Don't Avoid the Gospel.

Steve Gentry

[0:00] Good morning. Welcome to the village. My name is Steve. How are you? [0:05] Thank you so much for being here [0:07] We are finishing up the book of Galatians this week. It’s been a long journey through this entire book [0:14] But it’s it’s been a fruitful one. I want to I want to thank you guys for being here [0:18] It’s one it’s one of those days where it’s a little bit cloudy and it’s been a little bit cool this weekend [0:23] So maybe our our spirits are a little low

[0:26] So I’ll do my best to try to lift them up, but then I’ll probably at some point like slam it down again [0:31] I don’t know. I try to take you on like a journey of emotions and we’ll do our best for that today [0:36] I don’t know if if you were there, but I think all of Richmond ran the monument Avenue 10k yesterday [0:41] I was I was pushing [0:44] elderly people out of my way and [0:47] Then and then halfway through they they were pushing me out of their way

[0:50] I don’t really know what happened [0:52] But I immediately started slowing down and then just slowed a little bit more down and then after a while [0:58] I tried to grab some guys Walker. I [1:01] Was kind of doing the Walker thing, but I made it to the end for better or worse [1:05] I don’t know if you if you heard they they misunderstood. I’m not Ethiopian [1:10] They said the guy that won was Ethiopian. I don’t know what they’re talking about. I’m from Richmond

[1:14] So that was me the winner they misspelled my name as well. No I came in a last place behind [1:20] Behind my mother I think she beat me too [1:22] So no, I’m just kidding. It was fun yesterday a lot of us from the village ran the 10k [1:27] I’m not a runner I and some of you are not shocked by that statement whatsoever [1:34] You’re like really Wow because when I came in here the first thought I had was you obviously ran four miles this morning [1:40] No, I’m not a runner

[1:42] So it was it was a huge achievement for me and I’m talking about it because I’m so proud of myself [1:47] I’m full of vanity this morning as soon as I finished [1:51] I think I got better looking so I woke up this and that’s hard [1:54] So I got up this morning looked in the mirror, and I was even happier with what I saw [1:59] I was just really stoked and really happy to come in and say you know what they’re gonna [2:03] Look at me this morning, and they’re gonna say what a good he obviously ran the 10k yesterday

[2:09] And then some of you are like I still don’t believe you. There’s no video footage [2:15] But I did it I [2:17] Promise I promise I did it and I made it and I’m still alive [2:23] I’m held up by a couple pieces of wood this morning because my legs are killing me [2:27] But the book of Galatians just go ahead and turn to chapter 6 in verse 11 [2:33] Next week is Easter today is what is what is commonly referred to as the entrance into

[2:40] Easter week [2:42] And and throughout this week people will be [2:46] Celebrating and mourning the death of Jesus and it didn’t happen this week [2:52] I don’t know if you know that or not, but he didn’t actually die in April or March [2:57] You know we’re not you know specifically [2:59] Certain when in the Roman calendar he died, but this is the week that we have set aside

[3:04] Throughout church history to look at the death and resurrection of Jesus and next Sunday [3:09] We will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with the beginning of our series that were called core [3:15] We’re gonna call core and what it is is basically we’re gonna spend a couple of weeks going through [3:19] What makes a church a church? [3:23] What are the core values at here at the village? [3:26] What is it that we believe life should be lived for and what is it that we’re basing this church on?

[3:33] Is it simply some institution where we come together and we gather every week and sing a few songs? [3:40] Preach a message out of the Bible or is there something more to it? [3:44] Is there more that you can be a part of and we’re gonna start next week by talking about our first core value [3:49] Which is redemption and we’re gonna look at the resurrection and how redemption flows out of the resurrection of Jesus [3:57] So that’s next week, and I’m excited about it. I think it’s gonna be a great series [4:01] This coming Thursday night. I don’t want you to miss this

[4:05] Up at colony coffee we’re gonna gather and we’re gonna have what’s I refer to as a tenebrae service and [4:11] Basically what it is is we’re just gonna come together and we’re gonna read some scripture and we’re gonna sing a few songs [4:16] And we’re going to reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus [4:20] This coming Sunday is the time that we set aside to reflect on the resurrection and to celebrate the resurrection on [4:27] Thursday what we’re gonna do is we’re gonna have a service where we reflect on the crucifixion [4:31] Where we come together and we mourn but also celebrate death and that’s what’s so strange about

[4:38] Christianity and what’s so countercultural is that we do not fear death or we should not fear death if we’re followers of Jesus [4:45] Death is something to be celebrated because it is the passing from this life into the next life in the presence of God our [4:52] King where we can spend eternity with him before his throne praising him and for many of us [4:58] That’s something that we cannot grasp we cannot comprehend and for some of us [5:03] It’s something that we can’t even think would be worth spending eternity on [5:07] But it is because it is the presence of God that we believe God is the gospel

[5:14] We do not believe in Jesus so that we can simply walk on streets of gold [5:19] We believe in Jesus because God created us to be in relationship with him in Jesus [5:25] Reconciles us back with God he puts us into relationship with himself [5:30] And we can spend eternity with him rather than in hell which is complete separation from God and so this Thursday [5:38] We’re gonna celebrate the event that made all that possible [5:41] And that is when God himself went to the cross took our sins on to himself and died in our place for our sin

[5:50] And I hope you can come out. I hope you can celebrate with us [5:53] It’s only gonna be about an hour come on out bring some friends buy somebody coffee while you’re there [5:59] And we will have a great time if you’ve been with us throughout the book of Galatians [6:05] you’ll understand that we have called this series losing my religion and [6:10] Today we’re specifically going to be talking about why we should not avoid this thing that we call the gospel [6:16] Why we should live our lives going headlong into the gospel rather than avoiding the gospel

[6:22] Which is what many of us do in our day-to-day life [6:24] But what we’re gonna be we’ve been talking about is this whole key in this whole thought of losing our religion [6:32] Because the big thing you have to understand about yourself whether or not you deny it you do follow some type of religion [6:39] Whether it be for God or whether it be against God you are following a religion and the book of Galatians is Paul [6:46] Combating a group of people who came into a church that he had started a church that he had planted where he was preaching the gospel [6:54] Which is simply summed up in this

[6:56] We are guilty before God we have sinned against him and God gave us a law to show us our sin [7:04] And then because of our sin we could not come to God [7:09] No matter how hard we tried no matter how hard we tried to be moral no matter how obedient we were to God’s standards [7:15] There are standards of God’s that we break time and time again [7:19] And so we couldn’t do it so he sent his son Jesus to die on the cross and in his death the scriptures say [7:26] Jesus took our sins off of us put them on to himself and died

[7:32] For our sins paying the penalty for our sins the book of Romans says the wages of sin is death and [7:40] Jesus pays that wage through his death [7:43] The book of 2nd Corinthians chapter 5 says he who knew no sin became sin on our behalf [7:50] You have to understand through the cross [7:53] Jesus literally not just figuratively [7:57] It was not an analogy

[8:00] Jesus took our disobedience against him [8:05] onto himself [8:08] Because we could not pay the penalty for it [8:11] We could not ever do anything to equal out our sin and to get rid of our sins so that God would accept us [8:19] So we were headed straight forward headlong into death without God and we were going to experience his wrath [8:28] So instead of making us do that God sends his son Jesus and pours his wrath onto his son

