STOP FIGHTING FOR WHAT IS ALREADY YOURS - Josiah DeRoos

Amen. You know, we can on this side of Amen. You know, we can on this side of eternity, we can praise God and thank eternity, we can praise God and thank eternity, we can praise God and thank him and think about his goodness, think him and think about his goodness, think him and think about his goodness, think about his salvation, think of his about his salvation, think of his about his salvation, think of his healing, think of the answered prayers, healing, think of the answered prayers, healing, think of the answered prayers, his faithfulness over the years, and his faithfulness over the years, and his faithfulness over the years, and we're still going to get to heaven one we're still going to get to heaven one we're still going to get to heaven one day and say, "I [music] I knew nothing day and say, "I [music] I knew nothing day and say, "I [music] I knew nothing about the goodness of God. I knew about the goodness of God. I knew about the goodness of God. I knew nothing about the mercy of God. I knew nothing about the mercy of God. I knew nothing about the mercy of God. I knew nothing about the love of God. And we're nothing about the love of God. And we're nothing about the love of God. And we're going to need an eternity to figure it going to need an eternity to figure it going to need an eternity to figure it out. out. out. And so if you're here, if you're online And so if you're here, if you're online And so if you're here, if you're online and your life circumstances are such and your life circumstances are such and your life circumstances are such that you really struggle to believe that that you really struggle to believe that that you really struggle to believe that right now, trust in faith because one right now, trust in faith because one right now, trust in faith because one day you're going to get to that finish day you're going to get to that finish day you're going to get to that finish line and you're going to say, "God, I line and you're going to say, "God, I line and you're going to say, "God, I had no idea had no idea had no idea how good you were." And so, heavenly how good you were." And so, heavenly how good you were." And so, heavenly father, God, even though we can say you father, God, even though we can say you father, God, even though we can say you are good now, we only still know in are good now, we only still know in are good now, we only still know in part, part, part, God, we only still see a fraction, God. God, we only still see a fraction, God. God, we only still see a fraction, God. But the fraction that we do see, we say But the fraction that we do see, we say But the fraction that we do see, we say you're good and you're loving and you're you're good and you're loving and you're you're good and you're loving and you're faithful.

faithful. faithful. And so, we thank you for that. And so, we thank you for that. And so, we thank you for that. God, let us believe the areas that we God, let us believe the areas that we God, let us believe the areas that we can't see yet. can't see yet. can't see yet. God, thank you for the cross. Thank you God, thank you for the cross. Thank you God, thank you for the cross. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for everything that for Jesus. Thank you for everything that for Jesus. Thank you for everything that you do in our lives, God. And we just you do in our lives, God. And we just you do in our lives, God. And we just declare you good tonight in Jesus name. declare you good tonight in Jesus name. declare you good tonight in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. And you can be seated. The war of 1812 The war of 1812 was a deadly war that was fought was a deadly war that was fought was a deadly war that was fought primarily between the United States and primarily between the United States and primarily between the United States and Great Britain over the period of almost Great Britain over the period of almost Great Britain over the period of almost three years. And during this time three years. And during this time three years. And during this time period, thousands of soldiers died. But period, thousands of soldiers died. But period, thousands of soldiers died. But there was something that was specific there was something that was specific there was something that was specific and tragic about one of the last major and tragic about one of the last major and tragic about one of the last major battles that took place. It's known as battles that took place. It's known as battles that took place. It's known as the Battle of New Orleans. And it took the Battle of New Orleans. And it took the Battle of New Orleans. And it took place on January 8, 1815, in which place on January 8, 1815, in which place on January 8, 1815, in which hundreds were killed and over 2,000 hundreds were killed and over 2,000 hundreds were killed and over 2,000 wounded in in one of the last major wounded in in one of the last major wounded in in one of the last major battles. But here's what made this battles. But here's what made this battles. But here's what made this particular battle so tragic is that two particular battle so tragic is that two particular battle so tragic is that two week weeks prior to this battle, 5,000 week weeks prior to this battle, 5,000 week weeks prior to this battle, 5,000 miles away in Belgium, the United States miles away in Belgium, the United States miles away in Belgium, the United States and Great Britain signed a peace treaty and Great Britain signed a peace treaty and Great Britain signed a peace treaty agreeing to end the war.

agreeing to end the war. agreeing to end the war. The problem was that the fastest modes The problem was that the fastest modes The problem was that the fastest modes of communication was through uh through of communication was through uh through of communication was through uh through horseback. It was through ship. And so horseback. It was through ship. And so horseback. It was through ship. And so it took weeks for this news to reach the it took weeks for this news to reach the it took weeks for this news to reach the men that were at the front lines that men that were at the front lines that men that were at the front lines that were fighting. And so here's what that were fighting. And so here's what that were fighting. And so here's what that meant. Here's what made this specific meant. Here's what made this specific meant. Here's what made this specific battle so tragic is that hundreds of men battle so tragic is that hundreds of men battle so tragic is that hundreds of men died fighting a battle that needn't died fighting a battle that needn't died fighting a battle that needn't exist. exist. exist. Hundreds of men died fighting a battle Hundreds of men died fighting a battle Hundreds of men died fighting a battle that needn't exist. Peace had been that needn't exist. Peace had been that needn't exist. Peace had been negotiated. And I wonder And I wonder how many Christians are living the same how many Christians are living the same how many Christians are living the same way spiritually. way spiritually. way spiritually. Ephesians 1 tells us all about the Ephesians 1 tells us all about the Ephesians 1 tells us all about the spiritual blessings of sunship that that spiritual blessings of sunship that that spiritual blessings of sunship that that are ours in Christ when we are born are ours in Christ when we are born are ours in Christ when we are born again. again. again. Christ made peace with God on our Christ made peace with God on our Christ made peace with God on our behalf. And yet our enemy, the deceiver, behalf. And yet our enemy, the deceiver, behalf. And yet our enemy, the deceiver, will try and convince Christians that will try and convince Christians that will try and convince Christians that they need to fight for the blessings of they need to fight for the blessings of they need to fight for the blessings of spiritual sunship. This is something spiritual sunship. This is something spiritual sunship. This is something that we have to try to attain. And when that we have to try to attain. And when that we have to try to attain. And when I say fight, I mean the sense of trying I say fight, I mean the sense of trying I say fight, I mean the sense of trying to earn them or trying to attain them in to earn them or trying to attain them in to earn them or trying to attain them in our own power, which we know is our own power, which we know is our own power, which we know is impossible.

