Everyday Joy - Living As A Citizen Of Heaven- Dr. Archie Mason

Amen and amen. Well, again, good Amen and amen. Well, again, good morning. Welcome here to uh Central. I morning. Welcome here to uh Central. I morning. Welcome here to uh Central. I know a lot of folks are just joining us know a lot of folks are just joining us know a lot of folks are just joining us now through uh live streaming or by now through uh live streaming or by now through uh live streaming or by television. So, good morning. If you got television. So, good morning. If you got television. So, good morning. If you got a Bible with you, let's take it and turn a Bible with you, let's take it and turn a Bible with you, let's take it and turn to the book of Philippians chapter 3. to the book of Philippians chapter 3. to the book of Philippians chapter 3. And we're going to pick up on verse 17. And we're going to pick up on verse 17. And we're going to pick up on verse 17. Maybe you got your Bible on your phone. Maybe you got your Bible on your phone. Maybe you got your Bible on your phone. Uh if you don't have your phone either, Uh if you don't have your phone either, Uh if you don't have your phone either, we're going to have a text on the screen we're going to have a text on the screen we're going to have a text on the screen here uh in just a moment. As I said here uh in just a moment. As I said here uh in just a moment. As I said earlier, we're teaching through the book earlier, we're teaching through the book earlier, we're teaching through the book of Philippians for the next few weeks. of Philippians for the next few weeks. of Philippians for the next few weeks. We'll finish that up. Uh we'll jump into We'll finish that up. Uh we'll jump into We'll finish that up. Uh we'll jump into uh Colossians uh on Sunday morning. So, uh Colossians uh on Sunday morning. So, uh Colossians uh on Sunday morning. So, excited about that. Living as citizens excited about that. Living as citizens excited about that. Living as citizens of heaven. Now, here in the United of heaven. Now, here in the United of heaven. Now, here in the United States of America, I can remember States of America, I can remember States of America, I can remember uh after I came to faith in Christ that uh after I came to faith in Christ that uh after I came to faith in Christ that uh some of my friends began to tell me uh some of my friends began to tell me uh some of my friends began to tell me said, "Hey, Archie, you need to make said, "Hey, Archie, you need to make said, "Hey, Archie, you need to make sure you got your passport. You got it sure you got your passport. You got it sure you got your passport. You got it updated uh because, you know, if if God updated uh because, you know, if if God updated uh because, you know, if if God opens up an opportunity to maybe travel, opens up an opportunity to maybe travel, opens up an opportunity to maybe travel, do missionary work around the world." do missionary work around the world." do missionary work around the world." And my background is in agriculture, and And my background is in agriculture, and And my background is in agriculture, and so even now the mission trips I'm a part so even now the mission trips I'm a part so even now the mission trips I'm a part of, we're vaccinating treating cattle of, we're vaccinating treating cattle of, we're vaccinating treating cattle and sheep and goats and chickens and and sheep and goats and chickens and and sheep and goats and chickens and stuff and then preaching uh at night uh stuff and then preaching uh at night uh stuff and then preaching uh at night uh out in villages and places like that.

out in villages and places like that. out in villages and places like that. So, uh I keep my passport updated. This So, uh I keep my passport updated. This So, uh I keep my passport updated. This is evidence of being a citizen of the is evidence of being a citizen of the is evidence of being a citizen of the United States of America. That's what a United States of America. That's what a United States of America. That's what a passport is. And so, when we travel, I passport is. And so, when we travel, I passport is. And so, when we travel, I keep it in my office all the time uh in keep it in my office all the time uh in keep it in my office all the time uh in my desk here at the church. When we my desk here at the church. When we my desk here at the church. When we travel, though, uh I always keep my travel, though, uh I always keep my travel, though, uh I always keep my passport, which I keep everything in my passport, which I keep everything in my passport, which I keep everything in my front pockets anyway, but I keep my front pockets anyway, but I keep my front pockets anyway, but I keep my passport. If I'm wearing jeans or if passport. If I'm wearing jeans or if passport. If I'm wearing jeans or if I've got my cargo pants on or if I'm out I've got my cargo pants on or if I'm out I've got my cargo pants on or if I'm out there working cows or whatever I'm there working cows or whatever I'm there working cows or whatever I'm doing, I got uh one of those uh pocket doing, I got uh one of those uh pocket doing, I got uh one of those uh pocket things on the side. It's always with me. things on the side. It's always with me. things on the side. It's always with me. And so, a lot of times we're in places And so, a lot of times we're in places And so, a lot of times we're in places around the world that they know we're around the world that they know we're around the world that they know we're not from there. And so, we might go not from there. And so, we might go not from there. And so, we might go through a checkpoint or something. They through a checkpoint or something. They through a checkpoint or something. They may pull us over and go, "Hey, where are may pull us over and go, "Hey, where are may pull us over and go, "Hey, where are you Where are y'all from?" And uh we'll you Where are y'all from?" And uh we'll you Where are y'all from?" And uh we'll say United States of America. They say United States of America. They say United States of America. They always ask. They say, "Do you have your always ask. They say, "Do you have your always ask. They say, "Do you have your passport with you?" Evidence that that's passport with you?" Evidence that that's passport with you?" Evidence that that's the country that you're from, that the country that you're from, that the country that you're from, that you're a citizen of. And so, yeah, you you're a citizen of. And so, yeah, you you're a citizen of. And so, yeah, you know, I always do it. And then when I know, I always do it. And then when I know, I always do it. And then when I show it to them, it's just one of these show it to them, it's just one of these show it to them, it's just one of these things that I'm around the world. I keep things that I'm around the world. I keep things that I'm around the world. I keep one hand on it all the time. And uh I one hand on it all the time. And uh I one hand on it all the time. And uh I always do like this. Now, it it's good always do like this. Now, it it's good always do like this. Now, it it's good to have this when you travel, especially to have this when you travel, especially to have this when you travel, especially around the world, cuz we got US around the world, cuz we got US around the world, cuz we got US embassies in different countries around embassies in different countries around embassies in different countries around the world. And so, if something happened the world. And so, if something happened the world. And so, if something happened or occurred, you know, while you're or occurred, you know, while you're or occurred, you know, while you're traveling, you always go to the US traveling, you always go to the US traveling, you always go to the US embassy, walk up to the gates, grab embassy, walk up to the gates, grab embassy, walk up to the gates, grab military personnel there. You got to military personnel there. You got to military personnel there. You got to show them this passport. They're going show them this passport. They're going show them this passport. They're going to ask you a bunch of questions, and to ask you a bunch of questions, and to ask you a bunch of questions, and hopefully they're going to let you in.

