Made Alive – Sermon – Shane Pruitt – 8/2/26

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 I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I I'm or preparing to watch this sermon. I 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 this moment. God bless you.

this moment. God bless you. this moment. God bless you. Um, this morning, uh, my good friend Um, this morning, uh, my good friend Um, this morning, uh, my good friend Shane Pruitt [music] will be preaching Shane Pruitt [music] will be preaching Shane Pruitt [music] will be preaching the word to us. Shane's been, uh, a the word to us. Shane's been, uh, a the word to us. Shane's been, uh, a church planter and a denominational church planter and a denominational church planter and a denominational leader. He's literally traveled the leader. He's literally traveled the leader. He's literally traveled the world to preach the gospel of Jesus world to preach the gospel of Jesus world to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Uh, lives over in Rockwall with Christ. Uh, lives over in Rockwall with Christ. Uh, lives over in Rockwall with his wife, has six kids. So, the his wife, has six kids. So, the his wife, has six kids. So, the brother's been through it. And, uh, man, brother's been through it. And, uh, man, brother's been through it. And, uh, man, he's going to faithfully [music] he's going to faithfully [music] he's going to faithfully [music] proclaim the word. I'll be back next proclaim the word. I'll be back next proclaim the word. I'll be back next week. So, I get to do the scripture week. So, I get to do the scripture week. So, I get to do the scripture reading this morning. So, my name is reading this morning. So, my name is reading this morning. So, my name is Matt Chandler. I've been at The Village Matt Chandler. I've been at The Village Matt Chandler. I've been at The Village for almost 24 years. And there was a for almost 24 years. And there was a for almost 24 years. And there was a time in my life time in my life time in my life >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> where I was ravaged with rage and sexual >> where I was ravaged with rage and sexual >> where I was ravaged with rage and sexual [music] perversion. [music] perversion. [music] perversion. Bent inward in my shame and rotting from Bent inward in my shame and rotting from Bent inward in my shame and rotting from the inside out. And by the grace of God the inside out. And by the grace of God the inside out. And by the grace of God a friend with great courage [music] a friend with great courage [music] a friend with great courage [music] began to talk me about the good news of began to talk me about the good news of began to talk me about the good news of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. And a few days before my 19th birthday, And a few days before my 19th birthday, And a few days before my 19th birthday, the Lord [music] radically saved me and the Lord [music] radically saved me and the Lord [music] radically saved me and I'm a man who walks in great peace and I'm a man who walks in great peace and I'm a man who walks in great peace and purity before the Lord through no great purity before the Lord through no great purity before the Lord through no great discipline of my own but the goodness of discipline of my own but the goodness of discipline of my own but the goodness of Jesus Christ. [music] Jesus Christ. [music] Jesus Christ. [music] Our scripture reading today is Our scripture reading today is Our scripture reading today is Colossians 1 Colossians 1 Colossians 1 >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> starting in verse 15.

>> starting in verse 15. >> starting in verse 15. He is the image of the invisible God, He is the image of the invisible God, He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For the firstborn over all creation. For the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by him, in heaven everything was created by him, in heaven everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the and on earth, the visible and the and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions invisible, whether thrones or dominions invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. or rulers or authorities. or rulers or authorities. All things have been created through All things have been created through All things have been created through [music] him and for him. He is before [music] him and for him. He is before [music] him and for him. He is before all things [music] all things [music] all things [music] and by him all things hold together. He and by him all things hold together. He and by him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the is also the head of the body, the is also the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the church. He is the beginning, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he firstborn from the dead, so that he firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place might come to have first place might come to have first place >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in everything. For God was pleased to >> in everything. For God was pleased to >> in everything. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and have all his fullness dwell in him and have all his fullness dwell in him and through him to reconcile everything to through him to reconcile everything to through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or himself, whether things on earth or himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through things in heaven by making peace through things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross. This his blood shed on the cross. This his blood shed on the cross. This [music] is the word of the Lord.

[music] is the word of the Lord. [music] is the word of the Lord. You have a seat. All right. Good morning, church. How's All right. Good morning, church. How's everybody? Is everybody good? everybody? Is everybody good? everybody? Is everybody good? Are you glad to be here? Are you glad to be here? Are you glad to be here? Awesome. Hey, won't you turn your Awesome. Hey, won't you turn your Awesome. Hey, won't you turn your neighbor and say, "I'm so glad you got neighbor and say, "I'm so glad you got neighbor and say, "I'm so glad you got to see me this morning." Won't you tell to see me this morning." Won't you tell to see me this morning." Won't you tell them that? Hey, what a joy it is to be them that? Hey, what a joy it is to be them that? Hey, what a joy it is to be with you. Um with you. Um with you. Um God has been moving. We've gotten to see God has been moving. We've gotten to see God has been moving. We've gotten to see Jesus people last night, this morning. I Jesus people last night, this morning. I Jesus people last night, this morning. I believe God's going to do incredible believe God's going to do incredible believe God's going to do incredible things in this service. We've gotten to things in this service. We've gotten to things in this service. We've gotten to see people get baptized in every see people get baptized in every see people get baptized in every service. And I believe that God is not service. And I believe that God is not service. And I believe that God is not done yet. And I'm excited to talk a lot done yet. And I'm excited to talk a lot done yet. And I'm excited to talk a lot about Jesus. Are y'all okay with that? about Jesus. Are y'all okay with that? about Jesus. Are y'all okay with that? All right. Yeah, Pastor already read it. All right. Yeah, Pastor already read it. All right. Yeah, Pastor already read it. Colossians chapter 1. If you'll go ahead Colossians chapter 1. If you'll go ahead Colossians chapter 1. If you'll go ahead and turn there. Colossians chapter 1. As and turn there. Colossians chapter 1. As and turn there. Colossians chapter 1. As you're turning there, I'm going to tell you're turning there, I'm going to tell you're turning there, I'm going to tell you about the first time I fell in love. you about the first time I fell in love. you about the first time I fell in love. I was in sixth grade. I was in sixth grade. I was in sixth grade. There's this girl named Jenny who had There's this girl named Jenny who had There's this girl named Jenny who had short blonde curly hair. And I wanted short blonde curly hair. And I wanted short blonde curly hair. And I wanted Jenny to be my girlfriend. But you know, Jenny to be my girlfriend. But you know, Jenny to be my girlfriend. But you know, in sixth grade you're still kind of in sixth grade you're still kind of in sixth grade you're still kind of intimidated of the opposite sex. So I intimidated of the opposite sex. So I intimidated of the opposite sex. So I decided to write Jenny a love letter.

decided to write Jenny a love letter. decided to write Jenny a love letter. And the love letter went like this. Dear And the love letter went like this. Dear And the love letter went like this. Dear Jenny, will you go with me? Jenny, will you go with me? Jenny, will you go with me? Circle Circle Circle yes or no. Anybody write in a letter yes or no. Anybody write in a letter yes or no. Anybody write in a letter like that before? George Strait wrote a like that before? George Strait wrote a like that before? George Strait wrote a song about it. And true story, I put song about it. And true story, I put song about it. And true story, I put this in all my sixth grade manliness. I this in all my sixth grade manliness. I this in all my sixth grade manliness. I put love, Shane the studmuffin Pruitt. put love, Shane the studmuffin Pruitt. put love, Shane the studmuffin Pruitt. Folded the letter up. This is what we do Folded the letter up. This is what we do Folded the letter up. This is what we do in sixth grade, right? I give it to my in sixth grade, right? I give it to my in sixth grade, right? I give it to my best friend to give to her best friend best friend to give to her best friend best friend to give to her best friend to give to her. She opens the letter. to give to her. She opens the letter. to give to her. She opens the letter. She pulls out a pencil. She circles an She pulls out a pencil. She circles an She pulls out a pencil. She circles an answer. Folds the letter up. Gives it answer. Folds the letter up. Gives it answer. Folds the letter up. Gives it back to her best friend to give to my back to her best friend to give to my back to her best friend to give to my best friend to give to me. I open my best friend to give to me. I open my best friend to give to me. I open my letter. There's an answer circled. And letter. There's an answer circled. And letter. There's an answer circled. And guess what she circled? guess what she circled? guess what she circled? SHE CIRCLED YES. COME ON NOW. SHE SHE CIRCLED YES. COME ON NOW. SHE SHE CIRCLED YES. COME ON NOW. SHE CIRCLED YES. CIRCLED YES. CIRCLED YES. And we were in love. Every heartbeat was And we were in love. Every heartbeat was And we were in love. Every heartbeat was for her. Every breath was for her. We for her. Every breath was for her. We for her. Every breath was for her. We were naming our future kids, planning were naming our future kids, planning were naming our future kids, planning our wedding day. The monkey bars were our wedding day. The monkey bars were our wedding day. The monkey bars were our special spot on the playground. We our special spot on the playground. We our special spot on the playground. We even carved our initials into a tree. even carved our initials into a tree. even carved our initials into a tree. SP, that was me, plus JS, that was her, SP, that was me, plus JS, that was her, SP, that was me, plus JS, that was her, equals love. Number four, abba with the equals love. Number four, abba with the equals love. Number four, abba with the A at the end. And we were together not A at the end. And we were together not A at the end. And we were together not one day, not two days, not three days, one day, not two days, not three days, one day, not two days, not three days, but four whole days. And when you're in but four whole days. And when you're in but four whole days. And when you're in sixth grade, that's a long-term sixth grade, that's a long-term sixth grade, that's a long-term relationship. And then at the end of relationship. And then at the end of relationship. And then at the end of four days, she wrote me a letter and it four days, she wrote me a letter and it four days, she wrote me a letter and it said this. Shane, I do not want to go said this. Shane, I do not want to go said this. Shane, I do not want to go with you anymore.

with you anymore. with you anymore. We are breaking up. Jenny, true story, We are breaking up. Jenny, true story, We are breaking up. Jenny, true story, she put this, P.S. You are not a stud she put this, P.S. You are not a stud she put this, P.S. You are not a stud muffin. She folds the letter up, gives muffin. She folds the letter up, gives muffin. She folds the letter up, gives it to her best friend to give to my best it to her best friend to give to my best it to her best friend to give to my best friend to give to me. I open the letter, friend to give to me. I open the letter, friend to give to me. I open the letter, tore it into a thousand pieces to show tore it into a thousand pieces to show tore it into a thousand pieces to show how she shattered my heart into a how she shattered my heart into a how she shattered my heart into a thousand pieces. thousand pieces. thousand pieces. Every heartbeat hurt cuz it was from a Every heartbeat hurt cuz it was from a Every heartbeat hurt cuz it was from a broken heart. My sixth grade career was broken heart. My sixth grade career was broken heart. My sixth grade career was over. I lost my one true love. I was over. I lost my one true love. I was over. I lost my one true love. I was destined to be single for the rest of my destined to be single for the rest of my destined to be single for the rest of my life. I'll never love again. I felt that life. I'll never love again. I felt that life. I'll never love again. I felt that way for two whole class periods. way for two whole class periods. way for two whole class periods. Until a seventh grade girl asked me out Until a seventh grade girl asked me out Until a seventh grade girl asked me out and I was like, "Boom, I'm back, baby, and I was like, "Boom, I'm back, baby, and I was like, "Boom, I'm back, baby, an older woman, all right?" And then an older woman, all right?" And then an older woman, all right?" And then eventually, in college, that's when the eventually, in college, that's when the eventually, in college, that's when the Lord Lord Lord brought my wife into my life, Casey. And brought my wife into my life, Casey. And brought my wife into my life, Casey. And next month we celebrate being married 22 next month we celebrate being married 22 next month we celebrate being married 22 years. We have a lot of kids, yes. years. We have a lot of kids, yes. years. We have a lot of kids, yes. Actually, Casey and our kids were in the Actually, Casey and our kids were in the Actually, Casey and our kids were in the earlier service. earlier service. earlier service. But I want to tell you about the the But I want to tell you about the the But I want to tell you about the the greatest love of my life. I actually met greatest love of my life. I actually met greatest love of my life. I actually met him him him at 21. at 21. at 21. And it's Jesus Christ. And it's Jesus Christ. And it's Jesus Christ. Changed my life. Never been the same.

Changed my life. Never been the same. Changed my life. Never been the same. And I want you to know, And I want you to know, And I want you to know, becoming a follower of Jesus at 21, I becoming a follower of Jesus at 21, I becoming a follower of Jesus at 21, I remember vividly of what it was like to remember vividly of what it was like to remember vividly of what it was like to live without Jesus. It's much better live without Jesus. It's much better live without Jesus. It's much better with Jesus. with Jesus. with Jesus. In the first 21 years of my life, I was In the first 21 years of my life, I was In the first 21 years of my life, I was building my testimony. You know what I building my testimony. You know what I building my testimony. You know what I mean? mean? mean? In high school and college, my trinity In high school and college, my trinity In high school and college, my trinity was not Father, Son, Holy Spirit. My was not Father, Son, Holy Spirit. My was not Father, Son, Holy Spirit. My trinity was sports, I was an athlete, trinity was sports, I was an athlete, trinity was sports, I was an athlete, partying, and chasing girls. partying, and chasing girls. partying, and chasing girls. Jesus got a hold of my heart at 21. Jesus got a hold of my heart at 21. Jesus got a hold of my heart at 21. And then my pastor at the time said, And then my pastor at the time said, And then my pastor at the time said, "Hey, you should go to Bible college and "Hey, you should go to Bible college and "Hey, you should go to Bible college and learn the Bible till you forget what learn the Bible till you forget what learn the Bible till you forget what God's calling you to do." I didn't know God's calling you to do." I didn't know God's calling you to do." I didn't know there was a thing as as a Bible college. there was a thing as as a Bible college. there was a thing as as a Bible college. I didn't even know that was a thing. So, I didn't even know that was a thing. So, I didn't even know that was a thing. So, grew up in the Waco area. Him and I grew up in the Waco area. Him and I grew up in the Waco area. Him and I drove up to Dallas to visit a campus at drove up to Dallas to visit a campus at drove up to Dallas to visit a campus at a Bible college. I looked at the degree a Bible college. I looked at the degree a Bible college. I looked at the degree program, didn't see any math classes. I program, didn't see any math classes. I program, didn't see any math classes. I was like, "The Lord has spoken. was like, "The Lord has spoken. was like, "The Lord has spoken. This is what I'm supposed to do." This is what I'm supposed to do." This is what I'm supposed to do." And then I'm there for a little bit. I And then I'm there for a little bit. I And then I'm there for a little bit. I started making some friends. And then I started making some friends. And then I started making some friends. And then I had some friends that were Christians had some friends that were Christians had some friends that were Christians for a long time because, you know, Bible for a long time because, you know, Bible for a long time because, you know, Bible college students do what Bible college college students do what Bible college college students do what Bible college students do, right? I didn't know students do, right? I didn't know students do, right? I didn't know anything and they were in the coffee anything and they were in the coffee anything and they were in the coffee shop debating Calvinism, Arminianism. I shop debating Calvinism, Arminianism. I shop debating Calvinism, Arminianism. I had no clue what they were talking had no clue what they were talking had no clue what they were talking about. I was still calling, you know, about. I was still calling, you know, about. I was still calling, you know, Psalms Palms and Job Job. I didn't know Psalms Palms and Job Job. I didn't know Psalms Palms and Job Job. I didn't know anything.