impossible. impossible. And it keeps Christians bound in fear, And it keeps Christians bound in fear, And it keeps Christians bound in fear, hopelessness, condemnation, hopelessness, condemnation, hopelessness, condemnation, legalism, and powerlessness. as we try legalism, and powerlessness. as we try legalism, and powerlessness. as we try and win something that's already been and win something that's already been and win something that's already been won for us on Calvary. won for us on Calvary. won for us on Calvary. >> The title of my sermon is stop fighting >> The title of my sermon is stop fighting >> The title of my sermon is stop fighting for what is already yours. for what is already yours. for what is already yours. Stop fighting for what's already yours. Stop fighting for what's already yours. Stop fighting for what's already yours. So, what are some of these blessings of So, what are some of these blessings of So, what are some of these blessings of sunship that are already ours in Christ? sunship that are already ours in Christ? sunship that are already ours in Christ? I want to give you four specific ones. I want to give you four specific ones. I want to give you four specific ones. And and there's so much that we have. And and there's so much that we have. And and there's so much that we have. It's not limited to these, but four It's not limited to these, but four It's not limited to these, but four specific ones as we read through specific ones as we read through specific ones as we read through Ephesians chapter 1. But first, let's Ephesians chapter 1. But first, let's Ephesians chapter 1. But first, let's define spiritual sunship. define spiritual sunship. define spiritual sunship. Ephesians 1 3-6 says this. Ephesians 1 3-6 says this. Ephesians 1 3-6 says this. says, "Blessed be the God and Father of says, "Blessed be the God and Father of says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual us in Christ with every spiritual us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as blessing in the heavenly places, even as blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation he chose us in him before the foundation he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and of the world, that we should be holy and of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him." In love he blameless before him." In love he blameless before him." In love he predestined us for adoption to himself predestined us for adoption to himself predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ according as sons through Jesus Christ according as sons through Jesus Christ according to the purpose of his will to the praise to the purpose of his will to the praise to the purpose of his will to the praise of his glorious grace with which he has of his glorious grace with which he has of his glorious grace with which he has blessed us in the beloved. So you could blessed us in the beloved. So you could blessed us in the beloved. So you could say that spiritual sunship, it is a say that spiritual sunship, it is a say that spiritual sunship, it is a position and an inheritance that we get position and an inheritance that we get position and an inheritance that we get to enjoy in Christ and it's initiated by

to enjoy in Christ and it's initiated by to enjoy in Christ and it's initiated by God and given to us by grace through God and given to us by grace through God and given to us by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and his death and faith in Jesus Christ and his death and faith in Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection. That's what spiritual resurrection. That's what spiritual resurrection. That's what spiritual sunship is. And because we are children sunship is. And because we are children sunship is. And because we are children of God, we have an inheritance. In the of God, we have an inheritance. In the of God, we have an inheritance. In the same way that one day I hope to leave an same way that one day I hope to leave an same way that one day I hope to leave an inheritance to my children. We have an inheritance to my children. We have an inheritance to my children. We have an inheritance because we are children of inheritance because we are children of inheritance because we are children of God. God. God. But as was said, the enemy wants to take But as was said, the enemy wants to take But as was said, the enemy wants to take your blessings and turn them into your blessings and turn them into your blessings and turn them into battles. He'll try and convince you that battles. He'll try and convince you that battles. He'll try and convince you that the things that has been freely given the things that has been freely given the things that has been freely given you through Christ actually need to be you through Christ actually need to be you through Christ actually need to be fought for or earned in some kind of fought for or earned in some kind of fought for or earned in some kind of way. way. way. Now, I'll tell you what. We already Now, I'll tell you what. We already Now, I'll tell you what. We already fight immense spiritual battles, fight immense spiritual battles, fight immense spiritual battles, spiritual warfare. The last thing we spiritual warfare. The last thing we spiritual warfare. The last thing we need is to consume our energy fighting a need is to consume our energy fighting a need is to consume our energy fighting a battle that Christ has already won. battle that Christ has already won. battle that Christ has already won. But if the enemy can convince you that But if the enemy can convince you that But if the enemy can convince you that these blessings need to be fought for, these blessings need to be fought for, these blessings need to be fought for, he takes away your ability to live in he takes away your ability to live in he takes away your ability to live in the freedom that they produce in your the freedom that they produce in your the freedom that they produce in your life. One pastor said it like this that life. One pastor said it like this that life. One pastor said it like this that a lie believed as truth will affect your a lie believed as truth will affect your a lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true.

