828 Church

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lordʼs favor. Luke 4:18-21 ESV

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10 ESV

Freedom is an unattainable myth without the Messiah

If the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:36 NLT

1) Choose Freedom  - For you were called to freedom, brothers… Galatians 5:13 ESV 

Removed verse

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 ESV 

New Slide - Choosing God’s word and will is the only path to a life of freedom and restoration. 

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 ESV

2) Walk with the Liberator

We are not cable of overcoming the enemy on our own! 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV

David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. I Samuel 17:45-46 NLT

Moved - You are more likely to move a locomotive with a moped motor than to live in freedom without Jesus!

I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 ESV

3) Guard your Heart

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:17 NLT

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. Proverbs 25:28 ESV

Moved next two slides from first point - It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you donʼt use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Galatians 5:13 MSG

He who avoids the slippery slope is less likely to fall into a pit.

Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it. Genesis 4:7 NIV

Donʼt let what you access give the enemy access to your soul.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NLT

Guard your heart and God will guide your heart to freedom. 

4) Follow the peace of God 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. Colossians 3:15 ESV

Remove Slide - Holy Spirit uses peace as an umpire for the soul.

Discernment isn’t just knowing the difference between right and wrong, it is knowing the difference between right and almost right. - Charles Spurgeon

Let the peace of God guide your choosing and you will find yourself living in freedom. 

5) Live for God and Others

Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-38 NLT

Self-consumed people will always be bound. 

Jesus will rewrite your story if you will follow Him to freedom!

Look, said Naomi, “your sister in law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” But Ruth replied, “Donʼt urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Ruth 1:15-16 ESV

Remove - You’re future and freedom are not defined or determined by your hurt or history…

Remove - By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 NLT

Freedom is the miraculous breakthrough in believing and living we experience in a surrendered relationship with Jesus.  

Generosity - Giving more of something of value or virtue, than is strictly required or expected.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 ESV

When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. Luke 12:48 NLT

Generous living and giving are how we operate as a family at 828 Church.

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. Acts 2:44-45 NLT

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Malachi 3:10 NLT

By giving yourself completely to God

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. Psalm 24:1 NLT

When you belong to God, everything you are and have is His. 

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints, and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 ESV

Generosity is the only right response to the limitless love we have been given by God. 

Strategically - Generosity requires strategic and intentional choosing. 

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 

1 Peter 4:10 ESV

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:24 ESV

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLT 

The more we try to hold on to what we have the less we have to hold on to.

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. Mark 8:35

Confidently trusting in God

Don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:31-33 NLT 

Without Jesus wealth is not a treasure, it’s trouble.

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT

Generosity has more to do with our faith than our finances. 

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:8-9 NLT

Compassionately

Unless your heart is engaged in your giving you won’t give for long. 

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion, how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17 NLT 

Unconditionally - Surrender is the only path to true Christ-centered generosity. 

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 

2 Corinthians 9:10 NLT

To live generously is live and give your life back to the God who gave you life in the first place.

Contentment - Freedom from worry or restlessness: - A peaceful perspective.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NLT - Chillin like a villain. Roman prison - Carcer (Latin)

Contentment is not a decision to be self-sufficient, but rather a condition found when the soul rests in the sufficiency of God.  (No matter the conditions or circumstance)

Five Intentional Choices that lead to a Life of Contentment

Choice # 1 - Avoid Envy and Comparison - If I just had… I would be happy. No you wouldn’t!

Covetousness - A desire for what others have. - You must not covet your neighbors… Exodus 20:17 

For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Ephesians 5:5 ESV

High place (covet) / Alter (sacrifice , contentment) / to the Idol of stuff, status, etc… little g god!?

Destiny is sacrificed and contentment dies on the altar of envy and disobedient ambition.

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. Proverbs 14:30 ESV

Comparison creates an unreasonable discontentedness that has a way of coaxing us out of the will of God. 

Choice # 2 - Embrace your assignment. (Love it and / to live it)

Submission to the purpose and plan of God is critical to a life of contentment. 

