Central Baptist 11:00am LIVE

He shakes [music] every idol. He shakes [music] every idol. He reigns [music] He reigns [music] He reigns [music] without rival. >> Hey,

>> Hey, [music] hey, hey, hey. hey. hey. Heat. [music] At Central, we're all about joining

At Central, we're all about joining [music] Jesus. An essential way that we [music] Jesus. An essential way that we [music] Jesus. An essential way that we join Jesus is by reading God's word. It join Jesus is by reading God's word. It join Jesus is by reading God's word. It sets our heart, mind, and soul on the sets our heart, mind, and soul on the sets our heart, mind, and soul on the right priorities to walk in God's will. right priorities to walk in God's will. right priorities to walk in God's will. But deciding what to read can be But deciding what to read can be But deciding what to read can be difficult. At Central, we have a Bible difficult. At Central, we have a Bible difficult. At Central, we have a Bible reading plan that can be sent out to you reading plan that can be sent out to you reading plan that can be sent out to you every morning from the Central app. When every morning from the Central app. When every morning from the Central app. When you follow along with the Bible reading you follow along with the Bible reading you follow along with the Bible reading plan, you can talk it through with your plan, you can talk it through with your plan, you can talk it through with your life group, D-group, or your friends life group, D-group, or your friends life group, D-group, or your friends that are following along. To sign up, that are following along. To sign up, that are following along. To sign up, simply select your profile in the top simply select your profile in the top simply select your profile in the top right corner, select notifications, right corner, select notifications, right corner, select notifications, scroll down, and turn on scripture scroll down, and turn on scripture scroll down, and turn on scripture reading. While you're at it, turn on any reading. While you're at it, turn on any reading. While you're at it, turn on any other notifications for ministries you other notifications for ministries you other notifications for ministries you want to be notified about. [music] Let's want to be notified about. [music] Let's want to be notified about. [music] Let's join Jesus together by leaning in to the join Jesus together by leaning in to the join Jesus together by leaning in to the daily reading of God's word. We don't see [music] points on a map. We don't see [music] points on a map. They aren't just places to us. We see They aren't just places to us. We see They aren't just places to us. We see stories of lives living without the hope stories of lives living without the hope stories of lives living without the hope found in Jesus.

found in Jesus. found in Jesus. Today, somewhere between [music] the Today, somewhere between [music] the Today, somewhere between [music] the great commission and the great great commission and the great great commission and the great multitude, we find ourselves facing the multitude, we find ourselves facing the multitude, we find ourselves facing the world's greatest problem. world's greatest problem. world's greatest problem. lossless. lossless. lossless. Even [music] in the midst of natural Even [music] in the midst of natural Even [music] in the midst of natural disasters, humanitarian crisis, and disasters, humanitarian crisis, and disasters, humanitarian crisis, and political [music] instability, Southern political [music] instability, Southern political [music] instability, Southern Baptists send IMB missionaries to give Baptists send IMB missionaries to give Baptists send IMB missionaries to give their lives to the lost, living amongst their lives to the lost, living amongst their lives to the lost, living amongst [music] those who have never heard the [music] those who have never heard the [music] those who have never heard the gospel. gospel. gospel. People in hard-to-reach places, people People in hard-to-reach places, people People in hard-to-reach places, people in cities, and those who are dispersed in cities, and those who are dispersed in cities, and those who are dispersed and displaced [music] around the world. At the IMB, we believe that missionary At the IMB, we believe that missionary presence [music] cultivates gospel presence [music] cultivates gospel presence [music] cultivates gospel access. access. access. Gospel access that knows no geographic Gospel access that knows no geographic Gospel access that knows no geographic or social boundary. We believe [music] or social boundary. We believe [music] or social boundary. We believe [music] that missionary presence fuels gospel that missionary presence fuels gospel that missionary presence fuels gospel belief. And we see the results. We see belief. And we see the results. We see belief. And we see the results. We see lives transformed, generations forever lives transformed, generations forever lives transformed, generations forever [music] changed and churches planted. [music] changed and churches planted. [music] changed and churches planted. Local expressions of the church that Local expressions of the church that Local expressions of the church that take ownership and thrive.

God has made [music] our purpose clear. God has made [music] our purpose clear. Together, we seek to take the gospel to Together, we seek to take the gospel to Together, we seek to take the gospel to every nation, to all tribes, to all every nation, to all tribes, to all every nation, to all tribes, to all peoples, to all languages. peoples, to all languages. peoples, to all languages. We don't see places [music] on a map. We don't see places [music] on a map. We don't see places [music] on a map. We see our place in fulfilling the great We see our place in fulfilling the great We see our place in fulfilling the great commission. This is our mission. This is commission. This is our mission. This is commission. This is our mission. This is your mission. And we are reaching your mission. And we are reaching your mission. And we are reaching [music] the nations together. At Central, we believe that giving has At Central, we believe that giving has the power to change lives and advance the power to change lives and advance the power to change lives and advance the gospel in ways we can't even the gospel in ways we can't even the gospel in ways we can't even imagine. It is through your faithful imagine. It is through your faithful imagine. It is through your faithful giving that we have been able to plant giving that we have been able to plant giving that we have been able to plant churches, send missionaries, and reach churches, send missionaries, and reach churches, send missionaries, and reach more people with the gospel of Jesus more people with the gospel of Jesus more people with the gospel of Jesus Christ here locally and around the Christ here locally and around the Christ here locally and around the world. Contributing to the mission is world. Contributing to the mission is world. Contributing to the mission is easy. You can download our app, visit us easy. You can download our app, visit us easy. You can download our app, visit us at centralbaptist.com/g, at centralbaptist.com/g, at centralbaptist.com/g, text give to 8709351950, [music] text give to 8709351950, [music] text give to 8709351950, [music] or drop your donation in any of the or drop your donation in any of the or drop your donation in any of the black boxes [music] around the church.

black boxes [music] around the church. black boxes [music] around the church. Let's join Jesus together and see how Let's join Jesus together and see how Let's join Jesus together and see how your giving changes lives. >> Get you.

>> Get you. Heat. Hey, Heat. >> Hey Central [music] family, thanks for >> Hey Central [music] family, thanks for joining us for worship this morning. Get joining us for worship this morning. Get joining us for worship this morning. Get connected to what's happening at Central connected to what's happening at Central connected to what's happening at Central by texting the word connect to by texting the word connect to by texting the word connect to 870-9351950.

870-9351950. 870-9351950. [music] [music] [music] Also, be sure to follow us on social Also, be sure to follow us on social Also, be sure to follow us on social media. Download the Central [music] app media. Download the Central [music] app media. Download the Central [music] app and check out centralbaptist.com for and check out centralbaptist.com for and check out centralbaptist.com for more information. We're getting ready to more information. We're getting ready to more information. We're getting ready to begin our time of worship. As you engage begin our time of worship. As you engage begin our time of worship. As you engage with us online, we encourage you to sing with us online, we encourage you to sing with us online, we encourage you to sing [music] along as we remember the gospel, [music] along as we remember the gospel, [music] along as we remember the gospel, to open your Bibles as we engage the to open your Bibles as we engage the to open your Bibles as we engage the scriptures, and also to worship Jesus scriptures, and also to worship Jesus scriptures, and also to worship Jesus with us this morning. The gospel of with us this morning. The gospel of with us this morning. The gospel of [music] Jesus is why we gather. Thank [music] Jesus is why we gather. Thank [music] Jesus is why we gather. Thank you so much for worshiping with us. you so much for worshiping with us. you so much for worshiping with us. >> All right. Good morning, church family. >> All right. Good morning, church family. >> All right. Good morning, church family. So [music] good to see you. Oh. Yeah. So [music] good to see you. Oh. Yeah. So [music] good to see you. Oh. Yeah. Let's go stand to our feet. Um, if Let's go stand to our feet. Um, if Let's go stand to our feet. Um, if you've noticed, the stage is [music] a you've noticed, the stage is [music] a you've noticed, the stage is [music] a little younger. We got our student band little younger. We got our student band little younger. We got our student band with us this morning. So, it's going to with us this morning. So, it's going to with us this morning. So, it's going to be a great day of singing, worshiping be a great day of singing, worshiping be a great day of singing, worshiping the Lord, lifting his name on high. And the Lord, lifting his name on high. And the Lord, lifting his name on high. And so, so, so, let's get it. This [music] is the day you made. This [music] is the day you made. So, I will rejoice [music] and be glad. So, I will rejoice [music] and be glad. So, I will rejoice [music] and be glad. Rejoice and be glad in it.

[music] [music] This is This is This is where I believe [music] where I believe [music] where I believe [music] that you are more than enough. More than that you are more than enough. More than that you are more than enough. More than enough for me. Come on y'all. [music] enough for me. Come on y'all. [music] enough for me. Come on y'all. [music] He's faithful. You are faithful to your He's faithful. You are faithful to your He's faithful. You are faithful to your promise. You are strong when I am weak. promise. You are strong when I am weak. promise. You are strong when I am weak. When I'm [music] standing in your When I'm [music] standing in your When I'm [music] standing in your presence, I have everything I [music] presence, I have everything I [music] presence, I have everything I [music] need. need. need. The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. is my strength. is my strength. [music] The joy of the Lord, the joy of [music] The joy of the Lord, the joy of [music] The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. [music] Oh my soul, bless his name. [music] All Oh my soul, bless his name. [music] All that is within me. The joy of the that is within me. The joy of the that is within me. The joy of the [singing] Lord. [music] The joy of the [singing] Lord. [music] The joy of the [singing] Lord. [music] The joy of the Lord is my strength. Lord is my strength. Lord is my strength. [music] Oh Jesus, [music] Oh Jesus, [music] come one day.

come one day. come one day. Cuz you are worthy [music] of all. Cuz you are worthy [music] of all. Cuz you are worthy [music] of all. Worthy of all my praise. [music] Worthy of all my praise. [music] Worthy of all my praise. [music] You are faithful to your promise. You You are faithful to your promise. You You are faithful to your promise. You are strong when I [music] am weak. When are strong when I [music] am weak. When are strong when I [music] am weak. When I'm standing in your presence, I have I'm standing in your presence, I have I'm standing in your presence, I have everything [music] everything [music] everything [music] I need. I need. I need. The joy of the Lord. [singing] The joy The joy of the Lord. [singing] The joy The joy of the Lord. [singing] The joy of the Lord is my [music] strength. The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is [singing] my strength. is [singing] my strength. is [singing] my strength. Oh my [music] soul, oh my [singing] Oh my [music] soul, oh my [singing] Oh my [music] soul, oh my [singing] soul, bless his name. [music] All that soul, bless his name. [music] All that soul, bless his name. [music] All that is within me say the joy of [music] the is within me say the joy of [music] the is within me say the joy of [music] the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my Lord. The joy of the Lord is my Lord. The joy of the Lord is my [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] [music] Come on church out strong every [music] Come on church out strong every voice. Let [music] it rise up voice. Let [music] it rise up voice. Let [music] it rise up like a river like a river like a river overflowing. [music and singing] So let it pour out [music] So let it pour out [music] with no limit with no limit with no limit [music] [music] [music] overflowing.

Let [singing] it rise up Let [singing] it rise up like [music] a river [singing] like [music] a river [singing] like [music] a river [singing] overflowing. [music] Holy Spirit [music] Holy Spirit and let it pour around and let it pour around and let it pour around with your [music] living with your [music] living with your [music] living overflowing. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> Holy Spirit. Oh, Oh, [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] come on. come on. come on. His word tells us that in the presence His word tells us that in the presence His word tells us that in the presence [music] of the Lord there is fullness of [music] of the Lord there is fullness of [music] of the Lord there is fullness of joy. So come on. joy. So come on. joy. So come on. [music] [music] [music] The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is [music] my strength. is [music] my strength. is [music] my strength. Feeling the joy of the Lord. The joy of Feeling the joy of the Lord. The joy of Feeling the joy of the Lord. The joy of [music] the Lord [singing] is my [music] the Lord [singing] is my [music] the Lord [singing] is my strength. strength. strength. Oh my soul, oh my [music] soul, bless Oh my soul, oh my [music] soul, bless Oh my soul, oh my [music] soul, bless his name. [singing] his name. [singing] his name. [singing] All that is within me. [music] All that is within me. [music] All that is within me. [music] Oh my [singing] soul, bless his name.

Oh my [singing] soul, bless his name. Oh my [singing] soul, bless his name. All that is within me say, oh my [music] All that is within me say, oh my [music] All that is within me say, oh my [music] soul, bless his name. All that is within soul, bless his name. All that is within soul, bless his name. All that is within me say [music] the joy of the Lord. The me say [music] the joy of the Lord. The me say [music] the joy of the Lord. The joy of [singing] the Lord is my joy of [singing] the Lord is my joy of [singing] the Lord is my strength. strength. strength. I [music] got the joy. Amen. Amen. Come on. Can we praise the Amen. Amen. Come on. Can we praise the Lord for that truth this morning? Yeah. Lord for that truth this morning? Yeah. Lord for that truth this morning? Yeah. [music] [music] [music] Great singing, church family. Y'all go Great singing, church family. Y'all go Great singing, church family. Y'all go and take a seat. and take a seat. and take a seat. >> Good morning. Good morning, church. Uh >> Good morning. Good morning, church. Uh >> Good morning. Good morning, church. Uh we are so glad that you've chosen today we are so glad that you've chosen today we are so glad that you've chosen today to worship with uh worship with us. If I to worship with uh worship with us. If I to worship with uh worship with us. If I can get my words out. My name is Jacob. can get my words out. My name is Jacob. can get my words out. My name is Jacob. I'm the student pastor here. Just for a I'm the student pastor here. Just for a I'm the student pastor here. Just for a second, indulge me as we just say how second, indulge me as we just say how second, indulge me as we just say how awesome it is uh to see a student band. awesome it is uh to see a student band. awesome it is uh to see a student band. Like this is not happen everywhere. This Like this is not happen everywhere. This Like this is not happen everywhere. This is really really awesome. Like is really really awesome. Like is really really awesome. Like [applause] [applause] [applause] majority of this band is student band.

