WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.120 Well, amen. Wasn't that a powerful sermon that our choir just kind of preached to us right there? 00:00:07.759 --> 00:00:12.519 That was amazing. I'm really, really grateful for their ministry to us. 00:00:13.439 --> 00:00:16.080 I want to welcome all of our guests this morning. 00:00:16.160 --> 00:00:20.760 I know we have a number of guests on Mother's Day from out of town and here locally as well. 00:00:20.839 --> 00:00:21.879 I want to welcome all of you. 00:00:22.059 --> 00:00:26.260 If you haven't had an opportunity to yet, grab the welcome card in the seat back in front of you 00:00:26.260 --> 00:00:28.039 and just fill that out as much as you'd like. 00:00:28.039 --> 00:00:34.060 And I'd invite you to drop it off at our welcome desk straight out those double doors to the lobby right there 00:00:34.060 --> 00:00:36.539 and just drop it off at the welcome desk. 00:00:36.640 --> 00:00:38.100 We have a special gift for you. 00:00:38.159 --> 00:00:42.299 In exchange for that, someone will be there to hand you your gift at the end of the service. 00:00:42.379 --> 00:00:43.460 So take advantage of that. 00:00:44.179 --> 00:00:49.239 We are continuing on in our series on new life, a fresh beginning with Jesus. 00:00:49.700 --> 00:00:52.179 New life, a fresh beginning with Jesus. 00:00:52.179 --> 00:00:56.000 And I think that's a powerful tribute to mothers. 00:00:56.000 --> 00:01:00.460 If there's someone with whom you can always begin again, it's mom. 00:01:00.880 --> 00:01:04.519 No matter how much you hurt her, no matter how much you fail her or disappoint her, 00:01:04.640 --> 00:01:07.299 she never stops loving, she never stops caring. 00:01:07.879 --> 00:01:10.319 And a godly mother would be like that. 00:01:10.400 --> 00:01:13.579 Now maybe that hasn't always been the experience of everyone with their mother, 00:01:14.219 --> 00:01:17.500 but that is certainly the essence of motherhood, 00:01:17.599 --> 00:01:21.500 is that maybe you might be someone only a mama could love, right? 00:01:21.500 --> 00:01:25.819 I know I certainly have had those days in my life. 00:01:26.379 --> 00:01:30.920 But we're thankful for that kind of faithfulness, for that kind of long-suffering, 00:01:31.260 --> 00:01:34.019 for that kind of patience that we receive from our mothers. 00:01:34.540 --> 00:01:37.260 And I believe that comes from God himself. 00:01:38.159 --> 00:01:39.819 That's what we receive from God. 00:01:40.240 --> 00:01:42.719 So no matter where you find yourself this morning, 00:01:43.560 --> 00:01:46.219 no matter where you've been or what you've done, 00:01:46.219 --> 00:01:52.060 you can experience new life and a fresh beginning with Jesus today. 00:01:53.000 --> 00:01:55.060 And that's what this series is about. 00:01:55.200 --> 00:02:00.439 Much of our series comes from a book and a sermon series by Craig Groeschel, 00:02:00.560 --> 00:02:02.420 pastor of Life.Church up in Oklahoma City. 00:02:02.879 --> 00:02:05.819 And so you'll find a lot of similarities between what we're looking through 00:02:05.819 --> 00:02:09.900 and resources that he has sent out as well. 00:02:09.900 --> 00:02:14.580 A few weeks ago, we talked about how God is doing a new thing. 00:02:14.659 --> 00:02:17.740 Man, if you need any evidence of that, you look at the baptism waters. 00:02:18.240 --> 00:02:21.360 Those two young people this morning giving their lives to Jesus. 00:02:21.700 --> 00:02:24.659 The new thing that I'm thinking of Zephyr's testimony 00:02:24.659 --> 00:02:27.080 and the path that she was walking down 00:02:27.080 --> 00:02:32.240 and then how God did a 180 with her and rerouted her onto a completely new path. 00:02:32.580 --> 00:02:33.800 God is doing a new thing. 00:02:33.879 --> 00:02:35.960 He's doing a new thing in our homes, 00:02:36.640 --> 00:02:37.900 in our church, 00:02:38.360 --> 00:02:39.259 in our community. 00:02:39.259 --> 00:02:42.519 Maybe God could do a new thing in your life as well. 00:02:43.579 --> 00:02:44.959 And then the next week we said, 00:02:45.699 --> 00:02:47.039 stop trying, start what? 00:02:48.019 --> 00:02:48.459 Training. 00:02:48.620 --> 00:02:49.079 There you go. 00:02:49.199 --> 00:02:50.819 Stop trying, start training. 00:02:50.939 --> 00:02:51.799 What do we mean by that? 00:02:52.159 --> 00:02:54.139 Well, we're going to talk about a little bit more today. 00:02:54.560 --> 00:02:57.099 Kind of a part two of that, if you would. 00:02:57.199 --> 00:03:00.560 But stop trying means we could have been trying to do something, 00:03:00.639 --> 00:03:01.560 the same thing often, 00:03:01.840 --> 00:03:04.639 over and over and over and over again in our lives 00:03:04.639 --> 00:03:07.120 and failing and failing and failing each time. 00:03:07.120 --> 00:03:11.960 And maybe God wants us to stop trying in our efforts 00:03:11.960 --> 00:03:14.680 and start training to believe, 00:03:14.819 --> 00:03:18.060 to be that we are who he says we are. 00:03:18.060 --> 00:03:22.900 And he's training us how to be who he wants us to be, 00:03:22.960 --> 00:03:24.740 which leads us to the next week. 00:03:24.740 --> 00:03:28.640 We do what we do because of what we think of us. 00:03:28.700 --> 00:03:29.780 Let's say it together, can we? 00:03:30.219 --> 00:03:34.820 You do what you do because of what you think of you. 00:03:35.020 --> 00:03:35.879 That's so true. 00:03:37.200 --> 00:03:39.280 Our behavior comes from our, 00:03:39.520 --> 00:03:41.360 or determines our identity. 00:03:41.580 --> 00:03:43.700 Our identity comes from our behavior. 00:03:44.280 --> 00:03:45.820 What we think of ourselves, 00:03:46.040 --> 00:03:48.860 what would someone like me do in a situation like this? 00:03:48.860 --> 00:03:53.300 And we process those thoughts in our heads in a split second, 00:03:53.300 --> 00:03:56.640 and then we act according to what we think of ourselves. 00:03:57.700 --> 00:04:01.020 And instead, God wants to change our thinking, 00:04:01.700 --> 00:04:03.320 as Romans 12, 2 tells us, 00:04:03.580 --> 00:04:07.240 and he wants to act according to what he thinks of us, 00:04:07.820 --> 00:04:09.200 who he says we are, 00:04:09.700 --> 00:04:14.140 and that he is training us to become what he says we are. 00:04:14.139 --> 00:04:19.419 So our series text has been 2 Corinthians 5 and verse 17. 00:04:19.519 --> 00:04:20.959 Can we read it together off the screen? 