[8:35] Gaining our acceptance with God apart from anything we could ever have ever and will ever do we cannot pay the [8:44] Cost we cannot pay the price [8:47] so Jesus paid the price for us and [8:51] Paul had preached this in Galatia, and they had believed it [8:55] But then after he leaves Galatia another group comes in and preaches a different gospel than he had preached [9:03] He said they basically looked at the Galatians and said Paul has given you half of the truth

[9:09] We will give you the other half the other half is this you must circumcise yourselves [9:14] You must convert to Judaism you must keep the whole law and then and only then will God accept you [9:22] You must obey the laws of the Old Testament the moral code that the Old Testament gives us [9:29] you must obey that and [9:33] Immediately writes back as soon as he gets word that this is going on he writes back and says they are [9:39] liars

[9:40] The gospel that I gave you is the whole gospel if you add anything to that gospel it is all wrong [9:47] You cannot compromise on the gospel [9:51] And then he starts in Galatians 6 verse 11 [9:55] And he starts wrapping it up what we’re gonna [9:57] You’re gonna see Paul begin to sum up the entire book of Galatians over the period of just a few verses [10:04] And he sums up everything that he has said and he starts out in verse 11

[10:07] He says see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand [10:15] It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised and only in order that [10:22] They may not be persecuted for the cross [10:24] He starts out in verse 11, and he says see with what large letters [10:29] I am writing you with my own hand this is not just some insignificant verse where Paul is talking about his own handwriting [10:37] Paul writes in verse 11. He says see with what large letters

[10:39] I’m writing with my own hand because he wants them to know how urgent the gospel is in this day [10:46] What would happen throughout all basically all of the New Testament is the person that is actually the author of the book [10:53] Does not physically write the manuscripts [10:56] They had was called scribes or what we would refer to as secretaries [11:00] And they would often dictate as they were traveling and Paul had a few different people that would write for him Silas [11:07] Timothy Barnabas they would all write for Paul and we’re not so sure

[11:12] Specifically why he would rarely write in his own handwriting [11:16] Some people think it’s because when he was struck off of the horse in Acts chapter 8 with a blinding light that God sent [11:23] His his eyesight was dim the rest of his life at best [11:27] And he couldn’t see what he was writing some people think that because he was a tentmaker [11:31] And he would work with leather that his hands were so calloused and so rough that his handwriting was almost ineligible [11:39] But some people just simply say people you scribes so Paul you describe

[11:44] But what Paul writes here is look I am writing this with my own hand

[11:52] He’s trying to get across this [11:54] What I have told you throughout the book of Galatians is so important [11:59] I’ve written it myself so that I would not have to take the time to proofread what someone else wrote

[12:05] Paul is writing to make them understand when I heard that there were people trying to convince you [12:12] To live a life of religion based on your own morality where God will either a [12:19] Accept you by your goodness or be reject you because you couldn’t obey him that is not the gospel [12:27] The reason that’s not the gospel is because no one fits in the good category

[12:32] It’s not that we’re morally neutral [12:35] We are all very very bad all of us [12:41] Your best day is disgusting to God [12:45] Isaiah a verse if you’ve been in church you’ve heard this time and time again our righteousness is as filthy rags compared to God’s [12:54] What that specifically means and I won’t get into the grotesque detail of the Hebrew [12:58] But what that specifically means is that you if you wrapped up all that is good about you

[13:06] All that is healthy all that is moral all that you would ever do towards someone else to help them out if you wrapped [13:13] All of that into one and then compared it to all that God could wrap up [13:19] It would not even be worth comparing because it would look like a disgusting [13:24] filthy [13:26] bloodied rag [13:28] Compared to how pure and good God is

[13:34] None of us are good and so when these men come into Galatia and spread this false [13:41] Gospel of religion where you have to earn your acceptance with God some people are still doing it now [13:48] Where your morality is what God looks for? [13:52] When people came in and then the word came to Paul Paul immediately got paper and pen out our parchment and [14:01] Bird quill have no idea [14:02] And began to write out

[14:05] He did it in his own handwriting and [14:08] Then he sent it express to Galatia. He said this is urgent [14:14] What Paul’s trying to get across by writing in his own handwriting is that it is urgent that you believe the gospel [14:23] The whole gospel not part of the gospel [14:26] But every little facet every little detail of the gospel [14:30] It is urgent that you would believe it and why would he try to put forth this attitude?

[14:35] Understand that any time you have two warring factions with belief systems [14:41] Coming towards somebody who’s trying to figure out what to believe the common [14:46] Response is well. Give me a little time to think about it. I’ll compare what Paul has preached to me [14:51] I’ll compare what you have preached to me, and I’ll think about it. Maybe after a while [14:55] Make a decision Paul writes to them and says it is urgent you cannot take time [15:01] To consider whether or not I’m right or they’re right you have to choose right now who you will follow

[15:10] Because God is not glorified through your morality [15:14] And so Paul tells them it is urgent, and that is why I’ve written this so quickly so speedily [15:20] That’s probably why you can barely read my handwriting look at how large these letters are [15:24] I am trying to show you the truth and [15:28] What he’s going to unravel throughout the rest of this passage is why they should [15:35] Immediately begin to not simply cognitively believe what he’s talking about

[15:40] But live out the gospel that he is writing towards them [15:45] He says in verse 12 [15:46] It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised and [15:53] Only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ [16:00] See here’s something you have to understand about the gospel [16:03] And I think we are in a religious and and kind of still somewhat biblical enough society to where we understand

[16:09] What I’m talking about when I talk about the gospel [16:12] Jesus and Jesus alone

[16:16] The benefits of the gospel are desired [16:20] Okay, when I say the benefits of the gospel here’s what I’m talking about the benefits of the gospel [16:24] Tend to be acceptance with God okay who wants God hating them [16:29] Alright [16:30] Not me [16:31] There may be point five percent of the population that you know walk around and they’re the ones that were like

[16:38] Oh daddy didn’t hug him enough. Hey, you know mommy didn’t didn’t make them enough breakfast growing up [16:42] So you know they’ve got an axe to grind [16:44] They may say oh, I’m glad God hates me [16:47] I hate God too, but for the most part if you’re a somewhat of a normal person you don’t want God hating you [16:54] He’s God [16:55] He could do far more against me than I could ever do against him all I could do is maybe stand on the beach

[17:00] Somewhere and be like I hate you I [17:03] Could never do anything to hurt God

[17:07] We love the benefit which is God accepts us he loves us God [17:12] Will take us to heaven rather than send us to hell these are all great benefits for the gospel and we’re like oh [17:18] No, hell I get to go to heaven streets of gold [17:21] Mansions that sounds fantastic no wrath all good this sounds like a wonderful package you are wrapping up for me [17:30] And so Paul understands the benefits of the gospel are not what these religious zealots come in railing against [17:37] No one ever rails against the benefits in

[17:41] Verse 12 he reveals what they’re actually railing against [17:45] Notice that he says in order that they may not [17:50] Be persecuted for the cross of Christ [17:55] Jesus in the book of Matthew when discussing what life with him is like he says wide and broad is the path that leads to [18:03] hell but narrow and hard is the road that leads to heaven as [18:09] Long as you’re focusing on the benefits

