LIVING IN THE LIGHT - Patrick Pierre

Praise God. Praise God. Amen. [music] Praise God. Praise God. Amen. [music] Would you give the Lord a hand clap Would you give the Lord a hand clap Would you give the Lord a hand clap offering? Those here in the house, once offering? Those here in the house, once offering? Those here in the house, once again, come on, clap like you mean it. again, come on, clap like you mean it. again, come on, clap like you mean it. Those online, God bless you. Welcome to Those online, God bless you. Welcome to Those online, God bless you. Welcome to our worldwide [music] prayer meeting. our worldwide [music] prayer meeting. our worldwide [music] prayer meeting. You may be seated. Those of you here in You may be seated. Those of you here in You may be seated. Those of you here in the house, what an honor, what a joy to the house, what an honor, what a joy to the house, what an honor, what a joy to be with you this evening, to be among be with you this evening, to be among be with you this evening, to be among God's people here at our Summit campus, God's people here at our Summit campus, God's people here at our Summit campus, Summit International School of Ministry, Summit International School of Ministry, Summit International School of Ministry, and uh to see some familiar faces. Amen. and uh to see some familiar faces. Amen. and uh to see some familiar faces. Amen. in the house here today. God bless you. in the house here today. God bless you. in the house here today. God bless you. And uh again, what a blessing to be with And uh again, what a blessing to be with And uh again, what a blessing to be with those here online. I trust that you those here online. I trust that you those here online. I trust that you already sense the presence of the Lord already sense the presence of the Lord already sense the presence of the Lord tonight. And uh it's my honor to be able tonight. And uh it's my honor to be able tonight. And uh it's my honor to be able to share something with you from the to share something with you from the to share something with you from the word of God. And so I want to begin word of God. And so I want to begin word of God. And so I want to begin right now and I'm setting my timer so I right now and I'm setting my timer so I right now and I'm setting my timer so I don't go over the time uh uh today. But don't go over the time uh uh today. But don't go over the time uh uh today. But I do want to speak to you. I want to I do want to speak to you. I want to I do want to speak to you. I want to share something with you that I have on share something with you that I have on share something with you that I have on my heart. It's entitled Living in the my heart. It's entitled Living in the my heart. It's entitled Living in the Light. living in the light. And we are Light. living in the light. And we are Light. living in the light. And we are uh in 1 John chapter 1 and we'll be uh in 1 John chapter 1 and we'll be uh in 1 John chapter 1 and we'll be there in chapter 1, chapter 2. This is there in chapter 1, chapter 2. This is there in chapter 1, chapter 2. This is John's first epistle here. And I just John's first epistle here. And I just John's first epistle here. And I just want to give you a little bit of context want to give you a little bit of context want to give you a little bit of context real quick uh before we jump into it. Um real quick uh before we jump into it. Um real quick uh before we jump into it. Um the Apostle John, who was once known as the Apostle John, who was once known as the Apostle John, who was once known as a son of thunder, is now known as the a son of thunder, is now known as the a son of thunder, is now known as the apostle of love. Hallelujah.

apostle of love. Hallelujah. apostle of love. Hallelujah. In his earlier gospel account of the In his earlier gospel account of the In his earlier gospel account of the life of Jesus, John writes to bring life of Jesus, John writes to bring life of Jesus, John writes to bring people to faith in Christ. And uh in people to faith in Christ. And uh in people to faith in Christ. And uh in John 20:31, it says, "These things were John 20:31, it says, "These things were John 20:31, it says, "These things were written so that you might believe that written so that you might believe that written so that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and by believing you might have life in his by believing you might have life in his by believing you might have life in his name." But here in this epistle, he's name." But here in this epistle, he's name." But here in this epistle, he's actually addressing believers. He's he's actually addressing believers. He's he's actually addressing believers. He's he's addressing those that are already addressing those that are already addressing those that are already believers and he refers to them as dear believers and he refers to them as dear believers and he refers to them as dear children. Another translation says children. Another translation says children. Another translation says little children. And and it's important little children. And and it's important little children. And and it's important that you and I take notice of of in this that you and I take notice of of in this that you and I take notice of of in this address of his sheer affection. Amen. address of his sheer affection. Amen. address of his sheer affection. Amen. His affection, his special affection. His affection, his special affection. His affection, his special affection. Word. He's he begins to use words if as Word. He's he begins to use words if as Word. He's he begins to use words if as it were that words that could caress you it were that words that could caress you it were that words that could caress you and I. John in his old age has nothing and I. John in his old age has nothing and I. John in his old age has nothing but tenderness in his heart for those but tenderness in his heart for those but tenderness in his heart for those that he considers his little children in that he considers his little children in that he considers his little children in the faith.

the faith. the faith. And he is writing to tell them that they And he is writing to tell them that they And he is writing to tell them that they must not sin. must not sin. must not sin. But he doesn't scold them. And he But he doesn't scold them. And he But he doesn't scold them. And he doesn't have any type of edge in his doesn't have any type of edge in his doesn't have any type of edge in his voice. He seeks to love them into voice. He seeks to love them into voice. He seeks to love them into goodness. He seeks to woo them back uh goodness. He seeks to woo them back uh goodness. He seeks to woo them back uh from the place that they've kind of from the place that they've kind of from the place that they've kind of drifted to. All right? And so uh there's drifted to. All right? And so uh there's drifted to. All right? And so uh there's no edge in his voice. He's in love. He's no edge in his voice. He's in love. He's no edge in his voice. He's in love. He's addressing them. And there's a yearning addressing them. And there's a yearning addressing them. And there's a yearning in his heart as a as a pastor over those in his heart as a as a pastor over those in his heart as a as a pastor over those he loves. And it's believed that by this he loves. And it's believed that by this he loves. And it's believed that by this time uh by the time that this epistle is time uh by the time that this epistle is time uh by the time that this epistle is written uh John was probably the last written uh John was probably the last written uh John was probably the last surviving apostle. Uh as a matter of surviving apostle. Uh as a matter of surviving apostle. Uh as a matter of fact the Christian church had been in fact the Christian church had been in fact the Christian church had been in existence from somewhere between 50 to existence from somewhere between 50 to existence from somewhere between 50 to probably 60 years. So a generation had probably 60 years. So a generation had probably 60 years. So a generation had already grown up in Christian homes if already grown up in Christian homes if already grown up in Christian homes if you will. And so this letter was written you will. And so this letter was written you will. And so this letter was written somewhere around AD 85 AD90 from somewhere around AD 85 AD90 from somewhere around AD 85 AD90 from Ephesus. and John before he's actually Ephesus. and John before he's actually Ephesus. and John before he's actually exiled to the island of Patmas and uh exiled to the island of Patmas and uh exiled to the island of Patmas and uh somewhere around AD.70 somewhere around AD.70 somewhere around AD.70 uh 15 20 years before Jerusalem had been uh 15 20 years before Jerusalem had been uh 15 20 years before Jerusalem had been uh destroyed and the Christians were now uh destroyed and the Christians were now uh destroyed and the Christians were now scattered throughout the whole empire.