anything. anything. But then I had some friends. They were But then I had some friends. They were But then I had some friends. They were like, "Hey, there's this preacher. Um like, "Hey, there's this preacher. Um like, "Hey, there's this preacher. Um he's doing this midweek Bible study for he's doing this midweek Bible study for he's doing this midweek Bible study for young adults and he's a little bit older young adults and he's a little bit older young adults and he's a little bit older than us, just a few years older than us. than us, just a few years older than us. than us, just a few years older than us. Uh he preaches through books of the Uh he preaches through books of the Uh he preaches through books of the Bible. He yells at us for like 50 Bible. He yells at us for like 50 Bible. He yells at us for like 50 MINUTES AND IT'S AMAZING." MINUTES AND IT'S AMAZING." MINUTES AND IT'S AMAZING." AND I'M LIKE, "All right." It was Matt AND I'M LIKE, "All right." It was Matt AND I'M LIKE, "All right." It was Matt Chandler. Chandler. Chandler. And so I'm so thankful for that brother And so I'm so thankful for that brother And so I'm so thankful for that brother and his investment in my life as a a new and his investment in my life as a a new and his investment in my life as a a new believer. And so what an honor it is believer. And so what an honor it is believer. And so what an honor it is to be here today and to worship Jesus to be here today and to worship Jesus to be here today and to worship Jesus with you. We are going to look at with you. We are going to look at with you. We are going to look at Colossians chapter 1. How Jesus is the Colossians chapter 1. How Jesus is the Colossians chapter 1. How Jesus is the only one worthy of worship. There's no only one worthy of worship. There's no only one worthy of worship. There's no one like him. The Apostle Paul is one like him. The Apostle Paul is one like him. The Apostle Paul is sitting in a prison cell for preaching sitting in a prison cell for preaching sitting in a prison cell for preaching the gospel and he writes this letter to the gospel and he writes this letter to the gospel and he writes this letter to the church in the region of Colossae and the church in the region of Colossae and the church in the region of Colossae and he's just reminding them of who the real he's just reminding them of who the real he's just reminding them of who the real Jesus is and how he's the only one Jesus is and how he's the only one Jesus is and how he's the only one worthy of worship. And I want you to see worthy of worship. And I want you to see worthy of worship. And I want you to see some truths here from Colossians 1 about some truths here from Colossians 1 about some truths here from Colossians 1 about who the real Jesus is. If you have who the real Jesus is. If you have who the real Jesus is. If you have something to write on and write with, if something to write on and write with, if something to write on and write with, if you'll go ahead and get that out because you'll go ahead and get that out because you'll go ahead and get that out because you're going to see multiple things here you're going to see multiple things here you're going to see multiple things here that will be a help to you in the days, that will be a help to you in the days, that will be a help to you in the days, weeks, months, years to come because weeks, months, years to come because weeks, months, years to come because what we believe about Jesus matters.

what we believe about Jesus matters. what we believe about Jesus matters. And in Colossians chapter 1 verse 15 it And in Colossians chapter 1 verse 15 it And in Colossians chapter 1 verse 15 it says, "He, that's Jesus, says, "He, that's Jesus, says, "He, that's Jesus, is the image of the invisible God." is the image of the invisible God." is the image of the invisible God." So the number one thing that Paul tells So the number one thing that Paul tells So the number one thing that Paul tells us right here is that Jesus makes the us right here is that Jesus makes the us right here is that Jesus makes the invisible God visible. Jesus makes the invisible God visible. Jesus makes the invisible God visible. Jesus makes the invisible God visible and that's so invisible God visible and that's so invisible God visible and that's so important because maybe you're here important because maybe you're here important because maybe you're here today in this room with me or you're in today in this room with me or you're in today in this room with me or you're in the chapel or watching online and you the chapel or watching online and you the chapel or watching online and you identify as an atheist or an agnostic identify as an atheist or an agnostic identify as an atheist or an agnostic and I'm just saying, "Thank you so much and I'm just saying, "Thank you so much and I'm just saying, "Thank you so much for joining us and being a part of this for joining us and being a part of this for joining us and being a part of this today." today." today." Or maybe you're here today and you're Or maybe you're here today and you're Or maybe you're here today and you're just kind of struggling with doubt and just kind of struggling with doubt and just kind of struggling with doubt and there's been moments where people go, there's been moments where people go, there's been moments where people go, "If God's real, then prove it." If God "If God's real, then prove it." If God "If God's real, then prove it." If God is real, prove it. And maybe you've even is real, prove it. And maybe you've even is real, prove it. And maybe you've even said that, "God, if you're real, prove said that, "God, if you're real, prove said that, "God, if you're real, prove it. God, if you really exist, then show it. God, if you really exist, then show it. God, if you really exist, then show yourself." yourself." yourself." God, if you really care about us, then God, if you really care about us, then God, if you really care about us, then just come down here. just come down here. just come down here. And you need to know that's exactly what And you need to know that's exactly what And you need to know that's exactly what God did in Jesus Christ. Cuz Jesus is God did in Jesus Christ. Cuz Jesus is God did in Jesus Christ. Cuz Jesus is not just sent from God, Jesus is God. If not just sent from God, Jesus is God. If not just sent from God, Jesus is God. If you want to look to the face of God, you want to look to the face of God, you want to look to the face of God, look to the face of Jesus. You want to look to the face of Jesus. You want to look to the face of Jesus. You want to know the heart of God, look to the heart know the heart of God, look to the heart know the heart of God, look to the heart of Jesus. If you want to know what God's of Jesus. If you want to know what God's of Jesus. If you want to know what God's like, look to Jesus because Jesus is like, look to Jesus because Jesus is like, look to Jesus because Jesus is God. One of the names of Jesus that we God. One of the names of Jesus that we God. One of the names of Jesus that we love to throw around every year during love to throw around every year during love to throw around every year during Christmas is the name Immanuel, which Christmas is the name Immanuel, which Christmas is the name Immanuel, which means God with us. But you need to know means God with us. But you need to know means God with us. But you need to know that's not just a truth that we claim on that's not just a truth that we claim on that's not just a truth that we claim on December 25th. That's a truth that's December 25th. That's a truth that's December 25th. That's a truth that's every day of our life that Jesus is God.

every day of our life that Jesus is God. every day of our life that Jesus is God. And today in the world and in culture, And today in the world and in culture, And today in the world and in culture, there's so many opinions floating around there's so many opinions floating around there's so many opinions floating around about God. In fact, atheists say there about God. In fact, atheists say there about God. In fact, atheists say there is no God. Agnostics say there might be is no God. Agnostics say there might be is no God. Agnostics say there might be a God. Humanists say let's remove God. a God. Humanists say let's remove God. a God. Humanists say let's remove God. Pornography says sex is God. Greed says Pornography says sex is God. Greed says Pornography says sex is God. Greed says money is God. Power money is God. Power money is God. Power government says power is God. Pride says government says power is God. Pride says government says power is God. Pride says I am God. But the Bible says Jesus is I am God. But the Bible says Jesus is I am God. But the Bible says Jesus is God. And we stick to the word of God. God. And we stick to the word of God. God. And we stick to the word of God. See, because the word of God points to See, because the word of God points to See, because the word of God points to the word of God. And the word of God has the word of God. And the word of God has the word of God. And the word of God has a name. It's the name Jesus Christ. a name. It's the name Jesus Christ. a name. It's the name Jesus Christ. He is the only one worthy of our He is the only one worthy of our He is the only one worthy of our worship. worship. worship. The second thing that Paul addresses The second thing that Paul addresses The second thing that Paul addresses here in verse 15, he says, "He is the here in verse 15, he says, "He is the here in verse 15, he says, "He is the image of the invisible God, the image of the invisible God, the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all of creation." firstborn over all of creation." firstborn over all of creation." The firstborn over all of creation. Now, The firstborn over all of creation. Now, The firstborn over all of creation. Now, there is some false teaching that will there is some false teaching that will there is some false teaching that will use verse 15 and say, "Okay, Jesus is use verse 15 and say, "Okay, Jesus is use verse 15 and say, "Okay, Jesus is the firstborn of all creation. That the firstborn of all creation. That the firstborn of all creation. That means Jesus is God's first created means Jesus is God's first created means Jesus is God's first created being. That Jesus is God's first created being. That Jesus is God's first created being. That Jesus is God's first created being, that is a lie, that's a false being, that is a lie, that's a false being, that is a lie, that's a false teaching, that's a heresy, do not teaching, that's a heresy, do not teaching, that's a heresy, do not believe that.

believe that. believe that. Jesus is not created. The Son of God is Jesus is not created. The Son of God is Jesus is not created. The Son of God is eternal. eternal. eternal. If you go to the beginning of it all, If you go to the beginning of it all, If you go to the beginning of it all, the Son of God is there. If you go to the Son of God is there. If you go to the Son of God is there. If you go to the end of it all, the Son of God is the end of it all, the Son of God is the end of it all, the Son of God is there. See, the Son of God did not begin there. See, the Son of God did not begin there. See, the Son of God did not begin 2,000 years ago in a little town called 2,000 years ago in a little town called 2,000 years ago in a little town called Bethlehem. The Son of God has always Bethlehem. The Son of God has always Bethlehem. The Son of God has always existed. See, what happened then is the existed. See, what happened then is the existed. See, what happened then is the Son of God took a mission trip Son of God took a mission trip Son of God took a mission trip from heaven to earth from heaven to earth from heaven to earth and became a man to die as a man for and became a man to die as a man for and became a man to die as a man for mankind, but never stopped being God. mankind, but never stopped being God. mankind, but never stopped being God. Fully God, fully man. And so you may go, Fully God, fully man. And so you may go, Fully God, fully man. And so you may go, "Well, Shane, what does that mean then, "Well, Shane, what does that mean then, "Well, Shane, what does that mean then, firstborn firstborn firstborn over all creation?" That's confusing. over all creation?" That's confusing. over all creation?" That's confusing. Well, to really understand what Well, to really understand what Well, to really understand what this means, you got to understand the this means, you got to understand the this means, you got to understand the Greek, the original language of the New Greek, the original language of the New Greek, the original language of the New Testament. And that term firstborn Testament. And that term firstborn Testament. And that term firstborn literally means a ranking above all. literally means a ranking above all. literally means a ranking above all. Literally, a ranking above all. So, what Literally, a ranking above all. So, what Literally, a ranking above all. So, what Paul's saying is Jesus ranks above all Paul's saying is Jesus ranks above all Paul's saying is Jesus ranks above all of creation. Means there's no one like of creation. Means there's no one like of creation. Means there's no one like Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. You think of all the creation, the You think of all the creation, the You think of all the creation, the galaxies, um the universe, the solar galaxies, um the universe, the solar galaxies, um the universe, the solar system, the moon, the stars, planet system, the moon, the stars, planet system, the moon, the stars, planet Earth, the sun, Earth, the sun, Earth, the sun, mountains, trees, your Chihuahua.

mountains, trees, your Chihuahua. mountains, trees, your Chihuahua. Jesus ranks above it all. Jesus ranks above it all. Jesus ranks above it all. There's no one like Jesus. There's no one like Jesus. There's no one like Jesus. Do not give your worship away to Do not give your worship away to Do not give your worship away to anything or anyone less than the best, anything or anyone less than the best, anything or anyone less than the best, and the best has a name, it's Jesus and the best has a name, it's Jesus and the best has a name, it's Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. There's no one like him. There's no one like him. There's no one like him. He is better than anything the world has He is better than anything the world has He is better than anything the world has to offer. He's the Lord of all the to offer. He's the Lord of all the to offer. He's the Lord of all the lords. He's the King of all the kings. lords. He's the King of all the kings. lords. He's the King of all the kings. All throughout history, there's been All throughout history, there's been All throughout history, there's been kings, but there's been no one like King kings, but there's been no one like King kings, but there's been no one like King Jesus. There was King David, there was Jesus. There was King David, there was Jesus. There was King David, there was King Solomon, there was King Henry, King Solomon, there was King Henry, King Solomon, there was King Henry, there was James, not LeBron, the other there was James, not LeBron, the other there was James, not LeBron, the other King James. If you've ever seen the King James. If you've ever seen the King James. If you've ever seen the movie The Sandlot before, there was the movie The Sandlot before, there was the movie The Sandlot before, there was the King of Clout, Babe Ruth. The King of King of Clout, Babe Ruth. The King of King of Clout, Babe Ruth. The King of Rock, Elvis. The King of Pop, Michael Rock, Elvis. The King of Pop, Michael Rock, Elvis. The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Jackson. Jackson. The King of Country, George Strait. The King of Country, George Strait. The King of Country, George Strait. The Burger King. The Burger King. The Burger King. The Tiger King. The Tiger King. The Tiger King. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. They will all bow before the King of They will all bow before the King of They will all bow before the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Kings, the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Kings, the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. There's no one like him.