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

I’m not saying you’ll never get tired running your race, but you’ll die trying to run someone else’s.

In it for the coffee not the cup…

Choice # 3 - Praise - (Be grateful to God for the life you have)

Gratitude disarms discontentment. - - My mom!

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:18 NLT 

Praise is a pathway to contentment. - - Praise on the inside will manifest on the outside.

Choice # 4 - Do your best with what ever you have.  

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT

Choosing Contentment Choice # 5 - Trust - - It’s an inside job! 

Contentment is only found in a trusting surrendered relationship with Jesus

A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched. Proverbs 28:25 ESV

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT - POEM

Contentment is not only God’s will, it’s God’s gift to all who will receive it! 

True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 1 Timothy 6:6 NLT - Granny Mary’s house 

Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

How to Trust God Directive # 1 - Follow the Instructor and His Instruction.

Blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice. Luke 11:28 NLT

More than reading or hearing the instructions, following the instructions is what makes the difference. 

Faith is for believing God, not bossing God! 

Believing backed up by obeying is trusting!

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household. Acts 16:31 NKJV

God must be where we build, and determine with what and how we build our life of faith. 

How to Trust God Directive # 2 - Go all in!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT 

Commitment is the bridge between purpose and passion. - John Maxwell 

Passionate commitment to Jesus is punchy! 

Charisma will capture your attention but passion will captivate your heart.

How to Trust God Directive # 3 - Settle that the question is how you will follow God, not if. 

Moses gave the men these instructions as he sent them out to explore the land. Numbers 13:17 NLT

“We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” Numbers 13:3 NLT

We’re called navigate this life according to God’s will no matter what the opposition or obstacle! 

How to trust God Directive # 4 - Learn to right-size your problems.

We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!” Numbers 13:33 NLT

Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the LORD is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” Numbers 14:6-9 NLT

BT: Trust doesn’t require downsizing your difficulties, but rather right-sizing them against God!  

How to Trust God Directive # 5 - Look to God for Peace instead of Panic

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 NLT

Peace is the fruit we find when we put our trust and hope in God. 

In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV - - It’s His church, not ours. - No good without Him! 

The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESV

When we exclude Jesus we set ourselves up for drama, disappointment, and ultimately disaster. 

Faith is neither dependent on, nor devoid of, empirical evidence. 

You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me. John 20:29 NLT

The decline of the New Atheists’ particular brand of hyperbolic anti-religious fervor does not necessarily signify a rise in religious faith or belief in God. - Alister McGrath (The Dawkins Delusion) 

We’re called to lean in and lead the way to Jesus.  

Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3 ESV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 ESV

The presence of problems can never overpower the presence of Jesus.  

#SeeTheEmptyTomb

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV

You see your regular failure, Jesus see’s your road to redemption. 

You see your consistent struggle, Jesus sees your willingness to fight and never give up!  

You see yourself as a chump challenged by brokenness you think you may never overcome.

Jesus sees you as champion who wins not only for you but for others! 

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1 ESV

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

Jesus pursues us to love us.

The love of Jesus is the most obvious and consistent reality I’ve witnessed in this world. 

Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.  

Psalm 36:5 NLT 

Through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see, such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Colossians 1:16-17 ESV 

Jesus holds everything in the universe and beyond together, including me and you. 

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:7-10 ESV

The truth about Jesus, who He is and how He loves, is the most important truth that any human can ever know. 

POEM

Jesus

With us and for us

He finds us and binds us 

He holds us together with His love

He sees us and frees us

Never does He leave us

He heals us with power from above

No hope we have without Him

Never should we doubt Him

His fingerprints are everywhere we look

And even when wouldn’t trust Him

In fact our choices surely hurt Him

Still He gave His life, because that’s what it took

To forgive and to restore

To a place that’s better than before

Now graced to come into the presence of the King

Nothing we did to earn such grace

It was His choice, He made the space

Even when He knew we had no gift to bring

So now we give ourselves for others

Just like the Jesus our big brother 

Praying they will see Him in the love we show. 