hopefully they're going to let you in. hopefully they're going to let you in. And if you need something, so it's just And if you need something, so it's just And if you need something, so it's just evidence that. Now, when you travel evidence that. Now, when you travel evidence that. Now, when you travel around the world, and maybe you've been around the world, and maybe you've been around the world, and maybe you've been out in places, and a lot of times we're out in places, and a lot of times we're out in places, and a lot of times we're just in just in just in uh rural parts around the world where I uh rural parts around the world where I uh rural parts around the world where I go, and and some of the team members go, and and some of the team members go, and and some of the team members with me. So, when you come back in the with me. So, when you come back in the with me. So, when you come back in the United States, you're usually craving United States, you're usually craving United States, you're usually craving something that you may not can get while something that you may not can get while something that you may not can get while you're traveling around the world, like you're traveling around the world, like you're traveling around the world, like a good old greasy cheeseburger. So, when a good old greasy cheeseburger. So, when a good old greasy cheeseburger. So, when you get off the plane, whether if it's you get off the plane, whether if it's you get off the plane, whether if it's in Atlanta, or whether if it's in New in Atlanta, or whether if it's in New in Atlanta, or whether if it's in New York, or you know, one of those York, or you know, one of those York, or you know, one of those international uh where you come in the international uh where you come in the international uh where you come in the airport, uh you you've got these sorting airport, uh you you've got these sorting airport, uh you you've got these sorting lines, is what they're called. Same lines, is what they're called. Same lines, is what they're called. Same thing you go to another country, it's thing you go to another country, it's thing you go to another country, it's going to say citizen of that country or going to say citizen of that country or going to say citizen of that country or tourist. And you come back in the US, it tourist. And you come back in the US, it tourist. And you come back in the US, it says US citizen, or it may say tourist. says US citizen, or it may say tourist. says US citizen, or it may say tourist. And so, man, you you know, all the US And so, man, you you know, all the US And so, man, you you know, all the US citizens got their passports out there, citizens got their passports out there, citizens got their passports out there, getting in that line. They're coming getting in that line. They're coming getting in that line. They're coming through there. And so, you kind of weave through there. And so, you kind of weave through there. And so, you kind of weave around, work your way. And then you around, work your way. And then you around, work your way. And then you always come to a point where there's a always come to a point where there's a always come to a point where there's a customs agent, a man or a woman. customs agent, a man or a woman. customs agent, a man or a woman. Now, they're armed, and they're there, Now, they're armed, and they're there, Now, they're armed, and they're there, and there's always custom agents and there's always custom agents and there's always custom agents standing back here watching you and standing back here watching you and standing back here watching you and looking at everything. And so, you looking at everything. And so, you looking at everything. And so, you always walk up there, and you always always walk up there, and you always always walk up there, and you always smile, and you be a nice. And they say smile, and you be a nice. And they say smile, and you be a nice. And they say hello, and say hello. And you hand that hello, and say hello. And you hand that hello, and say hello. And you hand that passport to them. And so, it slides passport to them. And so, it slides passport to them. And so, it slides under the plexiglass. And they always under the plexiglass. And they always under the plexiglass. And they always hold this passport up, and they look at hold this passport up, and they look at hold this passport up, and they look at this picture, and then they look at you.

