Grace – Our Greatest Gain – Week 9 – Sermon – Mason King – 6/21/26

Hey guys, Pastor Matt here. Um, one of Hey guys, Pastor Matt here. Um, one of our visions at The Village Church is we our visions at The Village Church is we our visions at The Village Church is we want to be a place that resources want to be a place that resources want to be a place that resources liberally the big C church of Jesus liberally the big C church of Jesus liberally the big C church of Jesus Christ. And if by His grace we might Christ. And if by His grace we might Christ. And if by His grace we might leave a kingdom legacy with those leave a kingdom legacy with those leave a kingdom legacy with those resources, we want to be all about that. resources, we want to be all about that. resources, we want to be all about that. And so thanks for watching this sermon And so thanks for watching this sermon And so thanks for watching this sermon or preparing to watch this sermon. I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I'm praying that you're watching this in praying that you're watching this in praying that you're watching this in community, in conjunction with your community, in conjunction with your community, in conjunction with your ongoing discipleship at a local church. ongoing discipleship at a local church. ongoing discipleship at a local church. And and if by the grace of God this And and if by the grace of God this And and if by the grace of God this becomes one of those things that becomes one of those things that becomes one of those things that continues to build up your faith, continues to build up your faith, continues to build up your faith, encourage your walk, fuel your love for encourage your walk, fuel your love for encourage your walk, fuel your love for Jesus, would you consider giving to the Jesus, would you consider giving to the Jesus, would you consider giving to the ministries of The Village Church? It's ministries of The Village Church? It's ministries of The Village Church? It's actually really simple. You can either actually really simple. You can either actually really simple. You can either do it in the app or you can go to the do it in the app or you can go to the do it in the app or you can go to the villagechurch.net/give villagechurch.net/give villagechurch.net/give and and do it there. I hope that the and and do it there. I hope that the and and do it there. I hope that the next chunk of time as you watch this next chunk of time as you watch this next chunk of time as you watch this sermon, you find your affections for sermon, you find your affections for sermon, you find your affections for Jesus soaring, you find courage flood Jesus soaring, you find courage flood Jesus soaring, you find courage flood back into your bones, and you fall more back into your bones, and you fall more back into your bones, and you fall more deeply in love with Jesus than you are deeply in love with Jesus than you are deeply in love with Jesus than you are at this moment. God bless you.

>> Hi church family. My name is Maddie >> Hi church family. My name is Maddie Clay, and I'm on staff here as an event Clay, and I'm on staff here as an event Clay, and I'm on staff here as an event coordinator. coordinator. coordinator. There was a time in my life when I There was a time in my life when I There was a time in my life when I placed my worth in people and things placed my worth in people and things placed my worth in people and things that ultimately failed me. But Jesus, in that ultimately failed me. But Jesus, in that ultimately failed me. But Jesus, in His kindness, [music] stripped those His kindness, [music] stripped those His kindness, [music] stripped those things away and showed me that my true things away and showed me that my true things away and showed me that my true identity is found in Him alone. Now identity is found in Him alone. Now identity is found in Him alone. Now [music] He is my greatest treasure. [music] He is my greatest treasure. [music] He is my greatest treasure. Our passage today is Philippians [music] Our passage today is Philippians [music] Our passage today is Philippians [music] 4:21-23. 4:21-23. 4:21-23. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you brothers who are with me send you brothers who are with me send you greetings. [music] greetings. [music] greetings. [music] All the saints send you greetings, All the saints send you greetings, All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's especially those who belong to Caesar's especially those who belong to Caesar's [music] household. The grace of the Lord [music] household. The grace of the Lord [music] household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. This Jesus Christ be with your spirit. This Jesus Christ be with your spirit. This is the word of the Lord. >> Thanks, Maddie. >> Thanks, Maddie. If you enjoyed an event like Consecrate If you enjoyed an event like Consecrate If you enjoyed an event like Consecrate this year and you thought this is really this year and you thought this is really this year and you thought this is really well organized and executed, Maddie Clay well organized and executed, Maddie Clay well organized and executed, Maddie Clay is one of the members of that team that is one of the members of that team that is one of the members of that team that does stuff like that. So, she is a gift does stuff like that. So, she is a gift does stuff like that. So, she is a gift to us. to us. to us. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. My name is Mason King. I'm one of the My name is Mason King. I'm one of the My name is Mason King. I'm one of the elders here. Also serve as the executive elders here. Also serve as the executive elders here. Also serve as the executive director of discipleship. I'm excited to director of discipleship. I'm excited to director of discipleship. I'm excited to be with you. We're going to be in be with you. We're going to be in be with you. We're going to be in Philippians 4 if you want to turn there.

Philippians 4 if you want to turn there. Philippians 4 if you want to turn there. And we're just We're closing out the And we're just We're closing out the And we're just We're closing out the book today, y'all. Last three verses and book today, y'all. Last three verses and book today, y'all. Last three verses and it's going to take the whole time. So, it's going to take the whole time. So, it's going to take the whole time. So, if you thought, "Only three verses? if you thought, "Only three verses? if you thought, "Only three verses? Maybe we'll get out early for lunch." Uh Maybe we'll get out early for lunch." Uh Maybe we'll get out early for lunch." Uh we'll see what we can do. So, let me we'll see what we can do. So, let me we'll see what we can do. So, let me pray for us as you turn there as we get pray for us as you turn there as we get pray for us as you turn there as we get started. I'll pray. started. I'll pray. started. I'll pray. Heavenly Father, I thank you for today. Heavenly Father, I thank you for today. Heavenly Father, I thank you for today. All week long I've just been thinking All week long I've just been thinking All week long I've just been thinking about the fact of getting to preach on about the fact of getting to preach on about the fact of getting to preach on Father's Day. Father's Day. Father's Day. Man, the Man, the Man, the the gift of fatherhood is to lay down the gift of fatherhood is to lay down the gift of fatherhood is to lay down your life for your kids and your wife your life for your kids and your wife your life for your kids and your wife and your family. and your family. and your family. To give yourself continuously for To give yourself continuously for To give yourself continuously for others. To provide. others. To provide. others. To provide. To bring your heart to bear To bring your heart to bear To bring your heart to bear so others may flourish. so others may flourish. so others may flourish. So, I pray your blessing upon So, I pray your blessing upon So, I pray your blessing upon the fathers in our congregation. I thank the fathers in our congregation. I thank the fathers in our congregation. I thank you for my own father, Steve, and ask you for my own father, Steve, and ask you for my own father, Steve, and ask for your blessing upon him. for your blessing upon him. for your blessing upon him. I thank you that good fathers image you I thank you that good fathers image you I thank you that good fathers image you because you have given of yourself because you have given of yourself because you have given of yourself for us to flourish. for us to flourish. for us to flourish. And you have come near to us in Christ And you have come near to us in Christ And you have come near to us in Christ and we're so grateful.

and we're so grateful. and we're so grateful. And I thank you for Paul writing to the And I thank you for Paul writing to the And I thank you for Paul writing to the Philippians, encouraging them in the Philippians, encouraging them in the Philippians, encouraging them in the work of grace that you have done in work of grace that you have done in work of grace that you have done in their heart and in ours. their heart and in ours. their heart and in ours. Would you help us to apprehend, to see, Would you help us to apprehend, to see, Would you help us to apprehend, to see, to taste, to delight in your grace more to taste, to delight in your grace more to taste, to delight in your grace more by this passage? by this passage? by this passage? So, we're here. We need you. Spirit, So, we're here. We need you. Spirit, So, we're here. We need you. Spirit, would you move? would you move? would you move? Would you do what I can't? Would you do what I can't? Would you do what I can't? Would you apply this text to our hearts Would you apply this text to our hearts Would you apply this text to our hearts and call us upward into joy in Christ? and call us upward into joy in Christ? and call us upward into joy in Christ? I pray in his name. Amen. I pray in his name. Amen. I pray in his name. Amen. So, our last week, like I said, we're So, our last week, like I said, we're So, our last week, like I said, we're covering three verses. Paul's written to covering three verses. Paul's written to covering three verses. Paul's written to a church that he really loves. He's got a church that he really loves. He's got a church that he really loves. He's got a lot of affection for the Philippians. a lot of affection for the Philippians. a lot of affection for the Philippians. They've partnered with him. He has They've partnered with him. He has They've partnered with him. He has written to encourage them and to thank written to encourage them and to thank written to encourage them and to thank them. them. them. In these last three verses, it reads a In these last three verses, it reads a In these last three verses, it reads a lot like a typical benediction of a lot like a typical benediction of a lot like a typical benediction of a Pauline epistle, except it's pretty Pauline epistle, except it's pretty Pauline epistle, except it's pretty brief. brief. brief. Like in verse 21, he says, "Greet every Like in verse 21, he says, "Greet every Like in verse 21, he says, "Greet every saint in Christ Jesus." saint in Christ Jesus." saint in Christ Jesus." When you read it, he's not saying, "Hey, When you read it, he's not saying, "Hey, When you read it, he's not saying, "Hey, tell everybody hi for me." He's saying, tell everybody hi for me." He's saying, tell everybody hi for me." He's saying, "Hey, you, "Hey, you, "Hey, you, as the elders and overseers as I've as the elders and overseers as I've as the elders and overseers as I've written this to the church." And the written this to the church." And the written this to the church." And the elders and the overseers, you all, elders and the overseers, you all, elders and the overseers, you all, "Greet every saint in Christ Jesus, "Greet every saint in Christ Jesus, "Greet every saint in Christ Jesus, because there is no hierarchy in the because there is no hierarchy in the because there is no hierarchy in the body of Christ."