majority of this band is student band. majority of this band is student band. Like it is so fun that I get to look Like it is so fun that I get to look Like it is so fun that I get to look behind me and see this. It feels like a behind me and see this. It feels like a behind me and see this. It feels like a Wednesday night for me because most of Wednesday night for me because most of Wednesday night for me because most of these kids uh students are playing on these kids uh students are playing on these kids uh students are playing on Wednesday night up in the loft and then Wednesday night up in the loft and then Wednesday night up in the loft and then I walk up or Cam or one of us walk up I walk up or Cam or one of us walk up I walk up or Cam or one of us walk up and and Nathan leads that and Nathan and and Nathan leads that and Nathan and and Nathan leads that and Nathan kills it. He's an amazing leader. He's kills it. He's an amazing leader. He's kills it. He's an amazing leader. He's wonderful. Yes. Come on. Hey, they're wonderful. Yes. Come on. Hey, they're wonderful. Yes. Come on. Hey, they're going to clap for you. Those students going to clap for you. Those students going to clap for you. Those students love him. Uh he's awesome. But I just love him. Uh he's awesome. But I just love him. Uh he's awesome. But I just want to recognize them. That is awesome want to recognize them. That is awesome want to recognize them. That is awesome to have that. Uh again, welcome. We're to have that. Uh again, welcome. We're to have that. Uh again, welcome. We're so glad you've chosen to worship with us so glad you've chosen to worship with us so glad you've chosen to worship with us today. If you do not know our mission today. If you do not know our mission today. If you do not know our mission here, it is to reach, connect, disciple, here, it is to reach, connect, disciple, here, it is to reach, connect, disciple, and send. Uh that is our goal, our and send. Uh that is our goal, our and send. Uh that is our goal, our vision, our mission here. Uh to see the vision, our mission here. Uh to see the vision, our mission here. Uh to see the the lost people reach, get them the lost people reach, get them the lost people reach, get them connected here, get them discipled, and connected here, get them discipled, and connected here, get them discipled, and then to send them right back out to then to send them right back out to then to send them right back out to reach the lost more. Uh if you feel like reach the lost more. Uh if you feel like reach the lost more. Uh if you feel like you haven't got plugged in, you haven't you haven't got plugged in, you haven't you haven't got plugged in, you haven't got connected, grab that connect card, got connected, grab that connect card, got connected, grab that connect card, fill it out, text connect to 8709351950 fill it out, text connect to 8709351950 fill it out, text connect to 8709351950 because we promise we have a place here because we promise we have a place here because we promise we have a place here for you. We want to get you connected for you. We want to get you connected for you. We want to get you connected and plugged in uh and being poured into and plugged in uh and being poured into and plugged in uh and being poured into so that you will fulfill that mission. so that you will fulfill that mission. so that you will fulfill that mission. You will reach the lost this week. And You will reach the lost this week. And You will reach the lost this week. And that is my prayer uh that you would that is my prayer uh that you would that is my prayer uh that you would reach your lost co-workers, friends, reach your lost co-workers, friends, reach your lost co-workers, friends, family uh this week that you'd have family uh this week that you'd have family uh this week that you'd have opportunities for that. Uh here in just opportunities for that. Uh here in just opportunities for that. Uh here in just a second, we're have an opportunity to a second, we're have an opportunity to a second, we're have an opportunity to pray uh uh and there's uh maybe you've pray uh uh and there's uh maybe you've pray uh uh and there's uh maybe you've already seen it, maybe you've already already seen it, maybe you've already already seen it, maybe you've already heard, but we want to pray for a heard, but we want to pray for a heard, but we want to pray for a specific family. Uh but um Trevor Howard specific family. Uh but um Trevor Howard specific family. Uh but um Trevor Howard uh was a uh officer in Mark Tree uh and uh was a uh officer in Mark Tree uh and uh was a uh officer in Mark Tree uh and he was killed in the line of duty uh he was killed in the line of duty uh he was killed in the line of duty uh this morning uh by a drunk driver and uh this morning uh by a drunk driver and uh this morning uh by a drunk driver and uh he uh you may have seen him before. He he uh you may have seen him before. He he uh you may have seen him before. He was actually playing drums for us last

was actually playing drums for us last was actually playing drums for us last week uh on this stage. He played uh for week uh on this stage. He played uh for week uh on this stage. He played uh for 747. Uh uh he he was dedicated to 747. Uh uh he he was dedicated to 747. Uh uh he he was dedicated to serving and working hard here. And um uh serving and working hard here. And um uh serving and working hard here. And um uh we want to pray for his family uh his we want to pray for his family uh his we want to pray for his family uh his brother uh who also attends Peragle brother uh who also attends Peragle brother uh who also attends Peragle campus and serves on the media team campus and serves on the media team campus and serves on the media team there. We also uh pray for our worship there. We also uh pray for our worship there. We also uh pray for our worship team as they were tight-knit group and team as they were tight-knit group and team as they were tight-knit group and uh they they loved him well. Uh and he uh they they loved him well. Uh and he uh they they loved him well. Uh and he loved serving and and giving his gift loved serving and and giving his gift loved serving and and giving his gift back uh to the church to serve. Uh so we back uh to the church to serve. Uh so we back uh to the church to serve. Uh so we want to pray for them. Pray for the Mark want to pray for them. Pray for the Mark want to pray for them. Pray for the Mark Tree Police Department. Um pray for the Tree Police Department. Um pray for the Tree Police Department. Um pray for the family and friends that it affected, the family and friends that it affected, the family and friends that it affected, the first responders. Uh everyone involved. first responders. Uh everyone involved. first responders. Uh everyone involved. Uh we just want to be praying for them. Uh we just want to be praying for them. Uh we just want to be praying for them. So, here in just a moment when we're So, here in just a moment when we're So, here in just a moment when we're praying, I'm going to pray for that. But praying, I'm going to pray for that. But praying, I'm going to pray for that. But if you would continue uh to be praying if you would continue uh to be praying if you would continue uh to be praying for them uh through this week and for them uh through this week and for them uh through this week and through the coming months uh and days through the coming months uh and days through the coming months uh and days that follow. Uh but let's pray and we're that follow. Uh but let's pray and we're that follow. Uh but let's pray and we're going to continue in worship through going to continue in worship through going to continue in worship through song. song. song. Uh Father God, we come before you right Uh Father God, we come before you right Uh Father God, we come before you right now thankful for today, God. Thankful now thankful for today, God. Thankful now thankful for today, God. Thankful for waking us up and putting breath in for waking us up and putting breath in for waking us up and putting breath in our lungs, Lord. We never want to get our lungs, Lord. We never want to get our lungs, Lord. We never want to get over that because you have a plan and a over that because you have a plan and a over that because you have a plan and a purpose for us today, Lord. God, I just purpose for us today, Lord. God, I just purpose for us today, Lord. God, I just pray uh right now, Lord, that you would pray uh right now, Lord, that you would pray uh right now, Lord, that you would uh use Cross uh as he is prepped for uh use Cross uh as he is prepped for uh use Cross uh as he is prepped for today, Lord. And that you would just today, Lord. And that you would just today, Lord. And that you would just revitalize his energy as he steps into revitalize his energy as he steps into revitalize his energy as he steps into this uh final sermon for today, Lord. I this uh final sermon for today, Lord. I this uh final sermon for today, Lord. I I pray that you would just uh lift him I pray that you would just uh lift him I pray that you would just uh lift him up, Lord. Be empty of himself, but be up, Lord. Be empty of himself, but be up, Lord. Be empty of himself, but be filled by you and your spirit, Lord. Uh filled by you and your spirit, Lord. Uh filled by you and your spirit, Lord. Uh God, I just pray that you would uh not God, I just pray that you would uh not God, I just pray that you would uh not allow anything to exit out of his mouth allow anything to exit out of his mouth allow anything to exit out of his mouth that is not from you, Lord. Hide him that is not from you, Lord. Hide him that is not from you, Lord. Hide him behind the cross. uh and allow each and behind the cross. uh and allow each and behind the cross. uh and allow each and every single one of us to obtain a

every single one of us to obtain a every single one of us to obtain a nugget of truth from your word, Lord, to nugget of truth from your word, Lord, to nugget of truth from your word, Lord, to apply to our lives, to leave here apply to our lives, to leave here apply to our lives, to leave here changed, to be a change for your changed, to be a change for your changed, to be a change for your kingdom. Lord, right now, we just lay kingdom. Lord, right now, we just lay kingdom. Lord, right now, we just lay before you the Howard family, his before you the Howard family, his before you the Howard family, his brother and his family, his friends, brother and his family, his friends, brother and his family, his friends, Lord. We just lay them before you, Lord, Lord. We just lay them before you, Lord, Lord. We just lay them before you, Lord, that you would just uh take them in your that you would just uh take them in your that you would just uh take them in your warm embrace, Lord, and show them mercy warm embrace, Lord, and show them mercy warm embrace, Lord, and show them mercy and grace and love, Lord. And I pray and grace and love, Lord. And I pray and grace and love, Lord. And I pray that there would be people that come that there would be people that come that there would be people that come around them, encourage them, and love on around them, encourage them, and love on around them, encourage them, and love on them well. Pray for the Mark Street uh them well. Pray for the Mark Street uh them well. Pray for the Mark Street uh police department, Lord. losing one of police department, Lord. losing one of police department, Lord. losing one of their own brothers, Lord. And and Lord, their own brothers, Lord. And and Lord, their own brothers, Lord. And and Lord, I just pray for the first responders, I just pray for the first responders, I just pray for the first responders, the the drunk driver, Lord. I I pray uh the the drunk driver, Lord. I I pray uh the the drunk driver, Lord. I I pray uh that through all of this that you would that through all of this that you would that through all of this that you would get the glory, Lord, because we may not get the glory, Lord, because we may not get the glory, Lord, because we may not understand. We may not comprehend. And understand. We may not comprehend. And understand. We may not comprehend. And we may have questions of why, Lord, but we may have questions of why, Lord, but we may have questions of why, Lord, but we know that through this you can get we know that through this you can get we know that through this you can get all the glory. And that's what we're all the glory. And that's what we're all the glory. And that's what we're praying for, that you would get the praying for, that you would get the praying for, that you would get the glory, Lord. And I pray that someone glory, Lord. And I pray that someone glory, Lord. And I pray that someone would come to know you for the very would come to know you for the very would come to know you for the very first time through this and through his first time through this and through his first time through this and through his life of just serving and loving you life of just serving and loving you life of just serving and loving you well, Lord. Uh God, I just pray uh again well, Lord. Uh God, I just pray uh again well, Lord. Uh God, I just pray uh again that [music] someone would come to know that [music] someone would come to know that [music] someone would come to know you through this circumstance, through you through this circumstance, through you through this circumstance, through this uh this incident, Lord. God, I pray this uh this incident, Lord. God, I pray this uh this incident, Lord. God, I pray for today that you would be ever present for today that you would be ever present for today that you would be ever present in this place. Uh that we would uh be in this place. Uh that we would uh be in this place. Uh that we would uh be ready to receive what it is you have for ready to receive what it is you have for ready to receive what it is you have for us today. Lord, we pray all these things us today. Lord, we pray all these things us today. Lord, we pray all these things your son's precious and holy name. Amen.

your son's precious and holy name. Amen. your son's precious and holy name. Amen. And amen. >> [music] >> [music] >> Born in my sorrow and dead in my sin. >> Born in my sorrow and dead in my sin. >> Born in my sorrow and dead in my sin. Lost without hope and no place to begin. Lost without hope and no place to begin. Lost without hope and no place to begin. [music] Your love made a way to let [music] Your love made a way to let [music] Your love made a way to let mercy come in. mercy come in. mercy come in. When death [music] was arrested, my life When death [music] was arrested, my life When death [music] was arrested, my life began. Ash was [music] redeemed. Only beauty Ash was [music] redeemed. Only beauty remains. remains. remains. And my orphan heart was given [music] a And my orphan heart was given [music] a And my orphan heart was given [music] a name. name. name. And my mourning grew quiet. My feet rose And my mourning grew quiet. My feet rose And my mourning grew quiet. My feet rose to dance. [music] to dance. [music] to dance. [music] When death was arrested, my life began.

When death was arrested, my life began. When death was arrested, my life began. Come on, church. We sing this. Oh, your Come on, church. We sing this. Oh, your Come on, church. We sing this. Oh, your grace [music] grace [music] grace [music] so [singing] free so [singing] free so [singing] free washes over [music] washes over [music] washes over [music] me. me. me. You have [singing] made me new. Now life You have [singing] made me new. Now life You have [singing] made me new. Now life [music] begins with you. It's your [music] endless It's your [music] endless love love love pouring down on us. pouring down on us. pouring down on us. You have [music and singing] made us You have [music and singing] made us You have [music and singing] made us new. Now life begins with you. [music] [music] Released from my chains. I'm a prisoner Released from my chains. I'm a prisoner Released from my chains. I'm a prisoner no more. no more. no more. My [music] shame was a ransom. He My [music] shame was a ransom. He My [music] shame was a ransom. He faithfully bore. faithfully bore. faithfully bore. And he cancelled my [music and singing] And he cancelled my [music and singing] And he cancelled my [music and singing] debt. And he called me his friend. debt. And he called me his friend. debt. And he called me his friend. [music] When cast was arrested and my [music] When cast was arrested and my [music] When cast was arrested and my life began.

life began. life began. [music] Oh, [music] Oh, [music] Oh, for your grace so [singing] free for your grace so [singing] free for your grace so [singing] free [music] washes over [music] washes over [music] washes over me. me. me. You have [music] made me new. Now life You have [music] made me new. Now life You have [music] made me new. Now life [singing] [singing] [singing] begins with you. It's your [music] endless It's your [music] endless love love love pouring down [singing] on us. [music] pouring down [singing] on us. [music] pouring down [singing] on us. [music] You have made us new. Our life begins You have made us new. Our life begins You have made us new. Our life begins with [singing] you. with [singing] you. with [singing] you. [music] Oh, our savior [music] display is played on our savior [music] display is played on a criminal's cross and darkness rejoiced as though heaven and darkness rejoiced as though heaven had lost. had lost. had lost. But then what happened? But [music] then But then what happened? But [music] then But then what happened? But [music] then Jesus arose with our [singing] freedom Jesus arose with our [singing] freedom Jesus arose with our [singing] freedom in hand.

That's when death [music] was [singing] That's when death [music] was [singing] arrested in my life. arrested in my life. arrested in my life. [music] [music] [music] Oh, your grace. Oh, your grace. Oh, your grace. Oh, your grace so [music and singing] Oh, your grace so [music and singing] Oh, your grace so [music and singing] free free free washes over washes over washes over me. [music] You have made me new. me. [music] You have made me new. me. [music] You have made me new. [singing] Now life begins with you. [singing] Now life begins with you. [singing] Now life begins with you. Oh, it's [music] your endless [singing] Oh, it's [music] your endless [singing] Oh, it's [music] your endless [singing] love love love pouring [music] down on [singing] pouring [music] down on [singing] pouring [music] down on [singing] us. us. us. You [music] have made us new life begin You [music] have made us new life begin You [music] have made us new life begin with you. Oh, [music] we're free. Free forever. Oh, [music] we're free. Free forever. We're free. Come join the [singing] song We're free. Come join the [singing] song We're free. Come join the [singing] song before the [music] redeemed. Yes, we're before the [music] redeemed. Yes, we're before the [music] redeemed. Yes, we're free. Free forever a [music] free. Free forever a [music] free. Free forever a [music] death was resting my life. Oh, we're death was resting my life. Oh, we're death was resting my life. Oh, we're free. [music] We're free forever. We're free. [music] We're free forever. We're free. [music] We're free forever. We're free. Come join the [music] song before free. Come join the [music] song before free. Come join the [music] song before [singing] the redeemed. Yes, we're free.

