None Of My Business? | Andy Stanley

You're an You're an Don't quit. Don't give in. You're an Don't quit. Don't give in. You're an Don't quit. Don't give in. You're an overritch. I learned to swim from all your bridges. I learned to swim from all your bridges. Say you're the poet in the sawing Say you're the poet in the sawing Say you're the poet in the sawing for attention. And I got the kind. I'm not going to waste it. Stop wasting I'm not going to waste it. Stop wasting your breath. Stop speaking and whisper.

You can't stop this. You can't stop You can't stop this. You can't stop this. [music] [music] I'm so high. I got no doubt this life I'm so high. I got no doubt this life I'm so high. I got no doubt this life [music] ain't got no ce [music] I got [music] I got this life ain't got no like Hey everyone, welcome to North Point

Hey everyone, welcome to North Point Community Church. [music] Community Church. [music] Community Church. [music] We're so glad you joined us today. We're so glad you joined us today. We're so glad you joined us today. We designed this place with [music] you We designed this place with [music] you We designed this place with [music] you in mind, and we want you to know that in mind, and we want you to know that in mind, and we want you to know that our mission is to inspire people to our mission is to inspire people to our mission is to inspire people to [music] follow Jesus. [music] follow Jesus. [music] follow Jesus. If this is your first time at North If this is your first time at North If this is your first time at North Point, we are one of eight Atlanta area Point, we are one of eight Atlanta area Point, we are one of eight Atlanta area churches [music] and part of a wider churches [music] and part of a wider churches [music] and part of a wider network across the country and around network across the country and around network across the country and around the world. the world. the world. We have [music] a place for you and your We have [music] a place for you and your We have [music] a place for you and your family to belong. If you are a parent or family to belong. If you are a parent or family to belong. If you are a parent or caregiver, your child [music] will have caregiver, your child [music] will have caregiver, your child [music] will have a great experience with us today. a great experience with us today. a great experience with us today. Preschoolers have a blast in Wallland. Preschoolers have a blast in Wallland. Preschoolers have a blast in Wallland. Upstreet helps make meaningful Upstreet helps make meaningful Upstreet helps make meaningful experiences [music] fun for your K experiences [music] fun for your K experiences [music] fun for your K through fifth grader. Middle school through fifth grader. Middle school through fifth grader. Middle school students will experience [music] a faith students will experience [music] a faith students will experience [music] a faith of their own in transit. Inside Out is of their own in transit. Inside Out is of their own in transit. Inside Out is our high school environment where our high school environment where our high school environment where students faith becomes more than Sunday. Our desire is for you to feel like North Our desire is for you to feel like North Point is your home. No matter where you Point is your home. No matter where you Point is your home. No matter where you are in life, [music] we can help.

are in life, [music] we can help. are in life, [music] we can help. Whether you are looking for a next step, Whether you are looking for a next step, Whether you are looking for a next step, resource, or connection with others, our resource, or connection with others, our resource, or connection with others, our volunteers can guide you. Just drop by volunteers can guide you. Just drop by volunteers can guide you. Just drop by [music] connections after the service. [music] connections after the service. [music] connections after the service. To keep up with all that North Point has To keep up with all that North Point has To keep up with all that North Point has to offer, you can visit [music] to offer, you can visit [music] to offer, you can visit [music] northpoint.org/top3 northpoint.org/top3 northpoint.org/top3 and sign up for our weekly email. We're glad you're [music] here. Welcome We're glad you're [music] here. Welcome to North Point. Well, good morning. Welcome to North Well, good morning. Welcome to North Point. I'm Holly. If it's your first Point. I'm Holly. If it's your first Point. I'm Holly. If it's your first time, we're so glad you're here. And time, we're so glad you're here. And time, we're so glad you're here. And who's ready for school to start who's ready for school to start who's ready for school to start tomorrow? tomorrow? tomorrow? Okay, a few woos. Uh, who's ready for Okay, a few woos. Uh, who's ready for Okay, a few woos. Uh, who's ready for traffic? [laughter] traffic? [laughter] traffic? [laughter] I know that's coming back. Get ready for I know that's coming back. Get ready for I know that's coming back. Get ready for long commutes. Get those podcasts ready. long commutes. Get those podcasts ready. long commutes. Get those podcasts ready. Maybe a little extra dose of patience. Maybe a little extra dose of patience. Maybe a little extra dose of patience. Well, hey, Andy's in the West this Well, hey, Andy's in the West this Well, hey, Andy's in the West this morning. And Andy, what's your coping morning. And Andy, what's your coping morning. And Andy, what's your coping mechanism for traffic? mechanism for traffic? mechanism for traffic? >> Leave early. >> Leave early. >> Leave early. >> Oh, I thought you were going to say >> Oh, I thought you were going to say >> Oh, I thought you were going to say prayer.

prayer. prayer. >> Prayer. And prayer. Yeah. >> Prayer. And prayer. Yeah. >> Prayer. And prayer. Yeah. >> Yeah, that, too. >> Yeah, that, too. >> Yeah, that, too. >> Oh, actually, I I passed two elementary >> Oh, actually, I I passed two elementary >> Oh, actually, I I passed two elementary schools on my way to work. I mean, and schools on my way to work. I mean, and schools on my way to work. I mean, and and and over where I live, there's a and and over where I live, there's a and and over where I live, there's a bridge that they are replacing and they bridge that they are replacing and they bridge that they are replacing and they were trying to get it done before school were trying to get it done before school were trying to get it done before school started and they didn't. So, it is going started and they didn't. So, it is going started and they didn't. So, it is going to be loads of fun. Hey, but speaking of to be loads of fun. Hey, but speaking of to be loads of fun. Hey, but speaking of school and speaking of students, um our school and speaking of students, um our school and speaking of students, um our mission, as you know, if you've been mission, as you know, if you've been mission, as you know, if you've been coming for any amount of time, our coming for any amount of time, our coming for any amount of time, our mission is to inspire people to follow mission is to inspire people to follow mission is to inspire people to follow Jesus. Not just believe things, but to Jesus. Not just believe things, but to Jesus. Not just believe things, but to actually follow Jesus because following actually follow Jesus because following actually follow Jesus because following Jesus is what makes all the difference. Jesus is what makes all the difference. Jesus is what makes all the difference. Because doing is what makes the Because doing is what makes the Because doing is what makes the difference. And we're committed to difference. And we're committed to difference. And we're committed to students learning that as well. learning students learning that as well. learning students learning that as well. learning to follow Jesus as early as possible. to follow Jesus as early as possible. to follow Jesus as early as possible. And a couple of weeks ago, our high And a couple of weeks ago, our high And a couple of weeks ago, our high school students had their camp. We call school students had their camp. We call school students had their camp. We call it Inside Out Daytona, IO Daytona. it Inside Out Daytona, IO Daytona. it Inside Out Daytona, IO Daytona. They're down Daytona Beach. 3,000 plus They're down Daytona Beach. 3,000 plus They're down Daytona Beach. 3,000 plus just high school students. And you made just high school students. And you made just high school students. And you made that possible. Your generosity made that that possible. Your generosity made that that possible. Your generosity made that possible. So, we thought you should get possible. So, we thought you should get possible. So, we thought you should get a little sneak peek at what happened at a little sneak peek at what happened at a little sneak peek at what happened at Daytona. So, check this out and be Daytona. So, check this out and be Daytona. So, check this out and be jealous.

and every single one of you walked in and every single one of you walked in here and you were searching for here and you were searching for here and you were searching for something whether you knew it or not and something whether you knew it or not and something whether you knew it or not and whether you've named it or not. What if whether you've named it or not. What if whether you've named it or not. What if what you're actually searching for is what you're actually searching for is what you're actually searching for is found in a person and his name is found in a person and his name is found in a person and his name is [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. >> No, I am not ashamed to praise like >> No, I am not ashamed to praise like >> No, I am not ashamed to praise like this. this. this. Where [music] are those chains that Where [music] are those chains that Where [music] are those chains that won't tell me? I'm free. I'm free. I'm won't tell me? I'm free. I'm free. I'm won't tell me? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. My sin [music] is gone. free. I'm free. My sin [music] is gone. free. I'm free. My sin [music] is gone. How can it be? I'm free. I'm free. I'm How can it be? I'm free. I'm free. I'm How can it be? I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. I'm free. free. I'm free. free. I'm free. God looked at you and said, "Hey, I know God looked at you and said, "Hey, I know God looked at you and said, "Hey, I know that you've been chasing [music] to be that you've been chasing [music] to be that you've been chasing [music] to be seen." He is saying, "I see you. seen." He is saying, "I see you. seen." He is saying, "I see you. [music] Your identity is not achieved, it's Your identity is not achieved, it's received. received. received. >> Students, the search for significance >> Students, the search for significance >> Students, the search for significance ends with Jesus. ends with Jesus. ends with Jesus. >> I was searching [music] for confidence >> I was searching [music] for confidence >> I was searching [music] for confidence and then I found Jesus. and then I found Jesus. and then I found Jesus. >> I was searching for purpose and >> I was searching for purpose and >> I was searching for purpose and validation and then I found Jesus.

validation and then I found Jesus. validation and then I found Jesus. [music] [music] [music] >> I was searching for acceptance in the >> I was searching for acceptance in the >> I was searching for acceptance in the world and I found Jesus. world and I found Jesus. world and I found Jesus. >> I was searching for who I am and I found >> I was searching for who I am and I found >> I was searching for who I am and I found Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> I found Jesus. >> I found Jesus. >> I found Jesus. >> I found Jesus. >> I found Jesus. >> I found Jesus. >> I found Jesus. I found Jesus. [music] >> I found Jesus. I found Jesus. [music] >> I found Jesus. I found Jesus. [music] >> I found Jesus. >> I found Jesus. >> I found Jesus. >> Only one one [music] kind of makes me want to do this kind of makes me want to do this worship. Holly, I don't think I should worship. Holly, I don't think I should worship. Holly, I don't think I should do that though. I think I just did it. do that though. I think I just did it. do that though. I think I just did it. Anyway, the reason that we wanted to Anyway, the reason that we wanted to Anyway, the reason that we wanted to show you that is your generosity is what show you that is your generosity is what show you that is your generosity is what makes those events possible. Kids pay to makes those events possible. Kids pay to makes those events possible. Kids pay to go to camp, but we underwrite it big go to camp, but we underwrite it big go to camp, but we underwrite it big time because we want every student to time because we want every student to time because we want every student to have that opportunity. So, for those of have that opportunity. So, for those of have that opportunity. So, for those of you who give on a regular basis, for you who give on a regular basis, for you who give on a regular basis, for those of you who give every once in a those of you who give every once in a those of you who give every once in a while, for those of you who live while, for those of you who live while, for those of you who live somewhere else and support what we do somewhere else and support what we do somewhere else and support what we do here, you are a part of every single one here, you are a part of every single one here, you are a part of every single one of those stories, you will not know of those stories, you will not know of those stories, you will not know those kids. They will never meet you.

those kids. They will never meet you. those kids. They will never meet you. But creating those environments, and But creating those environments, and But creating those environments, and here is the best part of of camp, which here is the best part of of camp, which here is the best part of of camp, which you don't see on there. Um, small group you don't see on there. Um, small group you don't see on there. Um, small group leaders go with their students. So for 4 leaders go with their students. So for 4 leaders go with their students. So for 4 days they have intense evening days they have intense evening days they have intense evening conversations and morning conversations conversations and morning conversations conversations and morning conversations with their small group leaders which with their small group leaders which with their small group leaders which means as they start school tomorrow or means as they start school tomorrow or means as they start school tomorrow or as they start school next week they are as they start school next week they are as they start school next week they are already h they already have momentum in already h they already have momentum in already h they already have momentum in terms of their conversations with their terms of their conversations with their terms of their conversations with their small groups. So it is it's an small groups. So it is it's an small groups. So it is it's an extraordinary extraordinary opportunity. extraordinary extraordinary opportunity. extraordinary extraordinary opportunity. So thank you for making that possible So thank you for making that possible So thank you for making that possible Holly. Holly. Holly. >> Yeah that's what I love about our >> Yeah that's what I love about our >> Yeah that's what I love about our church. 700 adults you took a week off church. 700 adults you took a week off church. 700 adults you took a week off work and they went and they were small work and they went and they were small work and they went and they were small group leaders and that is just what group leaders and that is just what group leaders and that is just what moves our mission forward. That's what I moves our mission forward. That's what I moves our mission forward. That's what I love about our church. We don't just love about our church. We don't just love about our church. We don't just say, "Oh yeah, we do small group." No, say, "Oh yeah, we do small group." No, say, "Oh yeah, we do small group." No, we're a church of small groups and we we're a church of small groups and we we're a church of small groups and we believe in it so much. We start sitting believe in it so much. We start sitting believe in it so much. We start sitting your children in circles when they're in your children in circles when they're in your children in circles when they're in Wobband because we just want them to Wobband because we just want them to Wobband because we just want them to grow up and know, hey, this is how you grow up and know, hey, this is how you grow up and know, hey, this is how you do the Christian life. you are connected do the Christian life. you are connected do the Christian life. you are connected to people and you share your faith to people and you share your faith to people and you share your faith journey with somebody. And small groups journey with somebody. And small groups journey with somebody. And small groups are important for us as adults. We need are important for us as adults. We need are important for us as adults. We need them, too. We need community. And we're them, too. We need community. And we're them, too. We need community. And we're about to launch a brand brand new round about to launch a brand brand new round about to launch a brand brand new round of small groups in August. We do it of small groups in August. We do it of small groups in August. We do it every year at this time of year because every year at this time of year because every year at this time of year because back to school, back to group for us, back to school, back to group for us, back to school, back to group for us, too. And so, we're looking for some too. And so, we're looking for some too. And so, we're looking for some leaders. We need some married couples leaders. We need some married couples leaders. We need some married couples and some women to step up. Now, if and some women to step up. Now, if and some women to step up. Now, if you've ever sat in a group and thought, you've ever sat in a group and thought, you've ever sat in a group and thought, I can do this better than them. This is I can do this better than them. This is I can do this better than them. This is your time to shine. We are ready for your time to shine. We are ready for your time to shine. We are ready for your leadership. So, hit the top three your leadership. So, hit the top three your leadership. So, hit the top three today. Give us a little bit of today. Give us a little bit of today. Give us a little bit of information and then somebody from our