00:04:21.379 --> 00:04:25.620 If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 00:04:26.259 --> 00:04:31.240 The old has passed away, and see, the new has come. 00:04:32.259 --> 00:04:34.259 Now, this morning, 00:04:34.839 --> 00:04:37.919 we're kind of beginning a three-part sub-series 00:04:37.919 --> 00:04:40.439 within this series about new life, 00:04:40.500 --> 00:04:41.620 a fresh beginning with Jesus. 00:04:41.620 --> 00:04:45.100 We're kind of having a three-part sub-series, if you will. 00:04:45.660 --> 00:04:48.360 I'm asking a lot of you to try to keep track of all this, 00:04:48.480 --> 00:04:50.800 but just hang with me for the next few weeks. 00:04:51.139 --> 00:04:53.180 We're going to look at two Bible passages 00:04:53.180 --> 00:04:55.560 each Sunday for the next three Sundays. 00:04:56.019 --> 00:04:57.959 So y'all are in here for part one, all right? 00:04:59.079 --> 00:05:00.319 If you would take your Bibles 00:05:00.319 --> 00:05:04.180 and turn with me to Hebrews chapter 12. 00:05:05.300 --> 00:05:06.620 Hebrews chapter 12. 00:05:07.259 --> 00:05:08.959 We're going to read one verse there. 00:05:08.959 --> 00:05:12.859 So if you'll stick a finger there, 00:05:12.959 --> 00:05:15.839 or if you've got one of these handy Bible markers, 00:05:15.979 --> 00:05:17.199 I've got two with them, 00:05:17.299 --> 00:05:18.399 because I'm a preacher. 00:05:18.500 --> 00:05:19.479 I've got to have the fancy Bible. 00:05:20.560 --> 00:05:22.079 It has two ribbon markers there. 00:05:23.139 --> 00:05:24.639 But if you've got one of those, 00:05:24.740 --> 00:05:26.579 stick it in Hebrews chapter 12, 00:05:26.740 --> 00:05:28.579 and then flip over, if you would, 00:05:28.639 --> 00:05:29.819 while you're holding your place, 00:05:30.240 --> 00:05:32.519 flip over to Philippians chapter 3. 00:05:32.519 --> 00:05:35.000 If you need help with somebody, 00:05:35.339 --> 00:05:36.259 look on next to you. 00:05:36.359 --> 00:05:38.379 I will also have these verses on the screen. 00:05:38.979 --> 00:05:40.299 So if you just want to look up there, 00:05:40.359 --> 00:05:40.859 that's okay. 00:05:40.959 --> 00:05:42.500 I swear it's from the Word of God, all right? 00:05:43.439 --> 00:05:47.359 Hebrews chapter 12 and Philippians chapter 3. 00:05:47.859 --> 00:05:49.120 We're going to read one verse 00:05:49.120 --> 00:05:51.219 from each one this morning, 00:05:51.359 --> 00:05:54.459 and we'll continue that over the next few weeks. 00:05:55.899 --> 00:05:58.079 Would you stand with me as we read together? 00:05:58.079 --> 00:06:02.399 If you're able to stand, please do that. 00:06:02.539 --> 00:06:05.719 If you can't for a physical reason or something, 00:06:05.779 --> 00:06:06.879 I totally understand that. 00:06:06.959 --> 00:06:08.459 But if you're able, join us in standing. 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:11.399 Let's read Hebrews 12 and verse 1 together. 00:06:11.639 --> 00:06:15.500 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud 00:06:15.500 --> 00:06:17.199 of witnesses surrounding us, 00:06:17.819 --> 00:06:19.579 let us, watch these two words, ready? 00:06:20.120 --> 00:06:23.620 Lay aside every hindrance and the sin 00:06:23.620 --> 00:06:25.759 that so easily ensnares us. 00:06:25.759 --> 00:06:28.199 Let us run with endurance the race 00:06:28.199 --> 00:06:29.839 that lies before us. 00:06:30.539 --> 00:06:32.000 I said we were going to read one verse, 00:06:32.099 --> 00:06:34.420 but we're just going to do the next half. 00:06:34.879 --> 00:06:36.920 Keeping our eyes on Jesus, 00:06:37.180 --> 00:06:39.399 the source and perfecter of our faith. 00:06:39.480 --> 00:06:43.319 Now look back at Philippians 3 and verse 13. 00:06:44.599 --> 00:06:46.159 Philippians 3, verse 13. 00:06:47.120 --> 00:06:48.180 Brothers and sisters, 00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:53.500 I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. 00:06:53.560 --> 00:06:54.319 What's he talking about? 00:06:54.319 --> 00:06:56.259 If you look back in verse 12, 00:06:56.319 --> 00:06:57.920 he's talking about the goal 00:06:57.920 --> 00:07:03.980 that we are pressing toward with Jesus. 00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:04.519 Okay? 00:07:05.199 --> 00:07:07.740 There is a goal of becoming like Jesus, 00:07:08.180 --> 00:07:10.060 being a Jesus follower. 00:07:10.199 --> 00:07:11.620 We call that being a disciple. 00:07:12.680 --> 00:07:15.079 Becoming more and more like Jesus. 00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:18.300 The mission of this church is to make disciples. 00:07:18.480 --> 00:07:19.319 How do we do that? 00:07:19.639 --> 00:07:22.120 Church, this is a little trivia quiz for you. 00:07:22.120 --> 00:07:24.480 We have three parts to our mission statement. 00:07:24.620 --> 00:07:25.079 What is it? 00:07:25.680 --> 00:07:30.000 Loving God, seeking truth, serving people. 00:07:30.819 --> 00:07:33.139 How do we become Jesus followers? 00:07:33.319 --> 00:07:34.560 How do we make disciples, 00:07:35.180 --> 00:07:37.600 both inside and outside our church? 00:07:37.720 --> 00:07:40.899 By loving God, by seeking truth, by serving people. 00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:46.639 So that's the goal that Paul is talking about here in verse 13. 00:07:46.639 --> 00:07:47.740 He says, 00:07:47.939 --> 00:07:50.519 I don't consider myself to have taken hold of it. 00:07:50.579 --> 00:07:53.699 I don't consider myself to have already hit that goal. 00:07:54.339 --> 00:07:57.399 But one thing I do. 00:07:58.439 --> 00:07:59.079 Here we go. 00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:01.579 Forgetting what is behind 00:08:01.579 --> 00:08:04.959 and reaching forward to what is ahead, 00:08:05.759 --> 00:08:07.819 I pursue as my goal 00:08:07.819 --> 00:08:11.459 the prize promised by God's heavenly call 00:08:11.459 --> 00:08:12.680 in Christ Jesus. 00:08:13.259 --> 00:08:13.959 Let's pray together. 00:08:13.959 --> 00:08:15.779 God, I pray that you would speak to us 00:08:15.779 --> 00:08:17.199 from these two passages in your word. 00:08:17.779 --> 00:08:19.279 Well, three passages also, 00:08:19.379 --> 00:08:20.279 if you count 2 Corinthians. 00:08:20.859 --> 00:08:23.579 I believe that you are leading our church 00:08:23.579 --> 00:08:25.439 into a new era of your power, 00:08:25.579 --> 00:08:27.680 your glory, your fruit, your blessing. 00:08:29.319 --> 00:08:30.179 New life. 00:08:32.799 --> 00:08:34.360 How do you see new life 00:08:34.360 --> 00:08:36.720 in a church that's been here since 1876? 