1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:15,440 Welcome to Hub City Vineyard. 2 00:00:15,440 --> 00:00:23,060 To get connected or to give online, go to connect.hcv.church or give.hcv.church. 3 00:00:23,060 --> 00:00:27,360 If at any point during this message you feel called to make a change in your life, text 4 00:00:27,360 --> 00:00:30,840 change me to 970-00. 5 00:00:30,840 --> 00:00:32,760 Thank you and enjoy the message. 6 00:00:32,760 --> 00:00:34,280 Good morning. 7 00:00:34,280 --> 00:00:35,600 So good to see you. 8 00:00:35,600 --> 00:00:40,200 I am so thankful that you are here if you're joining us from home or HHC. 9 00:00:40,200 --> 00:00:42,280 Thank you for welcoming us into your space. 10 00:00:42,280 --> 00:00:46,880 A special shout out to anybody that's just checking us out or visiting for the first 11 00:00:46,880 --> 00:00:47,880 time. 12 00:00:47,880 --> 00:00:50,720 We're so thankful that you are here. 13 00:00:50,720 --> 00:00:54,280 Just one additional announcement that you really want to hear. 14 00:00:54,280 --> 00:00:58,760 We have new HCV stickers. 15 00:00:58,760 --> 00:01:03,520 Now I specifically requested these stickers because I have all these cool stickers on 16 00:01:03,520 --> 00:01:06,280 my Jeep and no HCV sticker. 17 00:01:06,280 --> 00:01:07,560 But guess what? 18 00:01:07,560 --> 00:01:09,640 We now have them. 19 00:01:09,640 --> 00:01:12,080 So we have excellent HCV stickers. 20 00:01:12,080 --> 00:01:13,080 Only $1. 21 00:01:13,080 --> 00:01:16,480 $1 cash only please. 22 00:01:16,480 --> 00:01:18,080 Cash only please. 23 00:01:18,080 --> 00:01:21,740 But we will do IOUs because I believe in IOUs. 24 00:01:21,740 --> 00:01:25,680 So if you really want a sticker and you don't have a dollar just take some and then bring 25 00:01:25,680 --> 00:01:27,480 a couple dollars next week. 26 00:01:27,480 --> 00:01:28,540 Deal? 27 00:01:28,540 --> 00:01:31,520 Because I want them on your car because they look good. 28 00:01:31,520 --> 00:01:33,520 All right. 29 00:01:33,520 --> 00:01:39,960 So many of you know we've been in this series called Under Armor and for the last few weeks 30 00:01:39,960 --> 00:01:44,400 as you can see Maximus he is now restored. 31 00:01:44,400 --> 00:01:51,160 He is complete because today we'll be discussing the final two pieces of the armor of God which 32 00:01:51,160 --> 00:01:57,320 we read about in Ephesians 6 verses 12 to 17. 33 00:01:57,320 --> 00:02:01,440 For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies but against evil rulers and 34 00:02:01,440 --> 00:02:06,200 authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world and against evil 35 00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:09,160 spirits in the heavenly places. 36 00:02:09,160 --> 00:02:15,880 Therefore put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in 37 00:02:15,880 --> 00:02:17,500 the time of evil. 38 00:02:17,500 --> 00:02:19,640 Then after the battle you will be standing firm. 39 00:02:19,640 --> 00:02:24,440 You stand your ground putting on the belt of truth. 40 00:02:24,440 --> 00:02:27,160 The body armor of God's righteousness. 41 00:02:27,160 --> 00:02:31,880 For shoes put on the piece that comes from the good news so that you will be fully prepared. 42 00:02:31,880 --> 00:02:38,860 In addition to all these hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 43 00:02:38,860 --> 00:02:44,400 Put on salvation as your helmet and take the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. 44 00:02:44,400 --> 00:02:50,360 I'm extremely expectant for God to move today but I want to open in prayer because I believe 45 00:02:50,360 --> 00:02:55,680 that my words and all that he wants to do only happens through his power. 46 00:02:55,680 --> 00:02:56,680 Amen? 47 00:02:56,680 --> 00:02:59,000 So Holy Spirit come. 48 00:02:59,000 --> 00:03:05,520 God it is evident that you are here as we gather and we invite you to be in our midst 49 00:03:05,520 --> 00:03:07,440 God. 50 00:03:07,440 --> 00:03:11,480 Transform the way we think, the way we see, the way we feel God. 51 00:03:11,480 --> 00:03:16,080 May we be a different person than when we walked in. 52 00:03:16,080 --> 00:03:18,340 We just give this time to you God. 53 00:03:18,340 --> 00:03:24,760 May these words that are spoken be yours and just transform lives in Jesus name. 54 00:03:24,760 --> 00:03:25,760 Amen. 55 00:03:25,760 --> 00:03:31,480 Now helmets have been a normal part of culture for thousands of years no matter how much 56 00:03:31,480 --> 00:03:35,600 you look throughout history helmets are a part of it. 57 00:03:35,600 --> 00:03:40,700 But for some reason when we look at the history of helmets we have thousands of years of helmets 58 00:03:40,700 --> 00:03:46,560 being used except for about 10 years in a time period called the 1980s. 59 00:03:46,560 --> 00:03:47,560 Ok? 60 00:03:47,560 --> 00:03:49,800 Are there any 80s kids out there? 61 00:03:49,800 --> 00:03:57,760 Ok if you are an 80s kid first you love my jean jacket and second you know exactly what 62 00:03:57,760 --> 00:04:02,320 I'm talking about because we were never required to put on a helmet. 63 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:05,640 We never wore helmets like my kids wear helmets today. 64 00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:12,200 I used to ride all over Washington County on my bike for hours at a day and throughout 65 00:04:12,200 --> 00:04:18,000 the day and I never wore a helmet but I probably should have been. 66 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:24,320 Because the helmet is crucial because it protects one of the most important parts of the body, 67 00:04:24,320 --> 00:04:25,480 the brain. 68 00:04:25,480 --> 00:04:30,880 Now helmets come in all shapes and sizes we have bicycle helmets, batting helmets, motorcycle 69 00:04:30,880 --> 00:04:37,880 helmets, construction helmets, military helmets all in use today but we must remember Paul 70 00:04:37,880 --> 00:04:44,240 was sitting beside a Roman soldier in prison and as he was looking at the Roman soldier 71 00:04:44,240 --> 00:04:49,080 he would have been looking at the helmet like these two. 72 00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:54,260 We have two helmets that would have been used back in those days but as you look at these 73 00:04:54,260 --> 00:05:03,400 two helmets one is distinctly different from the other and this my friends is a Roman helmet. 74 00:05:03,400 --> 00:05:07,680 This would have been the helmet that Paul was describing when he was referring to the 75 00:05:07,680 --> 00:05:10,400 helmet of salvation. 76 00:05:10,400 --> 00:05:16,240 Now this helmet would have provided two things to the soldier. 77 00:05:16,240 --> 00:05:20,820 First it provided identity and some of you are thinking identity what does this have 78 00:05:20,820 --> 00:05:24,680 to do with identity but look at that red mohawk. 79 00:05:24,680 --> 00:05:28,320 This mohawk was not to sweep up the floor. 80 00:05:28,320 --> 00:05:34,080 This mohawk was used as a form of saying I am a Roman soldier. 81 00:05:34,080 --> 00:05:40,720 So Roman soldiers wore this as a means of saying this is who I am but it wasn't just 82 00:05:40,720 --> 00:05:47,040 that they're Roman soldiers it also would have marked their identity as their rank and 83 00:05:47,040 --> 00:05:51,600 where they were in the infantry as in what part they were serving in. 84 00:05:51,600 --> 00:05:58,320 So it was a very distinct mark for a soldier to wear this helmet but of course it also 85 00:05:58,320 --> 00:06:01,360 provided safety for the brain. 