scattered throughout the whole empire. scattered throughout the whole empire. Okay. Okay. Okay. Some of the doctrinal truths that the Some of the doctrinal truths that the Some of the doctrinal truths that the early church had learned were now though early church had learned were now though early church had learned were now though being distorted being distorted being distorted and an alarming number of believers had and an alarming number of believers had and an alarming number of believers had begun to drift away from the true begun to drift away from the true begun to drift away from the true Christian faith Christian faith Christian faith and began to embrace a form of what was and began to embrace a form of what was and began to embrace a form of what was callednosticism or dositism. callednosticism or dositism. callednosticism or dositism. And these false teachings actually And these false teachings actually And these false teachings actually rejected the incarnation of Christ. In rejected the incarnation of Christ. In rejected the incarnation of Christ. In other words, the fact that God had other words, the fact that God had other words, the fact that God had become a man. They also rejected the become a man. They also rejected the become a man. They also rejected the fact that he had physically died and fact that he had physically died and fact that he had physically died and that he had been resurrected from the that he had been resurrected from the that he had been resurrected from the dead. And this type of false teaching dead. And this type of false teaching dead. And this type of false teaching usually led to a life of immorality. usually led to a life of immorality. usually led to a life of immorality. And so immorality had begun to creep And so immorality had begun to creep And so immorality had begun to creep into the church. These false teachings into the church. These false teachings into the church. These false teachings also alleged that we have uh no sinful also alleged that we have uh no sinful also alleged that we have uh no sinful nature or that having attained such a nature or that having attained such a nature or that having attained such a high intellectual understanding high intellectual understanding high intellectual understanding that believers were now above sin that believers were now above sin that believers were now above sin that we couldn't sin that they were that we couldn't sin that they were that we couldn't sin that they were actually above sin. So many were actually above sin. So many were actually above sin. So many were unstable in their faith and living in unstable in their faith and living in unstable in their faith and living in compromise by this particular time.

compromise by this particular time. compromise by this particular time. Second Timothy, you can stay there in 1 Second Timothy, you can stay there in 1 Second Timothy, you can stay there in 1 John, but 2 Timothy chapter 3:1-5 says John, but 2 Timothy chapter 3:1-5 says John, but 2 Timothy chapter 3:1-5 says this. You should know this, Timothy, this. You should know this, Timothy, this. You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very that in the last days there will be very that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love difficult times. For people will love difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They only themselves and their money. They only themselves and their money. They will be boastful, proud, scoffing at will be boastful, proud, scoffing at will be boastful, proud, scoffing at God, disobedience to parents, and God, disobedience to parents, and God, disobedience to parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing ungrateful. They will consider nothing ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred, and they will be unloving and sacred, and they will be unloving and sacred, and they will be unloving and unforgiving. They will slander others unforgiving. They will slander others unforgiving. They will slander others and have no self-control. They will be and have no self-control. They will be and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will cruel and hate what is good. They will cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, betray their friends, be reckless, betray their friends, be reckless, puffed up with pride, love pleasure puffed up with pride, love pleasure puffed up with pride, love pleasure rather than God, and they will act rather than God, and they will act rather than God, and they will act religious, but they will reject the religious, but they will reject the religious, but they will reject the power that could actually make them power that could actually make them power that could actually make them godly. And he says, stay away from godly. And he says, stay away from godly. And he says, stay away from people like that. And as it was in the people like that. And as it was in the people like that. And as it was in the days when this epistle was written, many days when this epistle was written, many days when this epistle was written, many today who claim to be believers are today who claim to be believers are today who claim to be believers are living in blatant sin and open living in blatant sin and open living in blatant sin and open compromise. And how do I know this? compromise. And how do I know this? compromise. And how do I know this? Well, as a counselor, I see all kinds of Well, as a counselor, I see all kinds of Well, as a counselor, I see all kinds of stuff, folks. And I come across all stuff, folks. And I come across all stuff, folks. And I come across all kinds of things, folks. We see people kinds of things, folks. We see people kinds of things, folks. We see people having sexual encounters uh uh or having sexual encounters uh uh or having sexual encounters uh uh or relations uh outside of marriage. Some relations uh outside of marriage. Some relations uh outside of marriage. Some of us are harboring unforgiveness of us are harboring unforgiveness of us are harboring unforgiveness towards others, lying on our income towards others, lying on our income towards others, lying on our income taxes, taking things that are not ours, taxes, taking things that are not ours, taxes, taking things that are not ours, slandering others by posting things or slandering others by posting things or slandering others by posting things or reposting things that we have no proof reposting things that we have no proof reposting things that we have no proof of.

There's no respect for established There's no respect for established authority. authority. authority. Folks are hateful, selfish, rude, Folks are hateful, selfish, rude, Folks are hateful, selfish, rude, unkind, unfaithful, uncaring, watching unkind, unfaithful, uncaring, watching unkind, unfaithful, uncaring, watching or listening to things that we or listening to things that we or listening to things that we shouldn't. And the list just goes on and shouldn't. And the list just goes on and shouldn't. And the list just goes on and on and on. on and on. on and on. But to bring clarity and stability But to bring clarity and stability But to bring clarity and stability back into the church and to dispel all back into the church and to dispel all back into the church and to dispel all the confusion that was present, the the confusion that was present, the the confusion that was present, the Apostle John under the inspiration of Apostle John under the inspiration of Apostle John under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit begins to restore the the Holy Spirit begins to restore the the Holy Spirit begins to restore the original meanings of the doctrinal original meanings of the doctrinal original meanings of the doctrinal truths that were first established. He truths that were first established. He truths that were first established. He begins to revisit these truths in this begins to revisit these truths in this begins to revisit these truths in this particular epistle. John wrote this particular epistle. John wrote this particular epistle. John wrote this letter to clear the air of all these letter to clear the air of all these letter to clear the air of all these false claims and to bring the believers false claims and to bring the believers false claims and to bring the believers back to the basics of Christianity and back to the basics of Christianity and back to the basics of Christianity and to strengthen them. Hallelujah. In their to strengthen them. Hallelujah. In their to strengthen them. Hallelujah. In their faith so that they would finish well. faith so that they would finish well. faith so that they would finish well. Are you with me tonight? Are you with me tonight? Are you with me tonight? >> Is that your desire? >> Is that your desire? >> Is that your desire? >> To finish well. Can I see your hand >> To finish well. Can I see your hand >> To finish well. Can I see your hand tonight? Amen. And I don't see your hand tonight? Amen. And I don't see your hand tonight? Amen. And I don't see your hand online, but the Holy Spirit sees your online, but the Holy Spirit sees your online, but the Holy Spirit sees your hand. Amen. So, what does John begin to hand. Amen. So, what does John begin to hand. Amen. So, what does John begin to do? Well, John's testimony begins to do? Well, John's testimony begins to do? Well, John's testimony begins to bring uh begins to bring back into bring uh begins to bring back into bring uh begins to bring back into sight, if you will, or into view the sight, if you will, or into view the sight, if you will, or into view the divinity and the humanity of Christ.

