In a world increasingly filled with deepfakes, curated images, and a constant pressure to present a perfect exterior, the hunger for authenticity has never been greater. Our culture is obsessed with what is real, and people are searching for something genuine in a sea of the artificial. This longing for authenticity is not just a cultural trend—it’s a spiritual necessity. Authenticity is the foundation of true influence, especially for those who want to make a difference for the kingdom of God.

We see this need for authenticity in every area of life, from the way we interact on social media to the way we lead in our homes, workplaces, and churches. The temptation to present a polished, flawless version of ourselves is strong, but it leads to a dangerous disconnect between our public persona and our private reality. Jesus addressed this head-on when He called out the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, likening them to cups that are clean on the outside but filthy on the inside. He made it clear that God desires integrity—where the inside matches the outside.

Authenticity is not about perfection; it’s about being real. It’s about letting others see our struggles, our weaknesses, and our need for grace. This is what builds trust and influence. When we are honest about our shortcomings, we invite others into a space where they can be honest too. Paul modeled this kind of authenticity in his letters, openly sharing his struggles and refusing to use tricks or pretense to win people over. Even Jesus, in His most anguished moments in Gethsemane, was transparent with His disciples about His fear and sorrow.

To pursue authenticity, we must practice self-reflection, be careful not to exaggerate or self-promote, and embrace vulnerability. These steps are not just about emotional health—they are about spiritual growth and kingdom impact. People are not drawn to our perfection; they are drawn to our realness. Our families, friends, and communities are craving the authentic us, not a cardboard cutout or a curated image. When we live authentically, we gain the influence to point others to Jesus, who knows the real us and loves us completely.

Accountability is a rare and powerful force in our lives. In a world where blame-shifting and excuse-making come naturally, there is something magnetic about a person who steps up and says, “I’ll own it.” This kind of responsibility is not just a leadership principle—it’s a spiritual calling. From the origins of the phrase “the buck stops here” to the story of Josiah in 2 Kings, we see that true influence is built on the willingness to take responsibility, even for things that may not be entirely our fault.

Josiah’s story is striking: becoming king at eight, inheriting a nation steeped in idolatry and spiritual decay, and yet, when confronted with the truth of God’s Word, he doesn’t pass the blame to his ancestors or circumstances. Instead, he tears his clothes in grief, confesses the nation’s failures, and leads a movement of repentance and reform. His humility and courage to take accountability not only changed his generation but set a standard for leadership and influence that Scripture says was unmatched before or since.

This principle is not just for kings or CEOs. Every one of us is an influencer in our own sphere—family, workplace, classroom, neighborhood. When we step into accountability, we become the kind of people others are drawn to, the kind of people God can use to bring about real change. But this doesn’t come naturally. It requires humility, a willingness to see ourselves as servants rather than bosses, and the courage to step into hard conversations and situations.

Ultimately, the greatest example of accountability is Jesus Himself. Though He was without sin, He took responsibility for our failures, owning our debt on the cross so that we could be free. When we take accountability, we are simply following in His footsteps, using our influence not for self-promotion, but to point others to the love and grace of God.

Influence is not reserved for those with large social media followings or public platforms; every person has influence in the lives of those around them. Whether it’s at school, at work, in our families, or even in the way we interact with strangers, we are constantly shaping the world through our words, actions, and attitudes. The question is not whether we have influence, but how we will use it—especially as followers of Jesus, who are called to influence others for the sake of God’s kingdom.

Looking at the life of Jesus, we see a radical approach to influence. Jesus consistently built bridges to people who were different, outcast, or even considered enemies. He reached across social, political, and moral divides, as seen in His interactions with Zacchaeus, the tax collector, and the woman at the well. Both were marginalized by their communities, yet Jesus saw their value and potential, engaging them with love and dignity. This is a powerful model for us: true influence is not about gathering people who already agree with us, but about loving and connecting with those who are different.

Jesus’ teachings reinforce this bridge-building approach. He calls us to go beyond what is required—to give more than is demanded, to walk the extra mile, to love even those who oppose us. The “golden rule”—do to others as you would have them do to you—is not just a moral guideline, but a strategy for influence. When we choose to love others first, to listen deeply, and to seek common ground, we draw people in and open doors for meaningful conversations and transformation.

Building influence in a divided world means intentionally choosing to see the image of God in every person, to focus on what unites rather than what divides, and to act with kindness and empathy. It means refusing to retreat into our own trenches or to lob grenades at those who disagree with us. Instead, we step into the middle, loving boldly and sacrificially, just as Jesus did. This is not easy—our natural tendency is to protect ourselves and our own interests—but with Jesus’ help, we can become people who bring others together and make a lasting impact for the kingdom.

Today, we celebrated the transformative power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, witnessing firsthand the courage of Hannah as she shared her story and prepared for baptism. Her journey from death to life is a living testimony of what it means to be made brand new in Christ. This theme of newness is not just a personal experience but a communal one, as we see in the early church described in Acts 2. The resurrection of Jesus was not the end, but the beginning of a new era, marked by the arrival of the Holy Spirit—a true game changer for every believer.