[18:13] Everything looks good [18:15] What these religious zealots had come in [18:19] Proclaiming was if you believe what Paul actually told you do you understand what that’s gonna cause in your life

[18:26] You see in the culture that they were living in you had two factions that were in power first you had Rome [18:34] Rome’s religion was worshipping the Emperor he was God [18:39] Often throughout the gospel accounts of Jesus’s life when Jesus would call himself the king of kings [18:46] Not Jesus, but when people would call him king of kings Lord of Lords [18:51] When he’s asked whether or not they should pay taxes and he says well whose face is on there [18:58] It was Caesar’s and above it it would typically say king of kings Lord of Lords Caesar was seen as God

[19:06] So the religion of Rome [19:09] Caesar worship the guy he’s the king of kings. He’s the Lord of Lords [19:14] Then you had [19:17] Jerusalem [19:19] Which Rome had allowed [19:22] To practice a different religion because of so many military uprisings

[19:28] Where those Jews they would die for their faith so Rome after a while was just like listen [19:33] We don’t want to argue with these Jews [19:35] They’re willing to die and we don’t want to kill them all because that’ll make us look bad [19:38] So they were allowed to practice their Old Testament faith [19:42] so you had these two different religions and [19:46] If you added a third one

[19:49] Especially one that says if someone slaps you on one cheek turn to them the other they won’t fight back like the Jews would

[19:57] If you introduce any other type of religion in this society you are going to be persecuted you’re gonna be locked up [20:04] You’re gonna be beaten [20:04] You’re gonna be crucified and [20:08] So what these Pharisees are coming into Galatia saying to a group of people who did not grow up as Jews saying listen [20:14] If you follow that guy that came in here and proclaim the gospel to the Romans or to the Jews guess what the product’s [20:21] Gonna be the same you’re gonna die

[20:23] They’re going to kill you and Paul writes in verse 12 [20:26] He says look these men are preaching to you because they themselves are afraid of the [20:32] Persecution that believing the gospel will actually bring about in their lives and [20:38] Paul writes you can want the benefits of the gospel [20:42] But if you claim to believe the gospel you’ve got to believe the gospel [20:46] But not only that the gospel will bring about this revolutionary change in your life

[20:51] That will cause you to live for the gospel and Paul says living for the gospel. I’m not gonna lie to you [20:57] It’s going to bring persecution [21:00] That is what these Pharisees are trying to avoid [21:05] And so Paul is giving them the fact that believing the gospel means following Jesus [21:11] You cannot believe the gospel in your head and say I want the benefits [21:16] I want all the good things I have eternal security

[21:20] So all I have to do is say yes walk out the door live whatever life [21:25] I want to live follow a different [21:29] Gospel with my life then I say I believe with my head and then God will accept me [21:35] Which is what they’re being tempted to do in Galatia [21:38] Because remember they didn’t come in and say Paul’s a liar [21:43] They came in and said Paul gave you half you can compromise on the rest

[21:51] Understand you can not believe the gospel and not end up following Jesus

[22:00] Anymore than I can believe a medicine will cure me and then not take the medicine and still get the cure

[22:08] It does not work that way

[22:13] If you believe the gospel look at what we’ve talked about all throughout the book of Galatians look at Galatians 2 20 [22:20] I’ve been crucified with [22:23] Christ in other words [22:25] If I believe the gospel I believe that Jesus died for my sins. That’s what that means [22:29] I believe that he took my sins onto the cross with him. So it says if I was up there with him and [22:36] Then it says right after that it says yet I live

[22:42] In other words [22:44] But I’m still alive and that begs the question [22:47] What do you do with your life if you believe the gospel break it down because then it says the life I now live [22:55] Excuse me. It says not I [22:58] But Christ lives in me and the life I now live I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave [23:03] Himself for me

[23:06] Do you see the change [23:08] That Paul is promoting in chapter 2 that he’s just finishing here [23:12] He says once I come to Jesus my sins are taken away [23:19] But a new life [23:20] Enters in and that is the new life in Jesus [23:26] in verse 13

[23:30] For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law [23:34] But they desire to have you circumcise that they may boast in their flesh [23:39] But far be it for me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus [23:44] By which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world notice [23:49] He’s finishing the thought from Galatians 2 20 all the way over here in chapter 6

[23:56] But notice what he says before that [24:00] he [24:00] Says the gospel that they’re actually bringing to you because the word gospel simply means good news [24:05] And they’re both claiming they have good news [24:08] Says the gospel that they’re bringing in

[24:12] They don’t even believe what they’re preaching to you

[24:16] Because he says if they believed that the law would gain them acceptance with God [24:22] What would they be doing? [24:25] They would be obeying the law [24:29] Paul says throughout the entire book. He says nobody does that

[24:36] It’s impossible [24:38] Inconceivable that you a sinner [24:42] Someone who is living in rebellion against God could ever muster up the own strength inside of yourself to obey God [24:49] He says they don’t even obey the standards that they’re telling you to obey [24:55] They are frauds the reason that they are they’re preaching to you is because [25:01] They desire that you be circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh

[25:08] Paul says they are trying to gain acceptance in the culture that they are in [25:14] So that no one will ever come against them and say you are trying to change lives [25:22] Paul says they are simply trying to follow the status quo [25:27] That is not what the law calls for look back in Galatians chapter 3 when Paul says [25:34] Through the law came the curse of the flesh [25:40] Which is the wrath of God because the law acts as a prison the law does not bring sin into my life the law simply

[25:49] Exposes sin in my life and so when these men came in preaching a law centered religion [25:55] Where they’re saying follow the law and God will accept you he says look at their lives look at every single thing [26:01] They do they’re not obeying the law because the law is fulfilled in Jesus and Jesus redeems us [26:08] From the curse of the law [26:09] Jesus is the fulfillment of the law [26:12] So if they really lived the law then they would believe in Jesus

[26:20] And this sounds wonderful to us, but I guarantee you at least some of you [26:25] Still base your acceptance and your life with God on whether or not [26:30] You read your Bibles in the morning or not whether or not you prayed yesterday or not and you think that God is unhappy [26:37] With you because you disobeyed him yesterday

[26:40] You think God loves you less because of your disobedience [26:44] And I go what are you saying? I just want to deliver disobedient life [26:48] It’s like it’s not what I’m saying what I’m saying is stop obeying God so that God will love you and start obeying God [26:54] Because he already does [26:57] If you’re obeying God to earn his love you are living the false religion of these Pharisees

[27:07] And I can already fill you in God does not accept your worthless offerings [27:14] a meager obedience [27:16] You think reading your Bible and praying 20 minutes a day is really enough for the God of the universe

[27:24] How preposterous must that seem to God

[27:29] Do you really think the fact that you’ve gone two weeks without cussing

[27:35] Is the way to earn God’s acceptance [27:38] You didn’t get drunk Friday night dream big

[27:43] Good job [27:45] Well I’ve never been to jail [27:47] You’re not supposed to go to jail [27:49] It’s not impressive to God [27:51] Way to dream big for God [27:54] God really loves the offerings you’re giving him

[27:57] Well let me tell you something [27:58] Over the course of my life I have given $326 to church