divinity and the humanity of Christ. divinity and the humanity of Christ. That's the first thing he begins to do. That's the first thing he begins to do. That's the first thing he begins to do. The Holy Spirit begins to confront these The Holy Spirit begins to confront these The Holy Spirit begins to confront these teachings, these false teachings heads teachings, these false teachings heads teachings, these false teachings heads head on. Heads on. And in uh 1 John head on. Heads on. And in uh 1 John head on. Heads on. And in uh 1 John chapter 1 verse one and two, this is chapter 1 verse one and two, this is chapter 1 verse one and two, this is what it says. It says, 'We proclaim to what it says. It says, 'We proclaim to what it says. It says, 'We proclaim to you the one who existed from the you the one who existed from the you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. beginning, whom we have heard and seen. beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched We saw him with our own eyes and touched We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the word him with our own hands. He is the word him with our own hands. He is the word of life. This one uh this one who is of life. This one uh this one who is of life. This one uh this one who is life itself was revealed to us and we life itself was revealed to us and we life itself was revealed to us and we have seen him and now we testify and have seen him and now we testify and have seen him and now we testify and proclaim uh to you that he is the one proclaim uh to you that he is the one proclaim uh to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the who is eternal life. He was with the who is eternal life. He was with the father and then he was revealed to us. father and then he was revealed to us. father and then he was revealed to us. >> In the gospel of John, he puts it this >> In the gospel of John, he puts it this >> In the gospel of John, he puts it this way. The gospel of John chapter 1 verse way. The gospel of John chapter 1 verse way. The gospel of John chapter 1 verse one, you don't need to turn there. Uh one, you don't need to turn there. Uh one, you don't need to turn there. Uh verse 1 and 2 and verse1 14 he says in verse 1 and 2 and verse1 14 he says in verse 1 and 2 and verse1 14 he says in the beginning very familiar passage was the beginning very familiar passage was the beginning very familiar passage was the word and the word was with God and the word and the word was with God and the word and the word was with God and the word was God. He was in the the word was God. He was in the the word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And then in verse 14 beginning with God. And then in verse 14 beginning with God. And then in verse 14 he says this, the word became flesh and he says this, the word became flesh and he says this, the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen made his dwelling among us. We have seen made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only his glory, the glory of the one and only his glory, the glory of the one and only son who came from the father full of son who came from the father full of son who came from the father full of grace and truth.

grace and truth. grace and truth. When John says, "We proclaim to you." When John says, "We proclaim to you." When John says, "We proclaim to you." Who is who is the we he's talking about Who is who is the we he's talking about Who is who is the we he's talking about or referring to here? He's talking about or referring to here? He's talking about or referring to here? He's talking about the apostles. He says those who first the apostles. He says those who first the apostles. He says those who first walked in close fellowship with the son walked in close fellowship with the son walked in close fellowship with the son of God. John representing those apostles of God. John representing those apostles of God. John representing those apostles is now showing US TOO HOW WE can walk in is now showing US TOO HOW WE can walk in is now showing US TOO HOW WE can walk in close fellowship with God. He begins to close fellowship with God. He begins to close fellowship with God. He begins to revisit that truth. And so he says this. revisit that truth. And so he says this. revisit that truth. And so he says this. He says, "We proclaim to you the one who He says, "We proclaim to you the one who He says, "We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning." He's not existed from the beginning." He's not existed from the beginning." He's not He's saying this is not hearsay. He's He's saying this is not hearsay. He's He's saying this is not hearsay. He's saying, "Look, folks, we walked with saying, "Look, folks, we walked with saying, "Look, folks, we walked with him. I walked with HIM AND SO CAN YOU. I him. I walked with HIM AND SO CAN YOU. I him. I walked with HIM AND SO CAN YOU. I walked with him and so can you." He walked with him and so can you." He walked with him and so can you." He says, 'We proclaim to you the one who says, 'We proclaim to you the one who says, 'We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, existed from the beginning, existed from the beginning, uh, whom we have heard and seen. He uh, whom we have heard and seen. He uh, whom we have heard and seen. He says, the one who existed from the says, the one who existed from the says, the one who existed from the beginning, meaning the one, uh, from, beginning, meaning the one, uh, from, beginning, meaning the one, uh, from, uh, from when time began eternally. uh, from when time began eternally. uh, from when time began eternally. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> Jesus put it this way in John 8:58. He >> Jesus put it this way in John 8:58. He >> Jesus put it this way in John 8:58. He said, "I tell you the truth, before said, "I tell you the truth, before said, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was, I am."

Abraham was, I am." Abraham was, I am." >> Folks, from everlasting to everlasting, >> Folks, from everlasting to everlasting, >> Folks, from everlasting to everlasting, he is God. Hallelujah. He is the eternal he is God. Hallelujah. He is the eternal he is God. Hallelujah. He is the eternal one. >> He goes on to say, "We saw him with our >> He goes on to say, "We saw him with our eyes and we touched him with our own eyes and we touched him with our own eyes and we touched him with our own hands. He is the word of life." hands. He is the word of life." hands. He is the word of life." Hallelujah. He is the word. Word meaning Hallelujah. He is the word. Word meaning Hallelujah. He is the word. Word meaning logos. This noun refers to an idea that logos. This noun refers to an idea that logos. This noun refers to an idea that finds concrete expression. An idea that finds concrete expression. An idea that finds concrete expression. An idea that is now expressed concretely before us. is now expressed concretely before us. is now expressed concretely before us. It's also a title of Jesus, the logos. It's also a title of Jesus, the logos. It's also a title of Jesus, the logos. Amen. As the culmination of God's Amen. As the culmination of God's Amen. As the culmination of God's revelation to humanity, Jesus is the revelation to humanity, Jesus is the revelation to humanity, Jesus is the culmination of God revealing himself to culmination of God revealing himself to culmination of God revealing himself to humanity, to you and I. Hallelujah. humanity, to you and I. Hallelujah. humanity, to you and I. Hallelujah. In him, the scripture says, that is in In him, the scripture says, that is in In him, the scripture says, that is in Jesus is the fullness of the godhead Jesus is the fullness of the godhead Jesus is the fullness of the godhead bodily. Colossians 1:15 says this, bodily. Colossians 1:15 says this, bodily. Colossians 1:15 says this, Christ is the visible image of the Christ is the visible image of the Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.