[singing] the redeemed. Yes, we're free. [singing] the redeemed. Yes, we're free. Free forever. Amen. When death was Free forever. Amen. When death was Free forever. Amen. When death was [music and singing] arrested, my life [music and singing] arrested, my life [music and singing] arrested, my life began. When death was [singing] began. When death was [singing] began. When death was [singing] arrested, my [music] life began. That's arrested, my [music] life began. That's arrested, my [music] life began. That's when death was arrested. My life begin, when death was arrested. My life begin, when death was arrested. My life begin, [music] aren't we [music] so thankful that aren't we [music] so thankful that that's the God that we serve? Amen. that's the God that we serve? Amen. that's the God that we serve? Amen. He loves us. He cares for us. He loves us. He cares for us. He loves us. He cares for us. He sees us and when all hope was lost, He sees us and when all hope was lost, He sees us and when all hope was lost, he came and [music] intervened. So let's he came and [music] intervened. So let's he came and [music] intervened. So let's continue to lift high the name of Jesus continue to lift high the name of Jesus continue to lift high the name of Jesus this morning. this morning. this morning. I just [music] want to speak the name of I just [music] want to speak the name of I just [music] want to speak the name of Jesus Cuz I [singing] know there is peace Cuz I [singing] know there is peace within your presence.

within your presence. within your presence. I speak Jesus. [music] Come on y'all. Every voice. Come on y'all. Every voice. Oh, I just [music] want to speak the Oh, I just [music] want to speak the Oh, I just [music] want to speak the name of Jesus. Till every [music] dark addiction starts Till every [music] dark addiction starts to [singing] break. Declaring [music] there [singing] is Declaring [music] there [singing] is hope and there is freedom. hope and there is freedom. hope and there is freedom. I [music] speak Jesus. Your name [music] is power. Your name [music] is power. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name [music] Your name [music] Your name [music] is love. [music] Break every stronghold. [music] Break every stronghold. [singing] [singing] [singing] Shine through the shadows. [music] Shine through the shadows. [music] Shine through the shadows. [music] like a fire. [music] [music] Oh, I just want to speak the [singing] Oh, I just want to speak the [singing] Oh, I just want to speak the [singing] name of Jesus name of Jesus name of Jesus [music] [music] [music] over fear [singing] and all anxiety.

[music] To every [singing] soul held [music] To every [singing] soul held captive by depression, captive by depression, captive by depression, I speak Jesus. [music] Your name is power. [music and singing] Your name is power. [music and singing] Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. [music] Your name is life. [singing] [music] [music] Break every [singing] stronghold. Break every [singing] stronghold. Break every [singing] stronghold. Shine through the shadows [music] Shine through the shadows [music] Shine through the shadows [music] burn like a fire. [music] [music] Just shout Jesus from the [singing] Just shout Jesus from the [singing] Just shout Jesus from the [singing] mountains and Jesus in the streets. mountains and Jesus in the streets. mountains and Jesus in the streets. Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. [music] [music] [music] And Jesus for my family. I speak the And Jesus for my family. I speak the And Jesus for my family. I speak the holy name holy name holy name Jesus.

Jesus from the mountains Jesus from the mountains and Jesus [music] in the streets. and Jesus [music] in the streets. and Jesus [music] in the streets. Jesus in the darkness over [music] every Jesus in the darkness over [music] every Jesus in the darkness over [music] every enemy. enemy. enemy. And Jesus for my family. I speak the And Jesus for my family. I speak the And Jesus for my family. I speak the holy name. holy name. holy name. Jesus, [music] [music] your name is power. [music] your name is power. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. [music] Your name is love. [music] Your name is love. [music] Your name is love. Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Break every [music] Break every [music] Break every [music] stronghold. [singing] stronghold. [singing] stronghold. [singing] Shine through the shadows. Shine through the shadows. Shine through the shadows. [music] [music] [music] fire. Your name is power. [music and singing] Your name is power. [music and singing] Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is [singing] Your name is [singing] Your name is [singing] [music] break every soul. [singing] break every soul. [singing] Shine through the shadow. [music] [singing] [singing] >> [music] >> What a beautiful [singing] name it is.

>> What a beautiful [singing] name it is. What a beautiful [music] What a beautiful [music] What a beautiful [music] name it is. name it is. name it is. The [singing] name of Jesus The [singing] name of Jesus The [singing] name of Jesus Christ [music] my king. Christ [music] my king. Christ [music] my king. What a beautiful name it is. [singing] What a beautiful name it is. [singing] What a beautiful name it is. [singing] Nothing compares [music] Nothing compares [music] Nothing compares [music] to this. to this. to this. What a beautiful name [singing] it is. What a beautiful name [singing] it is. What a beautiful name [singing] it is. The name of Jesus. [music and singing] We couldn't have heaven without you. We couldn't have heaven without you. So Jesus, you for So Jesus, you for So Jesus, you for now. [music and singing] My sin was great. [music] My sin was great. [music] Your love was greater. Your love was greater. Your love was greater. What could separate [music] What could separate [music] What could separate [music] us now? [singing] us now? [singing] us now? [singing] What a wonderful name it is. What a wonderful name it is. What a wonderful name it is. What a wonderful [music] What a wonderful [music] What a wonderful [music] name it is.

name it is. name it is. The [singing] name of Jesus The [singing] name of Jesus The [singing] name of Jesus Christ [music] like. Christ [music] like. Christ [music] like. What a wonderful name it is. [music] What a wonderful name it is. [music] What a wonderful name it is. [music] Nothing compares to this. Nothing compares to this. Nothing compares to this. What a wonderful [music] What a wonderful [music] What a wonderful [music] name it is. The [singing] name of Jesus. name it is. The [singing] name of Jesus. name it is. The [singing] name of Jesus. What a wonderful [singing] name it is, What a wonderful [singing] name it is, What a wonderful [singing] name it is, [music] the name of Jesus. [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> How sweet is your name, Lord, how good >> How sweet is your name, Lord, how good >> How sweet is your name, Lord, how good [music] you are. We love to sing of your [music] you are. We love to sing of your [music] you are. We love to sing of your name, Lord. We love to [music] sing of name, Lord. We love to [music] sing of name, Lord. We love to [music] sing of who you are. And death [singing] could who you are. And death [singing] could who you are. And death [singing] could not hold you. The veil tore before not hold you. The veil tore before not hold you. The veil tore before [music] [music] [music] you. You silence the [singing] bows of you. You silence the [singing] bows of you. You silence the [singing] bows of sin and grace.

sin and grace. sin and grace. [music] The heavens are [singing] [music] The heavens are [singing] [music] The heavens are [singing] roaring roaring roaring the praise of your glory. [music] the praise of your glory. [music] the praise of your glory. [music] For you [singing] are raised to life For you [singing] are raised to life For you [singing] are raised to life again. [music] again. [music] again. [music] And you have no [singing] rival. And you have no [singing] rival. And you have no [singing] rival. And you have no equal And you have no equal And you have no equal now and [music and singing] forever. now and [music and singing] forever. now and [music and singing] forever. God, you God, you God, you and yours is [music] the kingom. and yours is [music] the kingom. and yours is [music] the kingom. Yours is the [singing] [music] is the name [music] is the name of [singing] what [music] a powerful name it is. What what [music] a powerful name it is. What a powerful [music] name it is. a powerful [music] name it is. a powerful [music] name it is. The [singing] name of Jesus The [singing] name of Jesus The [singing] name of Jesus Christ my king. Christ my king. Christ my king. What a [music] powerful [singing] name What a [music] powerful [singing] name What a [music] powerful [singing] name it is.

it is. it is. Nothing can stand against. [music] Nothing can stand against. [music] Nothing can stand against. [music] What a powerful name it is. The name What a powerful name it is. The name What a powerful name it is. The name [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. And you have [singing] no right. And you have [singing] no right. And you have [singing] no right. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You have no evil >> You have no evil >> You have no evil now [singing] and forever. [music] now [singing] and forever. [music] now [singing] and forever. [music] You You You [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] is the kingom [music] is the kingom [music] is the kingom and yours is the [music] [music] name name name of of of [music] [music] [music] what a powerful. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. The name [music and singing] of Jesus The name [music and singing] of Jesus The name [music and singing] of Jesus Christ might. Christ might. Christ might. What [music] a powerful name it is. What [music] a powerful name it is. What [music] a powerful name it is. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. What a powerful name [music] it is. The What a powerful name [music] it is. The What a powerful name [music] it is. The name [singing] of Jesus.

name [singing] of Jesus. name [singing] of Jesus. [music] What a powerful name it is. The [music] What a powerful name it is. The [music] What a powerful name it is. The name [singing] name [singing] name [singing] of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. What a powerful [music] name it is. The What a powerful [music] name it is. The What a powerful [music] name it is. The name [singing] name [singing] name [singing] of Jesus. [music] And God, this morning we just thank you And God, this morning we just thank you for the name of Jesus. for the name of Jesus. for the name of Jesus. The name that is above every other name. The name that is above every other name. The name that is above every other name. the name that is worthy of the name that is worthy of the name that is worthy of worthy of our [music] praise, our worthy of our [music] praise, our worthy of our [music] praise, our adoration. adoration. adoration. And God, we just thank you so much that And God, we just thank you so much that And God, we just thank you so much that you are who you say you are, that you do you are who you say you are, that you do you are who you say you are, that you do what you say you'll [music] do. what you say you'll [music] do. what you say you'll [music] do. And God, even in times where And God, even in times where And God, even in times where things are confusing, things are confusing, things are confusing, even in times where it's dark, even in times where it's dark, even in times where it's dark, where we may not know what's going on, where we may not know what's going on, where we may not know what's going on, God, you do. And God, we can trust God, you do. And God, we can trust God, you do. And God, we can trust [music] in that. We can find our [music] in that. We can find our [music] in that. We can find our assurance in that. And we can have hope assurance in that. And we can have hope assurance in that. And we can have hope because of that.

because of that. because of that. So Lord, we love you. We praise you So Lord, we love you. We praise you So Lord, we love you. We praise you because there's no one else. because there's no one else. because there's no one else. And this morning, I pray that you would And this morning, I pray that you would And this morning, I pray that you would meet us. I pray that you would speak to meet us. I pray that you would speak to meet us. I pray that you would speak to [music] us in a in a fresh and new way. [music] us in a in a fresh and new way. [music] us in a in a fresh and new way. I pray that we would see a little bit I pray that we would see a little bit I pray that we would see a little bit more of who you are this morning. more of who you are this morning. more of who you are this morning. I pray that you would convict us of sin. I pray that you would convict us of sin. I pray that you would convict us of sin. I pray that you would you would do a I pray that you would you would do a I pray that you would you would do a work in our hearts work in our hearts work in our hearts and that we would look a little bit more and that we would look a little bit more and that we would look a little bit more like Jesus when we leave this place. So like Jesus when we leave this place. So like Jesus when we leave this place. So Lord, we love you. We give you all the Lord, we love you. We give you all the Lord, we love you. We give you all the praise and all the honor. It's your name praise and all the honor. It's your name praise and all the honor. It's your name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Yeah. Y'all go ahead and Amen. Amen. Yeah. Y'all go ahead and grab a seat. Well, hey, good morning grab a seat. Well, hey, good morning grab a seat. Well, hey, good morning church. Welcome in again. I know Pastor church. Welcome in again. I know Pastor church. Welcome in again. I know Pastor Jacob has already welcomed you guys in, Jacob has already welcomed you guys in, Jacob has already welcomed you guys in, but if you are a first time guest, if but if you are a first time guest, if but if you are a first time guest, if you're watching online with us, if you're watching online with us, if you're watching online with us, if you're watching on television, uh I'm you're watching on television, uh I'm you're watching on television, uh I'm glad that you have tuned in and you're glad that you have tuned in and you're glad that you have tuned in and you're here this morning, it is always a here this morning, it is always a here this morning, it is always a privilege to get to worship with you all privilege to get to worship with you all privilege to get to worship with you all uh on Sundays. And so, my name is uh on Sundays. And so, my name is uh on Sundays. And so, my name is Crossbright. I get the privilege of Crossbright. I get the privilege of Crossbright. I get the privilege of serving as college pastor here at serving as college pastor here at serving as college pastor here at Central. And I just finished up my Central. And I just finished up my Central. And I just finished up my rookie season, if you will, this last rookie season, if you will, this last rookie season, if you will, this last year in May. And as I have had some time year in May. And as I have had some time year in May. And as I have had some time to reflect over the last couple days, to reflect over the last couple days, to reflect over the last couple days, weeks on what all the Lord has done over weeks on what all the Lord has done over weeks on what all the Lord has done over the last calendar year, I have just been the last calendar year, I have just been the last calendar year, I have just been blown away and enamored with how good blown away and enamored with how good blown away and enamored with how good and how sovereign and how blessed or how and how sovereign and how blessed or how and how sovereign and how blessed or how good sovereign God is, but how blessed good sovereign God is, but how blessed good sovereign God is, but how blessed we are as a church and as a body of we are as a church and as a body of we are as a church and as a body of Christ. It doesn't take much looking Christ. It doesn't take much looking Christ. It doesn't take much looking whether you're looking in the preschool whether you're looking in the preschool whether you're looking in the preschool and kids area or all the way up to

and kids area or all the way up to and kids area or all the way up to senior adults. The Lord's hand is all senior adults. The Lord's hand is all senior adults. The Lord's hand is all over what is going on here at Central. over what is going on here at Central. over what is going on here at Central. and it's a a blessing and a privilege to and it's a a blessing and a privilege to and it's a a blessing and a privilege to get to be a part of. If you would, I get to be a part of. If you would, I get to be a part of. If you would, I would invite you to turn in your Bibles would invite you to turn in your Bibles would invite you to turn in your Bibles to Philippians chapter 1. We're going to to Philippians chapter 1. We're going to to Philippians chapter 1. We're going to be continuing on in the series that we be continuing on in the series that we be continuing on in the series that we started a couple weeks ago entitled started a couple weeks ago entitled started a couple weeks ago entitled Everyday Joy. We're going to pick up in Everyday Joy. We're going to pick up in Everyday Joy. We're going to pick up in verse 21. I know Pastor Archie verse 21. I know Pastor Archie verse 21. I know Pastor Archie technically hit it last week on Father's technically hit it last week on Father's technically hit it last week on Father's Day, but we're going to recover it Day, but we're going to recover it Day, but we're going to recover it again. It's that important. It's that again. It's that important. It's that again. It's that important. It's that impactful. And so, as you're turning impactful. And so, as you're turning impactful. And so, as you're turning there, I want to tell you about a guy by there, I want to tell you about a guy by there, I want to tell you about a guy by the name of Aaron Rostston. And so Aaron the name of Aaron Rostston. And so Aaron the name of Aaron Rostston. And so Aaron Rston, he you may have heard of him, Rston, he you may have heard of him, Rston, he you may have heard of him, maybe not if you're into like the hiking maybe not if you're into like the hiking maybe not if you're into like the hiking and mountain climbing and bouldering and mountain climbing and bouldering and mountain climbing and bouldering scene. Well, Aaron Rston got some scene. Well, Aaron Rston got some scene. Well, Aaron Rston got some popularity and notoriety in the mid popularity and notoriety in the mid popularity and notoriety in the mid 2000s and he actually had a movie made 2000s and he actually had a movie made 2000s and he actually had a movie made about him in 2010. It's called 127 about him in 2010. It's called 127 about him in 2010. It's called 127 Hours. And what this movie is about is Hours. And what this movie is about is Hours. And what this movie is about is Aaron in 2003 decides that one day he's Aaron in 2003 decides that one day he's Aaron in 2003 decides that one day he's going to go rock climbing or bouldering going to go rock climbing or bouldering going to go rock climbing or bouldering or just go on this excursion somewhere or just go on this excursion somewhere or just go on this excursion somewhere in the mountains of Utah. And Aaron in the mountains of Utah. And Aaron in the mountains of Utah. And Aaron notably, he doesn't tell his family notably, he doesn't tell his family notably, he doesn't tell his family where he's going. He doesn't tell how where he's going. He doesn't tell how where he's going. He doesn't tell how long he's going or where or when he's long he's going or where or when he's long he's going or where or when he's going, but he just goes. And so he going, but he just goes. And so he going, but he just goes. And so he starts off on this hike and everything starts off on this hike and everything starts off on this hike and everything is is pretty normal. Uh not anything is is pretty normal. Uh not anything is is pretty normal. Uh not anything that Aaron has never experienced before.