life as if it were true. life as if it were true. And so what are these blessings? Let me And so what are these blessings? Let me And so what are these blessings? Let me highlight four of these blessings that highlight four of these blessings that highlight four of these blessings that are ours in Christ. are ours in Christ. are ours in Christ. Blessing number one is this forgiveness. Blessing number one is this forgiveness. Blessing number one is this forgiveness. The forgiveness that we have in Christ. The forgiveness that we have in Christ. The forgiveness that we have in Christ. Ephesians 1 7-10 Ephesians 1 7-10 Ephesians 1 7-10 says in him we have redemption through says in him we have redemption through says in him we have redemption through his blood. the forgiveness of our his blood. the forgiveness of our his blood. the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of trespasses, according to the riches of trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us in his grace, which he lavished upon us in his grace, which he lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight, making known to all wisdom and insight, making known to all wisdom and insight, making known to us the mystery of his will, according to us the mystery of his will, according to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in his purpose, which he set forth in his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of Christ as a plan for the fullness of Christ as a plan for the fullness of time to unite all things in him, things time to unite all things in him, things time to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. in heaven and things on earth. in heaven and things on earth. We have the blessing of forgiveness. We have the blessing of forgiveness. We have the blessing of forgiveness. Forgiveness means Christians, we've Forgiveness means Christians, we've Forgiveness means Christians, we've we've been freed from the penalty of we've been freed from the penalty of we've been freed from the penalty of sin. sin. sin. We But not only that, but we've also We But not only that, but we've also We But not only that, but we've also been freed from the condemning shame of been freed from the condemning shame of been freed from the condemning shame of sin. sin. sin. I don't have to look back at what I did I don't have to look back at what I did I don't have to look back at what I did yesterday or or 20 years ago and and yesterday or or 20 years ago and and yesterday or or 20 years ago and and live under a um a burden of live under a um a burden of live under a um a burden of condemnation.

condemnation. condemnation. Doesn't matter what you've had in your Doesn't matter what you've had in your Doesn't matter what you've had in your past. Doesn't matter that thing that you past. Doesn't matter that thing that you past. Doesn't matter that thing that you have a hard time forgiving yourself for. have a hard time forgiving yourself for. have a hard time forgiving yourself for. You might say, "But you don't know what You might say, "But you don't know what You might say, "But you don't know what I said. You don't know what I did." You I said. You don't know what I did." You I said. You don't know what I did." You might say, "I fell into addiction. There might say, "I fell into addiction. There might say, "I fell into addiction. There was substance abuse. There was alcohol was substance abuse. There was alcohol was substance abuse. There was alcohol abuse. I've done things that I greatly abuse. I've done things that I greatly abuse. I've done things that I greatly regret." But he says, "You've been forgiven. Your But he says, "You've been forgiven. Your trespasses have been forgiven. You don't trespasses have been forgiven. You don't trespasses have been forgiven. You don't have to fight for or earn freedom from have to fight for or earn freedom from have to fight for or earn freedom from your sin or from the the shame and the your sin or from the the shame and the your sin or from the the shame and the guilt that comes with it. You don't have guilt that comes with it. You don't have guilt that comes with it. You don't have to fight for forgiveness. It's already to fight for forgiveness. It's already to fight for forgiveness. It's already been granted to you in Christ Jesus. been granted to you in Christ Jesus. been granted to you in Christ Jesus. Now, it might be a fight sometimes to Now, it might be a fight sometimes to Now, it might be a fight sometimes to believe in faith what God has said about believe in faith what God has said about believe in faith what God has said about us. You know, the battle of the mind and us. You know, the battle of the mind and us. You know, the battle of the mind and fighting to believe, especially when our fighting to believe, especially when our fighting to believe, especially when our emotions don't line up with what our emotions don't line up with what our emotions don't line up with what our faith is. faith is. faith is. But through the blood of Christ, we have But through the blood of Christ, we have But through the blood of Christ, we have already been cleansed and forgiven.

already been cleansed and forgiven. already been cleansed and forgiven. Which means that if you are a Christian, Which means that if you are a Christian, Which means that if you are a Christian, you've been freed from the slavery of you've been freed from the slavery of you've been freed from the slavery of the eternal consequence of your sin. Our the eternal consequence of your sin. Our the eternal consequence of your sin. Our our destinies have been changed. We have our destinies have been changed. We have our destinies have been changed. We have a hope. We have a future. We are freed a hope. We have a future. We are freed a hope. We have a future. We are freed from the condemnation and the the guilt from the condemnation and the the guilt from the condemnation and the the guilt of sin and the shame of sin. of sin and the shame of sin. of sin and the shame of sin. Now, Now, Now, we may still have to live with some of we may still have to live with some of we may still have to live with some of the natural consequences of our sin, but the natural consequences of our sin, but the natural consequences of our sin, but consequences does not equate to consequences does not equate to consequences does not equate to condemnation. Sometimes we get them condemnation. Sometimes we get them condemnation. Sometimes we get them confused. I'm I'm living with the con confused. I'm I'm living with the con confused. I'm I'm living with the con consequences, so God must still have me consequences, so God must still have me consequences, so God must still have me under condemnation. No, we can have under condemnation. No, we can have under condemnation. No, we can have consequences, but that doesn't mean consequences, but that doesn't mean consequences, but that doesn't mean condemnation. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we condemnation. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we condemnation. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and confess our sins, he is faithful and confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to just to forgive us our sins and to just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." cleanse us from all unrighteousness." cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ condemnation for those who are in Christ condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Jesus." Jesus." So stop battling for forgiveness when So stop battling for forgiveness when So stop battling for forgiveness when God has freed you to live in the God has freed you to live in the God has freed you to live in the blessing of it. blessing of it. blessing of it. That's blessing number one, forgiveness. That's blessing number one, forgiveness. That's blessing number one, forgiveness. Number two, acceptance. Ephesians 1:11-14, Ephesians 1:11-14, it says, "In him we have obtained an it says, "In him we have obtained an it says, "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined inheritance, having been predestined inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who according to the purpose of him who according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the works all things according to the works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were counsel of his will, so that we who were counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the first to hope in Christ might be to the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also the praise of his glory. In him you also the praise of his glory. In him you also when you heard the word of truth, the when you heard the word of truth, the when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation and believed in gospel of your salvation and believed in gospel of your salvation and believed in him were sealed with the promised Holy him were sealed with the promised Holy him were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit who is the guarantee of our Spirit who is the guarantee of our Spirit who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession inheritance until we acquire possession inheritance until we acquire possession of it to the praise of his glory. He of it to the praise of his glory. He of it to the praise of his glory. He says that we have been sealed with the says that we have been sealed with the says that we have been sealed with the promised Holy Spirit who is the promised Holy Spirit who is the promised Holy Spirit who is the guarantee of our inheritance. guarantee of our inheritance. guarantee of our inheritance. the fact that that we have been sealed the fact that that we have been sealed the fact that that we have been sealed as evidence you belong to him. You you as evidence you belong to him. You you as evidence you belong to him. You you have been accepted in Christ not because have been accepted in Christ not because have been accepted in Christ not because of anything that you have done but of anything that you have done but of anything that you have done but because everything that Christ did.