[28:07] God’s impressed [28:09] God when he set out to create the world that’s what he had in mind

[28:16] Do you see how foolish our moral strivings are [28:21] Before God [28:23] Yet we think he accepts us or rejects us based on our ability to obey him

[28:33] Newsflash you don’t have any ability to obey him [28:38] You’re sinful [28:40] So am I [28:43] Do you think God accepts me because I’m up here

[28:48] It’s a worthless offering [28:49] If I’m up here so that God will accept me [28:53] Guess what I’m already bankrupt and he doesn’t

[28:58] God doesn’t accept us based on our morality [29:01] Paul’s point is God accepts us based on Jesus [29:04] Because only Jesus had a life’s offering enough [29:11] To where God would say I am pleased [29:15] Jesus lived a completely perfect life [29:19] And then died a completely vicarious and substitutionary death for us

[29:25] And we can look inside of the words of scripture [29:30] And we can obey this [29:33] Not for God’s love [29:35] But because of his great love for me [29:39] Through his son Jesus

[29:43] You see if you say believing the gospel means following Jesus [29:47] You’re not saying if I follow Jesus then I will believe the gospel [29:53] That’s backwards [29:54] You believe the gospel and say yes I have acceptance with God [30:00] Based completely on the finished work of Jesus on the cross [30:04] Based completely on the victory of Jesus rising from the dead

[30:08] I am accepted with God by God [30:11] And I need to do nothing else for that acceptance [30:14] Nothing

[30:17] And you just live in that security [30:20] And say yes

[30:24] Then you begin the journey of following Jesus [30:27] Not before

[30:30] Because if you try to follow Jesus without believing what I just said about the gospel

[30:38] You’ll never believe the gospel because it will always be about how hard you work [30:42] How much you do [30:44] That’s what it will always be about [30:47] And that’s religion [30:48] And guess what folks you need to lose that crap [30:53] That’s worthless

[30:56] That will lead you to nothing but a life of disappointment

[31:01] That will lead you to nothing but a life of dissatisfaction

[31:07] That will lead you to nothing but a life where you compare what you do to what other people do [31:13] And you say well I measure up way better than them [31:17] Because look at how good I am

[31:21] You’ve created a religion of you [31:24] The gospel is about Jesus [31:27] See because the gospel puts us all on level playing field [31:31] My acceptance with God is Jesus [31:34] Your acceptance with God is Jesus [31:37] I obey God because I’m already loved by God

[31:41] And if I’m disobedient [31:43] Let me tell you about the most liberating thing about the gospel [31:48] When I’m a bad husband [31:50] Frequently

[31:53] I mean frequently [31:55] I mean you should see my hamper [31:59] Everything is in it [32:00] I just wash clothes as I need them [32:03] My wife [32:05] What am I going to do with them

[32:06] Bad husband but guess what [32:09] Still accepted by God

[32:11] When I pushed that old lady out [32:13] Y’all think I’m kidding I really pushed that old lady out of my way yesterday [32:15] When I pushed that old lady out of my way yesterday [32:18] I’m not proud of it [32:19] A little bit maybe but not completely proud of it [32:22] She should have started behind me

[32:25] She wasn’t planning on running [32:27] I was [32:28] Got in my way folks [32:30] But when I did that guess what [32:33] Still accepted by God

[32:36] Do you believe the gospel or not [32:39] Because some of you are like well I don’t think [32:40] God frowned on that

[32:44] God looked down from his throne [32:48] And he said no Steve [32:49] No no no

[32:53] See some of y’all [32:55] I tell you some of y’all think [32:56] I think he lost a little bit of his acceptance with God [32:59] I did not

[33:03] Why because what is my acceptance with God [33:06] Wrapped up in [33:07] Jesus

[33:10] It’s Jesus and [33:12] Jesus alone [33:13] Anything else is you [33:15] Making an idol out of yourself [33:18] And saying I’m good enough

[33:21] No you’re not [33:24] If you really believe that you [33:26] Earn your acceptance [33:28] And you’re heretic and you’re going to hell

[33:35] Our acceptance of God [33:36] Is based on Jesus [33:37] Believe in Jesus, God accepts you

[33:43] Here’s what happens when you do that though [33:47] You’re filled with the love of Paul [33:48] Remember back in the book of Galatians [33:50] Chapter 5 [33:52] When I talked about the fruits of the spirit [33:54] This is where the fruits of the spirit start coming in your life

[33:57] When you believe Jesus [33:58] Guess what, God says I love you [34:00] Exactly as you are but I’m not going [34:02] To keep you that way, I’m going to change [34:04] Your life [34:06] Here’s what happens

[34:07] When you believe the gospel you begin to follow [34:10] Jesus and this lifestyle begins to come out [34:13] When in verse 14 [34:15] It says but far be it from me [34:17] To boast except in the [34:19] Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ

[34:21] By which the world has been crucified [34:23] To me and I to the world [34:25] For neither circumcision [34:27] Counts for anything [34:28] Nor uncircumcision [34:30] But a new creation

[34:33] And as for all [34:35] Who walk by this rule [34:36] Peace and mercy be upon them [34:38] And upon the Israel of God [34:39] Did you catch where he says [34:41] Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision

[34:43] Counts for anything where God’s concerned [34:46] He’s speaking directly to what those people [34:48] Were saying in that culture [34:49] But we don’t really have people running the streets of [34:51] Melothian trying to circumcise all the men [34:54] So that doesn’t really culturally fit us

[34:57] So if you want to know what he was [34:58] Talking about [34:59] Religiously the Jews had to be circumcised [35:03] So they came to the Galatians [35:04] This was a Gentile church [35:05] Not full of Jews and they’re like

[35:07] Alright guys we’re going to have to circumcise each and every one of you [35:09] So that God will accept you [35:11] Alright we do that more with like [35:14] How we dress whether or not we wear [35:15] Suits to church or not [35:17] Alright but in this day it was circumcision

[35:20] We don’t struggle with that [35:21] What we struggle with is what I’ve been talking about [35:24] All along [35:26] How many dirty thoughts did I have today

[35:29] Oh Lord [35:31] He’s going to kill me

[35:34] How many arguments did I have today [35:36] I just cussed a guy out [35:38] Because he took my parking spot, God hates me [35:42] How petty do we think God is

[35:47] It’s ridiculous

[35:49] Some of you are like [35:51] Oh you just want chaos to ensue [35:52] It already has folks

[35:57] I said a couple of weeks ago [35:59] The law does not bring chaos [36:01] The law does not bring chaos [36:02] [36:02] [36:02]

[36:02] The law just reveals that it already exists

[36:06] Some of you [36:07] Have divorced yourselves so much [36:10] From culture [36:12] That you think well everything is ok at my house [36:14] And I don’t go to those places where it’s not ok [36:16] So it doesn’t exist

[36:18] Sin’s gone out of my life [36:21] Man have you missed the point of the gospel [36:24] You have missed it [36:27] Because the gospel [36:28] Comes in and it changes [36:30] Your life and it does not

[36:32] Fruits of the spirit are not [36:34] Avoidance of alcohol, no smoking [36:36] No R-rated movies [36:38] Don’t drink, don’t cuss, don’t smoke [36:40] Don’t kiss girls that do [36:42] You’re filled with the Holy Spirit

[36:44] Is that what Galatians 5 says the fruits of the spirit [36:46] Look like in your life [36:48] Some of y’all have good religions [36:50] Around those things though [36:52] Some of y’all have also avoided church [36:54] Because you think that’s what religion is based on

[36:59] What are the fruits of the spirit? [37:02] Love [37:03] Joy [37:05] Peace [37:07] Patience [37:08] Gentleness

[37:10] Kindness [37:10] Self control [37:11] And then it says again such things there is no law

[37:16] And then some of us look at that [37:17] Those are some lofty goals [37:21] Sure [37:23] I may argue with every person I meet [37:25] I may argue with every person I meet [37:26] Sure I may have an absolutely despicable temperament

[37:30] Sure I may be a jerk to every person I know [37:34] Sure I may be a jerk to every person I know [37:35] Sure I may be a jerk to every person I know [37:35] But you know what?