information and then somebody from our information and then somebody from our team will have a conversation with you team will have a conversation with you team will have a conversation with you this week. Well, that's everything this week. Well, that's everything this week. Well, that's everything that's coming up. Andy, tell them what's that's coming up. Andy, tell them what's that's coming up. Andy, tell them what's happening today. happening today. happening today. >> So, today um in the sermon, I'm going to >> So, today um in the sermon, I'm going to >> So, today um in the sermon, I'm going to talk about something we are all hesitant talk about something we are all hesitant talk about something we are all hesitant to do for others. Um but we are so to do for others. Um but we are so to do for others. Um but we are so grateful when they do it for us. But grateful when they do it for us. But grateful when they do it for us. But before that, we're going to sing a before that, we're going to sing a before that, we're going to sing a little bit um with Cara, Clarissa, Mark, little bit um with Cara, Clarissa, Mark, little bit um with Cara, Clarissa, Mark, Natasha, and Nate is over there on the Natasha, and Nate is over there on the Natasha, and Nate is over there on the east with you guys. And this first song, east with you guys. And this first song, east with you guys. And this first song, the lyricist describes Jesus on the the lyricist describes Jesus on the the lyricist describes Jesus on the cross. And listen to these lyrics. I cross. And listen to these lyrics. I cross. And listen to these lyrics. I love this song, and I love these lyrics. love this song, and I love these lyrics. love this song, and I love these lyrics. He writes, the lyricist writes, "You did He writes, the lyricist writes, "You did He writes, the lyricist writes, "You did not speaking of Jesus. You did not not speaking of Jesus. You did not not speaking of Jesus. You did not speak. You made no sound. You died for speak. You made no sound. You died for speak. You made no sound. You died for your accusers. And as your blood fell to your accusers. And as your blood fell to your accusers. And as your blood fell to the ground, this is the line I love. You the ground, this is the line I love. You the ground, this is the line I love. You redefined my future. And here's why I redefined my future. And here's why I redefined my future. And here's why I love that line. You redefined my future. love that line. You redefined my future. love that line. You redefined my future. I can't imagine what my life would be I can't imagine what my life would be I can't imagine what my life would be like without Jesus. And when Jesus died like without Jesus. And when Jesus died like without Jesus. And when Jesus died for me and when Jesus died for you, but for me and when Jesus died for you, but for me and when Jesus died for you, but when Jesus died for me and left us with when Jesus died for me and left us with when Jesus died for me and left us with all that amazing teaching that got to us all that amazing teaching that got to us all that amazing teaching that got to us because of the resurrection, [music] because of the resurrection, [music] because of the resurrection, [music] that teaching defined my life. He that teaching defined my life. He that teaching defined my life. He redefined my future. And perhaps you redefined my future. And perhaps you redefined my future. And perhaps you feel the same way. So, let's stand up.

feel the same way. So, let's stand up. feel the same way. So, let's stand up. Say hey to somebody and let's sing about Say hey to somebody and let's sing about Say hey to somebody and let's sing about it together. Here we go. it together. Here we go. it together. Here we go. >> [music] >> You are worthy [music] >> You are worthy [music] is your name. is your name. is your name. You are worthy of your name. You are worthy of your name. You are worthy of your name. Yes, you are worthy. [music] You are worthy of your name, You are worthy of your name, Jesus. [music] You did [music] not speak. You made no You did [music] not speak. You made no sound. You died for your accuser. [music] You died for your accuser. [music] Imagine You redefine [music and singing] You redefine [music and singing] my future.

[music] [music] ran from cover now until forever. [music] now until forever. [music] So we say you are worthy. You are [music] worthy of your name. You are [music] worthy of your name. My Jesus. [music] You're my [music] author, my maker, my You're my [music] author, my maker, my ransom, my savior, [singing] my refuge, ransom, my savior, [singing] my refuge, ransom, my savior, [singing] my refuge, my hiding place. [music] my hiding place. [music] my hiding place. [music] And you're my helper, my healer, my And you're my helper, my healer, my And you're my helper, my healer, my blessed [singing and music] redeemer, my blessed [singing and music] redeemer, my blessed [singing and music] redeemer, my answer, my saving grace. Yes. Yes.

answer, my saving grace. Yes. Yes. answer, my saving grace. Yes. Yes. You're my [music and singing] hope in You're my [music and singing] hope in You're my [music and singing] hope in the shadow, my strength in the the shadow, my strength in the the shadow, my strength in the [music and singing] battle, my anger for [music and singing] battle, my anger for [music and singing] battle, my anger for all my days. You [music] stood by my side. [singing] You [music] stood by my side. [singing] You stood in my place. Jesus, no [music] You stood in my place. Jesus, no [music] You stood in my place. Jesus, no [music] other name. Only Jesus. other name. Only Jesus. other name. Only Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. No other name. [music] No other name. [music] No other name. [music] You are. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. [music and singing] [music and singing] My name My name My name Jesus. [music] You're [singing] worthy You're [singing] worthy [music] >> It was my cross you [music] bore >> It was my cross you [music] bore so I could [singing] live in the freom so I could [singing] live in the freom so I could [singing] live in the freom you died for. [singing and music] And now my [singing] life is yours. And now my [singing] life is yours. [music] [music] [music] As then we'll sing As then we'll sing As then we'll sing your goodness [singing] your goodness [singing] your goodness [singing] forever [music] forever [music] forever [music] more.

Worthy is your [music] name, Worthy is your [music] name, Jesus. [singing] [music] You deserve the praise. [music] You deserve the praise. Worthy [singing] is your name. Worthy [singing] is your name. Worthy [singing] is your name. Worthy [music] is your name. Worthy [music] is your name. Worthy [music] is your name. Oh Jesus, [singing] Oh Jesus, [singing] Oh Jesus, [singing] [music] you deserve the praise. you deserve the praise. Worthy is [singing and music] your And now my [music] shame is gone. And now my [music] shame is gone. I stand amazed. I stand amazed. I stand amazed. Your love undeniable. Your grace [singing] goes [music] on and Your grace [singing] goes [music] on and on. on. on. And I will sing of your [music] goodness And I will sing of your [music] goodness And I will sing of your [music] goodness forever [singing] forever [singing] forever [singing] more. Worthy is your name, more. Worthy is your name, more. Worthy is your name, [music] Jesus.

You deserve [singing] the praise. You deserve [singing] the praise. Worthy [music] is your name. Worthy [music] is your name. Worthy [music] is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Worthy is your name. Oh [music] Jesus. [singing] You deserve the praise. [music] You deserve the praise. [music] Worthy is yours. Worthy is yours. Worthy is yours. [music] [music] [music] There is no other. There is no other. There is no other. There is no more. [music] my my go. [music] You're the lame above [music] You're the lame above [music] all name. We exalt in our all name. We exalt in our all name. We exalt in our as as as this [music] place. this [music] place. this [music] place. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. [music] Heat. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Yeah. Yeah. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] I [singing] am an instrument I [singing] am an instrument of exaltation [singing] and I was [music] born to lift your name and I was [music] born to lift your name above [singing]

above [singing] above [singing] all names. all names. all names. You hear the mey [music] You hear the mey [music] You hear the mey [music] of [singing] all creation. But there's a song of praise But there's a song of praise [music and singing] that only I can [music and singing] that only I can [music and singing] that only I can bring. Who else is worthy? bring. Who else is worthy? bring. Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? There [singing] is no one, There [singing] is no one, only [music] you, Jesus. only [music] you, Jesus. only [music] you, Jesus. Who else is worthy? No [music] one. Who Who else is worthy? No [music] one. Who Who else is worthy? No [music] one. Who else is worthy? No one. [singing] else is worthy? No one. [singing] else is worthy? No one. [singing] There [music] is no one There [music] is no one There [music] is no one only you Jesus. only you Jesus. only you Jesus. You are the infinite You are the infinite You are the infinite God of [singing] the aes. [music] God of [singing] the aes. [music] God of [singing] the aes. [music] And yet you chose to make my heart your And yet you chose to make my heart your And yet you chose to make my heart your dwelling [music] dwelling [music] dwelling [music] place. place. place. You heal my [singing] brokenness, You heal my [singing] brokenness, You heal my [singing] brokenness, showed [music] me your glory.

showed [music] me your glory. showed [music] me your glory. So I have songs [singing] of thanks not So I have songs [singing] of thanks not So I have songs [singing] of thanks not even angels [music] even angels [music] even angels [music] sing. Who else is worthy? sing. Who else is worthy? sing. Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? There [music] is no [singing] one. Only There [music] is no [singing] one. Only There [music] is no [singing] one. Only you Jesus. [music] you Jesus. [music] you Jesus. [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> There is no one only you Jesus [music] lamb of [music and singing] God anointed lamb of [music and singing] God anointed one who was and is and is to come. one who was and is and is to come. one who was and is and is to come. seated on the throne above. Holy, seated on the throne above. Holy, seated on the throne above. Holy, holy, [music] holy, [music] holy, [music] rightous one who shed his blood to prove rightous one who shed his blood to prove rightous one who shed his blood to prove to [music] us the [singing] father's to [music] us the [singing] father's to [music] us the [singing] father's love. Jesus Christ we lift it up your love. Jesus Christ we lift it up your love. Jesus Christ we lift it up your holy holy holy [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] God your holy your holy holy [music] holy [music] holy [music] righteous one righteous one righteous one you prove to us [music and singing] the you prove to us [music and singing] the you prove to us [music and singing] the father's blood Jesus Christ be lifted father's blood Jesus Christ be lifted father's blood Jesus Christ be lifted up. [music]

up. [music] up. [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else? [music] There is no [singing] There is no [singing] only you Jesus. [music] [singing] There's no way [singing] There's no way Jesus Amen. Amen. Thank you guys for being here this Thank you guys for being here this Thank you guys for being here this morning. You can take your take a seat morning. You can take your take a seat morning. You can take your take a seat [music] and turn your attention to the [music] and turn your attention to the [music] and turn your attention to the screen. So, I want to welcome all of our partner

So, I want to welcome all of our partner churches around the country, all of our churches around the country, all of our churches around the country, all of our Atlanta area churches, those of you at Atlanta area churches, those of you at Atlanta area churches, those of you at Hamilton Mill. So excited that you're Hamilton Mill. So excited that you're Hamilton Mill. So excited that you're with us today. Excited about what's with us today. Excited about what's with us today. Excited about what's going on up there. Um, and our friends going on up there. Um, and our friends going on up there. Um, and our friends at Lake Okone. I never give you guys a at Lake Okone. I never give you guys a at Lake Okone. I never give you guys a shout out over at Lake Okone. It's so shout out over at Lake Okone. It's so shout out over at Lake Okone. It's so great that you're there. Our friends at great that you're there. Our friends at great that you're there. Our friends at Southside and part of this growing Southside and part of this growing Southside and part of this growing network of churches all over the country network of churches all over the country network of churches all over the country and more and more um all over the world. and more and more um all over the world. and more and more um all over the world. So, today um kind of um jumping into the So, today um kind of um jumping into the So, today um kind of um jumping into the deep end kind of quick. I want to um I deep end kind of quick. I want to um I deep end kind of quick. I want to um I want to introduce or remind you of or want to introduce or remind you of or want to introduce or remind you of or maybe you'll hear for the first time uh maybe you'll hear for the first time uh maybe you'll hear for the first time uh an imperative a command in the New an imperative a command in the New an imperative a command in the New Testament um that we're not inclined to Testament um that we're not inclined to Testament um that we're not inclined to take very seriously. Now, if you're new take very seriously. Now, if you're new take very seriously. Now, if you're new to Bible study, the Bible is divided to Bible study, the Bible is divided to Bible study, the Bible is divided between the Old Testament and New between the Old Testament and New between the Old Testament and New Testament. The Old Testament is really Testament. The Old Testament is really Testament. The Old Testament is really the backstory of the main story. The the backstory of the main story. The the backstory of the main story. The main story is the coming of Jesus. So, main story is the coming of Jesus. So, main story is the coming of Jesus. So, if you're just going to begin reading if you're just going to begin reading if you're just going to begin reading the Bible, begin with one of the the Bible, begin with one of the the Bible, begin with one of the accounts of the life of Jesus. The book accounts of the life of Jesus. The book accounts of the life of Jesus. The book of John, the book of Luke are a great of John, the book of Luke are a great of John, the book of Luke are a great place to start. But in the New place to start. But in the New place to start. But in the New Testament, u the church or people who Testament, u the church or people who Testament, u the church or people who are Jesus followers are given specific are Jesus followers are given specific are Jesus followers are given specific commands. And this is a command that um commands. And this is a command that um commands. And this is a command that um again, you may have never even heard it again, you may have never even heard it again, you may have never even heard it before, but it's like whoa, you know, before, but it's like whoa, you know, before, but it's like whoa, you know, that that's like for the the advanced that that's like for the the advanced that that's like for the the advanced class. But if you grew up in somewhat of class. But if you grew up in somewhat of class. But if you grew up in somewhat of a dysfunctional home, maybe a mom with a dysfunctional home, maybe a mom with a dysfunctional home, maybe a mom with an addiction or a dad with issues or an addiction or a dad with issues or an addiction or a dad with issues or maybe just the whole thing was just just maybe just the whole thing was just just maybe just the whole thing was just just chaos, my hunch is that you would be chaos, my hunch is that you would be chaos, my hunch is that you would be better off today as an adult, as you're better off today as an adult, as you're better off today as an adult, as you're figuring out adulting, as you're figuring out adulting, as you're figuring out adulting, as you're figuring out parenting and marriage, you figuring out parenting and marriage, you figuring out parenting and marriage, you would be better off if somebody who saw would be better off if somebody who saw would be better off if somebody who saw what was going on in your family back what was going on in your family back what was going on in your family back then had taken this imperative then had taken this imperative then had taken this imperative seriously. Um also um you if you had