because everything that Christ did. because everything that Christ did. You know as Christians of of all the You know as Christians of of all the You know as Christians of of all the things that we can tend to worry about things that we can tend to worry about things that we can tend to worry about and to get anxious about and to stress and to get anxious about and to stress and to get anxious about and to stress about and to question and to struggle about and to question and to struggle about and to question and to struggle with one thing we never have to worry with one thing we never have to worry with one thing we never have to worry about is whether God has accepted us. about is whether God has accepted us. about is whether God has accepted us. You might say, "Well, I've I've messed You might say, "Well, I've I've messed You might say, "Well, I've I've messed up a lot in my life, or I keep messing up a lot in my life, or I keep messing up a lot in my life, or I keep messing up. I I I try to do the right thing, but up. I I I try to do the right thing, but up. I I I try to do the right thing, but I I I still fall into sin, or I'm not I I I still fall into sin, or I'm not I I I still fall into sin, or I'm not where I should be. I'm not fully who I where I should be. I'm not fully who I where I should be. I'm not fully who I should be." But the the blessing of should be." But the the blessing of should be." But the the blessing of acceptance is that when we place our acceptance is that when we place our acceptance is that when we place our faith in Jesus Christ, God has accepted faith in Jesus Christ, God has accepted faith in Jesus Christ, God has accepted us before we get all of our mess us before we get all of our mess us before we get all of our mess together. Before we've changed anything together. Before we've changed anything together. Before we've changed anything because it was never about what we could because it was never about what we could because it was never about what we could do. It was always about what Christ did. do. It was always about what Christ did. do. It was always about what Christ did. You know, if you think of it like this, You know, if you think of it like this, You know, if you think of it like this, we're we're all very familiar with peer we're we're all very familiar with peer we're we're all very familiar with peer pressure. pressure. pressure. peer pressure. It has its its power in peer pressure. It has its its power in peer pressure. It has its its power in our desire to be accepted. We want to be our desire to be accepted. We want to be our desire to be accepted. We want to be accepted. And so, we'll do what it takes accepted. And so, we'll do what it takes accepted. And so, we'll do what it takes to fit in. We'll change who we are so to fit in. We'll change who we are so to fit in. We'll change who we are so that others will accept us. And that others will accept us. And that others will accept us. And sometimes I think we're convinced or or sometimes I think we're convinced or or sometimes I think we're convinced or or we treat God like he's a form of cosmic we treat God like he's a form of cosmic we treat God like he's a form of cosmic peer pressure where I have to I have to peer pressure where I have to I have to peer pressure where I have to I have to act, I have to look, I have to be a act, I have to look, I have to be a act, I have to look, I have to be a certain way before God is going to fully certain way before God is going to fully certain way before God is going to fully accept me.

accept me. accept me. Now the reality is yes God calls us to Now the reality is yes God calls us to Now the reality is yes God calls us to be holy as he is holy but his acceptance be holy as he is holy but his acceptance be holy as he is holy but his acceptance of us it precedes that call to that of us it precedes that call to that of us it precedes that call to that standard because once again it's not standard because once again it's not standard because once again it's not based on what I've done. If I can't get based on what I've done. If I can't get based on what I've done. If I can't get accepted until I change things I'm sunk. accepted until I change things I'm sunk. accepted until I change things I'm sunk. I can't do anything about that. It's I can't do anything about that. It's I can't do anything about that. It's based on our faith in what Jesus has based on our faith in what Jesus has based on our faith in what Jesus has done. done. done. One prominent pastor put it like this One prominent pastor put it like this One prominent pastor put it like this that God sees us as we are. He loves us that God sees us as we are. He loves us that God sees us as we are. He loves us as we are and he accepts us as we are. as we are and he accepts us as we are. as we are and he accepts us as we are. But by his grace, he does not leave us But by his grace, he does not leave us But by his grace, he does not leave us where we are. where we are. where we are. When you come to God in repentance, he When you come to God in repentance, he When you come to God in repentance, he accepts you. And it's from that place of accepts you. And it's from that place of accepts you. And it's from that place of acceptance he begins to work in you. acceptance he begins to work in you. acceptance he begins to work in you. I've heard it said like this as I've heard it said like this as I've heard it said like this as Christians, we don't strive for Christians, we don't strive for Christians, we don't strive for acceptance. We strive from acceptance. acceptance. We strive from acceptance. acceptance. We strive from acceptance. And that makes the world of difference. And that makes the world of difference. And that makes the world of difference. We don't strive for acceptance. We We don't strive for acceptance. We We don't strive for acceptance. We strive from acceptance. Romans 5:1 says, strive from acceptance. Romans 5:1 says, strive from acceptance. Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, since we have been justifi "Therefore, since we have been justifi "Therefore, since we have been justifi justified by faith, we have peace with justified by faith, we have peace with justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

