was just and the point was he just he wanted this. He just didn't he couldn't wanted this. He just didn't he couldn't wanted this. He just didn't he couldn't do it. He thought if I just keep do it. He thought if I just keep do it. He thought if I just keep listening, he just kept coming. Anyway, listening, he just kept coming. Anyway, listening, he just kept coming. Anyway, and he said, "I would tell God, God, I and he said, "I would tell God, God, I and he said, "I would tell God, God, I believe. I just I just can't do this believe. I just I just can't do this believe. I just I just can't do this stuff, but I wanted to and I certainly stuff, but I wanted to and I certainly stuff, but I wanted to and I certainly needed to." And I said, "Well, what needed to." And I said, "Well, what needed to." And I said, "Well, what happened?" He said, "Well, I just kept happened?" He said, "Well, I just kept happened?" He said, "Well, I just kept asking God to help me, and I can't asking God to help me, and I can't asking God to help me, and I can't explain it, Andy." He's standing there explain it, Andy." He's standing there explain it, Andy." He's standing there with a vacuum cleaner. He said, "I can't with a vacuum cleaner. He said, "I can't with a vacuum cleaner. He said, "I can't explain." He said, "But I started explain." He said, "But I started explain." He said, "But I started changing. I started changing on the changing. I started changing on the changing. I started changing on the inside, and then my desires began to inside, and then my desires began to inside, and then my desires began to change. Things that had been so change. Things that had been so change. Things that had been so attractive, they they sort of I lost attractive, they they sort of I lost attractive, they they sort of I lost interest. Some habits changed." He said interest. Some habits changed." He said interest. Some habits changed." He said even friends noticed and commented on even friends noticed and commented on even friends noticed and commented on you know what you know what's going on. you know what you know what's going on. you know what you know what's going on. He said I'm a completely different He said I'm a completely different He said I'm a completely different person than I used to be. And I'm person than I used to be. And I'm person than I used to be. And I'm telling you Andy I didn't change me. telling you Andy I didn't change me. telling you Andy I didn't change me. Years went by. He eventually joined our Years went by. He eventually joined our Years went by. He eventually joined our stewardship team. That's the the group stewardship team. That's the the group stewardship team. That's the the group of people who oversee all the finances of people who oversee all the finances of people who oversee all the finances for our whole organization. And then for our whole organization. And then for our whole organization. And then eventually he became an elder in our eventually he became an elder in our eventually he became an elder in our church. He became really my boss. And he church. He became really my boss. And he church. He became really my boss. And he met a girl on our staff and married her.

met a girl on our staff and married her. met a girl on our staff and married her. the and the the point and the reason I the and the the point and the reason I the and the the point and the reason I tell you that story is this. If you are tell you that story is this. If you are tell you that story is this. If you are a believer but you're not a behavior, I a believer but you're not a behavior, I a believer but you're not a behavior, I am so glad you're here and I'm so glad am so glad you're here and I'm so glad am so glad you're here and I'm so glad you are watching. So today, what we're you are watching. So today, what we're you are watching. So today, what we're going to do, we're going to pick up going to do, we're going to pick up going to do, we're going to pick up where we left off last weekend and I where we left off last weekend and I where we left off last weekend and I know a lot of you didn't watch because know a lot of you didn't watch because know a lot of you didn't watch because you're not here every week and it's you're not here every week and it's you're not here every week and it's summer and all that stuff. So if you summer and all that stuff. So if you summer and all that stuff. So if you didn't see or hear last week's message, didn't see or hear last week's message, didn't see or hear last week's message, I really want you to go back. I don't I really want you to go back. I don't I really want you to go back. I don't normally say that. You can see it on our normally say that. You can see it on our normally say that. You can see it on our whatever church, whatever campus you whatever church, whatever campus you whatever church, whatever campus you attend on your on your app. Hopefully, attend on your on your app. Hopefully, attend on your on your app. Hopefully, you have your church app or on my you have your church app or on my you have your church app or on my YouTube channel. But a quick review, and YouTube channel. But a quick review, and YouTube channel. But a quick review, and I mean super quick. Here's here's the I mean super quick. Here's here's the I mean super quick. Here's here's the quick review. If you've been led to quick review. If you've been led to quick review. If you've been led to believe if you've been led to believe believe if you've been led to believe believe if you've been led to believe that God's love and acceptance of you is that God's love and acceptance of you is that God's love and acceptance of you is cons is contingent upon something to do cons is contingent upon something to do cons is contingent upon something to do with you, if somehow you've been led to with you, if somehow you've been led to with you, if somehow you've been led to believe through church or religion or a believe through church or religion or a believe through church or religion or a different faith tradition that God's different faith tradition that God's different faith tradition that God's love and and acceptance of you is love and and acceptance of you is love and and acceptance of you is contingent upon something to do with contingent upon something to do with contingent upon something to do with you, you've been misled. And you were you, you've been misled. And you were you, you've been misled. And you were probably misled by somebody who does probably misled by somebody who does probably misled by somebody who does what I do. The thing that makes the good what I do. The thing that makes the good what I do. The thing that makes the good news good is that God's love for you, news good is that God's love for you, news good is that God's love for you, this is important, then we're moving on.

this is important, then we're moving on. this is important, then we're moving on. The thing that makes it good news is The thing that makes it good news is The thing that makes it good news is that God's love for you is not that God's love for you is not that God's love for you is not contingent upon. It doesn't depend upon, contingent upon. It doesn't depend upon, contingent upon. It doesn't depend upon, it is not diminished by, it is not it is not diminished by, it is not it is not diminished by, it is not thwarted by, in fact, it's not even thwarted by, in fact, it's not even thwarted by, in fact, it's not even thwartable by you. That God's love for thwartable by you. That God's love for thwartable by you. That God's love for you is beyond your control. that you you is beyond your control. that you you is beyond your control. that you don't have a say in the matter. Tough. don't have a say in the matter. Tough. don't have a say in the matter. Tough. He just loves you. He decided to love He just loves you. He decided to love He just loves you. He decided to love you. And when that reality, this was you. And when that reality, this was you. And when that reality, this was last week, when that reality goes from last week, when that reality goes from last week, when that reality goes from your head and when it's no longer just a your head and when it's no longer just a your head and when it's no longer just a concept, when that goes from your head concept, when that goes from your head concept, when that goes from your head to your heart, it begins to change you to your heart, it begins to change you to your heart, it begins to change you and that's what changed him and that's and that's what changed him and that's and that's what changed him and that's what's changed some of the people around what's changed some of the people around what's changed some of the people around you. It's not that they're more you. It's not that they're more you. It's not that they're more disciplined than you. It's just that disciplined than you. It's just that disciplined than you. It's just that something has happened on the inside. something has happened on the inside. something has happened on the inside. So, that was part one. Today's part two So, that was part one. Today's part two So, that was part one. Today's part two and there's only two parts. So, we and there's only two parts. So, we and there's only two parts. So, we started the movie last week. We're started the movie last week. We're started the movie last week. We're wrapping up this week. And so, so today wrapping up this week. And so, so today wrapping up this week. And so, so today I want to answer the question, so what? I want to answer the question, so what? I want to answer the question, so what? And and now what? Okay, so God loves me And and now what? Okay, so God loves me And and now what? Okay, so God loves me and I can't do anything about it. I'm and I can't do anything about it. I'm and I can't do anything about it. I'm stuck with that. But what does that stuck with that. But what does that stuck with that. But what does that mean? You know, what do I do with that?

mean? You know, what do I do with that? mean? You know, what do I do with that? How do I respond to that? Where do we go How do I respond to that? Where do we go How do I respond to that? Where do we go from there? So, here's what I'm going to from there? So, here's what I'm going to from there? So, here's what I'm going to do for the next few minutes. I'm going do for the next few minutes. I'm going do for the next few minutes. I'm going to tell you where we go from there. And to tell you where we go from there. And to tell you where we go from there. And then I'm going to let the Apostle Paul then I'm going to let the Apostle Paul then I'm going to let the Apostle Paul tell you where we go from there. The tell you where we go from there. The tell you where we go from there. The Apostle Paul is the perfect person to Apostle Paul is the perfect person to Apostle Paul is the perfect person to ask because he was an amazing Pharisee. ask because he was an amazing Pharisee. ask because he was an amazing Pharisee. He met Jesus, dropped all that, and He met Jesus, dropped all that, and He met Jesus, dropped all that, and moved on. So, he lived in the transition moved on. So, he lived in the transition moved on. So, he lived in the transition between the old covenant and the new between the old covenant and the new between the old covenant and the new covenant. He's the expert, and he was covenant. He's the expert, and he was covenant. He's the expert, and he was amazing at one, abandoned it, and went amazing at one, abandoned it, and went amazing at one, abandoned it, and went full-on into the new covenant that God full-on into the new covenant that God full-on into the new covenant that God established through Christ for the with established through Christ for the with established through Christ for the with the human race. And the reason I'm going the human race. And the reason I'm going the human race. And the reason I'm going to go first before I let you know what to go first before I let you know what to go first before I let you know what Paul said is that Paul dictated this Paul said is that Paul dictated this Paul said is that Paul dictated this information in the first century in information in the first century in information in the first century in Greek. And his explanation isn't always Greek. And his explanation isn't always Greek. And his explanation isn't always easy to follow. So, here's the easy to follow. So, here's the easy to follow. So, here's the backstory. He went to the Roman province backstory. He went to the Roman province backstory. He went to the Roman province of Galatia in modern day Turkey. He of Galatia in modern day Turkey. He of Galatia in modern day Turkey. He plants several little churches and he plants several little churches and he plants several little churches and he leaves them with this incredible message leaves them with this incredible message leaves them with this incredible message that God has done something in the world that God has done something in the world that God has done something in the world for the world and everybody is invited for the world and everybody is invited for the world and everybody is invited to participate in it. A little bit to participate in it. A little bit to participate in it. A little bit later, we don't know how long, but maybe later, we don't know how long, but maybe later, we don't know how long, but maybe a year or so later, some Christians from a year or so later, some Christians from a year or so later, some Christians from Jerusalem show up to those churches and Jerusalem show up to those churches and Jerusalem show up to those churches and they say, "Hey, um, we know what Paul they say, "Hey, um, we know what Paul they say, "Hey, um, we know what Paul told you and we we're here to correct told you and we we're here to correct told you and we we're here to correct some of that." they showed up and they some of that." they showed up and they some of that." they showed up and they they said in order to be a Jesus they said in order to be a Jesus they said in order to be a Jesus follower or in order to be a Christian, follower or in order to be a Christian, follower or in order to be a Christian, even though they didn't use that term even though they didn't use that term even though they didn't use that term yet, you actually have to become sort of yet, you actually have to become sort of yet, you actually have to become sort of you have to become Jewish first, you you have to become Jewish first, you you have to become Jewish first, you have to embrace Torah um as part of have to embrace Torah um as part of have to embrace Torah um as part of following Jesus. And you men, you're following Jesus. And you men, you're following Jesus. And you men, you're going to have to be circumcised because going to have to be circumcised because going to have to be circumcised because that's the covenant. That's the sign of that's the covenant. That's the sign of that's the covenant. That's the sign of the covenant that you're in covenant the covenant that you're in covenant the covenant that you're in covenant with God. And that's the old covenant, with God. And that's the old covenant, with God. And that's the old covenant, but they didn't call it the old