There's no one like him. There's no one like him. And here's some good doctrine and some And here's some good doctrine and some And here's some good doctrine and some good theology on a Sunday. Is yes, we good theology on a Sunday. Is yes, we good theology on a Sunday. Is yes, we have an enemy. And our enemy is not the have an enemy. And our enemy is not the have an enemy. And our enemy is not the guy who stole our girlfriend in middle guy who stole our girlfriend in middle guy who stole our girlfriend in middle school. school. school. Our enemy is not even the rival school Our enemy is not even the rival school Our enemy is not even the rival school of the school we went to. of the school we went to. of the school we went to. You know, I went to a little small You know, I went to a little small You know, I went to a little small school south of Waco, a little school school south of Waco, a little school school south of Waco, a little school called Lorena. We were the Lorena called Lorena. We were the Lorena called Lorena. We were the Lorena Fighting Leopards. We hated We had a Fighting Leopards. We hated We had a Fighting Leopards. We hated We had a rival school, the hated Robinson rival school, the hated Robinson rival school, the hated Robinson Rockets. In fact, we had a chant for Rockets. In fact, we had a chant for Rockets. In fact, we had a chant for Robinson that went like this, "2 4 6 8 Robinson that went like this, "2 4 6 8 Robinson that went like this, "2 4 6 8 10, Robinson women look like men." That 10, Robinson women look like men." That 10, Robinson women look like men." That was our chant. Couldn't stand them. was our chant. Couldn't stand them. was our chant. Couldn't stand them. Couldn't stand them. But that's not our Couldn't stand them. But that's not our Couldn't stand them. But that's not our enemy. That's not our enemy. enemy. That's not our enemy. enemy. That's not our enemy. We have an enemy. His name is Satan. We have an enemy. His name is Satan. We have an enemy. His name is Satan. He's out to kill, steal, and destroy. He's out to kill, steal, and destroy. He's out to kill, steal, and destroy. You need to know this. He hates whom God You need to know this. He hates whom God You need to know this. He hates whom God loves, you. loves, you. loves, you. But here's some good doctrine and some But here's some good doctrine and some But here's some good doctrine and some good theology on a Sunday. good theology on a Sunday. good theology on a Sunday. Is Jesus and Satan are not equals Is Jesus and Satan are not equals Is Jesus and Satan are not equals playing chess against one another. Jesus playing chess against one another. Jesus playing chess against one another. Jesus is King. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is God. is King. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is God. is King. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is God. And even one day Satan will bow at the And even one day Satan will bow at the And even one day Satan will bow at the feet of King Jesus before Jesus throws feet of King Jesus before Jesus throws feet of King Jesus before Jesus throws him into hell for all eternity. How many him into hell for all eternity. How many him into hell for all eternity. How many of you are ready for that day?

of you are ready for that day? of you are ready for that day? You ever read Revelation 20, 21, 22? I You ever read Revelation 20, 21, 22? I You ever read Revelation 20, 21, 22? I love what Billy Graham once preached. He love what Billy Graham once preached. He love what Billy Graham once preached. He goes, "I've read the end of the Bible. goes, "I've read the end of the Bible. goes, "I've read the end of the Bible. It works out good for us that know It works out good for us that know It works out good for us that know Jesus." Jesus." Jesus." His victory has become our victory. His victory has become our victory. His victory has become our victory. Friends, why is it important to be a Friends, why is it important to be a Friends, why is it important to be a follower of Jesus and to know Jesus? You follower of Jesus and to know Jesus? You follower of Jesus and to know Jesus? You know why? Cuz this whole thing is know why? Cuz this whole thing is know why? Cuz this whole thing is rigged. rigged. rigged. It's all rigged. It's all rigged. It's all rigged. The outcome's already been determined. The outcome's already been determined. The outcome's already been determined. We win. We win. We win. His victory has become our victory. So His victory has become our victory. So His victory has become our victory. So friends, if you know Jesus, no matter friends, if you know Jesus, no matter friends, if you know Jesus, no matter how bad this world gets, how bad this world gets, how bad this world gets, it's as close to hell as you'll ever be it's as close to hell as you'll ever be it's as close to hell as you'll ever be because heaven is your home. because heaven is your home. because heaven is your home. But, friends, if you don't know Jesus, But, friends, if you don't know Jesus, But, friends, if you don't know Jesus, the opposite is true. the opposite is true. the opposite is true. No matter how bad this world gets, No matter how bad this world gets, No matter how bad this world gets, it's as close to heaven as you'll ever it's as close to heaven as you'll ever it's as close to heaven as you'll ever be be be because hell is your home. because hell is your home. because hell is your home. But, it doesn't have to be that way But, it doesn't have to be that way But, it doesn't have to be that way because there is a God who loves you so because there is a God who loves you so because there is a God who loves you so much who has made a way for you to know much who has made a way for you to know much who has made a way for you to know him him him and to be forgiven and to be rescued. and to be forgiven and to be rescued. and to be forgiven and to be rescued. The third thing that Paul points out The third thing that Paul points out The third thing that Paul points out here is that Jesus here is that Jesus here is that Jesus everything is for him.

everything is for him. everything is for him. All things were created through All things were created through All things were created through and for Jesus. I love verse 16. Verse 16 and for Jesus. I love verse 16. Verse 16 and for Jesus. I love verse 16. Verse 16 is one of my favorite verses in the is one of my favorite verses in the is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Bible. Bible. Look what it says as far as says, "For Look what it says as far as says, "For Look what it says as far as says, "For everything was created by him." That's everything was created by him." That's everything was created by him." That's Jesus. "In heaven and on earth, the Jesus. "In heaven and on earth, the Jesus. "In heaven and on earth, the invisible and the visible, whether invisible and the visible, whether invisible and the visible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or thrones or dominions or rulers or thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, all things have been authorities, all things have been authorities, all things have been created through him and for him." You created through him and for him." You created through him and for him." You were literally created for Jesus. were literally created for Jesus. were literally created for Jesus. He is the purpose of your existence. He is the purpose of your existence. He is the purpose of your existence. There's currently 8.4 billion people There's currently 8.4 billion people There's currently 8.4 billion people alive in the world today alive in the world today alive in the world today and everybody asks the one best basic and everybody asks the one best basic and everybody asks the one best basic question of life, "Why am I here? question of life, "Why am I here? question of life, "Why am I here? What was I created for? What's my What was I created for? What's my What was I created for? What's my purpose?" Your purpose is to know Jesus. purpose?" Your purpose is to know Jesus. purpose?" Your purpose is to know Jesus. In fact, you'll always feel like In fact, you'll always feel like In fact, you'll always feel like something's missing in your life as long something's missing in your life as long something's missing in your life as long as someone is missing and it's Jesus as someone is missing and it's Jesus as someone is missing and it's Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. We'll all feel this void in us. And so, We'll all feel this void in us. And so, We'll all feel this void in us. And so, the world will say, "Hey, if you'll do the world will say, "Hey, if you'll do the world will say, "Hey, if you'll do these things or accomplish these things these things or accomplish these things these things or accomplish these things or get with this person, then that void or get with this person, then that void or get with this person, then that void will be gone, that emptiness will be will be gone, that emptiness will be will be gone, that emptiness will be gone, then you'll be complete." And we gone, then you'll be complete." And we gone, then you'll be complete." And we all fall for that trap. You're like, all fall for that trap. You're like, all fall for that trap. You're like, "Man, if I could just get that car I've "Man, if I could just get that car I've "Man, if I could just get that car I've always wanted, I'll be complete. If I always wanted, I'll be complete. If I always wanted, I'll be complete. If I could just get that house I've always could just get that house I've always could just get that house I've always wanted, I'll be complete. If I could wanted, I'll be complete. If I could wanted, I'll be complete. If I could just get that job promotion or raise, just get that job promotion or raise, just get that job promotion or raise, I'll be complete. And it's never enough, I'll be complete. And it's never enough, I'll be complete. And it's never enough, and we just keep chasing, we just keep and we just keep chasing, we just keep and we just keep chasing, we just keep chasing. You're like, if my kids would chasing. You're like, if my kids would chasing. You're like, if my kids would act right, I'd be complete.

act right, I'd be complete. act right, I'd be complete. Or maybe you're young and you're like, Or maybe you're young and you're like, Or maybe you're young and you're like, "Yeah, if I could just make the varsity "Yeah, if I could just make the varsity "Yeah, if I could just make the varsity team or the cheer squad or if I could team or the cheer squad or if I could team or the cheer squad or if I could just make the A team, I'd be complete. just make the A team, I'd be complete. just make the A team, I'd be complete. If I could just get invited to sit at If I could just get invited to sit at If I could just get invited to sit at the cool table at lunch, I'd be the cool table at lunch, I'd be the cool table at lunch, I'd be complete." complete." complete." Maybe you're single and you're like, Maybe you're single and you're like, Maybe you're single and you're like, "Man, if I could just meet the right "Man, if I could just meet the right "Man, if I could just meet the right person, I'd be complete." Because Jerry person, I'd be complete." Because Jerry person, I'd be complete." Because Jerry Maguire lied to you. Maguire lied to you. Maguire lied to you. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> You're like, >> You're like, >> You're like, "If that guy or girl I like would like "If that guy or girl I like would like "If that guy or girl I like would like me back, they would complete me." You can only become complete in Christ. You can only become complete in Christ. See, even a healthy relationship is not See, even a healthy relationship is not See, even a healthy relationship is not two two people completing one another, two two people completing one another, two two people completing one another, it's two people who are complete in it's two people who are complete in it's two people who are complete in Christ Christ Christ that he has brought together. that he has brought together. that he has brought together. You'll always feel like something's You'll always feel like something's You'll always feel like something's missing in your life as long as someone missing in your life as long as someone missing in your life as long as someone is missing, and it's Jesus Christ. He's is missing, and it's Jesus Christ. He's is missing, and it's Jesus Christ. He's literally your purpose. literally your purpose. literally your purpose. You know what else that means, friends? You know what else that means, friends? You know what else that means, friends? It's not your life. You go, "Man, I'm It's not your life. You go, "Man, I'm It's not your life. You go, "Man, I'm just doing my own thing. I'm just living just doing my own thing. I'm just living just doing my own thing. I'm just living my life. It's my life, I'll do with it my life. It's my life, I'll do with it my life. It's my life, I'll do with it what I want. It's my life, I'll do with what I want. It's my life, I'll do with what I want. It's my life, I'll do with it what I want." Is it really? it what I want." Is it really? it what I want." Is it really? I mean, think about the breath you're I mean, think about the breath you're I mean, think about the breath you're breathing right now. breathing right now. breathing right now. If it's really your life, what do you If it's really your life, what do you If it's really your life, what do you have to do with that breath?

have to do with that breath? have to do with that breath? The answer is nothing. The answer is nothing. The answer is nothing. It began the moment God said, it will It began the moment God said, it will It began the moment God said, it will end the moment God says. It's his end the moment God says. It's his end the moment God says. It's his breath. Give it back to him in praise. breath. Give it back to him in praise. breath. Give it back to him in praise. That's why Psalm 150:6 says this, "Let That's why Psalm 150:6 says this, "Let That's why Psalm 150:6 says this, "Let everything that has breath praise the everything that has breath praise the everything that has breath praise the Lord." Lord." Lord." You were literally created for Jesus. You were literally created for Jesus. You were literally created for Jesus. Your mind was created to think about the Your mind was created to think about the Your mind was created to think about the greatness of Jesus. Your eyes were greatness of Jesus. Your eyes were greatness of Jesus. Your eyes were created to see the greatness of Jesus. created to see the greatness of Jesus. created to see the greatness of Jesus. Your mouth was created to sing worship Your mouth was created to sing worship Your mouth was created to sing worship unto Jesus and tell the world about the unto Jesus and tell the world about the unto Jesus and tell the world about the greatness of Jesus. Your ears were greatness of Jesus. Your ears were greatness of Jesus. Your ears were created to hear about the greatness of created to hear about the greatness of created to hear about the greatness of Jesus. Your heart was created to beat Jesus. Your heart was created to beat Jesus. Your heart was created to beat with passion for the greatness of Jesus. with passion for the greatness of Jesus. with passion for the greatness of Jesus. Your hands were created to serve Jesus. Your hands were created to serve Jesus. Your hands were created to serve Jesus. Your feet were created to follow Jesus. Your feet were created to follow Jesus. Your feet were created to follow Jesus. Your knees were created to bow Your knees were created to bow Your knees were created to bow before the King of Kings and Lord of before the King of Kings and Lord of before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Lords, Jesus Christ. Lords, Jesus Christ. You were literally created for Jesus. You were literally created for Jesus. You were literally created for Jesus. And you'll always miss And you'll always miss And you'll always miss you'll always you'll always you'll always feel like something's missing. You'll feel like something's missing. You'll feel like something's missing. You'll always miss out on what you think God's always miss out on what you think God's always miss out on what you think God's called you to until you know him. You'll called you to until you know him. You'll called you to until you know him. You'll always feel like something's missing in always feel like something's missing in always feel like something's missing in your life as long as someone is missing.

your life as long as someone is missing. your life as long as someone is missing. And it's Jesus Christ. And it's Jesus Christ. And it's Jesus Christ. You literally exist for him. You literally exist for him. You literally exist for him. The fourth thing that Paul writes and The fourth thing that Paul writes and The fourth thing that Paul writes and points out here is a truth and it's points out here is a truth and it's points out here is a truth and it's Jesus is the sustainer of all. So, not Jesus is the sustainer of all. So, not Jesus is the sustainer of all. So, not only is Jesus our purpose, but he is only is Jesus our purpose, but he is only is Jesus our purpose, but he is also the power that holds us together. I also the power that holds us together. I also the power that holds us together. I want you to look at verse 17. It says, want you to look at verse 17. It says, want you to look at verse 17. It says, "He is before all things and by him all "He is before all things and by him all "He is before all things and by him all things hold together." So, not only is things hold together." So, not only is things hold together." So, not only is he our purpose, but he's our power that he our purpose, but he's our power that he our purpose, but he's our power that holds us together because we've all gone holds us together because we've all gone holds us together because we've all gone through difficult days. through difficult days. through difficult days. We've all gone through difficult We've all gone through difficult We've all gone through difficult seasons. seasons. seasons. We all feel like We all feel like We all feel like we've fallen apart. we've fallen apart. we've fallen apart. And what's amazing And what's amazing And what's amazing is that he's the power. is that he's the power. is that he's the power. And John it says he holds us in his And John it says he holds us in his And John it says he holds us in his hands. hands. hands. Um I grew up in the country. Um I grew up in the country. Um I grew up in the country. Um I grew up rodeoing. Um I grew up rodeoing. Um I grew up rodeoing. Calf roping. Calf roping. Calf roping. And if you've ever been to a rodeo And if you've ever been to a rodeo And if you've ever been to a rodeo before, there's this thing called mutton before, there's this thing called mutton before, there's this thing called mutton busting. busting. busting. And mutton busting basically is like, And mutton busting basically is like, And mutton busting basically is like, let's take this sheep and let's get a let's take this sheep and let's get a let's take this sheep and let's get a toddler and strap that toddler to it and toddler and strap that toddler to it and toddler and strap that toddler to it and see what happens. Have you ever seen see what happens. Have you ever seen see what happens. Have you ever seen this before?