The early followers of Jesus were a small, overwhelmed group, feeling insignificant in a vast world. Yet, when the Holy Spirit came upon them, everything changed. The Spirit arrived not quietly, but with power—like a mighty wind and tongues of fire—filling them with boldness and purpose. Suddenly, these ordinary people were speaking in languages they had never learned, reaching the hearts of people from every nation. The Spirit’s power was not just for spectacle, but for mission: to make Jesus known in a way that transcended barriers and brought people together.

Peter, an untrained fisherman, stood up and preached with a boldness that was not his own. His message was direct and uncompromising, calling people to repentance, baptism, and new life in Christ. The result was astonishing—3,000 people were saved and baptized in a single day. This was not the work of human effort, but the supernatural movement of God’s Spirit.

The passage in Acts 2 paints a picture of what life looks like when the Spirit is at work: deep devotion, radical generosity, joyful community, and daily transformation. This is not just a story from the past, but an invitation for us today. The same Spirit that empowered the early church lives in every believer, offering us access to resurrection power that can change our families, our workplaces, our city, and our world.

We are called to step into our God-given purpose and to plug into the power of the Holy Spirit through daily spiritual disciplines, community, and service. Let’s not live in spiritual poverty when the riches of God’s presence are available to us. Instead, let’s be a people who run into the fire, who live boldly, and who see lives changed every day by the power of God.

Easter is a time of renewal and new beginnings, a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of a brand new life. We all love new things, whether it's the smell of a new car, the feel of new socks, or the innocence of a newborn baby. These things remind us of the freshness and potential of new beginnings. God, too, loves new things and desires for us to experience a brand new life through Him. However, many of us struggle with the idea of being made new because of the baggage we carry—our past mistakes, our sins, and the lies the enemy tells us about our worthiness.

The truth is, God is not mad at us; He is madly in love with us. He wants to transform our lives, to take our brokenness and make us whole. Easter is the starting point for this transformation. Jesus' death and resurrection provide the way for us to be forgiven and to live a life free from the chains of sin and death. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power available to us to live a new life.

Romans 6:4 tells us that we are buried with Christ in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life. This means that our old selves, with all their sins and failures, are dead and buried. We are called to live a new life, one that is led by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This new life is not about following rules or rituals; it's about a relationship with Jesus that transforms us from the inside out.

For those who are already followers of Jesus, the challenge is to let go of the sins and habits that the enemy uses to hold us back. We must tap into the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome these obstacles and live the life God has called us to. For those who have not yet made the decision to follow Jesus, today is the day to take that step and experience the brand new life He offers.

In reflecting on the journey from a small country church to a megachurch, I shared my personal experiences of feeling out of place and how this relates to the broader experience of belonging in the church. Many people, when they come to church, feel like they don't belong, carrying with them a U-Haul of baggage. Yet, the church is a place for messy people, a place where no one has it all figured out. We are all trying to walk with Jesus every day, and the church should be a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their past or present struggles.

I recounted the story of Jesus instituting the Lord's Supper with His disciples, highlighting the significance of this act. Jesus, knowing He would be betrayed, still invited Judas to the table, demonstrating a profound love and grace. This act of inviting Judas, the betrayer, to the table is a powerful reminder that everyone has a seat at the table, regardless of their past. The Lord's Supper is a symbol of Jesus' sacrifice, His body broken and His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. It is a reminder of the great exchange—our broken, sinful lives for holiness and righteousness in Jesus.

As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are invited to reflect on the broken body of Jesus and the redemption offered through His blood. This is a moment to confess, to acknowledge our part in the brokenness, and to embrace the new life offered through Jesus. The story of redemption is not just about the past; it is about the present and the future. It is about inviting others to the table, to experience the new life in Christ.

As we approach Easter, the challenge is to invite others to the table, to share the story of redemption and new life. Whether it's a friend, a neighbor, or even someone who seems unlikely, everyone deserves an invitation to experience the grace and love of Jesus. We are all unworthy, yet we are all invited to the table.

In sharing my journey, I reflect on the transformation from a life of confusion and searching to one of purpose and fulfillment through faith. Growing up in a broken home in Houston, Texas, I lacked a consistent father figure, which left me yearning for identity and direction. My early years were marked by a pursuit of attention and validation through music and a lifestyle that mirrored the flawed examples I had seen. Despite moments of spiritual awakening, such as accepting Christ at a youth camp, my life was dominated by the pursuit of worldly success and pleasure, leading to a cycle of addiction and emptiness.

The turning point came when I met my wife, whose unwavering faith and love for Jesus inspired me to seek a deeper understanding of God. Her influence, coupled with a series of personal crises, led me to a place of surrender. I realized that my attempts to find happiness through external means were futile, and I needed to allow God to work in my life. This journey of faith was not about becoming a "good person" by my own efforts but about allowing God to transform me from the inside out.