this picture, and then they look at you. this picture, and then they look at you. They look at this picture, and they look They look at this picture, and they look They look at this picture, and they look at you. Then they usually scan it at you. Then they usually scan it at you. Then they usually scan it through a little machine, hold it back through a little machine, hold it back through a little machine, hold it back up, look at it again, look at you. I up, look at it again, look at you. I up, look at it again, look at you. I remember one time I was coming back in remember one time I was coming back in remember one time I was coming back in Atlanta, Atlanta, Atlanta, and the custom agent, he looked at me, and the custom agent, he looked at me, and the custom agent, he looked at me, he said, "Mr. Mason." I said, "Yes, he said, "Mr. Mason." I said, "Yes, he said, "Mr. Mason." I said, "Yes, sir." He said, "What have you been sir." He said, "What have you been sir." He said, "What have you been doing?" Well, you know, when you're an Well, you know, when you're an agriculture worker around the world, agriculture worker around the world, agriculture worker around the world, it's and you're coming back in the US, I it's and you're coming back in the US, I it's and you're coming back in the US, I mean, you got dirt, you got stuff on mean, you got dirt, you got stuff on mean, you got dirt, you got stuff on you. I was kind of went, "Oh, no. I you. I was kind of went, "Oh, no. I you. I was kind of went, "Oh, no. I don't know if this is It's to be a back don't know if this is It's to be a back don't know if this is It's to be a back room deal, or watch to happen." But, you room deal, or watch to happen." But, you room deal, or watch to happen." But, you know, and I said, "I've been on a know, and I said, "I've been on a know, and I said, "I've been on a mission trip." He said, "Mission trip?" mission trip." He said, "Mission trip?" mission trip." He said, "Mission trip?" I said, "Yeah." And he starts weaving I said, "Yeah." And he starts weaving I said, "Yeah." And he starts weaving in the seat. in the seat. in the seat. "Turn your eyes upon" and he paused and "Turn your eyes upon" and he paused and "Turn your eyes upon" and he paused and went, I said, "Jesus." went, I said, "Jesus." went, I said, "Jesus." He said, "All right. Now." He handed it He said, "All right. Now." He handed it He said, "All right. Now." He handed it back and it's always the best part of back and it's always the best part of back and it's always the best part of it. He hands it back and he goes, it. He hands it back and he goes, it. He hands it back and he goes, "Welcome home, Mr. Mason." That is an undeniable feeling. That is an undeniable feeling. Because you see, in the United States of Because you see, in the United States of Because you see, in the United States of America, look, it's not perfect. We It's America, look, it's not perfect. We It's America, look, it's not perfect. We It's made up of us. We're all a little crazy made up of us. We're all a little crazy made up of us. We're all a little crazy and that kind of stuff. I tell you what, and that kind of stuff. I tell you what, and that kind of stuff. I tell you what, I've been around the world, and it's the I've been around the world, and it's the I've been around the world, and it's the best place to live than any place. And best place to live than any place. And best place to live than any place. And so, I'm always sad when I come back home so, I'm always sad when I come back home so, I'm always sad when I come back home and he says, "Welcome home." You know and he says, "Welcome home." You know and he says, "Welcome home." You know there's a day coming as a believer there's a day coming as a believer there's a day coming as a believer that we're going to enter into eternity that we're going to enter into eternity that we're going to enter into eternity in a in a in a very contextual way. We know the Bible very contextual way. We know the Bible very contextual way. We know the Bible says, says, "Well done, good and says, says, "Well done, good and says, says, "Well done, good and faithful servant." But it's going to be faithful servant." But it's going to be faithful servant." But it's going to be like the Lord Jesus Christ is going to like the Lord Jesus Christ is going to like the Lord Jesus Christ is going to say, say, say, "Welcome home."

"Welcome home." "Welcome home." You know, I was not always a citizen You know, I was not always a citizen You know, I was not always a citizen of heaven. of heaven. of heaven. In March of 1990, In March of 1990, In March of 1990, my name was written in the citizenship my name was written in the citizenship my name was written in the citizenship book of heaven. book of heaven. book of heaven. March 1990. March 1990. March 1990. Sitting in church, went to Arkansas, Sitting in church, went to Arkansas, Sitting in church, went to Arkansas, Jerry Papsin, evangelist. I had grown up Jerry Papsin, evangelist. I had grown up Jerry Papsin, evangelist. I had grown up in a Baptist church. I'd heard it all my in a Baptist church. I'd heard it all my in a Baptist church. I'd heard it all my life. I knew all the verses. I knew all life. I knew all the verses. I knew all life. I knew all the verses. I knew all the songs. I could sing, "Turn Your Eyes the songs. I could sing, "Turn Your Eyes the songs. I could sing, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." I knew it all. Upon Jesus." I knew it all. Upon Jesus." I knew it all. I just knew Christ with my head and not I just knew Christ with my head and not I just knew Christ with my head and not my heart. In fact, what I was trying to my heart. In fact, what I was trying to my heart. In fact, what I was trying to do is I was trying to earn my way into do is I was trying to earn my way into do is I was trying to earn my way into heaven. heaven. heaven. Even though I grew up in a good gospel Even though I grew up in a good gospel Even though I grew up in a good gospel preaching church and was there every preaching church and was there every preaching church and was there every Sunday all the time anytime doors are Sunday all the time anytime doors are Sunday all the time anytime doors are open, I just thought I could be open, I just thought I could be open, I just thought I could be good enough and try to gain it. good enough and try to gain it. good enough and try to gain it. But at the age of 25 in 1990, under But at the age of 25 in 1990, under But at the age of 25 in 1990, under conviction of sin, I confessed Christ as conviction of sin, I confessed Christ as conviction of sin, I confessed Christ as Lord, asked him to take control of my Lord, asked him to take control of my Lord, asked him to take control of my life. I repented of my sins, and guess life. I repented of my sins, and guess life. I repented of my sins, and guess what? My name was written in the Lamb's what? My name was written in the Lamb's what? My name was written in the Lamb's Book of Life. You know, this proof of Book of Life. You know, this proof of Book of Life. You know, this proof of citizenship, citizenship, citizenship, this just basically shows where I live, this just basically shows where I live, this just basically shows where I live, but right there shows where I belong.