that Aaron has never experienced before. that Aaron has never experienced before. But then about 3 or 4 days into it, But then about 3 or 4 days into it, But then about 3 or 4 days into it, Aaron is uh working around this boulder. Aaron is uh working around this boulder. Aaron is uh working around this boulder. And what happens is the boulder kind of And what happens is the boulder kind of And what happens is the boulder kind of shakes loose and it pins Aaron's hand shakes loose and it pins Aaron's hand shakes loose and it pins Aaron's hand between the boulder and the rock. So between the boulder and the rock. So between the boulder and the rock. So literally stuck between a rock and a literally stuck between a rock and a literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. And so he's there, he's hard place. And so he's there, he's hard place. And so he's there, he's trying to figure out, he's like, I I trying to figure out, he's like, I I trying to figure out, he's like, I I can't get my I mean, this is a 10,000lb can't get my I mean, this is a 10,000lb can't get my I mean, this is a 10,000lb boulder. I can't get my hand free. And boulder. I can't get my hand free. And boulder. I can't get my hand free. And so he begins to ration out his food. He so he begins to ration out his food. He so he begins to ration out his food. He rations out his water over the next rations out his water over the next rations out his water over the next couple of days. And he has a camcorder couple of days. And he has a camcorder couple of days. And he has a camcorder that he ultimately begins recording that he ultimately begins recording that he ultimately begins recording himself on. And he's basically giving himself on. And he's basically giving himself on. And he's basically giving his his last wishes, his goodbyes to his his his last wishes, his goodbyes to his his his last wishes, his goodbyes to his friends and family if someone finds him. friends and family if someone finds him. friends and family if someone finds him. And he thinks it's the end of his story. And he thinks it's the end of his story. And he thinks it's the end of his story. Well, after a little more time has Well, after a little more time has Well, after a little more time has passed, Aaron kind of comes to his passed, Aaron kind of comes to his passed, Aaron kind of comes to his senses and he he decides, I don't I senses and he he decides, I don't I senses and he he decides, I don't I don't want to live like this. I I don't don't want to live like this. I I don't don't want to live like this. I I don't want to to this just to be the end of my want to to this just to be the end of my want to to this just to be the end of my story. So, what he does is I'll save the story. So, what he does is I'll save the story. So, what he does is I'll save the the medical and surgical deep analysis, the medical and surgical deep analysis, the medical and surgical deep analysis, but he has a a dullish fishing blade of but he has a a dullish fishing blade of but he has a a dullish fishing blade of some sort in his pocket. And uh what he some sort in his pocket. And uh what he some sort in his pocket. And uh what he then takes that and he removes the the then takes that and he removes the the then takes that and he removes the the uncrushed part of his forearm from the uncrushed part of his forearm from the uncrushed part of his forearm from the boulder and he goes hikes eight more boulder and he goes hikes eight more boulder and he goes hikes eight more miles, finds help and then he finds a miles, finds help and then he finds a miles, finds help and then he finds a couple that would then call uh a couple that would then call uh a couple that would then call uh a helicopter to come medevac him out and helicopter to come medevac him out and helicopter to come medevac him out and he would be saved and released from he would be saved and released from he would be saved and released from harm. But I say all of that not to give harm. But I say all of that not to give harm. But I say all of that not to give us this weird illustration or story to us this weird illustration or story to us this weird illustration or story to start the morning off. But I say that to start the morning off. But I say that to start the morning off. But I say that to remind us and bring to our attention the remind us and bring to our attention the remind us and bring to our attention the idea that humans will do remarkable idea that humans will do remarkable idea that humans will do remarkable things when it comes to surviving or things when it comes to surviving or things when it comes to surviving or when it comes to living. But the caveat

when it comes to living. But the caveat when it comes to living. But the caveat in that is that that will only happen if in that is that that will only happen if in that is that that will only happen if you have something worth living for. And you have something worth living for. And you have something worth living for. And so the question that I'm going to ask so the question that I'm going to ask so the question that I'm going to ask now and we're going to come back to now and we're going to come back to now and we're going to come back to again and again and again this morning again and again and again this morning again and again and again this morning is what are you living for? is what are you living for? is what are you living for? What is the thing that gets you out of What is the thing that gets you out of What is the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning? What's the thing bed in the morning? What's the thing bed in the morning? What's the thing that drives the purpose of your life? that drives the purpose of your life? that drives the purpose of your life? What do you look forward to? What is the What do you look forward to? What is the What do you look forward to? What is the the statement or the moniker of your the statement or the moniker of your the statement or the moniker of your life? Well, in our passage today, we're life? Well, in our passage today, we're life? Well, in our passage today, we're going to see Paul is kind of in a going to see Paul is kind of in a going to see Paul is kind of in a similar situation. He is going to similar situation. He is going to similar situation. He is going to illustrate for us and lay out exactly illustrate for us and lay out exactly illustrate for us and lay out exactly why he lives. And so, if you're taking why he lives. And so, if you're taking why he lives. And so, if you're taking notes this morning, the title of this notes this morning, the title of this notes this morning, the title of this message is committed to the cause. And message is committed to the cause. And message is committed to the cause. And we have two points that we're going to we have two points that we're going to we have two points that we're going to kind of survey through as we walk kind of survey through as we walk kind of survey through as we walk through these next couple of p verses. through these next couple of p verses. through these next couple of p verses. The first one is committed to labor. And The first one is committed to labor. And The first one is committed to labor. And the second one is committed to suffer. the second one is committed to suffer. the second one is committed to suffer. And so if you're anything like me, you And so if you're anything like me, you And so if you're anything like me, you hear committed to labor and committed to hear committed to labor and committed to hear committed to labor and committed to suffer in a book about joy, having joy suffer in a book about joy, having joy suffer in a book about joy, having joy every day, and you're like, "Okay, every day, and you're like, "Okay, every day, and you're like, "Okay, something's backwards here. I'm not something's backwards here. I'm not something's backwards here. I'm not really uh grabbing that fully." I really uh grabbing that fully." I really uh grabbing that fully." I promise you, you will. It'll make sense. promise you, you will. It'll make sense. promise you, you will. It'll make sense. But committed to labor, committed to But committed to labor, committed to But committed to labor, committed to suffer. And so, if you would, if you're suffer. And so, if you would, if you're suffer. And so, if you would, if you're willing and able, if you'd stand with me willing and able, if you'd stand with me willing and able, if you'd stand with me as we read God's word together, we're as we read God's word together, we're as we read God's word together, we're starting in verse 21. We're going starting in verse 21. We're going starting in verse 21. We're going through the end of the chapter and it through the end of the chapter and it through the end of the chapter and it says, "For to me to live is Christ and says, "For to me to live is Christ and says, "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. But I if I am to live on to die is gain. But I if I am to live on to die is gain. But I if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful in the flesh, this will mean fruitful in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me and I do not know which to labor for me and I do not know which to labor for me and I do not know which to choose. But I'm hardpressed from both choose. But I'm hardpressed from both choose. But I'm hardpressed from both directions, having the desire to depart directions, having the desire to depart directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very and be with Christ, for that is very and be with Christ, for that is very much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.

flesh is more necessary for your sake. flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know I will remain Convinced of this, I know I will remain Convinced of this, I know I will remain and continue with you all for your and continue with you all for your and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that progress and joy in the faith, so that progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound your proud confidence in me may abound your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you in Christ Jesus through my coming to you in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Only conduct yourselves in a again. Only conduct yourselves in a again. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or so that whether I come and see you or so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you, and remain absent, I will hear of you, and remain absent, I will hear of you, and that you are standing firm in one spirit that you are standing firm in one spirit that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the with one mind, striving together for the with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. in no way alarmed faith of the gospel. in no way alarmed faith of the gospel. in no way alarmed by your opponents, which is a sign of by your opponents, which is a sign of by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation destruction for them, but of salvation destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too from God. For to for you, and that too from God. For to for you, and that too from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ's you it has been granted for Christ's you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in him, but sake, not only to believe in him, but sake, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake, also to suffer for his sake, also to suffer for his sake, experiencing the same conflict which you experiencing the same conflict which you experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now here to be in me. saw in me, and now here to be in me. saw in me, and now here to be in me. Let's pray. Father, I pray that over the Let's pray. Father, I pray that over the Let's pray. Father, I pray that over the next 25 to 30 minutes, Lord, that you next 25 to 30 minutes, Lord, that you next 25 to 30 minutes, Lord, that you would move in this space that as we ask would move in this space that as we ask would move in this space that as we ask the question, what are we living for? the question, what are we living for? the question, what are we living for? and we look to what we should be and we look to what we should be and we look to what we should be committing our lives to. And I pray that committing our lives to. And I pray that committing our lives to. And I pray that you would um provoke us, that you would you would um provoke us, that you would you would um provoke us, that you would stir us to movement and action. And God, stir us to movement and action. And God, stir us to movement and action. And God, that we wouldn't leave here without that we wouldn't leave here without that we wouldn't leave here without responding to you. So God, if there are responding to you. So God, if there are responding to you. So God, if there are people also in this room that that have people also in this room that that have people also in this room that that have no idea what a relationship with you no idea what a relationship with you no idea what a relationship with you looks like, that they do not have that looks like, that they do not have that looks like, that they do not have that yet, God, I pray that you would draw yet, God, I pray that you would draw yet, God, I pray that you would draw them to yourself and reveal yourself to them to yourself and reveal yourself to them to yourself and reveal yourself to them so they may walk in relationship them so they may walk in relationship them so they may walk in relationship with you. So Father, we ask all this in with you. So Father, we ask all this in with you. So Father, we ask all this in your precious and holy name. Amen.

your precious and holy name. Amen. your precious and holy name. Amen. You may be seated. Thank you for You may be seated. Thank you for You may be seated. Thank you for standing. Um, okay. So, before we we standing. Um, okay. So, before we we standing. Um, okay. So, before we we fully get into committing the labor and fully get into committing the labor and fully get into committing the labor and committing to the suffering, we have to committing to the suffering, we have to committing to the suffering, we have to identify and ask the question, well, identify and ask the question, well, identify and ask the question, well, well, what are what is the cause that well, what are what is the cause that well, what are what is the cause that we're committing to? As we read this we're committing to? As we read this we're committing to? As we read this passage, and we're actually going to go passage, and we're actually going to go passage, and we're actually going to go back to verse 20. We're going to see back to verse 20. We're going to see back to verse 20. We're going to see Paul's example and and really what he is Paul's example and and really what he is Paul's example and and really what he is identifying as the cause for which he identifying as the cause for which he identifying as the cause for which he lives. Look at verse 20 with me on the lives. Look at verse 20 with me on the lives. Look at verse 20 with me on the screen. He says, "According to my screen. He says, "According to my screen. He says, "According to my earnest expectation and hope that I will earnest expectation and hope that I will earnest expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in anything, but not be put to shame in anything, but not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even that with all boldness, Christ will even that with all boldness, Christ will even now as always be exalted in my body, now as always be exalted in my body, now as always be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." So Paul's whether by life or by death." So Paul's whether by life or by death." So Paul's primary goal, his primary mission in primary goal, his primary mission in primary goal, his primary mission in life is to what? Exalt Christ or magnify life is to what? Exalt Christ or magnify life is to what? Exalt Christ or magnify the name of Jesus. And so we see that he the name of Jesus. And so we see that he the name of Jesus. And so we see that he then begins to talk about whether I'm then begins to talk about whether I'm then begins to talk about whether I'm alive or whether I'm dead, Christ is alive or whether I'm dead, Christ is alive or whether I'm dead, Christ is going to be magnified one way or going to be magnified one way or going to be magnified one way or another. And just to kind of refresh another. And just to kind of refresh another. And just to kind of refresh ourselves, Paul as he's writing this is ourselves, Paul as he's writing this is ourselves, Paul as he's writing this is in prisonment. He's under house arrest in prisonment. He's under house arrest in prisonment. He's under house arrest in Rome. The same government, the same in Rome. The same government, the same in Rome. The same government, the same people that persecuted and and crucified people that persecuted and and crucified people that persecuted and and crucified Jesus. So Paul is thinking, "Hey, I'm Jesus. So Paul is thinking, "Hey, I'm Jesus. So Paul is thinking, "Hey, I'm preaching. Like this could very well be preaching. Like this could very well be preaching. Like this could very well be it for me." The Apostle Paul's life it for me." The Apostle Paul's life it for me." The Apostle Paul's life could be coming to a close very soon.