seriously. Um also um you if you had seriously. Um also um you if you had taken this imperative seriously or taken this imperative seriously or taken this imperative seriously or somebody close to you had taken it somebody close to you had taken it somebody close to you had taken it seriously, you may have avoided your seriously, you may have avoided your seriously, you may have avoided your greatest regret in life. Again, if greatest regret in life. Again, if greatest regret in life. Again, if somebody close to you had had done what somebody close to you had had done what somebody close to you had had done what we're going to talk about. Um and and we're going to talk about. Um and and we're going to talk about. Um and and this is part of why we're talking about this is part of why we're talking about this is part of why we're talking about it. I hope that all of you, even if it. I hope that all of you, even if it. I hope that all of you, even if you're not a person of faith or maybe of you're not a person of faith or maybe of you're not a person of faith or maybe of a different faith tradition, I hope that a different faith tradition, I hope that a different faith tradition, I hope that I hope that you have someone close I hope that you have someone close I hope that you have someone close enough to you who would take this enough to you who would take this enough to you who would take this seriously if you ever find yourself in a seriously if you ever find yourself in a seriously if you ever find yourself in a tough spot. Now, if you've ever been on tough spot. Now, if you've ever been on tough spot. Now, if you've ever been on the receiving end of what I'm about to the receiving end of what I'm about to the receiving end of what I'm about to show you, um you you may have been show you, um you you may have been show you, um you you may have been offended initially and then grateful offended initially and then grateful offended initially and then grateful eventually. And eventually may have eventually. And eventually may have eventually. And eventually may have taken a while, but eventually you would taken a while, but eventually you would taken a while, but eventually you would look back and you would be like, you look back and you would be like, you look back and you would be like, you know what, that was so offensive and I know what, that was so offensive and I know what, that was so offensive and I was so mad and I was so bothered by was so mad and I was so bothered by was so mad and I was so bothered by that, but wow, I'm so grateful that that, but wow, I'm so grateful that that, but wow, I'm so grateful that person did that. But the the challenge person did that. But the the challenge person did that. But the the challenge is in a world and in a culture like ours is in a world and in a culture like ours is in a world and in a culture like ours that values autonomy, you know, you do that values autonomy, you know, you do that values autonomy, you know, you do you, I'll do me, and you know, you don't you, I'll do me, and you know, you don't you, I'll do me, and you know, you don't bother me with what you do, and I'm not bother me with what you do, and I'm not bother me with what you do, and I'm not going to force you to do what I do. You going to force you to do what I do. You going to force you to do what I do. You know, that's kind of the world we live know, that's kind of the world we live know, that's kind of the world we live in. This this really doesn't sit very in. This this really doesn't sit very in. This this really doesn't sit very well. I think that's part of the reason well. I think that's part of the reason well. I think that's part of the reason that we have a tendency um to ignore it.

that we have a tendency um to ignore it. that we have a tendency um to ignore it. Fortunately for me, I I'm a church kid, Fortunately for me, I I'm a church kid, Fortunately for me, I I'm a church kid, you know, raised in church my whole you know, raised in church my whole you know, raised in church my whole life. Um I I had people in my life who life. Um I I had people in my life who life. Um I I had people in my life who took this seriously. I don't know if took this seriously. I don't know if took this seriously. I don't know if they ever knew this verse, but this was they ever knew this verse, but this was they ever knew this verse, but this was just kind of the rhythm of the life and just kind of the rhythm of the life and just kind of the rhythm of the life and the rhythm of the relationships we had. the rhythm of the relationships we had. the rhythm of the relationships we had. Um and I'm so grateful for that. So this Um and I'm so grateful for that. So this Um and I'm so grateful for that. So this is an imperative for Jesus followers. So is an imperative for Jesus followers. So is an imperative for Jesus followers. So if you're not a So here's real quick. If if you're not a So here's real quick. If if you're not a So here's real quick. If you're not a Christian or you used to be you're not a Christian or you used to be you're not a Christian or you used to be but you're not anymore, your different but you're not anymore, your different but you're not anymore, your different faith tradition, please at no point in faith tradition, please at no point in faith tradition, please at no point in this sermon do you hear me saying this this sermon do you hear me saying this this sermon do you hear me saying this is what you need to do. I have no is what you need to do. I have no is what you need to do. I have no authority to tell you what you need to authority to tell you what you need to authority to tell you what you need to do. And because you don't recognize do. And because you don't recognize do. And because you don't recognize Jesus as a king, you don't need to take Jesus as a king, you don't need to take Jesus as a king, you don't need to take anything he says seriously until you anything he says seriously until you anything he says seriously until you take him seriously. And then you should take him seriously. And then you should take him seriously. And then you should take what he says seriously. And the way take what he says seriously. And the way take what he says seriously. And the way we think of it around here, if somebody we think of it around here, if somebody we think of it around here, if somebody predicts their own death and predicts their own death and predicts their own death and resurrection and pulls it off, we just resurrection and pulls it off, we just resurrection and pulls it off, we just go with what they say. Okay? So we're go with what they say. Okay? So we're go with what they say. Okay? So we're simple people. But anyway, so you can simple people. But anyway, so you can simple people. But anyway, so you can sit this one out, but I think you'll sit this one out, but I think you'll sit this one out, but I think you'll find this relevant because I think if find this relevant because I think if find this relevant because I think if you'd had somebody who did what we're you'd had somebody who did what we're you'd had somebody who did what we're about to talk about at some point in about to talk about at some point in about to talk about at some point in your life or at some point in the lives your life or at some point in the lives your life or at some point in the lives of your parents, maybe your life would of your parents, maybe your life would of your parents, maybe your life would be um different. [clears throat] So, be um different. [clears throat] So, be um different. [clears throat] So, even though it's an imperative, I'm I even though it's an imperative, I'm I even though it's an imperative, I'm I promise I'm going to get to it in a promise I'm going to get to it in a promise I'm going to get to it in a minute. Um it's e this is easy for minute. Um it's e this is easy for minute. Um it's e this is easy for church attenders um to to view as a church attenders um to to view as a church attenders um to to view as a suggestion. And one of the things that suggestion. And one of the things that suggestion. And one of the things that makes it easy to view as a suggestion makes it easy to view as a suggestion makes it easy to view as a suggestion are are rows of people. Rows make it are are rows of people. Rows make it are are rows of people. Rows make it easily avoidable. The other thing that easily avoidable. The other thing that easily avoidable. The other thing that makes it easily avoidable is simply makes it easily avoidable is simply makes it easily avoidable is simply reducing Christianity to a list of reducing Christianity to a list of reducing Christianity to a list of things that a person believes.

things that a person believes. things that a person believes. But Christianity isn't a list of But Christianity isn't a list of But Christianity isn't a list of beliefs. Christianity is a way of life beliefs. Christianity is a way of life beliefs. Christianity is a way of life that Jesus demonstrated for us. So here that Jesus demonstrated for us. So here that Jesus demonstrated for us. So here it is. Okay. So no more buildup. So this it is. Okay. So no more buildup. So this it is. Okay. So no more buildup. So this is the Apostle Paul who met Jesus after is the Apostle Paul who met Jesus after is the Apostle Paul who met Jesus after the res his resurrection. Um, and he's the res his resurrection. Um, and he's the res his resurrection. Um, and he's writing to Christians, some of whom he's writing to Christians, some of whom he's writing to Christians, some of whom he's never met before. So, he's, you know, he never met before. So, he's, you know, he never met before. So, he's, you know, he knows some of them, but not all of them. knows some of them, but not all of them. knows some of them, but not all of them. He'd been there. This is to Christians He'd been there. This is to Christians He'd been there. This is to Christians living in the Roman province of Galatia, living in the Roman province of Galatia, living in the Roman province of Galatia, which is modern day Turkey. And here's which is modern day Turkey. And here's which is modern day Turkey. And here's what he what he what he says to them and to us. He says, says to them and to us. He says, says to them and to us. He says, "Brothers and sisters, "Brothers and sisters, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught doing something if someone is caught doing something if someone is caught doing something wrong, and the someone is another wrong, and the someone is another wrong, and the someone is another brother or sister, and wrong, the Greek brother or sister, and wrong, the Greek brother or sister, and wrong, the Greek term means a trespass. This is this is term means a trespass. This is this is term means a trespass. This is this is something they're they've caught been something they're they've caught been something they're they've caught been caught doing something that's hurting caught doing something that's hurting caught doing something that's hurting them or hurting somebody else. He says, them or hurting somebody else. He says, them or hurting somebody else. He says, "Brothers and sisters, if you c if "Brothers and sisters, if you c if "Brothers and sisters, if you c if someone is caught, you know, doing wrong someone is caught, you know, doing wrong someone is caught, you know, doing wrong or, you know, in a trespass, you he says or, you know, in a trespass, you he says or, you know, in a trespass, you he says you should share your concern with you should share your concern with you should share your concern with another brother or sister as a prayer another brother or sister as a prayer another brother or sister as a prayer request. That way, it's not considered request. That way, it's not considered request. That way, it's not considered gossip."

Somebody's like, "I need to read the Somebody's like, "I need to read the Bible. I had no idea." Yeah. Sometimes I Bible. I had no idea." Yeah. Sometimes I Bible. I had no idea." Yeah. Sometimes I just make things up. But this is kind of just make things up. But this is kind of just make things up. But this is kind of what we do. It's like, "Did you hear what we do. It's like, "Did you hear what we do. It's like, "Did you hear about so and so?" "Yeah, I heard about about so and so?" "Yeah, I heard about about so and so?" "Yeah, I heard about that." "Well, somebody should talk to that." "Well, somebody should talk to that." "Well, somebody should talk to them." Yeah, they should. Not. Let's them." Yeah, they should. Not. Let's them." Yeah, they should. Not. Let's just let's just pray. Lord, bring just let's just pray. Lord, bring just let's just pray. Lord, bring someone into their life that has the someone into their life that has the someone into their life that has the courage and the relationship and the courage and the relationship and the courage and the relationship and the wisdom. We just pray for wisdom. Let's wisdom. We just pray for wisdom. Let's wisdom. We just pray for wisdom. Let's all pray. You know, that's what we do. I all pray. You know, that's what we do. I all pray. You know, that's what we do. I mean, that that's sort of normal. If mean, that that's sort of normal. If mean, that that's sort of normal. If you're not a Christian, you have your you're not a Christian, you have your you're not a Christian, you have your own version of that, right? So, let's own version of that, right? So, let's own version of that, right? So, let's just talk about them, not to them. So, just talk about them, not to them. So, just talk about them, not to them. So, here's here's what he actually he here's here's what he actually he here's here's what he actually he actually says. Brothers and sisters, if actually says. Brothers and sisters, if actually says. Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught doing something wrong, someone is caught doing something wrong, someone is caught doing something wrong, you who live by the spirit, that is many you who live by the spirit, that is many you who live by the spirit, that is many and women who are sensitive to the and women who are sensitive to the and women who are sensitive to the prompings, the inner prompings of God's prompings, the inner prompings of God's prompings, the inner prompings of God's spirit that lives in us, those of you spirit that lives in us, those of you spirit that lives in us, those of you who are paying attention to those inner who are paying attention to those inner who are paying attention to those inner prompings, you should, he goes on, he prompings, you should, he goes on, he prompings, you should, he goes on, he says, you should restore that person says, you should restore that person says, you should restore that person gently. Restore. The the little term to gently. Restore. The the little term to gently. Restore. The the little term to restore means to put into order, to put restore means to put into order, to put restore means to put into order, to put back into order, to bring unhealth to back into order, to bring unhealth to back into order, to bring unhealth to health. And he says, "You do it gently." health. And he says, "You do it gently." health. And he says, "You do it gently." Because gentleness is actually a fruit Because gentleness is actually a fruit Because gentleness is actually a fruit of the spirit. That a person who's of the spirit. That a person who's of the spirit. That a person who's living according to God's spirit is a living according to God's spirit is a living according to God's spirit is a person who's gentle. That doesn't mean person who's gentle. That doesn't mean person who's gentle. That doesn't mean they're soft on stuff. It doesn't mean they're soft on stuff. It doesn't mean they're soft on stuff. It doesn't mean they they're not ambitious. It just they they're not ambitious. It just they they're not ambitious. It just means when they're dealing with other means when they're dealing with other means when they're dealing with other people, they take the other person into people, they take the other person into people, they take the other person into consideration. They are gentle. To which consideration. They are gentle. To which consideration. They are gentle. To which we read this and we're like, um, no we read this and we're like, um, no we read this and we're like, um, no thank you. because their sin if somebody thank you. because their sin if somebody thank you. because their sin if somebody is sinning or wrongdoing or trespassing is sinning or wrongdoing or trespassing is sinning or wrongdoing or trespassing or whatever it is and it has to do with or whatever it is and it has to do with or whatever it is and it has to do with their family or their work or their their family or their work or their their family or their work or their morality or whatever. I mean that's just morality or whatever. I mean that's just morality or whatever. I mean that's just none of my business and and that's what none of my business and and that's what none of my business and and that's what average church tenders attenders say