86 00:06:01,360 --> 00:06:07,400 All of us know if a soldier got hit in the head without a helmet it would have ended 87 00:06:07,400 --> 00:06:08,760 badly right. 88 00:06:08,760 --> 00:06:12,240 There needs to be safety for the brain. 89 00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:18,660 So both of these pieces are so important for the soldier while they are in battle. 90 00:06:18,660 --> 00:06:21,800 His identity and his safety. 91 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:28,960 So Paul when writing this letter to the church he was addressing followers of Jesus. 92 00:06:28,960 --> 00:06:34,880 He was addressing those in the midst of spiritual warfare and he was saying your identity and 93 00:06:34,880 --> 00:06:38,680 your safety must be put on. 94 00:06:38,680 --> 00:06:43,040 And your identity and your safety is salvation. 95 00:06:43,040 --> 00:06:47,060 So our armor is the belt of truth. 96 00:06:47,060 --> 00:06:49,360 It's the breastplate of righteousness. 97 00:06:49,360 --> 00:06:50,760 It's the shoes of peace. 98 00:06:50,760 --> 00:06:57,420 It's the shield of faith and it's the helmet that provides identity and safety and this 99 00:06:57,420 --> 00:07:00,560 is salvation which leads us to our first thought. 100 00:07:00,560 --> 00:07:07,340 See salvation is God's life changing power to transform. 101 00:07:07,340 --> 00:07:10,160 Salvation is God's life changing power to transform. 102 00:07:10,160 --> 00:07:12,360 Again Ephesians chapter 6. 103 00:07:12,360 --> 00:07:17,560 Therefore put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in 104 00:07:17,560 --> 00:07:19,480 the time of evil. 105 00:07:19,480 --> 00:07:22,760 Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 106 00:07:22,760 --> 00:07:23,960 Stay in your ground. 107 00:07:23,960 --> 00:07:25,080 Put on the belt of truth. 108 00:07:25,080 --> 00:07:28,320 The body armor of God's righteousness for shoes. 109 00:07:28,320 --> 00:07:33,060 Put on the piece that comes from the good news so that you will be prepared. 110 00:07:33,060 --> 00:07:37,860 In addition to all these hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil 111 00:07:37,860 --> 00:07:43,160 and put on salvation as your helmet. 112 00:07:43,160 --> 00:07:48,840 Salvation is God's life changing power to transform. 113 00:07:48,840 --> 00:07:54,200 And this simply means that we don't have to stay the way we are. 114 00:07:54,200 --> 00:07:55,200 Come as you are. 115 00:07:55,200 --> 00:07:56,880 Yes, yes, yes. 116 00:07:56,880 --> 00:08:00,160 Come as you are but don't stay as you are. 117 00:08:00,160 --> 00:08:02,920 Allow God to transform your life. 118 00:08:02,920 --> 00:08:06,600 I don't know about you but this is good news. 119 00:08:06,600 --> 00:08:12,160 God's power transforms us every time we gather. 120 00:08:12,160 --> 00:08:14,560 We're not here to do church. 121 00:08:14,560 --> 00:08:16,440 We're not here to sing a couple songs. 122 00:08:16,440 --> 00:08:21,600 We gather together believing God is going to transform our lives. 123 00:08:21,600 --> 00:08:23,240 That's why we come together. 124 00:08:23,240 --> 00:08:27,920 And I don't know about you but God has radically transformed my life. 125 00:08:27,920 --> 00:08:33,720 And I want everyone to know about it because Romans 1-16 says I am not ashamed of the good 126 00:08:33,720 --> 00:08:35,000 news about Christ. 127 00:08:35,000 --> 00:08:44,040 Notice it is the power of God at work saving everyone who believes. 128 00:08:44,040 --> 00:08:52,200 See when a follower of Jesus puts on the helmet of salvation it provides identity and safety 129 00:08:52,200 --> 00:08:53,840 found only in Jesus. 130 00:08:53,840 --> 00:08:55,480 And why is this important? 131 00:08:55,480 --> 00:09:01,160 Remember Paul was writing to the church full of Jesus followers and he is communicating 132 00:09:01,160 --> 00:09:05,960 this piece of armor to people already in a relationship with Jesus. 133 00:09:05,960 --> 00:09:09,760 So he is saying salvation is not a one time decision. 134 00:09:09,760 --> 00:09:11,560 It's not an encounter with God. 135 00:09:11,560 --> 00:09:14,960 It's a life long choice to change. 136 00:09:14,960 --> 00:09:16,800 It's a life long choice to change. 137 00:09:16,800 --> 00:09:23,400 Titus chapter 2 for the grace of God has been revealed bringing salvation to all people. 138 00:09:23,400 --> 00:09:28,680 And notice we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. 139 00:09:28,680 --> 00:09:34,440 We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God. 140 00:09:34,440 --> 00:09:40,640 Now the last time I spoke on the belt and the breastplate I shared how we are made up 141 00:09:40,640 --> 00:09:42,120 of three parts. 142 00:09:42,120 --> 00:09:43,980 That we are complex beings. 143 00:09:43,980 --> 00:09:48,880 That we are triune in nature because we are made in the image of God. 144 00:09:48,880 --> 00:09:52,280 So we are made up of our spirit which is our inner being. 145 00:09:52,280 --> 00:09:53,880 That's who we really are. 146 00:09:53,880 --> 00:09:58,040 Then we have our soul which is our mind, our will and our emotions. 147 00:09:58,040 --> 00:10:02,680 And then we have our body which is the flesh or the things we do. 148 00:10:02,680 --> 00:10:07,800 And every single one of these parts is affected differently by salvation. 149 00:10:07,800 --> 00:10:14,500 See when we give our life to Jesus what immediately is transformed is the spirit inside of us. 150 00:10:14,500 --> 00:10:16,120 It's immediately transformed. 151 00:10:16,120 --> 00:10:18,840 But here's the problem with a lot of Jesus followers. 152 00:10:18,840 --> 00:10:25,080 They leave on a Sunday morning and they have the same temptations or struggles they had 153 00:10:25,080 --> 00:10:26,960 before the gathering. 154 00:10:26,960 --> 00:10:32,720 And then in their minds they begin to question well did I really get saved? 155 00:10:32,720 --> 00:10:35,560 Did God really change me? 156 00:10:35,560 --> 00:10:39,180 Is the power of God really at work in my life? 157 00:10:39,180 --> 00:10:45,800 But they didn't realize that the salvation that happened in their spirit now has to translate 158 00:10:45,800 --> 00:10:49,600 to our salvation in their minds and their bodies. 159 00:10:49,600 --> 00:10:52,500 And see so many people they stop short. 160 00:10:52,500 --> 00:10:56,120 They give up early saying well I put my trust in God. 161 00:10:56,120 --> 00:10:57,120 That's good. 162 00:10:57,120 --> 00:10:58,120 I'm good. 163 00:10:58,120 --> 00:11:00,040 And they stop. 164 00:11:00,040 --> 00:11:04,520 They stop allowing God to transform who they are. 165 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:10,260 So if this is you let me remind you that God loves you the way you are. 166 00:11:10,260 --> 00:11:13,900 But he loves you way too much for you to stay that way. 167 00:11:13,900 --> 00:11:16,360 He wants to see you change. 168 00:11:16,360 --> 00:11:18,360 God wants to transform your life. 169 00:11:18,360 --> 00:11:24,240 Yes, it starts with the spirit that inner transformation and from there it needs to 170 00:11:24,240 --> 00:11:28,880 be a continuing salvation of our minds and our bodies. 171 00:11:28,880 --> 00:11:34,000 So many followers of Jesus they can't control their bodies because their minds aren't being 172 00:11:34,000 --> 00:11:35,000 saved. 173 00:11:35,000 --> 00:11:40,360 They have the same mindset they've had for 20 or 30 years and they continue to struggle 174 00:11:40,360 --> 00:11:47,000 with negativity, doubt, frustration, and temptation and God wants to set you free from that. 175 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:52,640 And we must remember salvation of our spirit it's automatic while the salvation of our 176 00:11:52,640 --> 00:11:58,880 souls and our bodies is a work in progress which leads us to our next thought. 