but right there shows where I belong. but right there shows where I belong. And it shows where I'm going one day. And it shows where I'm going one day. And it shows where I'm going one day. And that's why the Bible rings true when And that's why the Bible rings true when And that's why the Bible rings true when it one day the Lord say well done good it one day the Lord say well done good it one day the Lord say well done good and faithful servant. Now I share that and faithful servant. Now I share that and faithful servant. Now I share that with you because Paul in the book of with you because Paul in the book of with you because Paul in the book of Philippians writing to the church of Philippians writing to the church of Philippians writing to the church of Philippi, he's writing to those who are Philippi, he's writing to those who are Philippi, he's writing to those who are Roman citizens but they are hundreds of Roman citizens but they are hundreds of Roman citizens but they are hundreds of miles away from Rome. They dress like miles away from Rome. They dress like miles away from Rome. They dress like Roman citizens, they talk like Roman Roman citizens, they talk like Roman Roman citizens, they talk like Roman citizens, they got all the culture of citizens, they got all the culture of citizens, they got all the culture of Rome. But in fact what he's reminding Rome. But in fact what he's reminding Rome. But in fact what he's reminding them are that they are as a Roman them are that they are as a Roman them are that they are as a Roman citizen, yeah that's a place they live citizen, yeah that's a place they live citizen, yeah that's a place they live but they belong in a place called heaven but they belong in a place called heaven but they belong in a place called heaven that even though they're there, they are that even though they're there, they are that even though they're there, they are to live as a citizen of heaven. And see to live as a citizen of heaven. And see to live as a citizen of heaven. And see when you have that mindset as a believer when you have that mindset as a believer when you have that mindset as a believer to live as a citizen of heaven, it to live as a citizen of heaven, it to live as a citizen of heaven, it changes everything upon this earth. So changes everything upon this earth. So changes everything upon this earth. So again, that's what Paul is saying. Now again, that's what Paul is saying. Now again, that's what Paul is saying. Now we're going to break it down today very we're going to break it down today very we're going to break it down today very simple outline. simple outline. simple outline. Work through it. If you're going to live Work through it. If you're going to live Work through it. If you're going to live as a citizen of heaven, you got to say as a citizen of heaven, you got to say as a citizen of heaven, you got to say well how do you do that? Well number well how do you do that? Well number well how do you do that? Well number one, you got to walk with the right one, you got to walk with the right one, you got to walk with the right people. So we're going to work through people. So we're going to work through people. So we're going to work through that. But also number two, you got to that. But also number two, you got to that. But also number two, you got to watch for the wrong people. Now watch for the wrong people. Now watch for the wrong people. Now as believers we I'm going to raise my as believers we I'm going to raise my as believers we I'm going to raise my hand for all of us. We have all made hand for all of us. We have all made hand for all of us. We have all made mistakes, we have all failed. I'm not mistakes, we have all failed. I'm not mistakes, we have all failed. I'm not talking about somebody messed up or that talking about somebody messed up or that talking about somebody messed up or that kind of stuff. I but this passage kind kind of stuff. I but this passage kind kind of stuff. I but this passage kind of lays out those who are called the of lays out those who are called the of lays out those who are called the enemies of the cross of Christ. So gives enemies of the cross of Christ. So gives enemies of the cross of Christ. So gives you some very specific wording to watch you some very specific wording to watch you some very specific wording to watch for the wrong people. But also we live for the wrong people. But also we live for the wrong people. But also we live as a citizen of heaven by waiting for as a citizen of heaven by waiting for as a citizen of heaven by waiting for the return the return the return of the savior. Now I know you just got of the savior. Now I know you just got of the savior. Now I know you just got comfortable, I know you got seated but comfortable, I know you got seated but comfortable, I know you got seated but if you don't mind if you're able, would if you don't mind if you're able, would if you don't mind if you're able, would you stand for the public reading of the you stand for the public reading of the you stand for the public reading of the word of God and then I'll let you sit word of God and then I'll let you sit word of God and then I'll let you sit back down. Here we go. Brethren, join in back down. Here we go. Brethren, join in back down. Here we go. Brethren, join in following my example and observe those

following my example and observe those following my example and observe those who walk according to the pattern you who walk according to the pattern you who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk of whom I have have in us. For many walk of whom I have have in us. For many walk of whom I have often told you and now tell you even often told you and now tell you even often told you and now tell you even weeping weeping weeping that they are enemies of the cross of that they are enemies of the cross of that they are enemies of the cross of Christ whose end is destruction, whose Christ whose end is destruction, whose Christ whose end is destruction, whose God is their appetite and whose glory is God is their appetite and whose glory is God is their appetite and whose glory is in their shame and who set their minds in their shame and who set their minds in their shame and who set their minds on earthly things. There's a really a on earthly things. There's a really a on earthly things. There's a really a fourfold description there of what to fourfold description there of what to fourfold description there of what to watch for. But also he says this, for watch for. But also he says this, for watch for. But also he says this, for our citizenship is in heaven from which our citizenship is in heaven from which our citizenship is in heaven from which also we eagerly wait for savior the Lord also we eagerly wait for savior the Lord also we eagerly wait for savior the Lord Jesus Christ who will transform the body Jesus Christ who will transform the body Jesus Christ who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with of our humble state into conformity with of our humble state into conformity with the body of his glory by the exhortation the body of his glory by the exhortation the body of his glory by the exhortation of power that he has even to subject all of power that he has even to subject all of power that he has even to subject all things to himself. Let's pray. Father, things to himself. Let's pray. Father, things to himself. Let's pray. Father, thank you for today. thank you for today. thank you for today. Lord, thank you for loving us. We can Lord, thank you for loving us. We can Lord, thank you for loving us. We can only love you because you first loved only love you because you first loved only love you because you first loved us. Holy Spirit, speak to us today. I us. Holy Spirit, speak to us today. I us. Holy Spirit, speak to us today. I know there are many believers here uh know there are many believers here uh know there are many believers here uh believers engaging with us online. believers engaging with us online. believers engaging with us online. Lord, I pray you disciple us. Lord, Lord, I pray you disciple us. Lord, Lord, I pray you disciple us. Lord, show us Lord how to live as a citizen of show us Lord how to live as a citizen of show us Lord how to live as a citizen of heaven. Remind us. There may be those heaven. Remind us. There may be those heaven. Remind us. There may be those here today who need to renew the joy of here today who need to renew the joy of here today who need to renew the joy of your salvation upon their life. But your salvation upon their life. But your salvation upon their life. But Lord, also too, Lord, also too, Lord, also too, the citizen of heaven, that's a yes or the citizen of heaven, that's a yes or the citizen of heaven, that's a yes or no question.