but they didn't call it the old but they didn't call it the old covenant. That's the original covenant covenant. That's the original covenant covenant. That's the original covenant before you then are part of this new before you then are part of this new before you then are part of this new covenant. that their their message was covenant. that their their message was covenant. that their their message was basically it's not as simple as Paul basically it's not as simple as Paul basically it's not as simple as Paul makes it sound. It's good news, but it's makes it sound. It's good news, but it's makes it sound. It's good news, but it's not that good. Now, Paul found out about not that good. Now, Paul found out about not that good. Now, Paul found out about this and he was apoplelectic. That's the this and he was apoplelectic. That's the this and he was apoplelectic. That's the only word I can think of. He was so only word I can think of. He was so only word I can think of. He was so angry. He's so angry. He says something angry. He's so angry. He says something angry. He's so angry. He says something in this document that we call the book in this document that we call the book in this document that we call the book of Galatians because that's the letter of Galatians because that's the letter of Galatians because that's the letter he wrote the the church in Galatians in he wrote the the church in Galatians in he wrote the the church in Galatians in response to these people going in and response to these people going in and response to these people going in and kind of diminishing what he had taught. kind of diminishing what he had taught. kind of diminishing what he had taught. He says something in that letter that is He says something in that letter that is He says something in that letter that is so crude. I'm not even sure I would read so crude. I'm not even sure I would read so crude. I'm not even sure I would read that verse in church. And yes, I'm that verse in church. And yes, I'm that verse in church. And yes, I'm trying to bait you into reading your trying to bait you into reading your trying to bait you into reading your Bible. So, you need to read the book of Bible. So, you need to read the book of Bible. So, you need to read the book of Galatians and find that it I mean, it is Galatians and find that it I mean, it is Galatians and find that it I mean, it is like so crude because he's so angry that like so crude because he's so angry that like so crude because he's so angry that this group would come and pollute and this group would come and pollute and this group would come and pollute and diminish the grace of God with a version diminish the grace of God with a version diminish the grace of God with a version of Christianity. I mean, these were of Christianity. I mean, these were of Christianity. I mean, these were Jesus' followers by trying to combine Jesus' followers by trying to combine Jesus' followers by trying to combine the two covenants. Anyway, so he writes the two covenants. Anyway, so he writes the two covenants. Anyway, so he writes a letter to these churches in Galatia. a letter to these churches in Galatia. a letter to these churches in Galatia. We call it the book of Galatians in our We call it the book of Galatians in our We call it the book of Galatians in our New Testament. And he's trying to call New Testament. And he's trying to call New Testament. And he's trying to call them back to the good news. And here's them back to the good news. And here's them back to the good news. And here's what he says. This my version, then what he says. This my version, then what he says. This my version, then we're going to get to his. He says, we're going to get to his. He says, we're going to get to his. He says, "Hey, look, God is your father. He's not "Hey, look, God is your father. He's not "Hey, look, God is your father. He's not an officer of the law. God is your an officer of the law. God is your an officer of the law. God is your father. He's not an officer of the law."

father. He's not an officer of the law." father. He's not an officer of the law." Now, if you're an officer of the law, no Now, if you're an officer of the law, no Now, if you're an officer of the law, no offense, but let me just say this. If offense, but let me just say this. If offense, but let me just say this. If you're an officer of the law, if you're an officer of the law, if you're an officer of the law, if everybody in your community would do everybody in your community would do everybody in your community would do what we're talking about today, your job what we're talking about today, your job what we're talking about today, your job would be safer and easier. So, I'm all would be safer and easier. So, I'm all would be safer and easier. So, I'm all for officers of the law. Paul's point for officers of the law. Paul's point for officers of the law. Paul's point is, look, that's not the role that God is, look, that's not the role that God is, look, that's not the role that God is playing. Besides, Paul says, did is playing. Besides, Paul says, did is playing. Besides, Paul says, did knowing the difference between right and knowing the difference between right and knowing the difference between right and wrong ensure that you would do what's wrong ensure that you would do what's wrong ensure that you would do what's right? Did did knowing the law ensure right? Did did knowing the law ensure right? Did did knowing the law ensure that you kept the law? No. Did the fear that you kept the law? No. Did the fear that you kept the law? No. Did the fear of God keep you from doing wrong? No. of God keep you from doing wrong? No. of God keep you from doing wrong? No. Because rules rules don't empower you to Because rules rules don't empower you to Because rules rules don't empower you to keep the rules. They're just the rules. keep the rules. They're just the rules. keep the rules. They're just the rules. They're just the law. There's no power They're just the law. There's no power They're just the law. There's no power there. to use my friend's word, he would there. to use my friend's word, he would there. to use my friend's word, he would say, "You're not disciplined enough." say, "You're not disciplined enough." say, "You're not disciplined enough." And when you know what to do and you And when you know what to do and you And when you know what to do and you don't do it, how do you feel? You feel don't do it, how do you feel? You feel don't do it, how do you feel? You feel guilty. And ultimately, if you continue guilty. And ultimately, if you continue guilty. And ultimately, if you continue to do what you know you shouldn't do, to do what you know you shouldn't do, to do what you know you shouldn't do, you feel condemned. And at some point, you feel condemned. And at some point, you feel condemned. And at some point, you just give up and you say, "Why even you just give up and you say, "Why even you just give up and you say, "Why even try?" Then Paul goes on to say this, try?" Then Paul goes on to say this, try?" Then Paul goes on to say this, "The way of Jesus, the way of Jesus is a "The way of Jesus, the way of Jesus is a "The way of Jesus, the way of Jesus is a completely different way. It is a completely different way. It is a completely different way. It is a completely different orientation toward completely different orientation toward completely different orientation toward life. It is a reorientation toward God.

life. It is a reorientation toward God. life. It is a reorientation toward God. a reorientation from I promise a reorientation from I promise a reorientation from I promise to I surrender to I surrender to I surrender from obedience from obedience from obedience to dependence to dependence to dependence from I will from I will from I will to I can't but you can to I can't but you can to I can't but you can through me that Paul as we're going to through me that Paul as we're going to through me that Paul as we're going to see insi say as we're going to see he see insi say as we're going to see he see insi say as we're going to see he insists that the Christian life is insists that the Christian life is insists that the Christian life is actually the life of Jesus lived not by actually the life of Jesus lived not by actually the life of Jesus lived not by us but lived through to us because my us but lived through to us because my us but lived through to us because my friend was absolutely correct. You're friend was absolutely correct. You're friend was absolutely correct. You're not disciplined enough. You can't. I not disciplined enough. You can't. I not disciplined enough. You can't. I can't. But if we allow him to, he can can't. But if we allow him to, he can can't. But if we allow him to, he can and he will. And here's the the promise. and he will. And here's the the promise. and he will. And here's the the promise. When we embrace this new orientation When we embrace this new orientation When we embrace this new orientation toward God, when we embrace the way of toward God, when we embrace the way of toward God, when we embrace the way of Jesus, as Paul is going to spell it out, Jesus, as Paul is going to spell it out, Jesus, as Paul is going to spell it out, that Jesus talked about as well. When we that Jesus talked about as well. When we that Jesus talked about as well. When we embrace this approach slowly, at times embrace this approach slowly, at times embrace this approach slowly, at times imperceptibly, Christ will produce his imperceptibly, Christ will produce his imperceptibly, Christ will produce his fruit as Paul talks about it, or his fruit as Paul talks about it, or his fruit as Paul talks about it, or his life through you, through your life through you, through your life through you, through your personality, through your temperament.