could be coming to a close very soon. could be coming to a close very soon. And so he's writing with that in mind, And so he's writing with that in mind, And so he's writing with that in mind, thinking, hey, like if I die, I die. If thinking, hey, like if I die, I die. If thinking, hey, like if I die, I die. If I live, praise God. But then he goes on I live, praise God. But then he goes on I live, praise God. But then he goes on and he says, for me to live or for me to and he says, for me to live or for me to and he says, for me to live or for me to live is Christ and die is gain. So for live is Christ and die is gain. So for live is Christ and die is gain. So for him to live means that he gets to him to live means that he gets to him to live means that he gets to continue on in his work, that he gets to continue on in his work, that he gets to continue on in his work, that he gets to labor for the sake of the church in labor for the sake of the church in labor for the sake of the church in Philippi and he gets to magnify the name Philippi and he gets to magnify the name Philippi and he gets to magnify the name of Christ there. But if he dies, he of Christ there. But if he dies, he of Christ there. But if he dies, he still magnifies the Lord. Because the still magnifies the Lord. Because the still magnifies the Lord. Because the ultimate way that we get to magnify ultimate way that we get to magnify ultimate way that we get to magnify Christ's name is when we are unified Christ's name is when we are unified Christ's name is when we are unified again with him in eternal life. If we again with him in eternal life. If we again with him in eternal life. If we think back to the beginning of the think back to the beginning of the think back to the beginning of the Bible, Genesis chapters 1, 2, and 3, as Bible, Genesis chapters 1, 2, and 3, as Bible, Genesis chapters 1, 2, and 3, as God is creating the things of the earth, God is creating the things of the earth, God is creating the things of the earth, when he gets to us, the ultimate goal in when he gets to us, the ultimate goal in when he gets to us, the ultimate goal in his creation is that we would dwell with his creation is that we would dwell with his creation is that we would dwell with our creator, with the heavenly father, our creator, with the heavenly father, our creator, with the heavenly father, and that the father would dwell with his and that the father would dwell with his and that the father would dwell with his creation. upon death, assuming that you creation. upon death, assuming that you creation. upon death, assuming that you have trusted and repented and believed have trusted and repented and believed have trusted and repented and believed in the name and sal or salvific work of in the name and sal or salvific work of in the name and sal or salvific work of Christ, you're going to get to dwell Christ, you're going to get to dwell Christ, you're going to get to dwell with the father one day. So in Paul's with the father one day. So in Paul's with the father one day. So in Paul's mind, dying is gain for him. This is the mind, dying is gain for him. This is the mind, dying is gain for him. This is the this is best case scenario. Everything this is best case scenario. Everything this is best case scenario. Everything that he's doing while on earth is that he's doing while on earth is that he's doing while on earth is working towards dying and being united working towards dying and being united working towards dying and being united with Christ. Now just to preface, James with Christ. Now just to preface, James with Christ. Now just to preface, James is very explicit by saying faith without is very explicit by saying faith without is very explicit by saying faith without works is dead. But he also goes on and works is dead. But he also goes on and works is dead. But he also goes on and says that hey, if you are working alone says that hey, if you are working alone says that hey, if you are working alone without faith, you're also dead. So without faith, you're also dead. So without faith, you're also dead. So Paul's not working so that he can get Paul's not working so that he can get Paul's not working so that he can get eternal life. He's working because he is eternal life. He's working because he is eternal life. He's working because he is going to have eternal life. This is a going to have eternal life. This is a going to have eternal life. This is a byproduct of what he's doing. So he's byproduct of what he's doing. So he's byproduct of what he's doing. So he's looking to magnify the name of Christ in

looking to magnify the name of Christ in looking to magnify the name of Christ in death and in life. So he has a difficult death and in life. So he has a difficult death and in life. So he has a difficult choice to make. He ultimately says, choice to make. He ultimately says, choice to make. He ultimately says, "Hey, I know it's better for my sake to "Hey, I know it's better for my sake to "Hey, I know it's better for my sake to die and be with the father, but for your die and be with the father, but for your die and be with the father, but for your sake, it's better that I live on and be sake, it's better that I live on and be sake, it's better that I live on and be with you." Look with me at verse 22. It with you." Look with me at verse 22. It with you." Look with me at verse 22. It says, "But if I am to live on in the says, "But if I am to live on in the says, "But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me." We're going to come back to this me." We're going to come back to this me." We're going to come back to this idea of fruitful labor here in just a idea of fruitful labor here in just a idea of fruitful labor here in just a second. It says, "And I don't know which second. It says, "And I don't know which second. It says, "And I don't know which to choose, but I am hardpressed from to choose, but I am hardpressed from to choose, but I am hardpressed from both directions. Having the desire to both directions. Having the desire to both directions. Having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is depart and be with Christ, for that is depart and be with Christ, for that is much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake." flesh is more necessary for your sake." flesh is more necessary for your sake." So Paul says, "Hey, if I am to live, So Paul says, "Hey, if I am to live, So Paul says, "Hey, if I am to live, this means for me fruitful labor." He this means for me fruitful labor." He this means for me fruitful labor." He didn't say, "This could suggest to me or didn't say, "This could suggest to me or didn't say, "This could suggest to me or I might do this." He says, "No, if I'm I might do this." He says, "No, if I'm I might do this." He says, "No, if I'm living and I'm looking to magnify living and I'm looking to magnify living and I'm looking to magnify Christ, the result or the goal is Christ, the result or the goal is Christ, the result or the goal is fruitful labor." But we get to this and fruitful labor." But we get to this and fruitful labor." But we get to this and we ask the question, okay, well, what is we ask the question, okay, well, what is we ask the question, okay, well, what is fruitful labor in Paul's eyes? If you're fruitful labor in Paul's eyes? If you're fruitful labor in Paul's eyes? If you're anything like me and you hear the word anything like me and you hear the word anything like me and you hear the word fruitful labor, you think of, okay, fruitful labor, you think of, okay, fruitful labor, you think of, okay, well, my labor is producing fruit. Maybe well, my labor is producing fruit. Maybe well, my labor is producing fruit. Maybe that comes in the form of you are that comes in the form of you are that comes in the form of you are providing financially for your family or providing financially for your family or providing financially for your family or you have generational wealth or you have you have generational wealth or you have you have generational wealth or you have societal equity or relational cloud or societal equity or relational cloud or societal equity or relational cloud or whatever you want to you want to put whatever you want to you want to put whatever you want to you want to put your your stock in. Maybe that is your your stock in. Maybe that is your your stock in. Maybe that is fruitful labor for you. And those things fruitful labor for you. And those things fruitful labor for you. And those things aren't necessarily bad in and of aren't necessarily bad in and of aren't necessarily bad in and of themselves. But what happens is that at themselves. But what happens is that at themselves. But what happens is that at the end of the day, if that is where we the end of the day, if that is where we the end of the day, if that is where we are putting our trust and our our just are putting our trust and our our just are putting our trust and our our just our satisfaction, we're going to be left our satisfaction, we're going to be left our satisfaction, we're going to be left dry. And so as we we look at this, Paul dry. And so as we we look at this, Paul dry. And so as we we look at this, Paul says, "Hey, the fruitful labor is not says, "Hey, the fruitful labor is not says, "Hey, the fruitful labor is not for me, but the fruitful labor stems

for me, but the fruitful labor stems for me, but the fruitful labor stems from what happens with the church in from what happens with the church in from what happens with the church in Philippi." You go down a little longer Philippi." You go down a little longer Philippi." You go down a little longer in verse 25. He says, "Convinced of in verse 25. He says, "Convinced of in verse 25. He says, "Convinced of this, I'm going to stay with you for this, I'm going to stay with you for this, I'm going to stay with you for why? for your progress and your joy in why? for your progress and your joy in why? for your progress and your joy in the faith so that your proud confidence the faith so that your proud confidence the faith so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through in me may abound in Christ Jesus through in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. So the answer we my coming to you again. So the answer we my coming to you again. So the answer we know that the labor Paul is talking know that the labor Paul is talking know that the labor Paul is talking about is remaining with the church in about is remaining with the church in about is remaining with the church in Philippi. He's going to stay there. He's Philippi. He's going to stay there. He's Philippi. He's going to stay there. He's going to edify them. He's going to going to edify them. He's going to going to edify them. He's going to continue to pour into them. Lord continue to pour into them. Lord continue to pour into them. Lord willing, he doesn't know. He's still in willing, he doesn't know. He's still in willing, he doesn't know. He's still in prisoner at this moment. But the goal is prisoner at this moment. But the goal is prisoner at this moment. But the goal is not for him to be fruitful or for him to not for him to be fruitful or for him to not for him to be fruitful or for him to have this fruit or these badges of have this fruit or these badges of have this fruit or these badges of honor, but for the church in Philippi to honor, but for the church in Philippi to honor, but for the church in Philippi to be grown and edified and developed and be grown and edified and developed and be grown and edified and developed and what their progress and joy in the what their progress and joy in the what their progress and joy in the faith. So as we walk through this, you faith. So as we walk through this, you faith. So as we walk through this, you know, Paul's goal is to magnify Christ. know, Paul's goal is to magnify Christ. know, Paul's goal is to magnify Christ. And then if he's staying with the And then if he's staying with the And then if he's staying with the church, he's investing them. He's he's church, he's investing them. He's he's church, he's investing them. He's he's encouraging them. He's growing them up encouraging them. He's growing them up encouraging them. He's growing them up so that they may do what? Magnify the so that they may do what? Magnify the so that they may do what? Magnify the name of Christ. Paul's goal is name of Christ. Paul's goal is name of Christ. Paul's goal is explicitly clear to the church is that explicitly clear to the church is that explicitly clear to the church is that he wants them to abound in Christ. Maybe he wants them to abound in Christ. Maybe he wants them to abound in Christ. Maybe your version says exalt Christ or glory your version says exalt Christ or glory your version says exalt Christ or glory in Christ. This word just means every in Christ. This word just means every in Christ. This word just means every any translation is just signifying hey any translation is just signifying hey any translation is just signifying hey we are ecstatic and we are enamored and we are ecstatic and we are enamored and we are ecstatic and we are enamored and we are magnifying the name of Christ.

we are magnifying the name of Christ. we are magnifying the name of Christ. So he goes on and we know that the labor So he goes on and we know that the labor So he goes on and we know that the labor means spending time with the Philippian means spending time with the Philippian means spending time with the Philippian church and the fruit is the progress and church and the fruit is the progress and church and the fruit is the progress and joy and faith. But again, we see this joy and faith. But again, we see this joy and faith. But again, we see this way Paul writes in a way that's way Paul writes in a way that's way Paul writes in a way that's technically termed as a deductive technically termed as a deductive technically termed as a deductive writing style, which means that just as writing style, which means that just as writing style, which means that just as he goes on, he goes from A leads to B he goes on, he goes from A leads to B he goes on, he goes from A leads to B leads to C and so on and so forth. So he leads to C and so on and so forth. So he leads to C and so on and so forth. So he starts off with this idea that my goal starts off with this idea that my goal starts off with this idea that my goal is to magnify the name of Jesus Christ, is to magnify the name of Jesus Christ, is to magnify the name of Jesus Christ, Lord Almighty. But then to die in that Lord Almighty. But then to die in that Lord Almighty. But then to die in that is gained for me. Why is that gained? is gained for me. Why is that gained? is gained for me. Why is that gained? Because what that means is that I get to Because what that means is that I get to Because what that means is that I get to be in the presence of my creator, my be in the presence of my creator, my be in the presence of my creator, my father. But if I live, then that means I father. But if I live, then that means I father. But if I live, then that means I get to be with the church. I get to get to be with the church. I get to get to be with the church. I get to edify them. I get to invest. I get to edify them. I get to invest. I get to edify them. I get to invest. I get to love. I get to pour into them. And then love. I get to pour into them. And then love. I get to pour into them. And then they are also emitting that same they are also emitting that same they are also emitting that same tenacity for the gospel of Christ. So in tenacity for the gospel of Christ. So in tenacity for the gospel of Christ. So in saying all this, understanding Paul's saying all this, understanding Paul's saying all this, understanding Paul's goal, the question then comes back to us goal, the question then comes back to us goal, the question then comes back to us is what are we living for? What's the is what are we living for? What's the is what are we living for? What's the thing in our life that gets us up in the thing in our life that gets us up in the thing in our life that gets us up in the morning that we look forward to? If we morning that we look forward to? If we morning that we look forward to? If we were to take verse 21 and say, "For to were to take verse 21 and say, "For to were to take verse 21 and say, "For to me to live is blank and to die is me to live is blank and to die is me to live is blank and to die is blank." What would that be for you? For blank." What would that be for you? For blank." What would that be for you? For some of us, we have a tendency to fill some of us, we have a tendency to fill some of us, we have a tendency to fill these blanks with cheap, material, these blanks with cheap, material, these blanks with cheap, material, unsatisfying things that at one point or unsatisfying things that at one point or unsatisfying things that at one point or another are going to fall to the wayside another are going to fall to the wayside another are going to fall to the wayside and just be dismissed. For some of us, and just be dismissed. For some of us, and just be dismissed. For some of us, we may say that for us, living is money we may say that for us, living is money we may say that for us, living is money or living is sexual pleasure or living or living is sexual pleasure or living or living is sexual pleasure or living is power or beauty or entertainment.

is power or beauty or entertainment. is power or beauty or entertainment. And while some of those things aren't And while some of those things aren't And while some of those things aren't inherently bad, like I said, we all we inherently bad, like I said, we all we inherently bad, like I said, we all we need money to live. That's just a fact need money to live. That's just a fact need money to live. That's just a fact of life. If that becomes our idol and of life. If that becomes our idol and of life. If that becomes our idol and our primary goal, what then happens is our primary goal, what then happens is our primary goal, what then happens is if to live is money, then to die is if to live is money, then to die is if to live is money, then to die is being broke. If to live is to seek being broke. If to live is to seek being broke. If to live is to seek pleasure, then to die is having no more pleasure, then to die is having no more pleasure, then to die is having no more pleasure. If to live is having power, pleasure. If to live is having power, pleasure. If to live is having power, then dying is being powerless. And if to then dying is being powerless. And if to then dying is being powerless. And if to live is finding fulfillment and live is finding fulfillment and live is finding fulfillment and entertainment, then dying is having no entertainment, then dying is having no entertainment, then dying is having no more fun. Paul completely flips this more fun. Paul completely flips this more fun. Paul completely flips this idea on its head when he says, "My sole idea on its head when he says, "My sole idea on its head when he says, "My sole purpose [snorts] is to magnify the name purpose [snorts] is to magnify the name purpose [snorts] is to magnify the name of Jesus." So to me, dying is gain. I of Jesus." So to me, dying is gain. I of Jesus." So to me, dying is gain. I get to be with the father in heaven. get to be with the father in heaven. get to be with the father in heaven. This is this idea that I just kind of This is this idea that I just kind of This is this idea that I just kind of laid out is what has so strongly gripped laid out is what has so strongly gripped laid out is what has so strongly gripped western culture, in particular, American western culture, in particular, American western culture, in particular, American culture. We have this idea of the culture. We have this idea of the culture. We have this idea of the American dream. You're like, "Oh, my American dream. You're like, "Oh, my American dream. You're like, "Oh, my goal is I want to have a large house, a goal is I want to have a large house, a goal is I want to have a large house, a lot of land, two-car garage, a garage lot of land, two-car garage, a garage lot of land, two-car garage, a garage fridge. Amen." Like that's the like the fridge. Amen." Like that's the like the fridge. Amen." Like that's the like the the token idea of status and wealth. And the token idea of status and wealth. And the token idea of status and wealth. And so we seek these things, but then what so we seek these things, but then what so we seek these things, but then what happens is they continually leave us happens is they continually leave us happens is they continually leave us wanting more. And this is this this wanting more. And this is this this wanting more. And this is this this perpetual cycle that we'll fall into if perpetual cycle that we'll fall into if perpetual cycle that we'll fall into if we're not careful. And there's actually we're not careful. And there's actually we're not careful. And there's actually a book in the Bible called Ecclesiastes a book in the Bible called Ecclesiastes a book in the Bible called Ecclesiastes where the author Solomon is known as the where the author Solomon is known as the where the author Solomon is known as the the wisest individual to ever grace the the wisest individual to ever grace the the wisest individual to ever grace the earth. And he is the king. He is the earth. And he is the king. He is the earth. And he is the king. He is the successor of King David. And so he is successor of King David. And so he is successor of King David. And so he is coming after a long lineage of of coming after a long lineage of of coming after a long lineage of of prominent strong kings in Israel. And he prominent strong kings in Israel. And he prominent strong kings in Israel. And he writes in the book of Ecclesiastes writes in the book of Ecclesiastes writes in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 2 starting in verse 4 his

chapter 2 starting in verse 4 his chapter 2 starting in verse 4 his thoughts and what happens whenever he is thoughts and what happens whenever he is thoughts and what happens whenever he is pursuing these things of the world. pursuing these things of the world. pursuing these things of the world. Follow with me along on the screen in Follow with me along on the screen in Follow with me along on the screen in verse four it says I enlarged my works. verse four it says I enlarged my works. verse four it says I enlarged my works. I built houses for myself. I planted I built houses for myself. I planted I built houses for myself. I planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and vineyards for myself. I made gardens and vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself and I planted in them parks for myself and I planted in them parks for myself and I planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made ponds all kinds of fruit trees. I made ponds all kinds of fruit trees. I made ponds of water for myself from which to of water for myself from which to of water for myself from which to irrigate a forest of growing trees. I irrigate a forest of growing trees. I irrigate a forest of growing trees. I bought male and female slaves and had bought male and female slaves and had bought male and female slaves and had homeborn slaves. I also possessed flocks homeborn slaves. I also possessed flocks homeborn slaves. I also possessed flocks and herds larger than who preceded me in and herds larger than who preceded me in and herds larger than who preceded me in Jerusalem. Also, I collected for myself Jerusalem. Also, I collected for myself Jerusalem. Also, I collected for myself silver and gold and the treasure of silver and gold and the treasure of silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for kings and provinces. I provided for kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female singers and the myself male and female singers and the myself male and female singers and the pleasures of men, many concubines. Then pleasures of men, many concubines. Then pleasures of men, many concubines. Then I became great and increased more than I became great and increased more than I became great and increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me. All that my wisdom also stood by me. All that my wisdom also stood by me. All that my eyes desired, I did not refuse them. I eyes desired, I did not refuse them. I eyes desired, I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any did not withhold my heart from any did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased pleasure, for my heart was pleased pleasure, for my heart was pleased because all of my labor, and this was because all of my labor, and this was because all of my labor, and this was the reward for my labor. Pause right the reward for my labor. Pause right the reward for my labor. Pause right there for just a second before we get to there for just a second before we get to there for just a second before we get to the last part. Solomon, one of the most the last part. Solomon, one of the most the last part. Solomon, one of the most powerful individuals to walk this earth powerful individuals to walk this earth powerful individuals to walk this earth given their time period, saw nothing given their time period, saw nothing given their time period, saw nothing that he liked and did not possess. If that he liked and did not possess. If that he liked and did not possess. If there was something that that stirred in there was something that that stirred in there was something that that stirred in his heart that he wanted, he grabbed it.

