2. Face it: we all have worn them EXAMPLE: We’re hurting from a private matter and someone asks: “How are you”… and we don’t want to share the pain/embarrassment/anger… and say “I’m fine”.

3. Reason for our Masks

4. To Hide our Insecurities We’ll wear whatever mask to deceptively look like something we want to portray but are not, or masking what we don’t want others to see. So, we lie, joke, express anger, buy things, do things, etc. to accomplish our goal.

5. The Rub Between the Mask and Authentic Christianity We all know we’re sinners (generally)… The difficulty is acknowledging and addressing specific sins, weaknesses, and lacking. The latter is the beginning of humility before our Lord and one another. Cp. Matt. 5:3-8

6. Christians WANT to be AUTHENTIC Christians want a place where we can be accepted while we deal with our flaws/sins (not condoning or excusing sin). Ask those who have been in recovery/addiction meetings.

7. How Do Christians “Get Real”? Admitting what we already know to be true: “Hi, my name is _____ and I’m a saved, but recovering sinner.” This means that we confess our sins not just to God, but to one another. Cp. Jas. 5:16; Acts 19:18-20 In this manner healing takes place and we’re able to genuinely grow in Christ.

8. Church: a Safe Haven on Earth The Lord’s church is not a place that condones sin, but it is a place where sinners are added to. Cp. Acts 2:41, 47 It is not a place of perfection, but a perfected people who are continuously being sanctified while we live in this world. cp. Heb. 10:14 Saved sinners should be able to empathize with one another!