personality, through your temperament. personality, through your temperament. Now, that's my version. Here's Paul's Now, that's my version. Here's Paul's Now, that's my version. Here's Paul's kind of clunky version. It's not his kind of clunky version. It's not his kind of clunky version. It's not his fault. He's writing in a different fault. He's writing in a different fault. He's writing in a different language in a different time. But here's language in a different time. But here's language in a different time. But here's what he says, and it is amazing. It's what he says, and it is amazing. It's what he says, and it is amazing. It's the It's in fact, let me tell you how the It's in fact, let me tell you how the It's in fact, let me tell you how amazing it is. It's so amazing that amazing it is. It's so amazing that amazing it is. It's so amazing that there's a verse we're going to get to a there's a verse we're going to get to a there's a verse we're going to get to a minute that if I were to just post it minute that if I were to just post it minute that if I were to just post it online without any reference to it being online without any reference to it being online without any reference to it being in the Bible, I would just be in the Bible, I would just be in the Bible, I would just be annihilated. You'd be annihilated by annihilated. You'd be annihilated by annihilated. You'd be annihilated by Christians. It is so extreme. Christians. It is so extreme. Christians. It is so extreme. That's how good the good news is. And That's how good the good news is. And That's how good the good news is. And that's why there's always the temptation that's why there's always the temptation that's why there's always the temptation to tap it down, to undermine it, to to to tap it down, to undermine it, to to to tap it down, to undermine it, to to try to contextualize it or try to contextualize it or try to contextualize it or recontextualize it and take away some of recontextualize it and take away some of recontextualize it and take away some of the goodness in the good. Here's what he the goodness in the good. Here's what he the goodness in the good. Here's what he writes to this group in in Galatia. He writes to this group in in Galatia. He writes to this group in in Galatia. He says, 'L it was for freedom that Christ says, 'L it was for freedom that Christ says, 'L it was for freedom that Christ has set us free. In other words, if your has set us free. In other words, if your has set us free. In other words, if your version of Christianity doesn't feel version of Christianity doesn't feel version of Christianity doesn't feel like freedom, it's the wrong version. If like freedom, it's the wrong version. If like freedom, it's the wrong version. If the if the version of Christianity you the if the version of Christianity you the if the version of Christianity you grew up with felt didn't feel like more grew up with felt didn't feel like more grew up with felt didn't feel like more freedom, then it's not the right freedom, then it's not the right freedom, then it's not the right version. It was for freedom that Christ version. It was for freedom that Christ version. It was for freedom that Christ has set us free. And he says, "So come has set us free. And he says, "So come has set us free. And he says, "So come on. You remember what I told you when I on. You remember what I told you when I on. You remember what I told you when I was with you? Stand firm. Stand fir firm was with you? Stand firm. Stand fir firm was with you? Stand firm. Stand fir firm and don't let yourselves be burdened or and don't let yourselves be burdened or and don't let yourselves be burdened or rebburdened again. Don't let yourself be rebburdened again. Don't let yourself be rebburdened again. Don't let yourself be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. He burdened again by a yoke of slavery. He burdened again by a yoke of slavery. He said approaching God in terms of keeping said approaching God in terms of keeping said approaching God in terms of keeping rules and keeping law. Of course, that rules and keeping law. Of course, that rules and keeping law. Of course, that feels heavy. It's like a yoke on you.

feels heavy. It's like a yoke on you. feels heavy. It's like a yoke on you. It's like slavery. And so he contrasts It's like slavery. And so he contrasts It's like slavery. And so he contrasts the freedom in following Jesus versus the freedom in following Jesus versus the freedom in following Jesus versus the slavery or versus the trying to keep the slavery or versus the trying to keep the slavery or versus the trying to keep a list of rules or keep the law. Um he a list of rules or keep the law. Um he a list of rules or keep the law. Um he he compares that to some sort of yoke of he compares that to some sort of yoke of he compares that to some sort of yoke of slavery. In other words, and it's an slavery. In other words, and it's an slavery. In other words, and it's an approach to faith oriented around approach to faith oriented around approach to faith oriented around rulekeeping. What does God want? What rulekeeping. What does God want? What rulekeeping. What does God want? What does God expect? Oh, there I go again. does God expect? Oh, there I go again. does God expect? Oh, there I go again. Hey, I did pretty good today. I didn't Hey, I did pretty good today. I didn't Hey, I did pretty good today. I didn't do so good yesterday. I hope I do better do so good yesterday. I hope I do better do so good yesterday. I hope I do better tomorrow. And then this, he says, you tomorrow. And then this, he says, you tomorrow. And then this, he says, you talking to this he because he loves talking to this he because he loves talking to this he because he loves them, but he's so frustrated. There's so them, but he's so frustrated. There's so them, but he's so frustrated. There's so much energy in this letter. He says, much energy in this letter. He says, much energy in this letter. He says, "You who are trying to be justified," "You who are trying to be justified," "You who are trying to be justified," and this is just a fancy Bible word for and this is just a fancy Bible word for and this is just a fancy Bible word for be in right relationship with. That's be in right relationship with. That's be in right relationship with. That's what it means to be justified. that is what it means to be justified. that is what it means to be justified. that is to do something in order to be right to do something in order to be right to do something in order to be right with God so God is pleased with me. He with God so God is pleased with me. He with God so God is pleased with me. He says those of you who are trying to be says those of you who are trying to be says those of you who are trying to be find God's acceptance and find God's find God's acceptance and find God's find God's acceptance and find God's love by keeping the law by keeping love by keeping the law by keeping love by keeping the law by keeping Torah, you've been, this is amazing, Torah, you've been, this is amazing, Torah, you've been, this is amazing, you've actually been alienated from the you've actually been alienated from the you've actually been alienated from the Jesus, from the Christ that you say you Jesus, from the Christ that you say you Jesus, from the Christ that you say you worship, you've actually fallen away worship, you've actually fallen away worship, you've actually fallen away from grace. In other words, in your from grace. In other words, in your from grace. In other words, in your attempt to please God, you're moving attempt to please God, you're moving attempt to please God, you're moving away from God. In your attempt to have a away from God. In your attempt to have a away from God. In your attempt to have a right standing with God, you're moving right standing with God, you're moving right standing with God, you're moving in the opposite direction. You are in the opposite direction. You are in the opposite direction. You are undermining the very thing you're undermining the very thing you're undermining the very thing you're attempting to do. Evaluating where you attempting to do. Evaluating where you attempting to do. Evaluating where you stand with God based on your behavior stand with God based on your behavior stand with God based on your behavior amounts to resisting God because he amounts to resisting God because he amounts to resisting God because he doesn't operate like that. Um he it's a doesn't operate like that. Um he it's a doesn't operate like that. Um he it's a little bit this isn't a great example.

little bit this isn't a great example. little bit this isn't a great example. It's a little bit like a workaholic who It's a little bit like a workaholic who It's a little bit like a workaholic who says I'm doing this for my family. when says I'm doing this for my family. when says I'm doing this for my family. when in fact he or she is doing something to in fact he or she is doing something to in fact he or she is doing something to their family. I'm doing this for my their family. I'm doing this for my their family. I'm doing this for my family, but in the and doing something family, but in the and doing something family, but in the and doing something for my family, I'm actually alienating for my family, I'm actually alienating for my family, I'm actually alienating my children and undermining the my children and undermining the my children and undermining the integrity and the intimacy of my integrity and the intimacy of my integrity and the intimacy of my marriage. It's the same idea. He's like, marriage. It's the same idea. He's like, marriage. It's the same idea. He's like, I your motives are good, but you're I your motives are good, but you're I your motives are good, but you're doing it wrong and at the end of the doing it wrong and at the end of the doing it wrong and at the end of the day, you're moving away from not toward day, you're moving away from not toward day, you're moving away from not toward the very thing you say you are so the very thing you say you are so the very thing you say you are so interested in. You're alienating interested in. You're alienating interested in. You're alienating yourself from God. Four. Then he says yourself from God. Four. Then he says yourself from God. Four. Then he says this, "For in Christ," and in Christ, this, "For in Christ," and in Christ, this, "For in Christ," and in Christ, this is an important phrase in the New this is an important phrase in the New this is an important phrase in the New Testament when Paul's teaching in Christ Testament when Paul's teaching in Christ Testament when Paul's teaching in Christ means in relationship or in covenant means in relationship or in covenant means in relationship or in covenant relationship with Christ, that you've relationship with Christ, that you've relationship with Christ, that you've accepted Christ as your Messiah, your accepted Christ as your Messiah, your accepted Christ as your Messiah, your king, and you're attempting to follow. king, and you're attempting to follow. king, and you're attempting to follow. He says in Christ, this is this was so He says in Christ, this is this was so He says in Christ, this is this was so extreme for this for this culture. In extreme for this for this culture. In extreme for this for this culture. In Christ, Jesus, neither circumcision nor Christ, Jesus, neither circumcision nor Christ, Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. And the uncircumcision has any value. And the uncircumcision has any value. And the Judeian people who read this, or we Judeian people who read this, or we Judeian people who read this, or we would say the Jewish people who read would say the Jewish people who read would say the Jewish people who read this letter, this is like so offensive.

this letter, this is like so offensive. this letter, this is like so offensive. He's like, look, if you're circumcised, He's like, look, if you're circumcised, He's like, look, if you're circumcised, fine. If you're not circumcised, fine. fine. If you're not circumcised, fine. fine. If you're not circumcised, fine. It is irrelevant. Now, believe it or It is irrelevant. Now, believe it or It is irrelevant. Now, believe it or not, and hopefully you'll believe it or not, and hopefully you'll believe it or not, and hopefully you'll believe it or you can read it for yourself. In this you can read it for yourself. In this you can read it for yourself. In this verse, the term circumcision actually verse, the term circumcision actually verse, the term circumcision actually reflects this is sort of a a term that reflects this is sort of a a term that reflects this is sort of a a term that reflects the entire Torah, including reflects the entire Torah, including reflects the entire Torah, including the Ten Commandments. what he's saying, the Ten Commandments. what he's saying, the Ten Commandments. what he's saying, in fact, he's going to say it overtly in in fact, he's going to say it overtly in in fact, he's going to say it overtly in just a minute, that the law, if you're a just a minute, that the law, if you're a just a minute, that the law, if you're a Jesus follower, Torah, the Ten Jesus follower, Torah, the Ten Jesus follower, Torah, the Ten Commandments, circumcision, a sign of Commandments, circumcision, a sign of Commandments, circumcision, a sign of the fact that you're actually in this the fact that you're actually in this the fact that you're actually in this covenant, is completely irrelevant. It covenant, is completely irrelevant. It covenant, is completely irrelevant. It doesn't matter anymore. It has, this is doesn't matter anymore. It has, this is doesn't matter anymore. It has, this is so extreme, it has no value. Those days so extreme, it has no value. Those days so extreme, it has no value. Those days are over. There's a new sheriff in town. are over. There's a new sheriff in town. are over. There's a new sheriff in town. There's a king in town. The old covenant There's a king in town. The old covenant There's a king in town. The old covenant has been wrapped up and put away. It had has been wrapped up and put away. It had has been wrapped up and put away. It had a mean, it was a means to an end. The a mean, it was a means to an end. The a mean, it was a means to an end. The end is here because Jesus is here. The end is here because Jesus is here. The end is here because Jesus is here. The king has come. Everything that came king has come. Everything that came king has come. Everything that came before was a shadow. We're putting that before was a shadow. We're putting that before was a shadow. We're putting that behind us. And he would say, "And I behind us. And he would say, "And I behind us. And he would say, "And I should know. I was a Pharisee. Nobody should know. I was a Pharisee. Nobody should know. I was a Pharisee. Nobody loved the law more than me. But those loved the law more than me. But those loved the law more than me. But those days are over." Through Jesus, a brand days are over." Through Jesus, a brand days are over." Through Jesus, a brand new approach to life and a brand new new approach to life and a brand new new approach to life and a brand new approach to God has been introduced to approach to God has been introduced to approach to God has been introduced to the world. And then here's the statement the world. And then here's the statement the world. And then here's the statement that is so extreme. He says, "Look, let that is so extreme. He says, "Look, let that is so extreme. He says, "Look, let me just say it plainly.