body of Christ." body of Christ." The Philippians were experiencing The Philippians were experiencing The Philippians were experiencing persecution from without and division persecution from without and division persecution from without and division from within. And he is saying, "Hey, from within. And he is saying, "Hey, from within. And he is saying, "Hey, you're all you're family." you're all you're family." you're all you're family." And leaders and overseers and deacons, And leaders and overseers and deacons, And leaders and overseers and deacons, you should treat each other with you should treat each other with you should treat each other with kindness, dignity, and respect, because kindness, dignity, and respect, because kindness, dignity, and respect, because Christ has treated you with that. Christ has treated you with that. Christ has treated you with that. And so, treat each other with grace. Be And so, treat each other with grace. Be And so, treat each other with grace. Be kind to each other. kind to each other. kind to each other. Model this type of culture. It's your Model this type of culture. It's your Model this type of culture. It's your responsibility as a leader, and then responsibility as a leader, and then responsibility as a leader, and then it's your responsibility as a member of it's your responsibility as a member of it's your responsibility as a member of Christ. Don't create a hierarchy. Don't Christ. Don't create a hierarchy. Don't Christ. Don't create a hierarchy. Don't show favoritism. show favoritism. show favoritism. Love as you have been loved. Love as you have been loved. Love as you have been loved. And then in verse 21 and 22, he gives And then in verse 21 and 22, he gives And then in verse 21 and 22, he gives three greetings. See, I'm already three greetings. See, I'm already three greetings. See, I'm already halfway through. He gives three halfway through. He gives three halfway through. He gives three greetings. greetings. greetings. "The brothers who are with me." He's "The brothers who are with me." He's "The brothers who are with me." He's saying, "My crew send their greetings to saying, "My crew send their greetings to saying, "My crew send their greetings to you." The ones who are here supporting you." The ones who are here supporting you." The ones who are here supporting me, helping me, encouraging me, they me, helping me, encouraging me, they me, helping me, encouraging me, they greet you. Which uh there's a debate greet you. Which uh there's a debate greet you. Which uh there's a debate whether Paul was in a prison cell at whether Paul was in a prison cell at whether Paul was in a prison cell at this point or under house arrest. So, this point or under house arrest. So, this point or under house arrest. So, he's in chains either way, but he might he's in chains either way, but he might he's in chains either way, but he might be under house arrest, and he's he's got be under house arrest, and he's he's got be under house arrest, and he's he's got a a community with him of brothers. a a community with him of brothers. a a community with him of brothers. And he's saying, "My crew who's with me And he's saying, "My crew who's with me And he's saying, "My crew who's with me send their greetings to you."

send their greetings to you." send their greetings to you." And then he says, "All the saints here." And then he says, "All the saints here." And then he says, "All the saints here." Because the people of God in this Because the people of God in this Because the people of God in this community around me, well, Paul has community around me, well, Paul has community around me, well, Paul has actually had influence upon them, has actually had influence upon them, has actually had influence upon them, has communicated with them, is in touch with communicated with them, is in touch with communicated with them, is in touch with them, and they have said, "Hey, as them, and they have said, "Hey, as them, and they have said, "Hey, as you're writing to Philippi, would you you're writing to Philippi, would you you're writing to Philippi, would you tell our brothers and sisters that we tell our brothers and sisters that we tell our brothers and sisters that we love them? love them? love them? Would you send them our greetings? And Would you send them our greetings? And Would you send them our greetings? And he's letting them know, "Hey, I'm he's letting them know, "Hey, I'm he's letting them know, "Hey, I'm actually engaging with the body of actually engaging with the body of actually engaging with the body of Christ here where I am." And his Christ here where I am." And his Christ here where I am." And his incarceration has actually served for incarceration has actually served for incarceration has actually served for the cause for more others to come to the cause for more others to come to the cause for more others to come to Christ. The why he while the reason why Christ. The why he while the reason why Christ. The why he while the reason why he's in chains he's in chains he's in chains is being made known. And people are is being made known. And people are is being made known. And people are coming to Christ and numbers are being coming to Christ and numbers are being coming to Christ and numbers are being added to their family. Now, the last one added to their family. Now, the last one added to their family. Now, the last one he says he says he says the believers in Caesar's household send the believers in Caesar's household send the believers in Caesar's household send their greetings as well. their greetings as well. their greetings as well. You might think that one's odd cuz You might think that one's odd cuz You might think that one's odd cuz you're just kind of reading through and you're just kind of reading through and you're just kind of reading through and it's like, "Okay, greet all the saints. it's like, "Okay, greet all the saints. it's like, "Okay, greet all the saints. Okay, people who are with me, all the Okay, people who are with me, all the Okay, people who are with me, all the believers." Well, if all the believers believers." Well, if all the believers believers." Well, if all the believers say hi, why do all the people in say hi, why do all the people in say hi, why do all the people in Caesar's household need to say hi Caesar's household need to say hi Caesar's household need to say hi separately? separately? separately? Well, it's because of this. I just told Well, it's because of this. I just told Well, it's because of this. I just told you they were under persecution. You you they were under persecution. You you they were under persecution. You know who was persecuting them? know who was persecuting them? know who was persecuting them? Rome. Rome. Rome. Who leads Rome? Who leads Rome? Who leads Rome? Caesar. Caesar. Caesar. So, if you are being persecuted by the So, if you are being persecuted by the So, if you are being persecuted by the empire empire empire and you hear from Paul that there are and you hear from Paul that there are and you hear from Paul that there are Christians in the household of Caesar, Christians in the household of Caesar, Christians in the household of Caesar, you would go, you would go, you would go, "The gospel is going forward."

"The gospel is going forward." "The gospel is going forward." The gospel is going forward. There there The gospel is going forward. There there The gospel is going forward. There there are people in the sphere and service of are people in the sphere and service of are people in the sphere and service of Caesar who have turned, who are no Caesar who have turned, who are no Caesar who have turned, who are no longer calling Caesar Lord, longer calling Caesar Lord, longer calling Caesar Lord, but are calling Christ Lord. but are calling Christ Lord. but are calling Christ Lord. So, he's writing them to encourage them So, he's writing them to encourage them So, he's writing them to encourage them that the work of Christ is moving that the work of Christ is moving that the work of Christ is moving forward. And they they should be excited forward. And they they should be excited forward. And they they should be excited about it. And then, here's Paul's final about it. And then, here's Paul's final about it. And then, here's Paul's final word, verse 23. word, verse 23. word, verse 23. And his final word matches his first And his final word matches his first And his final word matches his first word for the book. He says, "The grace word for the book. He says, "The grace word for the book. He says, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." I say they match cuz they're spirit." I say they match cuz they're spirit." I say they match cuz they're kind of bookends. kind of bookends. kind of bookends. In chapter 1, he begins with "Grace and In chapter 1, he begins with "Grace and In chapter 1, he begins with "Grace and peace to you from our Father and our peace to you from our Father and our peace to you from our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ." And he ends with Lord Jesus Christ." And he ends with Lord Jesus Christ." And he ends with "May the grace of Christ Jesus be with "May the grace of Christ Jesus be with "May the grace of Christ Jesus be with your spirit." your spirit." your spirit." Now, Paul points to the space that you Now, Paul points to the space that you Now, Paul points to the space that you and I are most open to transformation, and I are most open to transformation, and I are most open to transformation, our spiritual core. our spiritual core. our spiritual core. And he's talking to the Philippians as a And he's talking to the Philippians as a And he's talking to the Philippians as a people and then to the Philippians as people and then to the Philippians as people and then to the Philippians as individuals. individuals. individuals. It's like he's saying, "Y'all and you." It's like he's saying, "Y'all and you." It's like he's saying, "Y'all and you." "May the grace of Christ be with your "May the grace of Christ be with your "May the grace of Christ be with your spirit. spirit. spirit. And grace to begin and grace to end, And grace to begin and grace to end, And grace to begin and grace to end, which is fitting for us cuz if you're a which is fitting for us cuz if you're a which is fitting for us cuz if you're a Christian, I think most of you in the Christian, I think most of you in the Christian, I think most of you in the room are, if you're a Christian, you room are, if you're a Christian, you room are, if you're a Christian, you know this, that's how we live in Christ.

know this, that's how we live in Christ. know this, that's how we live in Christ. Grace to begin, grace to carry us, grace Grace to begin, grace to carry us, grace Grace to begin, grace to carry us, grace to end. But I wonder how we often think to end. But I wonder how we often think to end. But I wonder how we often think about grace functionally day-to-day. about grace functionally day-to-day. about grace functionally day-to-day. Like I grew up with grace in theory, not Like I grew up with grace in theory, not Like I grew up with grace in theory, not in practice. Anybody else? in practice. Anybody else? in practice. Anybody else? Like I knew that Jesus saved me because Like I knew that Jesus saved me because Like I knew that Jesus saved me because he loved me and gave me grace, and then he loved me and gave me grace, and then he loved me and gave me grace, and then like for 30 some odd years, I've been like for 30 some odd years, I've been like for 30 some odd years, I've been defaulting to try and earn favor with defaulting to try and earn favor with defaulting to try and earn favor with him. him. him. Just grace in theory, not in practice. Just grace in theory, not in practice. Just grace in theory, not in practice. And I I have to really go, man, why is And I I have to really go, man, why is And I I have to really go, man, why is it so easy for me to default to trying it so easy for me to default to trying it so easy for me to default to trying to earn over receiving anything? to earn over receiving anything? to earn over receiving anything? Like it is just a bent for me to often Like it is just a bent for me to often Like it is just a bent for me to often go, I need to earn I need to earn that. go, I need to earn I need to earn that. go, I need to earn I need to earn that. I need to prove myself there, rather I need to prove myself there, rather I need to prove myself there, rather than to receive. And for all the stress, than to receive. And for all the stress, than to receive. And for all the stress, well, walking with the Lord well, walking with the Lord well, walking with the Lord about 30 years. For all the stress, about 30 years. For all the stress, about 30 years. For all the stress, I have not earned a thing from the Lord. I have not earned a thing from the Lord. I have not earned a thing from the Lord. I just can't earn a thing in my own I just can't earn a thing in my own I just can't earn a thing in my own strength. strength. strength. And the classic definition of grace And the classic definition of grace And the classic definition of grace is God's unmerited favor towards us in is God's unmerited favor towards us in is God's unmerited favor towards us in Jesus. Like if I ask you, "Hey, what's Jesus. Like if I ask you, "Hey, what's Jesus. Like if I ask you, "Hey, what's grace?" you might go, "Oh, it's God's grace?" you might go, "Oh, it's God's grace?" you might go, "Oh, it's God's unmerited favor to me."

unmerited favor to me." unmerited favor to me." Well, my wife was in the 9:00 and I said Well, my wife was in the 9:00 and I said Well, my wife was in the 9:00 and I said this like, "I don't describe any this like, "I don't describe any this like, "I don't describe any relationship in my life like that." relationship in my life like that." relationship in my life like that." I don't say, "Well, it's Carly's I don't say, "Well, it's Carly's I don't say, "Well, it's Carly's unmerited favor to me." unmerited favor to me." unmerited favor to me." It just feels distant. And I I get It just feels distant. And I I get It just feels distant. And I I get that's the theological definition of it, that's the theological definition of it, that's the theological definition of it, but I think for a lot of people, that but I think for a lot of people, that but I think for a lot of people, that can feel distant. And you think, can feel distant. And you think, can feel distant. And you think, "His unmerited favor to me, okay, well, "His unmerited favor to me, okay, well, "His unmerited favor to me, okay, well, I don't think about that for any other I don't think about that for any other I don't think about that for any other real human relationship I have, but I real human relationship I have, but I real human relationship I have, but I guess that's more formal, so that guess that's more formal, so that guess that's more formal, so that works." works." works." But what if you let me describe it this But what if you let me describe it this But what if you let me describe it this way towards you for you today? way towards you for you today? way towards you for you today? That it's God's free affection towards That it's God's free affection towards That it's God's free affection towards you. you. you. It's his free affection towards you. It's his free affection towards you. It's his free affection towards you. It's his love, which we don't deserve, It's his love, which we don't deserve, It's his love, which we don't deserve, and yet in his kindness, he's given it and yet in his kindness, he's given it and yet in his kindness, he's given it to us. to us. to us. Like think of it as where God has chosen Like think of it as where God has chosen Like think of it as where God has chosen the the maker of the universe, your the the maker of the universe, your the the maker of the universe, your creator, has chosen creator, has chosen creator, has chosen to turn toward you. To look at you with favor To look at you with favor and with love. and with love. and with love. And care about you. And care about you. And care about you. Like he has done that. And he's done it Like he has done that. And he's done it Like he has done that. And he's done it and provided for us a great expense to and provided for us a great expense to and provided for us a great expense to himself. And I'll tell you this, he's himself. And I'll tell you this, he's himself. And I'll tell you this, he's not doing it for the varsity team of not doing it for the varsity team of not doing it for the varsity team of humanity.