this before? this before? And it's saying they got this little And it's saying they got this little And it's saying they got this little helmet on. They look like bobble head helmet on. They look like bobble head helmet on. They look like bobble head dolls and just like dolls and just like dolls and just like and they're like holding on for dear and they're like holding on for dear and they're like holding on for dear life. And maybe you go, "Shane, that's life. And maybe you go, "Shane, that's life. And maybe you go, "Shane, that's what I feel like today. I'm I'm holding what I feel like today. I'm I'm holding what I feel like today. I'm I'm holding on for dear life. on for dear life. on for dear life. My world has fallen apart. I'm holding My world has fallen apart. I'm holding My world has fallen apart. I'm holding on for dear life." And I want you to on for dear life." And I want you to on for dear life." And I want you to say, "You don't have to hold on for dear say, "You don't have to hold on for dear say, "You don't have to hold on for dear life when dear life is holding on to you life when dear life is holding on to you life when dear life is holding on to you because life has a name because life has a name because life has a name and it's Jesus. and it's Jesus. and it's Jesus. To trust him. To trust him. To trust him. There was a song when we were kids There was a song when we were kids There was a song when we were kids and the song was, he's got the whole and the song was, he's got the whole and the song was, he's got the whole world in his hands. Do you remember world in his hands. Do you remember world in his hands. Do you remember that? He's got the whole world in his that? He's got the whole world in his that? He's got the whole world in his hands. hands. hands. That means this, if our God is so big That means this, if our God is so big That means this, if our God is so big and our God is so powerful and our God is so powerful and our God is so powerful that he's got the whole world in his that he's got the whole world in his that he's got the whole world in his hands, don't you think he's also big hands, don't you think he's also big hands, don't you think he's also big enough and powerful enough to hold you enough and powerful enough to hold you enough and powerful enough to hold you together when your whole world is together when your whole world is together when your whole world is falling apart? falling apart? falling apart? See, we're always telling God how big See, we're always telling God how big See, we're always telling God how big our circumstances are. Maybe it's time our circumstances are. Maybe it's time our circumstances are. Maybe it's time we start telling our circumstances how we start telling our circumstances how we start telling our circumstances how big our God is. big our God is. big our God is. Here's what I mean. You do not worship Here's what I mean. You do not worship Here's what I mean. You do not worship some weak God off in the distance. You some weak God off in the distance. You some weak God off in the distance. You worship an all powerful God who's up worship an all powerful God who's up worship an all powerful God who's up close and personal. And he is with you.

close and personal. And he is with you. close and personal. And he is with you. And he may not get you out of every And he may not get you out of every And he may not get you out of every circumstance, but he promises he is with circumstance, but he promises he is with circumstance, but he promises he is with you in the circumstance and he will you in the circumstance and he will you in the circumstance and he will never leave you or forsake you. And he never leave you or forsake you. And he never leave you or forsake you. And he is enough. We don't worship God so that is enough. We don't worship God so that is enough. We don't worship God so that God will do whatever we want him to. We God will do whatever we want him to. We God will do whatever we want him to. We worship God and follow God and we do worship God and follow God and we do worship God and follow God and we do what he calls us to and he is enough. what he calls us to and he is enough. what he calls us to and he is enough. He is better than anything the world has He is better than anything the world has He is better than anything the world has to offer. to offer. to offer. Number five thing that Paul points out Number five thing that Paul points out Number five thing that Paul points out to us is Jesus deserves to be first to us is Jesus deserves to be first to us is Jesus deserves to be first place. He deserves to be first place. place. He deserves to be first place. place. He deserves to be first place. Look at verse 18. Says he is also the Look at verse 18. Says he is also the Look at verse 18. Says he is also the head of the body, the church. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead beginning, the firstborn from the dead beginning, the firstborn from the dead so that he might come to have first so that he might come to have first so that he might come to have first place in everything. I'm reading from place in everything. I'm reading from place in everything. I'm reading from the Christian Standard Bible. Your the Christian Standard Bible. Your the Christian Standard Bible. Your translation may say preeminent or translation may say preeminent or translation may say preeminent or supreme, but it says he's to come to supreme, but it says he's to come to supreme, but it says he's to come to have first place in everything. So, what have first place in everything. So, what have first place in everything. So, what does that mean? That Jesus is not just does that mean? That Jesus is not just does that mean? That Jesus is not just our savior who saves us from sin, but he our savior who saves us from sin, but he our savior who saves us from sin, but he also becomes our Lord.

also becomes our Lord. also becomes our Lord. He becomes our king. He becomes our He becomes our king. He becomes our He becomes our king. He becomes our boss. boss. boss. It means, you know, the old bumper It means, you know, the old bumper It means, you know, the old bumper sticker. Remember the old bumper sticker. Remember the old bumper sticker. Remember the old bumper sticker, Jesus is my co-pilot? sticker, Jesus is my co-pilot? sticker, Jesus is my co-pilot? No, he ain't. No, he ain't. No, he ain't. He's the pilot. He's the pilot. He's the pilot. He's the boss. He's the boss. He's the boss. And he knows what to do with our life And he knows what to do with our life And he knows what to do with our life better than we do. It's okay to have better than we do. It's okay to have better than we do. It's okay to have dreams and visions and plans for your dreams and visions and plans for your dreams and visions and plans for your life, but you better hold on to them life, but you better hold on to them life, but you better hold on to them loosely because God has a will and a loosely because God has a will and a loosely because God has a will and a plan for your life that's better than plan for your life that's better than plan for your life that's better than your own. your own. your own. To trust him. To trust him. To trust him. To trust him. To trust him. To trust him. He's to have first place and the moment He's to have first place and the moment He's to have first place and the moment you say yes to Jesus at salvation, yes you say yes to Jesus at salvation, yes you say yes to Jesus at salvation, yes is the only answer you can ever give him is the only answer you can ever give him is the only answer you can ever give him again. again. again. See how this doesn't work? No, Lord. See See how this doesn't work? No, Lord. See See how this doesn't work? No, Lord. See how that doesn't work? how that doesn't work? how that doesn't work? No, king. See how that doesn't work? Yes No, king. See how that doesn't work? Yes No, king. See how that doesn't work? Yes is the only answer. is the only answer. is the only answer. He's the only answer. He's the only answer. He's the only answer. He is life. He is life. He is life. Remember the t-shirts when we were Remember the t-shirts when we were Remember the t-shirts when we were growing up? It would say like basketball growing up? It would say like basketball growing up? It would say like basketball is life. Do you remember those? Football is life. Do you remember those? Football is life. Do you remember those? Football is life. Lies.

is life. Lies. is life. Lies. Jesus is life. Jesus is life. Jesus is life. And Jesus doesn't desire to just be a And Jesus doesn't desire to just be a And Jesus doesn't desire to just be a part of your life. Jesus desires to be part of your life. Jesus desires to be part of your life. Jesus desires to be your life and that's radically your life and that's radically your life and that's radically different. different. different. Can you honestly say he owns all? Can you honestly say he owns all? Can you honestly say he owns all? Is he truly boss of every area of your Is he truly boss of every area of your Is he truly boss of every area of your life? life? life? See, because a lot of people, especially See, because a lot of people, especially See, because a lot of people, especially in this American version of in this American version of in this American version of Christianity, we've almost kind of like Christianity, we've almost kind of like Christianity, we've almost kind of like normalized lukewarm Christianity so much normalized lukewarm Christianity so much normalized lukewarm Christianity so much that biblical Christianity looks that biblical Christianity looks that biblical Christianity looks radical. radical. radical. Because what we've become comfortable Because what we've become comfortable Because what we've become comfortable with is all right, all right, I kind of with is all right, all right, I kind of with is all right, all right, I kind of want to foot in the world when it's want to foot in the world when it's want to foot in the world when it's convenient and I want a foot in the convenient and I want a foot in the convenient and I want a foot in the church when it's convenient. So, I'll church when it's convenient. So, I'll church when it's convenient. So, I'll give him some Sundays, I'll give him give him some Sundays, I'll give him give him some Sundays, I'll give him some weekends, you know, I'll give him some weekends, you know, I'll give him some weekends, you know, I'll give him some things here and there. I'll kind of some things here and there. I'll kind of some things here and there. I'll kind of throw a dollar at him every once in a throw a dollar at him every once in a throw a dollar at him every once in a while, but I don't really want to mess while, but I don't really want to mess while, but I don't really want to mess with my life. I don't want him really with my life. I don't want him really with my life. I don't want him really dictate my life. So, I kind of hang in dictate my life. So, I kind of hang in dictate my life. So, I kind of hang in the middle. I hear a lot of people say the middle. I hear a lot of people say the middle. I hear a lot of people say that, you know, I just hang in the that, you know, I just hang in the that, you know, I just hang in the middle. I leave I leave all the middle. I leave I leave all the middle. I leave I leave all the spiritual stuff to my wife. I leave all spiritual stuff to my wife. I leave all spiritual stuff to my wife. I leave all the spiritual stuff to my kids. Leave the spiritual stuff to my kids. Leave the spiritual stuff to my kids. Leave all the spiritual stuff to my parents. I all the spiritual stuff to my parents. I all the spiritual stuff to my parents. I just kind of hang in the middle. Foot in just kind of hang in the middle. Foot in just kind of hang in the middle. Foot in the world when it's convenient. Foot in the world when it's convenient. Foot in the world when it's convenient. Foot in the church when it's convenient. I just the church when it's convenient. I just the church when it's convenient. I just hang in the middle. I don't want to be hang in the middle. I don't want to be hang in the middle. I don't want to be any Satan worshiper. I don't want to be any Satan worshiper. I don't want to be any Satan worshiper. I don't want to be any odd for God Jesus for it. I just any odd for God Jesus for it. I just any odd for God Jesus for it. I just hang in the middle. Please hear me.

hang in the middle. Please hear me. hang in the middle. Please hear me. There is no middle. There is no middle. There is no middle. Jesus said himself in the Gospel Jesus said himself in the Gospel Jesus said himself in the Gospel Matthew, you're either with me or Matthew, you're either with me or Matthew, you're either with me or against me. against me. against me. 8.4 billion people, yet only two kinds. 8.4 billion people, yet only two kinds. 8.4 billion people, yet only two kinds. Those who know Jesus and those who Those who know Jesus and those who Those who know Jesus and those who don't. don't. don't. Those who are on on their way to heaven Those who are on on their way to heaven Those who are on on their way to heaven and those who aren't. and those who aren't. and those who aren't. Those who will stand before Jesus one Those who will stand before Jesus one Those who will stand before Jesus one day and hear well done good and faithful day and hear well done good and faithful day and hear well done good and faithful servant or those who stand before Jesus servant or those who stand before Jesus servant or those who stand before Jesus and hear depart from me, I never knew and hear depart from me, I never knew and hear depart from me, I never knew you. you. you. So being in the middle is all the way So being in the middle is all the way So being in the middle is all the way out. out. out. When he's calling you to go all the way When he's calling you to go all the way When he's calling you to go all the way in. in. in. And it is better. Jesus is better than And it is better. Jesus is better than And it is better. Jesus is better than anything the world has to offer. anything the world has to offer. anything the world has to offer. The last thing that Paul points out to The last thing that Paul points out to The last thing that Paul points out to us this morning through this these us this morning through this these us this morning through this these verses. verses. verses. Jesus is the only one worthy of worship. Jesus is the only one worthy of worship. Jesus is the only one worthy of worship. Jesus is the only one that can save you. Jesus is the only one that can save you. Jesus is the only one that can save you. Look at verse 19. For God was pleased to Look at verse 19. For God was pleased to Look at verse 19. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him have all his fullness dwell in him have all his fullness dwell in him meaning he's fully God. And through him meaning he's fully God. And through him meaning he's fully God. And through him to reconcile everything to himself to reconcile everything to himself to reconcile everything to himself whether things on earth or things in whether things on earth or things in whether things on earth or things in heaven making peace through his blood heaven making peace through his blood heaven making peace through his blood shed on the cross. Making peace through shed on the cross. Making peace through shed on the cross. Making peace through his blood shed on the cross. So I want his blood shed on the cross. So I want his blood shed on the cross. So I want to count to three and those in the room to count to three and those in the room to count to three and those in the room with me, those watching online, those in with me, those watching online, those in with me, those watching online, those in the chapel. I want you to read it with the chapel. I want you to read it with the chapel. I want you to read it with me on three. Ready? 1 2 3 making peace me on three. Ready? 1 2 3 making peace me on three. Ready? 1 2 3 making peace through his blood shed on the cross. How through his blood shed on the cross. How through his blood shed on the cross. How many of you are thankful for the cross many of you are thankful for the cross many of you are thankful for the cross of Jesus Christ? How many of you are of Jesus Christ? How many of you are of Jesus Christ? How many of you are thankful for the blood thankful for the blood thankful for the blood that washes away our sin. We just sing that washes away our sin. We just sing that washes away our sin. We just sing about it.

about it. about it. God created us, sin separated us. God created us, sin separated us. God created us, sin separated us. The first humans rebelled against God The first humans rebelled against God The first humans rebelled against God and the power of sin entered humanity and the power of sin entered humanity and the power of sin entered humanity spread like a virus to every person born spread like a virus to every person born spread like a virus to every person born after Adam and Eve the first humans. after Adam and Eve the first humans. after Adam and Eve the first humans. Fast forward today. You go, well Shane, Fast forward today. You go, well Shane, Fast forward today. You go, well Shane, what does that mean for me today? That what does that mean for me today? That what does that mean for me today? That was a long time ago. That doesn't affect was a long time ago. That doesn't affect was a long time ago. That doesn't affect me. Yeah, it does. Because now every me. Yeah, it does. Because now every me. Yeah, it does. Because now every single one of us are born sinners in single one of us are born sinners in single one of us are born sinners in need of a savior. We're born spiritually need of a savior. We're born spiritually need of a savior. We're born spiritually dead. See sin is a spiritual problem and dead. See sin is a spiritual problem and dead. See sin is a spiritual problem and we can't fix it because we're born we can't fix it because we're born we can't fix it because we're born spiritually dead. spiritually dead. spiritually dead. At the heart of every problem is a heart At the heart of every problem is a heart At the heart of every problem is a heart problem. problem. problem. And only Jesus can change the heart. And only Jesus can change the heart. And only Jesus can change the heart. There's something wrong with us. There's something wrong with us. There's something wrong with us. We're sinners and sinners are good at We're sinners and sinners are good at We're sinners and sinners are good at sinning. sinning. sinning. Every single one of us, in fact, I'll Every single one of us, in fact, I'll Every single one of us, in fact, I'll raise my hand, let's all get on the same raise my hand, let's all get on the same raise my hand, let's all get on the same page. How many of you will say, "Shane, page. How many of you will say, "Shane, page. How many of you will say, "Shane, when I was born, there was something when I was born, there was something when I was born, there was something wrong with me." Anybody want to admit wrong with me." Anybody want to admit wrong with me." Anybody want to admit that? You know what that was? Sin. that? You know what that was? Sin. that? You know what that was? Sin. Some of you are looking at me right now Some of you are looking at me right now Some of you are looking at me right now going, "Well, Shane, you don't know me. going, "Well, Shane, you don't know me. going, "Well, Shane, you don't know me. I'm a good person." Well, the Bible says I'm a good person." Well, the Bible says I'm a good person." Well, the Bible says you should not tell a lie.