me just say it plainly. me just say it plainly. The only thing that counts, The only thing that counts, The only thing that counts, the only thing that counts. Discount the the only thing that counts. Discount the the only thing that counts. Discount the law. Discount Torah, the ten command. law. Discount Torah, the ten command. law. Discount Torah, the ten command. Just I'm telling you, he says the only Just I'm telling you, he says the only Just I'm telling you, he says the only thing that counts thing that counts thing that counts is faith. And last week we unpacked what is faith. And last week we unpacked what is faith. And last week we unpacked what faith meant. Faith isn't doing something faith meant. Faith isn't doing something faith meant. Faith isn't doing something to make something true. Faith is simply to make something true. Faith is simply to make something true. Faith is simply accepting what's already true. Faith is accepting what's already true. Faith is accepting what's already true. Faith is recognizing that, oh, I I see now what I recognizing that, oh, I I see now what I recognizing that, oh, I I see now what I didn't see before. And in this context, didn't see before. And in this context, didn't see before. And in this context, faith is resting in what's true about faith is resting in what's true about faith is resting in what's true about God's love for you and God's acceptance God's love for you and God's acceptance God's love for you and God's acceptance of you, God's unconditional acceptance of you, God's unconditional acceptance of you, God's unconditional acceptance of you. He says, "Let me tell you, if of you. He says, "Let me tell you, if of you. He says, "Let me tell you, if you want to follow Jesus, the only thing you want to follow Jesus, the only thing you want to follow Jesus, the only thing that counts, the only thing that pleases that counts, the only thing that pleases that counts, the only thing that pleases God is faith expressing itself." In God is faith expressing itself." In God is faith expressing itself." In other words, there's going to be an other words, there's going to be an other words, there's going to be an overflow from this. In fact, my friend's overflow from this. In fact, my friend's overflow from this. In fact, my friend's story, the change that began to happen story, the change that began to happen story, the change that began to happen in him and through him, it was his faith in him and through him, it was his faith in him and through him, it was his faith expressing itself. expressing itself. expressing itself. And then here's the kicker. Faith And then here's the kicker. Faith And then here's the kicker. Faith expressing itself through lawkeeping, expressing itself through lawkeeping, expressing itself through lawkeeping, through obedience, through commitment, through obedience, through commitment, through obedience, through commitment, through more discipline. Paul's like, through more discipline. Paul's like, through more discipline. Paul's like, "No, "No, "No, the only thing that counts is faith the only thing that counts is faith the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through expressing itself through expressing itself through love."

love." love." Now again, read the whole thing. Read Now again, read the whole thing. Read Now again, read the whole thing. Read Paul's other literature. When Paul talks Paul's other literature. When Paul talks Paul's other literature. When Paul talks about love, he's not just talking about about love, he's not just talking about about love, he's not just talking about just love everybody. He's talking about just love everybody. He's talking about just love everybody. He's talking about the love of God as experienced and the love of God as experienced and the love of God as experienced and expressed and demonstrated through the expressed and demonstrated through the expressed and demonstrated through the life of Jesus. The love of God as life of Jesus. The love of God as life of Jesus. The love of God as demonstrated through the life of Jesus. demonstrated through the life of Jesus. demonstrated through the life of Jesus. In other words, you follow Jesus through In other words, you follow Jesus through In other words, you follow Jesus through the gospels and you see love in action. the gospels and you see love in action. the gospels and you see love in action. And sometimes it's tough love and And sometimes it's tough love and And sometimes it's tough love and sometimes it's just gracious love. He sometimes it's just gracious love. He sometimes it's just gracious love. He says, "The only thing that counts is says, "The only thing that counts is says, "The only thing that counts is that once you are locked in on God's that once you are locked in on God's that once you are locked in on God's extraordinary love for you, that that extraordinary love for you, that that extraordinary love for you, that that should express itself in your love for should express itself in your love for should express itself in your love for other people." Jesus new covenant other people." Jesus new covenant other people." Jesus new covenant command when he gathered with the command when he gathered with the command when he gathered with the disciples, he said, "Forget the 613. We disciples, he said, "Forget the 613. We disciples, he said, "Forget the 613. We got a new command and there's just one got a new command and there's just one got a new command and there's just one because there's no loopholes in love. because there's no loopholes in love. because there's no loopholes in love. You are to love one another, not You are to love one another, not You are to love one another, not generally. You are to love one another generally. You are to love one another generally. You are to love one another the way that I have loved you. You've the way that I have loved you. You've the way that I have loved you. You've watched me in action. Now do for others watched me in action. Now do for others watched me in action. Now do for others what I have done for you. It's not the what I have done for you. It's not the what I have done for you. It's not the golden rule. It's the platinum rule.

golden rule. It's the platinum rule. golden rule. It's the platinum rule. It's a brand new standard. To which It's a brand new standard. To which It's a brand new standard. To which rightfully we should respond, wait, rightfully we should respond, wait, rightfully we should respond, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. And this wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. And this wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. And this is why the J the Judaizers, they called is why the J the Judaizers, they called is why the J the Judaizers, they called them, showed up in Galatia to dismiss them, showed up in Galatia to dismiss them, showed up in Galatia to dismiss what Paul had taught. It's like, wait, what Paul had taught. It's like, wait, what Paul had taught. It's like, wait, okay, Paul, look, that's just so okay, Paul, look, that's just so okay, Paul, look, that's just so open-ended. open-ended. open-ended. I mean, that's just so dangerous. I mean, that's just so dangerous. I mean, that's just so dangerous. There's no laws. There's no rules. we There's no laws. There's no rules. we There's no laws. There's no rules. we just love people like Christ loved us. just love people like Christ loved us. just love people like Christ loved us. And Paul is like, "Exactly. If that's And Paul is like, "Exactly. If that's And Paul is like, "Exactly. If that's what you took from what I just said, what you took from what I just said, what you took from what I just said, then you've got it." And he goes on to then you've got it." And he goes on to then you've got it." And he goes on to say, "When you get this right, when that say, "When you get this right, when that say, "When you get this right, when that is what you surrender to, God, I want is what you surrender to, God, I want is what you surrender to, God, I want you to live. I want Christ's love to be you to live. I want Christ's love to be you to live. I want Christ's love to be expressed through me because I have expressed through me because I have expressed through me because I have faith that Christ did for me, what faith that Christ did for me, what faith that Christ did for me, what Christ claimed to have done for me." As Christ claimed to have done for me." As Christ claimed to have done for me." As that is expressed through your life, that is expressed through your life, that is expressed through your life, then let me tell you what you won't do. then let me tell you what you won't do. then let me tell you what you won't do. You won't abuse that freedom. You won't You won't abuse that freedom. You won't You won't abuse that freedom. You won't abuse this dangerous idea that you are abuse this dangerous idea that you are abuse this dangerous idea that you are free from the law. He says you will not free from the law. He says you will not free from the law. He says you will not use your freedom to indulge the your use your freedom to indulge the your use your freedom to indulge the your flesh. Rather, you will serve one flesh. Rather, you will serve one flesh. Rather, you will serve one another humbly in love. Why? Because another humbly in love. Why? Because another humbly in love. Why? Because that's what your king did for you. This that's what your king did for you. This that's what your king did for you. This isn't the freedom to get away with. This isn't the freedom to get away with. This isn't the freedom to get away with. This is the freedom to submit to and to is the freedom to submit to and to is the freedom to submit to and to follow your king as your king expresses follow your king as your king expresses follow your king as your king expresses his love for others just like he his love for others just like he his love for others just like he expressed it for you. That's why what expressed it for you. That's why what expressed it for you. That's why what happened at the cross and God's happened at the cross and God's happened at the cross and God's sacrificial love for you is to be the sacrificial love for you is to be the sacrificial love for you is to be the driving force in our lives every single driving force in our lives every single driving force in our lives every single day. It is to be the impetus behind how