[37:37] I don’t drink, I don’t smoke [37:38] And I wear a suit to church on Sundays [37:40] And I wear a suit to church on Sundays

[37:42] I’m doing pretty good [37:44] I’m doing pretty good

[37:50] Hmm [37:51] [37:51] [37:51]

[37:54] Some of us really are living a religion [37:56] Some of us really are living a religion [37:56] Of our own making [37:58] Because I can’t find that near

[38:05] Here’s how you follow Jesus [38:08] First [38:10] Commit [38:10] Commit to building gospel relationships

[38:20] Commit to building gospel relationships [38:20] Your Christianity

[38:24] Is lived out in relationship [38:26] Alright and some of you are like [38:28] Just me and Jesus that’s all I need [38:32] Just me and Jesus that’s all I need [38:33] Nope [38:33] Don’t need people

[38:35] Got Jesus, that’s enough [38:37] Did you read the fruits of the spirit? [38:40] You’re like well I live those out with Jesus [38:41] I love Jesus [38:43] I’m kind to Jesus [38:45] I have self control because sometimes he gets out of hand

[38:49] What?

[38:51] No, see what you did was you just looked at one verse [38:54] You didn’t back up [38:55] When the fruits of the spirit, the reason they’re lived out [38:57] Is because the law [38:59] Is fulfilled in loving [39:01] Your neighbor as yourself

[39:07] See this is where we hit home [39:09] Because this is something that all of us struggle with [39:11] This is where our sin is really seen [39:14] Because what the gospel does [39:16] Is it reunites our relationship with God [39:18] And then our gospel is lived out

[39:20] Because we’re reunited in relationship with others [39:24] You can only see [39:26] What effect the gospel is having in your life [39:28] Through the relationships you’re having with other people [39:31] That’s it [39:33] And it doesn’t gain you any acceptance with God

[39:36] But it shows that you already are [39:38] Because when I’m accepted with God [39:40] And we talked about this last week [39:41] I have no kingdom of my own to defend [39:44] So I am free to build relationships [39:46] With other people

[39:47] Because I am so caught up [39:49] In my relationship with God [39:51] I am so caught up in how he has blessed me [39:54] I am so caught up in how he has forgiven me [39:57] I am so caught up in what he has done [39:59] And is doing for me

[40:01] That what happens [40:02] Paul says in Galatians chapter 5 [40:04] Is that God fills you with his Holy Spirit [40:06] At the moment of salvation [40:08] He just pours his Spirit in you [40:10] And then his Holy Spirit takes over

[40:12] And it transforms [40:13] And it changes you [40:15] And now you’re beginning to have desires and passions [40:18] That you’ve never had before [40:19] You now long to be in relationship with God [40:23] You now desire to be in relationship with God

[40:26] And what happens is [40:27] As God pours himself into you [40:29] He pours himself out of you [40:33] And into the lives of others [40:35] All around you

[40:40] And some of you are like whew [40:42] That’s hard [40:45] That’s as hard to actually live

[40:48] That’s why Jesus said [40:51] Narrow and hard [40:53] Is the path that leads to heaven

[40:57] Because the gospel changes us [40:59] Into people who desire [41:01] To see other people redeemed [41:03] And to see other people experience [41:05] The blessings in Jesus [41:07] That we are experiencing

[41:08] To see other people have the acceptance with God [41:11] That we are enjoying [41:12] And guess what sometimes it just isn’t that pretty

[41:18] It’s hard [41:20] When you proactively set out to form [41:23] Gospel relationships [41:25] It’s hard [41:27] And that’s why God says [41:29] Get out of the way and let me take over

[41:33] Fruits of the spirit, not the fruits of you [41:36] You aren’t producing these fruits [41:39] God is [41:40] See the fruits of the spirit show how much [41:43] We really believe the gospel [41:46] See when I am hateful

[41:49] Angry, mean [41:51] Don’t treat my wife right [41:53] Don’t treat my friends right [41:54] Don’t treat my family right [41:55] Don’t treat my son right [41:57] I am all caught up in myself

[41:59] And what I want to do [42:01] And I want others to do towards me [42:03] Let me tell you if you are in a relationship [42:05] With me you know that’s what I struggle with

[42:11] When I am all about that [42:13] Guess what you know what I am telling those around me

[42:17] I don’t believe the gospel

[42:23] I don’t believe the gospel

[42:26] Because so many of us [42:27] I don’t understand why people in the world [42:29] Don’t believe the gospel [42:31] Look at all the great benefits we have

[42:34] Maybe it’s because you claim you do believe the gospel [42:37] That they don’t believe the gospel [42:38] Have you ever thought about that

[42:44] Ever considered [42:45] What type of gospel [42:47] You are preaching through the way you treat others

[42:52] Have you ever considered what your resentment [42:56] And what your biting comments [42:58] Cause in the lives of other people [43:00] Because I am in the mirror right now [43:04] Because I have the ability [43:06] To just chop you up

[43:09] That’s why the book of James [43:10] Says if a man can control his tongue [43:12] He can control everything [43:15] Because the tongue steers all of us [43:19] Because with our mouths [43:21] We have the ability to just

[43:24] Decimate lives

[43:28] When you follow Jesus [43:30] Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness [43:33] Gentleness, patience, self control [43:34] They all come out of here [43:37] Towards other people

[43:40] Following Jesus means committing [43:42] To forming gospel relationships [43:45] That’s what Paul is talking about [43:47] Look back in the text when he says [43:49] I don’t boast in anything except the cross [43:51] Which I was crucified to the world

[43:53] And the world was crucified to me [43:54] For neither circumcision counts for anything [43:56] Nor uncircumcision [43:57] But a new creation [43:58] That’s the new life [44:00] The transformation the Holy Spirit does

[44:02] And then he says [44:03] And as for all who walk by this rule [44:06] What rule?

[44:09] Spirit [44:10] Walking by the Spirit [44:11] Back in Galatians 5 that we went over a couple of weeks ago [44:14] When you walk by the Spirit [44:16] You’re ruled by the Spirit [44:17] And you are no longer condemned by the law

[44:20] Then he says [44:21] And as for all who walk by this rule [44:22] Peace and mercy be upon them [44:24] And upon the Israel of God

[44:30] Here’s why that’s so significant [44:32] That term Israel of God [44:34] Because he’s not talking about a country [44:37] He’s not talking about a few acres [44:39] Over on the West Bank [44:41] Some of you probably think he does

[44:43] Some of you have been taught it is [44:44] Nope, sorry [44:45] It just doesn’t fit [44:47] What do you mean it doesn’t fit? [44:50] Galatians 2 through Galatians 4 [44:52] What did he always hone in on?