no question. no question. And so Lord, there I know there are And so Lord, there I know there are And so Lord, there I know there are those here and some engaging with us those here and some engaging with us those here and some engaging with us that they're not citizens of heaven. I that they're not citizens of heaven. I that they're not citizens of heaven. I pray today is a day of salvation. I pray pray today is a day of salvation. I pray pray today is a day of salvation. I pray that you will save someone today. Today that you will save someone today. Today that you will save someone today. Today that someone's name will be written in that someone's name will be written in that someone's name will be written in the Lamb's Book of Life. May it be for the Lamb's Book of Life. May it be for the Lamb's Book of Life. May it be for your glory and your honor. In your name your glory and your honor. In your name your glory and your honor. In your name we pray. The name of Jesus and all God's we pray. The name of Jesus and all God's we pray. The name of Jesus and all God's people said, "Amen. Amen." Please be people said, "Amen. Amen." Please be people said, "Amen. Amen." Please be seated if you would. Thanks for standing seated if you would. Thanks for standing seated if you would. Thanks for standing for the for the for the public reading of scripture. So how do public reading of scripture. So how do public reading of scripture. So how do we walk with the right people? Paul, he we walk with the right people? Paul, he we walk with the right people? Paul, he he starts out. So you got to realize he starts out. So you got to realize he starts out. So you got to realize this. Church Philippi, Roman citizens, this. Church Philippi, Roman citizens, this. Church Philippi, Roman citizens, you know, living in that Roman culture, you know, living in that Roman culture, you know, living in that Roman culture, all that kind of stuff. He's he's all that kind of stuff. He's he's all that kind of stuff. He's he's speaking to them and basically he says speaking to them and basically he says speaking to them and basically he says this. He says, "You got to choose who this. He says, "You got to choose who this. He says, "You got to choose who you're going to follow. You got to find you're going to follow. You got to find you're going to follow. You got to find some spiritual mentors. You've got to some spiritual mentors. You've got to some spiritual mentors. You've got to look around." And and Paul even says, look around." And and Paul even says, look around." And and Paul even says, "Following my example." Now, I don't "Following my example." Now, I don't "Following my example." Now, I don't know how many of us would say, "Hey, if know how many of us would say, "Hey, if know how many of us would say, "Hey, if you want to follow Christ then follow me you want to follow Christ then follow me you want to follow Christ then follow me and I'll teach you how to follow and I'll teach you how to follow and I'll teach you how to follow Christ." We should do that, but I was Christ." We should do that, but I was Christ." We should do that, but I was supposed to say, "Well, I got some supposed to say, "Well, I got some supposed to say, "Well, I got some shortcomings and stuff and failures." shortcomings and stuff and failures." shortcomings and stuff and failures." That may be what the Holy Spirit's That may be what the Holy Spirit's That may be what the Holy Spirit's speaking to us today in such a way speaking to us today in such a way speaking to us today in such a way about, "Hey, how can we renew that, about, "Hey, how can we renew that, about, "Hey, how can we renew that, refresh that walk with the Lord?" You refresh that walk with the Lord?" You refresh that walk with the Lord?" You got to find out. When I came to faith in got to find out. When I came to faith in got to find out. When I came to faith in Christ at age 25, I was discipled by Christ at age 25, I was discipled by Christ at age 25, I was discipled by a bunch of farmers. You know, really a bunch of farmers. You know, really a bunch of farmers. You know, really what happens, maturity can be more what happens, maturity can be more what happens, maturity can be more caught than taught, spiritual maturity.