you should not tell a lie. you should not tell a lie. So, raise your hand if you've ever told So, raise your hand if you've ever told So, raise your hand if you've ever told a lie before. All right, if you're not a lie before. All right, if you're not a lie before. All right, if you're not raising your hand, you're lying right raising your hand, you're lying right raising your hand, you're lying right now. There you go, sinner. We're all on now. There you go, sinner. We're all on now. There you go, sinner. We're all on the same page. the same page. the same page. There's something wrong with us. How There's something wrong with us. How There's something wrong with us. How many of you agree there's definitely many of you agree there's definitely many of you agree there's definitely something wrong with the person sitting something wrong with the person sitting something wrong with the person sitting next to you, right? next to you, right? next to you, right? We all know. We're all good at sinning. We all know. We're all good at sinning. We all know. We're all good at sinning. In fact, we're so good at sinning, we In fact, we're so good at sinning, we In fact, we're so good at sinning, we become experts at justifying our sin. become experts at justifying our sin. become experts at justifying our sin. You ever notice when other people sin, You ever notice when other people sin, You ever notice when other people sin, we become judges? we become judges? we become judges? But when we sin, we become defense But when we sin, we become defense But when we sin, we become defense attorneys? attorneys? attorneys? They're like, "Well, God knows my They're like, "Well, God knows my They're like, "Well, God knows my heart." heart." heart." "God knows my heart." You're right, "God knows my heart." You're right, "God knows my heart." You're right, Jeremiah says it's wicked and you need a Jeremiah says it's wicked and you need a Jeremiah says it's wicked and you need a new one. new one. new one. We're all good at sinning. We're all good at sinning. We're all good at sinning. Sin's a big problem, but here's the good Sin's a big problem, but here's the good Sin's a big problem, but here's the good news, there's a bigger savior named news, there's a bigger savior named news, there's a bigger savior named Jesus. See, we may be good at sinning, Jesus. See, we may be good at sinning, Jesus. See, we may be good at sinning, but Jesus is better at saving. Jesus is but Jesus is better at saving. Jesus is but Jesus is better at saving. Jesus is a better savior than you are sinner. Can a better savior than you are sinner. Can a better savior than you are sinner. Can I get a witness up in here today? I get a witness up in here today? I get a witness up in here today? That 2,000 years ago, the son of God That 2,000 years ago, the son of God That 2,000 years ago, the son of God came to earth, wrapped on human flesh, came to earth, wrapped on human flesh, came to earth, wrapped on human flesh, fully God, fully man. He lived a fully God, fully man. He lived a fully God, fully man. He lived a perfect, sin-free life that you and I perfect, sin-free life that you and I perfect, sin-free life that you and I could not live. Then he took our place could not live. Then he took our place could not live. Then he took our place on the cross. Don't ever get over that. on the cross. Don't ever get over that. on the cross. Don't ever get over that. We are sinners, he is sinless. We're We are sinners, he is sinless. We're We are sinners, he is sinless. We're messed up, he is holy. When they shoved messed up, he is holy. When they shoved messed up, he is holy. When they shoved the crown of thorns on his head, that the crown of thorns on his head, that the crown of thorns on his head, that should have been me.

should have been me. should have been me. When they spit in his face, that should When they spit in his face, that should When they spit in his face, that should have been you. When they nailed him to have been you. When they nailed him to have been you. When they nailed him to the cross, that should have been all of the cross, that should have been all of the cross, that should have been all of us. But he took our place as a perfect us. But he took our place as a perfect us. But he took our place as a perfect sacrifice of our sin, as a perfect sacrifice of our sin, as a perfect sacrifice of our sin, as a perfect substitute our place, making peace substitute our place, making peace substitute our place, making peace through his blood shed on the cross. He through his blood shed on the cross. He through his blood shed on the cross. He died there. They took his lifeless body died there. They took his lifeless body died there. They took his lifeless body off the cross and put it in a borrowed off the cross and put it in a borrowed off the cross and put it in a borrowed grave. Now, Village Church, this next grave. Now, Village Church, this next grave. Now, Village Church, this next part should make us yell so loudly all part should make us yell so loudly all part should make us yell so loudly all of Texas hears this. You know why they of Texas hears this. You know why they of Texas hears this. You know why they put the body of Jesus in a borrowed put the body of Jesus in a borrowed put the body of Jesus in a borrowed grave? grave? grave? Cuz he wasn't going to need it long. Cuz 3 days later our Jesus busted out of Cuz 3 days later our Jesus busted out of the grave showing that God the Father the grave showing that God the Father the grave showing that God the Father had accepted God the Son's sacrifice on had accepted God the Son's sacrifice on had accepted God the Son's sacrifice on our behalf. Jesus made the way possible our behalf. Jesus made the way possible our behalf. Jesus made the way possible for giving. Jesus made the way possible for giving. Jesus made the way possible for giving. Jesus made the way possible for you to live out the purpose of your for you to live out the purpose of your for you to live out the purpose of your life. Jesus made the way possible for life. Jesus made the way possible for life. Jesus made the way possible for you to have hope and peace and joy in you to have hope and peace and joy in you to have hope and peace and joy in your life because you have the power of your life because you have the power of your life because you have the power of the living God. The tomb is empty, but the living God. The tomb is empty, but the living God. The tomb is empty, but the throne of God is full of the risen the throne of God is full of the risen the throne of God is full of the risen King of kings and Lord of lords Jesus King of kings and Lord of lords Jesus King of kings and Lord of lords Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. Because Jesus lives, hope lives. Because Because Jesus lives, hope lives. Because Because Jesus lives, hope lives. Because Jesus lives, joy lives. Because Jesus Jesus lives, joy lives. Because Jesus Jesus lives, joy lives. Because Jesus lives, peace lives. Because Jesus lives, lives, peace lives. Because Jesus lives, lives, peace lives. Because Jesus lives, love lives. Jesus lives. It's the love lives. Jesus lives. It's the love lives. Jesus lives. It's the greatest news. It's the greatest news.

greatest news. It's the greatest news. greatest news. It's the greatest news. And according to the Bible, you say, And according to the Bible, you say, And according to the Bible, you say, "Well, how does that become personal to "Well, how does that become personal to "Well, how does that become personal to me?" me?" me?" According to the Bible, it says all According to the Bible, it says all According to the Bible, it says all those who repent believe. Repent means those who repent believe. Repent means those who repent believe. Repent means to have a change of heart, change of to have a change of heart, change of to have a change of heart, change of mind. mind. mind. Where God reveals to you that you're a Where God reveals to you that you're a Where God reveals to you that you're a sinner in need of a savior. sinner in need of a savior. sinner in need of a savior. And you realize you cannot fix it And you realize you cannot fix it And you realize you cannot fix it yourself. yourself. yourself. There's nothing you can do about it. So, There's nothing you can do about it. So, There's nothing you can do about it. So, instead you place your faith in Jesus, instead you place your faith in Jesus, instead you place your faith in Jesus, you're trusting Jesus to do for you what you're trusting Jesus to do for you what you're trusting Jesus to do for you what you cannot do for yourself, which is to you cannot do for yourself, which is to you cannot do for yourself, which is to save you, change you, forgive you. save you, change you, forgive you. save you, change you, forgive you. And the moment you surrender to Jesus as And the moment you surrender to Jesus as And the moment you surrender to Jesus as Lord and savior of your life, he places Lord and savior of your life, he places Lord and savior of your life, he places his Holy Spirit in you. The same power his Holy Spirit in you. The same power his Holy Spirit in you. The same power that ripped Jesus out of the grave comes that ripped Jesus out of the grave comes that ripped Jesus out of the grave comes to live inside of us. to live inside of us. to live inside of us. That God loves you so much he wants to That God loves you so much he wants to That God loves you so much he wants to give you his very best, himself. You get give you his very best, himself. You get give you his very best, himself. You get God. Not only do you get to know God and God. Not only do you get to know God and God. Not only do you get to know God and worship God and experience God, you get worship God and experience God, you get worship God and experience God, you get God living inside of you. And when God God living inside of you. And when God God living inside of you. And when God comes to live inside of you, now you comes to live inside of you, now you comes to live inside of you, now you have hope, peace, love, joy cuz you have have hope, peace, love, joy cuz you have have hope, peace, love, joy cuz you have God. Those things have a name, it's God. Those things have a name, it's God. Those things have a name, it's Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. When God comes to live inside of you, When God comes to live inside of you, When God comes to live inside of you, you're forgiven of all your sin, past, you're forgiven of all your sin, past, you're forgiven of all your sin, past, present, future. That means when Jesus present, future. That means when Jesus present, future. That means when Jesus chooses to save us today, he's already chooses to save us today, he's already chooses to save us today, he's already factored in our stupidity OF TOMORROW.

factored in our stupidity OF TOMORROW. factored in our stupidity OF TOMORROW. HOW AMAZING IS THAT GRACE? HOW AMAZING IS THAT GRACE? HOW AMAZING IS THAT GRACE? When the spirit of the living God comes When the spirit of the living God comes When the spirit of the living God comes to live inside of us, we go from being to live inside of us, we go from being to live inside of us, we go from being spiritually dead to spiritually alive to spiritually dead to spiritually alive to spiritually dead to spiritually alive to never die again. That even when our body never die again. That even when our body never die again. That even when our body hits the ground, who we are goes to be hits the ground, who we are goes to be hits the ground, who we are goes to be with Jesus forever and ever and ever and with Jesus forever and ever and ever and with Jesus forever and ever and ever and ever. But eternal life doesn't start one ever. But eternal life doesn't start one ever. But eternal life doesn't start one day in heaven. Eternal life starts now. day in heaven. Eternal life starts now. day in heaven. Eternal life starts now. I love what Leonard Ravenhill, the great I love what Leonard Ravenhill, the great I love what Leonard Ravenhill, the great revivalist from the 1900s, said. He said revivalist from the 1900s, said. He said revivalist from the 1900s, said. He said this, "The gospel of Jesus Christ is not this, "The gospel of Jesus Christ is not this, "The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about making good people better. It's about making good people better. It's about making good people better. It's about making dead people alive." about making dead people alive." about making dead people alive." And not only are these skin and dead, And not only are these skin and dead, And not only are these skin and dead, he's the only one worthy of worship. he's the only one worthy of worship. he's the only one worthy of worship. All our hope is in him, not what we've All our hope is in him, not what we've All our hope is in him, not what we've done, but what he has done. But you know done, but what he has done. But you know done, but what he has done. But you know what? We're stubborn people. what? We're stubborn people. what? We're stubborn people. And we always want to revert back to And we always want to revert back to And we always want to revert back to Well, hear a message like that and go, Well, hear a message like that and go, Well, hear a message like that and go, "All right, brother. I'm going to try "All right, brother. I'm going to try "All right, brother. I'm going to try harder to be a better person. harder to be a better person. harder to be a better person. I'm going to try hard to fix this. I'm I'm going to try hard to fix this. I'm I'm going to try hard to fix this. I'm going to try hard to change." What I'm going to try hard to change." What I'm going to try hard to change." What I'm saying today is stop trying saying today is stop trying saying today is stop trying and start trusting in Jesus and start trusting in Jesus and start trusting in Jesus to do for you what you cannot do for to do for you what you cannot do for to do for you what you cannot do for yourself. yourself. yourself. Over the years of ministry, I've kind of Over the years of ministry, I've kind of Over the years of ministry, I've kind of created a list of seven, what I believe created a list of seven, what I believe created a list of seven, what I believe are false views of salvation, are false views of salvation, are false views of salvation, that has crept specially into the that has crept specially into the that has crept specially into the American church.