his heart that he wanted, he grabbed it. his heart that he wanted, he grabbed it. He pursued it. He went after it and he He pursued it. He went after it and he He pursued it. He went after it and he retrieved it. And he says in verse 10, retrieved it. And he says in verse 10, retrieved it. And he says in verse 10, he says, "And this was the reward of my he says, "And this was the reward of my he says, "And this was the reward of my labor." The things that he was able to labor." The things that he was able to labor." The things that he was able to attain was a reward for his labor. And attain was a reward for his labor. And attain was a reward for his labor. And then we go to verse 11 and it brings us then we go to verse 11 and it brings us then we go to verse 11 and it brings us to this grand crescendo of what the to this grand crescendo of what the to this grand crescendo of what the result of this pursuit of of monetary result of this pursuit of of monetary result of this pursuit of of monetary fleeting fame and wealth and all this fleeting fame and wealth and all this fleeting fame and wealth and all this is. It says, "Thus I considered all my is. It says, "Thus I considered all my is. It says, "Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and activities which my hands had done and activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted and behold the labor which I had exerted and behold the labor which I had exerted and behold all was vanity and striving after the all was vanity and striving after the all was vanity and striving after the wind and there was no profit under the wind and there was no profit under the wind and there was no profit under the sun." sun." sun." Solomon has has given us a sober Solomon has has given us a sober Solomon has has given us a sober reminder that everything that we pursue reminder that everything that we pursue reminder that everything that we pursue and everything that we are persistent and everything that we are persistent and everything that we are persistent with, if it is not exclusively with, if it is not exclusively with, if it is not exclusively magnifying the name of Christ, it's magnifying the name of Christ, it's magnifying the name of Christ, it's going to leave us feeling this reality going to leave us feeling this reality going to leave us feeling this reality that all of it was vanity and that we that all of it was vanity and that we that all of it was vanity and that we are striving after something that we are striving after something that we are striving after something that we would never fully find satisfaction in. would never fully find satisfaction in. would never fully find satisfaction in. The only thing that we can find that The only thing that we can find that The only thing that we can find that fulfillment and satisfaction is is Jesus fulfillment and satisfaction is is Jesus fulfillment and satisfaction is is Jesus Christ alone. Again, this is something Christ alone. Again, this is something Christ alone. Again, this is something that that entangles us and ens snares us that that entangles us and ens snares us that that entangles us and ens snares us as a culture and society that we think as a culture and society that we think as a culture and society that we think we have to have the next nicest thing or we have to have the next nicest thing or we have to have the next nicest thing or the newest like phone or the newest car the newest like phone or the newest car the newest like phone or the newest car or bigger house or whatever the case is.

or bigger house or whatever the case is. or bigger house or whatever the case is. But ultimately, it's worthless. It's But ultimately, it's worthless. It's But ultimately, it's worthless. It's meaningless. And as Paul is writing and meaningless. And as Paul is writing and meaningless. And as Paul is writing and he's he's continuing to say, he's like, he's he's continuing to say, he's like, he's he's continuing to say, he's like, "Hey, don't chase those things, but "Hey, don't chase those things, but "Hey, don't chase those things, but chase Christ in particular. Chase Christ chase Christ in particular. Chase Christ chase Christ in particular. Chase Christ and and fulfill this by being committed and and fulfill this by being committed and and fulfill this by being committed to labor. link arms with your brothers to labor. link arms with your brothers to labor. link arms with your brothers and sisters in Christ and follow along and sisters in Christ and follow along and sisters in Christ and follow along and serve one another and be with one and serve one another and be with one and serve one another and be with one another because apart from that, nothing another because apart from that, nothing another because apart from that, nothing is valid. Nothing is lasting. is valid. Nothing is lasting. is valid. Nothing is lasting. I've had over the last 3 to four years I've had over the last 3 to four years I've had over the last 3 to four years of my life this really, really cool of my life this really, really cool of my life this really, really cool opportunity to see verse 21, Philippians opportunity to see verse 21, Philippians opportunity to see verse 21, Philippians 1:21, played out in real time for me to 1:21, played out in real time for me to 1:21, played out in real time for me to live as Christ, to die as gain. My live as Christ, to die as gain. My live as Christ, to die as gain. My grandfather, who I grew up idolizing, he grandfather, who I grew up idolizing, he grandfather, who I grew up idolizing, he was the the patriarch of our family. was the the patriarch of our family. was the the patriarch of our family. He's the reason that my family's in He's the reason that my family's in He's the reason that my family's in church. He's a huge reason as to why I'm church. He's a huge reason as to why I'm church. He's a huge reason as to why I'm in ministry. He played college in ministry. He played college in ministry. He played college basketball. He did all these things. He basketball. He did all these things. He basketball. He did all these things. He was like, he was a rock star to me. And was like, he was a rock star to me. And was like, he was a rock star to me. And over the last couple years, um, he has over the last couple years, um, he has over the last couple years, um, he has just had grown older. And, I mean, as as just had grown older. And, I mean, as as just had grown older. And, I mean, as as age comes, he was beginning to age comes, he was beginning to age comes, he was beginning to deteriorate a little bit. I mean, he was deteriorate a little bit. I mean, he was deteriorate a little bit. I mean, he was at his peak, 6'8, 250, and then as time at his peak, 6'8, 250, and then as time at his peak, 6'8, 250, and then as time goes on, he would steadily shrink a goes on, he would steadily shrink a goes on, he would steadily shrink a little bit, and he became frail. And little bit, and he became frail. And little bit, and he became frail. And last summer, I got to go visit him in last summer, I got to go visit him in last summer, I got to go visit him in the hospital. uh just he had had some the hospital. uh just he had had some the hospital. uh just he had had some some issues. He had a heart attack and some issues. He had a heart attack and some issues. He had a heart attack and he was about to be discharged. But I he was about to be discharged. But I he was about to be discharged. But I remember sitting in there and he was he remember sitting in there and he was he remember sitting in there and he was he was pleading with me and this is at 93 was pleading with me and this is at 93 was pleading with me and this is at 93 years old at this point. He's like, years old at this point. He's like, years old at this point. He's like, "Cross, I'm ready to go. Like I'm good.

"Cross, I'm ready to go. Like I'm good. "Cross, I'm ready to go. Like I'm good. Like I know where I'm going. I'm ready Like I know where I'm going. I'm ready Like I know where I'm going. I'm ready to be with my creator. Praise God." But to be with my creator. Praise God." But to be with my creator. Praise God." But he also knew that in that same time he also knew that in that same time he also knew that in that same time frame, in that same moment, that because frame, in that same moment, that because frame, in that same moment, that because the little beat in his neck had not the little beat in his neck had not the little beat in his neck had not stopped yet, that there was still a goal stopped yet, that there was still a goal stopped yet, that there was still a goal for him to achieve. and that was to for him to achieve. and that was to for him to achieve. and that was to magnify the name of Christ through his magnify the name of Christ through his magnify the name of Christ through his life. So what he did was as he was in life. So what he did was as he was in life. So what he did was as he was in that hospital uh the poor medical staff that hospital uh the poor medical staff that hospital uh the poor medical staff of McCurten County Memorial Hospital, of McCurten County Memorial Hospital, of McCurten County Memorial Hospital, every medical professional that came in every medical professional that came in every medical professional that came in uh there was not one person that left uh there was not one person that left uh there was not one person that left without hearing a gospel presentation or without hearing a gospel presentation or without hearing a gospel presentation or that was that was not asked about hey that was that was not asked about hey that was that was not asked about hey what do you like do you practice any what do you like do you practice any what do you like do you practice any religion or getting to hear a little religion or getting to hear a little religion or getting to hear a little snippet of Glenn Steven's testimony or snippet of Glenn Steven's testimony or snippet of Glenn Steven's testimony or whatever you name it. But he knew that whatever you name it. But he knew that whatever you name it. But he knew that even as a as a frail old man at 93 years even as a as a frail old man at 93 years even as a as a frail old man at 93 years old who can do nothing for himself old who can do nothing for himself old who can do nothing for himself anymore, that has no agency, whose anymore, that has no agency, whose anymore, that has no agency, whose mental capacity is rapidly declining, mental capacity is rapidly declining, mental capacity is rapidly declining, that he still had a job to execute to that he still had a job to execute to that he still had a job to execute to magnify the name of Christ. And he did magnify the name of Christ. And he did magnify the name of Christ. And he did that until the very last breath that he that until the very last breath that he that until the very last breath that he took.

took. took. And so in April this last year, he got And so in April this last year, he got And so in April this last year, he got to he got to experience the gain Paul is to he got to experience the gain Paul is to he got to experience the gain Paul is talking about that because of the life talking about that because of the life talking about that because of the life he lived magnifying Christ, he is now he lived magnifying Christ, he is now he lived magnifying Christ, he is now experiencing the gain of eternal life experiencing the gain of eternal life experiencing the gain of eternal life with the father in heaven. And I'm I'm with the father in heaven. And I'm I'm with the father in heaven. And I'm I'm just beyond thankful for that. It has just beyond thankful for that. It has just beyond thankful for that. It has been such a cool opportunity to see been such a cool opportunity to see been such a cool opportunity to see that. And so as as we move through this that. And so as as we move through this that. And so as as we move through this point, we go to the next one. I I want point, we go to the next one. I I want point, we go to the next one. I I want to ask three questions for us to to ask three questions for us to to ask three questions for us to evaluate. First off, we know that evaluate. First off, we know that evaluate. First off, we know that through this committing to labor, to through this committing to labor, to through this committing to labor, to labor, we have to serve. We have to labor, we have to serve. We have to labor, we have to serve. We have to work, right? So the question is, are you work, right? So the question is, are you work, right? So the question is, are you serving? serving? serving? There are a number of areas in this in There are a number of areas in this in There are a number of areas in this in this body of Christ in this church where this body of Christ in this church where this body of Christ in this church where you can serve. There's preschool you can serve. There's preschool you can serve. There's preschool ministry, there is college, there's ministry, there is college, there's ministry, there is college, there's students, there's kids, there's all students, there's kids, there's all students, there's kids, there's all sorts of areas are you serving? Paul sorts of areas are you serving? Paul sorts of areas are you serving? Paul talks very frequently about this idea of talks very frequently about this idea of talks very frequently about this idea of the body of Christ being similar to a a the body of Christ being similar to a a the body of Christ being similar to a a physical body that we possess. He says physical body that we possess. He says physical body that we possess. He says that the the hand can't do the same that the the hand can't do the same that the the hand can't do the same thing the eye can or that the ear can't thing the eye can or that the ear can't thing the eye can or that the ear can't do the same thing the nose can. And so do the same thing the nose can. And so do the same thing the nose can. And so for us, I would ask if you were to leave for us, I would ask if you were to leave for us, I would ask if you were to leave the church, if you were to move, would the church, if you were to move, would the church, if you were to move, would your absence be felt?

your absence be felt? your absence be felt? Or are you in a position to where you're Or are you in a position to where you're Or are you in a position to where you're just a consumer and a spectator and as a just a consumer and a spectator and as a just a consumer and a spectator and as a result, your absence leaves no mark? result, your absence leaves no mark? result, your absence leaves no mark? You're in and out and nobody notices. I You're in and out and nobody notices. I You're in and out and nobody notices. I know for me, if you were to take away my know for me, if you were to take away my know for me, if you were to take away my left arm, I would I would miss this arm left arm, I would I would miss this arm left arm, I would I would miss this arm dearly. I'm left-handed. I would have to dearly. I'm left-handed. I would have to dearly. I'm left-handed. I would have to learn how to do a lot of stuff. Like I learn how to do a lot of stuff. Like I learn how to do a lot of stuff. Like I would recognize when my arm is would recognize when my arm is would recognize when my arm is disassociated with my body. And so for disassociated with my body. And so for disassociated with my body. And so for you guys as the body of Christ, are you you guys as the body of Christ, are you you guys as the body of Christ, are you fulfilling the role and the function fulfilling the role and the function fulfilling the role and the function that you have been given as believers in that you have been given as believers in that you have been given as believers in Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? And so if not, my my charge or my And so if not, my my charge or my And so if not, my my charge or my encouragement to you is, hey, look, encouragement to you is, hey, look, encouragement to you is, hey, look, let's get it in gear. Enough of being let's get it in gear. Enough of being let's get it in gear. Enough of being spectators. Let's get in the game there. spectators. Let's get in the game there. spectators. Let's get in the game there. The probably the greatest thing that The probably the greatest thing that The probably the greatest thing that Central does aside from preaching the Central does aside from preaching the Central does aside from preaching the gospel week in and week out is that we gospel week in and week out is that we gospel week in and week out is that we have a number of opportunities for you have a number of opportunities for you have a number of opportunities for you to serve. to serve. to serve. There are a lot of ways that you can get There are a lot of ways that you can get There are a lot of ways that you can get in the game. But then secondly is are in the game. But then secondly is are in the game. But then secondly is are you serving for the progress and joy of you serving for the progress and joy of you serving for the progress and joy of Christ to see others grow in their Christ to see others grow in their Christ to see others grow in their progress and joy of Christ so that they progress and joy of Christ so that they progress and joy of Christ so that they may boast in his name as well. That they may boast in his name as well. That they may boast in his name as well. That they may exalt his name as well. We sometimes may exalt his name as well. We sometimes may exalt his name as well. We sometimes get in this this kind of cycle of where get in this this kind of cycle of where get in this this kind of cycle of where we start off serving for good reason, we start off serving for good reason, we start off serving for good reason, but as time goes on, we slowly begin but as time goes on, we slowly begin but as time goes on, we slowly begin making about us and we're like, I want making about us and we're like, I want making about us and we're like, I want to I want to do this for me. And so, I to I want to do this for me. And so, I to I want to do this for me. And so, I just ask you to to to question that and just ask you to to to question that and just ask you to to to question that and and to think, what am I doing this for?