day. It is to be the impetus behind how day. It is to be the impetus behind how we live, how we act, and how we react to we live, how we act, and how we react to we live, how we act, and how we react to others. That we are to do for others others. That we are to do for others others. That we are to do for others what God through Christ has done for us. what God through Christ has done for us. what God through Christ has done for us. He says, "And when that's your focus, He says, "And when that's your focus, He says, "And when that's your focus, you don't need to fear not having a you don't need to fear not having a you don't need to fear not having a whole bunch of rules to live by because whole bunch of rules to live by because whole bunch of rules to live by because the one command to love as God through the one command to love as God through the one command to love as God through Christ has loved you is enough for every Christ has loved you is enough for every Christ has loved you is enough for every single occasion single occasion single occasion that we don't use your freedom." In that we don't use your freedom." In that we don't use your freedom." In other words, this isn't an excuse to get other words, this isn't an excuse to get other words, this isn't an excuse to get by you. We don't we won't use our by you. We don't we won't use our by you. We don't we won't use our freedom to indulge our appetites, but freedom to indulge our appetites, but freedom to indulge our appetites, but we'll serve one another. Okay? And we're we'll serve one another. Okay? And we're we'll serve one another. Okay? And we're like, "Okay, Paul, okay. Yeah. Yeah. like, "Okay, Paul, okay. Yeah. Yeah. like, "Okay, Paul, okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But before we move forward, Paul, Yeah. But before we move forward, Paul, Yeah. But before we move forward, Paul, come on. If come on. If come on. If >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> If we don't have any rules, I mean, he >> If we don't have any rules, I mean, he >> If we don't have any rules, I mean, he just took the whole Ten Commandments. just took the whole Ten Commandments. just took the whole Ten Commandments. Even if we don't have any laws to live Even if we don't have any laws to live Even if we don't have any laws to live by, how do we know what to do? Paul's by, how do we know what to do? Paul's by, how do we know what to do? Paul's like, "Good question. You're following like, "Good question. You're following like, "Good question. You're following me. Instead of measuring yourself me. Instead of measuring yourself me. Instead of measuring yourself against a a list of rules, against laws, against a a list of rules, against laws, against a a list of rules, against laws, here's what I want you to do. It's a new here's what I want you to do. It's a new here's what I want you to do. It's a new operating system. It's a whole new operating system. It's a whole new operating system. It's a whole new approach to life. Here's what you do." approach to life. Here's what you do." approach to life. Here's what you do." He writes to them, "I want you to walk He writes to them, "I want you to walk He writes to them, "I want you to walk by the spirit." And if we'll talk about by the spirit." And if we'll talk about by the spirit." And if we'll talk about that in a minute. And if you walk by the that in a minute. And if you walk by the that in a minute. And if you walk by the spirit, in other words, if you are led spirit, in other words, if you are led spirit, in other words, if you are led by the spirit, if you have surrendered by the spirit, if you have surrendered by the spirit, if you have surrendered yourself to the internal still small yourself to the internal still small yourself to the internal still small voice of God and Jesus in you, if you voice of God and Jesus in you, if you voice of God and Jesus in you, if you walk by the spirit, you don't need to walk by the spirit, you don't need to walk by the spirit, you don't need to worry about not having a bunch of laws worry about not having a bunch of laws worry about not having a bunch of laws because you will not gratify the desires because you will not gratify the desires because you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. In other words, you won't of the flesh. In other words, you won't of the flesh. In other words, you won't be selfish be selfish be selfish because the Holy Spirit and Christ in because the Holy Spirit and Christ in because the Holy Spirit and Christ in you will lead you to be selfless. And

you will lead you to be selfless. And you will lead you to be selfless. And you already know the happiest people you you already know the happiest people you you already know the happiest people you know, the most fulfilled people you know know, the most fulfilled people you know know, the most fulfilled people you know are the most selfless people you've ever are the most selfless people you've ever are the most selfless people you've ever met met met because God loves you. And God isn't because God loves you. And God isn't because God loves you. And God isn't leading you to be unhappy. He is leading leading you to be unhappy. He is leading leading you to be unhappy. He is leading you to be fulfilled. You won't be led or you to be fulfilled. You won't be led or you to be fulfilled. You won't be led or controlled or governed by your controlled or governed by your controlled or governed by your appetites. And you know, come on. All appetites. And you know, come on. All appetites. And you know, come on. All right. whether you're Christian or not, right. whether you're Christian or not, right. whether you're Christian or not, different faith tradition. Let's just different faith tradition. Let's just different faith tradition. Let's just all be super honest and transparent for all be super honest and transparent for all be super honest and transparent for a minute. We all know what happens when a minute. We all know what happens when a minute. We all know what happens when we are led by our appetites. So, of we are led by our appetites. So, of we are led by our appetites. So, of course, the spirit of God inside of us course, the spirit of God inside of us course, the spirit of God inside of us would not allow us to be led by our would not allow us to be led by our would not allow us to be led by our appetites. In fact, Paul says, "You know appetites. In fact, Paul says, "You know appetites. In fact, Paul says, "You know what that leads to, don't you?" And what that leads to, don't you?" And what that leads to, don't you?" And we're all like, "Yeah, I can stand up we're all like, "Yeah, I can stand up we're all like, "Yeah, I can stand up and tell you a story about last week or and tell you a story about last week or and tell you a story about last week or maybe this morning." And when I give maybe this morning." And when I give maybe this morning." And when I give into my appetites, it only leads to into my appetites, it only leads to into my appetites, it only leads to regret. It only divides. It only hurts regret. It only divides. It only hurts regret. It only divides. It only hurts my marriage. It only hurts my my marriage. It only hurts my my marriage. It only hurts my relationships. It undermines the my the relationships. It undermines the my the relationships. It undermines the my the my budget. I mean, yeah. when I give my budget. I mean, yeah. when I give my budget. I mean, yeah. when I give into my he says well Paul says okay even into my he says well Paul says okay even into my he says well Paul says okay even though it's obvious let me make sure though it's obvious let me make sure though it's obvious let me make sure that we're all on the same page so let that we're all on the same page so let that we're all on the same page so let me he gives us a list he says the acts me he gives us a list he says the acts me he gives us a list he says the acts of the flesh in case you need a reminder of the flesh in case you need a reminder of the flesh in case you need a reminder look kind of like this he says the acts look kind of like this he says the acts look kind of like this he says the acts of the flesh are obvious in other words of the flesh are obvious in other words of the flesh are obvious in other words I don't even need to tell you but I'm I don't even need to tell you but I'm I don't even need to tell you but I'm going to anyway sexual immorality going to anyway sexual immorality going to anyway sexual immorality impurity debauchery I hope you didn't impurity debauchery I hope you didn't impurity debauchery I hope you didn't deba haven't debauch anyway idolatry and deba haven't debauch anyway idolatry and deba haven't debauch anyway idolatry and witchcraft hatred discord jealousy fits witchcraft hatred discord jealousy fits witchcraft hatred discord jealousy fits of rage selfish ambition dissensions, fa of rage selfish ambition dissensions, fa of rage selfish ambition dissensions, fa factions, and envy, drunkenness, orgies, factions, and envy, drunkenness, orgies, factions, and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. In other words, this isn't

and the like. In other words, this isn't and the like. In other words, this isn't a complete list because he's saying, a complete list because he's saying, a complete list because he's saying, "Come on, you know." And what are these "Come on, you know." And what are these "Come on, you know." And what are these things? These are the things that create things? These are the things that create things? These are the things that create regret. regret. regret. These are the things, these are the These are the things, these are the These are the things, these are the stories you hope people don't find out stories you hope people don't find out stories you hope people don't find out about. These are the things that when about. These are the things that when about. These are the things that when you're engaged, you are tempted to lie you're engaged, you are tempted to lie you're engaged, you are tempted to lie about in your past. These are the things about in your past. These are the things about in your past. These are the things that destroy marriages. These are the that destroy marriages. These are the that destroy marriages. These are the things that, again, he's like, "Is that things that, again, he's like, "Is that things that, again, he's like, "Is that what you want? Haven't you lived long what you want? Haven't you lived long what you want? Haven't you lived long enough to know that chasing your enough to know that chasing your enough to know that chasing your appetites and being controlled by your appetites and being controlled by your appetites and being controlled by your appetites, that is not a win? There's no appetites, that is not a win? There's no appetites, that is not a win? There's no joy in that. Anything associated, he joy in that. Anything associated, he joy in that. Anything associated, he says, anything associated with a regret, says, anything associated with a regret, says, anything associated with a regret, of course it's off limits. Anything that of course it's off limits. Anything that of course it's off limits. Anything that that harms another person, of course that harms another person, of course that harms another person, of course it's off limits. it's off limits. it's off limits. Anything that comes prepackaged with a Anything that comes prepackaged with a Anything that comes prepackaged with a consequence, of course, the spirit of consequence, of course, the spirit of consequence, of course, the spirit of God isn't going to lead you there God isn't going to lead you there God isn't going to lead you there because God loves you. See, one of the because God loves you. See, one of the because God loves you. See, one of the the one of the biggest challenges for the one of the biggest challenges for the one of the biggest challenges for modern Christians, and it's so evident modern Christians, and it's so evident modern Christians, and it's so evident in the New Testament, I don't know why in the New Testament, I don't know why in the New Testament, I don't know why this is so confusing, but the Pharisees this is so confusing, but the Pharisees this is so confusing, but the Pharisees were the ones that held a specific list were the ones that held a specific list were the ones that held a specific list of rules over people and condemned them.

of rules over people and condemned them. of rules over people and condemned them. Jesus came along and said it there, Jesus came along and said it there, Jesus came along and said it there, forget the list. It's simple. If it's forget the list. It's simple. If it's forget the list. It's simple. If it's not good for him, it's a sin. If it's not good for him, it's a sin. If it's not good for him, it's a sin. If it's not good for her, it's a sin. If if it's not good for her, it's a sin. If if it's not good for her, it's a sin. If if it's not good for you, no can do if it's not not good for you, no can do if it's not not good for you, no can do if it's not good for them. In other words, God loves good for them. In other words, God loves good for them. In other words, God loves you. And like a good parent, how does a you. And like a good parent, how does a you. And like a good parent, how does a parent determine the the rules of a parent determine the the rules of a parent determine the the rules of a household and what they a good parent? household and what they a good parent? household and what they a good parent? They're not trying to keep their kids They're not trying to keep their kids They're not trying to keep their kids from something good. They're trying to from something good. They're trying to from something good. They're trying to rescue and keep their kids from rescue and keep their kids from rescue and keep their kids from something evil and harmful, regret. And something evil and harmful, regret. And something evil and harmful, regret. And the same is true with your heavenly the same is true with your heavenly the same is true with your heavenly father. That's not why that's why he's father. That's not why that's why he's father. That's not why that's why he's not a law enforcement officer. He is a not a law enforcement officer. He is a not a law enforcement officer. He is a good father. And this is why we say all good father. And this is why we say all good father. And this is why we say all the time around here, following Jesus the time around here, following Jesus the time around here, following Jesus will make your life better. And let me will make your life better. And let me will make your life better. And let me just double down on that. If you're not just double down on that. If you're not just double down on that. If you're not a person of faith or maybe a different a person of faith or maybe a different a person of faith or maybe a different faith tradition, and we've never met, so faith tradition, and we've never met, so faith tradition, and we've never met, so I don't know your story, but here's my I don't know your story, but here's my I don't know your story, but here's my hunch. Your greatest regret hunch. Your greatest regret hunch. Your greatest regret would have been avoided if you had been would have been avoided if you had been would have been avoided if you had been following Jesus in that season following Jesus in that season following Jesus in that season of your life.