invisible God. invisible God. Folks, when you get Jesus, YOU GET GOD Folks, when you get Jesus, YOU GET GOD Folks, when you get Jesus, YOU GET GOD THE FATHER, GOD the Son, and God the THE FATHER, GOD the Son, and God the THE FATHER, GOD the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Hallelujah. Holy Ghost. Hallelujah. Holy Ghost. Hallelujah. >> Praise God. You get the Trinity. You get >> Praise God. You get the Trinity. You get >> Praise God. You get the Trinity. You get it all. You get the full package. Amen. it all. You get the full package. Amen. it all. You get the full package. Amen. And also, when you get Jesus, you also And also, when you get Jesus, you also And also, when you get Jesus, you also get life itself, eternal life, a get life itself, eternal life, a get life itself, eternal life, a supernatural life, a heavenly life, this supernatural life, a heavenly life, this supernatural life, a heavenly life, this celestial life that God has promised to celestial life that God has promised to celestial life that God has promised to those that come to Christ. In 1 John those that come to Christ. In 1 John those that come to Christ. In 1 John chapter 5, the same epistle, but in chapter 5, the same epistle, but in chapter 5, the same epistle, but in chapter 5 verse 12 and 13, it says this, chapter 5 verse 12 and 13, it says this, chapter 5 verse 12 and 13, it says this, "Whoever has a son has life. Whoever "Whoever has a son has life. Whoever "Whoever has a son has life. Whoever does not have God's son does not have does not have God's son does not have does not have God's son does not have life. I have written this to you who life. I have written this to you who life. I have written this to you who believe in the name of the son of God so believe in the name of the son of God so believe in the name of the son of God so that you may know you have eternal that you may know you have eternal that you may know you have eternal life." Hallelujah. life." Hallelujah. life." Hallelujah. What was the purpose of John's What was the purpose of John's What was the purpose of John's testimony? What was the purpose of his testimony? What was the purpose of his testimony? What was the purpose of his testimony? to show us that fellowship testimony? to show us that fellowship testimony? to show us that fellowship with God is possible.

with God is possible. with God is possible. He says in the same chapter, chapter 1 He says in the same chapter, chapter 1 He says in the same chapter, chapter 1 verse three and four, we proclaim to you verse three and four, we proclaim to you verse three and four, we proclaim to you that we ourselves have who we ourselves that we ourselves have who we ourselves that we ourselves have who we ourselves have actually seen what we have actually have actually seen what we have actually have actually seen what we have actually seen and heard so that you may have seen and heard so that you may have seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us and our fellowship is fellowship with us and our fellowship is fellowship with us and our fellowship is with the father and the son Jesus with the father and the son Jesus with the father and the son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so Christ. We are writing these things so Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. You that you may fully share our joy. You that you may fully share our joy. You know this word fellowship in the Greek know this word fellowship in the Greek know this word fellowship in the Greek is kineia. Very familiar word which is kineia. Very familiar word which is kineia. Very familiar word which literally means having in common. Say literally means having in common. Say literally means having in common. Say that to your neighbor. Having in common. that to your neighbor. Having in common. that to your neighbor. Having in common. Having in common. That's what it Having in common. That's what it Having in common. That's what it actually means. And it involves sharing actually means. And it involves sharing actually means. And it involves sharing and participation. Christians have and participation. Christians have and participation. Christians have fellowship with one another because we fellowship with one another because we fellowship with one another because we have things in common. What are the have things in common. What are the have things in common. What are the things we have in common? Well, uh, things we have in common? Well, uh, things we have in common? Well, uh, according to the scriptures, we have a according to the scriptures, we have a according to the scriptures, we have a common faith. Titus 1:4, we have a common faith. Titus 1:4, we have a common faith. Titus 1:4, we have a common grace. Philippians 1:7, we have a common grace. Philippians 1:7, we have a common grace. Philippians 1:7, we have a common indwelling of the Holy Spirit. common indwelling of the Holy Spirit. common indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 and 11. And a common enemy, 1 Romans 8:9 and 11. And a common enemy, 1 Romans 8:9 and 11. And a common enemy, 1 Peter chapter 58, uh, verse 8, folks, Peter chapter 58, uh, verse 8, folks, Peter chapter 58, uh, verse 8, folks, that's why we have fellowship because we that's why we have fellowship because we that's why we have fellowship because we have things in common in this faith that have things in common in this faith that have things in common in this faith that we now share. Praise the Lord. The joy we now share. Praise the Lord. The joy we now share. Praise the Lord. The joy that the apostle experienced came from that the apostle experienced came from that the apostle experienced came from their fellowship with God the father and their fellowship with God the father and their fellowship with God the father and with his son. And when we enter into with his son. And when we enter into with his son. And when we enter into that same fellowship, we get to that same fellowship, we get to that same fellowship, we get to experience that joy as well. Amen. Now, experience that joy as well. Amen. Now, experience that joy as well. Amen. Now, what is the test of fellowship? What is

what is the test of fellowship? What is what is the test of fellowship? What is the test of fellowship? Or what is the the test of fellowship? Or what is the the test of fellowship? Or what is the test of having things in common? If test of having things in common? If test of having things in common? If that's the definition of fellowship, that's the definition of fellowship, that's the definition of fellowship, John points out this. First of all, he John points out this. First of all, he John points out this. First of all, he says God is light. says God is light. says God is light. 1 John chapter 5 uh chapter 1 verse 5 1 John chapter 5 uh chapter 1 verse 5 1 John chapter 5 uh chapter 1 verse 5 says this. This is the message we heard says this. This is the message we heard says this. This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you that from Jesus and now declare to you that from Jesus and now declare to you that God is light and there is no darkness in God is light and there is no darkness in God is light and there is no darkness in him at all. God is light. In John's him at all. God is light. In John's him at all. God is light. In John's writings, light represents God's writings, light represents God's writings, light represents God's holiness, purity, and revelation. holiness, purity, and revelation. holiness, purity, and revelation. God is light means that God is pure and God is light means that God is pure and God is light means that God is pure and he's holy. he's holy. he's holy. And no one can have fellowship with him And no one can have fellowship with him And no one can have fellowship with him if they're not willing to walk in that if they're not willing to walk in that if they're not willing to walk in that light, in that same kind of purity and light, in that same kind of purity and light, in that same kind of purity and holiness. Those who walk in the light holiness. Those who walk in the light holiness. Those who walk in the light are cleansed, he says, from all are cleansed, he says, from all are cleansed, he says, from all unrighteousness by the blood of Jesus. unrighteousness by the blood of Jesus. unrighteousness by the blood of Jesus. Aren't you glad? Aren't you glad? Aren't you glad? >> Amen. The blood OF JESUS STILL WASHES.