God through our Lord Jesus Christ." God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Peace with God. Peace with God. Peace with God. So stop battling for acceptance So stop battling for acceptance So stop battling for acceptance when God has freed you to live in the when God has freed you to live in the when God has freed you to live in the blessing of it. blessing of it. blessing of it. So we have forgiveness, we have So we have forgiveness, we have So we have forgiveness, we have acceptance. Number three is meaning. acceptance. Number three is meaning. acceptance. Number three is meaning. verses 15 and 18 through 18. It says, verses 15 and 18 through 18. It says, verses 15 and 18 through 18. It says, "For this reason, because I have heard "For this reason, because I have heard "For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not love toward all the saints, I do not love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, cease to give thanks for you, cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the remembering you in my prayers, that the remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of of glory, may give you the spirit of of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the wisdom and of revelation in the wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of knowledge of him, having the eyes of knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may your hearts enlightened, that you may your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has know what is the hope to which he has know what is the hope to which he has called you and what are the riches of called you and what are the riches of called you and what are the riches of his glorious inheritance. his glorious inheritance. his glorious inheritance. in the saints. in the saints. in the saints. Listen, so many people struggle with Listen, so many people struggle with Listen, so many people struggle with meaning and value in their lives.

meaning and value in their lives. meaning and value in their lives. And because we struggle with it, we look And because we struggle with it, we look And because we struggle with it, we look for it in all sorts of places. We'll for it in all sorts of places. We'll for it in all sorts of places. We'll look for it in in performance. We'll look for it in in performance. We'll look for it in in performance. We'll look for it in in money, in look for it in in money, in look for it in in money, in relationships, in accolades, in in our relationships, in accolades, in in our relationships, in accolades, in in our careers. We we look to find the value careers. We we look to find the value careers. We we look to find the value and meaning in something else. But and meaning in something else. But and meaning in something else. But listen to what Paul says here. Because listen to what Paul says here. Because listen to what Paul says here. Because Paul says God considers us, you and I, Paul says God considers us, you and I, Paul says God considers us, you and I, as born again believers, God considers as born again believers, God considers as born again believers, God considers us his inheritance. us his inheritance. us his inheritance. Not only do I have an inheritance Not only do I have an inheritance Not only do I have an inheritance because I'm a son of God, but he because I'm a son of God, but he because I'm a son of God, but he considers me his inheritance. Next time you are outside at night, I Next time you are outside at night, I want to challenge you, look up to all want to challenge you, look up to all want to challenge you, look up to all the stars of heaven and everything the stars of heaven and everything the stars of heaven and everything that's been created around you. And I that's been created around you. And I that's been created around you. And I want you to think of the God who created want you to think of the God who created want you to think of the God who created it and owns it all. And then remind it and owns it all. And then remind it and owns it all. And then remind yourself, he calls you his inheritance. yourself, he calls you his inheritance. yourself, he calls you his inheritance. >> In all creation, you are his >> In all creation, you are his >> In all creation, you are his inheritance. That is something so inheritance. That is something so inheritance. That is something so profound to sit with.

profound to sit with. profound to sit with. God doesn't need you, but he wants you. God doesn't need you, but he wants you. God doesn't need you, but he wants you. You might say, "I I don't have great You might say, "I I don't have great You might say, "I I don't have great ability. I don't I don't have great ability. I don't I don't have great ability. I don't I don't have great ability to perform or I I haven't ability to perform or I I haven't ability to perform or I I haven't achieved or accomplished much." achieved or accomplished much." achieved or accomplished much." But you can say, "But my God says, I am But you can say, "But my God says, I am But you can say, "But my God says, I am his inheritance." his inheritance." his inheritance." Praise God. So stop battling for meaning Praise God. So stop battling for meaning Praise God. So stop battling for meaning and significance in your life when the and significance in your life when the and significance in your life when the creator of the universe has called you creator of the universe has called you creator of the universe has called you his inheritance. And then lastly, number four is And then lastly, number four is empowerment. empowerment. empowerment. Verses 19- 23, Verses 19- 23, Verses 19- 23, he prays that we would know what is the he prays that we would know what is the he prays that we would know what is the immeasurable greatness of his power immeasurable greatness of his power immeasurable greatness of his power towards us who believe according to the towards us who believe according to the towards us who believe according to the working of his great might. that he working of his great might. that he working of his great might. that he worked in Christ when he raised him from worked in Christ when he raised him from worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right the dead and seated him at his right the dead and seated him at his right hand in heavenly places hand in heavenly places hand in heavenly places far above all rule and authority and far above all rule and authority and far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name power and dominion and above every name power and dominion and above every name that is named not only in this age but that is named not only in this age but that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all also in the one to come. And he put all also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as things under his feet and gave him as things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church which head over all things to the church which head over all things to the church which is his body the fullness of him who is his body the fullness of him who is his body the fullness of him who fills all and in all fills all and in all fills all and in all because Christ defeated death and he was because Christ defeated death and he was because Christ defeated death and he was raised to heavenly places and we are in raised to heavenly places and we are in raised to heavenly places and we are in Christ. We have this great power that is Christ. We have this great power that is Christ. We have this great power that is working within us and it touches every

working within us and it touches every working within us and it touches every aspect of our lives. It means power and aspect of our lives. It means power and aspect of our lives. It means power and victory to overcome sin in our lives. It victory to overcome sin in our lives. It victory to overcome sin in our lives. It means power to walk in his purposes and means power to walk in his purposes and means power to walk in his purposes and his and and his will for our lives and his and and his will for our lives and his and and his will for our lives and in and the giftings that he's given us. in and the giftings that he's given us. in and the giftings that he's given us. It means power to be a a witness It means power to be a a witness It means power to be a a witness [snorts] in a world that is filled with [snorts] in a world that is filled with [snorts] in a world that is filled with demonic powers and are and that are demonic powers and are and that are demonic powers and are and that are working to instill the opposite of godly working to instill the opposite of godly working to instill the opposite of godly values into our culture. values into our culture. values into our culture. God has called each of us to the God has called each of us to the God has called each of us to the impossible task of becoming more like impossible task of becoming more like impossible task of becoming more like him in holiness. To the impossible task him in holiness. To the impossible task him in holiness. To the impossible task of convincing a world that views our of convincing a world that views our of convincing a world that views our faith as foolishness that this is the faith as foolishness that this is the faith as foolishness that this is the way to God. It would be impossible if it weren't for It would be impossible if it weren't for just one thing. just one thing. just one thing. That it's the power that is working That it's the power that is working That it's the power that is working within us. We don't do it from a lack.