of your life. of your life. And then he says something that needs a And then he says something that needs a And then he says something that needs a little explanation. He says, 'I warn little explanation. He says, 'I warn little explanation. He says, 'I warn you, this is in his letter. I warn you you, this is in his letter. I warn you you, this is in his letter. I warn you as I did before when I was with you as I did before when I was with you as I did before when I was with you physically. Because again, he was with physically. Because again, he was with physically. Because again, he was with them, now he's writing this letter. I them, now he's writing this letter. I them, now he's writing this letter. I warn you as I did before that those who warn you as I did before that those who warn you as I did before that those who live like this, talking about everything live like this, talking about everything live like this, talking about everything on that list, the people who indulge in on that list, the people who indulge in on that list, the people who indulge in those things is kind of a lifestyle. those things is kind of a lifestyle. those things is kind of a lifestyle. That's sort of the habit of their life. That's sort of the habit of their life. That's sort of the habit of their life. He says they're not going to inherit the He says they're not going to inherit the He says they're not going to inherit the kingdom of God. Now, this deserves a kingdom of God. Now, this deserves a kingdom of God. Now, this deserves a whole sermon, but I just want to make a whole sermon, but I just want to make a whole sermon, but I just want to make a couple of comments. If you grew up in couple of comments. If you grew up in couple of comments. If you grew up in church, this always gets equated with go church, this always gets equated with go church, this always gets equated with go to heaven when you die. That is not what to heaven when you die. That is not what to heaven when you die. That is not what Paul is talking about. If he meant if Paul is talking about. If he meant if Paul is talking about. If he meant if you do these things, you won't go to you do these things, you won't go to you do these things, you won't go to heaven when you die. He would have said heaven when you die. He would have said heaven when you die. He would have said that. This is so important. He says if that. This is so important. He says if that. This is so important. He says if you live like that, you are not you live like that, you are not you live like that, you are not participating in the kingdom of God now. participating in the kingdom of God now. participating in the kingdom of God now. And you aren't going to inherit or And you aren't going to inherit or And you aren't going to inherit or experience, ready for this? You're not experience, ready for this? You're not experience, ready for this? You're not going to experience the benefits of going to experience the benefits of going to experience the benefits of participating in the kingdom of God now. participating in the kingdom of God now. participating in the kingdom of God now. This isn't about where you spend This isn't about where you spend This isn't about where you spend eternity. And the reason we know that is eternity. And the reason we know that is eternity. And the reason we know that is this word right here, inherit. If I were this word right here, inherit. If I were this word right here, inherit. If I were to walk up to you after the service and to walk up to you after the service and to walk up to you after the service and say, "Hey, before you go, I need to let say, "Hey, before you go, I need to let say, "Hey, before you go, I need to let you know something. You are not in my you know something. You are not in my you know something. You are not in my will."

You'd be like, I assumed that because You'd be like, I assumed that because I'm not in your family either, right? Or I'm not in your family either, right? Or I'm not in your family either, right? Or if you walked up to me and said, Andy, I if you walked up to me and said, Andy, I if you walked up to me and said, Andy, I tell you what, you're not going to tell you what, you're not going to tell you what, you're not going to inherit a thing from me. I'd be like, I inherit a thing from me. I'd be like, I inherit a thing from me. I'd be like, I didn't expect to. I'm not in your didn't expect to. I'm not in your didn't expect to. I'm not in your family. family. family. This is a family term. This is you're This is a family term. This is you're This is a family term. This is you're already in, but there is a consequence already in, but there is a consequence already in, but there is a consequence for not participating in the best way to for not participating in the best way to for not participating in the best way to understand what Paul talks about with understand what Paul talks about with understand what Paul talks about with the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is the reign and rule of God. And when is the reign and rule of God. And when is the reign and rule of God. And when we step out from underneath the reign we step out from underneath the reign we step out from underneath the reign and rule of God, we're not participating and rule of God, we're not participating and rule of God, we're not participating in the kingdom of God. The other way to in the kingdom of God. The other way to in the kingdom of God. The other way to understand it is just think of the story understand it is just think of the story understand it is just think of the story of the prodigal son. Remember the young of the prodigal son. Remember the young of the prodigal son. Remember the young son left and remember if you if you grew son left and remember if you if you grew son left and remember if you if you grew up in church he left and he's wasted his up in church he left and he's wasted his up in church he left and he's wasted his entire what? entire what? entire what? Inheritance. Inheritance. Inheritance. And when he came back his father And when he came back his father And when he came back his father welcomed him back because he's still a welcomed him back because he's still a welcomed him back because he's still a son and he celebrated that he was back son and he celebrated that he was back son and he celebrated that he was back but he didn't have any inheritance but he didn't have any inheritance but he didn't have any inheritance because he had participated outside the because he had participated outside the because he had participated outside the umbrella of the family. Now again, umbrella of the family. Now again, umbrella of the family. Now again, there's so much more I could say about there's so much more I could say about there's so much more I could say about this, but this is very very important this, but this is very very important this, but this is very very important when you're reading the New Testament.

when you're reading the New Testament. when you're reading the New Testament. He's saying, "Look, if you participate He's saying, "Look, if you participate He's saying, "Look, if you participate in those things, I mean, you're you're in those things, I mean, you're you're in those things, I mean, you're you're going to pay the price." And the other going to pay the price." And the other going to pay the price." And the other way Jesus talked about it, you're going way Jesus talked about it, you're going way Jesus talked about it, you're going to be on the outside looking in weeping to be on the outside looking in weeping to be on the outside looking in weeping and nashing your teeth, not because and nashing your teeth, not because and nashing your teeth, not because you're in pain, but because it's like, you're in pain, but because it's like, you're in pain, but because it's like, "Ah, if only I could go back. If only I "Ah, if only I could go back. If only I "Ah, if only I could go back. If only I could go back to that season of life, to could go back to that season of life, to could go back to that season of life, to that relationship, to that decision. Ah, that relationship, to that decision. Ah, that relationship, to that decision. Ah, if only I could go back. But I'm I was if only I could go back. But I'm I was if only I could go back. But I'm I was standing like my friend in the back of standing like my friend in the back of standing like my friend in the back of the room standing outside the room standing outside the room standing outside looking in, not experiencing the looking in, not experiencing the looking in, not experiencing the benefits. Okay, back to the alternative. benefits. Okay, back to the alternative. benefits. Okay, back to the alternative. Got to keep moving. So he says this. So Got to keep moving. So he says this. So Got to keep moving. So he says this. So I say walk by the spirit. That is live I say walk by the spirit. That is live I say walk by the spirit. That is live according to the internal nudges of according to the internal nudges of according to the internal nudges of God's spirit, the internal nudges of his God's spirit, the internal nudges of his God's spirit, the internal nudges of his prompings through your conscience as you prompings through your conscience as you prompings through your conscience as you renew your mind. my friend, he just renew your mind. my friend, he just renew your mind. my friend, he just doubled and tripled down on listening to doubled and tripled down on listening to doubled and tripled down on listening to messages over and over and over to renew messages over and over and over to renew messages over and over and over to renew his mind and to inform his conscience. his mind and to inform his conscience. his mind and to inform his conscience. And that was part of the process as the And that was part of the process as the And that was part of the process as the apostle Paul talks about so that he apostle Paul talks about so that he apostle Paul talks about so that he could be begin participating in the could be begin participating in the could be begin participating in the kingdom of God. Now the question then kingdom of God. Now the question then kingdom of God. Now the question then is, well, how do we know what are the is, well, how do we know what are the is, well, how do we know what are the prompts of the Holy Spirit? Paul's like, prompts of the Holy Spirit? Paul's like, prompts of the Holy Spirit? Paul's like, oh, I'm so glad you asked. Here's what oh, I'm so glad you asked. Here's what oh, I'm so glad you asked. Here's what they are. But the fruit of the spirit, they are. But the fruit of the spirit, they are. But the fruit of the spirit, the thing that God wants to produce the thing that God wants to produce the thing that God wants to produce through you because the life of Christ through you because the life of Christ through you because the life of Christ is in you. But the fruit of the spirit, is in you. But the fruit of the spirit, is in you. But the fruit of the spirit, not the commitment of your will, the not the commitment of your will, the not the commitment of your will, the fruit of the spirit, what the spirit fruit of the spirit, what the spirit fruit of the spirit, what the spirit will produce through you when invited will produce through you when invited will produce through you when invited is love is love is love and joy and joy and joy and

and and peace. The world's falling apart around peace. The world's falling apart around peace. The world's falling apart around you, but you, but you, but God's in control. God's in control. God's in control. Patience. How can you be so patient with Patience. How can you be so patient with Patience. How can you be so patient with him? Let me tell you how patient God has him? Let me tell you how patient God has him? Let me tell you how patient God has been with me. The least I can do is to been with me. The least I can do is to been with me. The least I can do is to be patient with her, patient with him. be patient with her, patient with him. be patient with her, patient with him. Kindness. You know what this is? This is Kindness. You know what this is? This is Kindness. You know what this is? This is loaning someone your strength rather loaning someone your strength rather loaning someone your strength rather than reminding them of their weakness. than reminding them of their weakness. than reminding them of their weakness. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Listen to this. Listen to this. I didn't Listen to this. Listen to this. I didn't Listen to this. Listen to this. I didn't tell the first service this. tell the first service this. tell the first service this. When the prodal son comes back, he When the prodal son comes back, he When the prodal son comes back, he starts rehearsing everything he'd done starts rehearsing everything he'd done starts rehearsing everything he'd done wrong wrong wrong and his father loans him strength. Son, and his father loans him strength. Son, and his father loans him strength. Son, forget all that. Here's a coat. Here's a forget all that. Here's a coat. Here's a forget all that. Here's a coat. Here's a ring. You're back. That's all that ring. You're back. That's all that ring. You're back. That's all that matters. matters. matters. That's what we're called to do for other That's what we're called to do for other That's what we're called to do for other people because God through Christ did it people because God through Christ did it people because God through Christ did it for us.

