Luke 18 Part 2Luke 18 Part 2
Lance Johnson Ministries
We live in an imperfect world, and often we search for the perfect setting, ideal people, and the right moments in our lives. However, that is not the essence of the church. In today’s message, Bishop Lance emphasizes that the church is not about creati
29:30•27 Jul 2025
Trading Your One Thing for True Freedom with Bishop Lance Johnson
Episode Overview
- Real freedom comes from fully surrendering addictions, habits and relationships to Jesus, not keeping back a hidden “one thing”.
- Knowing about God is different from truly knowing his character; genuine knowledge of Christ makes sacrifice and holiness a heartfelt desire.
- Holiness is measured against Jesus himself, not against the behaviour, traditions or standards of the surrounding church culture.
- A self-centred, consumer mindset toward church leaves people spiritually empty; seeking Jesus for who he is leads to lasting change.
- Authentic salvation affects every area of life, including how you treat family, employees, strangers and those who serve you.
“If you knew who he was, there's nothing you wouldn't give him. Because when you give him your wreck, he gives you his blessing.”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? This fiery message from Bishop Lance Johnson gives a raw look at what happens when someone shifts from using God as a quick fix to surrendering absolutely everything. Speaking from hard-earned experience with alcohol and drug addiction, Lance talks about trading brokenness for wholeness: "You're going to give him your drug habit and he's going to give you freedom.
You give him your life and he'll give you his." He pushes beyond surface-level religion, challenging anyone who treats church like a slot machine or a place to be coddled, rather than a place to meet Jesus face to face. Using Luke 18, he contrasts a religious rich man with Zacchaeus, a "chief among sinners" who simply wanted to see who Jesus really was. The difference? One came for what he could get; the other came to truly know Christ.
That shift, Lance says, changes everything – not just addictions, but how you treat your spouse, your children, your boss, and even the waitress who gets your order wrong. You'll hear strong words about alcohol, drugs, sexual compromise, bitterness and unforgiveness, all framed around one central idea: most people are holding back "one thing" from God, and that one thing keeps them from real freedom.
Lance presses the point that holiness isn't about matching the behaviour of people around you or fitting into a denomination; it's measured against Jesus alone. For anyone tired of half-hearted recovery, religious games, or living as a "slave to a bottle of Budweiser," this message offers a blunt but hopeful challenge: if you truly knew Jesus, there’s nothing you wouldn’t hand over.
It’s intense, at times humorous, and deeply focused on a complete life change, not just getting rid of a habit. If you’re ready to ask what you’re still holding back, this episode might be the spark to finally give God your "one thing" – and see what he gives you in return.
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