caught than taught, spiritual maturity. caught than taught, spiritual maturity. We we often God will often show us more We we often God will often show us more We we often God will often show us more through people than he will through some through people than he will through some through people than he will through some kind of platform. So I know I'm here kind of platform. So I know I'm here kind of platform. So I know I'm here preaching and teaching. We call this preaching and teaching. We call this preaching and teaching. We call this kind of that platform and that. But kind of that platform and that. But kind of that platform and that. But really in spiritual maturity, what a lot really in spiritual maturity, what a lot really in spiritual maturity, what a lot of times it's more caught than it is of times it's more caught than it is of times it's more caught than it is actually taught. And so you've got to actually taught. And so you've got to actually taught. And so you've got to find folks, choose those that you can find folks, choose those that you can find folks, choose those that you can follow after. You see, for example, I follow after. You see, for example, I follow after. You see, for example, I remember after coming to faith in remember after coming to faith in remember after coming to faith in Christ, some of the other guys taught Christ, some of the other guys taught Christ, some of the other guys taught me, me, me, you know, about uh and that's what the you know, about uh and that's what the you know, about uh and that's what the Bible says, younger women, I mean, older Bible says, younger women, I mean, older Bible says, younger women, I mean, older women teach the younger women, older men women teach the younger women, older men women teach the younger women, older men younger men. Be that mentor for them. younger men. Be that mentor for them. younger men. Be that mentor for them. You know, figure out somebody in your You know, figure out somebody in your You know, figure out somebody in your life like, how do they respond to stuff? life like, how do they respond to stuff? life like, how do they respond to stuff? How do they I met a couple this this How do they I met a couple this this How do they I met a couple this this morning. They've been married like 3 morning. They've been married like 3 morning. They've been married like 3 months and uh I'm like, wow, you know? months and uh I'm like, wow, you know? months and uh I'm like, wow, you know? And then uh we had a couple just had a And then uh we had a couple just had a And then uh we had a couple just had a 40-year wedding anniversary, you know? 40-year wedding anniversary, you know? 40-year wedding anniversary, you know? So and and so when you choose that So and and so when you choose that So and and so when you choose that person to follow, you got to say, how do person to follow, you got to say, how do person to follow, you got to say, how do they respond to stuff? That's when Paul they respond to stuff? That's when Paul they respond to stuff? That's when Paul says, follow in my example. How do they says, follow in my example. How do they says, follow in my example. How do they How do they How does a wife, if you're a How do they How does a wife, if you're a How do they How does a wife, if you're a young lady and you're looking at uh an young lady and you're looking at uh an young lady and you're looking at uh an older lady, how's she respond to her older lady, how's she respond to her older lady, how's she respond to her husband? How do How do they handle husband? How do How do they handle husband? How do How do they handle stress? How do they handle marriage stress? How do they handle marriage stress? How do they handle marriage difficulties? How do do that? That's the difficulties? How do do that? That's the difficulties? How do do that? That's the idea. That's right here. And again, a idea. That's right here. And again, a idea. That's right here. And again, a lot of times it's more spiritual lot of times it's more spiritual lot of times it's more spiritual maturity be more caught than taught uh maturity be more caught than taught uh maturity be more caught than taught uh in this. And so he says, follow in my in this. And so he says, follow in my in this. And so he says, follow in my example, but he also says this in the example, but he also says this in the example, but he also says this in the text. He says, observe those. He says, text. He says, observe those. He says, text. He says, observe those. He says, study them.

study them. study them. Uh you can find them. So I I can tell Uh you can find them. So I I can tell Uh you can find them. So I I can tell you this that regardless in the church you this that regardless in the church you this that regardless in the church and and say in business. So in the and and say in business. So in the and and say in business. So in the church, if you're looking to bring folks church, if you're looking to bring folks church, if you're looking to bring folks on on staff in the church, if it's on on staff in the church, if it's on on staff in the church, if it's pastors or whoever it may be, you know, pastors or whoever it may be, you know, pastors or whoever it may be, you know, one thing's when you're you're in this one thing's when you're you're in this one thing's when you're you're in this process of doing this, you look and you process of doing this, you look and you process of doing this, you look and you want to follow God's leadership, but you want to follow God's leadership, but you want to follow God's leadership, but you do not want to bring somebody on that's do not want to bring somebody on that's do not want to bring somebody on that's going to cause disunity to the team. You going to cause disunity to the team. You going to cause disunity to the team. You do not want to do that. Uh who's going do not want to do that. Uh who's going do not want to do that. Uh who's going to cause an up people. But you also to cause an up people. But you also to cause an up people. But you also don't in business, if you are uh a boss, don't in business, if you are uh a boss, don't in business, if you are uh a boss, a man or woman, supervisor, and you're a man or woman, supervisor, and you're a man or woman, supervisor, and you're in charge of hiring, you don't want to in charge of hiring, you don't want to in charge of hiring, you don't want to bring somebody on a team that's going to bring somebody on a team that's going to bring somebody on a team that's going to disrupt your team. And and it's always, disrupt your team. And and it's always, disrupt your team. And and it's always, you know, you can dot all the i's and you know, you can dot all the i's and you know, you can dot all the i's and cross all the t's. I can tell you this, cross all the t's. I can tell you this, cross all the t's. I can tell you this, but you don't know somebody till you but you don't know somebody till you but you don't know somebody till you work with them. work with them. work with them. Let me say that again. You don't know Let me say that again. You don't know Let me say that again. You don't know somebody till you work with them. somebody till you work with them. somebody till you work with them. Because when you work with them, that's Because when you work with them, that's Because when you work with them, that's when all the frustrations come out, all when all the frustrations come out, all when all the frustrations come out, all the stuff that's there, you know, all the stuff that's there, you know, all the stuff that's there, you know, all the things that happen in this. And so, the things that happen in this. And so, the things that happen in this. And so, again, when when Paul is talking about again, when when Paul is talking about again, when when Paul is talking about it, he said, "You've got to observe.