177 00:11:58,880 --> 00:12:01,640 Salvation takes work. 178 00:12:01,640 --> 00:12:03,840 Philippians chapter 2 verses 12 to 13. 179 00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:09,880 Dear friends you always followed my instructions when I was with you and now that I'm away 180 00:12:09,880 --> 00:12:12,160 it is even more important. 181 00:12:12,160 --> 00:12:15,720 Work hard to show the results of your salvation. 182 00:12:15,720 --> 00:12:17,560 Notice what Paul is telling us. 183 00:12:17,560 --> 00:12:19,440 Work hard. 184 00:12:19,440 --> 00:12:21,960 Work hard to show the results of your salvation. 185 00:12:21,960 --> 00:12:27,720 Obeying God with deep reverence and fear for God is working in you giving you the desire 186 00:12:27,720 --> 00:12:30,080 and the power to do what pleases him. 187 00:12:30,080 --> 00:12:36,120 Now Paul is not talking about the salvation of our spirits when he's referring to this 188 00:12:36,120 --> 00:12:40,660 because that salvation is received through grace and faith. 189 00:12:40,660 --> 00:12:42,000 It's a choice. 190 00:12:42,000 --> 00:12:46,300 We can't work it out more to get saved in our spirits. 191 00:12:46,300 --> 00:12:52,500 See once we give our lives to Jesus we're no more saved or less saved we have security 192 00:12:52,500 --> 00:12:55,040 in Jesus. 193 00:12:55,040 --> 00:12:56,960 Everyone say but. 194 00:12:56,960 --> 00:13:05,220 But that salvation of our spirit needs to affect the rest of us so that our minds and 195 00:13:05,220 --> 00:13:07,800 our bodies are being saved. 196 00:13:07,800 --> 00:13:10,160 It's like the people of Israel. 197 00:13:10,160 --> 00:13:13,260 They were slaves for 400 years in Egypt. 198 00:13:13,260 --> 00:13:18,640 God delivers them sets them free from bondage but even though they were free from Egypt 199 00:13:18,640 --> 00:13:21,160 they still had a little Egypt in them. 200 00:13:21,160 --> 00:13:22,160 And how do I know that? 201 00:13:22,160 --> 00:13:25,240 Well they're always complaining about Moses. 202 00:13:25,240 --> 00:13:28,760 They were always frustrated with God. 203 00:13:28,760 --> 00:13:31,480 They were worshiping golden calves. 204 00:13:31,480 --> 00:13:36,340 And some of us are like the people of Israel. 205 00:13:36,340 --> 00:13:41,160 We can get out of the West End but there's still a little West End in us. 206 00:13:41,160 --> 00:13:42,160 Right? 207 00:13:42,160 --> 00:13:46,280 We got out of the South End but there's a little South End in us. 208 00:13:46,280 --> 00:13:47,280 Right? 209 00:13:47,280 --> 00:13:51,720 We got out of Martinsburg but there's a little Martinsburg in us. 210 00:13:51,720 --> 00:13:58,440 The point is there are issues that need to be worked out in our lives and Paul tells 211 00:13:58,440 --> 00:13:59,920 us to what? 212 00:13:59,920 --> 00:14:06,280 Put on the helmet of salvation which is our next thought. 213 00:14:06,280 --> 00:14:10,840 See church where the mind goes the body follows. 214 00:14:10,840 --> 00:14:14,780 Where the mind goes the body follows. 215 00:14:14,780 --> 00:14:21,360 If we want to control our flesh or our bodies we have to control our minds. 216 00:14:21,360 --> 00:14:25,540 And for many of us we have to realize the struggle it is in our flesh. 217 00:14:25,540 --> 00:14:28,400 The battle rages in our minds. 218 00:14:28,400 --> 00:14:32,480 And we have to stop with that stinking thinking. 219 00:14:32,480 --> 00:14:35,360 Everyone say stinking thinking. 220 00:14:35,360 --> 00:14:40,540 Stinking thinking that is just outright smelly bad. 221 00:14:40,540 --> 00:14:44,960 Just that stinking thinking that takes us in the wrong direction. 222 00:14:44,960 --> 00:14:48,080 We speak words over ourselves that sound like this. 223 00:14:48,080 --> 00:14:50,880 I'm never going to be good enough. 224 00:14:50,880 --> 00:14:53,920 I'm never going to overcome this addiction. 225 00:14:53,920 --> 00:14:55,860 I'm never going to change. 226 00:14:55,860 --> 00:14:56,860 No one loves me. 227 00:14:56,860 --> 00:14:58,040 I'll never get married. 228 00:14:58,040 --> 00:15:03,400 My relationships will never be healthy. 229 00:15:03,400 --> 00:15:07,040 And we'll speak those words over ourselves. 230 00:15:07,040 --> 00:15:09,860 That's that stinking thinking. 231 00:15:09,860 --> 00:15:12,320 And when that's happening we need to put on what? 232 00:15:12,320 --> 00:15:14,520 The helmet of salvation. 233 00:15:14,520 --> 00:15:17,960 I catch myself all the time struggling with stinking thinking. 234 00:15:17,960 --> 00:15:18,960 How do I know that? 235 00:15:18,960 --> 00:15:22,640 Well God reminded me of one of my doctors visits. 236 00:15:22,640 --> 00:15:26,560 So many of you know that I've been struggling with this back issue this foot issue for about 237 00:15:26,560 --> 00:15:28,680 15 months now. 238 00:15:28,680 --> 00:15:30,280 Doesn't seem to be getting any better. 239 00:15:30,280 --> 00:15:31,960 Doesn't seem to be going away. 240 00:15:31,960 --> 00:15:35,240 So the doctor suggested that I get back injections. 241 00:15:35,240 --> 00:15:36,920 Steroid injections in my back. 242 00:15:36,920 --> 00:15:38,500 Oh this is it. 243 00:15:38,500 --> 00:15:41,080 This is going to be the thing that sets me free. 244 00:15:41,080 --> 00:15:44,280 I'll never have to have these struggles again. 245 00:15:44,280 --> 00:15:46,200 And I roll into the doctor's office. 246 00:15:46,200 --> 00:15:48,760 I was 10 minutes early. 247 00:15:48,760 --> 00:15:50,760 Can you believe that? 248 00:15:50,760 --> 00:15:54,320 10 minutes early. 249 00:15:54,320 --> 00:15:57,080 And my staff is like no way. 250 00:15:57,080 --> 00:15:59,000 It's 10 minutes early. 251 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:02,160 Roll up to the window. 252 00:16:02,160 --> 00:16:03,160 Sign in. 253 00:16:03,160 --> 00:16:04,160 Smile. 254 00:16:04,160 --> 00:16:06,600 They're like you're checked in already on the computer. 255 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:07,600 Yep. 256 00:16:07,600 --> 00:16:09,000 Already followed the instructions. 257 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:10,000 Did it on my phone. 258 00:16:10,000 --> 00:16:11,000 Right. 259 00:16:11,000 --> 00:16:12,000 And then she looks up at me. 260 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:14,360 Oh you have more paperwork to fill out. 261 00:16:14,360 --> 00:16:15,360 What? 262 00:16:15,360 --> 00:16:17,160 So I look at the paperwork. 263 00:16:17,160 --> 00:16:20,280 I said ma'am I just filled this out three weeks ago. 264 00:16:20,280 --> 00:16:21,960 I really got to fill it out again? 265 00:16:21,960 --> 00:16:23,040 Uh yep. 266 00:16:23,040 --> 00:16:24,040 Fill it out again. 267 00:16:24,040 --> 00:16:27,840 So already my mind goes to the stinking thinking. 268 00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:31,880 What do you mean I got to fill this out again? 269 00:16:31,880 --> 00:16:33,600 I just filled it out on my phone. 270 00:16:33,600 --> 00:16:35,720 I just checked off all the boxes. 271 00:16:35,720 --> 00:16:37,800 I just signed my life away. 272 00:16:37,800 --> 00:16:42,000 Put a needle in my back and if I die it's okay. 273 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:43,920 Signed it all. 274 00:16:43,920 --> 00:16:46,400 There's more paperwork to fill out. 275 00:16:46,400 --> 00:16:48,080 So I start filling out the paperwork. 