Is he? Is he? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Like he's doing it for us, which is team >> Like he's doing it for us, which is team >> Like he's doing it for us, which is team needy. needy. needy. Like team unworthy. Like team unworthy. Like team unworthy. What I would suggest you also, like we What I would suggest you also, like we What I would suggest you also, like we are all team beloved. are all team beloved. are all team beloved. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> That's who we are. >> That's who we are. >> That's who we are. And this idea of free affection and And this idea of free affection and And this idea of free affection and unmerited favor can be difficult to unmerited favor can be difficult to unmerited favor can be difficult to picture because affection and favor are picture because affection and favor are picture because affection and favor are often so subjective in our day-to-day often so subjective in our day-to-day often so subjective in our day-to-day experiences. experiences. experiences. Like as adults, we're tempted to think Like as adults, we're tempted to think Like as adults, we're tempted to think that affection and favor are earned that affection and favor are earned that affection and favor are earned rather than received, that we have to rather than received, that we have to rather than received, that we have to perform for love. perform for love. perform for love. So the theory of grace is amazing. You So the theory of grace is amazing. You So the theory of grace is amazing. You could say grace is amazing, but the could say grace is amazing, but the could say grace is amazing, but the practice of receiving grace practice of receiving grace practice of receiving grace is often trickier. is often trickier. is often trickier. And God's grace, his free affection and And God's grace, his free affection and And God's grace, his free affection and love towards us, is the lifeblood of our love towards us, is the lifeblood of our love towards us, is the lifeblood of our relationship with him. relationship with him. relationship with him. It's the very means of life with him. It's the very means of life with him. It's the very means of life with him. Outside of God's grace to us in Christ, Outside of God's grace to us in Christ, Outside of God's grace to us in Christ, there is nothing we can do to earn a there is nothing we can do to earn a there is nothing we can do to earn a relationship with him. And the relationship with him. And the relationship with him. And the difference between us is too great. Like difference between us is too great. Like difference between us is too great. Like he's our creator and we're his he's our creator and we're his he's our creator and we're his creatures. The The gap between us is too creatures. The The gap between us is too creatures. The The gap between us is too much. He is holy and we are born much. He is holy and we are born much. He is holy and we are born separated from him because of sin. And separated from him because of sin. And separated from him because of sin. And even when we are saved in Christ, we even when we are saved in Christ, we even when we are saved in Christ, we choose against him all the time.

choose against him all the time. choose against him all the time. All the time. All the time. All the time. Even as we want to love him more Even as we want to love him more Even as we want to love him more consistently. consistently. consistently. And the incredible thing is that God has And the incredible thing is that God has And the incredible thing is that God has shown his love for us in Christ. When I shown his love for us in Christ. When I shown his love for us in Christ. When I preached through 1 John this spring, I preached through 1 John this spring, I preached through 1 John this spring, I felt so convicted by the spirit with a felt so convicted by the spirit with a felt so convicted by the spirit with a doubt in my heart of gosh, how do I know doubt in my heart of gosh, how do I know doubt in my heart of gosh, how do I know that you love me? that you love me? that you love me? Like it's difficult for me to not want Like it's difficult for me to not want Like it's difficult for me to not want to earn your love. How do I know that to earn your love. How do I know that to earn your love. How do I know that you love me? I felt the spirit just you love me? I felt the spirit just you love me? I felt the spirit just again and again go, again and again go, again and again go, if Christ has died for you, if Christ has died for you, if Christ has died for you, what more do you need? What sign are you what more do you need? What sign are you what more do you need? What sign are you looking for other than the blood of the looking for other than the blood of the looking for other than the blood of the crucified savior? crucified savior? crucified savior? What are you looking for more than the What are you looking for more than the What are you looking for more than the empty tomb? empty tomb? empty tomb? Could you hear and receive that Christ Could you hear and receive that Christ Could you hear and receive that Christ has come for you? has come for you? has come for you? He lives now for you and his life now is He lives now for you and his life now is He lives now for you and his life now is a sign of his love for you. a sign of his love for you. a sign of his love for you. And Romans 5 tells us that while we were And Romans 5 tells us that while we were And Romans 5 tells us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. still sinners, Christ died for us. still sinners, Christ died for us. And Christ himself in John 17 prays for And Christ himself in John 17 prays for And Christ himself in John 17 prays for you. I don't know if you know this, he you. I don't know if you know this, he you. I don't know if you know this, he prays for you. That you might see him in prays for you. That you might see him in prays for you. That you might see him in his beauty and in his glory and share in his beauty and in his glory and share in his beauty and in his glory and share in his joy with the Father.

his joy with the Father. his joy with the Father. He prayed that for you and he doesn't He prayed that for you and he doesn't He prayed that for you and he doesn't pray there are people he doesn't want to pray there are people he doesn't want to pray there are people he doesn't want to be around. be around. be around. He prayed that because he wants you to He prayed that because he wants you to He prayed that because he wants you to be near him. You only get to be near God be near him. You only get to be near God be near him. You only get to be near God if he wants you to be near him. if he wants you to be near him. if he wants you to be near him. And in Christ he's invited you to draw And in Christ he's invited you to draw And in Christ he's invited you to draw near. near. near. So like many of you, I understood grace. So like many of you, I understood grace. So like many of you, I understood grace. I I I I understood grace differently and to a I understood grace differently and to a I understood grace differently and to a greater degree every time I held one of greater degree every time I held one of greater degree every time I held one of my children for the first time. my children for the first time. my children for the first time. Just three of the most precious moments in my three of the most precious moments in my life. life. life. Just burned in my memory and in my heart Just burned in my memory and in my heart Just burned in my memory and in my heart holding holding holding my children for the first time. my children for the first time. my children for the first time. I love my wife. I love my wife. I love my wife. I love Carly. We love our kids. I didn't I love Carly. We love our kids. I didn't I love Carly. We love our kids. I didn't know I could love someone so completely know I could love someone so completely know I could love someone so completely with all of who I am with all of who I am with all of who I am so quickly. so quickly. so quickly. It was when I held my daughter for the It was when I held my daughter for the It was when I held my daughter for the first time. first time. first time. And then I just experienced it the And then I just experienced it the And then I just experienced it the second and third time. second and third time. second and third time. And my family are my favorite people to And my family are my favorite people to And my family are my favorite people to be around.

be around. be around. They are the ones I'm invested in with They are the ones I'm invested in with They are the ones I'm invested in with all I've got. all I've got. all I've got. And for years, you know what my children And for years, you know what my children And for years, you know what my children have brought to the table? have brought to the table? have brought to the table? Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Like just need. They've just brought Like just need. They've just brought Like just need. They've just brought lots of need to the table for years. lots of need to the table for years. lots of need to the table for years. But I love them But I love them But I love them because they're mine. because they're mine. because they're mine. And actually, real talk, I love them And actually, real talk, I love them And actually, real talk, I love them despite what they do. despite what they do. despite what they do. Because they're mine. Because they're mine. Because they're mine. They have my heart. They have my heart. They have my heart. And so for years now I've heard the And so for years now I've heard the And so for years now I've heard the spirit whisper to me, spirit whisper to me, spirit whisper to me, "Mason, "Mason, "Mason, that is just a shadow. that is just a shadow. that is just a shadow. That is just a taste of how you are That is just a taste of how you are That is just a taste of how you are loved by God the Father. loved by God the Father. loved by God the Father. It is just a shadow. I love you because It is just a shadow. I love you because It is just a shadow. I love you because you are mine. you are mine. you are mine. And I will carry you home." And I will carry you home." And I will carry you home." That's what I've heard the spirit say. That's what I've heard the spirit say. That's what I've heard the spirit say. Just, "I love you because you're mine. Just, "I love you because you're mine. Just, "I love you because you're mine. And I will carry you home." And I will carry you home." And I will carry you home." It's this grace, this love that It's this grace, this love that It's this grace, this love that undergirds all of life with God. Like undergirds all of life with God. Like undergirds all of life with God. Like Joel Beeke says it this way. He writes Joel Beeke says it this way. He writes Joel Beeke says it this way. He writes about the providing, sustaining, great about the providing, sustaining, great about the providing, sustaining, great nature of grace when he says, nature of grace when he says, nature of grace when he says, "Grace calls us. It brings us to Jesus.