it, he said, "You've got to observe. it, he said, "You've got to observe. You've got to study. You've got to study. You've got to study. You've got to choose that person to You've got to choose that person to You've got to choose that person to follow after." And so, again, it it's follow after." And so, again, it it's follow after." And so, again, it it's out there being careful in that. But, out there being careful in that. But, out there being careful in that. But, also, his idea that we are to become also, his idea that we are to become also, his idea that we are to become that example ourself. If someone was to that example ourself. If someone was to that example ourself. If someone was to follow you around, if you profess faith follow you around, if you profess faith follow you around, if you profess faith in Christ, you're a believer. If they in Christ, you're a believer. If they in Christ, you're a believer. If they were to follow you around, would their were to follow you around, would their were to follow you around, would their life follow you around for a year? Would life follow you around for a year? Would life follow you around for a year? Would their life look more like Jesus in a their life look more like Jesus in a their life look more like Jesus in a year or not? year or not? year or not? Does our lives point people to Christ or Does our lives point people to Christ or Does our lives point people to Christ or not? That's the idea here of walking not? That's the idea here of walking not? That's the idea here of walking with the right people. I know one aspect with the right people. I know one aspect with the right people. I know one aspect is so, we got a lot of groups that are is so, we got a lot of groups that are is so, we got a lot of groups that are starting, things that are coming up, starting, things that are coming up, starting, things that are coming up, things that are happening. So, we got things that are happening. So, we got things that are happening. So, we got men's groups. A godly man will be I'll men's groups. A godly man will be I'll men's groups. A godly man will be I'll be teaching that through this fall, be teaching that through this fall, be teaching that through this fall, things like in the groups. You know, men things like in the groups. You know, men things like in the groups. You know, men men have a hard time praying out loud. men have a hard time praying out loud. men have a hard time praying out loud. They have a hard time praying with each They have a hard time praying with each They have a hard time praying with each other out loud. They I don't know if we other out loud. They I don't know if we other out loud. They I don't know if we get embarrassed or whatever, but what get embarrassed or whatever, but what get embarrassed or whatever, but what what is so cool about men? Now, girls, what is so cool about men? Now, girls, what is so cool about men? Now, girls, ladies are different. You know, they are ladies are different. You know, they are ladies are different. You know, they are more more more open with each other. Men are kind of open with each other. Men are kind of open with each other. Men are kind of closed off until they get to know closed off until they get to know closed off until they get to know someone, someone, someone, until they feel they can be vulnerable until they feel they can be vulnerable until they feel they can be vulnerable with a friend, cuz they just won't share with a friend, cuz they just won't share with a friend, cuz they just won't share everything at one time. But, I'll tell everything at one time. But, I'll tell everything at one time. But, I'll tell you what, when that men's group gets you what, when that men's group gets you what, when that men's group gets close and they begin to share, that's close and they begin to share, that's close and they begin to share, that's where the maturity, that's where the where the maturity, that's where the where the maturity, that's where the growth, that's where a younger man can growth, that's where a younger man can growth, that's where a younger man can learn from the older man. Same thing learn from the older man. Same thing learn from the older man. Same thing with the ladies groups. That's where with the ladies groups. That's where with the ladies groups. That's where younger ladies learn from other groups.

younger ladies learn from other groups. younger ladies learn from other groups. So, again, maybe this maybe what the So, again, maybe this maybe what the So, again, maybe this maybe what the Lord's doing in your life is, you know, Lord's doing in your life is, you know, Lord's doing in your life is, you know, you're not being that example you need you're not being that example you need you're not being that example you need to be because somebody is always to be because somebody is always to be because somebody is always watching you. watching you. watching you. Regardless of what if you're in college, Regardless of what if you're in college, Regardless of what if you're in college, if you're playing athletics, or whatever if you're playing athletics, or whatever if you're playing athletics, or whatever you're doing, someone is always you're doing, someone is always you're doing, someone is always watching. So, you got to learn if you're watching. So, you got to learn if you're watching. So, you got to learn if you're going to live as a citizen of heaven, going to live as a citizen of heaven, going to live as a citizen of heaven, you got to walk with the right people. you got to walk with the right people. you got to walk with the right people. Now, you cannot build a compound Now, you cannot build a compound Now, you cannot build a compound somewhere and not be around folks that somewhere and not be around folks that somewhere and not be around folks that uh don't know Christ. I am so glad that uh don't know Christ. I am so glad that uh don't know Christ. I am so glad that I I I was not put to the side, cast out of the was not put to the side, cast out of the was not put to the side, cast out of the whatever when I was an unbeliever. I'm whatever when I was an unbeliever. I'm whatever when I was an unbeliever. I'm glad there were people who invested in glad there were people who invested in glad there were people who invested in me. I'm glad there are people who me. I'm glad there are people who me. I'm glad there are people who influenced me. I'm glad there are people influenced me. I'm glad there are people influenced me. I'm glad there are people who tried to build into me even though I who tried to build into me even though I who tried to build into me even though I knew how to be good with the good, but I knew how to be good with the good, but I knew how to be good with the good, but I knew how to be really bad with the bad. knew how to be really bad with the bad. knew how to be really bad with the bad. That was just my testimony in life. And That was just my testimony in life. And That was just my testimony in life. And so again, you cannot just separate so again, you cannot just separate so again, you cannot just separate yourself away. That's not the idea. You yourself away. That's not the idea. You yourself away. That's not the idea. You got to walk with the right people. But got to walk with the right people. But got to walk with the right people. But also what Paul does, he says you got to also what Paul does, he says you got to also what Paul does, he says you got to watch watch watch for the wrong people. Now, this is some for the wrong people. Now, this is some for the wrong people. Now, this is some strong language here. So, when he starts strong language here. So, when he starts strong language here. So, when he starts out here, he says, "I tell you this, I out here, he says, "I tell you this, I out here, he says, "I tell you this, I tell you this weeping." So, that means tell you this weeping." So, that means tell you this weeping." So, that means he's saddened. Because what he's saying he's saddened. Because what he's saying he's saddened. Because what he's saying is he says their end is destruction.