276 00:16:48,080 --> 00:16:51,040 And then a lady rolls in 20 minutes late. 277 00:16:51,040 --> 00:16:52,600 I'm filling out my paperwork. 278 00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:54,920 I'm so sorry I'm late. 279 00:16:54,920 --> 00:16:55,920 Car broke down. 280 00:16:55,920 --> 00:16:56,920 I have no idea what she said. 281 00:16:56,920 --> 00:16:58,400 I'm frustrated with my paper. 282 00:16:58,400 --> 00:17:01,880 Oh it's okay ma'am have a seat. 283 00:17:01,880 --> 00:17:02,960 Right. 284 00:17:02,960 --> 00:17:06,680 Ten minutes later she goes in before me. 285 00:17:06,680 --> 00:17:08,760 Oh. 286 00:17:08,760 --> 00:17:10,560 What's going on in the mind? 287 00:17:10,560 --> 00:17:11,560 Stinking thinking. 288 00:17:11,560 --> 00:17:14,760 Well no one cares about me. 289 00:17:14,760 --> 00:17:15,880 What about my back? 290 00:17:15,880 --> 00:17:17,040 What about my foot? 291 00:17:17,040 --> 00:17:18,520 I was on time. 292 00:17:18,520 --> 00:17:19,520 This is ridiculous. 293 00:17:19,520 --> 00:17:23,520 I walked up to the window and said ma'am. 294 00:17:23,520 --> 00:17:27,240 And the doctor came to the door and said Chris it's your turn. 295 00:17:27,240 --> 00:17:29,240 Oh. 296 00:17:29,240 --> 00:17:35,760 So I walk into the doctor's office with stinking thinking. 297 00:17:35,760 --> 00:17:41,320 The nurse begins to ask me questions and I answer them rudely. 298 00:17:41,320 --> 00:17:44,040 Because three weeks ago I had already answered all those questions. 299 00:17:44,040 --> 00:17:49,080 I said ma'am I've already told you my back doesn't hurt. 300 00:17:49,080 --> 00:17:51,040 It's just my foot is asleep. 301 00:17:51,040 --> 00:17:52,040 Give me a pain level. 302 00:17:52,040 --> 00:17:59,880 Ma'am I don't have pain in my back then why are you here? 303 00:17:59,880 --> 00:18:02,520 Mmm. 304 00:18:02,520 --> 00:18:04,900 Stinking thinking. 305 00:18:04,900 --> 00:18:05,900 It just got worse. 306 00:18:05,900 --> 00:18:09,640 Because then I got an attitude with the nurse. 307 00:18:09,640 --> 00:18:16,960 And the nurse had the audacity to say as I was walking to the doctor to get a 14 inch 308 00:18:16,960 --> 00:18:28,120 needle put in my back I hope it hurts. 309 00:18:28,120 --> 00:18:30,840 To which I smiled back and said oh don't worry it never hurts. 310 00:18:30,840 --> 00:18:31,840 I don't feel pain. 311 00:18:31,840 --> 00:18:34,080 I just walked in. 312 00:18:34,080 --> 00:18:36,200 So my point is what? 313 00:18:36,200 --> 00:18:38,320 Was I reflecting Jesus? 314 00:18:38,320 --> 00:18:39,320 No. 315 00:18:39,320 --> 00:18:44,480 The stinking thinking got the best of me. 316 00:18:44,480 --> 00:18:46,200 And where did it all start? 317 00:18:46,200 --> 00:18:48,640 In my mind. 318 00:18:48,640 --> 00:18:50,960 Proverbs 23, 7. 319 00:18:50,960 --> 00:18:55,280 For as he thinks in his heart so is he. 320 00:18:55,280 --> 00:18:59,040 As he thinks in his heart so is he. 321 00:18:59,040 --> 00:19:05,200 So we must realize that if we are angry with our actions, right, the actions aren't the 322 00:19:05,200 --> 00:19:08,140 problem it's our thoughts. 323 00:19:08,140 --> 00:19:11,140 It always starts in our minds. 324 00:19:11,140 --> 00:19:13,200 So what do we do with this stinking thinking? 325 00:19:13,200 --> 00:19:16,320 Well we have to put into practice what the Bible tells us to do. 326 00:19:16,320 --> 00:19:19,240 Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10, 5. 327 00:19:19,240 --> 00:19:26,240 We demolish arguments in every partition that sets itself up against the knowledge of God 328 00:19:26,240 --> 00:19:32,120 and we take captive every thought and we make it obedient to Christ. 329 00:19:32,120 --> 00:19:36,240 We take captive that stinking thinking. 330 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:40,720 See I'm raising this little guy named Phoenix. 331 00:19:40,720 --> 00:19:46,800 When my Phoenix doesn't behave correctly I don't respond allowing him to do whatever 332 00:19:46,800 --> 00:19:48,040 he wants. 333 00:19:48,040 --> 00:19:52,880 If we're in a store and he wants to wander off to the toy section I don't allow him to 334 00:19:52,880 --> 00:19:59,280 wander off to the toy section because that's basically like crossing a street, a busy street 335 00:19:59,280 --> 00:20:01,680 and just saying go ahead and walk across. 336 00:20:01,680 --> 00:20:03,440 If you make it you make it. 337 00:20:03,440 --> 00:20:06,840 Now when my son gets out of line you know what I do? 338 00:20:06,840 --> 00:20:14,920 I take captive my Phoenix and I make him obedient to that situation. 339 00:20:14,920 --> 00:20:22,000 And in the same way parents and followers of Jesus all of us gathered here and watching 340 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:25,820 online you have to understand this truth. 341 00:20:25,820 --> 00:20:29,040 Not every thought should be in your mind. 342 00:20:29,040 --> 00:20:31,160 They shouldn't be there. 343 00:20:31,160 --> 00:20:37,160 While it's in there it's feeling kind of good and I'll just let it run wild and control 344 00:20:37,160 --> 00:20:38,160 my life. 345 00:20:38,160 --> 00:20:41,720 You have to say no. 346 00:20:41,720 --> 00:20:49,120 When the thoughts come into our minds we recognize those thoughts and like my Phoenix we take 347 00:20:49,120 --> 00:20:54,600 it captive and we say no I'm not going to think that way. 348 00:20:54,600 --> 00:21:03,440 I make my thoughts obedient to Jesus who is Lord of my life and I'm going to speak out 349 00:21:03,440 --> 00:21:05,320 I'm not living this way. 350 00:21:05,320 --> 00:21:08,480 I'm not following the world's way. 351 00:21:08,480 --> 00:21:13,320 And it's so important to understand because our lives are always going to follow the direction 352 00:21:13,320 --> 00:21:14,920 of our strongest thoughts. 353 00:21:14,920 --> 00:21:18,480 And if you're sitting here this morning and you don't like the direction your life is 354 00:21:18,480 --> 00:21:22,760 headed you need to start taking captive your thought life. 355 00:21:22,760 --> 00:21:25,920 And you need to make it obedient to Jesus. 356 00:21:25,920 --> 00:21:35,360 Now I personally recognize that my thoughts are not positive when I start complaining. 357 00:21:35,360 --> 00:21:37,960 No one appreciates me. 358 00:21:37,960 --> 00:21:39,960 I work hard every day. 359 00:21:39,960 --> 00:21:44,720 I do everyone else's job. 360 00:21:44,720 --> 00:21:48,720 No one gives me a raise. 361 00:21:48,720 --> 00:21:49,720 Hear that complaining? 362 00:21:49,720 --> 00:21:52,000 It's negative thoughts. 363 00:21:52,000 --> 00:21:54,320 God provided you with that job. 364 00:21:54,320 --> 00:21:55,640 Stop complaining about it. 365 00:21:55,640 --> 00:22:01,640 Well my spouse he or she never hears me. 366 00:22:01,640 --> 00:22:03,440 Never understands me. 367 00:22:03,440 --> 00:22:06,920 Never listens to me. 368 00:22:06,920 --> 00:22:09,100 Hear that complaining? 369 00:22:09,100 --> 00:22:13,040 Are you listening? 370 00:22:13,040 --> 00:22:16,200 God brought you two together. 371 00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:20,120 Maybe you're not having sex because you're not listening. 372 00:22:20,120 --> 00:22:23,200 That's the same. 373 00:22:23,200 --> 00:22:26,440 These children are driving me crazy. 374 00:22:26,440 --> 00:22:29,680 They never listen. 375 00:22:29,680 --> 00:22:32,600 You hear those complaints? 376 00:22:32,600 --> 00:22:36,760 Well there's couples praying for children that will never have them. 377 00:22:36,760 --> 00:22:39,680 Your children are a miracle. 