00:08:38.059 --> 00:08:40.379 How do you see God do something new? 00:08:40.379 --> 00:08:42.879 Because God, you are as fresh, 00:08:43.080 --> 00:08:44.439 as powerful, as real, 00:08:44.639 --> 00:08:46.299 as you ever have been. 00:08:47.259 --> 00:08:48.820 Back in the 1800s, 00:08:48.899 --> 00:08:50.779 back before the world began, 00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:53.299 you are still that same God. 00:08:53.879 --> 00:08:56.100 So allow us to experience your new life. 00:08:56.600 --> 00:08:57.620 It's in Jesus' name we pray. 00:08:57.860 --> 00:08:58.080 Amen. 00:08:58.639 --> 00:08:59.620 All right, church, you may be seated. 00:08:59.720 --> 00:09:00.360 Thanks for standing. 00:09:00.939 --> 00:09:02.799 So the theme today is this. 00:09:02.960 --> 00:09:03.639 Lay aside. 00:09:04.279 --> 00:09:05.039 Lay aside. 00:09:05.039 --> 00:09:09.039 This is a direct quote from back in Hebrews 00:09:09.699 --> 00:09:11.019 in chapter 12. 00:09:11.500 --> 00:09:13.899 Lay aside every weight. 00:09:14.120 --> 00:09:16.480 Now, what does that look like? 00:09:19.599 --> 00:09:20.419 Well done. 00:09:20.579 --> 00:09:21.620 16-pound backpack. 00:09:21.799 --> 00:09:22.819 It's not exactly a backpack. 00:09:23.099 --> 00:09:23.699 It's a what? 00:09:24.879 --> 00:09:25.919 Weighted vest, right? 00:09:26.039 --> 00:09:27.120 Yeah, it's a weighted vest. 00:09:27.419 --> 00:09:29.759 It's there for runners to train. 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:32.000 If they train with that and it's heavy 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:33.419 and they're adding this extra weight, 00:09:33.419 --> 00:09:35.399 then when they run without it, 00:09:35.659 --> 00:09:37.360 it feels so much lighter, right? 00:09:37.439 --> 00:09:39.059 And they can run so much faster 00:09:39.059 --> 00:09:40.759 and have that big weight off of them. 00:09:41.000 --> 00:09:42.639 So we understand, 00:09:42.959 --> 00:09:46.539 as this gentleman here has his ankle weights on him, 00:09:47.620 --> 00:09:50.639 is that making him faster as he runs with them 00:09:50.639 --> 00:09:52.979 or is it slowing him down as he runs with them? 00:09:53.959 --> 00:09:55.079 Slowing him down, right? 00:09:55.319 --> 00:09:57.399 The ultimate goal when you're training with these 00:09:57.399 --> 00:09:59.199 is to make yourself stronger and faster. 00:09:59.399 --> 00:10:01.019 But when you add this extra weight, 00:10:01.019 --> 00:10:02.759 you're going to be slower, aren't you? 00:10:03.419 --> 00:10:04.219 Aren't you? 00:10:05.019 --> 00:10:06.459 I think so too. 00:10:07.240 --> 00:10:09.279 But I think we should put it to the test. 00:10:10.740 --> 00:10:12.439 I think we should find out 00:10:12.439 --> 00:10:16.439 if these extra weights actually make you slower or not. 00:10:18.979 --> 00:10:20.360 So Caleb Wilson, 00:10:21.319 --> 00:10:22.699 would you come on up here, sir? 00:10:22.699 --> 00:10:25.279 All right, here we go. 00:10:26.279 --> 00:10:28.000 Y'all have to wait for this day, haven't you? 00:10:28.120 --> 00:10:29.379 And you know I'm going to go off the way. 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:30.860 All right, here we go. 00:10:30.860 --> 00:10:33.240 You know I'm still in here right now? 00:10:37.720 --> 00:10:38.560 All right, here we go. 00:10:42.379 --> 00:10:44.460 But you're a beast, so I'm thankful you're a beast. 00:10:45.720 --> 00:10:46.379 How does that feel? 00:10:46.460 --> 00:10:47.399 Kind of run across here. 00:10:47.519 --> 00:10:47.980 How does that feel? 00:10:49.259 --> 00:10:50.800 It's not fun. 00:10:51.180 --> 00:10:52.000 You can take it off. 00:10:52.200 --> 00:10:52.740 You can take it off. 00:10:53.680 --> 00:10:54.259 Here's the deal. 00:10:54.259 --> 00:10:57.480 Do you think you're faster than I am? 00:10:58.620 --> 00:11:00.039 I ask around a little bit. 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:05.240 Most of the young people tend to agree. 00:11:05.779 --> 00:11:08.419 Hey, well, it's probably faster than I am. 00:11:08.939 --> 00:11:11.059 How many of y'all know I'm training for a 5K? 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:14.000 Yeah, I see who has Facebook and who knows. 00:11:14.179 --> 00:11:14.879 All right, that's fine. 00:11:15.220 --> 00:11:16.179 Or at least checks it. 00:11:16.179 --> 00:11:22.379 Yeah, I'm on this Nike run club thing, and this coach is in my ear trying to motivate me. 00:11:22.539 --> 00:11:25.199 And I feel like he's annoying me more than anything else, but it's all right. 00:11:26.099 --> 00:11:27.899 So I've never run a 5K before. 00:11:28.159 --> 00:11:29.159 I know that shocks you. 00:11:30.679 --> 00:11:31.799 I look like a runner. 00:11:34.459 --> 00:11:35.759 I'm going to look like a runner. 00:11:35.919 --> 00:11:37.339 Okay, I am a runner, right? 00:11:37.599 --> 00:11:38.479 I'm not trying. 00:11:38.559 --> 00:11:39.039 I'm training. 00:11:39.359 --> 00:11:39.620 Okay? 00:11:40.259 --> 00:11:40.919 Here we go. 00:11:40.919 --> 00:11:45.299 I've decided that I am a runner, and I'm just going to train to look like it. 00:11:45.559 --> 00:11:46.379 All right, so here we go. 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:50.179 Caleb, when I say here we go, here we really go. 00:11:50.339 --> 00:11:50.779 So you ready? 00:11:50.899 --> 00:11:51.500 You ready to go? 00:11:52.059 --> 00:11:53.259 Caleb agrees to race me. 00:11:54.899 --> 00:11:56.240 This morning, right now. 00:11:56.819 --> 00:11:58.419 We'll go back to your starting point. 00:11:58.639 --> 00:11:59.079 Here we go. 00:12:03.599 --> 00:12:05.319 God conflicted who to cheer for. 00:12:05.319 --> 00:12:07.319 All right. 00:12:07.320 --> 00:12:11.640 We're going to race to the front. 00:12:11.760 --> 00:12:13.040 Please don't trip over Wade. 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:14.360 I'm going to feel so bad. 00:12:15.980 --> 00:12:16.420 Please. 00:12:18.280 --> 00:12:18.760 Okay. 00:12:19.520 --> 00:12:22.460 It's going to be 3, 2, 1, and on one you go. 00:12:22.560 --> 00:12:22.940 Okay, ready? 00:12:24.340 --> 00:12:24.760 All right. 00:12:25.620 --> 00:12:26.260 Who do y'all think so? 00:12:26.260 --> 00:12:26.500 I'm going to win. 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:33.300 If any of you think I'm going to win, you are really sweet but really creepy. 