average church tenders attenders say average church tenders attenders say because that's just you know it's just because that's just you know it's just because that's just you know it's just easy to get by with that if all you do easy to get by with that if all you do easy to get by with that if all you do is believe stuff but aren't actually is believe stuff but aren't actually is believe stuff but aren't actually committed to doing what Jesus taught and committed to doing what Jesus taught and committed to doing what Jesus taught and what his disciples taught us to do. And what his disciples taught us to do. And what his disciples taught us to do. And I I say that I kind of and I do that all I I say that I kind of and I do that all I I say that I kind of and I do that all the time. I sort of differentiate the time. I sort of differentiate the time. I sort of differentiate between, you know, Christians and between, you know, Christians and between, you know, Christians and followers and be believers and followers and be believers and followers and be believers and followers. And I say that because of followers. And I say that because of followers. And I say that because of what the apostle Paul says next. Again, what the apostle Paul says next. Again, what the apostle Paul says next. Again, it's another imperative. And again, if it's another imperative. And again, if it's another imperative. And again, if you've been on the receiving end of this you've been on the receiving end of this you've been on the receiving end of this and benefit from it, you're all about and benefit from it, you're all about and benefit from it, you're all about this. He says this, look, carry each this. He says this, look, carry each this. He says this, look, carry each other's burdens. And he's talking about other's burdens. And he's talking about other's burdens. And he's talking about people who are of the same worldview and people who are of the same worldview and people who are of the same worldview and the same faith tradition, you know, the same faith tradition, you know, the same faith tradition, you know, people who are attempting to follow people who are attempting to follow people who are attempting to follow Jesus. He's like, "Look, when you see a Jesus. He's like, "Look, when you see a Jesus. He's like, "Look, when you see a brother or sister, another Jesus brother or sister, another Jesus brother or sister, another Jesus follower who's dealing with something, follower who's dealing with something, follower who's dealing with something, he says,"I want you to get up." This is he says,"I want you to get up." This is he says,"I want you to get up." This is literally, "I want you to get up under literally, "I want you to get up under literally, "I want you to get up under whatever it is that's weighing them down whatever it is that's weighing them down whatever it is that's weighing them down to whatever degree you can get up under to whatever degree you can get up under to whatever degree you can get up under it and help them carry it." And in this it and help them carry it." And in this it and help them carry it." And in this case, in this particular context, he's case, in this particular context, he's case, in this particular context, he's talking about decisions they've made talking about decisions they've made talking about decisions they've made that they may not even view as wrong, that they may not even view as wrong, that they may not even view as wrong, but you know, are leading them in the but you know, are leading them in the but you know, are leading them in the wrong direction or undermining the wrong direction or undermining the wrong direction or undermining the integrity of their family or you it's integrity of their family or you it's integrity of their family or you it's like he's like, don't don't stand back like he's like, don't don't stand back like he's like, don't don't stand back and go, "Wow, dude, I hope that works and go, "Wow, dude, I hope that works and go, "Wow, dude, I hope that works out." He no, I want you to engage and I out." He no, I want you to engage and I out." He no, I want you to engage and I want you to help them carry their want you to help them carry their want you to help them carry their burden. And again, in this case, it's burden. And again, in this case, it's burden. And again, in this case, it's uncristlike self-destructive behavior.

uncristlike self-destructive behavior. uncristlike self-destructive behavior. behavior that's an off-ramp to faith, behavior that's an off-ramp to faith, behavior that's an off-ramp to faith, behavior that's an off-ramp to family, behavior that's an off-ramp to family, behavior that's an off-ramp to family, uh behavior that's an off-ramp to their uh behavior that's an off-ramp to their uh behavior that's an off-ramp to their integrity, behavior that's moving them integrity, behavior that's moving them integrity, behavior that's moving them in a direction that's clearly they're in a direction that's clearly they're in a direction that's clearly they're going to regret it later on. Now, he going to regret it later on. Now, he going to regret it later on. Now, he says, "Look, and don't don't don't push says, "Look, and don't don't don't push says, "Look, and don't don't don't push back. This isn't interfering. You're not back. This isn't interfering. You're not back. This isn't interfering. You're not interfering. He's already given us the interfering. He's already given us the interfering. He's already given us the word. You are restoring. It is your word. You are restoring. It is your word. You are restoring. It is your business. And it's your business." He business. And it's your business." He business. And it's your business." He says, "Because he or she," and this is says, "Because he or she," and this is says, "Because he or she," and this is like, we're so used to this language, it like, we're so used to this language, it like, we're so used to this language, it just goes right past us. He says, "It is just goes right past us. He says, "It is just goes right past us. He says, "It is your business because they are your your business because they are your your business because they are your brother and they are your sister." Now, brother and they are your sister." Now, brother and they are your sister." Now, I need to talk about this for just a I need to talk about this for just a I need to talk about this for just a second. This is another one of those second. This is another one of those second. This is another one of those astounding astounding astounding um things about Christianity that has um things about Christianity that has um things about Christianity that has impacted our culture. It is this is part impacted our culture. It is this is part impacted our culture. It is this is part of what has Christianized our culture of what has Christianized our culture of what has Christianized our culture that we're not aware of because we just that we're not aware of because we just that we're not aware of because we just swim in it all the time. The language swim in it all the time. The language swim in it all the time. The language brother and sister, we use that all the brother and sister, we use that all the brother and sister, we use that all the time. I mean, I all the time, not all time. I mean, I all the time, not all time. I mean, I all the time, not all the time, but from time to time, a guy, the time, but from time to time, a guy, the time, but from time to time, a guy, I'll just say the guys will refer to I'll just say the guys will refer to I'll just say the guys will refer to someone they've never met before as bro, someone they've never met before as bro, someone they've never met before as bro, right? Some a guy's wallet falls. Hey, right? Some a guy's wallet falls. Hey, right? Some a guy's wallet falls. Hey, bro. Bro, bro, you drive to bro because bro. Bro, bro, you drive to bro because bro. Bro, bro, you drive to bro because we're this brother and sister. I I have we're this brother and sister. I I have we're this brother and sister. I I have a friend I used to coach baseball with a friend I used to coach baseball with a friend I used to coach baseball with years ago. He was not a Christian.

years ago. He was not a Christian. years ago. He was not a Christian. Didn't pretend to be a Christian. Um, Didn't pretend to be a Christian. Um, Didn't pretend to be a Christian. Um, just, you know, and I'm the pastor, had just, you know, and I'm the pastor, had just, you know, and I'm the pastor, had this thing, but he he called everybody this thing, but he he called everybody this thing, but he he called everybody brother and sister all the time. Oh, brother and sister all the time. Oh, brother and sister all the time. Oh, that was just this, hey sister, hey that was just this, hey sister, hey that was just this, hey sister, hey brother. It was just it's just common brother. It was just it's just common brother. It was just it's just common kind of language. Okay, in the first kind of language. Okay, in the first kind of language. Okay, in the first century that's not the case because in century that's not the case because in century that's not the case because in the first century that was a very the first century that was a very the first century that was a very segmented culture and slave owners never segmented culture and slave owners never segmented culture and slave owners never referred to a former slave as brother or referred to a former slave as brother or referred to a former slave as brother or sister. They certainly didn't refer to sister. They certainly didn't refer to sister. They certainly didn't refer to slaves as brothers. The rich didn't, you slaves as brothers. The rich didn't, you slaves as brothers. The rich didn't, you know, refer to the poor as brother or know, refer to the poor as brother or know, refer to the poor as brother or sister. I mean, it was a very segmented sister. I mean, it was a very segmented sister. I mean, it was a very segmented society. And yet, this language, this society. And yet, this language, this society. And yet, this language, this family language was part of Christianity family language was part of Christianity family language was part of Christianity from the very beginning. And Jesus from the very beginning. And Jesus from the very beginning. And Jesus inserted it into the vocabulary and inserted it into the vocabulary and inserted it into the vocabulary and Christians picked up on it. And this was Christians picked up on it. And this was Christians picked up on it. And this was the amazing part. I'm getting off the the amazing part. I'm getting off the the amazing part. I'm getting off the topic of the sermon. They would meet topic of the sermon. They would meet topic of the sermon. They would meet together in in homes. You know, the together in in homes. You know, the together in in homes. You know, the first churches met in homes. first churches met in homes. first churches met in homes. And there would be slaves, slave o And there would be slaves, slave o And there would be slaves, slave o owners, former slaves, servants, um you owners, former slaves, servants, um you owners, former slaves, servants, um you know, merchants, all kinds of people know, merchants, all kinds of people know, merchants, all kinds of people that just didn't normally mix. And they that just didn't normally mix. And they that just didn't normally mix. And they would begin to refer to each other and would begin to refer to each other and would begin to refer to each other and treat each other like brothers and treat each other like brothers and treat each other like brothers and sisters within the context of the sisters within the context of the sisters within the context of the church. This rocked a Greco Greek, you church. This rocked a Greco Greek, you church. This rocked a Greco Greek, you know, Greek and Roman culture. This was know, Greek and Roman culture. This was know, Greek and Roman culture. This was just so unusual and so powerful. And just so unusual and so powerful. And just so unusual and so powerful. And then Peter when he's talking about then Peter when he's talking about then Peter when he's talking about marriage, he tells husbands, remember marriage, he tells husbands, remember marriage, he tells husbands, remember husbands that your wife is your sister husbands that your wife is your sister husbands that your wife is your sister in Christ, it's like, oh. So all that in Christ, it's like, oh. So all that in Christ, it's like, oh. So all that differentiation, all that, you know, I'm differentiation, all that, you know, I'm differentiation, all that, you know, I'm more important, it all just started

more important, it all just started more important, it all just started going away. Anyway, back back to us. going away. Anyway, back back to us. going away. Anyway, back back to us. Okay. So, this whole idea of somebody's Okay. So, this whole idea of somebody's Okay. So, this whole idea of somebody's in sin and I'm going to go talk to them in sin and I'm going to go talk to them in sin and I'm going to go talk to them about their sin. I mean, this is about their sin. I mean, this is about their sin. I mean, this is this is I mean, this is what average this is I mean, this is what average this is I mean, this is what average Christians think. That's just that's Christians think. That's just that's Christians think. That's just that's optional, right? That's like maybe an optional, right? That's like maybe an optional, right? That's like maybe an option for superch Christians. I mean, option for superch Christians. I mean, option for superch Christians. I mean, isn't that actually the pastor's job? isn't that actually the pastor's job? isn't that actually the pastor's job? So, if I see somebody kind of messing So, if I see somebody kind of messing So, if I see somebody kind of messing up, I'm just going to call the church, up, I'm just going to call the church, up, I'm just going to call the church, right? right? right? Okay. Listen, listen. This next line, Okay. Listen, listen. This next line, Okay. Listen, listen. This next line, again, there there's these statements in again, there there's these statements in again, there there's these statements in the New Testament just don't get enough the New Testament just don't get enough the New Testament just don't get enough airplay. This is one of them. This next airplay. This is one of them. This next airplay. This is one of them. This next line cannot be overstated or line cannot be overstated or line cannot be overstated or overemphasized. Listen to the reason the overemphasized. Listen to the reason the overemphasized. Listen to the reason the Apostle Paul gives for this imperative Apostle Paul gives for this imperative Apostle Paul gives for this imperative to carry one another's burdens. And if to carry one another's burdens. And if to carry one another's burdens. And if you see somebody who's fallen into sin you see somebody who's fallen into sin you see somebody who's fallen into sin or going off in different direction to or going off in different direction to or going off in different direction to restore them, listen to this. He says restore them, listen to this. He says restore them, listen to this. He says carry back to the verse. Carry each carry back to the verse. Carry each carry back to the verse. Carry each other's burdens. And in this way, in other's burdens. And in this way, in other's burdens. And in this way, in other words, by getting up under their other words, by getting up under their other words, by getting up under their burden and in this case getting up under burden and in this case getting up under burden and in this case getting up under their sin burden, approaching them, their sin burden, approaching them, their sin burden, approaching them, confronting them gently. He says by confronting them gently. He says by confronting them gently. He says by doing this by res attempting to restore doing this by res attempting to restore doing this by res attempting to restore by coming alongside them by risking your by coming alongside them by risking your by coming alongside them by risking your reputation by risking offense. He says reputation by risking offense. He says reputation by risking offense. He says when you do this ready for this you will when you do this ready for this you will when you do this ready for this you will fulfill. Fulfill means like there's a fulfill. Fulfill means like there's a fulfill. Fulfill means like there's a ditch and you fill it back up. You ditch and you fill it back up. You ditch and you fill it back up. You restore it. You complete you make bring restore it. You complete you make bring restore it. You complete you make bring something to completion. He says when something to completion. He says when something to completion. He says when you do this you are completing or you you do this you are completing or you you do this you are completing or you are applying are applying are applying the law of Christ.