378 00:22:39,680 --> 00:22:47,360 See when we start complaining when that thought comes into our minds you take it captive and 379 00:22:47,360 --> 00:22:55,000 you make it obedient to Jesus and you say my mind doesn't control me. 380 00:22:55,000 --> 00:23:00,120 Get out in Jesus name because I am a reflection of Jesus. 381 00:23:00,120 --> 00:23:04,760 You put on the helmet of salvation and you allow it to control the rest of your body. 382 00:23:04,760 --> 00:23:05,920 Romans 12 2. 383 00:23:05,920 --> 00:23:10,780 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world but let God transform you into a new 384 00:23:10,780 --> 00:23:13,000 person by what? 385 00:23:13,000 --> 00:23:16,680 Changing the way you think. 386 00:23:16,680 --> 00:23:26,560 Here's my sky bible. 387 00:23:26,560 --> 00:23:29,880 Stinking thinking. 388 00:23:29,880 --> 00:23:33,640 You did it on purpose didn't you? 389 00:23:33,640 --> 00:23:39,360 Stinking thinking. 390 00:23:39,360 --> 00:23:46,320 See church knowing God's will starts with how we think. 391 00:23:46,320 --> 00:23:52,040 We have to put on the helmet of salvation and we do this by a simple action step. 392 00:23:52,040 --> 00:23:55,600 You have to think differently about who you are. 393 00:23:55,600 --> 00:23:59,360 Remember the helmet that the soldiers wore first established their what? 394 00:23:59,360 --> 00:24:01,400 Their identity. 395 00:24:01,400 --> 00:24:02,400 Their identity. 396 00:24:02,400 --> 00:24:08,840 So the helmet of salvation at first establishes our identity because the enemy always attacks 397 00:24:08,840 --> 00:24:09,840 our identity. 398 00:24:09,840 --> 00:24:11,640 Well you're alone. 399 00:24:11,640 --> 00:24:12,860 You're always going to be alone. 400 00:24:12,860 --> 00:24:13,860 No one loves you. 401 00:24:13,860 --> 00:24:16,000 You're not a child of God. 402 00:24:16,000 --> 00:24:20,240 So you establish your identity by getting rid of those thoughts. 403 00:24:20,240 --> 00:24:25,900 The enemy always tries to confuse our identities because it confuses who we are. 404 00:24:25,900 --> 00:24:31,860 He will confuse who we are because it confuses what we're called to do. 405 00:24:31,860 --> 00:24:33,040 We won't move forward. 406 00:24:33,040 --> 00:24:36,700 We won't see lives change because we're confused. 407 00:24:36,700 --> 00:24:42,480 It always starts with who we are so the helmet of salvation transforms our identity. 408 00:24:42,480 --> 00:24:48,640 And the world and social media is working overtime to establish an identity for us that 409 00:24:48,640 --> 00:24:50,040 we don't want. 410 00:24:50,040 --> 00:24:52,340 We don't want that identity. 411 00:24:52,340 --> 00:24:57,120 Our culture, our family, our friends are always trying to label us. 412 00:24:57,120 --> 00:25:00,880 Then our labels they end up limiting us. 413 00:25:00,880 --> 00:25:09,400 And some of us gathered here and watching online you've allowed those labels to impact 414 00:25:09,400 --> 00:25:11,160 who you are. 415 00:25:11,160 --> 00:25:16,000 You've allowed those labels to limit who God has called you to be. 416 00:25:16,000 --> 00:25:17,120 And this isn't a new thing. 417 00:25:17,120 --> 00:25:18,240 It's all throughout the Bible. 418 00:25:18,240 --> 00:25:21,280 We find people who are labeled by their issues. 419 00:25:21,280 --> 00:25:22,280 How do I know? 420 00:25:22,280 --> 00:25:27,680 Well we read about a woman and this woman is known as the woman with the issue of? 421 00:25:27,680 --> 00:25:30,480 Oh, the woman with the issue of blood. 422 00:25:30,480 --> 00:25:35,200 So everywhere she went there's that woman with the issue of blood. 423 00:25:35,200 --> 00:25:36,520 She's dirty. 424 00:25:36,520 --> 00:25:37,520 She's unclean. 425 00:25:37,520 --> 00:25:38,880 No one can be around her. 426 00:25:38,880 --> 00:25:42,960 Can you imagine her struggle in life? 427 00:25:42,960 --> 00:25:46,800 We read about this guy named Blind Bartimaeus. 428 00:25:46,800 --> 00:25:51,400 Every time he's introduced, oh here's the guy that can't see. 429 00:25:51,400 --> 00:25:54,040 Blind Bartimaeus. 430 00:25:54,040 --> 00:25:57,000 We have a guy that we read about in the Bible. 431 00:25:57,000 --> 00:25:58,000 This is amazing. 432 00:25:58,000 --> 00:25:59,800 This is all in the Bible. 433 00:25:59,800 --> 00:26:03,360 And his name is Damaniac. 434 00:26:03,360 --> 00:26:04,720 Imagine walking through life. 435 00:26:04,720 --> 00:26:07,160 Here comes the Damaniac. 436 00:26:07,160 --> 00:26:09,240 Can you imagine Uncle Damaniac? 437 00:26:09,240 --> 00:26:12,220 Hey kids, this is Uncle Damaniac. 438 00:26:12,220 --> 00:26:13,680 You're not allowed to be with him alone. 439 00:26:13,680 --> 00:26:17,840 He's a little crazy. 440 00:26:17,840 --> 00:26:21,800 That was the culture defining their issues. 441 00:26:21,800 --> 00:26:23,920 But when Jesus came on the scene, what did he do? 442 00:26:23,920 --> 00:26:26,460 He changed everything. 443 00:26:26,460 --> 00:26:28,480 And he can do the same for all of us. 444 00:26:28,480 --> 00:26:29,480 How do I know that? 445 00:26:29,480 --> 00:26:31,760 Well there's this disciple named Peter. 446 00:26:31,760 --> 00:26:32,760 Right? 447 00:26:32,760 --> 00:26:34,400 He happened to establish the church. 448 00:26:34,400 --> 00:26:38,060 It was one of the greatest history makers to ever walk the earth. 449 00:26:38,060 --> 00:26:40,540 His original name was not Peter. 450 00:26:40,540 --> 00:26:42,240 It was Simon. 451 00:26:42,240 --> 00:26:47,800 And did you know that Simon in the Greek meant snubbed nose? 452 00:26:47,800 --> 00:26:49,480 Simon in the Greek meant snubbed nose. 453 00:26:49,480 --> 00:26:54,800 And some theologians believe that Peter had a snubbed nose from birth and that was his 454 00:26:54,800 --> 00:26:56,840 identity. 455 00:26:56,840 --> 00:27:02,960 So we have this man that as a baby, he was born, his parents looked at him and said, 456 00:27:02,960 --> 00:27:05,920 I guess this is our snubbed nose baby. 457 00:27:05,920 --> 00:27:12,480 I mean could you imagine if you named your children what they look like right after birth? 458 00:27:12,480 --> 00:27:17,440 I mean I would have named several of my kids, oh this is our conehead baby. 459 00:27:17,440 --> 00:27:21,080 Let's just name him conehead. 460 00:27:21,080 --> 00:27:23,400 I mean it wouldn't have been a Saturday Night Live skit. 461 00:27:23,400 --> 00:27:27,040 It would have been real life drama. 462 00:27:27,040 --> 00:27:31,280 You know everyone thinks these babies are cute, but we really remember what they look 463 00:27:31,280 --> 00:27:32,280 like when they're born. 464 00:27:32,280 --> 00:27:37,000 They're just like, is that a creature? 465 00:27:37,000 --> 00:27:39,360 What is that? 466 00:27:39,360 --> 00:27:41,400 But imagine Simon's life. 467 00:27:41,400 --> 00:27:45,080 Everywhere he went, oh here comes the guy with the deformed nose. 468 00:27:45,080 --> 00:27:46,760 Comes snubbed nose. 469 00:27:46,760 --> 00:27:51,520 Imagine being in school being named snubbed nose. 470 00:27:51,520 --> 00:27:55,560 Then Jesus comes along and Jesus says, oh no no no no no no no. 471 00:27:55,560 --> 00:28:00,160 I'm going to give you a new name and in John 1.42 we read, then Andrew brought Simon to 472 00:28:00,160 --> 00:28:02,840 meet Jesus, looking intently at Simon. 473 00:28:02,840 --> 00:28:07,320 Jesus said, your name is Simon son of John, but you will be called Cephas, which means 474 00:28:07,320 --> 00:28:09,040 Peter. 475 00:28:09,040 --> 00:28:11,120 And Peter means rock. 476 00:28:11,120 --> 00:28:16,160 And Jesus is saying to him, you're going to get stronger than you could ever imagine. 