>> Amen. The blood OF JESUS STILL WASHES. >> Amen. The blood OF JESUS STILL WASHES. THE BLOOD OF JESUS STILL CLEANSES. THE BLOOD OF JESUS STILL CLEANSES. THE BLOOD OF JESUS STILL CLEANSES. HALLELUJAH. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW DEEP HALLELUJAH. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW DEEP HALLELUJAH. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW DEEP this the stain of sin, this the stain of sin, this the stain of sin, >> HIS BLOOD STILL SETS US FREE. >> HIS BLOOD STILL SETS US FREE. >> HIS BLOOD STILL SETS US FREE. >> And he whom the son sets free is free >> And he whom the son sets free is free >> And he whom the son sets free is free indeed. indeed. indeed. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> And so he speaks to them about the >> And so he speaks to them about the >> And so he speaks to them about the importance of living in the light. And importance of living in the light. And importance of living in the light. And what does he do? Well, repeatedly John what does he do? Well, repeatedly John what does he do? Well, repeatedly John uses the phrase if we claim. And we'll uses the phrase if we claim. And we'll uses the phrase if we claim. And we'll see that later on in the chapter. He see that later on in the chapter. He see that later on in the chapter. He says, "If we claim," and he says it in says, "If we claim," and he says it in says, "If we claim," and he says it in in uh 1 John 1 chap verse 6, verse 8, in uh 1 John 1 chap verse 6, verse 8, in uh 1 John 1 chap verse 6, verse 8, verse 10, and then later on in chapter verse 10, and then later on in chapter verse 10, and then later on in chapter 2, verse 9. And then he shows us, he 2, verse 9. And then he shows us, he 2, verse 9. And then he shows us, he shows the actions that must follow such shows the actions that must follow such shows the actions that must follow such a claim, a claim, a claim, proving that we live in the light and proving that we live in the light and proving that we live in the light and that we actually know God, that we're that we actually know God, that we're that we actually know God, that we're actually living in the light. Now, you actually living in the light. Now, you actually living in the light. Now, you got to you got to recognize again, this got to you got to recognize again, this got to you got to recognize again, this is John. He's an old man now. The last is John. He's an old man now. The last is John. He's an old man now. The last surviving apostle. And in love, he's surviving apostle. And in love, he's surviving apostle. And in love, he's saying, "You're over here, but I'm saying, "You're over here, but I'm saying, "You're over here, but I'm calling you back. [laughter] calling you back. [laughter] calling you back. [laughter] Recalibrating." Right? How many of you Recalibrating." Right? How many of you Recalibrating." Right? How many of you have a GPS, right? And you're driving have a GPS, right? And you're driving have a GPS, right? And you're driving and all a sudden it says, and all a sudden it says, and all a sudden it says, "Recalibrating. You've gotten off track.

"Recalibrating. You've gotten off track. "Recalibrating. You've gotten off track. LET ME GET YOU BACK ON TRACK." SO, IN LET ME GET YOU BACK ON TRACK." SO, IN LET ME GET YOU BACK ON TRACK." SO, IN LOVE, he's appealing to the disciples to LOVE, he's appealing to the disciples to LOVE, he's appealing to the disciples to the uh to um to the people of God with the uh to um to the people of God with the uh to um to the people of God with love. love. love. In verse six, he says, "If we claim that In verse six, he says, "If we claim that In verse six, he says, "If we claim that we have fellowship with him, yet walk in we have fellowship with him, yet walk in we have fellowship with him, yet walk in darkness," he says, "we lie and do not darkness," he says, "we lie and do not darkness," he says, "we lie and do not live out the truth." live out the truth." live out the truth." These gnostic believers claimed to have These gnostic believers claimed to have These gnostic believers claimed to have fellowship with God, fellowship with God, fellowship with God, uh, but did not express his character, uh, but did not express his character, uh, but did not express his character, which is light. They claimed that they which is light. They claimed that they which is light. They claimed that they could have fellowship with God, yet could have fellowship with God, yet could have fellowship with God, yet continue to live in spiritual darkness continue to live in spiritual darkness continue to live in spiritual darkness and in sin. and in sin. and in sin. They were totally on a different path They were totally on a different path They were totally on a different path and on a totally different trajectory and on a totally different trajectory and on a totally different trajectory and uh and and so they weren't in and uh and and so they weren't in and uh and and so they weren't in agreement with God in the way they agreement with God in the way they agreement with God in the way they lived. lived. lived. Jude 14 says this. Jude 1:4 uh says Jude 14 says this. Jude 1:4 uh says Jude 14 says this. Jude 1:4 uh says this. It says, "I say this because some this. It says, "I say this because some this. It says, "I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way." ungodly people have wormed their way." ungodly people have wormed their way." He says into your churches saying that He says into your churches saying that He says into your churches saying that God's marvelous grace allows us to live God's marvelous grace allows us to live God's marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. He's saying the immoral lives. He's saying the immoral lives. He's saying the condemnation of such people was recorded condemnation of such people was recorded condemnation of such people was recorded long ago for they have denied the only long ago for they have denied the only long ago for they have denied the only master and lord our only master and lord master and lord our only master and lord master and lord our only master and lord Jesus Christ. God says be holy for I am Jesus Christ. God says be holy for I am Jesus Christ. God says be holy for I am holy. In other words, we are called to holy. In other words, we are called to holy. In other words, we are called to live a life that is different, that is live a life that is different, that is live a life that is different, that is separated from the world, that is not separated from the world, that is not separated from the world, that is not corrupted by this present age.

corrupted by this present age. corrupted by this present age. In chapter 1:8, he says it this way. He In chapter 1:8, he says it this way. He In chapter 1:8, he says it this way. He says, "If we claim we have no sin, we says, "If we claim we have no sin, we says, "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not are only fooling ourselves and not are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth." Spurgeon said it living in the truth." Spurgeon said it living in the truth." Spurgeon said it this way. He said, "The natural tendency this way. He said, "The natural tendency this way. He said, "The natural tendency of our heart is to try to appear to be of our heart is to try to appear to be of our heart is to try to appear to be what we are not. what we are not. what we are not. We all more or less struggle against We all more or less struggle against We all more or less struggle against this tendency. this tendency. this tendency. He says the Lord cannot stand with us on He says the Lord cannot stand with us on He says the Lord cannot stand with us on a platform of seeming a platform of seeming a platform of seeming or appearance, but only on the ground of or appearance, but only on the ground of or appearance, but only on the ground of what we really are. In other words, what we really are. In other words, what we really are. In other words, we're not called to sinless perfection, we're not called to sinless perfection, we're not called to sinless perfection, but we are called to walk in truth and but we are called to walk in truth and but we are called to walk in truth and to be honest with God. Amen. So that to be honest with God. Amen. So that to be honest with God. Amen. So that when we are struggling, we admit it. when we are struggling, we admit it. when we are struggling, we admit it. We're honest so God can come in and help We're honest so God can come in and help We're honest so God can come in and help us. Are you with me tonight? us. Are you with me tonight? us. Are you with me tonight? >> So that he can come to our rescue. >> So that he can come to our rescue. >> So that he can come to our rescue. >> Amen. Hallelujah. Aren't you glad? Not >> Amen. Hallelujah. Aren't you glad? Not >> Amen. Hallelujah. Aren't you glad? Not sinless perfection, but honest sinless perfection, but honest sinless perfection, but honest believers. Honest believers where we're believers. Honest believers where we're believers. Honest believers where we're not denying. We're not living in we're not denying. We're not living in we're not denying. We're not living in we're not burying our head in the sand and not burying our head in the sand and not burying our head in the sand and saying, "No, this doesn't exist." No.