the law of Christ. the law of Christ. The law of Christ. If you've been The law of Christ. If you've been The law of Christ. If you've been around, this is this is another one of around, this is this is another one of around, this is this is another one of those things that I wish was way up in those things that I wish was way up in those things that I wish was way up in the mix in preaching and teaching and the mix in preaching and teaching and the mix in preaching and teaching and Christianity. It would change Christianity. It would change Christianity. It would change everything. The law of Christ is the law everything. The law of Christ is the law everything. The law of Christ is the law that Jesus gave. And the law that Jesus that Jesus gave. And the law that Jesus that Jesus gave. And the law that Jesus gave, he gave in that final Passover. We gave, he gave in that final Passover. We gave, he gave in that final Passover. We talk about it all the time. He says, "A talk about it all the time. He says, "A talk about it all the time. He says, "A new command I give you. It's going to new command I give you. It's going to new command I give you. It's going to replace all the other ones. It is the replace all the other ones. It is the replace all the other ones. It is the supreme command. It's the command that supreme command. It's the command that supreme command. It's the command that eliminates the needs for all the other eliminates the needs for all the other eliminates the needs for all the other commands because it in it fills in the commands because it in it fills in the commands because it in it fills in the gaps in everyday life and it fills in gaps in everyday life and it fills in gaps in everyday life and it fills in the gaps in all the relationships. The the gaps in all the relationships. The the gaps in all the relationships. The law of Christ is you are to love each law of Christ is you are to love each law of Christ is you are to love each other the way that I have loved you. You other the way that I have loved you. You other the way that I have loved you. You are to love each other the way that I are to love each other the way that I are to love each other the way that I have loved you. And Paul says if you have loved you. And Paul says if you have loved you. And Paul says if you want to fulfill Jesus one overarching want to fulfill Jesus one overarching want to fulfill Jesus one overarching command, one way you do that is by doing command, one way you do that is by doing command, one way you do that is by doing for others what God through Christ has for others what God through Christ has for others what God through Christ has done for you. That is you get up under done for you. That is you get up under done for you. That is you get up under their burden and you approach even when their burden and you approach even when their burden and you approach even when it's even when it's uncomfortable. You it's even when it's uncomfortable. You it's even when it's uncomfortable. You approach even when you don't think it's approach even when you don't think it's approach even when you don't think it's any of your business because you care any of your business because you care any of your business because you care about that person. So for Jesus about that person. So for Jesus about that person. So for Jesus followers, this isn't optional or followers, this isn't optional or followers, this isn't optional or peripheral or I'm going to call the peripheral or I'm going to call the peripheral or I'm going to call the church. This is essential and it's church. This is essential and it's church. This is essential and it's central. It is it is an expression. I central. It is it is an expression. I central. It is it is an expression. I mean Paul goes right to the point. He mean Paul goes right to the point. He mean Paul goes right to the point. He says this is the law of Christ in says this is the law of Christ in says this is the law of Christ in action. This is what it looks like. This action. This is what it looks like. This action. This is what it looks like. This is what it acts like to follow Jesus.

is what it acts like to follow Jesus. is what it acts like to follow Jesus. It's where he's going to lead you. He's It's where he's going to lead you. He's It's where he's going to lead you. He's not going to lead you to call the not going to lead you to call the not going to lead you to call the church. He's going to lead you to call church. He's going to lead you to call church. He's going to lead you to call the person. He's not going to lead you the person. He's not going to lead you the person. He's not going to lead you to just pray about it. He's going to to just pray about it. He's going to to just pray about it. He's going to lead you to do something about it. Now, lead you to do something about it. Now, lead you to do something about it. Now, backing up real quick because I might backing up real quick because I might backing up real quick because I might have lost you. I'm kind of going fast have lost you. I'm kind of going fast have lost you. I'm kind of going fast and I'm all over the place. So, wait, and I'm all over the place. So, wait, and I'm all over the place. So, wait, wait, wait. Andy, wait, whoa, whoa. wait, wait. Andy, wait, whoa, whoa. wait, wait. Andy, wait, whoa, whoa. Okay, here's where you lost me. How, if Okay, here's where you lost me. How, if Okay, here's where you lost me. How, if I explain this again, how does sticking I explain this again, how does sticking I explain this again, how does sticking my nose in someone else's sin business my nose in someone else's sin business my nose in someone else's sin business fulfill the law of Christ? like what fulfill the law of Christ? like what fulfill the law of Christ? like what it's doing for others what he did for it's doing for others what he did for it's doing for others what he did for you. you. you. Jesus doesn't ignore and abandon you to Jesus doesn't ignore and abandon you to Jesus doesn't ignore and abandon you to your sin. Right? Jesus, God the Father your sin. Right? Jesus, God the Father your sin. Right? Jesus, God the Father through Jesus by sending Jesus into the through Jesus by sending Jesus into the through Jesus by sending Jesus into the world, he demonstrated it and world, he demonstrated it and world, he demonstrated it and illustrated on planet Earth that God our illustrated on planet Earth that God our illustrated on planet Earth that God our father does not ab ignore us, ignore our father does not ab ignore us, ignore our father does not ab ignore us, ignore our sin or abandon us to our sin. In fact, sin or abandon us to our sin. In fact, sin or abandon us to our sin. In fact, we sing, if you're part of one of our we sing, if you're part of one of our we sing, if you're part of one of our churches, [clears throat] we sing a song churches, [clears throat] we sing a song churches, [clears throat] we sing a song where that emphasizes this all the time.

where that emphasizes this all the time. where that emphasizes this all the time. And I love these lyrics to the the song And I love these lyrics to the the song And I love these lyrics to the the song that some of our song our lyricists that some of our song our lyricists that some of our song our lyricists wrote. We've seen this. We're not wrote. We've seen this. We're not wrote. We've seen this. We're not remember this. We're not your trophy remember this. We're not your trophy remember this. We're not your trophy children that you abandon children that you abandon children that you abandon when we don't act like trophy children when we don't act like trophy children when we don't act like trophy children anymore. We're not your trophy children anymore. We're not your trophy children anymore. We're not your trophy children that you abandon when we don't get it that you abandon when we don't get it that you abandon when we don't get it right. when we go off the rails, when we right. when we go off the rails, when we right. when we go off the rails, when we get caught up in something, when we you get caught up in something, when we you get caught up in something, when we you say yes to something, we're we're not say yes to something, we're we're not say yes to something, we're we're not like, "Oh, I'm only proud of you when like, "Oh, I'm only proud of you when like, "Oh, I'm only proud of you when you make me proud." We're not trophy you make me proud." We're not trophy you make me proud." We're not trophy children that you abandon when we roam. children that you abandon when we roam. children that you abandon when we roam. And your heavenly father says, "I need And your heavenly father says, "I need And your heavenly father says, "I need you to be my hands and my feet and my you to be my hands and my feet and my you to be my hands and my feet and my eyes and my ears and the lives of your eyes and my ears and the lives of your eyes and my ears and the lives of your brothers and sisters when they fall into brothers and sisters when they fall into brothers and sisters when they fall into temptation, when they start to go off temptation, when they start to go off temptation, when they start to go off the rails, when they dip into the rails, when they dip into the rails, when they dip into self-destructive behavior, or when they self-destructive behavior, or when they self-destructive behavior, or when they begin to harm others either begin to harm others either begin to harm others either intentionally or accidentally, or when intentionally or accidentally, or when intentionally or accidentally, or when they begin to lose faith, I want you to they begin to lose faith, I want you to they begin to lose faith, I want you to approach them gently and do everything approach them gently and do everything approach them gently and do everything you can to restore them. And there's no you can to restore them. And there's no you can to restore them. And there's no guarantee that it's going to work. But guarantee that it's going to work. But guarantee that it's going to work. But do not abandon them because of their do not abandon them because of their do not abandon them because of their sin. That's what the Pharisees sin. That's what the Pharisees sin. That's what the Pharisees did. I won't even ask you how many of did. I won't even ask you how many of did. I won't even ask you how many of you want to be a Pharisee, right? I you want to be a Pharisee, right? I you want to be a Pharisee, right? I mean, you remember this scene, John mean, you remember this scene, John mean, you remember this scene, John chapter 8. We've all heard the story.

chapter 8. We've all heard the story. chapter 8. We've all heard the story. Even if you're not a a Christian, you've Even if you're not a a Christian, you've Even if you're not a a Christian, you've probably heard this story about these probably heard this story about these probably heard this story about these Pharisees finding a woman who was caught Pharisees finding a woman who was caught Pharisees finding a woman who was caught in adultery. It's the same language that in adultery. It's the same language that in adultery. It's the same language that the Apostle Paul uses that she was the Apostle Paul uses that she was the Apostle Paul uses that she was caught in adultery and they drag her up caught in adultery and they drag her up caught in adultery and they drag her up the southern stairs to the temple mount. the southern stairs to the temple mount. the southern stairs to the temple mount. I mean, this is it's it's there's no way I mean, this is it's it's there's no way I mean, this is it's it's there's no way to overplay the drama of this. They're to overplay the drama of this. They're to overplay the drama of this. They're they drag this woman caught in adultery. they drag this woman caught in adultery. they drag this woman caught in adultery. This is one of the top 10, okay? Drag This is one of the top 10, okay? Drag This is one of the top 10, okay? Drag her up to the temple mount at the top. I her up to the temple mount at the top. I her up to the temple mount at the top. I mean, right over there, they're mean, right over there, they're mean, right over there, they're sacrificing animals for sin. They are at sacrificing animals for sin. They are at sacrificing animals for sin. They are at the they're in the holiest of holy the they're in the holiest of holy the they're in the holiest of holy places. Jesus is there teaching. They places. Jesus is there teaching. They places. Jesus is there teaching. They drop her down in front of Jesus. You drop her down in front of Jesus. You drop her down in front of Jesus. You remember this story? And they say, "This remember this story? And they say, "This remember this story? And they say, "This woman was caught." They're the same woman was caught." They're the same woman was caught." They're the same terminology Paul uses. If someone is terminology Paul uses. If someone is terminology Paul uses. If someone is caught in a sin, in a trespass, this caught in a sin, in a trespass, this caught in a sin, in a trespass, this woman was caught in adultery and the law woman was caught in adultery and the law woman was caught in adultery and the law of Moses. And if you want to check it of Moses. And if you want to check it of Moses. And if you want to check it out, it is right over there in that out, it is right over there in that out, it is right over there in that building right there. It's copy of it. building right there. It's copy of it. building right there. It's copy of it. This woman was caught in the act of This woman was caught in the act of This woman was caught in the act of woman was caught in the act of adultery. woman was caught in the act of adultery. woman was caught in the act of adultery. And the law of Moses says she dies. And And the law of Moses says she dies. And And the law of Moses says she dies. And they were not wrong. they were not wrong. they were not wrong. Fortunately for her, fortunately for Fortunately for her, fortunately for Fortunately for her, fortunately for you, even though you may not believe you, even though you may not believe you, even though you may not believe this, fortunately for me, and this, fortunately for me, and this, fortunately for me, and fortunately for us, someone greater than fortunately for us, someone greater than fortunately for us, someone greater than Moses had touched down on planet Earth.

Moses had touched down on planet Earth. Moses had touched down on planet Earth. In fact, one of the things that got In fact, one of the things that got In fact, one of the things that got Jesus in trouble, he claimed to be Jesus in trouble, he claimed to be Jesus in trouble, he claimed to be greater than Moses. He claimed to be greater than Moses. He claimed to be greater than Moses. He claimed to be greater than the temple. They're like, greater than the temple. They're like, greater than the temple. They're like, "You're just sick. I mean, you can't how "You're just sick. I mean, you can't how "You're just sick. I mean, you can't how can you be greater than God's temple can you be greater than God's temple can you be greater than God's temple where heaven meets earth, right?" where heaven meets earth, right?" where heaven meets earth, right?" Someone greater than Moses had dropped Someone greater than Moses had dropped Someone greater than Moses had dropped down and he stepped into the scene and down and he stepped into the scene and down and he stepped into the scene and he was the king and you know the story. he was the king and you know the story. he was the king and you know the story. He did not stone her. He restored her. He did not stone her. He restored her. He did not stone her. He restored her. And this is what we have been invited to And this is what we have been invited to And this is what we have been invited to do for one another. Because Christianity do for one another. Because Christianity do for one another. Because Christianity is one another. It's not believe a list is one another. It's not believe a list is one another. It's not believe a list so you go to heaven when you die. It is so you go to heaven when you die. It is so you go to heaven when you die. It is one another. One another. one another one another. One another. one another one another. One another. one another one another and this is one of the one one another and this is one of the one one another and this is one of the one anothers and the apostle Paul says this anothers and the apostle Paul says this anothers and the apostle Paul says this is such an important one another it is is such an important one another it is is such an important one another it is right on the nose of fulfilling the law right on the nose of fulfilling the law right on the nose of fulfilling the law of of of Christ now Christ now Christ now if you've been a Christian for any if you've been a Christian for any if you've been a Christian for any length of time like me or even I mean length of time like me or even I mean length of time like me or even I mean I've been Christian since I was six you I've been Christian since I was six you I've been Christian since I was six you know when I was six I was went to a know when I was six I was went to a know when I was six I was went to a Christian kindergarten and Aunt Pat who Christian kindergarten and Aunt Pat who Christian kindergarten and Aunt Pat who wasn't my aunt that brother sister thing wasn't my aunt that brother sister thing wasn't my aunt that brother sister thing it it just kind of goes You know, so we it it just kind of goes You know, so we it it just kind of goes You know, so we called her aunt Pat. She was the called her aunt Pat. She was the called her aunt Pat. She was the teacher. And she had all the kids come teacher. And she had all the kids come teacher. And she had all the kids come up and sit on her knee and she had I up and sit on her knee and she had I up and sit on her knee and she had I still remember this. I mean, you know, still remember this. I mean, you know, still remember this. I mean, you know, you have these snapshots of childhood.