477 00:28:16,160 --> 00:28:18,720 You're going to be greater than what you think. 478 00:28:18,720 --> 00:28:24,760 And some of you are here this morning and you need to realize Jesus is on the scene. 479 00:28:24,760 --> 00:28:33,200 And he's saying to you in 2 Corinthians, anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. 480 00:28:33,200 --> 00:28:35,880 The old is gone, the new life has begun. 481 00:28:35,880 --> 00:28:39,440 Doesn't matter what people have called you in the past. 482 00:28:39,440 --> 00:28:46,000 Because God has a new name for you and he's in the business of transforming our identities. 483 00:28:46,000 --> 00:28:49,800 My issue is not my identity. 484 00:28:49,800 --> 00:28:51,480 And I don't care what it is. 485 00:28:51,480 --> 00:28:56,320 I don't care if it's divorce Dan or bankrupt Bob or addicted Amy. 486 00:28:56,320 --> 00:28:58,280 Don't allow that to define you. 487 00:28:58,280 --> 00:29:01,320 God doesn't see you that way. 488 00:29:01,320 --> 00:29:09,880 Establish the helmet of salvation on your head and understand who you are in God. 489 00:29:09,880 --> 00:29:12,560 I need to say this to someone. 490 00:29:12,560 --> 00:29:14,520 Failure is an event. 491 00:29:14,520 --> 00:29:16,920 It's not a person. 492 00:29:16,920 --> 00:29:18,360 Failure is an event. 493 00:29:18,360 --> 00:29:19,840 It's not a person. 494 00:29:19,840 --> 00:29:21,800 You are a new creation. 495 00:29:21,800 --> 00:29:24,720 And you got to remind yourself daily that you are chosen. 496 00:29:24,720 --> 00:29:25,720 You are redeemed. 497 00:29:25,720 --> 00:29:26,720 You are called. 498 00:29:26,720 --> 00:29:28,080 You are healed. 499 00:29:28,080 --> 00:29:29,080 You are transformed. 500 00:29:29,080 --> 00:29:30,080 You are an overcomer. 501 00:29:30,080 --> 00:29:31,080 You are forgiven. 502 00:29:31,080 --> 00:29:33,960 You are a child of God. 503 00:29:33,960 --> 00:29:35,360 And it's not just who we are. 504 00:29:35,360 --> 00:29:36,440 It's what we do. 505 00:29:36,440 --> 00:29:39,000 It all starts in our minds Philippians 4. 506 00:29:39,000 --> 00:29:42,000 And now dear brothers and sisters one final thing. 507 00:29:42,000 --> 00:29:43,000 Fix. 508 00:29:43,000 --> 00:29:44,000 Fix. 509 00:29:44,000 --> 00:29:51,680 Focus your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable. 510 00:29:51,680 --> 00:29:57,360 Think about those things that are excellent and praise worthy. 511 00:29:57,360 --> 00:30:00,880 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me. 512 00:30:00,880 --> 00:30:03,000 Everything you heard from me and saw me doing. 513 00:30:03,000 --> 00:30:06,760 Then notice what happens to God of peace. 514 00:30:06,760 --> 00:30:07,760 We'll be with you. 515 00:30:07,760 --> 00:30:13,240 And if there are any thoughts in our minds that oppose what is written here by Paul. 516 00:30:13,240 --> 00:30:14,280 When you do what with them. 517 00:30:14,280 --> 00:30:19,260 You take them captive and you throw them out and you make them obedient to how Jesus thinks 518 00:30:19,260 --> 00:30:20,540 about you. 519 00:30:20,540 --> 00:30:23,680 Peace comes when we think like Jesus. 520 00:30:23,680 --> 00:30:25,360 And this is good news. 521 00:30:25,360 --> 00:30:27,560 First Corinthians 2.16.4. 522 00:30:27,560 --> 00:30:29,520 Who can know the Lord's thoughts? 523 00:30:29,520 --> 00:30:31,800 Who knows enough to teach him? 524 00:30:31,800 --> 00:30:38,100 But we understand these things for we have the mind of Christ. 525 00:30:38,100 --> 00:30:40,960 We have the mind of Christ. 526 00:30:40,960 --> 00:30:43,320 We're no longer living for self. 527 00:30:43,320 --> 00:30:44,660 It's not about us. 528 00:30:44,660 --> 00:30:45,960 It's about other people. 529 00:30:45,960 --> 00:30:48,440 I'm not holding on to grudges and unforgiveness. 530 00:30:48,440 --> 00:30:52,200 I'm choosing to forgive quickly and make my relationships right. 531 00:30:52,200 --> 00:30:53,960 I'm no longer managing sin. 532 00:30:53,960 --> 00:30:55,720 I'm walking in freedom. 533 00:30:55,720 --> 00:30:56,880 Right? 534 00:30:56,880 --> 00:30:59,360 It's a choice. 535 00:30:59,360 --> 00:31:04,820 It's a choice to have a clear mind and clear thoughts which leads us to our final piece 536 00:31:04,820 --> 00:31:05,880 of the armor. 537 00:31:05,880 --> 00:31:09,120 The sword of the spirit. 538 00:31:09,120 --> 00:31:11,560 The sword of the spirit. 539 00:31:11,560 --> 00:31:19,040 I just so happen to have a sword here and I'm a little excited about this sword because 540 00:31:19,040 --> 00:31:23,320 there's a partner here at HCV that said hey I have a sword I want to bring it in and let 541 00:31:23,320 --> 00:31:24,440 you use it for next week. 542 00:31:24,440 --> 00:31:33,840 I said bring it in and then he goes this sword is a replica of Conan the barbarian sword. 543 00:31:33,840 --> 00:31:39,360 Now some of you are going to realize why I'm a little crazy. 544 00:31:39,360 --> 00:31:46,180 Conan the barbarian is a movie in the 80s starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and it actually has 545 00:31:46,180 --> 00:31:47,180 three parts. 546 00:31:47,180 --> 00:31:54,000 I think there's Conan the barbarian, Conan the destroyer, and Conan the warrior. 547 00:31:54,000 --> 00:31:57,400 And they were some of my favorite movies growing up. 548 00:31:57,400 --> 00:32:00,400 So yeah that's why I'm a little weird. 549 00:32:00,400 --> 00:32:07,280 But this sword is important to the soldier. 550 00:32:07,280 --> 00:32:12,760 And that's why Paul tells us what is the sword that he has given us. 551 00:32:12,760 --> 00:32:15,200 The sword of the spirit is the Bible. 552 00:32:15,200 --> 00:32:16,200 It's the word of God. 553 00:32:16,200 --> 00:32:23,480 Ephesians 6, 17 put on the helmet of salvation and take the sword of the spirit which is 554 00:32:23,480 --> 00:32:26,760 the word of God. 555 00:32:26,760 --> 00:32:31,360 Our Roman soldiers would have carried a sword like this one and this sword would have been 556 00:32:31,360 --> 00:32:37,040 perfectly fitted for the soldier that goes along with the rest of the armor. 557 00:32:37,040 --> 00:32:44,480 Roman soldiers used the sword in close combat only one on one while facing those in their 558 00:32:44,480 --> 00:32:46,000 area. 559 00:32:46,000 --> 00:32:51,160 They would have used spears or arrows for distant battles but Paul looking at the Roman 560 00:32:51,160 --> 00:32:57,920 soldier would have identified his sword as the only offensive weapon for the soldier 561 00:32:57,920 --> 00:32:58,920 to use. 562 00:32:58,920 --> 00:33:03,120 And it's the only offensive weapon that we're given as followers of Jesus. 563 00:33:03,120 --> 00:33:04,120 Why? 564 00:33:04,120 --> 00:33:07,760 Because the Bible is alive and active. 565 00:33:07,760 --> 00:33:12,840 Hebrews 4, 12 for the word of God is alive and powerful. 566 00:33:12,840 --> 00:33:17,360 It's sharper than the sharpest two edged sword cutting between soul and spirit between joint 567 00:33:17,360 --> 00:33:18,360 and marrow. 568 00:33:18,360 --> 00:33:21,200 It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 569 00:33:21,200 --> 00:33:28,240 The Bible allows for us to understand the difference between living God's way and living 570 00:33:28,240 --> 00:33:30,600 our way or culture's way. 571 00:33:30,600 --> 00:33:32,340 That's what it does. 572 00:33:32,340 --> 00:33:38,680 One of my life's scriptures, escalations 220, and it reads, my old self has been crucified 573 00:33:38,680 --> 00:33:39,680 with Christ. 574 00:33:39,680 --> 00:33:44,080 It's no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. 