American church. American church. And you see it, and it's terrifying. And you see it, and it's terrifying. And you see it, and it's terrifying. I want you to know this should be I want you to know this should be I want you to know this should be terrifying for us because here's what terrifying for us because here's what terrifying for us because here's what keeps me up at night, is that I'm afraid keeps me up at night, is that I'm afraid keeps me up at night, is that I'm afraid that many people who sit in church that many people who sit in church that many people who sit in church buildings in America week in and week buildings in America week in and week buildings in America week in and week out, one day are going to stand before out, one day are going to stand before out, one day are going to stand before Jesus and be shocked when he says, Jesus and be shocked when he says, Jesus and be shocked when he says, "Depart from me. I never knew you." "Depart from me. I never knew you." "Depart from me. I never knew you." Because a lot of what we're doing is Because a lot of what we're doing is Because a lot of what we're doing is what we're trying to do is put faith in what we're trying to do is put faith in what we're trying to do is put faith in the things we've done instead of fully the things we've done instead of fully the things we've done instead of fully trusting in what Jesus has done. And I trusting in what Jesus has done. And I trusting in what Jesus has done. And I want to say that self-righteousness, want to say that self-righteousness, want to say that self-righteousness, that's actually sin, and that is not that's actually sin, and that is not that's actually sin, and that is not salvation. salvation. salvation. So, in closing, we're going to go So, in closing, we're going to go So, in closing, we're going to go through these quick. through these quick. through these quick. I'm going to give you this list of seven I'm going to give you this list of seven I'm going to give you this list of seven false views of salvation. And maybe false views of salvation. And maybe false views of salvation. And maybe today you're holding on to one of these today you're holding on to one of these today you're holding on to one of these or a couple of these. or a couple of these. or a couple of these. And I want to say today's the day to lay And I want to say today's the day to lay And I want to say today's the day to lay it down. it down. it down. In fact, in the previous service this In fact, in the previous service this In fact, in the previous service this morning, a 71-year-old morning, a 71-year-old morning, a 71-year-old man man man was one of the ones who came forward for was one of the ones who came forward for was one of the ones who came forward for salvation, got baptized.

salvation, got baptized. salvation, got baptized. And he said, watch this, he had put all And he said, watch this, he had put all And he said, watch this, he had put all of his faith in religion. of his faith in religion. of his faith in religion. That he prayed a prayer. That he prayed a prayer. That he prayed a prayer. He did this, he did that, he did this, He did this, he did that, he did this, He did this, he did that, he did this, but he was still living like hell, and but he was still living like hell, and but he was still living like hell, and there was no life change. there was no life change. there was no life change. And maybe that's your story. And maybe that's your story. And maybe that's your story. I want to share these seven with you I want to share these seven with you I want to share these seven with you really quick. Number one, really quick. Number one, really quick. Number one, a lot of people think they're Christian a lot of people think they're Christian a lot of people think they're Christian because they claim to be a good person. because they claim to be a good person. because they claim to be a good person. They'll go, man, I know I'm a Christian They'll go, man, I know I'm a Christian They'll go, man, I know I'm a Christian cuz I'm a good person. I try really hard cuz I'm a good person. I try really hard cuz I'm a good person. I try really hard to be a a good person. to be a a good person. to be a a good person. You know, we could leave here today and You know, we could leave here today and You know, we could leave here today and go to Walmart, or if you're fancy, go to Walmart, or if you're fancy, go to Walmart, or if you're fancy, Target. Target. Target. And we could ask people in Flower Mound, And we could ask people in Flower Mound, And we could ask people in Flower Mound, Flower Mound, Texas, where there's a lot Flower Mound, Texas, where there's a lot Flower Mound, Texas, where there's a lot of churches. We could ask people in of churches. We could ask people in of churches. We could ask people in Flower Mound, hey, what does it take to Flower Mound, hey, what does it take to Flower Mound, hey, what does it take to get to heaven? You know what, by far the get to heaven? You know what, by far the get to heaven? You know what, by far the number one answer would be, you must be number one answer would be, you must be number one answer would be, you must be a good person. a good person. a good person. And so, a lot of people go, man, I'm a And so, a lot of people go, man, I'm a And so, a lot of people go, man, I'm a good person. You know, I I'm I'm good to good person. You know, I I'm I'm good to good person. You know, I I'm I'm good to my spouse. Um I'm good to my kids, or my spouse. Um I'm good to my kids, or my spouse. Um I'm good to my kids, or I'm good to my parents. I I pay my I'm good to my parents. I I pay my I'm good to my parents. I I pay my taxes. I'm nice to people. I say, yes, taxes. I'm nice to people. I say, yes, taxes. I'm nice to people. I say, yes, sir, and no, sir. Yes, ma'am, no, ma'am. sir, and no, sir. Yes, ma'am, no, ma'am. sir, and no, sir. Yes, ma'am, no, ma'am. I open the door for people. Um when I I open the door for people. Um when I I open the door for people. Um when I drive and people cut me off on the drive and people cut me off on the drive and people cut me off on the highway, I don't tell them they're highway, I don't tell them they're highway, I don't tell them they're number one.

number one. number one. I say, God bless you. I say, God bless you. I say, God bless you. I even got a Jesus fish on my car. Please hear me. Please hear me. Good people don't go to heaven. Good people don't go to heaven. Good people don't go to heaven. Those who are saved by Jesus do. Those who are saved by Jesus do. Those who are saved by Jesus do. Cuz we were all sinners in need of a Cuz we were all sinners in need of a Cuz we were all sinners in need of a savior. See, it's not you trying to be savior. See, it's not you trying to be savior. See, it's not you trying to be good that gets you into heaven. It's good that gets you into heaven. It's good that gets you into heaven. It's being saved by the only one who is good being saved by the only one who is good being saved by the only one who is good that gets you into heaven. His name is that gets you into heaven. His name is that gets you into heaven. His name is Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Author and theologian R.C. Sproul one Author and theologian R.C. Sproul one Author and theologian R.C. Sproul one day was asked the question that day was asked the question that day was asked the question that everybody asked. everybody asked. everybody asked. He was asked, why do bad things happen He was asked, why do bad things happen He was asked, why do bad things happen to good people? He said that only to good people? He said that only to good people? He said that only happened one time, and he volunteered on happened one time, and he volunteered on happened one time, and he volunteered on the cross. the cross. the cross. There's only one who is good. There's only one who is good. There's only one who is good. It's being saved by him. So, the It's being saved by him. So, the It's being saved by him. So, the question isn't are you trying to be a question isn't are you trying to be a question isn't are you trying to be a good person? The question is are you good person? The question is are you good person? The question is are you trusting in the one who is good for your trusting in the one who is good for your trusting in the one who is good for your salvation? salvation? salvation? False view of salvation number two real False view of salvation number two real False view of salvation number two real quick. People go, "I believe in God." quick. People go, "I believe in God." quick. People go, "I believe in God." They'll go, "Shane, I know I'm a They'll go, "Shane, I know I'm a They'll go, "Shane, I know I'm a Christian cuz I believe in God. I Christian cuz I believe in God. I Christian cuz I believe in God. I believe in the big man upstairs." believe in the big man upstairs." believe in the big man upstairs." I didn't become a follower of Jesus till I didn't become a follower of Jesus till I didn't become a follower of Jesus till I was 21, but if you'd asked me at 13 or I was 21, but if you'd asked me at 13 or I was 21, but if you'd asked me at 13 or 15 or 19 if I was a Christian, I would 15 or 19 if I was a Christian, I would 15 or 19 if I was a Christian, I would have said, "Yes, cuz I live in Texas."

have said, "Yes, cuz I live in Texas." have said, "Yes, cuz I live in Texas." And I believe in the big man upstairs. Do you know you can believe in God Do you know you can believe in God and not be a Christian? and not be a Christian? and not be a Christian? You can believe in God and not have that You can believe in God and not have that You can believe in God and not have that God living inside of you. God living inside of you. God living inside of you. You know what's scary verse in the You know what's scary verse in the You know what's scary verse in the Bible? Bible? Bible? The book of James. It says, "Even the The book of James. It says, "Even the The book of James. It says, "Even the demons believe and tremble." demons believe and tremble." demons believe and tremble." So, it's not believing in God. So, it's not believing in God. So, it's not believing in God. It's does that God live inside of you? It's does that God live inside of you? It's does that God live inside of you? Has there ever been a time in your life Has there ever been a time in your life Has there ever been a time in your life where you realize you were a sinner in where you realize you were a sinner in where you realize you were a sinner in need of a savior and you placed your need of a savior and you placed your need of a savior and you placed your trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and savior of your life? And does that God live of your life? And does that God live of your life? And does that God live inside of you? If the answer is no or I inside of you? If the answer is no or I inside of you? If the answer is no or I don't know, today's the day of salvation don't know, today's the day of salvation don't know, today's the day of salvation for you. for you. for you. And can I also say this? He's not just And can I also say this? He's not just And can I also say this? He's not just the big man upstairs. He's holy God and the big man upstairs. He's holy God and the big man upstairs. He's holy God and deserves our worship and obedience. deserves our worship and obedience. deserves our worship and obedience. Number three, people go, Number three, people go, Number three, people go, "Well, I know I'm a Christian cuz I go "Well, I know I'm a Christian cuz I go "Well, I know I'm a Christian cuz I go to church. to church. to church. I go to church." I go to church." I go to church." You ever talked to somebody before and You ever talked to somebody before and You ever talked to somebody before and you go, "Hey, man, when did you become a you go, "Hey, man, when did you become a you go, "Hey, man, when did you become a Christian?" And they go, "Oh, I've Christian?" And they go, "Oh, I've Christian?" And they go, "Oh, I've always been a Christian. I've been a always been a Christian. I've been a always been a Christian. I've been a Christian my whole life." Typically when Christian my whole life." Typically when Christian my whole life." Typically when they say they've always been a Christian they say they've always been a Christian they say they've always been a Christian or a Christian their whole life, that or a Christian their whole life, that or a Christian their whole life, that typically tells me they've never truly typically tells me they've never truly typically tells me they've never truly understood the gospel. Because understood the gospel. Because understood the gospel. Because Christianity is not something you're Christianity is not something you're Christianity is not something you're born into, something you got to be born into, something you got to be born into, something you got to be reborn into, something you got to be reborn into, something you got to be reborn into, something you got to be saved into. We were not born Christians, saved into. We were not born Christians, saved into. We were not born Christians, we were born sinners in need of a we were born sinners in need of a we were born sinners in need of a savior. But typically what people mean savior. But typically what people mean savior. But typically what people mean by that is ever since they were in their by that is ever since they were in their by that is ever since they were in their mother's womb, they went to a building mother's womb, they went to a building mother's womb, they went to a building that had a steeple on top or a cross on that had a steeple on top or a cross on that had a steeple on top or a cross on the side. Now, listen, this is an

the side. Now, listen, this is an the side. Now, listen, this is an amazing building, but does sitting amazing building, but does sitting amazing building, but does sitting inside of this building on a Sunday make inside of this building on a Sunday make inside of this building on a Sunday make you a Christian? you a Christian? you a Christian? Just like sitting inside of McDonald's Just like sitting inside of McDonald's Just like sitting inside of McDonald's does not make you a Happy Meal. We does not make you a Happy Meal. We does not make you a Happy Meal. We understand that, right? understand that, right? understand that, right? Buildings don't make Christians. Jesus Buildings don't make Christians. Jesus Buildings don't make Christians. Jesus does. does. does. Do you know Jesus? Do you know Jesus? Do you know Jesus? Does the spirit of the living God live Does the spirit of the living God live Does the spirit of the living God live inside of you? inside of you? inside of you? And if the answer is no or I don't know, And if the answer is no or I don't know, And if the answer is no or I don't know, today's the day of salvation for you. today's the day of salvation for you. today's the day of salvation for you. Because you can be a member of the local Because you can be a member of the local Because you can be a member of the local church and not be a member of the family church and not be a member of the family church and not be a member of the family of God. False view of salvation number four is False view of salvation number four is people go, I prayed a prayer. people go, I prayed a prayer. people go, I prayed a prayer. I know I'm a Christian because I prayed I know I'm a Christian because I prayed I know I'm a Christian because I prayed a prayer. a prayer. a prayer. They go, I remember when I was 6 years They go, I remember when I was 6 years They go, I remember when I was 6 years old, old, old, I went to a church event with my I went to a church event with my I went to a church event with my friends. They had fake Oreo cookies and friends. They had fake Oreo cookies and friends. They had fake Oreo cookies and Dr. Thunder. Dr. Thunder. Dr. Thunder. Not even the real stuff, Dr. Thunder and Not even the real stuff, Dr. Thunder and Not even the real stuff, Dr. Thunder and my pri- my friends, they prayed a my pri- my friends, they prayed a my pri- my friends, they prayed a prayer, so I prayed a prayer. Had no prayer, so I prayed a prayer. Had no prayer, so I prayed a prayer. Had no clue what I was doing. clue what I was doing. clue what I was doing. There's no evidence of the work of God There's no evidence of the work of God There's no evidence of the work of God in my life. There's no fruits of the in my life. There's no fruits of the in my life. There's no fruits of the spirit of God in my life, but I know I'm spirit of God in my life, but I know I'm spirit of God in my life, but I know I'm in the Jesus club cuz I prayed a prayer.

in the Jesus club cuz I prayed a prayer. in the Jesus club cuz I prayed a prayer. I got my get out of hell free card. I got my get out of hell free card. I got my get out of hell free card. You will not find that in the Bible. You will not find that in the Bible. You will not find that in the Bible. We confess with our mouth We confess with our mouth We confess with our mouth and plead with the Lord to save us. and plead with the Lord to save us. and plead with the Lord to save us. We'll talk about that in a moment. We'll talk about that in a moment. We'll talk about that in a moment. But you can pray a prayer every single But you can pray a prayer every single But you can pray a prayer every single day of your life and not know Jesus. day of your life and not know Jesus. day of your life and not know Jesus. The question is has there ever been a The question is has there ever been a The question is has there ever been a time in your life where you realize you time in your life where you realize you time in your life where you realize you were a sinner in need of a savior? were a sinner in need of a savior? were a sinner in need of a savior? And you place your trust in Jesus And you place your trust in Jesus And you place your trust in Jesus [music] to do for you what you cannot do [music] to do for you what you cannot do [music] to do for you what you cannot do for yourself. And does the spirit of the for yourself. And does the spirit of the for yourself. And does the spirit of the living God live inside of you? living God live inside of you? living God live inside of you? False view of salvation False view of salvation False view of salvation number six [music] number six [music] number six [music] or number five, people go, well, I was or number five, people go, well, I was or number five, people go, well, I was baptized. I know I'm a Christian cuz I baptized. I know I'm a Christian cuz I baptized. I know I'm a Christian cuz I was baptized. When I was real little, I was baptized. When I was real little, I was baptized. When I was real little, I got baptized, so I know I'm a Christian got baptized, so I know I'm a Christian got baptized, so I know I'm a Christian cuz I got baptized. Baptism is cuz I got baptized. Baptism is cuz I got baptized. Baptism is important. We're going to see people get important. We're going to see people get important. We're going to see people get baptized today. You have an opportunity baptized today. You have an opportunity baptized today. You have an opportunity to get baptized. Maybe you go, man, I to get baptized. Maybe you go, man, I to get baptized. Maybe you go, man, I didn't plan to get baptized. Well, maybe didn't plan to get baptized. Well, maybe didn't plan to get baptized. Well, maybe God's calling you today to repent and be God's calling you today to repent and be God's calling you today to repent and be baptized. baptized. baptized. And maybe you go, And maybe you go, And maybe you go, "Well, Shane, I know I'm a Christian cuz "Well, Shane, I know I'm a Christian cuz "Well, Shane, I know I'm a Christian cuz I got baptized when I was little." And I got baptized when I was little." And I got baptized when I was little." And baptism is amazing, but you need to know baptism is amazing, but you need to know baptism is amazing, but you need to know that water does not wash away your sin. that water does not wash away your sin. that water does not wash away your sin. That's just water.