you have these snapshots of childhood. you have these snapshots of childhood. This is one of mine. Sit on her lap and This is one of mine. Sit on her lap and This is one of mine. Sit on her lap and she said, "Would you like to ask Jesus she said, "Would you like to ask Jesus she said, "Would you like to ask Jesus in your heart or would you like to thank in your heart or would you like to thank in your heart or would you like to thank God that would you like to thank Jesus God that would you like to thank Jesus God that would you like to thank Jesus for dying for your sin? Would you like for dying for your sin? Would you like for dying for your sin? Would you like to ask Jesus to come into your heart?" to ask Jesus to come into your heart?" to ask Jesus to come into your heart?" Those we only had two options. Those we only had two options. Those we only had two options. I mean, she was she was not going to let I mean, she was she was not going to let I mean, she was she was not going to let you get through kindergarten without you get through kindergarten without you get through kindergarten without making this decision, right? And I making this decision, right? And I making this decision, right? And I remember thinking, well, I want to ask remember thinking, well, I want to ask remember thinking, well, I want to ask Jesus in my heart. Of course, I thank Jesus in my heart. Of course, I thank Jesus in my heart. Of course, I thank him for dying for my sins. I want to ask him for dying for my sins. I want to ask him for dying for my sins. I want to ask Jesus in my heart. So I So I've been Jesus in my heart. So I So I've been Jesus in my heart. So I So I've been I've Christian my whole life. And as I've Christian my whole life. And as I've Christian my whole life. And as I've told you a thousand, not thousand I've told you a thousand, not thousand I've told you a thousand, not thousand times, dozens of times a dozen times. times, dozens of times a dozen times. times, dozens of times a dozen times. You know, I you when you grow up like me You know, I you when you grow up like me You know, I you when you grow up like me and you sin, the problem is you know and you sin, the problem is you know and you sin, the problem is you know exactly where the verse is. It's not exactly where the verse is. It's not exactly where the verse is. It's not like I think I No, no, no. I can tell like I think I No, no, no. I can tell like I think I No, no, no. I can tell you both places, old and new testament, you both places, old and new testament, you both places, old and new testament, this is a sin, right? So there's there's this is a sin, right? So there's there's this is a sin, right? So there's there's there's so much accountability, so much there's so much accountability, so much there's so much accountability, so much guilt. So my point is this. If you grow guilt. So my point is this. If you grow guilt. So my point is this. If you grow up in any kind of Christian environment, up in any kind of Christian environment, up in any kind of Christian environment, whether you still consider yourself a whether you still consider yourself a whether you still consider yourself a Christian or not, Christian or not, Christian or not, you've asked God to forgive you hundreds you've asked God to forgive you hundreds you've asked God to forgive you hundreds of times for sin, right? Worse, you've of times for sin, right? Worse, you've of times for sin, right? Worse, you've asked God to forgive you for the same asked God to forgive you for the same asked God to forgive you for the same sin dozens and dozens of time. Even sin dozens and dozens of time. Even sin dozens and dozens of time. Even worse, you knew you were probably going worse, you knew you were probably going worse, you knew you were probably going to commit it again, and you still asked to commit it again, and you still asked to commit it again, and you still asked God to forgive you of your sin. And some God to forgive you of your sin. And some God to forgive you of your sin. And some of you quoted 1 John 1:9. If we confess of you quoted 1 John 1:9. If we confess of you quoted 1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to our sins, he is faithful and just to our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from forgive us our sins and cleanse us from forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. See there, you got all unrighteousness. See there, you got all unrighteousness. See there, you got to do it because the B, you know, you to do it because the B, you know, you to do it because the B, you know, you didn't do that. But, you know, you had didn't do that. But, you know, you had didn't do that. But, you know, you had verses to back this up. The the the verses to back this up. The the the verses to back this up. The the the point is this. When you asked God to point is this. When you asked God to point is this. When you asked God to forgive you, you were confident he

forgive you, you were confident he forgive you, you were confident he forgave you based on what Jesus taught. forgave you based on what Jesus taught. forgave you based on what Jesus taught. And you also believe that he restored And you also believe that he restored And you also believe that he restored you rather than stoned you and abandoned you rather than stoned you and abandoned you rather than stoned you and abandoned you. And yes, there were consequences you. And yes, there were consequences you. And yes, there were consequences for your wrongdoing. There's always for your wrongdoing. There's always for your wrongdoing. There's always consequences for wrongdoing, right? But consequences for wrongdoing, right? But consequences for wrongdoing, right? But the point was, you at least internally the point was, you at least internally the point was, you at least internally know what it's like to be on the know what it's like to be on the know what it's like to be on the receiving end of being restored to your receiving end of being restored to your receiving end of being restored to your heavenly father through asking for heavenly father through asking for heavenly father through asking for forgiveness. And now we are instructed, forgiveness. And now we are instructed, forgiveness. And now we are instructed, we are required to be on the giving and we are required to be on the giving and we are required to be on the giving and the restoring end as well, just like our the restoring end as well, just like our the restoring end as well, just like our father in heaven. That's why it reflects father in heaven. That's why it reflects father in heaven. That's why it reflects the law of Christ. And the law of Christ. And the law of Christ. And the less deserving the other person is the less deserving the other person is the less deserving the other person is of our involvement, of our involvement, of our involvement, the more like Jesus you are, right? It's the more like Jesus you are, right? It's the more like Jesus you are, right? It's what God through Christ did for you and what God through Christ did for you and what God through Christ did for you and for me and for us. He stuck his nose in for me and for us. He stuck his nose in for me and for us. He stuck his nose in our sin business. It cost him his life.

our sin business. It cost him his life. our sin business. It cost him his life. The good news is it won't cost you your The good news is it won't cost you your The good news is it won't cost you your life. Just some time, some life. Just some time, some life. Just some time, some embarrassment. It may cost you the embarrassment. It may cost you the embarrassment. It may cost you the relationship, but we are to do for relationship, but we are to do for relationship, but we are to do for others what God through Christ has done others what God through Christ has done others what God through Christ has done for us. It is the law of Christ. To for us. It is the law of Christ. To for us. It is the law of Christ. To which I know, I know. Okay, which I know, I know. Okay, which I know, I know. Okay, Andy, good sermon. But hey, can't can I Andy, good sermon. But hey, can't can I Andy, good sermon. But hey, can't can I just attend church occasionally? Can I just attend church occasionally? Can I just attend church occasionally? Can I just believe some stuff and maybe give a just believe some stuff and maybe give a just believe some stuff and maybe give a few dollars whenever the spirit leads, few dollars whenever the spirit leads, few dollars whenever the spirit leads, you know? Sure, you can do that. Of you know? Sure, you can do that. Of you know? Sure, you can do that. Of course. If, and this is Jesus threat, course. If, and this is Jesus threat, course. If, and this is Jesus threat, not mine. If and you can do that if you not mine. If and you can do that if you not mine. If and you can do that if you want to stand outside the kingdom of God want to stand outside the kingdom of God want to stand outside the kingdom of God looking in and missing out and looking in and missing out and looking in and missing out and eventually weep and nash your teeth eventually weep and nash your teeth eventually weep and nash your teeth because you lost the opportunity to because you lost the opportunity to because you lost the opportunity to participate in something in this life in participate in something in this life in participate in something in this life in the kingdom of God that you were invited the kingdom of God that you were invited the kingdom of God that you were invited to. But I know I'm pushing hard, but to. But I know I'm pushing hard, but to. But I know I'm pushing hard, but if you if you if you or maybe one day a son of yours or a or maybe one day a son of yours or a or maybe one day a son of yours or a daughter of yours daughter of yours daughter of yours begins to go in a wrong and difficult begins to go in a wrong and difficult begins to go in a wrong and difficult and dangerous direction, and dangerous direction, and dangerous direction, you're going to want someone to step in you're going to want someone to step in you're going to want someone to step in front of them and address the direction front of them and address the direction front of them and address the direction they're moving in. It it may be your they're moving in. It it may be your they're moving in. It it may be your husband and you've tried and tried and husband and you've tried and tried and husband and you've tried and tried and tried and you're going to want another tried and you're going to want another tried and you're going to want another man or a group of men to stand in his man or a group of men to stand in his man or a group of men to stand in his way to bring it to his attention to risk way to bring it to his attention to risk way to bring it to his attention to risk their relationship if it might perhaps

their relationship if it might perhaps their relationship if it might perhaps save your marriage. If you see a save your marriage. If you see a save your marriage. If you see a brother, a physical, a literal brother, brother, a physical, a literal brother, brother, a physical, a literal brother, a literal sister moving off in a a literal sister moving off in a a literal sister moving off in a dangerous direction and they won't dangerous direction and they won't dangerous direction and they won't listen to you or you're afraid to say listen to you or you're afraid to say listen to you or you're afraid to say anything and somebody comes along and anything and somebody comes along and anything and somebody comes along and restores them, aren't you going to be restores them, aren't you going to be restores them, aren't you going to be grateful? Are you going to say, "Hey, grateful? Are you going to say, "Hey, grateful? Are you going to say, "Hey, that's none of your bit." No, you're that's none of your bit." No, you're that's none of your bit." No, you're going to be like, "Thank you. Thank you. going to be like, "Thank you. Thank you. going to be like, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You did for my brother and my Thank you. You did for my brother and my Thank you. You did for my brother and my sister what well honestly I've not been sister what well honestly I've not been sister what well honestly I've not been willing to do for willing to do for willing to do for others." If your someone you love ever others." If your someone you love ever others." If your someone you love ever needs to be restored needs to be restored needs to be restored gently, if they ever need someone to gently, if they ever need someone to gently, if they ever need someone to step in front of them in love, interfere step in front of them in love, interfere step in front of them in love, interfere in their self-destructive, in their self-destructive, in their self-destructive, family destructive behavior, family destructive behavior, family destructive behavior, if you ever need that and someone does if you ever need that and someone does if you ever need that and someone does this, you're going to be so this, you're going to be so this, you're going to be so grateful. But grateful. But grateful. But if in this season of your Christian if in this season of your Christian if in this season of your Christian life, you're unwilling to do that and life, you're unwilling to do that and life, you're unwilling to do that and yet you know you would appreciate it if yet you know you would appreciate it if yet you know you would appreciate it if somebody else did that for someone you somebody else did that for someone you somebody else did that for someone you love, do you know what that makes you?

love, do you know what that makes you? love, do you know what that makes you? There's a word for that. Anyway, let's There's a word for that. Anyway, let's There's a word for that. Anyway, let's let's let's keep going. Okay, so anyway, let's let's keep going. Okay, so anyway, let's let's keep going. Okay, so anyway, here's here's here's the point of kind here's here's here's the point of kind here's here's here's the point of kind of this whole sermon. This was this was of this whole sermon. This was this was of this whole sermon. This was this was so important to us. This is so important so important to us. This is so important so important to us. This is so important to us as a network of churches, our to us as a network of churches, our to us as a network of churches, our network of churches around the country network of churches around the country network of churches around the country and around the world. It's so important and around the world. It's so important and around the world. It's so important to us that 30 actually coming up on 31 to us that 30 actually coming up on 31 to us that 30 actually coming up on 31 years ago next in October 31 years ago years ago next in October 31 years ago years ago next in October 31 years ago we decided to actually organize the we decided to actually organize the we decided to actually organize the entire church to this idea to do entire church to this idea to do entire church to this idea to do everything we could possibly do to everything we could possibly do to everything we could possibly do to ensure that attenders beginning with ensure that attenders beginning with ensure that attenders beginning with children, children, children, middle school students, high school middle school students, high school middle school students, high school students, college students, singles and students, college students, singles and students, college students, singles and adults. We wanted to do everything we adults. We wanted to do everything we adults. We wanted to do everything we could to ensure that people were that could to ensure that people were that could to ensure that people were that people who were part of our church were people who were part of our church were people who were part of our church were so connected relationally in a healthy so connected relationally in a healthy so connected relationally in a healthy community that this would be built into community that this would be built into community that this would be built into their Christian experience that we would their Christian experience that we would their Christian experience that we would create a a network of groups where create a a network of groups where create a a network of groups where everybody had some element of everybody had some element of everybody had some element of accountability just built in accountability just built in accountability just built in relationally not a stranger showing up relationally not a stranger showing up relationally not a stranger showing up at their door but already in at their door but already in at their door but already in relationship with men and women doing relationship with men and women doing relationship with men and women doing life together accountability a sense of life together accountability a sense of life together accountability a sense of belonging when I don't show up here, I'm belonging when I don't show up here, I'm belonging when I don't show up here, I'm missed. And if I quit showing up, missed. And if I quit showing up, missed. And if I quit showing up, they're going to come get me. And a they're going to come get me. And a they're going to come get me. And a sense of care when things go bad or sense of care when things go bad or sense of care when things go bad or things go wrong or suddenly there's a things go wrong or suddenly there's a things go wrong or suddenly there's a need I can't meet. We wanted this to be need I can't meet. We wanted this to be need I can't meet. We wanted this to be a way of life, not a program, a way of a way of life, not a program, a way of a way of life, not a program, a way of life. We wanted this to be part of the life. We wanted this to be part of the life. We wanted this to be part of the rhythm of life because when you read the rhythm of life because when you read the rhythm of life because when you read the New Testament, you cannot avoid this. It New Testament, you cannot avoid this. It New Testament, you cannot avoid this. It is one another, one another, one

is one another, one another, one is one another, one another, one another, one another, one another. This another, one another, one another. This another, one another, one another. This is why I say my if I had a vision for is why I say my if I had a vision for is why I say my if I had a vision for the church, and again, I don't get to be the church, and again, I don't get to be the church, and again, I don't get to be in charge of the church, just our in charge of the church, just our in charge of the church, just our churches. If I had a vision, it would be churches. If I had a vision, it would be churches. If I had a vision, it would be this that people on the outside of our this that people on the outside of our this that people on the outside of our faith would see us and they may not faith would see us and they may not faith would see us and they may not agree with everything we believe, but agree with everything we believe, but agree with everything we believe, but they would be we would my vision is they they would be we would my vision is they they would be we would my vision is they would be envious of how well we treat would be envious of how well we treat would be envious of how well we treat each other and amazed at how well we each other and amazed at how well we each other and amazed at how well we love them because that is the message of love them because that is the message of love them because that is the message of the New Testament. That is the law of the New Testament. That is the law of the New Testament. That is the law of Christ. That is God through Christ in Christ. That is God through Christ in Christ. That is God through Christ in the world through us and through his the world through us and through his the world through us and through his people. So, from the very beginning, if people. So, from the very beginning, if people. So, from the very beginning, if you've been around, you know this. We you've been around, you know this. We you've been around, you know this. We created weekly season of life small created weekly season of life small created weekly season of life small group opportunities for everybody. group opportunities for everybody. group opportunities for everybody. Weekly, not every adult group meets Weekly, not every adult group meets Weekly, not every adult group meets every week, but potentially weekly um every week, but potentially weekly um every week, but potentially weekly um you know, pre pre-arranged relational you know, pre pre-arranged relational you know, pre pre-arranged relational connection for every single group of connection for every single group of connection for every single group of people, every single segment of life, people, every single segment of life, people, every single segment of life, every season of life in our church. And every season of life in our church. And every season of life in our church. And we our desire again wasn't to just add we our desire again wasn't to just add we our desire again wasn't to just add this on as an appendage. Hey, this is this on as an appendage. Hey, this is this on as an appendage. Hey, this is one of our ministries. We wanted it to one of our ministries. We wanted it to one of our ministries. We wanted it to be central to the church. So in contrast be central to the church. So in contrast be central to the church. So in contrast to other church models, we decided that to other church models, we decided that to other church models, we decided that circles are better than classes. This is circles are better than classes. This is circles are better than classes. This is why we don't have a bunch of classes.