within us. We don't do it from a lack. within us. We don't do it from a lack. We don't do it from human understanding. We don't do it from human understanding. We don't do it from human understanding. We don't do it from natural gifts and We don't do it from natural gifts and We don't do it from natural gifts and natural talents. We don't do it from our natural talents. We don't do it from our natural talents. We don't do it from our frail human effort. We do it from a frail human effort. We do it from a frail human effort. We do it from a power that lives inside of us. God has power that lives inside of us. God has power that lives inside of us. God has empowered me. God has empowered you in empowered me. God has empowered you in empowered me. God has empowered you in all of it. all of it. all of it. And so stop battling from a human wisdom And so stop battling from a human wisdom And so stop battling from a human wisdom and human strength when the power of the and human strength when the power of the and human strength when the power of the Holy Spirit is at work within you. So forgiveness, So forgiveness, acceptance, meaning, acceptance, meaning, acceptance, meaning, empowerment. empowerment. empowerment. What blessing do you need to stop What blessing do you need to stop What blessing do you need to stop fighting to earn and just accept in fighting to earn and just accept in fighting to earn and just accept in faith? If you have placed your faith in Christ, If you have placed your faith in Christ, this is the reality. You are a child of this is the reality. You are a child of this is the reality. You are a child of God. You have been saved. You have been God. You have been saved. You have been God. You have been saved. You have been forgiven. You have been accepted.

forgiven. You have been accepted. forgiven. You have been accepted. You have meaning. God has empowered and You have meaning. God has empowered and You have meaning. God has empowered and equipped you to do every good work. God equipped you to do every good work. God equipped you to do every good work. God loves you. God is strengthening you. God loves you. God is strengthening you. God loves you. God is strengthening you. God is for you. is for you. is for you. So, cast off the shame and guilt. Cast So, cast off the shame and guilt. Cast So, cast off the shame and guilt. Cast off the fear. cast off the the feelings off the fear. cast off the the feelings off the fear. cast off the the feelings of lack uh or or feelings like you don't of lack uh or or feelings like you don't of lack uh or or feelings like you don't have value. Walk and live in the freedom have value. Walk and live in the freedom have value. Walk and live in the freedom of his spiritual blessings. And these of his spiritual blessings. And these of his spiritual blessings. And these are just a few that are listed here in are just a few that are listed here in are just a few that are listed here in Ephesians. And if you're here or you're joining us And if you're here or you're joining us online and you've never placed your online and you've never placed your online and you've never placed your faith in Christ, faith in Christ, faith in Christ, I want to close with this. I want to close with this. I want to close with this. Those Those Those soldiers who were wounded and died in soldiers who were wounded and died in soldiers who were wounded and died in the Battle of New Orleans, the Battle of New Orleans, the Battle of New Orleans, they kept fighting they kept fighting they kept fighting even though peace had been negotiated even though peace had been negotiated even though peace had been negotiated because the news hadn't yet reached the because the news hadn't yet reached the because the news hadn't yet reached the front lines. But thank God for us, the news has But thank God for us, the news has reached our battlefield. And it's called reached our battlefield. And it's called reached our battlefield. And it's called the good news. The gospel means the good the good news. The gospel means the good the good news. The gospel means the good news. And this is the good news. John news. And this is the good news. John news. And this is the good news. John 3:16, 3:16, 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave "For God so loved the world that he gave "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in his only son that whoever believes in his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal him should not perish, but have eternal him should not perish, but have eternal life."

life." life." See, we don't get there by trying to See, we don't get there by trying to See, we don't get there by trying to measure up, by trying to just do the measure up, by trying to just do the measure up, by trying to just do the right things, by going to church, by right things, by going to church, by right things, by going to church, by hoping that the the good in our life hoping that the the good in our life hoping that the the good in our life outweighs the bad in the end. outweighs the bad in the end. outweighs the bad in the end. No, salvation is is not a prize to be No, salvation is is not a prize to be No, salvation is is not a prize to be fought for or to be won. It has could only come from one place It has could only come from one place and that was Jesus. And that's what the and that was Jesus. And that's what the and that was Jesus. And that's what the good news is is that where we couldn't good news is is that where we couldn't good news is is that where we couldn't save ourselves, God sent his only son to save ourselves, God sent his only son to save ourselves, God sent his only son to die to take our place so that we could die to take our place so that we could die to take our place so that we could walk in that freedom and walk in that walk in that freedom and walk in that walk in that freedom and walk in that and ultimately have salvation. and ultimately have salvation. and ultimately have salvation. And so if you've never accepted Christ And so if you've never accepted Christ And so if you've never accepted Christ as your savior, how do you do that? as your savior, how do you do that? as your savior, how do you do that? Jesus said it like this. He said, "You Jesus said it like this. He said, "You Jesus said it like this. He said, "You have to be born again." have to be born again." have to be born again." Why such drastic language. Born again, Why such drastic language. Born again, Why such drastic language. Born again, it's because sin is not just a it's because sin is not just a it's because sin is not just a dysfunction. Sin is not just an dysfunction. Sin is not just an dysfunction. Sin is not just an inconvenience. inconvenience. inconvenience. Sin is a death.