00:12:33.660 --> 00:12:34.240 So I have? 00:12:34.460 --> 00:12:34.960 I have. 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:35.520 All right. 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:36.860 3, 2, 1. 00:12:37.320 --> 00:12:38.340 Oh, shoot. 00:12:43.860 --> 00:12:44.340 Wow. 00:12:46.400 --> 00:12:48.220 I mean, I knew you were sweet but wow. 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:52.400 Y'all making strikes again? 00:12:52.700 --> 00:12:53.100 Yeah. 00:12:53.820 --> 00:12:56.780 Just give me one more and I feel like I can get it. 00:12:56.960 --> 00:12:57.780 Okay, Sam. 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:02.700 Oh, we ain't done. 00:13:02.700 --> 00:13:04.380 We ain't done. 00:13:04.380 --> 00:13:04.880 We ain't done. 00:13:04.880 --> 00:13:04.900 We ain't done. 00:13:07.440 --> 00:13:12.040 This is nice. 00:13:20.260 --> 00:13:21.720 Alright. 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:23.620 Guys for me, guys. 00:13:23.740 --> 00:13:24.280 Guys for me. 00:13:24.279 --> 00:13:28.279 All right, here we go. 00:13:38.279 --> 00:13:38.639 Okay. 00:13:39.860 --> 00:13:42.120 Three, two, one, and you're one-on-one, right? 00:13:43.459 --> 00:13:44.539 Okay, three, two, one. 00:13:44.539 --> 00:13:44.759 Okay. 00:13:44.759 --> 00:14:04.819 All right, go give him a hand, man. 00:14:04.819 --> 00:14:12.860 What's really sad is they were still competitive. 00:14:14.759 --> 00:14:16.039 All right. 00:14:17.319 --> 00:14:18.600 Anybody got a water or something? 00:14:22.200 --> 00:14:22.860 That's true. 00:14:22.960 --> 00:14:23.740 Lily's is closed. 00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:27.159 I think I hit Lily's up about four times last week. 00:14:27.259 --> 00:14:27.620 All right. 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:29.679 I got to stop that if I'm going to 5K. 00:14:30.480 --> 00:14:32.960 Y'all, what do we agree? 00:14:32.960 --> 00:14:34.840 Do we agree that weight slows you down? 00:14:36.299 --> 00:14:39.899 So what did he need to do if he wanted to beat me? 00:14:41.419 --> 00:14:42.759 Get rid of the weights, right? 00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:46.759 And then what would happen when he got rid of the weights? 00:14:48.439 --> 00:14:48.879 Huh? 00:14:50.159 --> 00:14:51.539 He'd be much faster, right? 00:14:52.019 --> 00:14:53.220 Would he beat me in a race? 00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:56.100 No, he would smoke me in a race. 00:14:56.379 --> 00:14:58.620 I mean, like, it wasn't even close. 00:14:58.700 --> 00:14:59.639 That guy's got some wheels. 00:15:00.379 --> 00:15:00.819 All right. 00:15:00.820 --> 00:15:11.740 So the whole point of that kind of obvious exercise was there is a big old difference in you when you're carrying all this extra weight. 00:15:13.200 --> 00:15:16.520 I can testify to that in my life, okay? 00:15:16.519 --> 00:15:24.419 There's a big old difference in me when I'm carrying extra weight physically and spiritually. 00:15:24.419 --> 00:15:32.099 Now, whether you are in peak physical condition, I mean, I don't think there's too many of us in that. 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:37.719 Or maybe you're not in peak physical condition. 00:15:38.539 --> 00:15:44.679 Every single one of us is carrying extra spiritual weight that we need to lay down. 00:15:44.679 --> 00:15:46.439 So you're looking at me? 00:15:46.799 --> 00:15:47.239 Yes. 00:15:48.079 --> 00:15:50.279 Because you're no better than the rest of us. 00:15:50.939 --> 00:15:54.919 All of you and me need to lay down some things in our lives. 00:15:55.099 --> 00:15:57.859 So Hebrews 12.1 challenges us. 00:15:58.279 --> 00:16:00.419 Lay aside every weight. 00:16:01.059 --> 00:16:01.919 Every weight. 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:02.919 What does that mean? 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:03.839 It means stop. 00:16:04.379 --> 00:16:04.879 Stop. 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:07.539 Number one, if you're filling in your bulletins, stop. 00:16:07.980 --> 00:16:09.279 Hebrews 12.1. 00:16:09.639 --> 00:16:15.980 Lay aside every weight and the sin which clings so closely. 00:16:18.439 --> 00:16:19.860 That's what we're talking about. 00:16:20.860 --> 00:16:24.899 Lay aside the sin that clings so closely. 00:16:25.259 --> 00:16:26.720 You know what it is. 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:31.500 Maybe it's greed. 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:34.299 Maybe it's selfishness. 00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:37.519 Maybe it's something you're addicted to. 00:16:37.820 --> 00:16:38.919 Maybe it's alcohol. 00:16:39.179 --> 00:16:40.700 Maybe it's prescription drugs. 00:16:41.159 --> 00:16:42.419 Maybe it's pornography. 00:16:42.899 --> 00:16:47.539 Whatever it is, the sin that clings so closely to you and won't let you go. 00:16:48.799 --> 00:16:49.360 Stop. 00:16:50.200 --> 00:16:50.799 Stop. 00:16:51.299 --> 00:16:55.580 You won't be able to run the race that God has laid out for you. 00:16:55.620 --> 00:16:58.139 Well, if you don't stop. 00:16:58.820 --> 00:17:02.279 Now, we can look at alcoholism. 00:17:02.279 --> 00:17:04.779 We can look at addiction to pornography. 00:17:05.280 --> 00:17:07.740 We can look at those cheating on their spouses. 00:17:07.980 --> 00:17:10.800 We can look at those who abandon their family. 00:17:10.940 --> 00:17:18.260 We can look at all kinds of very obvious, physical, outward sin problems that everyone sees. 00:17:18.259 --> 00:17:22.440 But what about the things that people don't see? 00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:26.980 What about the things that aren't so obvious? 00:17:26.980 --> 00:17:31.980 Those things can be just as damaging. 00:17:31.980 --> 00:17:38.980 And I know that all of us are prone to these kinds of toxic traits. 00:17:38.980 --> 00:17:44.279 In fact, you're a control freak. 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:46.160 You've got a need to control. 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:51.379 And so people outwardly see you as manipulative. 00:17:53.779 --> 00:17:56.980 Inside, you're bitter because someone wronged you. 00:17:56.980 --> 00:18:01.559 And so outwardly, we see your passive-aggressive behavior. 00:18:01.559 --> 00:18:05.240 Inwardly, you think all the world is about you. 