That's just water. That's just water. That came out of the faucet. That came out of the faucet. That came out of the faucet. That doesn't wash away your sins. Only That doesn't wash away your sins. Only That doesn't wash away your sins. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can do that. the blood of Jesus Christ can do that. the blood of Jesus Christ can do that. And what baptism is is showing what And what baptism is is showing what And what baptism is is showing what Christ has already done inside of you. Christ has already done inside of you. Christ has already done inside of you. The question is, does the spirit of the The question is, does the spirit of the The question is, does the spirit of the living God live inside of you? living God live inside of you? living God live inside of you? If the answer is no or I don't know, If the answer is no or I don't know, If the answer is no or I don't know, today is your day of salvation. today is your day of salvation. today is your day of salvation. Number six, people go, "I know I'm a Number six, people go, "I know I'm a Number six, people go, "I know I'm a Christian cuz I wear Christian Christian cuz I wear Christian Christian cuz I wear Christian clothing." And you go, "Well, that kind clothing." And you go, "Well, that kind clothing." And you go, "Well, that kind of sounds silly." Let me explain. A lot of sounds silly." Let me explain. A lot of sounds silly." Let me explain. A lot of people go, "Well, I know I'm a of people go, "Well, I know I'm a of people go, "Well, I know I'm a Christian cuz I got a closet full of Christian cuz I got a closet full of Christian cuz I got a closet full of Christian t-shirts and Christian Christian t-shirts and Christian Christian t-shirts and Christian hoodies." And what they mean is those hoodies." And what they mean is those hoodies." And what they mean is those kind of represent all the Christian kind of represent all the Christian kind of represent all the Christian events they've been to. events they've been to. events they've been to. So, it's like, "Look, I know I'm a So, it's like, "Look, I know I'm a So, it's like, "Look, I know I'm a Christian cuz I do all these Christian Christian cuz I do all these Christian Christian cuz I do all these Christian events. I do all these Christian events. I do all these Christian events. I do all these Christian things." And I love Christian events. I things." And I love Christian events. I things." And I love Christian events. I love conferences. I speak at conferences love conferences. I speak at conferences love conferences. I speak at conferences every week, but I think especially every week, but I think especially every week, but I think especially today, if we're not careful, what we do today, if we're not careful, what we do today, if we're not careful, what we do is we create a bunch of event Christians is we create a bunch of event Christians is we create a bunch of event Christians instead of disciples of Jesus instead of disciples of Jesus instead of disciples of Jesus and followers of Jesus. So, really, they and followers of Jesus. So, really, they and followers of Jesus. So, really, they point more to their calendar than their point more to their calendar than their point more to their calendar than their soul.

soul. soul. And you can have a Jesus shirt on your And you can have a Jesus shirt on your And you can have a Jesus shirt on your body and not have the spirit of the body and not have the spirit of the body and not have the spirit of the living God in your life. living God in your life. living God in your life. The question is, has there ever been a The question is, has there ever been a The question is, has there ever been a time in your life time in your life time in your life where you realized [music] where you realized [music] where you realized [music] you were a sinner in need of a savior you were a sinner in need of a savior you were a sinner in need of a savior and there is nothing you could do to fix and there is nothing you could do to fix and there is nothing you could do to fix that? that? that? So, you trusted in Jesus. So, you trusted in Jesus. So, you trusted in Jesus. If the answer is no or I don't know, If the answer is no or I don't know, If the answer is no or I don't know, today's the day. today's the day. today's the day. False view of salvation number last. False view of salvation number last. False view of salvation number last. People go, "No, I know I'm a Christian People go, "No, I know I'm a Christian People go, "No, I know I'm a Christian cuz I grew up in a Christian home. My cuz I grew up in a Christian home. My cuz I grew up in a Christian home. My family's Christian." That's super family's Christian." That's super family's Christian." That's super common. common. common. Yeah, so my hey, how do you know you're Yeah, so my hey, how do you know you're Yeah, so my hey, how do you know you're Christian? They go, "I grew up in a Christian? They go, "I grew up in a Christian? They go, "I grew up in a Christian home." Christian home." Christian home." Grew up in a Christian family. If that's Grew up in a Christian family. If that's Grew up in a Christian family. If that's true for you, praise God cuz a lot of true for you, praise God cuz a lot of true for you, praise God cuz a lot of people didn't. I didn't. people didn't. I didn't. people didn't. I didn't. So, a lot of people go, "Man, I know I'm So, a lot of people go, "Man, I know I'm So, a lot of people go, "Man, I know I'm a Christian cuz my mom's a Christian, my a Christian cuz my mom's a Christian, my a Christian cuz my mom's a Christian, my dad's a Christian, my siblings are dad's a Christian, my siblings are dad's a Christian, my siblings are Christians, my aunts and uncles are Christians, my aunts and uncles are Christians, my aunts and uncles are Christians, my cat is a Christian." We Christians, my cat is a Christian." We Christians, my cat is a Christian." We know that's a lie. And you know this, salvation does not And you know this, salvation does not come with a family Groupon. come with a family Groupon. come with a family Groupon. You're not a Christian cuz your mom is a You're not a Christian cuz your mom is a You're not a Christian cuz your mom is a Christian. Christian. Christian. One day you will draw your last breath.

One day you will draw your last breath. One day you will draw your last breath. You'll stand before the king of kings You'll stand before the king of kings You'll stand before the king of kings and his lords of lords. It's not going and his lords of lords. It's not going and his lords of lords. It's not going to be you and your spouse, you and your to be you and your spouse, you and your to be you and your spouse, you and your parents, you and your siblings, you and parents, you and your siblings, you and parents, you and your siblings, you and your friends. It'll be you. Do you know your friends. It'll be you. Do you know your friends. It'll be you. Do you know Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? Do you know Jesus? Do you know Jesus? Do you know Jesus? Has there ever been a time in your life whereby faith you placed your trust in whereby faith you placed your trust in Jesus and does the spirit of the living Jesus and does the spirit of the living Jesus and does the spirit of the living God live inside of you? If the answer is God live inside of you? If the answer is God live inside of you? If the answer is no or I don't know, today's the day of no or I don't know, today's the day of no or I don't know, today's the day of salvation for you. salvation for you. salvation for you. Or maybe you go, "Shane, I know I'm not Or maybe you go, "Shane, I know I'm not Or maybe you go, "Shane, I know I'm not a Christian. a Christian. a Christian. I know I'm not. I'm not holding on to I know I'm not. I'm not holding on to I know I'm not. I'm not holding on to any false view of salvation. In fact, I any false view of salvation. In fact, I any false view of salvation. In fact, I know I'm not a Christian. And the reason know I'm not a Christian. And the reason know I'm not a Christian. And the reason I know I'm not a Christian is I know I know I'm not a Christian is I know I know I'm not a Christian is I know Jesus doesn't want me. Jesus doesn't want me. Jesus doesn't want me. I know Jesus can't forgive me." Maybe I know Jesus can't forgive me." Maybe I know Jesus can't forgive me." Maybe you go, "Shane, I've messed up too you go, "Shane, I've messed up too you go, "Shane, I've messed up too badly. I've made too many mistakes. badly. I've made too many mistakes. badly. I've made too many mistakes. Jesus can't forgive me." Yes, he can. Jesus can't forgive me." Yes, he can. Jesus can't forgive me." Yes, he can. AND NOT ONLY CAN HE FORGIVE YOU, he AND NOT ONLY CAN HE FORGIVE YOU, he AND NOT ONLY CAN HE FORGIVE YOU, he wants to forgive you. wants to forgive you. wants to forgive you. You just have to be willing to accept You just have to be willing to accept You just have to be willing to accept that by faith. that by faith. that by faith. You go, "Well, Shane, Jesus can't change You go, "Well, Shane, Jesus can't change You go, "Well, Shane, Jesus can't change me." Jesus is God and nothing is me." Jesus is God and nothing is me." Jesus is God and nothing is impossible for God. He can change you. impossible for God. He can change you. impossible for God. He can change you. And he wants to change you. You just And he wants to change you. You just And he wants to change you. You just have to be willing to accept that by have to be willing to accept that by have to be willing to accept that by faith.

faith. faith. Maybe you go, "Shane, Maybe you go, "Shane, Maybe you go, "Shane, my sin is big." So is mine, but the my sin is big." So is mine, but the my sin is big." So is mine, but the savior named Jesus is bigger. savior named Jesus is bigger. savior named Jesus is bigger. Maybe you go, "Shane, my sin runs deep." Maybe you go, "Shane, my sin runs deep." Maybe you go, "Shane, my sin runs deep." So does mine, but the grace and love of So does mine, but the grace and love of So does mine, but the grace and love of Jesus runs deeper. Jesus runs deeper. Jesus runs deeper. You may go, "Shane, listen, man, you You may go, "Shane, listen, man, you You may go, "Shane, listen, man, you don't know what I've done." You're don't know what I've done." You're don't know what I've done." You're right, friend, I don't know what you've right, friend, I don't know what you've right, friend, I don't know what you've done. And you don't know what I've done. done. And you don't know what I've done. done. And you don't know what I've done. But I know what Jesus has done But I know what Jesus has done But I know what Jesus has done through his life, death, burial, and through his life, death, burial, and through his life, death, burial, and resurrection. There's nothing you have resurrection. There's nothing you have resurrection. There's nothing you have done that can't be forgiven because of done that can't be forgiven because of done that can't be forgiven because of what Jesus has done. And this is what Jesus has done. And this is what Jesus has done. And this is ultimately what I believe. You're not ultimately what I believe. You're not ultimately what I believe. You're not too lost for Jesus to find. You're not too lost for Jesus to find. You're not too lost for Jesus to find. You're not too dirty for Jesus to cleanse. You're too dirty for Jesus to cleanse. You're too dirty for Jesus to cleanse. You're not too broken for Jesus to fix. You're not too broken for Jesus to fix. You're not too broken for Jesus to fix. You're not too wounded for Jesus to heal. not too wounded for Jesus to heal. not too wounded for Jesus to heal. You're not too far gone for Jesus to You're not too far gone for Jesus to You're not too far gone for Jesus to reach. You're not too guilty for Jesus reach. You're not too guilty for Jesus reach. You're not too guilty for Jesus to forgive. And you're not too sinful to forgive. And you're not too sinful to forgive. And you're not too sinful for Jesus to save. That's what I for Jesus to save. That's what I for Jesus to save. That's what I believe. believe. believe. That's what I believe. That's what I believe. That's what I believe. >> [music] >> So, we just want to give you that >> So, we just want to give you that opportunity right now. We're just going opportunity right now. We're just going opportunity right now. We're just going to ask you if you would just bow your to ask you if you would just bow your to ask you if you would just bow your head, close your eyes in the chapel if head, close your eyes in the chapel if head, close your eyes in the chapel if you would. Just bow your head and close you would. Just bow your head and close you would. Just bow your head and close your eyes. And all I'm going to ask you your eyes. And all I'm going to ask you your eyes. And all I'm going to ask you to do is to trust the word of God. to do is to trust the word of God. to do is to trust the word of God. Paul wrote the book of Colossians that Paul wrote the book of Colossians that Paul wrote the book of Colossians that we've been looking at. He also wrote we've been looking at. He also wrote we've been looking at. He also wrote another book called Romans. In Romans another book called Romans. In Romans another book called Romans. In Romans chapter 10, verse 9, he says, "If you chapter 10, verse 9, he says, "If you chapter 10, verse 9, he says, "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart God raised him and believe in your heart God raised him and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

from the dead, you will be saved." from the dead, you will be saved." So, we're just going to trust that. So, we're just going to trust that. So, we're just going to trust that. So, if you're here today and you go, So, if you're here today and you go, So, if you're here today and you go, "Shane, I've never heard this before, "Shane, I've never heard this before, "Shane, I've never heard this before, but I want to know that Jesus. but I want to know that Jesus. but I want to know that Jesus. And I believe that God's calling me And I believe that God's calling me And I believe that God's calling me today today today by name to be a follower of Jesus." by name to be a follower of Jesus." by name to be a follower of Jesus." Then now's your time. Then now's your time. Then now's your time. Maybe you're here today and you go, Maybe you're here today and you go, Maybe you're here today and you go, "Shane, I've heard this a thousand "Shane, I've heard this a thousand "Shane, I've heard this a thousand times, but today it hit differently. times, but today it hit differently. times, but today it hit differently. And I realized I've been putting my And I realized I've been putting my And I realized I've been putting my faith and my trust faith and my trust faith and my trust in some of those things on that list in some of those things on that list in some of those things on that list and not really in Jesus. And today I and not really in Jesus. And today I and not really in Jesus. And today I realized I don't really truly know Jesus realized I don't really truly know Jesus realized I don't really truly know Jesus and have a real relationship with him and have a real relationship with him and have a real relationship with him today. today. today. But I want to." Well, now's your time. But I want to." Well, now's your time. But I want to." Well, now's your time. Maybe you're here today and you go, Maybe you're here today and you go, Maybe you're here today and you go, "Shane, I don't know. I don't know, but "Shane, I don't know. I don't know, but "Shane, I don't know. I don't know, but one thing I do know is I don't want to one thing I do know is I don't want to one thing I do know is I don't want to leave here today without the assurance leave here today without the assurance leave here today without the assurance of knowing Jesus of knowing Jesus of knowing Jesus and having a relationship with him. and having a relationship with him. and having a relationship with him. Now's your time." Now's your time." Now's your time." All I'm going to ask you to do with All I'm going to ask you to do with All I'm going to ask you to do with heads bowed, eyes closed is to believe heads bowed, eyes closed is to believe heads bowed, eyes closed is to believe [music] [music] [music] in Jesus with your heart. in Jesus with your heart. in Jesus with your heart. Now, listen, there's no magic in praying Now, listen, there's no magic in praying Now, listen, there's no magic in praying a prayer. We already said that.

a prayer. We already said that. a prayer. We already said that. But what we are going to do is confess But what we are going to do is confess But what we are going to do is confess with our mouth cuz the Bible tells us to with our mouth cuz the Bible tells us to with our mouth cuz the Bible tells us to and I can help you. and I can help you. and I can help you. And you can pray with me by faith and And you can pray with me by faith and And you can pray with me by faith and confess with me confess with me confess with me either quietly or loud. Now, listen, either quietly or loud. Now, listen, either quietly or loud. Now, listen, you're not confessing to me. I'm a you're not confessing to me. I'm a you're not confessing to me. I'm a nobody. You're just confessing with me nobody. You're just confessing with me nobody. You're just confessing with me to the risen Lord. to the risen Lord. to the risen Lord. But if that's you today, But if that's you today, But if that's you today, you believe God's calling you by name. you believe God's calling you by name. you believe God's calling you by name. You believe God's saying that's you. You believe God's saying that's you. You believe God's saying that's you. That's you. Then by faith, believing with your Then by faith, believing with your heart, would you confess this with me heart, would you confess this with me heart, would you confess this with me either quietly out loud? Just say this either quietly out loud? Just say this either quietly out loud? Just say this with me. Just say God. Say that with me. with me. Just say God. Say that with me. with me. Just say God. Say that with me. God, God, God, I admit I'm a sinner. I admit I'm a sinner. I admit I'm a sinner. But today, I believe in Jesus. I believe in Jesus. I believe he is Lord. God, would you come live inside of me? God, would you come live inside of me? Forgive me of sin. Forgive me of sin. Forgive me of sin. Change me from the inside out.