and to think, what am I doing this for? and to think, what am I doing this for? So, are we serving and are we serving to So, are we serving and are we serving to So, are we serving and are we serving to progress others in their joy for Christ? progress others in their joy for Christ? progress others in their joy for Christ? This is a huge compartment of Paul's This is a huge compartment of Paul's This is a huge compartment of Paul's illustration of, hey, we need to be illustration of, hey, we need to be illustration of, hey, we need to be committed to the cause. We need to be committed to the cause. We need to be committed to the cause. We need to be committed to labor. But secondly, we committed to labor. But secondly, we committed to labor. But secondly, we also need to be committed to suffer. also need to be committed to suffer. also need to be committed to suffer. And so I know that we as And so I know that we as And so I know that we as Christians in Jonesboro, Arkansas, we Christians in Jonesboro, Arkansas, we Christians in Jonesboro, Arkansas, we hear of suffering and we often times hear of suffering and we often times hear of suffering and we often times will attribute suffering directly to will attribute suffering directly to will attribute suffering directly to maybe one of the apostles or someone maybe one of the apostles or someone maybe one of the apostles or someone that was persecuted like likeund20, 300 that was persecuted like likeund20, 300 that was persecuted like likeund20, 300 years ago in a place that's closed to years ago in a place that's closed to years ago in a place that's closed to religion or Christianity. And while that religion or Christianity. And while that religion or Christianity. And while that is true, Paul is in the midst of facing is true, Paul is in the midst of facing is true, Paul is in the midst of facing suffering and persecution. There is a suffering and persecution. There is a suffering and persecution. There is a lot of suffering to be had here in lot of suffering to be had here in lot of suffering to be had here in Jonesboro. We have fallen in this trap Jonesboro. We have fallen in this trap Jonesboro. We have fallen in this trap of almost overromanticizing of almost overromanticizing of almost overromanticizing this idea of Christian martyrdom in the this idea of Christian martyrdom in the this idea of Christian martyrdom in the world. Like yes, praise the Lord that we world. Like yes, praise the Lord that we world. Like yes, praise the Lord that we have brothers and sisters in Christ, have brothers and sisters in Christ, have brothers and sisters in Christ, some of them that we have sent out from some of them that we have sent out from some of them that we have sent out from Central to go to these areas that are Central to go to these areas that are Central to go to these areas that are closed off to the gospel that could closed off to the gospel that could closed off to the gospel that could legitimately lose their life for sharing legitimately lose their life for sharing legitimately lose their life for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Praise the good news of Jesus Christ. Praise the good news of Jesus Christ. Praise God for them. But what that's done is God for them. But what that's done is God for them. But what that's done is because of the grand scale and scope of because of the grand scale and scope of because of the grand scale and scope of what they're doing, we then have what they're doing, we then have what they're doing, we then have sometimes flipped on ourselves thinking, sometimes flipped on ourselves thinking, sometimes flipped on ourselves thinking, "Okay, well then what I have to offer is "Okay, well then what I have to offer is "Okay, well then what I have to offer is meaningless or is marginal or is meaningless or is marginal or is meaningless or is marginal or is unimportant." And friends, that could unimportant." And friends, that could unimportant." And friends, that could not be the farthest thing that cannot be not be the farthest thing that cannot be not be the farthest thing that cannot be further from the truth. The roles that further from the truth. The roles that further from the truth. The roles that we have here are so instrumental. You we have here are so instrumental. You we have here are so instrumental. You just look on staff here at Central and

just look on staff here at Central and just look on staff here at Central and you've got people like Jacob Lindley and you've got people like Jacob Lindley and you've got people like Jacob Lindley and Jonathan Freeman, Cameron Moore, Inter Jonathan Freeman, Cameron Moore, Inter Jonathan Freeman, Cameron Moore, Inter like all sorts of people that have been like all sorts of people that have been like all sorts of people that have been directly influenced by you guys, by life directly influenced by you guys, by life directly influenced by you guys, by life groups, by DGroups, by families and groups, by DGroups, by families and groups, by DGroups, by families and parents and friends and brothers and parents and friends and brothers and parents and friends and brothers and sisters that have spurred them on. And sisters that have spurred them on. And sisters that have spurred them on. And that is the labor and suffering we're that is the labor and suffering we're that is the labor and suffering we're talking about. So we have a role to play talking about. So we have a role to play talking about. So we have a role to play here even though that we're not in fear here even though that we're not in fear here even though that we're not in fear of losing our lives for the gospel. And of losing our lives for the gospel. And of losing our lives for the gospel. And so we all have a part to play. But more so we all have a part to play. But more so we all have a part to play. But more specifically, this idea of suffering, we specifically, this idea of suffering, we specifically, this idea of suffering, we see in this next section of scripture, see in this next section of scripture, see in this next section of scripture, Paul, he doesn't change the course Paul, he doesn't change the course Paul, he doesn't change the course entirely. What he does is he kind of entirely. What he does is he kind of entirely. What he does is he kind of breaks down this idea of committing to breaks down this idea of committing to breaks down this idea of committing to Christ. This is what it looks like to Christ. This is what it looks like to Christ. This is what it looks like to suffer. Look back with me at verse 27. suffer. Look back with me at verse 27. suffer. Look back with me at verse 27. It says, "Only conduct yourselves in a It says, "Only conduct yourselves in a It says, "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. So that whether I come and see you or So that whether I come and see you or So that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear that you are remain absent, I will hear that you are remain absent, I will hear that you are standing firm in one spirit with one standing firm in one spirit with one standing firm in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the faith of mind, striving together for the faith of mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel." in no way alarmed by your the gospel." in no way alarmed by your the gospel." in no way alarmed by your opponents which is a sign of destruction opponents which is a sign of destruction opponents which is a sign of destruction for them but of salvation for you and for them but of salvation for you and for them but of salvation for you and that too from God. So here Paul is that too from God. So here Paul is that too from God. So here Paul is saying hey if you want to commit to saying hey if you want to commit to saying hey if you want to commit to Christ if you want to commit to exalting Christ if you want to commit to exalting Christ if you want to commit to exalting his name this is some these are some his name this is some these are some his name this is some these are some requirements that need to be true of requirements that need to be true of requirements that need to be true of your life. You need to be walking in a your life. You need to be walking in a your life. You need to be walking in a manner worthy of the gospel. And so what manner worthy of the gospel. And so what manner worthy of the gospel. And so what does that exactly look like? We have the does that exactly look like? We have the does that exactly look like? We have the goal but the evidence of that we see in goal but the evidence of that we see in goal but the evidence of that we see in the next part of this verse. The goal of the next part of this verse. The goal of the next part of this verse. The goal of that is standing firm, to be unified that is standing firm, to be unified that is standing firm, to be unified with one body and one spirit, with one body and one spirit, with one body and one spirit, to be striving together, and to be in no to be striving together, and to be in no to be striving together, and to be in no way alarmed by opponents. These four

way alarmed by opponents. These four way alarmed by opponents. These four components make up kind of this this components make up kind of this this components make up kind of this this body of evidence to show, hey, they're body of evidence to show, hey, they're body of evidence to show, hey, they're walking in a manner worthy of the walking in a manner worthy of the walking in a manner worthy of the gospel, which then leads us to gospel, which then leads us to gospel, which then leads us to understand that they are committing to understand that they are committing to understand that they are committing to the cause of exalting and magnifying the the cause of exalting and magnifying the the cause of exalting and magnifying the name of Jesus Christ. And so when we name of Jesus Christ. And so when we name of Jesus Christ. And so when we hear this word standing firm, this is hear this word standing firm, this is hear this word standing firm, this is kind of illustrating this like defensive kind of illustrating this like defensive kind of illustrating this like defensive posture that you're going to take heed. posture that you're going to take heed. posture that you're going to take heed. You're going to take root, that you're You're going to take root, that you're You're going to take root, that you're not going to be moved and swayed by the not going to be moved and swayed by the not going to be moved and swayed by the es and flows of the sufferings and the es and flows of the sufferings and the es and flows of the sufferings and the tragedies and and the and the tragedies and and the and the tragedies and and the and the frustrations of this world. So it's this frustrations of this world. So it's this frustrations of this world. So it's this idea of standing firm together, holding idea of standing firm together, holding idea of standing firm together, holding the ground together, but then you also the ground together, but then you also the ground together, but then you also have this idea of one spirit, one mind. have this idea of one spirit, one mind. have this idea of one spirit, one mind. We're unified. We're unified. We're unified. It's so cool that we as a body of It's so cool that we as a body of It's so cool that we as a body of Christ, we all follow under fall under Christ, we all follow under fall under Christ, we all follow under fall under one goal. We want to reach, connect, one goal. We want to reach, connect, one goal. We want to reach, connect, disciple, and send. disciple, and send. disciple, and send. We send students all the time. We send We send students all the time. We send We send students all the time. We send people all the time to go to unreached people all the time to go to unreached people all the time to go to unreached people groups to reach people groups to people groups to reach people groups to people groups to reach people groups to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We want to see disciples made. We want to want to see disciples made. We want to want to see disciples made. We want to see the city of Jonesboro connected and see the city of Jonesboro connected and see the city of Jonesboro connected and reached and plugged into this local body reached and plugged into this local body reached and plugged into this local body of believers being unified, but then of believers being unified, but then of believers being unified, but then also we're called to strive together.

also we're called to strive together. also we're called to strive together. So, not only are we supposed to take So, not only are we supposed to take So, not only are we supposed to take like take a stand and stand firm like take a stand and stand firm like take a stand and stand firm together, but then we're also supposed together, but then we're also supposed together, but then we're also supposed to take ground together and advance to take ground together and advance to take ground together and advance together, pushing and spurring one together, pushing and spurring one together, pushing and spurring one another on. We have a great opportunity another on. We have a great opportunity another on. We have a great opportunity all throughout the church for all throughout the church for all throughout the church for disciplehip and investment. I know disciplehip and investment. I know disciplehip and investment. I know Kinsey has is working incredibly hard as Kinsey has is working incredibly hard as Kinsey has is working incredibly hard as we are kind of revitalizing some things we are kind of revitalizing some things we are kind of revitalizing some things with in terms of disciplehip. And it's with in terms of disciplehip. And it's with in terms of disciplehip. And it's exciting to see and hear already of the exciting to see and hear already of the exciting to see and hear already of the little stories of men that are bought in little stories of men that are bought in little stories of men that are bought in and that are desiring to strive together and that are desiring to strive together and that are desiring to strive together and for the women that are desiring to and for the women that are desiring to and for the women that are desiring to strive together. But then lastly, Paul strive together. But then lastly, Paul strive together. But then lastly, Paul says that we are to in no way be alarmed says that we are to in no way be alarmed says that we are to in no way be alarmed by the opposition. by the opposition. by the opposition. Friends, if we are convinced that Jesus Friends, if we are convinced that Jesus Friends, if we are convinced that Jesus is who he says he is and and that the is who he says he is and and that the is who he says he is and and that the gospel is true, gospel is true, gospel is true, then what this means is that for us to then what this means is that for us to then what this means is that for us to die is gain. And because the sting of die is gain. And because the sting of die is gain. And because the sting of death has been removed, we just sang death has been removed, we just sang death has been removed, we just sang about it earlier. Then man, we are not about it earlier. Then man, we are not about it earlier. Then man, we are not alarmed by anything the opposition can alarmed by anything the opposition can alarmed by anything the opposition can bring us. There's nothing they can bring us. There's nothing they can bring us. There's nothing they can throw. There's no plan or play that he throw. There's no plan or play that he throw. There's no plan or play that he can run that can that can strike fear can run that can that can strike fear can run that can that can strike fear into us. Maybe like a a little bit of into us. Maybe like a a little bit of into us. Maybe like a a little bit of momentary fear, but long lasting fear.

momentary fear, but long lasting fear. momentary fear, but long lasting fear. Absolutely not. We get to have joy in Absolutely not. We get to have joy in Absolutely not. We get to have joy in the fact that in life or in death, we the fact that in life or in death, we the fact that in life or in death, we are gaining and making Christ known. So are gaining and making Christ known. So are gaining and making Christ known. So those are evidences of this. But then we those are evidences of this. But then we those are evidences of this. But then we also see that there are some results of also see that there are some results of also see that there are some results of this. If we are to uphold those four this. If we are to uphold those four this. If we are to uphold those four things, what then happens? We look down things, what then happens? We look down things, what then happens? We look down and we see that this is a sign of and we see that this is a sign of and we see that this is a sign of destruction for them. them being the destruction for them. them being the destruction for them. them being the opposition, but then a sign of salvation opposition, but then a sign of salvation opposition, but then a sign of salvation for us. If we are upholding those four for us. If we are upholding those four for us. If we are upholding those four things, if we're walking in a manner things, if we're walking in a manner things, if we're walking in a manner worthy of the gospel, then man, that's worthy of the gospel, then man, that's worthy of the gospel, then man, that's proof that at some point, maybe not proof that at some point, maybe not proof that at some point, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but at some today, maybe not tomorrow, but at some today, maybe not tomorrow, but at some point soon, the enemy is going to be point soon, the enemy is going to be point soon, the enemy is going to be defeated and Christ is going to be defeated and Christ is going to be defeated and Christ is going to be magnified to the highest degree when he magnified to the highest degree when he magnified to the highest degree when he returns back for his bride. But then returns back for his bride. But then returns back for his bride. But then also this is evidence of salvation for also this is evidence of salvation for also this is evidence of salvation for us that if if you are doing these things us that if if you are doing these things us that if if you are doing these things together then man there's only one together then man there's only one together then man there's only one reason we can be linked so tightly and reason we can be linked so tightly and reason we can be linked so tightly and that is through the love of Jesus that is through the love of Jesus that is through the love of Jesus Christ. And then the last thing in this Christ. And then the last thing in this Christ. And then the last thing in this in this section that we see is we see in this section that we see is we see in this section that we see is we see the result and then we see the root the the result and then we see the root the the result and then we see the root the root of it all. How do we even begin to root of it all. How do we even begin to root of it all. How do we even begin to take steps into walking in this manner take steps into walking in this manner take steps into walking in this manner worthy of Christ? And the answer is to worthy of Christ? And the answer is to worthy of Christ? And the answer is to believe and suffer believe and suffer believe and suffer in the Bible belt of America. It is very in the Bible belt of America. It is very in the Bible belt of America. It is very easy to believe, I say that loosely, to easy to believe, I say that loosely, to easy to believe, I say that loosely, to believe in the gospel or to believe in believe in the gospel or to believe in believe in the gospel or to believe in Christ. But it's even more so to suffer Christ. But it's even more so to suffer Christ. But it's even more so to suffer for Christ. We got a lot of people that for Christ. We got a lot of people that for Christ. We got a lot of people that have sweet little coffee mugs and have sweet little coffee mugs and have sweet little coffee mugs and calendars in their fridge that have