"Grace calls us. It brings us to Jesus. "Grace calls us. It brings us to Jesus. It regenerates us. It makes us new. It It regenerates us. It makes us new. It It regenerates us. It makes us new. It justifies us. It makes us right with justifies us. It makes us right with justifies us. It makes us right with God. It sanctifies us. It makes us more God. It sanctifies us. It makes us more God. It sanctifies us. It makes us more like Jesus. It preserves us. It keeps us like Jesus. It preserves us. It keeps us like Jesus. It preserves us. It keeps us from sin and doesn't let us go." from sin and doesn't let us go." from sin and doesn't let us go." And when we need grace to forgive us, to And when we need grace to forgive us, to And when we need grace to forgive us, to return us to God, to heal our broken return us to God, to heal our broken return us to God, to heal our broken hearts, and to strengthen us in times of hearts, and to strengthen us in times of hearts, and to strengthen us in times of trouble and spiritual warfare, trouble and spiritual warfare, trouble and spiritual warfare, only by God's free and sovereign grace only by God's free and sovereign grace only by God's free and sovereign grace can we have a saving relationship with can we have a saving relationship with can we have a saving relationship with him. him. him. Only through grace can we be called to Only through grace can we be called to Only through grace can we be called to conversion, to holiness, to service, or conversion, to holiness, to service, or conversion, to holiness, to service, or suffering. suffering. suffering. Which last time I checked is everything Which last time I checked is everything Which last time I checked is everything we need. we need. we need. Everything we need in life with God, he Everything we need in life with God, he Everything we need in life with God, he has provided for has provided for has provided for in his grace. in his grace. in his grace. And so all of our life is dependent upon And so all of our life is dependent upon And so all of our life is dependent upon him, his favor towards his provision for him, his favor towards his provision for him, his favor towards his provision for our lives, and it puts us in a humble our lives, and it puts us in a humble our lives, and it puts us in a humble space. space. space. Like you don't get to be proud and get Like you don't get to be proud and get Like you don't get to be proud and get grace. grace. grace. It's put in a in a humble space because It's put in a in a humble space because It's put in a in a humble space because it's a life of surrender and receiving, it's a life of surrender and receiving, it's a life of surrender and receiving, not earning and proving. I joke often, I not earning and proving. I joke often, I not earning and proving. I joke often, I hate asking for help. hate asking for help. hate asking for help. Just it's a safe space to confess that Just it's a safe space to confess that Just it's a safe space to confess that to you. I hate asking for help. I do not to you. I hate asking for help. I do not to you. I hate asking for help. I do not like receiving help. I've actually given like receiving help. I've actually given like receiving help. I've actually given myself two hernias not asking for help.

myself two hernias not asking for help. myself two hernias not asking for help. Cuz I just think, I got it. Don't don't Cuz I just think, I got it. Don't don't Cuz I just think, I got it. Don't don't got it. got it. got it. It's a hard lesson to learn, honestly. It's a hard lesson to learn, honestly. It's a hard lesson to learn, honestly. But when you think again about the But when you think again about the But when you think again about the difference between us of difference between us of difference between us of creator creator creator to creature to creature to creature the only thing we bring to the table is the only thing we bring to the table is the only thing we bring to the table is our need. our need. our need. And he meets our need in full in Christ. And he meets our need in full in Christ. And he meets our need in full in Christ. He meets it in full. So, if you look at He meets it in full. So, if you look at He meets it in full. So, if you look at the book as a whole, Paul spent four the book as a whole, Paul spent four the book as a whole, Paul spent four chapters encouraging the Philippians chapters encouraging the Philippians chapters encouraging the Philippians towards faithfulness and maturity in towards faithfulness and maturity in towards faithfulness and maturity in Christ to depend upon the grace of God. Christ to depend upon the grace of God. Christ to depend upon the grace of God. He highlights what dependence looks He highlights what dependence looks He highlights what dependence looks like. That in grace they can be sure of like. That in grace they can be sure of like. That in grace they can be sure of these things. these things. these things. That God will complete the good work he That God will complete the good work he That God will complete the good work he began in them. began in them. began in them. That he will fill them with the fruit of That he will fill them with the fruit of That he will fill them with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ. righteousness that comes through Christ. righteousness that comes through Christ. That he's at work in and through them to That he's at work in and through them to That he's at work in and through them to will and to work according to his good will and to work according to his good will and to work according to his good purpose. purpose. purpose. To provide righteousness through faith To provide righteousness through faith To provide righteousness through faith and not the law. and not the law. and not the law. That Christ will transform their bodies That Christ will transform their bodies That Christ will transform their bodies into the likeness of his glorious one. I into the likeness of his glorious one. I into the likeness of his glorious one. I am so eager to be a glorified ginger. I am so eager to be a glorified ginger. I am so eager to be a glorified ginger. I am so eager am so eager am so eager for whatever that looks like for whatever that looks like for whatever that looks like to have your this lowly body transformed to have your this lowly body transformed to have your this lowly body transformed and to be more like Jesus.

and to be more like Jesus. and to be more like Jesus. That God will guard their hearts and That God will guard their hearts and That God will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. minds in Christ Jesus. minds in Christ Jesus. That God will strengthen them as they That God will strengthen them as they That God will strengthen them as they treasure Christ despite their treasure Christ despite their treasure Christ despite their circumstances. We talked about this last circumstances. We talked about this last circumstances. We talked about this last week. week. week. That God will supply all their needs That God will supply all their needs That God will supply all their needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus according to his riches in Christ Jesus according to his riches in Christ Jesus and all of that and all of that and all of that is by grace. is by grace. is by grace. Every single bit. It is undeserved Every single bit. It is undeserved Every single bit. It is undeserved affection, unmerited favor toward them affection, unmerited favor toward them affection, unmerited favor toward them and toward you and me in Jesus. and toward you and me in Jesus. and toward you and me in Jesus. And so, what is the Philippians part to And so, what is the Philippians part to And so, what is the Philippians part to play? Like, what does Paul say? What's play? Like, what does Paul say? What's play? Like, what does Paul say? What's our part to play? Our part to play is to our part to play? Our part to play is to our part to play? Our part to play is to respond to grace respond to grace respond to grace with gratitude and humility. with gratitude and humility. with gratitude and humility. But then Paul tells them this, he says, But then Paul tells them this, he says, But then Paul tells them this, he says, "You should live lives worthy of the "You should live lives worthy of the "You should live lives worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. gospel of Jesus Christ. gospel of Jesus Christ. You should stand firm and contend for You should stand firm and contend for You should stand firm and contend for one another. You should consider others one another. You should consider others one another. You should consider others better than yourself, not be selfish or better than yourself, not be selfish or better than yourself, not be selfish or conceited, but look to the needs of conceited, but look to the needs of conceited, but look to the needs of others. Adopt the attitude of Christ. others. Adopt the attitude of Christ. others. Adopt the attitude of Christ. Treasure Christ and seek to know him Treasure Christ and seek to know him Treasure Christ and seek to know him above all else. Forget what's behind above all else. Forget what's behind above all else. Forget what's behind you. Move and look and strive toward you. Move and look and strive toward you. Move and look and strive toward what's ahead. Reach forward in Christ.

what's ahead. Reach forward in Christ. what's ahead. Reach forward in Christ. Rejoice in the Lord, which can be Rejoice in the Lord, which can be Rejoice in the Lord, which can be translated be glad in God. translated be glad in God. translated be glad in God. Be gracious to all. Be gracious to all. Be gracious to all. Depend upon God in prayer. Dwell upon Depend upon God in prayer. Dwell upon Depend upon God in prayer. Dwell upon what is true, honorable, just, pure, what is true, honorable, just, pure, what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable. lovely, commendable. lovely, commendable. To let Christ be your treasure and be To let Christ be your treasure and be To let Christ be your treasure and be content in him, freeing you to live content in him, freeing you to live content in him, freeing you to live generously among God's people as we have generously among God's people as we have generously among God's people as we have from God. from God. from God. Paul charges the Philippians to do these Paul charges the Philippians to do these Paul charges the Philippians to do these things in the response like things in the response like things in the response like we're charged to do these things also we're charged to do these things also we're charged to do these things also by grace and in response to grace. by grace and in response to grace. by grace and in response to grace. But we do these things not by working But we do these things not by working But we do these things not by working really hard to be good. really hard to be good. really hard to be good. I did not just give you a list of things I did not just give you a list of things I did not just give you a list of things to go crush so you could be a better to go crush so you could be a better to go crush so you could be a better Christian. Christian. Christian. We do these things through what's called We do these things through what's called We do these things through what's called grace-driven effort. grace-driven effort. grace-driven effort. Philosopher Dallas Willard said, "Grace Philosopher Dallas Willard said, "Grace Philosopher Dallas Willard said, "Grace is opposed to earning, not to effort." is opposed to earning, not to effort." is opposed to earning, not to effort." It's opposed to earning, not to effort. It's opposed to earning, not to effort. It's opposed to earning, not to effort. But some of us think that if we exert But some of us think that if we exert But some of us think that if we exert any effort in the Christian life, that any effort in the Christian life, that any effort in the Christian life, that you're going to nullify grace. you're going to nullify grace. you're going to nullify grace. Like, if you put effort into your life, Like, if you put effort into your life, Like, if you put effort into your life, you're like, you think, "Well, Jesus you're like, you think, "Well, Jesus you're like, you think, "Well, Jesus just told me I should receive and abide, just told me I should receive and abide, just told me I should receive and abide, so I'm just going to do that and rest so I'm just going to do that and rest so I'm just going to do that and rest and be here, and I'll probably just get and be here, and I'll probably just get and be here, and I'll probably just get more like him by osmosis."

more like him by osmosis." more like him by osmosis." But if you read the New Testament But if you read the New Testament But if you read the New Testament honestly, you trip over instructions. honestly, you trip over instructions. honestly, you trip over instructions. Like, everything is an instruction of Like, everything is an instruction of Like, everything is an instruction of how you work out what what put in you. how you work out what what put in you. how you work out what what put in you. And you do it by grace-driven effort. And you do it by grace-driven effort. And you do it by grace-driven effort. That the Holy Spirit, with the grace of That the Holy Spirit, with the grace of That the Holy Spirit, with the grace of Christ, is allowing you to do these Christ, is allowing you to do these Christ, is allowing you to do these things. things. things. But you have to get up and walk. But you have to get up and walk. But you have to get up and walk. Like you get up and do the things, not Like you get up and do the things, not Like you get up and do the things, not because you want to be you want to earn because you want to be you want to earn because you want to be you want to earn with Christ, it's because you're with Christ, it's because you're with Christ, it's because you're responding to him. responding to him. responding to him. You're responding to him. He's given you You're responding to him. He's given you You're responding to him. He's given you a new will and a new heart and a new a new will and a new heart and a new a new will and a new heart and a new love and affection. love and affection. love and affection. So grace is driving what you're doing. So grace is driving what you're doing. So grace is driving what you're doing. You're not trying to earn anything. You're not trying to earn anything. You're not trying to earn anything. You're walking with him in love. You're walking with him in love. You're walking with him in love. This week I uh I got I had some fun. I This week I uh I got I had some fun. I This week I uh I got I had some fun. I went to high school camp with our went to high school camp with our went to high school camp with our students, but I had real fun because I students, but I had real fun because I students, but I had real fun because I didn't ride the bus. didn't ride the bus. didn't ride the bus. I just got there. I got there in a I just got there. I got there in a I just got there. I got there in a different way, all right? Um different way, all right? Um different way, all right? Um and one afternoon in the Rocky and one afternoon in the Rocky and one afternoon in the Rocky Mountains, I took a long walk and I was Mountains, I took a long walk and I was Mountains, I took a long walk and I was listening through the book of listening through the book of listening through the book of Philippians, which takes about 15 Philippians, which takes about 15 Philippians, which takes about 15 minutes.