Change me from the inside out. Change me from the inside out. I want to know you. Thank you for saving me today. Thank you for saving me today. With heads bowed and eyes closed, With heads bowed and eyes closed, With heads bowed and eyes closed, listen, I believe God's moving in this listen, I believe God's moving in this listen, I believe God's moving in this room. I believe God's moving in the room. I believe God's moving in the room. I believe God's moving in the chapel. chapel. chapel. That'd be true, that means there's a That'd be true, that means there's a That'd be true, that means there's a celebration going on in heaven right now celebration going on in heaven right now celebration going on in heaven right now because of what God's doing here in this because of what God's doing here in this because of what God's doing here in this place and specifically in your life. place and specifically in your life. place and specifically in your life. Just like people celebrate your physical Just like people celebrate your physical Just like people celebrate your physical birthday, birthday, birthday, now today is your spiritual birthday and now today is your spiritual birthday and now today is your spiritual birthday and it deserves celebration, even a greater it deserves celebration, even a greater it deserves celebration, even a greater celebration. celebration. celebration. Also, Jesus died boldly and publicly for Also, Jesus died boldly and publicly for Also, Jesus died boldly and publicly for us and he didn't die boldly and publicly us and he didn't die boldly and publicly us and he didn't die boldly and publicly for us to follow him secretly and for us to follow him secretly and for us to follow him secretly and cowardly. cowardly. cowardly. So, one of the first steps when Jesus So, one of the first steps when Jesus So, one of the first steps when Jesus changes your life changes your life changes your life is to let someone know about it so they is to let someone know about it so they is to let someone know about it so they can help you. And nothing embarrassing, can help you. And nothing embarrassing, can help you. And nothing embarrassing, we're going to celebrate this. we're going to celebrate this. we're going to celebrate this. But be able to help you by what that But be able to help you by what that But be able to help you by what that means. So, I'm going to ask our prayer means. So, I'm going to ask our prayer means. So, I'm going to ask our prayer team if they could come up here and just team if they could come up here and just team if they could come up here and just kind of spread out across the front and kind of spread out across the front and kind of spread out across the front and the chapel prayer team available. Now the chapel prayer team available. Now the chapel prayer team available. Now listen, heads bowed, eyes closed, no one listen, heads bowed, eyes closed, no one listen, heads bowed, eyes closed, no one look around, just real quick, boldly, look around, just real quick, boldly, look around, just real quick, boldly, cuz we want to celebrate this moment, cuz we want to celebrate this moment, cuz we want to celebrate this moment, blow the roof off this place in blow the roof off this place in blow the roof off this place in celebration of life change.

celebration of life change. celebration of life change. So this morning, So this morning, So this morning, if you prayed with me and you confessed if you prayed with me and you confessed if you prayed with me and you confessed with me with heads bowed, eyes closed, with me with heads bowed, eyes closed, with me with heads bowed, eyes closed, and you confessed with me, would you and you confessed with me, would you and you confessed with me, would you just boldly right now put your hand in just boldly right now put your hand in just boldly right now put your hand in the air and say that was me, Shane. Just the air and say that was me, Shane. Just the air and say that was me, Shane. Just put it up high. I see those hands. All put it up high. I see those hands. All put it up high. I see those hands. All these hands over here, many hands over these hands over here, many hands over these hands over here, many hands over here, leave them up, leave them up. In here, leave them up, leave them up. In here, leave them up, leave them up. In this section, many hands over here, this section, many hands over here, this section, many hands over here, leave them up. Over there, many hands, leave them up. Over there, many hands, leave them up. Over there, many hands, leave them up. Up there at top, many leave them up. Up there at top, many leave them up. Up there at top, many hands, many hands, leave them up. In the hands, many hands, leave them up. In the hands, many hands, leave them up. In the chapel, leave them up. Here's what I'm chapel, leave them up. Here's what I'm chapel, leave them up. Here's what I'm going to ask you to do. If you got your going to ask you to do. If you got your going to ask you to do. If you got your hand up real quick, would you just look hand up real quick, would you just look hand up real quick, would you just look up at me, guys, with me? Hey, welcome to up at me, guys, with me? Hey, welcome to up at me, guys, with me? Hey, welcome to the family God. Welcome to the family the family God. Welcome to the family the family God. Welcome to the family God. Welcome to the family God. Welcome God. Welcome to the family God. Welcome God. Welcome to the family God. Welcome to the family God. Welcome to the family to the family God. Welcome to the family to the family God. Welcome to the family God. Up there at top, welcome to the God. Up there at top, welcome to the God. Up there at top, welcome to the family God. Welcome to the family God. family God. Welcome to the family God. family God. Welcome to the family God. Chapel, welcome to the family God. As Chapel, welcome to the family God. As Chapel, welcome to the family God. As you can tell, listen, nothing to be you can tell, listen, nothing to be you can tell, listen, nothing to be embarrassed about. embarrassed about. embarrassed about. People are already cheering for you. People are already cheering for you. People are already cheering for you. So we want to celebrate this. So here's So we want to celebrate this. So here's So we want to celebrate this. So here's what I'm going to ask you to do. Only what I'm going to ask you to do. Only what I'm going to ask you to do. Only those who are looking up at me right those who are looking up at me right those who are looking up at me right now, would you just stand up? Just stand now, would you just stand up? Just stand now, would you just stand up? Just stand up. Just stand up. We're not going to up. Just stand up. We're not going to up. Just stand up. We're not going to embarrass you. Just stand up. Go ahead, embarrass you. Just stand up. Go ahead, embarrass you. Just stand up. Go ahead, stand up. Many of you, go ahead, stand stand up. Many of you, go ahead, stand stand up. Many of you, go ahead, stand up. Stand up. Go ahead, stand up. Over up. Stand up. Go ahead, stand up. Over up. Stand up. Go ahead, stand up. Over here, many of you, just stand up. There here, many of you, just stand up. There here, many of you, just stand up. There was a lot of you. Stand up. Stand up. was a lot of you. Stand up. Stand up. was a lot of you. Stand up. Stand up. Stand up. Now here's what I'm going to Stand up. Now here's what I'm going to Stand up. Now here's what I'm going to ask you to do. DON'T SIT BACK DOWN.

ask you to do. DON'T SIT BACK DOWN. ask you to do. DON'T SIT BACK DOWN. DON'T SIT BACK DOWN. If you're looking DON'T SIT BACK DOWN. If you're looking DON'T SIT BACK DOWN. If you're looking UP AT ME, STANDING UP AT ME RIGHT NOW, UP AT ME, STANDING UP AT ME RIGHT NOW, UP AT ME, STANDING UP AT ME RIGHT NOW, HERE'S WHAT I want you to do. Just tell HERE'S WHAT I want you to do. Just tell HERE'S WHAT I want you to do. Just tell the person next to you, "Excuse me." And the person next to you, "Excuse me." And the person next to you, "Excuse me." And I want you to just come stand by I want you to just come stand by I want you to just come stand by somebody right here. All they're going somebody right here. All they're going somebody right here. All they're going to do is pray with you. They're not to do is pray with you. They're not to do is pray with you. They're not going to embarrass you. Just come on. going to embarrass you. Just come on. going to embarrass you. Just come on. Come on. Come on. Yeah, come on. Come Come on. Come on. Yeah, come on. Come Come on. Come on. Yeah, come on. Come on, brother. Come on. Hey, up top, come on, brother. Come on. Hey, up top, come on, brother. Come on. Hey, up top, come on. YEAH, COME ON DOWN. HEY, LISTEN, as on. YEAH, COME ON DOWN. HEY, LISTEN, as on. YEAH, COME ON DOWN. HEY, LISTEN, as they're coming, WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE THEM they're coming, WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE THEM they're coming, WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE THEM RIGHT NOW? COME ON. COME ON. HEY, if RIGHT NOW? COME ON. COME ON. HEY, if RIGHT NOW? COME ON. COME ON. HEY, if you're in the chapel, you're in the chapel, you're in the chapel, if you're in the chapel, there's prayer if you're in the chapel, there's prayer if you're in the chapel, there's prayer team up front, chapel. I want you to team up front, chapel. I want you to team up front, chapel. I want you to stand up and go forward to the prayer stand up and go forward to the prayer stand up and go forward to the prayer team as well. Now listen, there was many team as well. Now listen, there was many team as well. Now listen, there was many of you. Yes, people are coming. There of you. Yes, people are coming. There of you. Yes, people are coming. There was many of you that raised your hand. was many of you that raised your hand. was many of you that raised your hand. Listen, maybe you're a little nervous. Listen, maybe you're a little nervous. Listen, maybe you're a little nervous. Maybe you go, "Man, I I know what Maybe you go, "Man, I I know what Maybe you go, "Man, I I know what they're going to ask me to do." Nothing. they're going to ask me to do." Nothing. they're going to ask me to do." Nothing. We're just going to talk to you, pray We're just going to talk to you, pray We're just going to talk to you, pray with you, help you in next steps. with you, help you in next steps. with you, help you in next steps. So, if you prayed with me and you So, if you prayed with me and you So, if you prayed with me and you confessed with me and you're a little confessed with me and you're a little confessed with me and you're a little nervous to come by yourself, just lean nervous to come by yourself, just lean nervous to come by yourself, just lean over to a somebody next to you and go, over to a somebody next to you and go, over to a somebody next to you and go, "Hey, I prayed with Shane. Would you go "Hey, I prayed with Shane. Would you go "Hey, I prayed with Shane. Would you go with me?" And friend, you grab them by with me?" And friend, you grab them by with me?" And friend, you grab them by the hand. Or friend, if you saw people the hand. Or friend, if you saw people the hand. Or friend, if you saw people raise their hand next to you, just lean raise their hand next to you, just lean raise their hand next to you, just lean over and go, "Hey, you want me to go over and go, "Hey, you want me to go over and go, "Hey, you want me to go with you?" Y'all stand up together. Come with you?" Y'all stand up together. Come with you?" Y'all stand up together. Come together as a family God, we do things together as a family God, we do things together as a family God, we do things together. Maybe this morning, you may together. Maybe this morning, you may together. Maybe this morning, you may go, "Shane, I am a follower of Jesus, go, "Shane, I am a follower of Jesus, go, "Shane, I am a follower of Jesus, but I've never gotten baptized. And I but I've never gotten baptized. And I but I've never gotten baptized. And I believe what God's calling me to today believe what God's calling me to today believe what God's calling me to today is to be baptized." Listen, we're ready is to be baptized." Listen, we're ready is to be baptized." Listen, we're ready for you. We can do it right now. We have for you. We can do it right now. We have for you. We can do it right now. We have stuff. We have clothes, shirts for it.

stuff. We have clothes, shirts for it. stuff. We have clothes, shirts for it. We can do it right now. Here's what I'm We can do it right now. Here's what I'm We can do it right now. Here's what I'm going to tell you. You're going to have going to tell you. You're going to have going to tell you. You're going to have a hard time following Jesus in obedience a hard time following Jesus in obedience a hard time following Jesus in obedience if you can't get that first step of if you can't get that first step of if you can't get that first step of obedience right, baptism. So, if you obedience right, baptism. So, if you obedience right, baptism. So, if you need to come, just come right now. need to come, just come right now. need to come, just come right now. Invitation, you go, "Man, I need to be Invitation, you go, "Man, I need to be Invitation, you go, "Man, I need to be baptized. I want to talk to somebody." baptized. I want to talk to somebody." baptized. I want to talk to somebody." You come right now. Come on. Come on. In You come right now. Come on. Come on. In You come right now. Come on. Come on. In the chapel, you come. Maybe some of you the chapel, you come. Maybe some of you the chapel, you come. Maybe some of you go, "Man, Shane, I just need prayer. I go, "Man, Shane, I just need prayer. I go, "Man, Shane, I just need prayer. I just need prayer." Or maybe you go, just need prayer." Or maybe you go, just need prayer." Or maybe you go, "Shane, listen, I love Jesus, but "Shane, listen, I love Jesus, but "Shane, listen, I love Jesus, but there's people in my life that don't there's people in my life that don't there's people in my life that don't know Jesus. What if today we just came know Jesus. What if today we just came know Jesus. What if today we just came and got on our faces before Jesus, and got on our faces before Jesus, and got on our faces before Jesus, didn't get up till he tells us to, and didn't get up till he tells us to, and didn't get up till he tells us to, and pray for the lost?" Somebody once said pray for the lost?" Somebody once said pray for the lost?" Somebody once said this, "You should never talk to people this, "You should never talk to people this, "You should never talk to people about God until you talk to God about about God until you talk to God about about God until you talk to God about people." people." people." Prayer starts evangelism movements. Prayer starts evangelism movements. Prayer starts evangelism movements. Prayer starts revivals. So, what if we Prayer starts revivals. So, what if we Prayer starts revivals. So, what if we just get on our hands and face? So, just get on our hands and face? So, just get on our hands and face? So, here's what I'm going to ask you to do. here's what I'm going to ask you to do. here's what I'm going to ask you to do. Right now, can we just stand up in Right now, can we just stand up in Right now, can we just stand up in celebration of what God's doing? celebration of what God's doing? celebration of what God's doing? INVITATION'S OPEN. COME. YOU NEED JESUS, INVITATION'S OPEN. COME. YOU NEED JESUS, INVITATION'S OPEN. COME. YOU NEED JESUS, COME. YOU NEED TO BE SAVED, COME. YOU COME. YOU NEED TO BE SAVED, COME. YOU COME. YOU NEED TO BE SAVED, COME. YOU NEED PRAYER, COME. YOU NEED TO BE NEED PRAYER, COME. YOU NEED TO BE NEED PRAYER, COME. YOU NEED TO BE BAPTIZED, COME. CHAPEL, YOU COME BAPTIZED, COME. CHAPEL, YOU COME BAPTIZED, COME. CHAPEL, YOU COME FORWARD, TOO. COME ON. COME ON. Now's FORWARD, TOO. COME ON. COME ON. Now's FORWARD, TOO. COME ON. COME ON. Now's the time. Come on. Come on. Come on.

the time. Come on. Come on. Come on. the time. Come on. Come on. Come on. >> [music]