saying, "No, this doesn't exist." No. saying, "No, this doesn't exist." No. No. We're saying, "Lord, this exists. No. We're saying, "Lord, this exists. No. We're saying, "Lord, this exists. It's here." And oh, God, help me. It's here." And oh, God, help me. It's here." And oh, God, help me. >> Amen. uh same chapter chapter 1 verse 10 he uh same chapter chapter 1 verse 10 he says if we claim we have not sinned says if we claim we have not sinned says if we claim we have not sinned these are those who claim they've never these are those who claim they've never these are those who claim they've never sinned he says we are calling God a liar sinned he says we are calling God a liar sinned he says we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place and showing that his word has no place and showing that his word has no place in our hearts anyone who claims to not in our hearts anyone who claims to not in our hearts anyone who claims to not have sinned is ultimately calling God a have sinned is ultimately calling God a have sinned is ultimately calling God a liar why BECAUSE GOD SAYS WE'VE ALL liar why BECAUSE GOD SAYS WE'VE ALL liar why BECAUSE GOD SAYS WE'VE ALL SINNED and fallen short of the glory of SINNED and fallen short of the glory of SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God so we all need Christ we all need God so we all need Christ we all need God so we all need Christ we all need the Messiah we all need redemption we the Messiah we all need redemption we the Messiah we all need redemption we all need continual uh uh God continue all need continual uh uh God continue all need continual uh uh God continue working in our lives. There's an old working in our lives. There's an old working in our lives. There's an old song we used to sing that said Jesus on song we used to sing that said Jesus on song we used to sing that said Jesus on the inside working on the outside. Oh, the inside working on the outside. Oh, the inside working on the outside. Oh, what a change in my life. Hallelujah. what a change in my life. Hallelujah. what a change in my life. Hallelujah. Sin is disobeying God. Right. And in Sin is disobeying God. Right. And in Sin is disobeying God. Right. And in this passage, you know, it's this passage, you know, it's this passage, you know, it's interesting. Uh I was reading in the New interesting. Uh I was reading in the New interesting. Uh I was reading in the New Daily Study Bible notes and it was Daily Study Bible notes and it was Daily Study Bible notes and it was interesting what it began to bring out.

interesting what it began to bring out. interesting what it began to bring out. It says John describes and condemns two It says John describes and condemns two It says John describes and condemns two further mistaken thoughts or ways of further mistaken thoughts or ways of further mistaken thoughts or ways of thoughts. Uh there are some people who thoughts. Uh there are some people who thoughts. Uh there are some people who say that they have no sin. Uh uh and say that they have no sin. Uh uh and say that they have no sin. Uh uh and that can mean two things. It one it that can mean two things. It one it that can mean two things. It one it describes people who say they're not describes people who say they're not describes people who say they're not responsible for their sin. responsible for their sin. responsible for their sin. Uh we may blame our sins on our Uh we may blame our sins on our Uh we may blame our sins on our upbringing, upbringing, upbringing, on our genes, on our genes, on our genes, on our environment, on our environment, on our environment, on our temperament. on our temperament. on our temperament. on our physical condition. We may claim on our physical condition. We may claim on our physical condition. We may claim that someone else misled us that someone else misled us that someone else misled us and uh or that we were led astray. and uh or that we were led astray. and uh or that we were led astray. And folks, this fallen nature nature has And folks, this fallen nature nature has And folks, this fallen nature nature has the uh human nature has the tendency to the uh human nature has the tendency to the uh human nature has the tendency to seek to shift the blame, right? Adam and seek to shift the blame, right? Adam and seek to shift the blame, right? Adam and Eve, [laughter] you just go back to THE Eve, [laughter] you just go back to THE Eve, [laughter] you just go back to THE BEGINNING. OH, THE WOMEN YOU GAVE ME, BEGINNING. OH, THE WOMEN YOU GAVE ME, BEGINNING. OH, THE WOMEN YOU GAVE ME, RIGHT? AND THE WOMAN'S LIKE, "THE DEVIL RIGHT? AND THE WOMAN'S LIKE, "THE DEVIL RIGHT? AND THE WOMAN'S LIKE, "THE DEVIL DID IT. HE HE HE DECEIVED." [laughter] DID IT. HE HE HE DECEIVED." [laughter] DID IT. HE HE HE DECEIVED." [laughter] RIGHT? It's in all of us, folks. We all RIGHT? It's in all of us, folks. We all RIGHT? It's in all of us, folks. We all inherited that capability.

inherited that capability. inherited that capability. Or it may describe people who claim that Or it may describe people who claim that Or it may describe people who claim that uh uh they can sin, but they won't come uh uh they can sin, but they won't come uh uh they can sin, but they won't come to harm. to harm. to harm. Or some people Or some people Or some people uh in fact claim that they've never uh in fact claim that they've never uh in fact claim that they've never sinned and they have this attitude and sinned and they have this attitude and sinned and they have this attitude and you might it's more common than you you you might it's more common than you you you might it's more common than you you might think uh might think uh might think uh that they they feel like they've never that they they feel like they've never that they they feel like they've never sinned, they've never done anything sinned, they've never done anything sinned, they've never done anything wrong, and they resent others who point wrong, and they resent others who point wrong, and they resent others who point that out. Have you ever run into that out. Have you ever run into that out. Have you ever run into somebody like that who resents uh uh uh somebody like that who resents uh uh uh somebody like that who resents uh uh uh the fact that you pointed out? But the fact that you pointed out? But the fact that you pointed out? But folks, we've all sinned and fallen short folks, we've all sinned and fallen short folks, we've all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Amen. And that's of the glory of God. Amen. And that's of the glory of God. Amen. And that's why we needed a savior. why we needed a savior. why we needed a savior. >> And God in his love sent Jesus. Amen. >> And God in his love sent Jesus. Amen. >> And God in his love sent Jesus. Amen. Now this old apostle depicts the Now this old apostle depicts the Now this old apostle depicts the Christian he he depicts the Christian uh Christian he he depicts the Christian uh Christian he he depicts the Christian uh life as one in which we walk with God in life as one in which we walk with God in life as one in which we walk with God in intimate fellowship but also that we intimate fellowship but also that we intimate fellowship but also that we walk with one another walk with one another walk with one another in intimate fellowship in fellowship. in intimate fellowship in fellowship. in intimate fellowship in fellowship. And so in the same chapter in verse 7 he And so in the same chapter in verse 7 he And so in the same chapter in verse 7 he says if we are living in the light as says if we are living in the light as says if we are living in the light as God is in the light then we have God is in the light then we have God is in the light then we have fellowship with each other and the blood fellowship with each other and the blood fellowship with each other and the blood of Jesus his son cleanses us from all of Jesus his son cleanses us from all of Jesus his son cleanses us from all sin. If anyone claims I am living in the sin. If anyone claims I am living in the sin. If anyone claims I am living in the light, this is 1 John chapter 2 verse 9 light, this is 1 John chapter 2 verse 9 light, this is 1 John chapter 2 verse 9 through 111. He says, "If anyone claims through 111. He says, "If anyone claims through 111. He says, "If anyone claims I'm living in the light, but hates a I'm living in the light, but hates a I'm living in the light, but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person Christian brother or sister, that person Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness."