[44:55] He honed in on the promises of Abraham [44:57] He spent great deal in detail [45:00] Talking about what was promised [45:02] To Abraham [45:04] That he will be a father of many nations [45:08] Those promises were then relayed

[45:10] To Israel in the Old Testament [45:12] Then he makes the comment [45:15] In Galatians [45:17] Chapter

[45:19] 3 or 4 [45:22] Remember [45:24] Galatians 3 or 4 [45:25] He makes the comment that all who follow Christ [45:28] Have been redeemed from the curse of the law [45:30] And we have been made heirs

[45:32] Joint heirs with Christ [45:34] Heirs to the promise of Abraham

[45:39] The followers of Jesus [45:41] Is what he’s talking about [45:43] And then he says the Israel of God [45:46] What’s he talking about here? [45:48] He’s talking about what happens when you commit to forming [45:50] Gospel relationships

[45:51] When you commit to forming Gospel relationships [45:54] With believers and with non-believers [45:57] Those are the two types of Gospel relationships [45:59] When you commit to forming Gospel relationships [46:01] With believers, guess what? Discipleship happens [46:03] We teach each other how to understand

[46:06] God’s word, we teach each other how to [46:07] Pray, we teach each other how to [46:09] Live a Gospel centered life with the fruits [46:11] Of the Spirit coming out of us [46:12] And then what that makes us do is we leave from that [46:15] Relationship, we go to people who don’t

[46:17] Believe the Gospel and we build Gospel [46:19] Relationships with them, we build relationships [46:21] With people in this culture [46:23] So that they will be redeemed [46:25] By the promises of God through his son Jesus Christ [46:27] So they will know that God

[46:30] Accepts them through his son Jesus [46:32] What is formed is the Israel of God [46:35] What is the Israel of God? [46:37] The church [46:38] Because when you commit to forming [46:40] Gospel relationships, you must then

[46:42] Therefore commit to building the church [46:45] Because that is what’s going to happen [46:47] With your Gospel relationships [46:49] Gospel relationships build the church [46:50] It is the natural produce [46:53] Of those relationships

[46:55] The fruits of the Spirit [46:57] They fill our lives and go into the lives of others [46:59] And then they ask of the hope that is in us [47:02] And then we say the hope that is in me [47:04] And the reason that these fruits are coming out of me [47:06] Is because of what Jesus did for me on the cross

[47:08] He gave me his Spirit through the cross [47:10] Then when we commit to building [47:12] Those Gospel relationships, those relationships are built up [47:14] Guess what? It just begins to [47:16] Manifest itself and it begins to grow [47:17] And it begins to go out

[47:19] And after a while we have an entire group of people [47:21] Who have been redeemed through the Gospel [47:23] And guess what? Then we begin to come together [47:26] And we begin to preach the Gospel [47:28] We begin to sing about the Gospel [47:29] And we begin to govern each other by the Gospel

[47:32] And we begin to nudge each other [47:34] To believe the Gospel and to live for the Gospel [47:35] And we begin to help each other [47:37] And guess what that’s called? That’s called a church [47:41] You know, well I’ve never seen a church like that [47:43] I know

[47:45] It’s difficult

[47:48] I’ve been in church most of my life [47:50] And that’s one of the hardest things you can ever find [47:53] That’s what we want to be [47:55] That’s what we desire so much to be [47:58] Are we great at it? Probably not [48:01] Do we yearn for it?

[48:04] Absolutely [48:05] But see some of you [48:07] You want to divorce your relationship with God [48:10] Away from the church [48:11] And you want to say, I don’t need the church [48:13] I just need Jesus

[48:15] Alright [48:17] I’ll tell you some hard things right now about why [48:19] Because some of you are like, oh [48:20] He’s going to talk about a building fund [48:22] When he says commit to build the church [48:24] Oh Lord, they bought land

[48:26] No we didn’t [48:28] No we didn’t [48:30] I’m not talking about a building fund [48:32] I’m not telling you to commit to building me a house [48:34] Or anything [48:35] I don’t want that

[48:37] I don’t want you to commit to me [48:39] We’re not starting a capital campaign [48:42] If everybody just commits to giving two dollars [48:45] Two dollars [48:46] We’ll then have six [48:47] That’s not what I’m talking about

[48:49] When I say commit to building the church [48:51] I’m talking about the bride of Christ [48:53] I’m talking about [48:55] The people of God, the Israel of God [48:57] Here’s what I’m talking about [48:58] Some of us, we live with this notion because churches have hurt us

[49:02] And if you live in America [49:04] A church may have hurt you [49:05] Because sometimes churches do that [49:07] And I’m talking about just [49:09] Church people [49:10] They hurt us

[49:12] And so we run away [49:15] And we’re like, I’m never setting myself up for that again [49:18] And I’m not saying you should [49:19] But here’s what I’m saying [49:22] My name’s Steve and I have a wife [49:23] Her name’s Jessie

[49:25] If you come to me and you’re like, Steve [49:27] You’re an awesome guy, I like you, which is rare [49:31] You’re like, you’re a cool guy [49:32] I like you so much [49:33] And then I’m dumbfounded [49:35] Because I’m like, what?

[49:37] But your wife [49:39] What a creep [49:40] If you knew my wife you’d understand the irony of this [49:43] Because she’s not, I am [49:45] But for this analogy it’s all I can use [49:47] And you’re like, I don’t like your wife

[49:49] She’s unfriendly, she’s unkind [49:51] She says hurtful things [49:53] Man, I hate her [49:55] But I like you, so let’s hang out [49:57] You know what I’m gonna say?

[50:00] No, get out of my face [50:03] Talk about my wife that way [50:05] I love her [50:08] It’s my wife [50:09] My wife

[50:12] That’s how God feels [50:14] When we say hurtful things about his wife [50:17] The church

[50:21] You can’t follow Jesus without building the church, folks [50:25] I could take you through a whole survey of the New Testament here [50:29] I don’t have time [50:31] But the New Testament says Jesus is building his church [50:35] And then you may respond [50:36] I agree, the universal church

[50:39] Of which I am a part [50:42] Alright [50:44] The universal church [50:46] Is tangibly seen [50:48] In other words you can see it, you can touch it [50:51] Through the local church

[50:54] You can’t build the universal church without building the local church [50:59] But Jesus and me [51:00] That’s all I need [51:01] I’ll be my own church, off by myself [51:04] I’ll preach to myself, I’ll watch TBN [51:07] I’ll do some podcasting

[51:10] These people, they’re just jacked up [51:12] And I don’t want to be a part of that mess

[51:16] You are not the church by yourself

[51:21] No, let me tell you [51:22] Maybe somebody, rarely do I meet a person [51:24] Who wishes more [51:26] That they could just be their own church [51:28] Than me [51:29] It would be so easy if I could just do it by myself

[51:32] At home, without anyone else

[51:36] Because man, we’re all different [51:38] And people get on our nerves [51:40] And people are just ridiculous sometimes [51:42] And they’re really ridiculous to me [51:45] I don’t like them any more than you do [51:48] But guess what? That’s the bride of Christ

[51:52] Guess what? [51:54] The bride of Christ begins to take form [51:56] And begins to take shape [51:58] When I come together with James the singer [52:00] And we start worshiping Jesus together [52:03] We start praying together

[52:05] We start teaching other people the scriptures [52:08] And then Josh comes in [52:10] And then Dave comes in [52:11] Then Mike and Katie and Kelsey [52:14] And we all come in [52:15] And we start together worshiping God

[52:18] And glorifying Him [52:19] Because then we are the people of God [52:22] And then we can go out together [52:25] Into this culture [52:26] And proclaim the excellencies of God [52:28] Who sent His Son to die for us

[52:31] And then they can join in [52:33] And then we have an entire army [52:35] Of people to go out [52:37] Into the culture [52:37] Let me ask you something, what’s more effective? [52:40] An army or an individual?

