“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.” Hebrews 12:2 Message

“Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.” John 19:28-29

Be human enough to acknowledge your need.

Roadblocks to Being Real

ü Hidden weaknesses.

“We refuse to wear masks and play games…Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see…”

2 Corinthians 4:2 Message

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:7-8

ü Desire for approval.

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25

ü Past hurts.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed…”James 5:16

Be Transparent

1. Because I need support.

The church is a building.

“In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” Ephesians 2:21

2. Because I need to grow.

The church is a body.

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16)

“We are joined together in His Body by His strong sinews, and we grow as we get our nourishment and strength from God.” (Colossians 2:19 NLT)

3. Because I need protection.

The church is a flock.

“Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care…”

1 Peter 5:2

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13

4. Because I need to be loved.

The church is a family.

“You are a member of God's very own family...and you belong in God's household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 LB

* All scriptures are from the NAS Bible unless otherwise noted