is still living in darkness." is still living in darkness." He says, "Anyone who loves another He says, "Anyone who loves another He says, "Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light brother or sister is living in the light brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. and does not cause others to stumble. and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates another brother or But anyone who hates another brother or But anyone who hates another brother or sister is still living and walking in sister is still living and walking in sister is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person doesn't know the darkness. Such a person doesn't know the darkness. Such a person doesn't know the way to go, having been blinded by way to go, having been blinded by way to go, having been blinded by darkness." Folks, as Christians, we love darkness." Folks, as Christians, we love darkness." Folks, as Christians, we love one another. Amen. Amen. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Amen. As Christians, we love one >> Amen. As Christians, we love one >> Amen. As Christians, we love one another. another. another. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> It doesn't mean that we never run into >> It doesn't mean that we never run into >> It doesn't mean that we never run into conflicts or have fights, but like conflicts or have fights, but like conflicts or have fights, but like family, we eventually forgive each other family, we eventually forgive each other family, we eventually forgive each other and move forward. and move forward. and move forward. >> Christians get together with each other. >> Christians get together with each other. >> Christians get together with each other. Amen. to fellowship and so that we can Amen. to fellowship and so that we can Amen. to fellowship and so that we can grow together. That's why we're called grow together. That's why we're called grow together. That's why we're called the body of Christ, the family of God, the body of Christ, the family of God, the body of Christ, the family of God, his children. Amen. Uh they don't just his children. Amen. Uh they don't just his children. Amen. Uh they don't just look out for themselves. Christians look out for themselves. Christians look out for themselves. Christians don't just look out for themselves, but don't just look out for themselves, but don't just look out for themselves, but for one other one another like Jesus.

for one other one another like Jesus. for one other one another like Jesus. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> He said, "A new commandment I give you >> He said, "A new commandment I give you >> He said, "A new commandment I give you that you love one another as I have that you love one another as I have that you love one another as I have loved you." Amen. loved you." Amen. loved you." Amen. Now, quickly in closing, Now, quickly in closing, Now, quickly in closing, why is it important to confess our sin, why is it important to confess our sin, why is it important to confess our sin, to come clean with God, to be real with to come clean with God, to be real with to come clean with God, to be real with God? Well, note this interesting fact. God? Well, note this interesting fact. God? Well, note this interesting fact. Listen to this. Listen to this. Listen to this. What's interesting is that research has What's interesting is that research has What's interesting is that research has shown research shows that the moment we shown research shows that the moment we shown research shows that the moment we confess or acknowledge something that's confess or acknowledge something that's confess or acknowledge something that's going on, a shift takes place in the going on, a shift takes place in the going on, a shift takes place in the brain. brain. brain. It goes the brain goes into what's It goes the brain goes into what's It goes the brain goes into what's called solve mode. called solve mode. called solve mode. In other words, our brain begins to deal In other words, our brain begins to deal In other words, our brain begins to deal with whatever the situation is. with whatever the situation is. with whatever the situation is. It begins to figure out, okay, there's a It begins to figure out, okay, there's a It begins to figure out, okay, there's a problem, there's an issue. Now, it's problem, there's an issue. Now, it's problem, there's an issue. Now, it's time to find a solution. Well, most time to find a solution. Well, most time to find a solution. Well, most brains should do that. [laughter] brains should do that. [laughter] brains should do that. [laughter] Some of us, like me, are a little bit Some of us, like me, are a little bit Some of us, like me, are a little bit slower.

slower. slower. Amen. Amen. Amen. Now according to the scripture Now according to the scripture Now according to the scripture confession is the path to forgiveness confession is the path to forgiveness confession is the path to forgiveness and cleansing. In closing 1 John 1:9 and cleansing. In closing 1 John 1:9 and cleansing. In closing 1 John 1:9 very famous verse if we confess our sins very famous verse if we confess our sins very famous verse if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our he is faithful and just to forgive our he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to what? sins and to what? sins and to what? >> To cleanse us from all unrighteousness. >> To cleanse us from all unrighteousness. >> To cleanse us from all unrighteousness. What does the word cleanse mean? It What does the word cleanse mean? It What does the word cleanse mean? It means uh I'm sorry the word confess. means uh I'm sorry the word confess. means uh I'm sorry the word confess. What does the word confess means? It What does the word confess means? It What does the word confess means? It means to freely admit. to freely admit. means to freely admit. to freely admit. means to freely admit. to freely admit. The Bible says, "How can two walk The Bible says, "How can two walk The Bible says, "How can two walk together unless they agree?" They must together unless they agree?" They must together unless they agree?" They must be willing to agree. We must be willing be willing to agree. We must be willing be willing to agree. We must be willing to agree with God and what he calls sin. to agree with God and what he calls sin. to agree with God and what he calls sin. His He He desires truth in the inward His He He desires truth in the inward His He He desires truth in the inward parts. And the Bible says, "A a broken parts. And the Bible says, "A a broken parts. And the Bible says, "A a broken spirit and a contrite heart he will not spirit and a contrite heart he will not spirit and a contrite heart he will not despise." Amen. Jesus put it this way in despise." Amen. Jesus put it this way in despise." Amen. Jesus put it this way in Matthew 5:4. He said, "Blessed are those Matthew 5:4. He said, "Blessed are those Matthew 5:4. He said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

