We are beginning a new series titled "What does God say about ____?". Pastor Chris tackles the urgent topic of hypocrisy, comparing those who look strong but are secretly weak to a hollow oak tree. He explains that this "hollow oak" is caused by fungal decay on the inside and appears thick and strong outside, but is weak inside, causing it to fall when the storm comes. Pastor Chris stresses that hypocrisy is not a mistake, but an intentional performance—literally meaning an actor or someone wearing a mask—used to mislead others. If you are taking a public stance about your faith but lack the private life to back it up, your words are empty. Pastor Chris warns against the popular culture philosophy of secular humanism that urges you to "be true to yourself", arguing clearly that denying the flesh is Christianity, not hypocrisy. Discover the good news: God welcomes your messy, authentic self because He desires a broken and contrite heart rather than just ritual or sacrifice. True repentance causes God to intentionally forget your past sins (He remembers them no more). Finally, learn how God honors obedience and how the public act of water baptism can help defeat the shame that fuels hypocrisy.