minutes. minutes. And I listened to it three or four times And I listened to it three or four times And I listened to it three or four times as I was walking and I was choosing a as I was walking and I was choosing a as I was walking and I was choosing a different translation each time. different translation each time. different translation each time. It helps me just to kind of hear how It helps me just to kind of hear how It helps me just to kind of hear how translators nuance things. And I think, translators nuance things. And I think, translators nuance things. And I think, "Oh, that's different. It's a different "Oh, that's different. It's a different "Oh, that's different. It's a different angle. Okay, great. That's fine." angle. Okay, great. That's fine." angle. Okay, great. That's fine." And I got to uh The Message, which is a And I got to uh The Message, which is a And I got to uh The Message, which is a paraphrase that I really enjoy. paraphrase that I really enjoy. paraphrase that I really enjoy. And when I got to this one, it caught me And when I got to this one, it caught me And when I got to this one, it caught me off guard. Like I texted my friends and off guard. Like I texted my friends and off guard. Like I texted my friends and I said, "If you want your heart to be I said, "If you want your heart to be I said, "If you want your heart to be blessed, you should listen to this blessed, you should listen to this blessed, you should listen to this chapter chapter chapter in this translation. It's It's pretty in this translation. It's It's pretty in this translation. It's It's pretty good." good." good." And Paul's benediction in chapter 4, it And Paul's benediction in chapter 4, it And Paul's benediction in chapter 4, it might seem short in comparison to the might seem short in comparison to the might seem short in comparison to the other letters that he writes. other letters that he writes. other letters that he writes. But I got to tell you all of chapter 4 But I got to tell you all of chapter 4 But I got to tell you all of chapter 4 is the benediction. is the benediction. is the benediction. All of chapter 4 is the benediction. And All of chapter 4 is the benediction. And All of chapter 4 is the benediction. And these are the final notes to a church these are the final notes to a church these are the final notes to a church facing persecution from without and facing persecution from without and facing persecution from without and division from within. division from within. division from within. "My God will meet all your needs "My God will meet all your needs "My God will meet all your needs according to his riches in Christ according to his riches in Christ according to his riches in Christ Jesus." Jesus." Jesus." And then Eugene Peterson translated And then Eugene Peterson translated And then Eugene Peterson translated verse 23 and he wrote, verse 23 and he wrote, verse 23 and he wrote, "Receive and experience the amazing "Receive and experience the amazing "Receive and experience the amazing grace of the master, grace of the master, grace of the master, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, deep deep within yourselves.

deep deep within yourselves. deep deep within yourselves. Receive and experience the amazing grace Receive and experience the amazing grace Receive and experience the amazing grace of the master, Jesus Christ, of the master, Jesus Christ, of the master, Jesus Christ, deep deep within yourselves, in your deep deep within yourselves, in your deep deep within yourselves, in your heart, heart, heart, in the place of transformation. in the place of transformation. in the place of transformation. And last week we read Paul's words in And last week we read Paul's words in And last week we read Paul's words in chapter 3 where he said, "I count chapter 3 where he said, "I count chapter 3 where he said, "I count everything as lost everything as lost everything as lost compared to the priceless privileges and compared to the priceless privileges and compared to the priceless privileges and supreme advantage of knowing Christ supreme advantage of knowing Christ supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, Jesus my Lord, Jesus my Lord, and of growing more deeply and and of growing more deeply and and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with him, a joy thoroughly acquainted with him, a joy thoroughly acquainted with him, a joy unequaled." unequaled." unequaled." Now, I don't think you get to the Now, I don't think you get to the Now, I don't think you get to the supreme supreme advantage and priceless supreme supreme advantage and priceless supreme supreme advantage and priceless privilege of treasuring Christ, of privilege of treasuring Christ, of privilege of treasuring Christ, of longing to know him above all else, if longing to know him above all else, if longing to know him above all else, if grace has not transformed you in the grace has not transformed you in the grace has not transformed you in the deep deep places. deep deep places. deep deep places. If you don't believe at your very core If you don't believe at your very core If you don't believe at your very core that you are loved by God simply because that you are loved by God simply because that you are loved by God simply because you're his, you're his, you're his, that he says it's true about you, that you're his. And so when I heard that you're his. And so when I heard this translation of 4:23 walking on the this translation of 4:23 walking on the this translation of 4:23 walking on the trail, like it hit me sideways. trail, like it hit me sideways. trail, like it hit me sideways. I'm like in a beautiful spot, walking I'm like in a beautiful spot, walking I'm like in a beautiful spot, walking next to a trout stream, wishing I had my next to a trout stream, wishing I had my next to a trout stream, wishing I had my rod, like I wanted to fish, and I'm rod, like I wanted to fish, and I'm rod, like I wanted to fish, and I'm listening to Philippians, and I'm listening to Philippians, and I'm listening to Philippians, and I'm thinking, thinking, thinking, "Oh Lord."

And I began to think about all the And I began to think about all the spaces and the ways that I have resisted spaces and the ways that I have resisted spaces and the ways that I have resisted receiving grace in my life. How I close off the deep places which How I close off the deep places which prevents me from walking in the grace prevents me from walking in the grace prevents me from walking in the grace and peace of Christ. and peace of Christ. and peace of Christ. It actually prevents my transformation. It actually prevents my transformation. It actually prevents my transformation. It blocks me from considering others It blocks me from considering others It blocks me from considering others better than myself, of adopting the better than myself, of adopting the better than myself, of adopting the attitude of Christ, from believing that attitude of Christ, from believing that attitude of Christ, from believing that he will actually complete the good work he will actually complete the good work he will actually complete the good work he began in me. he began in me. he began in me. When I resist grace, I actually have When I resist grace, I actually have When I resist grace, I actually have doubt, not faith. doubt, not faith. doubt, not faith. And I doubt that he's as good as he says And I doubt that he's as good as he says And I doubt that he's as good as he says that he is. I It blocks me from accepting that he I It blocks me from accepting that he loves me simply because he says he does. loves me simply because he says he does. loves me simply because he says he does. And it's taken a lot of curiosity and And it's taken a lot of curiosity and And it's taken a lot of curiosity and grace-driven effort for me to get grace-driven effort for me to get grace-driven effort for me to get clarity on why sometimes I can't get out clarity on why sometimes I can't get out clarity on why sometimes I can't get out of my own way to be free. of my own way to be free. of my own way to be free. Do you ever feel this? Like I just can't Do you ever feel this? Like I just can't Do you ever feel this? Like I just can't get out of my own way to be free. get out of my own way to be free. get out of my own way to be free. And to accept God's love as freely as he And to accept God's love as freely as he And to accept God's love as freely as he offers it. offers it. offers it. And so I have resisted and I resist And so I have resisted and I resist And so I have resisted and I resist receiving and experiencing the amazing receiving and experiencing the amazing receiving and experiencing the amazing grace of Jesus when I feel shame about grace of Jesus when I feel shame about grace of Jesus when I feel shame about my story and my sin.

When I feel shame about my story and my When I feel shame about my story and my sin, I actively resist receiving grace sin, I actively resist receiving grace sin, I actively resist receiving grace from Christ. from Christ. from Christ. And I'm here to testify to you, men, oh And I'm here to testify to you, men, oh And I'm here to testify to you, men, oh the Lord has met me. the Lord has met me. the Lord has met me. Like Christ has taken my shame. Like Christ has taken my shame. Like Christ has taken my shame. He's taken it. He's taken the penalty He's taken it. He's taken the penalty He's taken it. He's taken the penalty for my sin and he's taken your shame. for my sin and he's taken your shame. for my sin and he's taken your shame. And the penalty for your sin. And the penalty for your sin. And the penalty for your sin. But in my life I can tell you that But in my life I can tell you that But in my life I can tell you that receiving receiving and experiencing receiving receiving and experiencing receiving receiving and experiencing grace has moved from theory to practice. grace has moved from theory to practice. grace has moved from theory to practice. And it is a growing practice because of And it is a growing practice because of And it is a growing practice because of the kindness of the Lord. the kindness of the Lord. the kindness of the Lord. I've done I'm doing work around the I've done I'm doing work around the I've done I'm doing work around the story of my life. I'm looking at the story of my life. I'm looking at the story of my life. I'm looking at the narrative that I've written about narrative that I've written about narrative that I've written about myself, which is something we all do. myself, which is something we all do. myself, which is something we all do. If you're honest with yourself, you tell If you're honest with yourself, you tell If you're honest with yourself, you tell yourself a story about yourself. yourself a story about yourself. yourself a story about yourself. And it helps you make sense of all the And it helps you make sense of all the And it helps you make sense of all the ups and downs in your life, what's been ups and downs in your life, what's been ups and downs in your life, what's been done to you, what you've done, how you done to you, what you've done, how you done to you, what you've done, how you experience life. experience life. experience life. And those stories are helping you And those stories are helping you And those stories are helping you helping you figure out like who you are helping you figure out like who you are helping you figure out like who you are in the world. in the world. in the world. And man, they have immense power over And man, they have immense power over And man, they have immense power over your life. your life. your life. Like they they can direct your life if Like they they can direct your life if Like they they can direct your life if unchecked. Like tell yourself a victim unchecked. Like tell yourself a victim unchecked. Like tell yourself a victim enough times, that's all you can be.