Through the support of mentors and a commitment to studying the Bible, I began to understand what it means to be a man of God, a husband, and a father. The process involved letting go of past behaviors and relationships that were not aligned with my new path. It was a journey of learning to trust in God's plan, even when it meant making difficult changes.

Today, my life is a testament to the power of God's grace and redemption. I continue to share my story and music, not by abandoning my past but by using it as a platform to speak about the transformative power of faith. My marriage and family life have been restored, and I am committed to living a life that honors God, knowing that true joy comes from a relationship with Him.

In today's message, we explored the importance of having clear steps in our spiritual journey, much like the instructions we follow in everyday tasks. We often face overwhelming situations in life, whether in relationships, work, or personal struggles, and breaking these down into manageable steps can bring clarity and direction. This principle is mirrored in our spiritual lives, where God provides us with guidance through His Word.

We delved into the book of Micah, where God, through the prophet, outlines three essential steps for living a life that pleases Him: to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. These steps are not about religious rituals or offerings but about embodying God's character in our daily lives. Justice involves living rightly and aligning our actions with God's nature, both personally and in the world around us. Mercy requires us to extend grace and forgiveness, reflecting the heart of Jesus, who was full of both grace and truth.

Walking humbly with God is about maintaining a daily, thoughtful relationship with Him, seeking His guidance and aligning our lives with His will. This walk is not a sprint but a steady, consistent journey where we grow in understanding and embody the balance of justice and mercy.

We are challenged to examine our natural inclinations—whether towards justice or mercy—and to strengthen the weaker side, striving to be like Jesus, who perfectly balanced both. This involves practical steps, such as engaging in daily spiritual rhythms and being open to God's leading in our lives.

Ultimately, the call is to live out these principles not to earn God's favor but in response to His grace and mercy already given to us through Jesus Christ. As we do so, we become more like Him, impacting our world with His love and justice.

Today, we explored the profound difference between happiness and joy, and how our lives can be transformed by understanding this distinction. We began by acknowledging that while happiness is often a fleeting emotion tied to our circumstances, true joy is a deeper, more enduring state that comes from within, rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Proverbs 14:13 reminds us that laughter can mask a heavy heart, but when the laughter fades, the grief remains. This illustrates the temporary nature of happiness when it is based solely on external factors.

We delved into the lie that happiness is dependent on our circumstances being favorable. James 1:2-4 challenges this notion by encouraging us to find joy even in trials, as these moments are opportunities for growth and endurance. This joy is not a denial of our struggles but a recognition that our faith can flourish amidst them.

The Apostle Paul, writing from a prison cell, exemplifies this truth. Despite his dire circumstances, he speaks of joy repeatedly in his letters, particularly in Philippians. His joy was not contingent on his freedom or comfort but was deeply rooted in his relationship with Christ. Paul teaches us that joy is not about what happens to us but about who is with us—Jesus.

We also discussed the importance of recognizing the joy Jesus brings into our lives and sharing that joy with others. By making a list of the ways Jesus has brought joy into our lives and seeking opportunities to share this joy with others, we can live out our faith in a tangible way.

Finally, I shared a personal story about attending a Chris Stapleton concert in the pouring rain. Despite the storm, the experience was memorable and joyful because of who we were with. This serves as a metaphor for our lives: even in the storms, the presence of Jesus brings joy that transcends our circumstances.

In today's message, we explored the profound importance of passing the baton of faith to the next generation. Drawing from the analogy of a relay race, where the handoff is crucial, we delved into how this concept applies to our spiritual lives. Just as athletes must skillfully pass the baton to ensure victory, we too must intentionally hand over the keys of faith, wisdom, and leadership to those who come after us. This is not just about teenagers or young adults; it involves every generation finding someone younger to mentor and guide.

Our church's vision is to create a space where people with questions about Jesus can explore their faith, led by the next generation. This involves not only engaging young people but also encouraging older generations to invest in those younger than them. Whether through mentoring, sharing spiritual disciplines, or simply knowing the names of the younger members, we are called to be intentional in our discipleship.

We also examined the biblical story from Joshua 4, where the Israelites set up memorial stones to remember God's faithfulness in bringing them across the Jordan River. These stones served as a tangible reminder for future generations of God's mighty works. Similarly, we are encouraged to create spiritual memorials in our lives—stories and moments that testify to God's presence and power. These stories are not just for us but are meant to be shared with others, especially the younger generation, to inspire faith and trust in God.

The story of Cody, a man whose life was transformed through the love and acceptance he found in a church community, illustrates the power of sharing our stories and the impact they can have on others. By telling these stories, we help others see the reality of God at work in the world.

Ultimately, the call is to be proactive in sharing our faith stories, celebrating spiritual milestones, and creating memorials that point to God's faithfulness. This is how we ensure that the next generation knows who God is and what He has done, so they too can carry the baton of faith forward.