[52:44] An army [52:46] So why are you trying [52:48] To be an individual, a lone gunman? [52:51] Number one, it’s unbiblical [52:53] Ephesians chapter 2 [52:55] Built on the foundation

[52:56] Of Jesus Christ [52:58] Then on the apostles [52:59] Then through the church or the walls being erected

[53:04] Then number two, it’s illogical [53:06] And stupid [53:08] I’m sorry if that offends you [53:10] It doesn’t make any sense to try to win the world [53:12] By yourself [53:13] You’re like, well I don’t want to win the world

[53:15] Well then you and Jesus don’t see eye to eye [53:17] And you’re not following Jesus so you don’t believe the gospel

[53:24] Commit to forming gospel relationships [53:26] Commit to building the church [53:28] You’re like, what’s step one to building the church?

[53:33] Move with God

[53:36] Move with God [53:38] And you’re like, man that sounds good [53:40] But what does that mean? [53:42] Alright, let’s finish this

[53:49] And as far as the gospel is concerned [53:50] [53:50] [53:50] For all who walk by this rule [53:51] Peace and mercy be upon them [53:53] And upon the Israel of God

[53:55] From now on, let no one cause me trouble [54:00] Paul’s like, back up off me [54:02] I’m preaching the gospel [54:03] They are not

[54:07] That’s literally what it means in the Greek [54:09] I mean I can’t say it any other way [54:11] For I bear on my body [54:14] The marks of Jesus

[54:21] Move with God

[54:24] Paul moved with God [54:27] What does that mean? [54:28] He bore on his body the marks of Jesus [54:31] When you would say [54:32] In that day and age the marks of Jesus [54:34] What Paul was talking about

[54:36] Is not that he went and got like [54:38] The empty tomb tattooed on his back [54:40] Or like a Celtic cross [54:42] It’s like, Christian [54:44] I have Philippians 4.13 on my neck [54:48] No, that’s not what Paul was talking about

[54:51] It’s funny because I’ve seen things [54:52] On the internet where people are like [54:53] We should all get tattoos, the marks of Christ [54:55] You don’t want the tattoos Paul had [54:58] Neither do I [54:59] Paul’s talking about the marks he got

[55:02] When he took the forty lashes [55:04] Minus one [55:05] Remember when Jesus was beaten [55:08] With the cat of nine tails [55:09] What they would do in Rome is [55:11] They would figure out how many times

[55:12] They could whip you before you would die [55:14] That’s how many times they would whip you [55:17] It was called forty lashes minus one [55:19] Because they figured out that around forty [55:20] People started dying [55:22] But if they whipped them thirty-nine times

[55:24] They took them to the point of death [55:26] But not to death [55:28] Paul went through that on multiple occasions [55:32] He was beaten with rods [55:34] Probably bamboo poles [55:36] Many times

[55:38] He was once standing in a city [55:40] Preaching the gospel [55:41] The people, the Jews from the synagogues came [55:44] And they said, Blasphemy, blasphemy [55:46] Stone him [55:47] They all took up stones

[55:49] And they pelted him until [55:51] He fell over completely knocked out [55:54] And they took his pulse I guess [55:56] And they figured that he was dead [55:57] And they couldn’t have a dead man under Jewish law [56:00] In the center of the city

[56:01] So they dragged him out of the city [56:03] And put him outside of the city gates [56:05] Because he was dead [56:06] And then he came to [56:09] Probably bleeding [56:11] Dusted himself off

[56:13] Walked directly back into that city [56:16] And began to preach the gospel again [56:19] He was shipwrecked a few times [56:24] Paul’s body was scarred [56:27] Paul’s body was broken [56:29] Some commentators even say that

[56:31] The reason it was so amazing [56:32] That he had written this letter himself [56:34] Was because possibly by this point [56:37] His hands were crippled [56:39] Because of some of the torture things [56:41] That people would do

[56:44] Paul says those Pharisees, they don’t believe the gospel [56:47] He says they don’t even believe their own religion [56:49] Because they’re disobedient to the law [56:53] He says, look at me [56:55] I bear on my body [56:57] The life

[56:58] Of the gospel [57:01] He says, I believe it [57:03] And I prove it because I’ve lived it [57:07] He says, there’s my apologetics lesson [57:09] For you guys today [57:12] He says, don’t trouble me with this stuff any longer

[57:14] Because it causes me more anguish [57:17] Than the beatings I’ve been through [57:18] To see you turning your backs [57:20] On the gospel of Jesus Christ [57:23] When Paul says, I bear on my body [57:25] The marks of Christ, and then he finishes it

[57:27] And he says, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [57:30] Be with your spirit brothers [57:34] Amen

[57:37] He’s saying to them, he’s saying [57:39] If you believe the gospel [57:41] Follow Jesus

[57:45] Because he’s saying, you will move with God [57:47] Because a gospel centered life [57:49] Does not look like you [57:51] Living the life [57:52] That you’ve always lived [57:54] For the same standards and reasons you’ve always lived them

[57:58] Moving with God [57:59] Means, once God [58:01] Comes into your life and takes over [58:04] When you make decisions now, they’re gospel decisions [58:08] When you build relationships now, they’re gospel relationships [58:12] It’s not this checklist where you set your priorities

[58:15] And you’re like, well first is family [58:17] Then is business, then is church [58:20] No, number one, gospel [58:22] And everything’s under that

[58:26] He’s talking about the gospel centered life [58:29] And everything you do [58:30] Every decision you make [58:31] Every job you take [58:33] Every day you go to work [58:35] You are living for the gospel

[58:38] And you’re like, but I don’t work at a church [58:41] Praise God for that, because you have more of an opportunity [58:45] To live for the gospel in this culture than I do [58:49] Because you’re surrounded day in and day out [58:52] By people who are going to die [58:54] Without the gospel

[58:58] And God says, I give you this new life [59:00] That they may know the gospel [59:04] Move with God [59:06] God wants to move your life [59:09] Revolutionarily [59:10] And I just made up a word, because I said things backwards

[59:12] So that people can believe the gospel [59:15] And some of you are like, well that sounds good [59:17] But I can’t do it, because people won’t listen [59:20] They wouldn’t listen to Paul either [59:21] That’s why they beat him [59:25] But you’re like, so what am I supposed to do tomorrow

[59:27] Take a handful of gospel tracks to work [59:30] And just start passing them out [59:32] No, if you want to you can [59:34] But that’s not all you can do [59:36] What you do is, is you look in the book of Galatians [59:39] And you look at the fruits of the spirit

[59:41] And you begin to gauge [59:43] Your life by those [59:46] And then people are like, man Steve [59:49] You’ve been a lot nicer the past two weeks [59:53] What’s up with that?