Tell yourself you're not allowed to Tell yourself you're not allowed to fail, you're better than others, or fail, you're better than others, or fail, you're better than others, or you're unlovable, or you are what you you're unlovable, or you are what you you're unlovable, or you are what you have, you are what you earn, or you are have, you are what you earn, or you are have, you are what you earn, or you are what you win, and it will shape who you what you win, and it will shape who you what you win, and it will shape who you become. become. become. It will shape how you see the world and It will shape how you see the world and It will shape how you see the world and other people. Tell yourself things about other people. Tell yourself things about other people. Tell yourself things about yourself long enough and you will yourself long enough and you will yourself long enough and you will believe it to where you can't hear what believe it to where you can't hear what believe it to where you can't hear what God says about you. God says about you. God says about you. Hear your own voice loud enough and that Hear your own voice loud enough and that Hear your own voice loud enough and that narrative and you accept that narrative narrative and you accept that narrative narrative and you accept that narrative long enough, you can't hear the quiet long enough, you can't hear the quiet long enough, you can't hear the quiet spirit saying, "This is who you are in spirit saying, "This is who you are in spirit saying, "This is who you are in Christ." Christ." Christ." Cuz you're convinced you're right. Cuz you're convinced you're right. Cuz you're convinced you're right. And there are numerous seasons of my And there are numerous seasons of my And there are numerous seasons of my life, these impactful moments, these life, these impactful moments, these life, these impactful moments, these hard memories. hard memories. hard memories. And now my brain works this way, maybe And now my brain works this way, maybe And now my brain works this way, maybe yours does, too. yours does, too. yours does, too. All the like happy, cheery memories are All the like happy, cheery memories are All the like happy, cheery memories are not the ones forefront of my mind. not the ones forefront of my mind. not the ones forefront of my mind. My brain somehow picks it's like all the My brain somehow picks it's like all the My brain somehow picks it's like all the hard memories are really sticky. hard memories are really sticky. hard memories are really sticky. And so there are these moments that I And so there are these moments that I And so there are these moments that I remember where it's like I have felt remember where it's like I have felt remember where it's like I have felt lost, lost, lost, overlooked, overlooked, overlooked, unwanted, unwanted, unwanted, and ashamed. and ashamed. and ashamed. Like how I was at the moment, Like how I was at the moment, Like how I was at the moment, how I acted, how I reacted, what I how I acted, how I reacted, what I how I acted, how I reacted, what I believed about myself as a result. It believed about myself as a result. It believed about myself as a result. It stinks.

stinks. stinks. It just stinks cuz I really like, "Why It just stinks cuz I really like, "Why It just stinks cuz I really like, "Why can't you just remember all the cheery can't you just remember all the cheery can't you just remember all the cheery stuff?" stuff?" stuff?" That'd be great, brain. Can we do that? That'd be great, brain. Can we do that? That'd be great, brain. Can we do that? Because when I really had to look at the Because when I really had to look at the Because when I really had to look at the story of these things, I had to engage story of these things, I had to engage story of these things, I had to engage the the the really embarrassing narrative that I had really embarrassing narrative that I had really embarrassing narrative that I had about myself. about myself. about myself. I was ashamed of it. I was ashamed of it. I was ashamed of it. Like these are not the things that you Like these are not the things that you Like these are not the things that you bring up when you're making new friends. bring up when you're making new friends. bring up when you're making new friends. They're the ones you hide. They're the ones you hide. They're the ones you hide. They're the ones you put away in the They're the ones you put away in the They're the ones you put away in the closet. You know, they're just in the closet. You know, they're just in the closet. You know, they're just in the drawer. You gloss over them, you avoid drawer. You gloss over them, you avoid drawer. You gloss over them, you avoid them. them. them. And you avoid thinking about them And you avoid thinking about them And you avoid thinking about them because they're too painful. because they're too painful. because they're too painful. I'll tell you, for me, when I went to I'll tell you, for me, when I went to I'll tell you, for me, when I went to avoid something, man, I get busy. avoid something, man, I get busy. avoid something, man, I get busy. I just get active. I just get active. I just get active. If I want to avoid having to deal with If I want to avoid having to deal with If I want to avoid having to deal with parts of my story and the shame over it, parts of my story and the shame over it, parts of my story and the shame over it, I just get really active. I just get really active. I just get really active. So, I'll be on my phone a whole lot. So, I'll be on my phone a whole lot. So, I'll be on my phone a whole lot. I'll watch a whole season of Netflix. I'll watch a whole season of Netflix. I'll watch a whole season of Netflix. I'll like go work out a bunch, or I'm I'll like go work out a bunch, or I'm I'll like go work out a bunch, or I'm listening to books. I'm like I have to listening to books. I'm like I have to listening to books. I'm like I have to watch and go, "Man, what am I chasing?" watch and go, "Man, what am I chasing?" watch and go, "Man, what am I chasing?" Oh, I'm chasing comfort. Oh, I'm chasing comfort. Oh, I'm chasing comfort. I'm chasing to numb myself to the pain I'm chasing to numb myself to the pain I'm chasing to numb myself to the pain that I don't want to deal with over that I don't want to deal with over that I don't want to deal with over here. here. here. And so I have to really pay attention to And so I have to really pay attention to And so I have to really pay attention to my life and go, my life and go, my life and go, "What do I need to turn to and give time "What do I need to turn to and give time "What do I need to turn to and give time and attention to?" And it's going to and attention to?" And it's going to and attention to?" And it's going to hurt, hurt, hurt, but it's going to be better.

but it's going to be better. but it's going to be better. It's like an infection that has to be It's like an infection that has to be It's like an infection that has to be addressed. addressed. addressed. So, So, So, here's the thing is that ignoring these here's the thing is that ignoring these here's the thing is that ignoring these things caused me to show up. Like I things caused me to show up. Like I things caused me to show up. Like I still showed up to life, I just showed still showed up to life, I just showed still showed up to life, I just showed up with half my heart. up with half my heart. up with half my heart. Just ignored all these things. Just ignored all these things. Just ignored all these things. And I would I would go and I would be And I would I would go and I would be And I would I would go and I would be with people, but I would ignore and not with people, but I would ignore and not with people, but I would ignore and not bring to the table all the parts of me bring to the table all the parts of me bring to the table all the parts of me that I didn't want to be rejected. that I didn't want to be rejected. that I didn't want to be rejected. All the parts of me that I I thought, All the parts of me that I I thought, All the parts of me that I I thought, "Man, if they knew that, they wouldn't "Man, if they knew that, they wouldn't "Man, if they knew that, they wouldn't they wouldn't want me here." they wouldn't want me here." they wouldn't want me here." And so I I negotiated belonging and And so I I negotiated belonging and And so I I negotiated belonging and connection based on the depth that I connection based on the depth that I connection based on the depth that I could bring to the table. could bring to the table. could bring to the table. Which honestly, guys, for decades was Which honestly, guys, for decades was Which honestly, guys, for decades was really thin. really thin. really thin. Cuz I was holding on to so much Cuz I was holding on to so much Cuz I was holding on to so much and not bringing my whole self. And I and not bringing my whole self. And I and not bringing my whole self. And I would just show up to life with half my would just show up to life with half my would just show up to life with half my heart. heart. heart. And same with my sin. And same with my sin. And same with my sin. Like how can I be known and how can I Like how can I be known and how can I Like how can I be known and how can I still be loved when I sin? still be loved when I sin? still be loved when I sin? Why would you would you accept me and Why would you would you accept me and Why would you would you accept me and let me belong if I'm a sinner?

let me belong if I'm a sinner? let me belong if I'm a sinner? That at my best, like I can tell you That at my best, like I can tell you That at my best, like I can tell you just just just really candidly, at my best, I'm really candidly, at my best, I'm really candidly, at my best, I'm consistently inconsistent. consistently inconsistent. consistently inconsistent. I think you are, too. I think you are, too. I think you are, too. That we're consistently inconsistent. That we're consistently inconsistent. That we're consistently inconsistent. And at worst, I feel like Paul when I do And at worst, I feel like Paul when I do And at worst, I feel like Paul when I do the things I don't want to do and I cry the things I don't want to do and I cry the things I don't want to do and I cry out and say, "Who's going to save me?" out and say, "Who's going to save me?" out and say, "Who's going to save me?" Like I need Christ. Like I need Christ. Like I need Christ. But I am so fearful of being left alone But I am so fearful of being left alone But I am so fearful of being left alone if I'm found out. if I'm found out. if I'm found out. And that's the lie of shame. And that's the lie of shame. And that's the lie of shame. If you're found out, you'll be rejected If you're found out, you'll be rejected If you're found out, you'll be rejected and abandoned. But for me, so often it and abandoned. But for me, so often it and abandoned. But for me, so often it can be from the smallest to the biggest can be from the smallest to the biggest can be from the smallest to the biggest things in my life. things in my life. things in my life. I'm so fearful of being abandoned or I'm so fearful of being abandoned or I'm so fearful of being abandoned or rejected. rejected. rejected. And it being Father's Day weekend, and I And it being Father's Day weekend, and I And it being Father's Day weekend, and I uh uh uh and I want to encourage you, brothers. and I want to encourage you, brothers. and I want to encourage you, brothers. So if you're a father in the room, if So if you're a father in the room, if So if you're a father in the room, if you want to be a dad, you want to be a dad, you want to be a dad, if you have had a great dad or a really if you have had a great dad or a really if you have had a great dad or a really hard one, hard one, hard one, let me encourage you. The gift that you let me encourage you. The gift that you let me encourage you. The gift that you give to your wife, give to your wife, give to your wife, to your children, and your community to your children, and your community to your children, and your community is showing up with your whole heart. And you have to fight to do that.

And you have to fight to do that. Like you have to fight for it. Cuz men, Like you have to fight for it. Cuz men, Like you have to fight for it. Cuz men, from a young age, we are taught not to from a young age, we are taught not to from a young age, we are taught not to be weak, not to ask for help, not fail, be weak, not to ask for help, not fail, be weak, not to ask for help, not fail, not cry, not show emotion unless it's not cry, not show emotion unless it's not cry, not show emotion unless it's laughter or anger, but not too much cuz laughter or anger, but not too much cuz laughter or anger, but not too much cuz you don't want to scare people. And we're taught to provide. We're And we're taught to provide. We're taught to earn, and that's how we think taught to earn, and that's how we think taught to earn, and that's how we think we find our worth. What can I we find our worth. What can I we find our worth. What can I contribute? contribute? contribute? What do I have to bring to the table? What do I have to bring to the table? What do I have to bring to the table? We know we're friends when we make fun We know we're friends when we make fun We know we're friends when we make fun of each other. of each other. of each other. That's how I know I got a friend, if That's how I know I got a friend, if That's how I know I got a friend, if you're willing to take a shot at me. you're willing to take a shot at me. you're willing to take a shot at me. But I only know that because real But I only know that because real But I only know that because real emotions are too risky. emotions are too risky. emotions are too risky. And it makes it awkward. And it makes it awkward. And it makes it awkward. You sit down with a dude and you're You sit down with a dude and you're You sit down with a dude and you're like, "I love you. like, "I love you. like, "I love you. Here's the ways you've encouraged me." Here's the ways you've encouraged me." Here's the ways you've encouraged me." You're like, "Oh, dude, can you just You're like, "Oh, dude, can you just You're like, "Oh, dude, can you just like ridicule me? That'd be a lot like ridicule me? That'd be a lot like ridicule me? That'd be a lot easier." And I'm telling you that because so many And I'm telling you that because so many of us have not been taught what to do of us have not been taught what to do of us have not been taught what to do with our hearts. with our hearts. with our hearts. We don't know, and it's uncomfortable, We don't know, and it's uncomfortable, We don't know, and it's uncomfortable, and so we just don't bring them to the and so we just don't bring them to the and so we just don't bring them to the table. table. table. We avoid shame, and we find ways to We avoid shame, and we find ways to We avoid shame, and we find ways to quietly cut off parts of ourselves so we quietly cut off parts of ourselves so we quietly cut off parts of ourselves so we can survive. And so many of us are here can survive. And so many of us are here can survive. And so many of us are here like Jesus-loving, wanting to do right like Jesus-loving, wanting to do right like Jesus-loving, wanting to do right by our families, working hard at our by our families, working hard at our by our families, working hard at our jobs, jobs, jobs, showing up with half our hearts.