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:06.059 You're a narcissist. 00:18:07.480 --> 00:18:09.859 You don't care so much about everybody else. 00:18:10.619 --> 00:18:12.179 Maybe you wouldn't admit that to yourself. 00:18:12.180 --> 00:18:15.519 But in reality, the way you live, it's all about number one. 00:18:16.900 --> 00:18:18.259 People see you as entitled. 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:22.380 And we could go on and on and create more and more lists. 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:30.700 But the whole point is, there are many toxic traits that can be just as damaging as those which we would look at someone else and say, 00:18:30.840 --> 00:18:32.420 Man, they really need to get their life together. 00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:36.180 Man, look at that obvious problem that they have. 00:18:36.380 --> 00:18:38.040 They need to stop that, don't they? 00:18:38.900 --> 00:18:40.280 They need to quit that habit. 00:18:41.340 --> 00:18:43.180 They need to get that fixed. 00:18:43.180 --> 00:18:57.660 But in reality, our inward self is just as unhealthy, just as damaging, just as destructive as the outward problems that we see in others. 00:18:58.140 --> 00:19:00.620 And God is saying, you've got to lay it aside. 00:19:00.940 --> 00:19:02.000 You've got to stop. 00:19:02.620 --> 00:19:03.519 You've got to stop. 00:19:04.080 --> 00:19:07.240 So, why do we do these things? 00:19:07.660 --> 00:19:09.259 Because of what we think of us. 00:19:09.259 --> 00:19:13.900 We do what we do because of what we think of me. 00:19:15.359 --> 00:19:17.319 I am this kind of person. 00:19:18.299 --> 00:19:22.200 I am someone who always has to scratch my itch. 00:19:22.400 --> 00:19:28.160 So, I will go do this self-destructive habit because I have this itch that needs to be scratched. 00:19:28.420 --> 00:19:30.859 I am someone who doesn't tell myself no. 00:19:31.119 --> 00:19:34.259 So, I will go do this because I don't tell myself no. 00:19:34.700 --> 00:19:39.000 Whatever it is, you do what you do because of what you think of you. 00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:50.359 And like we talked about last Sunday, or maybe it was the one before, but God says, I want you to stop that and do what you do because of what I think of you. 00:19:50.460 --> 00:19:52.960 Because of who I tell you that you are. 00:19:53.259 --> 00:19:54.299 You are my son. 00:19:54.539 --> 00:19:55.460 You are my daughter. 00:19:55.640 --> 00:19:56.339 You are forgiven. 00:19:56.700 --> 00:19:57.420 You are chosen. 00:19:57.619 --> 00:19:58.319 You are free. 00:19:58.819 --> 00:19:59.740 Live like it. 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:02.799 Let it go. 00:20:03.259 --> 00:20:03.799 Lay it down. 00:20:04.099 --> 00:20:04.380 Stop. 00:20:05.279 --> 00:20:06.299 This could be the day. 00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:12.500 This could be the day that you stop doing that self-destructive thing that you do. 00:20:14.099 --> 00:20:16.079 Maybe you don't go to bed until 2 a.m. 00:20:19.159 --> 00:20:21.759 Nothing good happens on the internet after midnight, does it? 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:29.920 Maybe you come home and you don't shepherd your family well, men. 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:33.240 Maybe you don't lead your family well. 00:20:33.319 --> 00:20:34.720 Maybe you don't check on your wife's heart. 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:36.359 Maybe you don't engage with your kids. 00:20:36.799 --> 00:20:44.259 Whatever that self-destructive thing is that you do, today could be the day that you stop. 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:48.400 So, this could be the day. 00:20:50.119 --> 00:20:52.259 Lay aside every weight. 00:20:53.420 --> 00:20:55.400 Lay aside every sin. 00:20:56.359 --> 00:20:59.400 But I don't think this is the only thing that we need to lay aside. 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:02.440 So, number two, move on. 00:21:03.720 --> 00:21:05.920 There might be something you need to stop, 00:21:05.920 --> 00:21:09.480 but there also might be something you need to move on from. 00:21:09.740 --> 00:21:11.300 Back in Philippians 3.13. 00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:13.720 Philippians 3.13. 00:21:14.420 --> 00:21:16.400 Forgetting what lies behind. 00:21:18.200 --> 00:21:19.980 Forgetting what lies behind. 00:21:20.279 --> 00:21:23.340 Paul is talking all about attaining this goal. 00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:24.820 Reaching this goal. 00:21:25.120 --> 00:21:27.259 Y'all, I've got a goal of running a 5K. 00:21:27.840 --> 00:21:30.220 Now, step number one, I've got to find a 5K to run. 00:21:30.220 --> 00:21:38.279 Have you realized that the 5Ks in Wichita Falls, like most of them, are canceled? 00:21:39.819 --> 00:21:40.640 It's true. 00:21:41.819 --> 00:21:45.620 I went to sign up for about three different 5Ks on Facebook 00:21:45.620 --> 00:21:47.559 because it said they were doing it. 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:50.799 And then Sarah told me one of them is a boxing gym. 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:51.319 Pueblo. 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:52.700 Pueblo Gym or something. 00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:54.920 Apparently, they shut down in New Mexico. 00:21:55.360 --> 00:21:58.339 So, I don't think they're going to do a 5K. 00:21:58.339 --> 00:21:59.980 And I was going to win. 00:22:00.220 --> 00:22:00.799 So, there you go. 00:22:02.319 --> 00:22:05.360 I know there's the Midwestern 5K in August. 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:07.980 I'm not going to run my first 5K in August. 00:22:10.940 --> 00:22:12.559 Setting yourself up to fail, right? 00:22:12.860 --> 00:22:13.759 I ain't doing it. 00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:15.720 I'm waiting until, like, November or something. 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:18.160 We'll find one. 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:22.420 But anyway, as I've got this goal of running this 5K, 00:22:22.860 --> 00:22:24.319 which is something a lot of work to get there, 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:32.319 do you realize how many times I've tried to get in shape in my 39 years of life on this earth? 