why we don't have a bunch of classes. why we don't have a bunch of classes. Now there's a place there's a time and a Now there's a place there's a time and a Now there's a place there's a time and a place for classes and a need for classes place for classes and a need for classes place for classes and a need for classes and we do all kind of kind of small um and we do all kind of kind of small um and we do all kind of kind of small um uh short-term curriculum and stuff, but uh short-term curriculum and stuff, but uh short-term curriculum and stuff, but what is central is in classes. We wanted what is central is in classes. We wanted what is central is in classes. We wanted people to actually be in community to be people to actually be in community to be people to actually be in community to be doing life together. And this is why we doing life together. And this is why we doing life together. And this is why we say that circles are actually better say that circles are actually better say that circles are actually better than rows. And I'll tell you who than rows. And I'll tell you who than rows. And I'll tell you who understands this better than any group. understands this better than any group. understands this better than any group. And if you have ever been a part of any And if you have ever been a part of any And if you have ever been a part of any of these groups, I just want to tell you of these groups, I just want to tell you of these groups, I just want to tell you I you your courage is inspiring. The I you your courage is inspiring. The I you your courage is inspiring. The people who figured this out a long time people who figured this out a long time people who figured this out a long time ago is AA, NA, CA, [clears throat] ago is AA, NA, CA, [clears throat] ago is AA, NA, CA, [clears throat] Cocaine Anonymous. Years ago, I went and Cocaine Anonymous. Years ago, I went and Cocaine Anonymous. Years ago, I went and gave a chip to a woman who was in a gave a chip to a woman who was in a gave a chip to a woman who was in a cocaine anonymous group. And there are cocaine anonymous group. And there are cocaine anonymous group. And there are all kinds of groups. They they figured all kinds of groups. They they figured all kinds of groups. They they figured this out a long time ago. They figured this out a long time ago. They figured this out a long time ago. They figured out that sermons and rows leave too much out that sermons and rows leave too much out that sermons and rows leave too much wiggle room, right? And you know what wiggle room, right? And you know what wiggle room, right? And you know what else they figured out? This is so else they figured out? This is so else they figured out? This is so powerful. They also figured out what the powerful. They also figured out what the powerful. They also figured out what the Apostle Paul's next verse points out Apostle Paul's next verse points out Apostle Paul's next verse points out because he's not done with us yet. He in because he's not done with us yet. He in because he's not done with us yet. He in this next verse, Paul points out why this next verse, Paul points out why this next verse, Paul points out why this level of connection and why this this level of connection and why this this level of connection and why this level of accountability is something we level of accountability is something we level of accountability is something we have a tendency to resist. In fact, some have a tendency to resist. In fact, some have a tendency to resist. In fact, some of you are listening and watching right of you are listening and watching right of you are listening and watching right now and you're internally resisting it.

now and you're internally resisting it. now and you're internally resisting it. You're probably the man and the woman is You're probably the man and the woman is You're probably the man and the woman is like, "God, please break through to him like, "God, please break through to him like, "God, please break through to him because because and I get this. There's because because and I get this. There's because because and I get this. There's something in me as a man. It's like I I something in me as a man. It's like I I something in me as a man. It's like I I don't need this. That's that's for don't need this. That's that's for don't need this. That's that's for babies." You know, that's for that, you babies." You know, that's for that, you babies." You know, that's for that, you know, you know, just you just buck up, know, you know, just you just buck up, know, you know, just you just buck up, you know, step up and man up and I get you know, step up and man up and I get you know, step up and man up and I get that all that ego. Um I I did an that all that ego. Um I I did an that all that ego. Um I I did an interview with Jeff Foxworthy, I don't interview with Jeff Foxworthy, I don't interview with Jeff Foxworthy, I don't know, almost a year ago, and I asked know, almost a year ago, and I asked know, almost a year ago, and I asked [clears throat] him what he would tell [clears throat] him what he would tell [clears throat] him what he would tell my, you know, Jeff Foxworthy, the my, you know, Jeff Foxworthy, the my, you know, Jeff Foxworthy, the comedian, and my son does comedy. I comedian, and my son does comedy. I comedian, and my son does comedy. I said, "Hey, what would you tell Andrew said, "Hey, what would you tell Andrew said, "Hey, what would you tell Andrew as he starts this, you know, this career as he starts this, you know, this career as he starts this, you know, this career path, you know, and you know, you get path, you know, and you know, you get path, you know, and you know, you get all this invited to all this stuff, meet all this invited to all this stuff, meet all this invited to all this stuff, meet all these people and all the all these people and all the all these people and all the temptation." He just immediately said, temptation." He just immediately said, temptation." He just immediately said, "I would tell him that your ego is not "I would tell him that your ego is not "I would tell him that your ego is not your friend. Your ego is not your your friend. Your ego is not your your friend. Your ego is not your friend." And I'm like, "Okay, I my ego friend." And I'm like, "Okay, I my ego friend." And I'm like, "Okay, I my ego everything my ego tells me is wrong. everything my ego tells me is wrong. everything my ego tells me is wrong. Everything you deserve, you need you." Everything you deserve, you need you." Everything you deserve, you need you." So, of course, what my ego tells me is, So, of course, what my ego tells me is, So, of course, what my ego tells me is, I don't need a bunch of people in my I don't need a bunch of people in my I don't need a bunch of people in my life, right? Of course I do. And listen, life, right? Of course I do. And listen, life, right? Of course I do. And listen, 2,000 years ago, the Apostle Paul, 2,000 years ago, the Apostle Paul, 2,000 years ago, the Apostle Paul, because ego has been around since, you because ego has been around since, you because ego has been around since, you know, the Garden of Eden, right? The know, the Garden of Eden, right? The know, the Garden of Eden, right? The Apostle Paul addresses this. And listen Apostle Paul addresses this. And listen Apostle Paul addresses this. And listen to how he addresses it. men.

to how he addresses it. men. to how he addresses it. men. If anyone, this is in the same passage, If anyone, this is in the same passage, If anyone, this is in the same passage, if anyone thinks they are something, if anyone thinks they are something, if anyone thinks they are something, if anyone thinks they're special, if anyone thinks they're special, if anyone thinks they're special, if anyone thinks they're above this, I if anyone thinks they're above this, I if anyone thinks they're above this, I don't need that. That's that's for other don't need that. That's that's for other don't need that. That's that's for other people, less important people, less busy people, less important people, less busy people, less important people, less busy people. I don't need that. And this is people. I don't need that. And this is people. I don't need that. And this is the Apostle Paul who wrote half the New the Apostle Paul who wrote half the New the Apostle Paul who wrote half the New Testament, whose name's going to be Testament, whose name's going to be Testament, whose name's going to be around forever. So, whatever you've around forever. So, whatever you've around forever. So, whatever you've accomplished, whatever I've accomplished, whatever I've accomplished, whatever I've accomplished, we fall far short of this accomplished, we fall far short of this accomplished, we fall far short of this guy. Okay? He says, "If anybody thinks guy. Okay? He says, "If anybody thinks guy. Okay? He says, "If anybody thinks they are something," because he knows they are something," because he knows they are something," because he knows we're going to resist this. And this is we're going to resist this. And this is we're going to resist this. And this is so offensive. Okay, he said it, not me. so offensive. Okay, he said it, not me. so offensive. Okay, he said it, not me. If anyone thinks they are something when If anyone thinks they are something when If anyone thinks they are something when they're nothing, it's like, "What do you they're nothing, it's like, "What do you they're nothing, it's like, "What do you mean nothing? I'm something." And Paul mean nothing? I'm something." And Paul mean nothing? I'm something." And Paul would say, "Yeah, you're something would say, "Yeah, you're something would say, "Yeah, you're something compared to some other people that you compared to some other people that you compared to some other people that you compare yourself to." Yeah, you're compare yourself to." Yeah, you're compare yourself to." Yeah, you're something compared to other people that something compared to other people that something compared to other people that you compare yourself to, right? you compare yourself to, right? you compare yourself to, right? I I'm I'm not nothing. I'm something, I I'm I'm not nothing. I'm something, I I'm I'm not nothing. I'm something, says the man or the woman who's embraced says the man or the woman who's embraced says the man or the woman who's embraced the myth of autonomy the myth of autonomy the myth of autonomy that all you need is you.

that all you need is you. that all you need is you. When in fact, he says, you are nothing When in fact, he says, you are nothing When in fact, he says, you are nothing and I am nothing apart from the people and I am nothing apart from the people and I am nothing apart from the people around me and apart from the people around me and apart from the people around me and apart from the people around us. Listen to this. He says, "If around us. Listen to this. He says, "If around us. Listen to this. He says, "If anyone thinks they are something when anyone thinks they are something when anyone thinks they are something when they are nothing, they deceive they are nothing, they deceive they are nothing, they deceive themselves." themselves." themselves." The easiest person for you to deceive is The easiest person for you to deceive is The easiest person for you to deceive is always the person in the mirror. This is always the person in the mirror. This is always the person in the mirror. This is why we get in trouble. This is why we why we get in trouble. This is why we why we get in trouble. This is why we justify. This is why we're entitled to. justify. This is why we're entitled to. justify. This is why we're entitled to. This is why it just makes sense to us This is why it just makes sense to us This is why it just makes sense to us even though it doesn't make sense to even though it doesn't make sense to even though it doesn't make sense to anybody else. And the Apostle Paul is anybody else. And the Apostle Paul is anybody else. And the Apostle Paul is talking to Christians and he's going, talking to Christians and he's going, talking to Christians and he's going, "Come on, come on, come on, come on. You "Come on, come on, come on, come on. You "Come on, come on, come on, come on. You know better. You should live better. And know better. You should live better. And know better. You should live better. And if you will one another one another, you if you will one another one another, you if you will one another one another, you will in fact stay out of those kinds of will in fact stay out of those kinds of will in fact stay out of those kinds of ruts and those kinds of habits and you ruts and those kinds of habits and you ruts and those kinds of habits and you won't drift." The bottom line according won't drift." The bottom line according won't drift." The bottom line according to this and this is the reminder for me to this and this is the reminder for me to this and this is the reminder for me that that kind of arrogance of I'm that that kind of arrogance of I'm that that kind of arrogance of I'm something he says arrogance or the something he says arrogance or the something he says arrogance or the takeaway is arrogance is ignorance.