calendars in their fridge that have calendars in their fridge that have really cool Bible verses on them that really cool Bible verses on them that really cool Bible verses on them that have not even like touched the area of have not even like touched the area of have not even like touched the area of suffering for Christ. suffering for Christ. suffering for Christ. But on the flip side of that, why would But on the flip side of that, why would But on the flip side of that, why would anybody want to suffer for something anybody want to suffer for something anybody want to suffer for something they don't believe in? When I was in they don't believe in? When I was in they don't believe in? When I was in college, I got the I I was able to play college, I got the I I was able to play college, I got the I I was able to play college basketball for a couple years. college basketball for a couple years. college basketball for a couple years. And in my time of playing basketball, uh And in my time of playing basketball, uh And in my time of playing basketball, uh it was easy for me to wake up at 5 in it was easy for me to wake up at 5 in it was easy for me to wake up at 5 in the morning to go work out, go do the morning to go work out, go do the morning to go work out, go do weights, go run, do whatever because I weights, go run, do whatever because I weights, go run, do whatever because I was committed to the cause that we as a was committed to the cause that we as a was committed to the cause that we as a team had. I was satisfied in the cause team had. I was satisfied in the cause team had. I was satisfied in the cause that we were going towards. But the that we were going towards. But the that we were going towards. But the second that I stopped playing, there was second that I stopped playing, there was second that I stopped playing, there was zero part of me that still wanted to go zero part of me that still wanted to go zero part of me that still wanted to go wake up at 5 in the morning and run wake up at 5 in the morning and run wake up at 5 in the morning and run hills or come back immediately after hills or come back immediately after hills or come back immediately after spring break and do just the absolute spring break and do just the absolute spring break and do just the absolute worst like 70-minute workout of my worst like 70-minute workout of my worst like 70-minute workout of my entire life. So, if I'm not believing in entire life. So, if I'm not believing in entire life. So, if I'm not believing in something, then I'm not going to suffer something, then I'm not going to suffer something, then I'm not going to suffer for it. And so, we have to have this for it. And so, we have to have this for it. And so, we have to have this this this congruent effort on both sides this this congruent effort on both sides this this congruent effort on both sides that we need to believe, but we also that we need to believe, but we also that we need to believe, but we also need to suffer. and suffering. Like we need to suffer. and suffering. Like we need to suffer. and suffering. Like we said, yes, there's the aspect of some of said, yes, there's the aspect of some of said, yes, there's the aspect of some of you may legitimately be mocked or you may legitimately be mocked or you may legitimately be mocked or persecuted at work or with friends or at persecuted at work or with friends or at persecuted at work or with friends or at school because of the things you school because of the things you school because of the things you believe. But a lot of this persecution believe. But a lot of this persecution believe. But a lot of this persecution and this suffering that we're going to and this suffering that we're going to and this suffering that we're going to feel is the denial of our own flesh. The feel is the denial of our own flesh. The feel is the denial of our own flesh. The denial of of pursuing these goals and denial of of pursuing these goals and denial of of pursuing these goals and aspirations aspirations aspirations that as a result feel like we are that as a result feel like we are that as a result feel like we are suffering because we are not satisfying suffering because we are not satisfying suffering because we are not satisfying the nature of our flesh. But in reality the nature of our flesh. But in reality the nature of our flesh. But in reality that suffering only leads to what?

that suffering only leads to what? that suffering only leads to what? Magnification of the name of Jesus. So Magnification of the name of Jesus. So Magnification of the name of Jesus. So friends, we are called to suffer and friends, we are called to suffer and friends, we are called to suffer and believe for him. And all of this is what believe for him. And all of this is what believe for him. And all of this is what ultimately leads to this culmination of ultimately leads to this culmination of ultimately leads to this culmination of walking in a manner worthy of Christ. So walking in a manner worthy of Christ. So walking in a manner worthy of Christ. So we need to be committed to laboring for we need to be committed to laboring for we need to be committed to laboring for and with one another. And we need to be and with one another. And we need to be and with one another. And we need to be committing to suffering for and with one committing to suffering for and with one committing to suffering for and with one another. Because when we do both of another. Because when we do both of another. Because when we do both of these things, these feed into this these things, these feed into this these things, these feed into this avenue and this idea of committing to avenue and this idea of committing to avenue and this idea of committing to the cause. Paul lays this out for us and the cause. Paul lays this out for us and the cause. Paul lays this out for us and shows us this so clearly. As I begin to shows us this so clearly. As I begin to shows us this so clearly. As I begin to close, um I want to go back to the close, um I want to go back to the close, um I want to go back to the question that we started with and that question that we started with and that question that we started with and that is what are you living for? is what are you living for? is what are you living for? Some of us in here, a lot of us in here Some of us in here, a lot of us in here Some of us in here, a lot of us in here again are living for things that are not again are living for things that are not again are living for things that are not making Christ known. exalting the name making Christ known. exalting the name making Christ known. exalting the name of Christ, boasting in the name of of Christ, boasting in the name of of Christ, boasting in the name of Christ. Christ. Christ. But then the flip side of that question But then the flip side of that question But then the flip side of that question is what would you die for? is what would you die for? is what would you die for? The things that you are pursuing, would The things that you are pursuing, would The things that you are pursuing, would you die for those things? Would you lay you die for those things? Would you lay you die for those things? Would you lay your life on the line for those things?

your life on the line for those things? your life on the line for those things? I would go as far to say probably not. I would go as far to say probably not. I would go as far to say probably not. And so for us to ask this question and And so for us to ask this question and And so for us to ask this question and evaluate, we have to really come to evaluate, we have to really come to evaluate, we have to really come to grips with this idea of, hey, when I am grips with this idea of, hey, when I am grips with this idea of, hey, when I am magnifying and making the name of magnifying and making the name of magnifying and making the name of Christ, there's a lot that I have to let Christ, there's a lot that I have to let Christ, there's a lot that I have to let go and release. go and release. go and release. I cannot serve myself and Christ at the I cannot serve myself and Christ at the I cannot serve myself and Christ at the same time. I need to release that. And same time. I need to release that. And same time. I need to release that. And so, church, if you're here this morning so, church, if you're here this morning so, church, if you're here this morning and maybe you don't you don't like and maybe you don't you don't like and maybe you don't you don't like you're not even at the starting point, you're not even at the starting point, you're not even at the starting point, you don't have a relationship with the you don't have a relationship with the you don't have a relationship with the Lord. You're like, I don't know how to Lord. You're like, I don't know how to Lord. You're like, I don't know how to magnify his name because I I'm not uh I magnify his name because I I'm not uh I magnify his name because I I'm not uh I have not trusted in that salvific work have not trusted in that salvific work have not trusted in that salvific work that he paid for on the cross. Man, we that he paid for on the cross. Man, we that he paid for on the cross. Man, we have we're going to have pastors and have we're going to have pastors and have we're going to have pastors and ministers and leaders down here that ministers and leaders down here that ministers and leaders down here that would love to talk with you, that would would love to talk with you, that would would love to talk with you, that would love to pray with you because it can be love to pray with you because it can be love to pray with you because it can be one of the most daunting things to to one of the most daunting things to to one of the most daunting things to to get up out of your seat and walk down. get up out of your seat and walk down. get up out of your seat and walk down. But man, we would love to walk through But man, we would love to walk through But man, we would love to walk through that with you. But then also for the that with you. But then also for the that with you. But then also for the church, for those that are walking in church, for those that are walking in church, for those that are walking in this walk, that are fighting this good this walk, that are fighting this good this walk, that are fighting this good fight. For those that are doing it well, fight. For those that are doing it well, fight. For those that are doing it well, I want to encourage you and exhort you I want to encourage you and exhort you I want to encourage you and exhort you and say, "Well done. Continue on, keep and say, "Well done. Continue on, keep and say, "Well done. Continue on, keep pressing on. Who's that person you can pressing on. Who's that person you can pressing on. Who's that person you can bring on with you? Who's that person you bring on with you? Who's that person you bring on with you? Who's that person you can link arms with and strive with or can link arms with and strive with or can link arms with and strive with or that you can hold accountable or that that you can hold accountable or that that you can hold accountable or that you can stand your ground with?" But you can stand your ground with?" But you can stand your ground with?" But then for those that are saying, "Hey, I then for those that are saying, "Hey, I then for those that are saying, "Hey, I think I'm just a spectator. Like I've think I'm just a spectator. Like I've think I'm just a spectator. Like I've got season tickets to Sundays and to VBS got season tickets to Sundays and to VBS got season tickets to Sundays and to VBS and to camps and to moveins and all and to camps and to moveins and all and to camps and to moveins and all sorts of stuff, but I am I'm not in this sorts of stuff, but I am I'm not in this sorts of stuff, but I am I'm not in this committed relationship to serve and to committed relationship to serve and to committed relationship to serve and to suffer.

suffer. suffer. And friends, I want to caution you that And friends, I want to caution you that And friends, I want to caution you that if those things are omitted from our if those things are omitted from our if those things are omitted from our lives, lives, lives, then you have to ask, am I really then you have to ask, am I really then you have to ask, am I really committed to magnifying the name of committed to magnifying the name of committed to magnifying the name of Christ? Christ? Christ? So, I'm going to pray. And if this is So, I'm going to pray. And if this is So, I'm going to pray. And if this is you, if if this is a reality for your you, if if this is a reality for your you, if if this is a reality for your life, again, we we don't want you to sit life, again, we we don't want you to sit life, again, we we don't want you to sit here. Pastor Archie says all the time here. Pastor Archie says all the time here. Pastor Archie says all the time that everybody gives a response. Some that everybody gives a response. Some that everybody gives a response. Some people just choose to not respond as people just choose to not respond as people just choose to not respond as their response. Some people come down their response. Some people come down their response. Some people come down and we don't want to pressure you, but and we don't want to pressure you, but and we don't want to pressure you, but again, we this is something that we are again, we this is something that we are again, we this is something that we are so seriously invested in the unification so seriously invested in the unification so seriously invested in the unification and the progression of the gospel in the and the progression of the gospel in the and the progression of the gospel in the body of Christ. And this is how it's body of Christ. And this is how it's body of Christ. And this is how it's achieved. Looking back at VBS, we had achieved. Looking back at VBS, we had achieved. Looking back at VBS, we had over 300 volunteers, adults. How cool over 300 volunteers, adults. How cool over 300 volunteers, adults. How cool would it be to see 600 volunteers and would it be to see 600 volunteers and would it be to see 600 volunteers and the 900 volunteers or for college movein the 900 volunteers or for college movein the 900 volunteers or for college movein to have over 350 people help in the hot to have over 350 people help in the hot to have over 350 people help in the hot August heat carry cinder blocks up 12 August heat carry cinder blocks up 12 August heat carry cinder blocks up 12 flights of stairs? Like that is a like flights of stairs? Like that is a like flights of stairs? Like that is a like that is suffering that you're that is suffering that you're that is suffering that you're self-inflicting that to a normal person self-inflicting that to a normal person self-inflicting that to a normal person would seem absolutely insane.

would seem absolutely insane. would seem absolutely insane. But what it does is it strengthens the But what it does is it strengthens the But what it does is it strengthens the body of Christ in a way that very few body of Christ in a way that very few body of Christ in a way that very few other things do. other things do. other things do. And so I'm going to pray and then we'll And so I'm going to pray and then we'll And so I'm going to pray and then we'll close out this morning and uh we can we close out this morning and uh we can we close out this morning and uh we can we can be done. So Father, thank you so can be done. So Father, thank you so can be done. So Father, thank you so much for this morning. God, thank you much for this morning. God, thank you much for this morning. God, thank you for the reality that we have an for the reality that we have an for the reality that we have an opportunity to know you. But God, opportunity to know you. But God, opportunity to know you. But God, ultimately I pray that we would we would ultimately I pray that we would we would ultimately I pray that we would we would leave here understanding that our main leave here understanding that our main leave here understanding that our main goal is not an occupation. Our main goal goal is not an occupation. Our main goal goal is not an occupation. Our main goal is not a financial status. It's not a is not a financial status. It's not a is not a financial status. It's not a it's not relational equity. It's none of it's not relational equity. It's none of it's not relational equity. It's none of those things. But God, it is exclusively those things. But God, it is exclusively those things. But God, it is exclusively in you. Lord, I pray that we as a church in you. Lord, I pray that we as a church in you. Lord, I pray that we as a church would seek to aim to magnify your name. would seek to aim to magnify your name. would seek to aim to magnify your name. That we as individuals would would That we as individuals would would That we as individuals would would posture our lives around the idea of posture our lives around the idea of posture our lives around the idea of magnifying the name of your son, Jesus magnifying the name of your son, Jesus magnifying the name of your son, Jesus Christ. That we wouldn't seek our Christ. That we wouldn't seek our Christ. That we wouldn't seek our selfish desires or our selfish pleasures selfish desires or our selfish pleasures selfish desires or our selfish pleasures above you. But God, that we would above you. But God, that we would above you. But God, that we would prioritize you. We would we would strive prioritize you. We would we would strive prioritize you. We would we would strive for you. God, I pray for that we would for you. God, I pray for that we would for you. God, I pray for that we would walk in a manner worthy of the gospel. walk in a manner worthy of the gospel. walk in a manner worthy of the gospel. That we would stay unified. That we That we would stay unified. That we That we would stay unified. That we would stand firm. we would strive and would stand firm. we would strive and would stand firm. we would strive and that we would not be fearful of what that we would not be fearful of what that we would not be fearful of what could be thrown at us, but God, that you could be thrown at us, but God, that you could be thrown at us, but God, that you would prevail and that you would be would prevail and that you would be would prevail and that you would be glorified. So God, we love you and we glorified. So God, we love you and we glorified. So God, we love you and we praise you and Lord, we ask this all in praise you and Lord, we ask this all in praise you and Lord, we ask this all in your precious and holy name. [music] your precious and holy name. [music] your precious and holy name. [music] Amen.

Thank you for joining us this morning. Thank you for joining us this morning. If God spoke to you today, take the next If God spoke to you today, take the next If God spoke to you today, take the next faithful step by texting [music] ready faithful step by texting [music] ready faithful step by texting [music] ready to 870-9351950. We will get in touch with you as soon as We will get in touch with you as soon as possible. We're thankful you've joined possible. We're thankful you've joined possible. We're thankful you've joined us this morning. We believe [music] us this morning. We believe [music] us this morning. We believe [music] God's plan is for every believer to be God's plan is for every believer to be God's plan is for every believer to be involved with a local church. So, come involved with a local church. So, come involved with a local church. So, come be a part of what God is [music] doing be a part of what God is [music] doing be a part of what God is [music] doing here at Central or in a local church here at Central or in a local church here at Central or in a local church near you. God bless and have a great near you. God bless and have a great near you. God bless and have a great day.