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:35.139 Do you think it's a lot or a little? 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:37.200 Yeah, it's a lot. 00:22:37.319 --> 00:22:37.839 It's a lot. 00:22:37.919 --> 00:22:38.659 I've tried a lot. 00:22:38.779 --> 00:22:40.119 I've tried a lot of different diets. 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:41.859 I've tried a lot of different exercise plans. 00:22:42.079 --> 00:22:43.500 I've done a lot of different things. 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:46.920 So, I'm not going to get in shape. 00:22:47.920 --> 00:22:49.700 I mean, I have a shape. 00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:51.000 It's just not the shape I want. 00:22:52.160 --> 00:22:53.700 I'm not going to get in better shape. 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:57.880 If I don't forget all the times that I have failed, 00:22:58.779 --> 00:23:00.600 that I have tried and I have failed, 00:23:01.380 --> 00:23:04.759 if I keep remembering that, then that is my identity. 00:23:05.080 --> 00:23:06.840 Then that's all of a sudden who I am, 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:10.420 and I'm the guy who tries to get in shape and doesn't do it. 00:23:10.539 --> 00:23:10.740 Fail. 00:23:11.960 --> 00:23:14.539 So, if I don't forget what lies behind 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:17.420 and then reach forward to what lies before 00:23:17.420 --> 00:23:19.400 and believe that God says, 00:23:19.480 --> 00:23:19.980 you know what? 00:23:20.220 --> 00:23:21.440 I gave you this body. 00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:23.920 I know your body better than you know yourself. 00:23:24.120 --> 00:23:25.620 And if you do it my way, 00:23:25.820 --> 00:23:28.140 then I can help you get more healthy. 00:23:28.960 --> 00:23:32.720 God can help us get to where he wants us to go. 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:35.519 So, if he wants me to live longer 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:37.080 and be able to get on the floor 00:23:37.080 --> 00:23:38.580 and play with my grandkids someday, 00:23:39.420 --> 00:23:41.840 then I've got to do it his way. 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:46.900 So, I've got to forget what lies behind. 00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:49.320 Why? 00:23:49.320 --> 00:23:49.400 Why? 00:23:49.840 --> 00:23:51.320 Because we've all got a past. 00:23:52.420 --> 00:23:56.580 Every one of us has things that we need to move on from. 00:23:57.420 --> 00:23:59.380 It might be failures on you. 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:02.759 It might be failures of others. 00:24:04.279 --> 00:24:08.299 But it's time to move on with Jesus. 00:24:11.299 --> 00:24:13.539 Oscar Wilde said this quote. 00:24:14.180 --> 00:24:15.980 I think it's powerful for our sermon today. 00:24:15.980 --> 00:24:18.580 Every saint has a past, 00:24:18.820 --> 00:24:21.120 and every sinner has a future. 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:22.840 Did you hear that? 00:24:23.480 --> 00:24:25.140 Every saint has a past, 00:24:25.420 --> 00:24:27.100 and every sinner has a future. 00:24:27.380 --> 00:24:28.580 He was kind of making the point, 00:24:28.700 --> 00:24:29.640 we're all on level ground. 00:24:29.920 --> 00:24:31.140 We're all on common ground. 00:24:31.720 --> 00:24:32.840 But I'm also going to say, 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:34.259 look, everybody, 00:24:34.420 --> 00:24:35.920 no matter how well they dress up, 00:24:36.080 --> 00:24:37.500 and how nicely they speak, 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:38.860 and how, you know, 00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:40.600 appropriately they conduct themselves, 00:24:40.599 --> 00:24:42.259 every single one of us, 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:45.179 have a past that we need to move on from. 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:49.179 And every sinner who looks like they're a mess, 00:24:49.740 --> 00:24:52.959 and they can't get themselves together with Christ, 00:24:53.079 --> 00:24:54.799 they do have a future. 00:24:55.919 --> 00:24:57.259 Will they ever get to it? 00:24:57.419 --> 00:24:58.339 I pray they will. 00:24:58.339 --> 00:25:01.000 But with Jesus, 00:25:01.459 --> 00:25:03.539 we all have a past, 00:25:03.819 --> 00:25:05.439 but we all have a future. 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:07.639 It might be something you did. 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:10.079 It might be something someone did to you. 00:25:10.919 --> 00:25:12.500 There's all different kinds of trauma. 00:25:13.339 --> 00:25:14.500 There's physical trauma. 00:25:15.919 --> 00:25:17.299 Maybe you experienced that. 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:19.319 Maybe someone harmed you. 00:25:20.139 --> 00:25:21.059 Someone touched you. 00:25:21.179 --> 00:25:22.000 Someone hurt you. 00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:26.319 Maybe there's psychological trauma. 00:25:28.339 --> 00:25:30.119 Maybe you were in an abusive relationship. 00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:35.339 Maybe you can't get out of your own head. 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:40.279 Whatever it is that is holding you back physically, 00:25:41.019 --> 00:25:43.000 mentally, or emotionally. 00:25:44.519 --> 00:25:46.480 Emotional trauma can be some of the most damaging. 00:25:47.920 --> 00:25:49.319 Things that people have said 00:25:49.319 --> 00:25:51.039 that you never got over. 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:54.240 Maybe someone left 00:25:54.240 --> 00:25:56.299 and never came back. 00:25:56.960 --> 00:25:58.980 Whatever the trauma is, 00:25:59.960 --> 00:26:03.099 God can help you forget what lies behind 00:26:03.099 --> 00:26:09.359 and walk into his beautiful new future with you. 00:26:09.779 --> 00:26:10.819 Holding your hand. 00:26:11.359 --> 00:26:12.000 Leading you. 00:26:12.339 --> 00:26:13.900 Saying, walk in my steps. 00:26:14.279 --> 00:26:17.339 I know that this world is full of hurt. 00:26:17.859 --> 00:26:20.579 I've experienced my own trauma before. 00:26:20.579 --> 00:26:23.279 As have probably every person in this room. 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:26.419 We've all experienced trauma. 