Sin is a death. Sin is a death. We don't just need to be healed of We don't just need to be healed of We don't just need to be healed of something. We need a new life. And something. We need a new life. And something. We need a new life. And that's why he says we need to be born that's why he says we need to be born that's why he says we need to be born again. We need to be made new creatures again. We need to be made new creatures again. We need to be made new creatures in Christ. in Christ. in Christ. And being born again, we like to say And being born again, we like to say And being born again, we like to say it's it's as simple as ABC. it's it's as simple as ABC. it's it's as simple as ABC. A is to admit A is to admit A is to admit that I'm a sinner in need of a savior. I that I'm a sinner in need of a savior. I that I'm a sinner in need of a savior. I can't fight my way to forgiveness. I can't fight my way to forgiveness. I can't fight my way to forgiveness. I can't fight my way to acceptance. I can't fight my way to acceptance. I can't fight my way to acceptance. I can't change my life in a way that can't change my life in a way that can't change my life in a way that causes God to accept me. I am in utter causes God to accept me. I am in utter causes God to accept me. I am in utter and desperate need of a savior in my and desperate need of a savior in my and desperate need of a savior in my life. And it doesn't matter where you life. And it doesn't matter where you life. And it doesn't matter where you start off in life. Some of us start up start off in life. Some of us start up start off in life. Some of us start up start out with more privilege than start out with more privilege than start out with more privilege than others with with more opportunities than others with with more opportunities than others with with more opportunities than than others. We all start on the same than others. We all start on the same than others. We all start on the same footing when it comes to salvation. footing when it comes to salvation. footing when it comes to salvation. We're none of us are even close. We need We're none of us are even close. We need We're none of us are even close. We need a savior to step in and save us. And B a savior to step in and save us. And B a savior to step in and save us. And B is believe. Believe that Jesus died for is believe. Believe that Jesus died for is believe. Believe that Jesus died for your salvation and your forgiveness.

your salvation and your forgiveness. your salvation and your forgiveness. and that it's it's through his death and and that it's it's through his death and and that it's it's through his death and his resurrection that he took that place for me. And so that he took that place for me. And so now I can walk in freedom. I can walk in now I can walk in freedom. I can walk in now I can walk in freedom. I can walk in forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. And lastly, see, confess And lastly, see, confess And lastly, see, confess means to confess him as Lord of your means to confess him as Lord of your means to confess him as Lord of your life. life. life. Doesn't mean that we're perfect. It just Doesn't mean that we're perfect. It just Doesn't mean that we're perfect. It just means we submit ourselves to the life means we submit ourselves to the life means we submit ourselves to the life that God wants us to live. We submit that God wants us to live. We submit that God wants us to live. We submit ourselves to his word. We submit ourselves to his word. We submit ourselves to his word. We submit ourselves to to his calling on our ourselves to to his calling on our ourselves to to his calling on our lives. lives. lives. And when we do those three things, we And when we do those three things, we And when we do those three things, we admit, we believe, and we confess. admit, we believe, and we confess. admit, we believe, and we confess. The Bible says that we become born The Bible says that we become born The Bible says that we become born again. We we are new creatures. again. We we are new creatures. again. We we are new creatures. And so, I'm going to invite everyone to And so, I'm going to invite everyone to And so, I'm going to invite everyone to stand in the room here. And if you're stand in the room here. And if you're stand in the room here. And if you're here, if you're online and you've never prayed this prayer, you've never asked prayed this prayer, you've never asked Christ to be your savior, I'm going to Christ to be your savior, I'm going to Christ to be your savior, I'm going to pray this prayer and I'm going to ask pray this prayer and I'm going to ask pray this prayer and I'm going to ask that you just repeat after me. And I'm that you just repeat after me. And I'm that you just repeat after me. And I'm going to and and as I pray, I just going to and and as I pray, I just going to and and as I pray, I just encourage everyone in the room, if you encourage everyone in the room, if you encourage everyone in the room, if you could just pray it out loud with me so could just pray it out loud with me so could just pray it out loud with me so nobody prays alone. Say this. Say, "Dear nobody prays alone. Say this. Say, "Dear nobody prays alone. Say this. Say, "Dear Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, I believe you're the son of God.

I believe you're the son of God. I believe you're the son of God. I believe that on the cross I believe that on the cross I believe that on the cross you took my sin, you took my sin, you took my sin, >> my shame, and my guilt, and you died for >> my shame, and my guilt, and you died for >> my shame, and my guilt, and you died for it. You faced hell for me it. You faced hell for me it. You faced hell for me >> so I wouldn't have to go to. You rose >> so I wouldn't have to go to. You rose >> so I wouldn't have to go to. You rose from the dead. from the dead. from the dead. >> To give me a place in heaven, >> To give me a place in heaven, >> To give me a place in heaven, >> give me a place, >> give me a place, >> give me a place, >> a purpose on earth, >> a purpose on earth, >> a purpose on earth, >> and a relationship with your father. >> and a relationship with your father. >> and a relationship with your father. Today, Lord Jesus, Today, Lord Jesus, Today, Lord Jesus, I turn from my sin I turn from my sin I turn from my sin >> to be born again. >> to be born again. >> to be born again. God is my father. God is my father. God is my father. >> Jesus is my savior. >> Jesus is my savior. >> Jesus is my savior. The Holy Spirit is my helper. The Holy Spirit is my helper. The Holy Spirit is my helper. And heaven is my home. And heaven is my home. And heaven is my home. In Jesus name. Amen. And amen. And and In Jesus name. Amen. And amen. And and In Jesus name. Amen. And amen. And and if you prayed that prayer, you just did if you prayed that prayer, you just did if you prayed that prayer, you just did the one thing that you could never do it the one thing that you could never do it the one thing that you could never do it but for yourself. You simply accepted but for yourself. You simply accepted but for yourself. You simply accepted the work and and and the price that was the work and and and the price that was the work and and and the price that was paid for you in Jesus Christ. And if you paid for you in Jesus Christ. And if you paid for you in Jesus Christ. And if you made that that [music] commitment made that that [music] commitment made that that [music] commitment tonight, we want to know about it. We tonight, we want to know about it. We tonight, we want to know about it. We want to know how we can help you on this want to know how we can help you on this want to know how we can help you on this journey. And so encourage you to write journey. And so encourage you to write journey. And so encourage you to write in the chat. Um you can text 51,000 in the chat. Um you can text 51,000 in the chat. Um you can text 51,000 decide or you can write decided in the decide or you can write decided in the decide or you can write decided in the chat or text [music] 51,000 chat or text [music] 51,000 chat or text [music] 51,000 u text the word decided there and we'll u text the word decided there and we'll u text the word decided there and we'll have people get in contact with you that have people get in contact with you that have people get in contact with you that can help you with next steps and on your can help you with next steps and on your can help you with next steps and on your journey of faith.

