But If I Do

On Sunday, July 19th 2026, Dylan Cottrill's message centers on a truth that transforms how we view our spiritual stumbles: we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Drawing from 1 John 2:1-2, we're reminded that while we should strive not to sin, when we do fall, we're not abandoned to shame and guilt. Our Savior serves as our defense attorney, and remarkably, He Himself was the sacrifice for our sins. The sermon beautifully illustrates this through the story of Joshua standing before God in filthy garments while Satan accuses him, only to have the Lord rebuke the accuser and clothe Joshua in clean robes. We discover that confession isn't about informing God of something He doesn't know—it's about agreeing with what He's been saying all along and turning away from what separates us from Him. The crimson worm symbolism is particularly striking: just as this creature willingly climbs a tree to die so its offspring can live, nourished by its crimson substance, Jesus willingly ascended Calvary so we could have new life through His blood. The prodigal son's story reminds us that when we 'come to ourselves' and take even one step toward the Father, He runs to meet us, removing our shame and restoring our position as His children. This isn't a message about staying down—it's about the courage to rise again, knowing we have an advocate who understands our struggles and fights for our souls.