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:29.480 But God says, I can help you past it. 00:26:29.879 --> 00:26:30.740 I can help you. 00:26:30.819 --> 00:26:32.439 Whether you failed yourself, 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:33.919 or you failed someone else, 00:26:33.980 --> 00:26:35.879 and you just can't get over what you did. 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:37.399 Or someone else failed you. 00:26:37.699 --> 00:26:38.740 Someone else hurt you. 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:40.859 God says, I can heal. 00:26:41.859 --> 00:26:42.980 I can heal. 00:26:42.980 --> 00:26:45.819 But you've got to move on with me. 00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:50.220 God's doing a new thing. 00:26:51.460 --> 00:26:53.620 See how that applies here? 00:26:54.259 --> 00:26:55.720 God's doing a new thing. 00:26:55.819 --> 00:26:57.400 We're excited about kids getting baptized. 00:26:57.400 --> 00:26:59.720 And we're excited about new things happening. 00:27:00.019 --> 00:27:03.780 And new people coming into our body of fellowship here in this church. 00:27:04.600 --> 00:27:06.680 But God can do a new thing in your life. 00:27:07.380 --> 00:27:08.300 By helping you. 00:27:08.620 --> 00:27:12.340 Stop doing something that is self-destructive. 00:27:12.519 --> 00:27:14.780 Or stop doing something that is harmful to others. 00:27:15.040 --> 00:27:17.660 Or move on from something in the past. 00:27:18.080 --> 00:27:19.460 God can do a new thing. 00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:23.259 And you can have a fresh beginning with Jesus today. 00:27:23.620 --> 00:27:24.400 How do we do that? 00:27:24.400 --> 00:27:25.640 James 4.7. 00:27:25.840 --> 00:27:27.100 You don't have to turn there. 00:27:27.600 --> 00:27:28.680 Unless you'd like to. 00:27:28.800 --> 00:27:29.560 James 4.7. 00:27:29.620 --> 00:27:30.620 I'll read it quickly. 00:27:31.300 --> 00:27:33.720 Therefore, submit to God. 00:27:34.080 --> 00:27:35.120 Submit to God. 00:27:35.700 --> 00:27:37.000 Resist the devil. 00:27:37.740 --> 00:27:39.000 And he will what? 00:27:39.780 --> 00:27:41.000 Flee from you. 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:42.519 Yeah, some of you remember that verse. 00:27:43.660 --> 00:27:46.320 Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:49.320 The devil is trying to hold you back. 00:27:49.560 --> 00:27:53.140 The devil is trying to keep that thing from your past in front of you. 00:27:53.140 --> 00:27:53.920 At all times. 00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:58.480 He's trying to keep you locked down into this habit that you just can't break. 00:27:58.740 --> 00:28:02.039 The Bible says, resist the devil with the power of God. 00:28:02.200 --> 00:28:02.960 And he will what? 00:28:03.600 --> 00:28:04.080 Flee. 00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:05.140 He'll run. 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:08.300 He can't stand up to it. 00:28:09.320 --> 00:28:10.519 He can't handle it. 00:28:11.080 --> 00:28:12.380 He can't handle that power. 00:28:12.640 --> 00:28:14.440 You say, the devil doesn't have any power. 00:28:14.560 --> 00:28:15.420 Sure, he has power. 00:28:15.900 --> 00:28:18.080 The Bible calls him the prince of the power of the air. 00:28:18.400 --> 00:28:21.300 He has power on this earth as much as God allows him to have. 00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:23.440 But God's power is so much greater. 00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:26.879 You can't win a fight with the devil. 00:28:27.279 --> 00:28:28.339 But God can. 00:28:29.419 --> 00:28:30.399 And always will. 00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:33.200 Devil can't beat God in the race, okay? 00:28:34.619 --> 00:28:36.059 Whether he's wearing weights or not. 00:28:36.059 --> 00:28:40.879 You can't resist. 00:28:40.879 --> 00:28:42.619 You can't stop. 00:28:42.940 --> 00:28:44.220 You can't move on. 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:46.539 And that's the message for today. 00:28:47.099 --> 00:28:50.599 You have the power through Jesus Christ. 00:28:50.599 --> 00:28:53.019 So, two questions. 00:28:54.439 --> 00:28:55.939 What are you holding on to? 00:28:58.159 --> 00:29:00.319 Lay aside every weight. 00:29:02.299 --> 00:29:05.980 And maybe the better question for some of you might be, what is holding on to you? 00:29:07.000 --> 00:29:08.539 Forget what lies behind. 00:29:09.899 --> 00:29:11.579 What are you holding on to? 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:14.879 And what is holding on to you? 00:29:17.359 --> 00:29:20.259 God is a God of freedom. 00:29:21.539 --> 00:29:23.500 God is a God of new life. 00:29:24.159 --> 00:29:25.139 Fresh beginnings. 00:29:26.039 --> 00:29:29.139 And maybe you walked in here carrying a burden this morning. 00:29:29.699 --> 00:29:31.460 And you put a smile on your face. 00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:33.519 And said good morning to someone. 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:36.439 But the truth is, it's not a great morning for you. 00:29:36.440 --> 00:29:40.080 Because you're carrying a burden that you just can't seem to lay down. 00:29:41.160 --> 00:29:44.480 Jesus says, if you run to me, I will help you. 00:29:44.860 --> 00:29:47.279 With my power, you can resist the devil. 00:29:47.759 --> 00:29:51.920 With my power, you can do something that the old you would not do. 00:29:52.920 --> 00:29:55.759 But I can create a new you. 00:29:57.200 --> 00:29:59.480 So, stop trying. 00:30:00.420 --> 00:30:01.360 And start training. 00:30:02.380 --> 00:30:04.240 Accept who God says you are. 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:07.200 And start training to be that person. 00:30:07.579 --> 00:30:11.480 And when the temptation comes to remember the past. 00:30:11.819 --> 00:30:17.279 Or when the temptation comes to do the thing, the sin that easily weighs you down. 00:30:18.059 --> 00:30:19.440 You can say, wait a minute. 00:30:20.120 --> 00:30:21.740 That's not in my training regimen. 00:30:22.339 --> 00:30:23.460 That doesn't work. 00:30:24.240 --> 00:30:27.380 Now, y'all, I'm not saying I'm doing this perfectly because I'm a weekend. 