who mourn, for they shall be comforted." who mourn, for they shall be comforted." What is he talking about? He's talking What is he talking about? He's talking What is he talking about? He's talking about those who acknowledge their sin, about those who acknowledge their sin, about those who acknowledge their sin, are willing to admit their need of God, are willing to admit their need of God, are willing to admit their need of God, and say, "Lord, I need your help. Would and say, "Lord, I need your help. Would and say, "Lord, I need your help. Would you cleanse me? Would you wash me?" So, you cleanse me? Would you wash me?" So, you cleanse me? Would you wash me?" So, confession is the path to forgiveness. confession is the path to forgiveness. confession is the path to forgiveness. It's the path to cleansing. It's the path to cleansing. It's the path to cleansing. Are you with me tonight? Are you with me tonight? Are you with me tonight? >> Forgiveness and And it's guaranteed. >> Forgiveness and And it's guaranteed. >> Forgiveness and And it's guaranteed. It's guaranteed because God is faithful. It's guaranteed because God is faithful. It's guaranteed because God is faithful. >> Therefore, he will keep his promises. We >> Therefore, he will keep his promises. We >> Therefore, he will keep his promises. We serve a God who is faithful and just. serve a God who is faithful and just. serve a God who is faithful and just. >> Christ's death for our sins fulfills the >> Christ's death for our sins fulfills the >> Christ's death for our sins fulfills the justice of God and acquits us of our justice of God and acquits us of our justice of God and acquits us of our guilt. Are you with me tonight? guilt. Are you with me tonight? guilt. Are you with me tonight? And so in closing this evening, And so in closing this evening, And so in closing this evening, you know, when I think of Julie's you know, when I think of Julie's you know, when I think of Julie's testimony tonight, and thank you, Julie, testimony tonight, and thank you, Julie, testimony tonight, and thank you, Julie, for being honest and open and for being honest and open and for being honest and open and transparent, what a powerful powerful transparent, what a powerful powerful transparent, what a powerful powerful testimony when she began to talk about testimony when she began to talk about testimony when she began to talk about the need to forgive her dad, the need to forgive her dad, the need to forgive her dad, you know, and she began to pray and how you know, and she began to pray and how you know, and she began to pray and how the Lord came to her rescue and helped the Lord came to her rescue and helped the Lord came to her rescue and helped her. He lifted her to a higher place, her. He lifted her to a higher place, her. He lifted her to a higher place, right? Lead me to the rock that's higher right? Lead me to the rock that's higher right? Lead me to the rock that's higher than I. He lifted her to a place where than I. He lifted her to a place where than I. He lifted her to a place where she couldn't go in her own strength, to she couldn't go in her own strength, to she couldn't go in her own strength, to become someone she could never be, to do become someone she could never be, to do become someone she could never be, to do something she could never do through the something she could never do through the something she could never do through the power of the Holy Spirit simply because power of the Holy Spirit simply because power of the Holy Spirit simply because she was honest with God. And my question she was honest with God. And my question she was honest with God. And my question to you tonight, my brother and sister, to you tonight, my brother and sister, to you tonight, my brother and sister, is where what is that area in your life is where what is that area in your life is where what is that area in your life where you need a breakthrough?

where you need a breakthrough? where you need a breakthrough? Maybe even online, there's an area in Maybe even online, there's an area in Maybe even online, there's an area in your life where you need a breakthrough, your life where you need a breakthrough, your life where you need a breakthrough, where you need to be honest with God and where you need to be honest with God and where you need to be honest with God and say, "Lord, I'm struggling in this era. say, "Lord, I'm struggling in this era. say, "Lord, I'm struggling in this era. This is an area that I've not yet This is an area that I've not yet This is an area that I've not yet surrendered to you. And all the Lord is surrendered to you. And all the Lord is surrendered to you. And all the Lord is saying is, "Would you surrender? Would saying is, "Would you surrender? Would saying is, "Would you surrender? Would you trust me with that tonight? I've got you trust me with that tonight? I've got you trust me with that tonight? I've got you. I'm going to handle your business you. I'm going to handle your business you. I'm going to handle your business for you." for you." for you." Amen. You know, tonight I think of two You know, tonight I think of two individuals in the scriptures that were individuals in the scriptures that were individuals in the scriptures that were honest with God. honest with God. honest with God. one, his name was Jabz, and he prayed. one, his name was Jabz, and he prayed. one, his name was Jabz, and he prayed. His name stood for pain, sorrow, but he His name stood for pain, sorrow, but he His name stood for pain, sorrow, but he prayed and said, "God, would you change prayed and said, "God, would you change prayed and said, "God, would you change the trajectory in my life?" And the Lord the trajectory in my life?" And the Lord the trajectory in my life?" And the Lord did. Another man was Jacob. did. Another man was Jacob. did. Another man was Jacob. He wrestled with God in prayer and he He wrestled with God in prayer and he He wrestled with God in prayer and he began to confess who he was. The Lord began to confess who he was. The Lord began to confess who he was. The Lord said, "What's your name?" He said, "I'm said, "What's your name?" He said, "I'm said, "What's your name?" He said, "I'm Jacob. I'm a suppler. I'm a deceiver."

Jacob. I'm a suppler. I'm a deceiver." Jacob. I'm a suppler. I'm a deceiver." And the Lord said, "You know what? And the Lord said, "You know what? And the Lord said, "You know what? That's not going to be your name That's not going to be your name That's not going to be your name anymore. That's not going to be your anymore. That's not going to be your anymore. That's not going to be your identity. That's not what you're going identity. That's not what you're going identity. That's not what you're going to be known for. for you are prince. You to be known for. for you are prince. You to be known for. for you are prince. You have prevailed with God. Hallelujah. In have prevailed with God. Hallelujah. In have prevailed with God. Hallelujah. In prayer [laughter] prayer [laughter] prayer [laughter] and your name's going to be Israel from and your name's going to be Israel from and your name's going to be Israel from now on. Amen. Praise God. Tonight in now on. Amen. Praise God. Tonight in now on. Amen. Praise God. Tonight in closing, we're going to come to the closing, we're going to come to the closing, we're going to come to the Lord's table. And even as we come to the Lord's table. And even as we come to the Lord's table. And even as we come to the Lord's table, we're going to sing a song Lord's table, we're going to sing a song Lord's table, we're going to sing a song in a moment. I want us to take a moment in a moment. I want us to take a moment in a moment. I want us to take a moment of reflection. Uh, and for those of you of reflection. Uh, and for those of you of reflection. Uh, and for those of you who are joining us online, I want to who are joining us online, I want to who are joining us online, I want to invite you to go to your cupboard, get invite you to go to your cupboard, get invite you to go to your cupboard, get some bread or get some crackers or get some bread or get some crackers or get some bread or get some crackers or get some juice and prepare to come to the some juice and prepare to come to the some juice and prepare to come to the Lord's table as we celebrate communion Lord's table as we celebrate communion Lord's table as we celebrate communion together and what Christ has done for us together and what Christ has done for us together and what Christ has done for us and provided for us. Amen. Tonight, and and provided for us. Amen. Tonight, and and provided for us. Amen. Tonight, and as we do that, I want us to take a as we do that, I want us to take a as we do that, I want us to take a moment of reflection and to pray and to moment of reflection and to pray and to moment of reflection and to pray and to talk to the Lord about that one area talk to the Lord about that one area talk to the Lord about that one area that we may need a breakthrough in. that we may need a breakthrough in. that we may need a breakthrough in. Amen. Would you do that right now even Amen. Would you do that right now even Amen. Would you do that right now even as we sing in Jesus name?