We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25 NKJV Ruth 1:1-4 CSB Ruth 1:8-10 NLTGod's Kingdom doesn't allow for divided allegiance. It's not "this and that"; it's "this or that."Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more. Ruth 1:16-18 NLTGod's greatest blessings begin with the courageous decision to follow Him, no matter the cost or outcome. - (Josh)So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest. Ruth 1:21 NLTSo Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech. Ruth 2:3 NLTBoaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.” Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” Ruth 2:8-12 NLTAt mealtime Boaz called to her, “Come over here, and help yourself to some food. You can dip your bread in the sour wine.” So she sat with his harvesters, and Boaz gave her some roasted grain to eat. She ate all she wanted and still had some left over. When Ruth went back to work again, Boaz ordered his young men, “Let her gather grain right among the sheaves without stopping her. And pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them on purpose for her. Let her pick them up, and don’t give her a hard time!” Ruth 2:14-16 NLTSpiritual poverty always finds miraculous provision when it meets the matchless love of Jesus, our Redeemer!So Ruth worked alongside the women in Boaz’s fields and gathered grain with them until the end of the barley harvest. Then she continued working with them through the wheat harvest in early summer. And all the while she lived with her mother-in-law. Ruth 2:21-23 NLTThen Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.” “The LORD bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman. Ruth 3:8-12 NLTEvery act of trust and surrender opens a door to deeper places of beauty in relationship with Jesus. Now in those days it was the custom in Israel for anyone transferring a right of purchase to remove his sandal and hand it to the other party. This publicly validated the transaction. So the other family redeemer drew off his sandal as he said to Boaz, “You buy the land.” Then Boaz said to the elders and to the crowd standing around, “You are witnesses that today I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon. And with the land I have acquired Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to be my wife. Ruth 4:7-10 NLTSalmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David. Matthew 1:5-6 NLT-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Every abominable thing that the Lord hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods. Deuteronomy 12:31 ESVJoshua son of Nun secretly sent out two men as spies: "Go. Look over the land. Check out Jericho." They left and arrived at the house of a harlot named Rahab and stayed there. Joshua 2:1 MSGDivine Providence1) God is relentless in His effort to rescue, redeem, and restore. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJVGod is faithful to find those who’s hearts are sincerely searching for Him.Before the men fell asleep, she went up on the roof and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and everyone who lives in the land is panicking because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you completely destroyed across the Jordan. When we heard this, we lost heart, and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below. Joshua 2:8-11 CSB2) Recognizing God as God is the first step on the pathway to salvation and restoration.3) Honest pursuit of God and His will is powerful for you and all those near to you. Now please swear to me by the LORD that you will also show kindness to my father’s family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them, and save us from death. The men answered her, “We will give our lives for yours. If you don’t report our mission, we will show kindness and faithfulness to you when the LORD gives us the land.”Joshua 2:12-14 CSB4) Surviving becomes thriving when we align ourselves with God, His wisdom and direction. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after being marched around by the Israelites for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute welcomed the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed. Hebrews 11:30-31 CSB You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? James 2:24-25 NIV5) Redemption is a story written in red that testifies to the sovereign work of our loving Savior King! When we enter the land, you tie this scarlet cord to the window through which you let us down. Bring your father, mother, brothers, and all your father’s family into your house. Joshua 2:18 CSB Shout!, God has given you the city! The city and everything in it is under a holy curse and offered up to God. Except for Rahab the harlot she is to live, she and everyone in her house with her, because she hid the agents we sent. Joshua 6:16-17 MSGThe men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, mother, brothers, and all the other relatives who were with her. They moved her whole family to a safe place near the camp of Israel. Joshua 6:23 NLTNahshon had Salmon, Salmon had Boaz, his mother was Rahab, Boaz had Obed, Ruth was his mother, Obed had Jesse, Jesse had David, and David became king. Matthew 1:4-6 MSG-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:19-21 NLTSo 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 NLTThe Kingdom of God isn’t first on a list, but rather the stand-alone priority for any lists that exist. That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary, you feed them.” Matthew 14:15-16 NLTPhillip: Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them! John 6:7 NLTOne of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many? ”John 6:8-9 MSG.Surely this boy wan’t the only one who had something to give, but he was the only one who gave?The most critical need in the world is for people of faith to give everything they are and have to God.Anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. Luke 18:17 NLTThe little boy didn’t withhold a single fish or a barley loaf or two!Often, the things we refuse to release are keeping us from receiving the things only God’s hand can give. Tell everyone to sit down, Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (men numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. John 6:10-11 NLTJesus received the little boys gift of obedience and he’ll except yours as well.Jesus will take your simple offering of obedience and do miraculously more than anyone could ever imagine.When the people had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted.” They went to work and filled twelve large baskets with leftovers from the five barley loaves. John 6:12-13 MSGJesus didn’t come to make our hands empty; He came to make our hearts and lives full.No one has ever given their all the way that Jesus has given His all for us. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 NLT-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Proverbs 16:18 — "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”Genesis 3:1  Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”Pride is the sinful elevation of self that seeks autonomy from God, confidence in self rather than dependence on God, and glory for self rather than glory for God."Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite." (Numbers 12:1)Verse 2 reveals the deeper problem: “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” Numbers 12:2Taking offense easily is one of the biggest indicators of pride you will see.Humility is the posture of the heart that recognizes God's greatness, submits to His authority, and depends completely upon Him.The Hebrew word anavah is what we translate as"humility," but the literal definition of anavah is to occupy your God-given space in the world-to not overestimate yourself or your abilities, but to not underestimate them either.Humility is not primarily thinking less of yourself—it's thinking rightly about yourself in light of GodAndrew Murray- “Humility is the place of entire dependence on God.”Micah 6:8 -He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God.Author John Bevere says it this way "A truly humble man fears God, and a man who fears God is truly humble."Proverbs 22:4- Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.The fear of the Lord is a heart posture of reverence, awe, and surrender that flows from rightly seeing who God is and recognizing our complete dependence upon Him.”Humility says, "I need God.” — The fear of the Lord says, "I obey God.”Isaiah 6:5 - “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”Humility is the natural response of a person who truly fears God.Number 12: 4-13—- (Sorry it’s so long Jonah)4 At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, “Come out to the tent of meeting, all three of you.” So the three of them went out.5 Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them stepped forward, 6 he said, “Listen to my words:“When there is a prophet among you,    I, the Lord, reveal myself to them in visions,    I speak to them in dreams.7 But this is not true of my servant Moses;    he is faithful in all my house.8 With him I speak face to face,    clearly and not in riddles;    he sees the form of the Lord.Why then were you not afraid    to speak against my servant Moses?”9 The anger of the Lord burned against them, and he left them.10 When the cloud lifted from above the tent, Miriam’s skin was leprous[a]—it became as white as snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had a defiling skin disease, 11 and he said to Moses, “Please, my lord, I ask you not to hold against us the sin we have so foolishly committed. 12 Do not let her be like a stillborn infant coming from its mother’s womb with its flesh half eaten away.”13 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “Please, God, heal her!”“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6The fear of the Lord is seeing God so rightly that we stop trusting in ourselves, stop exalting ourselves, and willingly surrender every part of our lives to God.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

1.  Intercession is not only about requesting God’s intervention but also about aligning our hearts with His. It is an act of selflessness, compassion, and faith, as we stand in the gap for others.”  If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).2. Intercession extends beyond our immediate surroundings, reaching into the lives of others and shaping their destinies. Psalm 106:23“Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He destroy them.”3. Prayer can influence God’s action when prayer aligns with God’s righteousness, compassion, and purpose.So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived. Genesis 19:294. Jesus Intercedes for us.Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:34

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESVContinue steadfastly in prayer. Colossians 4:2 ESVA relationship with God has multiple ingredients, but none is more important than prayer.May my prayer be set before you as incense, the raising of my hands as the evening offering. Psalm 141:2 CSBMeanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out. Each morning the priest will add fresh wood to the fire and arrange the burnt offering on it. Leviticus 6:12 NLT The Alter Ignites. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I am is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16 CSBIt’s hard to stay faithless or action-less when you pray.The Alter Separates. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24 NLTEverything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 CSBGrilled chicken salad isn’t gonna snatch the snickers out of your stomach!?The word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, separating the soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 CSBWhat a waste when the things that matter a little keep us from giving our hearts to the things that matter most!Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 NLTThen Samuel said to all the people of Israel, “If you want to return to the LORD with all your hearts, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Turn your hearts to the LORD and obey him alone; then he will rescue you from the Philistines.” So the Israelites got rid of their images of Baal and Ashtoreth and worshiped only the LORD. 1 Samuel 7:3-4 NLTThe Alter Settles it.Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 NIVIn view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 CSBAt the altar of prayer, our hearts are reshaped until God's passion becomes our passion and His will becomes our will.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --I will bring them to my holy mountain and let them rejoice in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” Isaiah 56:7 CSBIt is a gift to get to pray! Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8 CSBPrayer is our pathway to an intimate, personal relationship with God. - - First Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESVThe Priority of PrayerDevote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 NLTWe are all called to a humble, God-centered, Kingdom focused life of prayer.When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 CSBCommunion is a gift of friendship given to us by God which set’s the heart up for faith in the face of fear and difficulty.So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you continually serve, rescue you! ” A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing in regard to Daniel could be changed. Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. No diversions were brought to him, and he could not sleep. Daniel 6:16-18 CSBAt the first light of dawn the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he reached the den, he cried out in anguish to Daniel. “Daniel, servant of the living God,” the king said, “has your God, whom you continually serve, been able to rescue you from the lions?” Then Daniel spoke with the king: “May the king live forever. My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths; and they haven’t harmed me, for I was found innocent before him. Daniel 6:19-22 CSBThere is Power in PrayerThe earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 NLTPrayer isn’t a way to boss God, but how we align our hearts with His.Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Acts 16:25-26 NLTThere is chain breaking power in a prayer of praise.The power isn’t found in our prayers, but in the one we are praying too. There is Provision in PrayerDon’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 CSBThere is nothing we can earn with prayer, but a multitude of things we receive through prayer.I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the LORD and seeking him in his temple. For he will conceal me in his shelter in the day of adversity; he will hide me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. Psalm 27:4-5 CSBThe greatest and most positive impact of a life of prayer is the friendship it builds with you and God.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --John 21:1-12 NLTGod will use repeat challenges as a reminder of His faithfulness to always find us and feed us. One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish. “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me, I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. Luke 5:1-11 NLTThe only thing that qualifies anyone for the call of God is His grace, received by faith.God’s grace saves us and God’s grace sends us! Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. Matthew 14:24-25 CSBWhen you doubt the feasibility of the directions your doubting the faithfulness of the director. But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away. “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” “Even if I have to die with you,” Peter told him, “I will never deny you,” and all the disciples said the same thing. Matthew 26:32-35 CSBPeter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about! ” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:60-62 CSBBut go, tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you. Mark 16:7 CSB When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? ” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me? ” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Shepherd my sheep,” he told him. He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me? ”Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me? ” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” “Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.” John 21:15-22 CSBChrist is still calling His followers to the simplicity of a life centered on Him and His Kingdom! -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Title: A Kingdom of Freedom Last week: Ron said you have to pick a kingdom.Colossians 1:13–14 (NIV)13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.John 8:31–32 (NIV)31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Easter is not just an event we celebrate once a year — it is the hinge of history upon which every day of our lives is meant to swing. The cross purchased our freedom. The empty tomb confirmed it. The question is: are we actually living free?Romans 6:4 (NIV)We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.Jesus was risen and we need live like it.Galatians 5:1 (NIV)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.Christ has set us free — that’s the act. Stand firm — that’s our response.Freedom is given, but it must also be chosen, walked in, and maintained. When Jesus died, veil of the Temple — the massive curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place — was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). This was not incidental. It was bold statement written by the hand of God. The veil was a physical declaration: you cannot come in. Your sin disqualifies you. When it tore, God was saying: that system is over, Sins power to separate you from me has been cancelled.Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV)When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.Many of us are like prisoners who have been released but are still sitting in the cell. The door is open. The warden handed you the paperwork. But you have not stood up yet. Romans 8:1 (NIV)Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! The resurrection did not just forgive us — it re-created us.  Not only am I forgiven, but re created into something new.So how does this become my reality?1 Samuel 30:6 (NRSV)6 David was in great danger; for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in spirit for their sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones"Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? ... You must turn on yourself, upbraid yourself, condemn yourself, exhort yourself, and say to yourself: 'Hope thou in God'—instead of muttering in this depressed, unhappy way."We can’t just be spectator to our own emotions, instead we must become a preacher to our own soul.ANTs automatic negative thoughtsRomans 6:11 (NIV)In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:11 (NIV)And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Galatians 5:25 (NIV)Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 2 Peter 1:3–4 (NIV)3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.My problems don’t define Me, my failures don’t define me. I am forgiven. I am a new creation. The Spirit who raised Jesus lives in me. My future is secured. I do not have to live the way I used to live. God has given me everything I need to live the life he has called me too. John 11:43-44 (NIV)Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go.Freedom needs a family.  -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church