00:30:28.019 --> 00:30:29.599 But I ran five times last week. 00:30:29.660 --> 00:30:30.339 Let's go, baby. 00:30:31.400 --> 00:30:32.319 It was fun. 00:30:34.240 --> 00:30:40.200 But I've noticed now when I go to a restaurant, it's like, what I would normally order, wait a minute. 00:30:40.620 --> 00:30:41.620 That's not going to help me. 00:30:42.799 --> 00:30:43.539 I'm in training. 00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:49.000 I can't have one and a half back to the 50th of a day. 00:30:50.579 --> 00:30:53.099 So, I like to limit myself to like three chips, you know. 00:30:54.099 --> 00:30:54.380 Why? 00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:56.559 Because I've got a goal I'm trying to reach. 00:30:56.559 --> 00:31:00.759 Maybe after the goal, you know, I'll let myself have more than three. 00:31:01.720 --> 00:31:04.119 But I've got this goal I'm trying to reach. 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:05.779 Do you have a goal? 00:31:06.740 --> 00:31:08.379 Or are you coasting through life? 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:10.879 Giving in to your sin. 00:31:11.119 --> 00:31:12.980 Giving in to what's holding you down. 00:31:13.240 --> 00:31:15.839 Or can't move on from what's holding you back. 00:31:15.899 --> 00:31:17.079 What's holding on to you. 00:31:17.079 --> 00:31:18.539 You can't move on from that. 00:31:18.740 --> 00:31:22.720 Because you don't have that goal that you're trying to reach. 00:31:22.919 --> 00:31:25.659 What is your goal for your family? 00:31:25.819 --> 00:31:27.839 What is your goal for your walk with Jesus? 00:31:28.139 --> 00:31:29.720 What is your goal for yourself? 00:31:29.859 --> 00:31:31.599 Paul said, I have a goal. 00:31:31.839 --> 00:31:33.720 I'm trying to reach Jesus. 00:31:35.899 --> 00:31:36.899 That's my goal. 00:31:36.900 --> 00:31:39.600 So, stop trying. 00:31:40.380 --> 00:31:41.800 And start training with Jesus. 00:31:42.220 --> 00:31:43.060 He'll help you get there. 00:31:43.620 --> 00:31:44.720 He'll help you reach that goal. 00:31:45.440 --> 00:31:47.120 I'm not going to run a 5K next week. 00:31:47.460 --> 00:31:48.320 Wouldn't work, okay? 00:31:48.840 --> 00:31:49.840 It's going to take a little while. 00:31:50.240 --> 00:31:51.700 It's going to take months of training. 00:31:52.040 --> 00:31:54.080 For me to be able to run three miles without stopping. 00:31:54.940 --> 00:31:55.780 Right now, no. 00:31:55.900 --> 00:31:56.420 It's not going to work. 00:31:57.080 --> 00:31:58.420 But I'm in training. 00:31:58.620 --> 00:31:59.660 And so are you. 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:01.360 Every one of you can be. 00:32:01.460 --> 00:32:02.259 So, here's our takeaway. 00:32:02.460 --> 00:32:03.420 And we'll pray and be done. 00:32:03.420 --> 00:32:07.720 God, show me what you want me to lay down. 00:32:08.759 --> 00:32:10.060 We'll release you. 00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:13.820 So I can live the new life that you have for me. 00:32:14.680 --> 00:32:16.180 I don't know what it is for you. 00:32:16.800 --> 00:32:18.240 Some of you I know better than others. 00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:20.980 And some things you've shared with me. 00:32:21.019 --> 00:32:22.000 And we've talked a little bit. 00:32:22.259 --> 00:32:24.060 And if you'd like to come talk to me during the week. 00:32:24.380 --> 00:32:25.779 Joyce Schaffner is in the office. 00:32:25.900 --> 00:32:26.759 Monday through Thursday. 00:32:27.200 --> 00:32:28.279 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 00:32:28.279 --> 00:32:28.900 Make an appointment. 00:32:29.019 --> 00:32:30.100 And we'll sit down and we'll talk. 00:32:30.519 --> 00:32:31.980 And if you can't meet those hours. 00:32:31.980 --> 00:32:34.200 We'll figure out a time when I can come to you. 00:32:34.299 --> 00:32:36.420 And we'll sit down and talk through some of the things. 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:37.339 I can pray for you. 00:32:37.720 --> 00:32:39.880 Show you some verses from the Bible that might help. 00:32:40.160 --> 00:32:42.940 Or we can maybe try to find you a certified counselor that can help you. 00:32:43.000 --> 00:32:43.980 If you have some problems. 00:32:44.799 --> 00:32:45.779 Some trauma to deal with. 00:32:45.819 --> 00:32:46.559 Or things like that. 00:32:46.940 --> 00:32:47.660 But listen, y'all. 00:32:47.900 --> 00:32:48.920 Whatever it is. 00:32:49.880 --> 00:32:52.160 I don't have to know all the problems in your life. 00:32:52.200 --> 00:32:53.440 I don't have to know all your past. 00:32:54.019 --> 00:32:55.279 But Jesus already knows. 00:32:55.519 --> 00:32:56.640 And Jesus wants to help. 00:32:57.180 --> 00:32:58.360 Can you bow your heads with me? 00:32:58.359 --> 00:33:03.619 God, show me what you want me to lay down or release to you. 00:33:03.740 --> 00:33:05.179 What's holding on to me. 00:33:06.039 --> 00:33:07.719 Or what am I holding on to you. 00:33:08.039 --> 00:33:10.599 That I need to stop and move on from. 00:33:11.699 --> 00:33:13.559 God, do a new thing in our church. 00:33:14.339 --> 00:33:16.879 Help us to reach the goals that you have for us. 00:33:17.079 --> 00:33:21.119 Help us to train together to be the church that you want us to be. 00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:23.000 God, a church with this much history. 00:33:23.000 --> 00:33:27.259 It's so easy just to sit back on the way we've always done it. 00:33:27.339 --> 00:33:29.119 The church we've always been. 00:33:29.240 --> 00:33:30.900 But God, you want to do something new here. 00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:36.480 You want to lead us into a beautiful new future that you have for us. 00:33:37.160 --> 00:33:39.039 To help us to train together. 00:33:39.640 --> 00:33:41.119 To be the church you want us to be. 00:33:41.440 --> 00:33:42.359 And individually. 00:33:43.019 --> 00:33:44.680 Show us what we need to lay down. 00:33:45.579 --> 00:33:47.079 What we need to release to you. 00:33:47.539 --> 00:33:48.539 We'll give you the glory. 00:33:48.680 --> 00:33:49.740 It's in Jesus' name we pray. 00:33:50.119 --> 00:33:50.400 Amen. 00:33:50.400 --> 00:33:50.539 Amen. 00:33:53.000 --> 00:33:54.579 We're going to sing a verse of a song. 00:33:54.759 --> 00:33:55.859 Brother Greg's going to lead us. 00:33:55.960 --> 00:33:56.940 I'm going to come down front. 00:33:57.019 --> 00:33:58.079 And I'll talk to you a little bit. 00:33:58.200 --> 00:34:00.140 Would you join me in standing if you're able to? 00:34:00.140 --> 00:34:00.460 Amen.