showing up with half our hearts. showing up with half our hearts. Disconnected from what we really want. Disconnected from what we really want. Disconnected from what we really want. Longing for more in life with Christ and Longing for more in life with Christ and Longing for more in life with Christ and others. And you're here and you're like, others. And you're here and you're like, others. And you're here and you're like, "I mean, if this is it, this is all I'm "I mean, if this is it, this is all I'm "I mean, if this is it, this is all I'm getting in life with Jesus, and I'm getting in life with Jesus, and I'm getting in life with Jesus, and I'm doing my best, doing my best, doing my best, I don't know about it." I don't know about it." I don't know about it." Well, we just have to realize the Well, we just have to realize the Well, we just have to realize the problem is with us. problem is with us. problem is with us. Not him. Not him. Not him. It's with us, and he's calling us It's with us, and he's calling us It's with us, and he's calling us forward, forward, forward, saying, "Trust me with more. saying, "Trust me with more. saying, "Trust me with more. Figure it out how to bring it to the Figure it out how to bring it to the Figure it out how to bring it to the table, table, table, and let grace heal it." and let grace heal it." and let grace heal it." So, over the last decade, man, I can So, over the last decade, man, I can So, over the last decade, man, I can tell you the Lord has continued his good tell you the Lord has continued his good tell you the Lord has continued his good work in my heart. Like in his grace, work in my heart. Like in his grace, work in my heart. Like in his grace, through suffering and sorrow, through through suffering and sorrow, through through suffering and sorrow, through betrayal, anxiety, and beauty, God has betrayal, anxiety, and beauty, God has betrayal, anxiety, and beauty, God has brought friends and healing brought friends and healing brought friends and healing that have let the repeated experience of that have let the repeated experience of that have let the repeated experience of grace get louder than the voice of shame grace get louder than the voice of shame grace get louder than the voice of shame in my life. in my life. in my life. And that has been God's sweet gift to me And that has been God's sweet gift to me And that has been God's sweet gift to me as a beloved son. as a beloved son. as a beloved son. It has transformed and is transforming It has transformed and is transforming It has transformed and is transforming me in the deep, deep places, this me in the deep, deep places, this me in the deep, deep places, this amazing grace of Jesus.

amazing grace of Jesus. amazing grace of Jesus. And I've got enough pastoral experience And I've got enough pastoral experience And I've got enough pastoral experience that I know it's not just the dudes. that I know it's not just the dudes. that I know it's not just the dudes. Like it's not just the guys that are Like it's not just the guys that are Like it's not just the guys that are showing up to life with half their showing up to life with half their showing up to life with half their hearts. hearts. hearts. We all long to receive and experience We all long to receive and experience We all long to receive and experience grace in the deep places. And as grace in the deep places. And as grace in the deep places. And as Christians, we know this is only through Christians, we know this is only through Christians, we know this is only through Christ. Christ. Christ. And I believe that you long to and want And I believe that you long to and want And I believe that you long to and want to love him and treasure him, even as we to love him and treasure him, even as we to love him and treasure him, even as we spend years and decades of our lives spend years and decades of our lives spend years and decades of our lives protecting ourselves against being protecting ourselves against being protecting ourselves against being known, known, known, negotiating acceptance, negotiating acceptance, negotiating acceptance, thinly finding belonging, looking for thinly finding belonging, looking for thinly finding belonging, looking for community but not wanting to fully community but not wanting to fully community but not wanting to fully surrender. surrender. surrender. Cuz we're so afraid of rejection. Cuz we're so afraid of rejection. Cuz we're so afraid of rejection. Like we hide our shame. Or some of you Like we hide our shame. Or some of you Like we hide our shame. Or some of you Some of you just put all your shame on Some of you just put all your shame on Some of you just put all your shame on the table, immediately make it super the table, immediately make it super the table, immediately make it super awkward and go, "You going to reject me awkward and go, "You going to reject me awkward and go, "You going to reject me or not?" or not?" or not?" You're laughing. Some of us do this as a You're laughing. Some of us do this as a You're laughing. Some of us do this as a defense mechanism. defense mechanism. defense mechanism. Because we're testing, "Are you going to Because we're testing, "Are you going to Because we're testing, "Are you going to reject me like everyone else has? Are reject me like everyone else has? Are reject me like everyone else has? Are you going to confirm the narrative I you going to confirm the narrative I you going to confirm the narrative I have about myself?" have about myself?" have about myself?" Let me tell you, Let me tell you, Let me tell you, Christ will not reject you.

Jesus has not and will not reject you. Jesus has not and will not reject you. He has taken your shame. He has taken your shame. He has taken your shame. He has made a way for you. He has made a way for you. He has made a way for you. Oh, like Oh, like Oh, like there is life with him. He offers you transformation in the He offers you transformation in the deepest places so that your heart can be deepest places so that your heart can be deepest places so that your heart can be made new made new made new and the narrative can change. and the narrative can change. and the narrative can change. The story you tell about yourself The story you tell about yourself The story you tell about yourself can be different. can be different. can be different. So, Paul's refrain to Philippians So, Paul's refrain to Philippians So, Paul's refrain to Philippians throughout the book is, "Rejoice in the throughout the book is, "Rejoice in the throughout the book is, "Rejoice in the Lord." Lord." Lord." Like, be glad in God. Look at all Christ Like, be glad in God. Look at all Christ Like, be glad in God. Look at all Christ has done and is doing for you. Trust has done and is doing for you. Trust has done and is doing for you. Trust him. Treasure him. Receive and him. Treasure him. Receive and him. Treasure him. Receive and experience his grace. Believe you are experience his grace. Believe you are experience his grace. Believe you are loved simply because loved simply because loved simply because you're his. you're his. you're his. You're his. You're his. You're his. And when you receive and experience the And when you receive and experience the And when you receive and experience the grace of Christ in the deep, deep grace of Christ in the deep, deep grace of Christ in the deep, deep places, when you are transformed by the places, when you are transformed by the places, when you are transformed by the love of God, you see how God's grace love of God, you see how God's grace love of God, you see how God's grace towards us is everything towards us is everything towards us is everything for our life with him. for our life with him. for our life with him. And Paul tells us again, like, "Oh, And Paul tells us again, like, "Oh, And Paul tells us again, like, "Oh, yeah, I know you have great need. You yeah, I know you have great need. You yeah, I know you have great need. You know who's going to meet your need? My know who's going to meet your need? My know who's going to meet your need? My God, who will meet it in his riches in God, who will meet it in his riches in God, who will meet it in his riches in abundance in Christ."

abundance in Christ." abundance in Christ." He has no lack for your need. He has no lack for your need. He has no lack for your need. He You're the one I'm the one who gets He You're the one I'm the one who gets He You're the one I'm the one who gets self-conscious. Jesus doesn't. self-conscious. Jesus doesn't. self-conscious. Jesus doesn't. He has abundance for your need. He has abundance for your need. He has abundance for your need. And when we experience this, it binds us And when we experience this, it binds us And when we experience this, it binds us together in unity as a people because we together in unity as a people because we together in unity as a people because we know know know there's no hierarchy among the needy. there's no hierarchy among the needy. there's no hierarchy among the needy. We're all his children. We're all his children. We're all his children. It fuels our joy in what really matters It fuels our joy in what really matters It fuels our joy in what really matters cuz we treasure Christ over the world. cuz we treasure Christ over the world. cuz we treasure Christ over the world. It frees us It frees us It frees us from the drive of discontent, from the from the drive of discontent, from the from the drive of discontent, from the snare of envy, and from the chains of snare of envy, and from the chains of snare of envy, and from the chains of comparison. comparison. comparison. It cast out the fear of being rejected It cast out the fear of being rejected It cast out the fear of being rejected or abandoned when we're truly known. or abandoned when we're truly known. or abandoned when we're truly known. And Paul's charge to Philippians is And Paul's charge to Philippians is And Paul's charge to Philippians is believe in the grace that they have believe in the grace that they have believe in the grace that they have and to walk it out. and to walk it out. and to walk it out. To exert grace-driven effort by To exert grace-driven effort by To exert grace-driven effort by depending upon Christ. depending upon Christ. depending upon Christ. But you can't do this if you're not But you can't do this if you're not But you can't do this if you're not experiencing and receiving the amazing experiencing and receiving the amazing experiencing and receiving the amazing grace of Jesus in the deep places. grace of Jesus in the deep places. grace of Jesus in the deep places. You just can't do it. You just can't do it. You just can't do it. Now, one of my favorite nonfiction books Now, one of my favorite nonfiction books Now, one of my favorite nonfiction books is The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis.

is The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. is The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. If you ever want to read it, I think If you ever want to read it, I think If you ever want to read it, I think it's like 115 pages long, so if you're it's like 115 pages long, so if you're it's like 115 pages long, so if you're scared, don't be. It's great. scared, don't be. It's great. scared, don't be. It's great. It's a story about what people won't It's a story about what people won't It's a story about what people won't give up give up give up to find real joy. to find real joy. to find real joy. All these people are on a All these people are on a All these people are on a They have the opportunity to take a They have the opportunity to take a They have the opportunity to take a journey from hell to heaven. journey from hell to heaven. journey from hell to heaven. And they're offered the opportunity to And they're offered the opportunity to And they're offered the opportunity to go further into heaven, into joy. go further into heaven, into joy. go further into heaven, into joy. And each chapter is a story of someone And each chapter is a story of someone And each chapter is a story of someone who's offered grace who's offered grace who's offered grace to be forgiven, to be loved, to belong, to be forgiven, to be loved, to belong, to be forgiven, to be loved, to belong, to be free from sin, from control, from to be free from sin, from control, from to be free from sin, from control, from fear, and they choose not to receive and fear, and they choose not to receive and fear, and they choose not to receive and experience grace. experience grace. experience grace. They choose not to enter into the joy They choose not to enter into the joy They choose not to enter into the joy that is offered to them. They refuse. that is offered to them. They refuse. that is offered to them. They refuse. It's as like they've locked the door It's as like they've locked the door It's as like they've locked the door from the inside and they don't want to from the inside and they don't want to from the inside and they don't want to leave what they know. leave what they know. leave what they know. Cuz what they can control here Cuz what they can control here Cuz what they can control here feels safe. feels safe. feels safe. It's known, even if it feels like table It's known, even if it feels like table It's known, even if it feels like table scraps. scraps. scraps. It's too risky. It's too dangerous, so It's too risky. It's too dangerous, so It's too risky. It's too dangerous, so they lock the door. they lock the door. they lock the door. And in in the end, they all get what And in in the end, they all get what And in in the end, they all get what they wanted. they wanted. they wanted. They all get what they wanted save one They all get what they wanted save one They all get what they wanted save one who took the offer.