[59:57] Jesus

[60:01] Jesus

[60:04] Or you help somebody out [60:06] With some need they have [60:09] Why? [60:10] Why are you helping me? [60:12] Jesus

[60:16] You try to build relationships with people in the church [60:20] You try to get to know each other [60:22] Get to know us [60:24] And when I look at you [60:26] I say [60:28] Why?

[60:31] Why are you hanging out? Why are you sticking around so much? [60:33] Why are you volunteering now? [60:35] Why are you back there changing diapers?

[60:38] Please don’t look at me and say [60:39] So that God will accept me [60:41] I may cry

[60:44] Alright [60:46] I want you to just say [60:48] Jesus [60:50] Because God loves me [60:52] And because of that I’m free to live life [60:54] The way I was designed to live

[60:58] And when you [61:00] Live your life like that you can then say [61:02] I bear on my body the marks of Christ [61:05] Because it’s not just about getting beaten [61:07] I doubt that’s going to happen [61:09] If it does, that’s incredible

[61:11] And you should tell me [61:14] But what’s going to happen is [61:17] Is people are going to notice [61:19] Jesus all over you [61:23] Let me ask you this

[61:27] Has anybody ever [61:28] [61:28] Ever asked you [61:30] Why you’re filled with hope?

[61:34] Has anybody ever asked you why you’re so kind?

[61:38] Has anybody ever asked you [61:39] Why are you so patient with me?

[61:43] Has anybody ever asked you [61:44] Why are you so loving?

[61:49] Or do people say [61:51] Steve Gentry, what a creep

[61:54] Steve Gentry, what a jerk

[62:01] You see we are preaching [62:03] A gospel [62:06] Every single day [62:08] The question is [62:10] What gospel do you believe? [62:13] Because Paul said

[62:15] I show what gospel I believe [62:17] By the way I live my life

[62:24] What’s the next step? [62:25] Well if you don’t have relationships [62:26] Inside of this church [62:27] You don’t have relationships [62:29] You need to [62:30] Because if you’re going to come here

[62:32] Quite frankly you need to help us build it [62:36] You’re like well [62:37] So you want me to invite people? [62:39] That’d be great [62:41] But more than that I want you to join a community group

[62:47] Because it’s not necessarily about quantity [62:49] As much as it is about quality [62:52] We want to get to know you [62:55] I want you to pour into my life [62:57] Because I need it

[63:00] I need some people to show me the truth [63:02] But you’re a pastor [63:04] Sometimes it’s even harder for us

[63:08] Because quite frankly I can’t get real with people [63:11] Because they don’t know how to take it [63:13] But there are people in this church [63:14] Guess what I get real with them [63:17] And they come in on Sunday morning [63:18] And they still listen to me

[63:21] Because my acceptance of God [63:23] Is based on Jesus

[63:28] Do you want to serve God [63:30] In a way that you’ve never served God before?

[63:36] Volunteer [63:37] Do something

[63:39] Do something [63:40] Come help us set up [63:42] Help us tear down [63:45] You’re like I knew that’s the tag [63:49] You’re just trying to recruit helpers [63:51] No I’m not

[63:54] Quite frankly [63:55] If you were to come here and set up and tear down [63:58] And then say [63:58] God’s real happy with me today [64:00] I would rather you just not

[64:05] But it’s got to start somewhere [64:06] That’s pretty much what I’m saying right now

[64:11] Believing Jesus means following Jesus [64:13] And you’ve got to start following Him somewhere [64:17] Maybe tomorrow morning at work [64:18] It’s just that you take a latte

[64:22] To that person that God’s been putting in your heart [64:24] That person that looks like their life is a wreck [64:28] That’s what it means [64:30] And then when they’re like why did you do that

[64:33] Hopefully you know the answer by now [64:38] Alright [64:39] Next Sunday’s Easter [64:42] We have one week [64:44] We start a new series [64:47] Maybe this week

[64:49] Believing the Gospel [64:50] Following Jesus is going to translate [64:52] Into you inviting every person you know [64:55] To just come and be at church with you [64:57] Not to see some big production [64:59] We’re not having a cantata

[65:04] Sorry

[65:08] But let me tell you what we are going to do next week [65:10] Alright [65:11] We’re going to worship God through song [65:14] And then we’re going to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ [65:17] We’re going to talk about the resurrection of Jesus Christ [65:20] Maybe they won’t come to church

[65:21] Maybe they’re like oh I hate Christians [65:24] Maybe you can just bring them to colony coffee on Thursday night [65:28] Bring them a cup of coffee [65:29] And don’t trick them [65:32] Alright [65:32] Don’t be like hey want to go get coffee

[65:36] No please tell them what we’re doing [65:38] I don’t want anybody like getting up [65:40] Oh you liar [65:41] No please tell them why [65:45] But guys [65:46] We have a great God and King

[65:50] Who created everything in this world [65:52] And here’s the thing [65:53] The cross says I love you [65:57] And I accept you because what my son did [66:00] Just believe [66:02] And then the world is wide open

[66:05] Sometimes I am amazed [66:09] At the fact that I’ve done nothing [66:11] God’s done everything [66:13] And then [66:15] He allows me to live life the way it was designed to be lived [66:20] Start somewhere

[66:25] Community group cards out there [66:28] Invite cards that are going to be handed to you on the way out [66:31] Build a relationship this week

[66:36] Come to community group and learn how to study the scriptures [66:40] Learn how to pray

[66:45] What I’m trying to say is start moving [66:49] Start moving [66:50] Because some of you used to move [66:53] And something happened [66:56] I don’t know what it is [66:58] So you stopped

[67:00] And you sat down [67:02] And some of you haven’t moved in 5, 6, 10 years

[67:07] God still loves you [67:12] Life’s hard [67:13] Paul knew all about that [67:16] Life’s hard [67:17] Because God’s so good [67:19] And you’re like what does that mean

[67:21] That sounds stupid [67:22] Here’s what I mean by that [67:25] The scars of this life [67:28] Don’t compare at all [67:31] To the future excellencies that we have in heaven [67:33] That’s what that means

[67:36] This world isn’t hard [67:37] Because God made it that way [67:39] It’s hard because we did

[67:43] The gospel of Jesus Christ [67:46] Is God putting it all back together [67:48] What we’re going to do now [67:49] Is we’re going to reflect on that [67:52] We’re going to praise God [67:54] We’re going to take communion

[67:55] Let’s pray [67:56] Father we come before you [67:58] We praise you [68:01] Thank you God [68:04] Lord today as we reflect on communion

[68:08] We ask that you would be worshiped [68:11] We ask that you would be honored [68:13] And we ask that you would be glorified [68:17] Lord may we reflect on your son [68:19] And may we live the gospel [68:22] Amen