575 00:33:44,080 --> 00:33:52,160 And within this scripture I grab a hold of it daily when my mind, my mind begins to wonder 576 00:33:52,160 --> 00:33:56,080 and have those stinking thinking thoughts. 577 00:33:56,080 --> 00:33:59,520 See I grab that verse and I say no no no no no no no no no. 578 00:33:59,520 --> 00:34:03,120 My old self has been crucified. 579 00:34:03,120 --> 00:34:08,960 There is a new Christ living today trusting in the Holy Spirit and the power moving within 580 00:34:08,960 --> 00:34:09,960 me. 581 00:34:09,960 --> 00:34:15,080 In Psalm 1830 as for God his way is perfect. 582 00:34:15,080 --> 00:34:17,320 The Lord's word is flawless. 583 00:34:17,320 --> 00:34:20,720 He shields all who take refuge in him. 584 00:34:20,720 --> 00:34:23,400 Notice God's way is perfect. 585 00:34:23,400 --> 00:34:29,840 And when it says the Bible is flawless it means it's absolute which means it's truthful. 586 00:34:29,840 --> 00:34:35,040 And we have to apply that truth to our lives because here's what I've learned. 587 00:34:35,040 --> 00:34:40,240 My best self is not a good model for people to follow. 588 00:34:40,240 --> 00:34:41,520 Did everyone hear that? 589 00:34:41,520 --> 00:34:48,440 My best self in my own strength is not a good model for people to follow because my best 590 00:34:48,440 --> 00:34:56,560 self is full of greed, selfishness, anger, frustration, doubt, negativity, and sin. 591 00:34:56,560 --> 00:35:02,560 And that's why it's so important to expose our true selves to the Bible because when you 592 00:35:02,560 --> 00:35:08,000 expose our true selves to the Bible then the Holy Spirit empowers us to change and to mold 593 00:35:08,000 --> 00:35:14,960 us into the image of Jesus which leads us to three simple action steps where we wield 594 00:35:14,960 --> 00:35:17,520 the sword of the Spirit. 595 00:35:17,520 --> 00:35:23,400 And the reason I want to give you these because daily we go on the offensive. 596 00:35:23,400 --> 00:35:27,720 We gather here on Sundays we get pumped up we're fired up and then Monday we're getting 597 00:35:27,720 --> 00:35:30,120 attacked with those fiery darts. 598 00:35:30,120 --> 00:35:35,000 And I want to challenge you what does this sword look like on Monday and this is what 599 00:35:35,000 --> 00:35:36,000 it looks like. 600 00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:38,280 Number one you pray God's word. 601 00:35:38,280 --> 00:35:44,400 First Thessalonians 5, 16 to 18 always be joyful notice never stop praying. 602 00:35:44,400 --> 00:35:45,480 Never stop praying. 603 00:35:45,480 --> 00:35:50,880 Be thankful in all circumstances for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 604 00:35:50,880 --> 00:35:55,400 When you are struggling begin to pray what you're reading in the Bible. 605 00:35:55,400 --> 00:35:57,600 Begin to pray it out and you're like Chris how do I do that? 606 00:35:57,600 --> 00:36:02,880 Well you may be walking through a dark place it may be grief or anger or doubt maybe you're 607 00:36:02,880 --> 00:36:08,680 struggling with a health issue or the doctor gave you a negative or bad diagnosis right. 608 00:36:08,680 --> 00:36:14,920 I went to see a doctor this past Wednesday and you know what he told me deal with it. 609 00:36:14,920 --> 00:36:17,840 He said you're probably going to deal with it the rest of your life. 610 00:36:17,840 --> 00:36:20,200 So that was my diagnosis. 611 00:36:20,200 --> 00:36:26,080 So I quickly was driving home and I began to pray out loud Psalm 23. 612 00:36:26,080 --> 00:36:29,360 The Lord is my shepherd I have all that I need. 613 00:36:29,360 --> 00:36:31,560 He lets me rest in green meadows. 614 00:36:31,560 --> 00:36:33,520 He leads me beside peaceful streams. 615 00:36:33,520 --> 00:36:35,180 He renews my strength. 616 00:36:35,180 --> 00:36:38,640 He guides me along right paths bringing honor to his name. 617 00:36:38,640 --> 00:36:44,960 Even when I walk through the darkest valley it doesn't matter what you're walking through. 618 00:36:44,960 --> 00:36:50,100 I will not be afraid for you are close beside me you're right and your staff protect and 619 00:36:50,100 --> 00:36:51,400 comfort me. 620 00:36:51,400 --> 00:36:55,440 You pray that out loud and you allow God to transform you. 621 00:36:55,440 --> 00:36:59,720 Now if you have a loss for words and you cannot express your frustration you have no idea 622 00:36:59,720 --> 00:37:03,120 what your mind is doing and why it's all out of control. 623 00:37:03,120 --> 00:37:12,300 Pray out loud Romans chapter 8 verses 26 to 27 and the Holy Spirit helps me in my weakness. 624 00:37:12,300 --> 00:37:18,620 We don't know what God wants us to pray but the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings 625 00:37:18,620 --> 00:37:22,980 cannot be expressed and the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying 626 00:37:22,980 --> 00:37:27,560 for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. 627 00:37:27,560 --> 00:37:31,320 You pray that out loud and you express that to God. 628 00:37:31,320 --> 00:37:35,200 We need to learn to pray God's word which leads us to our next step. 629 00:37:35,200 --> 00:37:38,040 Not only do you pray God's word you say God's word. 630 00:37:38,040 --> 00:37:43,480 You speak it out and Jesus as our example of this truth there's power in proclaiming 631 00:37:43,480 --> 00:37:46,120 and declaring the promises of God over our lives. 632 00:37:46,120 --> 00:37:51,840 Look at this Matthew 4, 4, 7 and 10 through 11 but Jesus told him and who is Jesus talking 633 00:37:51,840 --> 00:37:54,280 to in these verses? 634 00:37:54,280 --> 00:37:55,540 The devil. 635 00:37:55,540 --> 00:38:02,560 This is when he's in the wilderness being tempted beyond what we could even imagine. 636 00:38:02,560 --> 00:38:05,000 But Jesus told him no. 637 00:38:05,000 --> 00:38:08,440 The scriptures say people do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the 638 00:38:08,440 --> 00:38:10,000 mouth of God. 639 00:38:10,000 --> 00:38:11,760 Jesus answered. 640 00:38:11,760 --> 00:38:17,200 The scriptures also say you must not test the Lord your God. 641 00:38:17,200 --> 00:38:21,560 And then his final statement I love this look get out of here Satan. 642 00:38:21,560 --> 00:38:23,320 You see that authority? 643 00:38:23,320 --> 00:38:25,400 Get out of here Thoth. 644 00:38:25,400 --> 00:38:28,840 I am a child of God. 645 00:38:28,840 --> 00:38:32,200 For the scriptures say you must worship the Lord your God and serve only him. 646 00:38:32,200 --> 00:38:36,240 That the devil went away and the angels came to take care of Jesus. 647 00:38:36,240 --> 00:38:42,600 We go on the offensive believing that God is working and moving in our lives. 648 00:38:42,600 --> 00:38:46,780 Believing that God is working in our families lives, in our community of faith, in our local 649 00:38:46,780 --> 00:38:51,060 community and we're declaring there is freedom from my addictions. 650 00:38:51,060 --> 00:38:52,680 There is new life in my body. 651 00:38:52,680 --> 00:38:54,960 There is positivity in my mind. 652 00:38:54,960 --> 00:39:00,320 There is hope in Jesus for me, my family and my friends. 653 00:39:00,320 --> 00:39:02,120 Matthew 22. 654 00:39:02,120 --> 00:39:03,960 Jesus replied. 