He listened. He listened. He received, and he experienced grace in He received, and he experienced grace in He received, and he experienced grace in the deep places. I'll tell you, he was the deep places. I'll tell you, he was the deep places. I'll tell you, he was transformed. transformed. transformed. He was set free from his shame, He was set free from his shame, He was set free from his shame, from his story, from his sin. He was from his story, from his sin. He was from his story, from his sin. He was made alive for a new life with God. made alive for a new life with God. made alive for a new life with God. And that's the offer to you and me And that's the offer to you and me And that's the offer to you and me to receive and experience the amazing to receive and experience the amazing to receive and experience the amazing grace of Jesus in the deep deep places. grace of Jesus in the deep deep places. grace of Jesus in the deep deep places. It's the grace and peace of Christ, It's the grace and peace of Christ, It's the grace and peace of Christ, where Christ comes to you, and he where Christ comes to you, and he where Christ comes to you, and he carries to completion the work that he carries to completion the work that he carries to completion the work that he began in you. began in you. began in you. And through grace-driven effort, as you And through grace-driven effort, as you And through grace-driven effort, as you strive to lay hold of Christ, you strive to lay hold of Christ, you strive to lay hold of Christ, you realize he has a hold of you. realize he has a hold of you. realize he has a hold of you. And he has you. And he has you. And he has you. He's always had you. And he will not let He's always had you. And he will not let He's always had you. And he will not let you go. you go. you go. So, you continue to strive towards him. So, you continue to strive towards him. So, you continue to strive towards him. So, the first So, the first So, the first uh 50th or 500th time, like if you've uh 50th or 500th time, like if you've uh 50th or 500th time, like if you've been around a while and you've had to been around a while and you've had to been around a while and you've had to confess and repent a bunch, I want to confess and repent a bunch, I want to confess and repent a bunch, I want to tell you, even for you, tell you, even for you, tell you, even for you, which is all of us, if we're really which is all of us, if we're really which is all of us, if we're really being honest, being honest, being honest, even for you that there is grace for you even for you that there is grace for you even for you that there is grace for you today to receive and experience.

today to receive and experience. today to receive and experience. To quit showing up to life with half To quit showing up to life with half To quit showing up to life with half your heart. your heart. your heart. Like for you to live wholeheartedly Like for you to live wholeheartedly Like for you to live wholeheartedly by grace. by grace. by grace. That's the offer for you today. So, I've That's the offer for you today. So, I've That's the offer for you today. So, I've got three questions for you. I went live got three questions for you. I went live got three questions for you. I went live on Father's Day. You're welcome. What door have you locked from the What door have you locked from the inside? What door have you locked from the What door have you locked from the inside? inside? inside? Where are you thinking, "No, it's easier Where are you thinking, "No, it's easier Where are you thinking, "No, it's easier for me to stay here. It's too risky for for me to stay here. It's too risky for for me to stay here. It's too risky for me to let Jesus in to here. me to let Jesus in to here. me to let Jesus in to here. It's too risky for me to let someone It's too risky for me to let someone It's too risky for me to let someone else in to here. I'll just I'll lock it else in to here. I'll just I'll lock it else in to here. I'll just I'll lock it and stay here. and stay here. and stay here. Even though I want more, Even though I want more, Even though I want more, this has got to be good enough." Like this has got to be good enough." Like this has got to be good enough." Like Christian, good enough is not in God's Christian, good enough is not in God's Christian, good enough is not in God's vocabulary for you. vocabulary for you. vocabulary for you. Abundance is in his vocabulary for you. Abundance is in his vocabulary for you. Abundance is in his vocabulary for you. His grace is for you. His grace is for you. His grace is for you. So, how are you showing up with half So, how are you showing up with half So, how are you showing up with half your heart in daily life? You might be your heart in daily life? You might be your heart in daily life? You might be super confused and go, "I feel like I super confused and go, "I feel like I super confused and go, "I feel like I am, but I don't know how to get there. I am, but I don't know how to get there. I am, but I don't know how to get there. I don't know." And some of you might go, don't know." And some of you might go, don't know." And some of you might go, "No, I know that real well, cuz I've "No, I know that real well, cuz I've "No, I know that real well, cuz I've been hiding all of this for decades.

been hiding all of this for decades. been hiding all of this for decades. And I wish there was more." And I wish there was more." And I wish there was more." Where are you showing up to life with Where are you showing up to life with Where are you showing up to life with half your heart? And this last one, half your heart? And this last one, half your heart? And this last one, where do you need the grace of Christ to where do you need the grace of Christ to where do you need the grace of Christ to transform you in the deep places? Is it transform you in the deep places? Is it transform you in the deep places? Is it your shame? your shame? your shame? Your story? Your story? Your story? Or is it your sin? Or is it your sin? Or is it your sin? Like I am joining the Apostle Paul in Like I am joining the Apostle Paul in Like I am joining the Apostle Paul in telling you this morning that he is telling you this morning that he is telling you this morning that he is faithful. faithful. faithful. And he will complete the good work he's And he will complete the good work he's And he will complete the good work he's begun in you. So, trust him to guard begun in you. So, trust him to guard begun in you. So, trust him to guard your heart and your mind your heart and your mind your heart and your mind and to meet your needs. and to meet your needs. and to meet your needs. He can do it in the riches of his grace. He can do it in the riches of his grace. He can do it in the riches of his grace. I'm going to pray. And if you want to I'm going to pray. And if you want to I'm going to pray. And if you want to come up here and receive and experience come up here and receive and experience come up here and receive and experience the grace of Christ for the first time, the grace of Christ for the first time, the grace of Christ for the first time, there'll be men and women up here who there'll be men and women up here who there'll be men and women up here who would love to receive you. If you are a would love to receive you. If you are a would love to receive you. If you are a Christian and you're thinking, "Oh man, Christian and you're thinking, "Oh man, Christian and you're thinking, "Oh man, I I I I'm feeling all these things and I've I'm feeling all these things and I've I'm feeling all these things and I've got to get some stuff off me. I need got to get some stuff off me. I need got to get some stuff off me. I need help getting the door open, someone to help getting the door open, someone to help getting the door open, someone to help me get into my heart and know help me get into my heart and know help me get into my heart and know what's going on." The men and women The what's going on." The men and women The what's going on." The men and women The men and women here would love to pray men and women here would love to pray men and women here would love to pray with you and for you. with you and for you. with you and for you. If you want to get baptized, men and If you want to get baptized, men and If you want to get baptized, men and women will help you get into the water women will help you get into the water women will help you get into the water where you proclaim the name of Jesus. where you proclaim the name of Jesus. where you proclaim the name of Jesus. I told you last week, I just want to I told you last week, I just want to I told you last week, I just want to remind you again. remind you again. remind you again. The Spirit gives us a gift The Spirit gives us a gift The Spirit gives us a gift that when we are received by Christ and that when we are received by Christ and that when we are received by Christ and he gives us grace, we understand what he gives us grace, we understand what he gives us grace, we understand what that tastes like.

that tastes like. that tastes like. We understand what it means to be We understand what it means to be We understand what it means to be received and not cast out. received and not cast out. received and not cast out. So, when you confess your sin to another So, when you confess your sin to another So, when you confess your sin to another Christian, they actually get to model Christian, they actually get to model Christian, they actually get to model and mirror Christ's grace to you. and mirror Christ's grace to you. and mirror Christ's grace to you. They would not reject you in the moment They would not reject you in the moment They would not reject you in the moment that you are confessing your need cuz we that you are confessing your need cuz we that you are confessing your need cuz we are all needy. are all needy. are all needy. And so, part of our practice here is And so, part of our practice here is And so, part of our practice here is that we just believe in confession and that we just believe in confession and that we just believe in confession and repentance. repentance. repentance. That we would confess our sin out loud That we would confess our sin out loud That we would confess our sin out loud to another believer and let them model to another believer and let them model to another believer and let them model Christ's grace to us. Christ's grace to us. Christ's grace to us. So, I'm inviting you to do that today. So, I'm inviting you to do that today. So, I'm inviting you to do that today. Should you come up and receive prayer Should you come up and receive prayer Should you come up and receive prayer and confess where you need to and ask and confess where you need to and ask and confess where you need to and ask the Lord to take you further into joy. the Lord to take you further into joy. the Lord to take you further into joy. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. Father, we love you. Father, we love you. Father, we love you. Oh, heavenly Father, we love you. Oh, heavenly Father, we love you. Oh, heavenly Father, we love you. We bless your name, God. You are worthy We bless your name, God. You are worthy We bless your name, God. You are worthy of praise. [music] We thank you for of praise. [music] We thank you for of praise. [music] We thank you for Jesus. We thank you that your affection Jesus. We thank you that your affection Jesus. We thank you that your affection is towards us. That we could never earn is towards us. That we could never earn is towards us. That we could never earn it, but you've given it in spades cuz it, but you've given it in spades cuz it, but you've given it in spades cuz you've given us your son. you've given us your son. you've given us your son. So, would you help us to live lives So, would you help us to live lives So, would you help us to live lives worthy of the gospel, to show up with worthy of the gospel, to show up with worthy of the gospel, to show up with more of our hearts, to proclaim your more of our hearts, to proclaim your more of our hearts, to proclaim your beauty and truth?

beauty and truth? beauty and truth? May we readily confess before you all of May we readily confess before you all of May we readily confess before you all of our life as repentance before you. So, our life as repentance before you. So, our life as repentance before you. So, may we readily confess before you and may we readily confess before you and may we readily confess before you and walk forward into grace knowing you meet walk forward into grace knowing you meet walk forward into grace knowing you meet our need [music] our need [music] our need [music] out of your abundance. out of your abundance. out of your abundance. We pray in Christ's [music] name. Amen.