May our journeys give Him glory

As He redeems our broken stories

So those who see will trust the Savior we now know

God’s gift of forgiveness is the doorway to restoring every other destiny He has for us. 

Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”  In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 ESV

Right standing and renewed relationship with God result from our putting our faith in Jesus.

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten. Joel 2:25 ESV

God’s wills to restore every design and destiny He has for you. 

It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11-12 MSG

Choosing God’s design and destiny is the best decision you’ve ever had the grace to make.

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 ESV - 

Restored destiny requires real repentance.

Repentance is a powerfully graced choice the enemy can’t cope with. 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Romans 12:1 ESV

Restored destiny requires surrendered and renewed ways of thinking, deciding and living.

Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the cross roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6:16 ESV 

Diligence is crucial if we are going to follow God to destiny. 

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 NKJV

Even if you have God’s blessing and favor, you still have to choose it to walk in it.

It takes determination to faithfully become who God created you to be. 

Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 ESV

If you’re looking for a cheap easy way to be a disciple, you will not find it. Adrian Rogers

You were designed by God to know Him and to live the destiny He created for you.  

You didn’t choose me, I chose you, I put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. John 15:16 MSG

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV

Growth and change are challenging, but exactly what God gives us the power to do.

Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:24-25 NLT 

We have that and then some! Look up! - Ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20 NLT

You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! Jeremiah 32:17 NLT

Will power is limited, God’s power is not. 

When it comes to growth and change, connection to the power source is the most crucial factor!

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 ESV

How to plug in!? - Submit! - - Give yourself completely to God.

Do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:5-7 ESV

Submit - Resist - Overcome - Repeat!

Life is about learning to give everything to God one thing at a time!

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 ESV

Surrender isn’t giving up on yourself, but giving yourself and your every attitude, decision, and destiny to God!  

My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. Matthew 26:39 NLT 

The power to grow and change is a power we access when we give ourselves completely to God.

Even if we’re ready to change and grow, there will still be obstacles we have to overcome.

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 ESV

I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. Psalm 18:29 NLT

Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3 NLT

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 ESV

Pain 

Pain is a hurdle that often keeps us from pursuing our potential for growth and change.

After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 ESV

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. Psalm 34:18-19 NLT

People

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV

God directed boundaries are necessary for Godly behavior and breakthrough. 

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20 NLT

Your friends are either obstacles or catalyst for the growth and change Jesus is working in your life.

Past 

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God, truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 2:22-24 NLT

Pride

Pride can prevent even the most disciplined and successful person from being whole and free. 

Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. Matthew 21:31-32 ESV

Perspective

Christianity is not a behavioral improvement program, but a choice to walk with and be like Jesus.

God created man in his own image. Genesis 1:27 NLT 

Growth and change are an opportunity to embody and become who God made you to be.

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. Romans 8:29 MSG

The daily goal of every God follower should be to get as close to, and be as much like, Jesus as possible.  

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

Change and growth are choices that we’re graced to choose. 

You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 NLT

People who refuse to change and grow, will spend an entire life dying without ever really living.

We’re often ready for something to change, but not as often willing to be the thing that changes.

Recognizing the need to change.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

Do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 ESV

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV

Willing to Change

Jesus said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15 ESV

Everyone struggles with something, but those who justify nullify the grace God gives to overcome.

Choose to Change

With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. Ephesians 4:17-18 MSG

They can’t think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion. Ephesians 4:19 MSG

“Make it up on your own” morality has led to next level desperation in the hearts of people.

But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God, truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:20-24 NLT

Listen and Align

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NLT 

“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. John 8:32-33 NLT 

Self-deception and denial never lead to deliverance.

Ready for Redemption

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7 ESV 

Jesus always provides the grace for people in process to choose repentance and redemption.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

Redemption makes those things that once seemed impossible, supernaturally natural.

The heart that is ready to change will be flooded with grace beyond description, strong enough to overcome any barrier to change and breakthrough!