takeaway is arrogance is ignorance. takeaway is arrogance is ignorance. I mean, I mean, I mean, when I meet, okay, this is just me. So, when I meet, okay, this is just me. So, when I meet, okay, this is just me. So, this don't take this, don't apply this, this don't take this, don't apply this, this don't take this, don't apply this, okay? When I meet super arrogant people, okay? When I meet super arrogant people, okay? When I meet super arrogant people, here's the first thing I think. This is here's the first thing I think. This is here's the first thing I think. This is terrible. I'm probably not going to tell terrible. I'm probably not going to tell terrible. I'm probably not going to tell the other service this when I meet like the other service this when I meet like the other service this when I meet like people who are just in so arrogant. I people who are just in so arrogant. I people who are just in so arrogant. I think, this is what I think. Do you not think, this is what I think. Do you not think, this is what I think. Do you not realize you're going to die? realize you're going to die? realize you're going to die? Do you think you're going to live Do you think you're going to live Do you think you're going to live forever? It's like, what? What? This forever? It's like, what? What? This forever? It's like, what? What? This doesn't arrogance is ignorance. doesn't arrogance is ignorance. doesn't arrogance is ignorance. Arrogance is ignorance of the fact that Arrogance is ignorance of the fact that Arrogance is ignorance of the fact that I am and we are dependent on the people I am and we are dependent on the people I am and we are dependent on the people around us anyway. Why not leverage that around us anyway. Why not leverage that around us anyway. Why not leverage that to our benefit? Arrogance is dangerous, to our benefit? Arrogance is dangerous, to our benefit? Arrogance is dangerous, right? And ultimate arrogant ultimately right? And ultimate arrogant ultimately right? And ultimate arrogant ultimately arrogance isolates arrogance isolates arrogance isolates and you can't you know the person that and you can't you know the person that and you can't you know the person that says well I I just do my own says well I I just do my own says well I I just do my own Christianity. I don't need other people. Christianity. I don't need other people. Christianity. I don't need other people. No, you're not doing Christianity. No, you're not doing Christianity. No, you're not doing Christianity. You're doing something else. Just open You're doing something else. Just open You're doing something else. Just open the New Testament. But bending to lift the New Testament. But bending to lift the New Testament. But bending to lift and to get up underneath somebody else's and to get up underneath somebody else's and to get up underneath somebody else's burden, that's not arrogance. That's burden, that's not arrogance. That's burden, that's not arrogance. That's humility. and making ourselves humility. and making ourselves humility. and making ourselves accountable to other people. That's accountable to other people. That's accountable to other people. That's humility as well. And to do otherwise is humility as well. And to do otherwise is humility as well. And to do otherwise is to miss the opportunity to fulfill the to miss the opportunity to fulfill the to miss the opportunity to fulfill the law of Christ to do for others what God law of Christ to do for others what God law of Christ to do for others what God through Christ has done for us. I'll through Christ has done for us. I'll through Christ has done for us. I'll tell you and and I got to keep going, tell you and and I got to keep going, tell you and and I got to keep going, but I'll tell you where I see this but I'll tell you where I see this but I'll tell you where I see this that's in my tragically in my that's in my tragically in my that's in my tragically in my profession. It's pastors because I'm, profession. It's pastors because I'm, profession. It's pastors because I'm, you know, around pastors and other you know, around pastors and other you know, around pastors and other churches, network churches, churches, network churches, churches, network churches, and every once in a while I, you know, a and every once in a while I, you know, a and every once in a while I, you know, a pastor will say, you know, we have pastor will say, you know, we have pastor will say, you know, we have groups, but my wife and I, we're not in groups, but my wife and I, we're not in groups, but my wife and I, we're not in a group. Um, you know, we're busy. And

a group. Um, you know, we're busy. And a group. Um, you know, we're busy. And then they talk about it's awkward to be then they talk about it's awkward to be then they talk about it's awkward to be in a group with people who go to your in a group with people who go to your in a group with people who go to your church and all the stuff and, you know, church and all the stuff and, you know, church and all the stuff and, you know, so it's like we want everybody else to so it's like we want everybody else to so it's like we want everybody else to do that, but we don't do that. I love do that, but we don't do that. I love do that, but we don't do that. I love what Pastor Ashley Waldridge says. He what Pastor Ashley Waldridge says. He what Pastor Ashley Waldridge says. He says, "Pastors are to pastors are says, "Pastors are to pastors are says, "Pastors are to pastors are supposed to be examples, not supposed to be examples, not supposed to be examples, not exceptions." Pastors are supposed to be exceptions." Pastors are supposed to be exceptions." Pastors are supposed to be examples, not exceptions. And this is an examples, not exceptions. And this is an examples, not exceptions. And this is an area where people who do what I do area where people who do what I do area where people who do what I do oftenimes make an exception because of oftenimes make an exception because of oftenimes make an exception because of how awkward they say it is to be in a how awkward they say it is to be in a how awkward they say it is to be in a small group with people that they're small group with people that they're small group with people that they're supposedly shephering. Sander and I have supposedly shephering. Sander and I have supposedly shephering. Sander and I have been in small group before we started been in small group before we started been in small group before we started the church and have never ever not the church and have never ever not the church and have never ever not participated in a small group. Not participated in a small group. Not participated in a small group. Not because we're trying to model something, because we're trying to model something, because we're trying to model something, even though I hope that's the case. is even though I hope that's the case. is even though I hope that's the case. is because we need it and it's been a value because we need it and it's been a value because we need it and it's been a value ad. Now, real quick, the problem with ad. Now, real quick, the problem with ad. Now, real quick, the problem with this sermon, you may think there's a this sermon, you may think there's a this sermon, you may think there's a dozen problems with the sermon, but the dozen problems with the sermon, but the dozen problems with the sermon, but the one of the problems with this sermon is one of the problems with this sermon is one of the problems with this sermon is I've kind of made the whole I've kind of made the whole I've kind of made the whole accountability thing and the group thing accountability thing and the group thing accountability thing and the group thing and getting a small group make it sound and getting a small group make it sound and getting a small group make it sound so ominous and serious like let's to get so ominous and serious like let's to get so ominous and serious like let's to get together, let's get together every together, let's get together every together, let's get together every Monday night and we're going to go Monday night and we're going to go Monday night and we're going to go around and share our sins and if you around and share our sins and if you around and share our sins and if you don't share yours, we're going to share.

don't share yours, we're going to share. don't share yours, we're going to share. That's that's not what small group is. That's that's not what small group is. That's that's not what small group is. You know that, right? No. Those of you You know that, right? No. Those of you You know that, right? No. Those of you who've been participating for years in who've been participating for years in who've been participating for years in small groups know that it is a small groups know that it is a small groups know that it is a relational value ad. It's way less relational value ad. It's way less relational value ad. It's way less complicated than your family of origin complicated than your family of origin complicated than your family of origin and it is usually way more fun than your and it is usually way more fun than your and it is usually way more fun than your family of origin, right? And you now family of origin, right? And you now family of origin, right? And you now have brothers and sisters where you have have brothers and sisters where you have have brothers and sisters where you have something in common, the season of life, something in common, the season of life, something in common, the season of life, whatever it might be. And it's just a whatever it might be. And it's just a whatever it might be. And it's just a powerful powerful thing. And many of us powerful powerful thing. And many of us powerful powerful thing. And many of us thou literally thousands of us have made thou literally thousands of us have made thou literally thousands of us have made lifelong friends through small group. lifelong friends through small group. lifelong friends through small group. Um, I just went to Brazil. I told you Um, I just went to Brazil. I told you Um, I just went to Brazil. I told you about that a few weeks ago. The about that a few weeks ago. The about that a few weeks ago. The gentleman that went with me, Jim, I met gentleman that went with me, Jim, I met gentleman that went with me, Jim, I met Jim in my neighbor's house the first Jim in my neighbor's house the first Jim in my neighbor's house the first night he joined our small group. That's night he joined our small group. That's night he joined our small group. That's where I met him. I met him in small where I met him. I met him in small where I met him. I met him in small group because another family said, "Hey, group because another family said, "Hey, group because another family said, "Hey, this a couple, they've been at North this a couple, they've been at North this a couple, they've been at North Point. They're great." We're like, Point. They're great." We're like, Point. They're great." We're like, "Bring him in." And I feel like I have a "Bring him in." And I feel like I have a "Bring him in." And I feel like I have a lifelong friend. I met in our group the lifelong friend. I met in our group the lifelong friend. I met in our group the first night that we, you know, kind of first night that we, you know, kind of first night that we, you know, kind of reconvened for small group. So, and that reconvened for small group. So, and that reconvened for small group. So, and that and my story has been multiplied and my story has been multiplied and my story has been multiplied thousands and thousands of times, right? thousands and thousands of times, right? thousands and thousands of times, right? And these are the people who become the And these are the people who become the And these are the people who become the friends who would show up, step up, and friends who would show up, step up, and friends who would show up, step up, and throw their hands up if they saw me or throw their hands up if they saw me or throw their hands up if they saw me or if they saw the other people in the if they saw the other people in the if they saw the other people in the group begin to drift. And we want that group begin to drift. And we want that group begin to drift. And we want that for you because we all need it. Because for you because we all need it. Because for you because we all need it. Because I hate to tell you this, if you think I hate to tell you this, if you think I hate to tell you this, if you think you're something, if you think you're you're something, if you think you're you're something, if you think you're special, if you think you get to be the special, if you think you get to be the special, if you think you get to be the exception, that's dangerous. And we want exception, that's dangerous. And we want exception, that's dangerous. And we want to make it as easy as possible for you to make it as easy as possible for you to make it as easy as possible for you to experience that kind of community.

to experience that kind of community. to experience that kind of community. Last thing, parents, look up here. You Last thing, parents, look up here. You Last thing, parents, look up here. You don't let your kids miss school. don't let your kids miss school. don't let your kids miss school. Please make every effort not to let them Please make every effort not to let them Please make every effort not to let them miss small group. And here's why. miss small group. And here's why. miss small group. And here's why. Eventually, school comes to an end. But Eventually, school comes to an end. But Eventually, school comes to an end. But we want the rhythm and the habit of we want the rhythm and the habit of we want the rhythm and the habit of small group to go with them for the rest small group to go with them for the rest small group to go with them for the rest of their life. And ultimately, you do of their life. And ultimately, you do of their life. And ultimately, you do too. So, as we begin this new school too. So, as we begin this new school too. So, as we begin this new school year and as we're reconvening small year and as we're reconvening small year and as we're reconvening small groups and some of your kids are going groups and some of your kids are going groups and some of your kids are going to have new small group leaders, please to have new small group leaders, please to have new small group leaders, please do everything in your power to make sure do everything in your power to make sure do everything in your power to make sure they participate in group just like we they participate in group just like we they participate in group just like we want you to participate in group. We want you to participate in group. We want you to participate in group. We launch brand new groups every September launch brand new groups every September launch brand new groups every September in January and at this time somebody at in January and at this time somebody at in January and at this time somebody at your local campus is going to come up your local campus is going to come up your local campus is going to come up and explain some next steps. and explain some next steps. and explain some next steps. And that's me. So, here's how it works. And that's me. So, here's how it works. And that's me. So, here's how it works. Group registration opens on August the Group registration opens on August the Group registration opens on August the 23rd, but you don't need to remember 23rd, but you don't need to remember 23rd, but you don't need to remember that. And here's what group registration that. And here's what group registration that. And here's what group registration is. We're going to open up all the brand is. We're going to open up all the brand is. We're going to open up all the brand new groups. You get to choose where new groups. You get to choose where new groups. You get to choose where night of the week, what kind of group, night of the week, what kind of group, night of the week, what kind of group, but you don't need to remember that. but you don't need to remember that. but you don't need to remember that. What you do need to do is to text NP What you do need to do is to text NP What you do need to do is to text NP groupoups to 51255.

groupoups to 51255. groupoups to 51255. NP groups, and of course, on your NP groups, and of course, on your NP groups, and of course, on your texting app, it's the opposite, but text texting app, it's the opposite, but text texting app, it's the opposite, but text NProups to the number 21255. And we're NProups to the number 21255. And we're NProups to the number 21255. And we're going to send you a reminder the morning going to send you a reminder the morning going to send you a reminder the morning that the group registration opens up so that the group registration opens up so that the group registration opens up so you're not late and you can find the you're not late and you can find the you're not late and you can find the group that you want to be a part of. We group that you want to be a part of. We group that you want to be a part of. We have men's groups, women's groups, have men's groups, women's groups, have men's groups, women's groups, married couple groups, empty neester married couple groups, empty neester married couple groups, empty neester groups, young adult groups, and we of groups, young adult groups, and we of groups, young adult groups, and we of course all of your students and middle course all of your students and middle course all of your students and middle school and high school students and school and high school students and school and high school students and children. We're taking care of that on children. We're taking care of that on children. We're taking care of that on Sunday morning for you. They have groups Sunday morning for you. They have groups Sunday morning for you. They have groups as well. If your group like our group as well. If your group like our group as well. If your group like our group kind of takes a break for the summer kind of takes a break for the summer kind of takes a break for the summer because people are out during the because people are out during the because people are out during the summer, it is time to call them up and summer, it is time to call them up and summer, it is time to call them up and regroup. and you need to meet either the regroup. and you need to meet either the regroup. and you need to meet either the weekend before or the weekend after weekend before or the weekend after weekend before or the weekend after Labor Day. If you wait too much longer Labor Day. If you wait too much longer Labor Day. If you wait too much longer after that, the fall gets away from you. after that, the fall gets away from you. after that, the fall gets away from you. So, make sure you pull them all back So, make sure you pull them all back So, make sure you pull them all back together. This level of community is not together. This level of community is not together. This level of community is not an add-on. It is essential and we want an add-on. It is essential and we want an add-on. It is essential and we want that for you and we've done everything that for you and we've done everything that for you and we've done everything we can to make it easy. So, please take we can to make it easy. So, please take we can to make it easy. So, please take advantage of that. And if you're not in advantage of that. And if you're not in advantage of that. And if you're not in a group, make sure you get that you text a group, make sure you get that you text a group, make sure you get that you text it in so we'll let you know when group it in so we'll let you know when group it in so we'll let you know when group registration opens. if you need to add registration opens. if you need to add registration opens. if you need to add some people to your group, we can help some people to your group, we can help some people to your group, we can help you with that as well. So, that's what's you with that as well. So, that's what's you with that as well. So, that's what's coming up. Next Sunday, um, is promotion coming up. Next Sunday, um, is promotion coming up. Next Sunday, um, is promotion Sunday. So, if you have kids in Sunday. So, if you have kids in Sunday. So, if you have kids in preschool or children and ages, they're preschool or children and ages, they're preschool or children and ages, they're all going to move up and get new small all going to move up and get new small all going to move up and get new small group leaders. Many of them will get new group leaders. Many of them will get new group leaders. Many of them will get new small group leaders. Some of them will small group leaders. Some of them will small group leaders. Some of them will keep their small group leader because we keep their small group leader because we keep their small group leader because we love to move the leaders with the kids.

love to move the leaders with the kids. love to move the leaders with the kids. So, there's a relational connection. And So, there's a relational connection. And So, there's a relational connection. And also, next Sunday, I'm going to begin a also, next Sunday, I'm going to begin a also, next Sunday, I'm going to begin a brand new series, four-part series brand new series, four-part series brand new series, four-part series entitled Everyday Courage. The beginning entitled Everyday Courage. The beginning entitled Everyday Courage. The beginning of a series is the best time to invite a of a series is the best time to invite a of a series is the best time to invite a friend. So, invite a friend. We'll see friend. So, invite a friend. We'll see friend. So, invite a friend. We'll see you then. You're dismissed.