655 00:39:03,960 --> 00:39:09,640 Your mistake is that you don't know the scriptures and you don't know the power of God. 656 00:39:09,640 --> 00:39:16,960 Let's not make the mistake of not knowing who we are in Jesus and not realizing and 657 00:39:16,960 --> 00:39:19,360 believing in the power of God. 658 00:39:19,360 --> 00:39:21,280 Which leads us to our final step. 659 00:39:21,280 --> 00:39:27,520 Not only do we pray God's word and we say God's word we obey God's word. 660 00:39:27,520 --> 00:39:36,200 Now I was just going to add verse 15 in John 14 but then as I was reading it in context 661 00:39:36,200 --> 00:39:39,280 you know so many people stand on verses 13 and 14. 662 00:39:39,280 --> 00:39:43,360 You can ask for anything in my name and I will do it so that the son can bring glory 663 00:39:43,360 --> 00:39:44,360 to the father. 664 00:39:44,360 --> 00:39:46,440 Yes ask me for anything in my name and I will do it. 665 00:39:46,440 --> 00:39:48,680 And we proclaim that and we say that. 666 00:39:48,680 --> 00:39:52,280 But then notice verse 15. 667 00:39:52,280 --> 00:39:57,000 If you love me obey my commands. 668 00:39:57,000 --> 00:40:01,000 And some of you think why aren't my prayers being answered? 669 00:40:01,000 --> 00:40:03,640 Are you obeying God's commands? 670 00:40:03,640 --> 00:40:06,320 Are you following God's truth? 671 00:40:06,320 --> 00:40:10,920 Because if we are not walking in God's truth and we are allowing the enemy to put negative 672 00:40:10,920 --> 00:40:14,320 thoughts and sin and frustration and anger and all. 673 00:40:14,320 --> 00:40:19,080 God's not going to come in and answer the prayer. 674 00:40:19,080 --> 00:40:20,800 And it's not a dictatorship statement. 675 00:40:20,800 --> 00:40:25,080 Jesus is saying this is the best way to live. 676 00:40:25,080 --> 00:40:27,640 Like you want to live an abundant life? 677 00:40:27,640 --> 00:40:29,740 Follow my commands. 678 00:40:29,740 --> 00:40:32,000 Obey what's written. 679 00:40:32,000 --> 00:40:34,120 Apply this into your life. 680 00:40:34,120 --> 00:40:35,600 And this is how we go in the offensive. 681 00:40:35,600 --> 00:40:38,560 And we tear down the strongholds of the enemies. 682 00:40:38,560 --> 00:40:43,600 These dark forces that come against us placing the negative thoughts in our minds. 683 00:40:43,600 --> 00:40:45,040 You are not alone. 684 00:40:45,040 --> 00:40:47,780 You are a vital part of this community of faith. 685 00:40:47,780 --> 00:40:49,660 People are not your problem. 686 00:40:49,660 --> 00:40:51,400 People are your purpose. 687 00:40:51,400 --> 00:40:53,080 You are not giving up. 688 00:40:53,080 --> 00:40:56,280 You're just getting started. 689 00:40:56,280 --> 00:40:59,120 You see how you turn it over? 690 00:40:59,120 --> 00:41:01,360 That's when we're obeying God's word. 691 00:41:01,360 --> 00:41:03,800 And that's the invitation Jesus has for us this morning. 692 00:41:03,800 --> 00:41:13,280 Will you stand? 693 00:41:13,280 --> 00:41:16,800 I was also praying about how to close this gathering. 694 00:41:16,800 --> 00:41:20,600 The worship team in our pre-gathering meeting said what are you going to do to close? 695 00:41:20,600 --> 00:41:22,640 I said I don't know. 696 00:41:22,640 --> 00:41:25,440 I'm going to let God tell me. 697 00:41:25,440 --> 00:41:29,040 So as I was back in the back room praying for all of you that were coming here this 698 00:41:29,040 --> 00:41:32,960 morning, this is what God shared with me. 699 00:41:32,960 --> 00:41:41,280 Many of you right now, you're struggling with life because you believe you're stuck. 700 00:41:41,280 --> 00:41:42,280 Believe you're stuck. 701 00:41:42,280 --> 00:41:45,240 You're stuck in your sin. 702 00:41:45,240 --> 00:41:47,960 Maybe you're stuck in your past. 703 00:41:47,960 --> 00:41:51,080 Maybe you're stuck in a relationship. 704 00:41:51,080 --> 00:41:54,120 Maybe you're stuck in addiction. 705 00:41:54,120 --> 00:41:55,960 You could be stuck in grief. 706 00:41:55,960 --> 00:42:03,800 But I felt like many of you are stuck in your stinking thinking. 707 00:42:03,800 --> 00:42:06,280 And God wants to free you from that today. 708 00:42:06,280 --> 00:42:09,400 Do you believe that? 709 00:42:09,400 --> 00:42:12,880 Do you believe that? 710 00:42:12,880 --> 00:42:20,360 Do you believe that? 711 00:42:20,360 --> 00:42:25,160 Church do you believe that? 712 00:42:25,160 --> 00:42:29,920 Do you believe that? 713 00:42:29,920 --> 00:42:33,360 Do all of you believe that? 714 00:42:33,360 --> 00:42:40,480 Some of you are thinking, well Chris why do you keep asking us the same thing? 715 00:42:40,480 --> 00:42:43,600 Because not all of you are saying yes. 716 00:42:43,600 --> 00:42:45,400 You see that? 717 00:42:45,400 --> 00:42:49,200 There's expectation. 718 00:42:49,200 --> 00:42:50,200 There's anticipation. 719 00:42:50,200 --> 00:42:53,280 Church do you believe that? 720 00:42:53,280 --> 00:42:54,280 Yes. 721 00:42:54,280 --> 00:42:59,000 So here's what I want you to do. 722 00:42:59,000 --> 00:43:03,560 Put your hands like this. 723 00:43:03,560 --> 00:43:10,320 I want you to say three simple words. 724 00:43:10,320 --> 00:43:15,600 Holy Spirit come. 725 00:43:15,600 --> 00:43:17,360 I want you to take your hands. 726 00:43:17,360 --> 00:43:23,320 I want you to put them on your minds. 727 00:43:23,320 --> 00:43:30,320 And in your own words and in your own ways I want you to declare that you are free. 728 00:43:30,320 --> 00:43:36,120 In Jesus name I declare freedom over these minds. 729 00:43:36,120 --> 00:43:48,800 In Jesus name I command anger to go, frustration to leave, anxiety to wither, healing to come. 730 00:43:48,800 --> 00:43:51,160 In Jesus name. 731 00:43:51,160 --> 00:43:57,120 I just declare complete freedom over each and every mind gathered here today watching 732 00:43:57,120 --> 00:43:58,580 online. 733 00:43:58,580 --> 00:44:05,040 They are a son and a daughter of God. 734 00:44:05,040 --> 00:44:08,320 Jesus just love on them now. 735 00:44:08,320 --> 00:44:11,360 Holy Spirit come. 736 00:44:11,360 --> 00:44:17,560 Release your grace, your mercy and your freedom. 737 00:44:17,560 --> 00:44:19,720 In Jesus name. 738 00:44:19,720 --> 00:44:21,680 Together we said. 739 00:44:21,680 --> 00:44:22,680 Amen. 740 00:44:22,680 --> 00:44:27,040 Now some of you weren't saying yes. 741 00:44:27,040 --> 00:44:28,040 I know that. 742 00:44:28,040 --> 00:44:29,560 I see mouths move. 743 00:44:29,560 --> 00:44:32,560 I'm not that blind. 744 00:44:32,560 --> 00:44:33,560 You know why? 745 00:44:33,560 --> 00:44:36,400 Because some of you got a hard heart. 746 00:44:36,400 --> 00:44:40,000 Because that spirit inside of there, it's not alive yet. 747 00:44:40,000 --> 00:44:42,480 It's just not alive. 748 00:44:42,480 --> 00:44:44,040 You might come to church. 749 00:44:44,040 --> 00:44:45,800 You might go through the motions. 750 00:44:45,800 --> 00:44:47,680 You might pretend. 751 00:44:47,680 --> 00:44:49,800 But it's not alive yet. 752 00:44:49,800 --> 00:44:52,880 And here's your opportunity to bring that spirit to life. 753 00:44:52,880 --> 00:44:53,880 Amen. 754 00:44:53,880 --> 00:44:55,920 We're going to pray a simple prayer. 755 00:44:55,920 --> 00:44:56,920 Let's pray together. 756 00:44:56,920 --> 00:44:59,680 Jesus I'm broken. 757 00:44:59,680 --> 00:45:04,520 I'm full of doubt, shame, regret, sin. 758 00:45:04,520 --> 00:45:05,520 Change me. 759 00:45:05,520 --> 00:45:08,120 I believe you're God's son. 760 00:45:08,120 --> 00:45:11,000 I believe you died for me. 761 00:45:11,000 --> 00:45:12,520 Make me new. 762 00:45:12,520 --> 00:45:14,360 Set me free. 763 00:45:14,360 --> 00:45:16,880 Fill me with your spirit. 764 00:45:16,880 --> 00:45:17,880 In Jesus name. 765 00:45:17,880 --> 00:45:18,880 There's no impossible. 766 00:45:18,880 --> 00:45:19,880 I believe that you are working now. 767 00:45:19,880 --> 00:45:20,880 Pour it out. 768 00:45:20,880 --> 00:45:46,880 Oh, pour it out.