journey of faith. journey of faith. As always after the sermon we're going As always after the sermon we're going As always after the sermon we're going to go into a time of communion. to go into a time of communion. to go into a time of communion. Communion is just a a time where we can Communion is just a a time where we can Communion is just a a time where we can remember and we can reflect on remember and we can reflect on remember and we can reflect on everything that Christ has done for us. everything that Christ has done for us. everything that Christ has done for us. The juice representing the the blood The juice representing the the blood The juice representing the the blood that was shed for us, the the bread that was shed for us, the the bread that was shed for us, the the bread representing his body that was broken representing his body that was broken representing his body that was broken for us. Reminds us of the blessings that for us. Reminds us of the blessings that for us. Reminds us of the blessings that are ours in Christ. And so, let this be are ours in Christ. And so, let this be are ours in Christ. And so, let this be a declaration tonight that you refuse if a declaration tonight that you refuse if a declaration tonight that you refuse if if you have been fighting for something if you have been fighting for something if you have been fighting for something that has already been won for you, let that has already been won for you, let that has already been won for you, let it be a declaration that you refuse to it be a declaration that you refuse to it be a declaration that you refuse to fight anymore to earn something that has fight anymore to earn something that has fight anymore to earn something that has already been made yours. And let this already been made yours. And let this already been made yours. And let this time of communion be a time of being time of communion be a time of being time of communion be a time of being still and remembering, reflecting, and still and remembering, reflecting, and still and remembering, reflecting, and receiving receiving receiving from Christ. from Christ. from Christ. Amen. So, for those online, grab Amen. So, for those online, grab Amen. So, for those online, grab whatever you have at home, crackers or whatever you have at home, crackers or whatever you have at home, crackers or or juice or bread. For those here in the or juice or bread. For those here in the or juice or bread. For those here in the sanctuary, we have communion cups at at sanctuary, we have communion cups at at sanctuary, we have communion cups at at the back of the room. If you missed it the back of the room. If you missed it the back of the room. If you missed it on your way in, you can make your way on your way in, you can make your way on your way in, you can make your way out of your seat and grab that while we out of your seat and grab that while we out of your seat and grab that while we go into this song of worship and you'll go into this song of worship and you'll go into this song of worship and you'll just hold it for a moment and we're just hold it for a moment and we're just hold it for a moment and we're going to come back up together and I'll going to come back up together and I'll going to come back up together and I'll lead us in communion. So, heavenly lead us in communion. So, heavenly lead us in communion. So, heavenly father, we're so grateful. We're so father, we're so grateful. We're so father, we're so grateful. We're so grateful, God, for the blessings that grateful, God, for the blessings that grateful, God, for the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus.

are ours in Christ Jesus. are ours in Christ Jesus. God. And I pray that if there have are God. And I pray that if there have are God. And I pray that if there have are those that those that those that are walking under a a fear that are that are walking under a a fear that are that are walking under a a fear that are that have a shame-based relationship with have a shame-based relationship with have a shame-based relationship with you, that that walk in a legalism you, that that walk in a legalism you, that that walk in a legalism that that walk in bondage, that that walk in bondage, that that walk in bondage, God, would you open their eyes to see God, would you open their eyes to see God, would you open their eyes to see these blessings that are theirs in these blessings that are theirs in these blessings that are theirs in Christ, Christ, Christ, God? And and it's it's when we recognize God? And and it's it's when we recognize God? And and it's it's when we recognize that and we see that God, we actually that and we see that God, we actually that and we see that God, we actually get farther than we ever could thinking get farther than we ever could thinking get farther than we ever could thinking that we could have changed something that we could have changed something that we could have changed something because it's it's the power of the Holy because it's it's the power of the Holy because it's it's the power of the Holy Spirit that's working within us and Spirit that's working within us and Spirit that's working within us and changing us. And so I pray that you changing us. And so I pray that you changing us. And so I pray that you would make that uh that you would would make that uh that you would would make that uh that you would enlighten that to someone tonight, God, enlighten that to someone tonight, God, enlighten that to someone tonight, God, in whatever area it might be in in whatever area it might be in in whatever area it might be in forgiveness, acceptance, meaningfulness, forgiveness, acceptance, meaningfulness, forgiveness, acceptance, meaningfulness, and and empowerment. God, whatever it and and empowerment. God, whatever it and and empowerment. God, whatever it might be, God, I pray that you would might be, God, I pray that you would might be, God, I pray that you would enlighten that on their heart tonight. enlighten that on their heart tonight. enlighten that on their heart tonight. Impress it upon their heart, God. And Impress it upon their heart, God. And Impress it upon their heart, God. And maybe for the first time, allow them to maybe for the first time, allow them to maybe for the first time, allow them to just lift their hands and not have to do just lift their hands and not have to do just lift their hands and not have to do anything but to receive what you have anything but to receive what you have anything but to receive what you have already fought for [music] and won for already fought for [music] and won for already fought for [music] and won for them. I pray these things in Jesus name.

them. I pray these things in Jesus name. them. I pray these things in Jesus name. Amen. Let's go into this song together.