for us. for us. goodness, faithfulness, gentle self. You goodness, faithfulness, gentle self. You goodness, faithfulness, gentle self. You know what this is? Let me tell you what know what this is? Let me tell you what know what this is? Let me tell you what this is. This is who you want your this is. This is who you want your this is. This is who you want your children to marry. children to marry. children to marry. If you're single, this is who you want If you're single, this is who you want If you're single, this is who you want to marry. to marry. to marry. This is what we expect of the people who This is what we expect of the people who This is what we expect of the people who work for us and who we work for. This work for us and who we work for. This work for us and who we work for. This isn't rocket science. This is Jesus in isn't rocket science. This is Jesus in isn't rocket science. This is Jesus in action and you can't pull it off and you action and you can't pull it off and you action and you can't pull it off and you are invited to invite him to pull it off are invited to invite him to pull it off are invited to invite him to pull it off through you. Then next is this brilliant through you. Then next is this brilliant through you. Then next is this brilliant observation. I love this statement. He observation. I love this statement. He observation. I love this statement. He totally shifts the paradigm. Listen to totally shifts the paradigm. Listen to totally shifts the paradigm. Listen to what Paul says. He says, look, against what Paul says. He says, look, against what Paul says. He says, look, against such things, this is amazing. Against such things, this is amazing. Against such things, this is amazing. Against such things, what things? All these such things, what things? All these such things, what things? All these things. Against such things, ready? things. Against such things, ready? things. Against such things, ready? There is no law. He says, all the stuff There is no law. He says, all the stuff There is no law. He says, all the stuff on the bad list, there's laws against on the bad list, there's laws against on the bad list, there's laws against those things. I mean, there are actual those things. I mean, there are actual those things. I mean, there are actual civil laws against some of the things on civil laws against some of the things on civil laws against some of the things on those list. He's like, this is why it's those list. He's like, this is why it's those list. He's like, this is why it's such a completely different way of such a completely different way of such a completely different way of living. It's a completely liberating way living. It's a completely liberating way living. It's a completely liberating way of living. There's no law against any of of living. There's no law against any of of living. There's no law against any of this. You can't be too patient. Hey, you this. You can't be too patient. Hey, you this. You can't be too patient. Hey, you want to knock off the patience? You're want to knock off the patience? You're want to knock off the patience? You're taking patience a little bit. No. Too taking patience a little bit. No. Too taking patience a little bit. No. Too much self-control over there. Okay.

much self-control over there. Okay. much self-control over there. Okay. Okay, honey. Too much self-control. Okay, honey. Too much self-control. Okay, honey. Too much self-control. Listen. I think our kids are exhibiting Listen. I think our kids are exhibiting Listen. I think our kids are exhibiting too much self-control. We need to have a too much self-control. We need to have a too much self-control. We need to have a talk with the kids, right? You can't be talk with the kids, right? You can't be talk with the kids, right? You can't be too good. You can't be too faithful. You too good. You can't be too faithful. You too good. You can't be too faithful. You can't be too any of those things. He can't be too any of those things. He can't be too any of those things. He says, Paul says, think of it. There's no says, Paul says, think of it. There's no says, Paul says, think of it. There's no law against any of these things. There law against any of these things. There law against any of these things. There is no law necessary. And this is the is no law necessary. And this is the is no law necessary. And this is the life your savior wants to exhibit life your savior wants to exhibit life your savior wants to exhibit through you. And it is possible. It is through you. And it is possible. It is through you. And it is possible. It is not instant. It is not overnight. It's a not instant. It is not overnight. It's a not instant. It is not overnight. It's a process. But it can happen and you will process. But it can happen and you will process. But it can happen and you will change. change. change. Then he says this since he says come on Then he says this since he says come on Then he says this since he says come on Galatians since we live by the spirit Galatians since we live by the spirit Galatians since we live by the spirit let's just keep in step with the spirit. let's just keep in step with the spirit. let's just keep in step with the spirit. In other words, since God's spirit is In other words, since God's spirit is In other words, since God's spirit is the source of eternal life, then why the source of eternal life, then why the source of eternal life, then why wouldn't you allow his spirit to direct wouldn't you allow his spirit to direct wouldn't you allow his spirit to direct the course the course the course of your life? And then he doubles down of your life? And then he doubles down of your life? And then he doubles down as if there's any question about what as if there's any question about what as if there's any question about what he's saying. This is amazing. [snorts] he's saying. This is amazing. [snorts] he's saying. This is amazing. [snorts] Again, not so much to us, but to that Again, not so much to us, but to that Again, not so much to us, but to that first century audience, this was first century audience, this was first century audience, this was mind-blowing. If you choose to walk by mind-blowing. If you choose to walk by mind-blowing. If you choose to walk by the spirit instead of I'm going to try the spirit instead of I'm going to try the spirit instead of I'm going to try to keep a bunch of rules. If you are led to keep a bunch of rules. If you are led to keep a bunch of rules. If you are led by the spirit, look at this. You are not by the spirit, look at this. You are not by the spirit, look at this. You are not under the law. Now, I want you to see under the law. Now, I want you to see under the law. Now, I want you to see the contrast between these words. This the contrast between these words. This the contrast between these words. This is everything.

is everything. is everything. Led Led Led is relational. is relational. is relational. Led is an invitation. Led is an invitation. Led is an invitation. Under is a weight. And under is a Under is a weight. And under is a Under is a weight. And under is a burden. It's a complete reorientation burden. It's a complete reorientation burden. It's a complete reorientation from I promise from I promise from I promise to God I can't. I surrender from to God I can't. I surrender from to God I can't. I surrender from obedience. I'm going to I know. No, who obedience. I'm going to I know. No, who obedience. I'm going to I know. No, who am I kidding? I'm dependent. From I will am I kidding? I'm dependent. From I will am I kidding? I'm dependent. From I will to I can't, but you can through me. The to I can't, but you can through me. The to I can't, but you can through me. The Christian life, Christian life, Christian life, Christian life is the life of Christ Christian life is the life of Christ Christian life is the life of Christ lived through us, not by us. You're not lived through us, not by us. You're not lived through us, not by us. You're not that disciplined. that disciplined. that disciplined. Now, the problem is, I'll wrap this up. Now, the problem is, I'll wrap this up. Now, the problem is, I'll wrap this up. From the days of Paul until now, there's From the days of Paul until now, there's From the days of Paul until now, there's always a brand of Christianity. There's always a brand of Christianity. There's always a brand of Christianity. There's always a brand or brands of Christianity always a brand or brands of Christianity always a brand or brands of Christianity that want to reinsert some form of law that want to reinsert some form of law that want to reinsert some form of law into the equation. And I'll tell you into the equation. And I'll tell you into the equation. And I'll tell you why. It's motivated by fear.

why. It's motivated by fear. why. It's motivated by fear. You know what the fear is? If we don't You know what the fear is? If we don't You know what the fear is? If we don't have rules and if we don't have laws and have rules and if we don't have laws and have rules and if we don't have laws and if we're not, you know, coming down on if we're not, you know, coming down on if we're not, you know, coming down on people in church, if there's not any of people in church, if there's not any of people in church, if there's not any of that, pe people are just going to run that, pe people are just going to run that, pe people are just going to run wild. News flash. Look up here. People wild. News flash. Look up here. People wild. News flash. Look up here. People who know the rules run wild in spite of who know the rules run wild in spite of who know the rules run wild in spite of the rules. I mean, just look around. And the rules. I mean, just look around. And the rules. I mean, just look around. And don't even look around. Look in the don't even look around. Look in the don't even look around. Look in the mirror. mirror. mirror. The worst thing you ever done, you knew The worst thing you ever done, you knew The worst thing you ever done, you knew what you were doing and you did it what you were doing and you did it what you were doing and you did it anyway because the law restricts. It anyway because the law restricts. It anyway because the law restricts. It does not empower. But won't people take does not empower. But won't people take does not empower. But won't people take advantage of this? Yes, advantage of this? Yes, advantage of this? Yes, people will take advantage of this gift people will take advantage of this gift people will take advantage of this gift of grace and God will not take it back. of grace and God will not take it back. of grace and God will not take it back. That's what makes it amazing. But when That's what makes it amazing. But when That's what makes it amazing. But when you come to terms and you come to grips you come to terms and you come to grips you come to terms and you come to grips and you allow to go from here to here, and you allow to go from here to here, and you allow to go from here to here, when you come to terms with God's when you come to terms with God's when you come to terms with God's extraordinary love for you in those extraordinary love for you in those extraordinary love for you in those moments, what else can you do but moments, what else can you do but moments, what else can you do but surrender and follow surrender and follow surrender and follow and worship? Earlier Paul said it this and worship? Earlier Paul said it this and worship? Earlier Paul said it this way. This is a verse every Christian way. This is a verse every Christian way. This is a verse every Christian should memorize in addition to whatever should memorize in addition to whatever should memorize in addition to whatever else you've already memorized. He said, else you've already memorized. He said, else you've already memorized. He said, "Let me," this is his personal "Let me," this is his personal "Let me," this is his personal application. He says, "Here's the way I application. He says, "Here's the way I application. He says, "Here's the way I see it. For me, it's like when Jesus was see it. For me, it's like when Jesus was see it. For me, it's like when Jesus was crucified.

crucified. crucified. I was on the cross with him. I have been I was on the cross with him. I have been I was on the cross with him. I have been crucified with Christ. crucified with Christ. crucified with Christ. So, I died. So, I died. So, I died. All my efforts, all my good intentions, All my efforts, all my good intentions, All my efforts, all my good intentions, they just they just died. they just they just died. they just they just died. They're of no value. They're of no value. They're of no value. And I no longer live, but Christ lives And I no longer live, but Christ lives And I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." If you have received Jesus as in me." If you have received Jesus as in me." If you have received Jesus as your savior, your savior, your savior, Christ lives in you. Why not invite him Christ lives in you. Why not invite him Christ lives in you. Why not invite him to live through you? Look up here and to live through you? Look up here and to live through you? Look up here and we're done. every morning, we're done. every morning, we're done. every morning, before every meeting, before every meeting, before every meeting, before every conflict resolution before every conflict resolution before every conflict resolution on the way home when you're planning on the way home when you're planning on the way home when you're planning what you got to say and you're all, you what you got to say and you're all, you what you got to say and you're all, you know, amped up and you're going to, you know, amped up and you're going to, you know, amped up and you're going to, you know, know, know, why not allow him and invite him to live why not allow him and invite him to live why not allow him and invite him to live through you in the midst of fear? through you in the midst of fear? through you in the midst of fear? Men, look up here. Man, every time your Men, look up here. Man, every time your Men, look up here. Man, every time your ego starts talking, ego starts talking, ego starts talking, my friend Billy Phoenix, the pastor at my friend Billy Phoenix, the pastor at my friend Billy Phoenix, the pastor at Decatur City Church, he says, "Your ego Decatur City Church, he says, "Your ego Decatur City Church, he says, "Your ego is not your amigo."

Men, when has when has submitting to Men, when has when has submitting to surrendering to your ego ever led to surrendering to your ego ever led to surrendering to your ego ever led to something good? But the Holy Spirit that something good? But the Holy Spirit that something good? But the Holy Spirit that lives in you, if you're a Jesus lives in you, if you're a Jesus lives in you, if you're a Jesus follower, will guide you and direct you follower, will guide you and direct you follower, will guide you and direct you and prompt you and prompt you and prompt you in the direction that brings hope and in the direction that brings hope and in the direction that brings hope and healing. It's the best life. It makes healing. It's the best life. It makes healing. It's the best life. It makes your life better. It'll make you better your life better. It'll make you better your life better. It'll make you better at life. And if you don't think you have at life. And if you don't think you have at life. And if you don't think you have what it takes to live a Christian life, what it takes to live a Christian life, what it takes to live a Christian life, you are absolutely correct. And that's you are absolutely correct. And that's you are absolutely correct. And that's okay. None of us do. and acknowledging okay. None of us do. and acknowledging okay. None of us do. and acknowledging our inability. Acknowledging our our inability. Acknowledging our our inability. Acknowledging our inability to pull this off means that inability to pull this off means that inability to pull this off means that you if if you're willing to acknowledge you if if you're willing to acknowledge you if if you're willing to acknowledge that I can't, you can't. I can't. It that I can't, you can't. I can't. It that I can't, you can't. I can't. It means you are standing on the threshold means you are standing on the threshold means you are standing on the threshold of the kingdom of God. You're saying, of the kingdom of God. You're saying, of the kingdom of God. You're saying, "God, I want to live under your rule and "God, I want to live under your rule and "God, I want to live under your rule and your reign, and I can't do it on my your reign, and I can't do it on my your reign, and I can't do it on my own." own." own." And it's your invitation to invite your And it's your invitation to invite your And it's your invitation to invite your king to lead you, to fill you, to king to lead you, to fill you, to king to lead you, to fill you, to empower you, and to change you from the empower you, and to change you from the empower you, and to change you from the inside out. To make the lyrics of this inside out. To make the lyrics of this inside out. To make the lyrics of this song that we're going to sing in just a song that we're going to sing in just a song that we're going to sing in just a minute, your prayer. It says this, we've minute, your prayer. It says this, we've minute, your prayer. It says this, we've sung it so many times. Lord, I come and sung it so many times. Lord, I come and sung it so many times. Lord, I come and I confess. Bowing here, that's the I confess. Bowing here, that's the I confess. Bowing here, that's the humility. Bowing here, I find my rest.

humility. Bowing here, I find my rest. humility. Bowing here, I find my rest. Without you, come on. Without you, I Without you, come on. Without you, I Without you, come on. Without you, I fall apart. You're the one that I need fall apart. You're the one that I need fall apart. You're the one that I need to guide my heart. Look at this. Where to guide my heart. Look at this. Where to guide my heart. Look at this. Where sin runs deep, sin runs deep, sin runs deep, your grace is more. I've been controlled your grace is more. I've been controlled your grace is more. I've been controlled by sin, but I believe your grace can by sin, but I believe your grace can by sin, but I believe your grace can empower me to move forward. Where grace empower me to move forward. Where grace empower me to move forward. Where grace is found, that's where you are. is found, that's where you are. is found, that's where you are. And where you are, Lord, And where you are, Lord, And where you are, Lord, I am free because holiness is Christ in I am free because holiness is Christ in I am free because holiness is Christ in me. Lord, I need you. Oh, I need you. me. Lord, I need you. Oh, I need you. me. Lord, I need you. Oh, I need you. Ready for this? When we sing it, I want Ready for this? When we sing it, I want Ready for this? When we sing it, I want this to just Lord, I need you. Oh, I this to just Lord, I need you. Oh, I this to just Lord, I need you. Oh, I need you. Every hour. need you. Every hour. need you. Every hour. Every hour I need you. My one defense, Every hour I need you. My one defense, Every hour I need you. My one defense, my righteousness. You're the one who my righteousness. You're the one who my righteousness. You're the one who gives me a right standing with God. Oh gives me a right standing with God. Oh gives me a right standing with God. Oh God, how I need you. God, how I need you. God, how I need you. I'm going to pray and then we're going I'm going to pray and then we're going I'm going to pray and then we're going to sing it. And I want to invite you to to sing it. And I want to invite you to to sing it. And I want to invite you to invite Jesus to live through you slowly.

invite Jesus to live through you slowly. invite Jesus to live through you slowly. Surely he will bring about the changes Surely he will bring about the changes Surely he will bring about the changes that you're not disciplined to bring that you're not disciplined to bring that you're not disciplined to bring about yourself. about yourself. about yourself. Heavenly Father, thank you for the Heavenly Father, thank you for the Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to talk about this. Thank opportunity to talk about this. Thank opportunity to talk about this. Thank you for preserving this ancient letter. you for preserving this ancient letter. you for preserving this ancient letter. For 2,000 years, it's been copied and For 2,000 years, it's been copied and For 2,000 years, it's been copied and recopied and distributed all over the recopied and distributed all over the recopied and distributed all over the world. It's amazing we even have it. world. It's amazing we even have it. world. It's amazing we even have it. So, wherever this lands with us, would So, wherever this lands with us, would So, wherever this lands with us, would you give us the wisdom to know what to you give us the wisdom to know what to you give us the wisdom to know what to do with it and the courage to do it? do with it and the courage to do it? do with it and the courage to do it? Father, would you give us the humility Father, would you give us the humility Father, would you give us the humility every day to start our day? I can't, but every day to start our day? I can't, but every day to start our day? I can't, but you can. I can't, but you can. I can't, you can. I can't, but you can. I can't, you can. I can't, but you can. I can't, but you can. I'm inviting you to do it but you can. I'm inviting you to do it but you can. I'm inviting you to do it through me. And father, when we get it through me. And father, when we get it through me. And father, when we get it and we don't get it right, when we take and we don't get it right, when we take and we don't get it right, when we take the control of the reigns of our lives the control of the reigns of our lives the control of the reigns of our lives again, that we just lay them down and again, that we just lay them down and again, that we just lay them down and say, "I can't, but you can." And do what say, "I can't, but you can." And do what say, "I can't, but you can." And do what only you can do. We can't. You can. We only you can do. We can't. You can. We only you can do. We can't. You can. We invite you to do what you created us to invite you to do what you created us to invite you to do what you created us to do anyway, to surrender to you. And we do anyway, to surrender to you. And we do anyway, to surrender to you. And we pray all of that in Jesus name. Amen.

Lord, I come Lord, I come and I confess. and I confess. and I confess. Bowing here Bowing here Bowing here I find my rest. I find my rest. I find my rest. But without you But without you But without you I [music] fall [singing] apart. I [music] fall [singing] apart. I [music] fall [singing] apart. You're the one You're the one You're the one that guides my heart. Where sin runs deep. Where sin runs deep. Your grace is born. [music] Your grace is born. [music] Your grace is born. [music] Where grace is [singing] found Where grace is [singing] found Where grace is [singing] found is [music] where you are. is [music] where you are. is [music] where you are. And there you are. [singing] And there you are. [singing] And there you are. [singing] Lord, [music] I am free. Lord, [music] I am free. Lord, [music] I am free. Holiness Holiness Holiness is Christ in [music] me. [music] Lord, I need [music] Lord, I need Oh, [singing] I need [music] every [singing] hour. I need every [singing] hour. I need [music] my rightousness.

rightousness. Oh, God. I [music] need Oh, God. I [music] need Oh, God. I [music] need you. Lord. I need [music] you. Oh, I Lord. I need [music] you. Oh, I [singing] [singing] [singing] need need need you. you. you. Every Every Every hour I need hour I need hour I need you. you. you. My one My one My one defense, defense, defense, my rightousness. Oh God, how I need Oh God, how I need you. [singing and music] >> Thank you guys so much for singing with >> Thank you guys so much for singing with us. [music] We hope you have a blessed us. [music] We hope you have a blessed us. [music] We hope you have a blessed week. You're dismissed.