is he says their end is destruction. is he says their end is destruction. They will perish apart from Christ. They will perish apart from Christ. They will perish apart from Christ. There are two places that await all There are two places that await all There are two places that await all people, heaven or hell, okay? people, heaven or hell, okay? people, heaven or hell, okay? Who makes the difference is Jesus Christ Who makes the difference is Jesus Christ Who makes the difference is Jesus Christ and faith and repentance in in him. And and faith and repentance in in him. And and faith and repentance in in him. And you may say, "Well, I disagree with you may say, "Well, I disagree with you may say, "Well, I disagree with that." Well, you got to take your that." Well, you got to take your that." Well, you got to take your argument up with God cuz it's in the argument up with God cuz it's in the argument up with God cuz it's in the Bible. And and so, what he's saying is Bible. And and so, what he's saying is Bible. And and so, what he's saying is he says, "I weep over this." Maybe he says, "I weep over this." Maybe he says, "I weep over this." Maybe you've got a friend that's lost or a you've got a friend that's lost or a you've got a friend that's lost or a family member that you're just almost family member that you're just almost family member that you're just almost like weeping over them and their like weeping over them and their like weeping over them and their lostness and their separation from lostness and their separation from lostness and their separation from That's what Paul is here. He does not He That's what Paul is here. He does not He That's what Paul is here. He does not He does not, you know, laugh or he's not does not, you know, laugh or he's not does not, you know, laugh or he's not happy that folks are going to face happy that folks are going to face happy that folks are going to face destruction when he says, "No, I tell destruction when he says, "No, I tell destruction when he says, "No, I tell you this even weeping." He said that you this even weeping." He said that you this even weeping." He said that they are enemies of the cross of Christ. they are enemies of the cross of Christ. they are enemies of the cross of Christ. Now, strong language. You're an enemy of Now, strong language. You're an enemy of Now, strong language. You're an enemy of the cross. Wow. You say, "Well, who the cross. Wow. You say, "Well, who the cross. Wow. You say, "Well, who would that be, Brother Archie?" Well, would that be, Brother Archie?" Well, would that be, Brother Archie?" Well, I know what comes to mind. You say, "Oh, I know what comes to mind. You say, "Oh, I know what comes to mind. You say, "Oh, that's like a Satan worshiper. That is that's like a Satan worshiper. That is that's like a Satan worshiper. That is somebody who hates Jesus and loves Satan somebody who hates Jesus and loves Satan somebody who hates Jesus and loves Satan and runs around like in a red suit and and runs around like in a red suit and and runs around like in a red suit and does all this stuff and worships Satan does all this stuff and worships Satan does all this stuff and worships Satan all that." You say, "Well, that's an all that." You say, "Well, that's an all that." You say, "Well, that's an enemy of the cross of Christ." Well, I'd enemy of the cross of Christ." Well, I'd enemy of the cross of Christ." Well, I'd say, "Well, yeah, you're right." You say, "Well, yeah, you're right." You say, "Well, yeah, you're right." You say, "Well, brother Archie, what about say, "Well, brother Archie, what about say, "Well, brother Archie, what about someone who's a part of a cult that they someone who's a part of a cult that they someone who's a part of a cult that they just tear down the deity of Christ. They just tear down the deity of Christ. They just tear down the deity of Christ. They do not believe he's a son of God and do do not believe he's a son of God and do do not believe he's a son of God and do not believe he died on the cross." Now, not believe he died on the cross." Now, not believe he died on the cross." Now, I said, "Well, yeah, that's an enemy of I said, "Well, yeah, that's an enemy of I said, "Well, yeah, that's an enemy of the cross." Guys, you say, "Well, I'm the cross." Guys, you say, "Well, I'm the cross." Guys, you say, "Well, I'm glad that's not me."

glad that's not me." glad that's not me." You sure? You sure? You sure? Because an enemy of the cross of Christ, Because an enemy of the cross of Christ, Because an enemy of the cross of Christ, that's that's strong language. That that's that's strong language. That that's that's strong language. That means you reject the cross. You say, means you reject the cross. You say, means you reject the cross. You say, "Oh, no, I don't reject the cross." Let "Oh, no, I don't reject the cross." Let "Oh, no, I don't reject the cross." Let me help you with the meaning of that, me help you with the meaning of that, me help you with the meaning of that, enemy of the cross of Christ. enemy of the cross of Christ. enemy of the cross of Christ. If you were to go out in northeast If you were to go out in northeast If you were to go out in northeast Arkansas, I know we got some of our Arkansas, I know we got some of our Arkansas, I know we got some of our volleyball ladies here and some of other volleyball ladies here and some of other volleyball ladies here and some of other folks that are here in a lot of SUCs. folks that are here in a lot of SUCs. folks that are here in a lot of SUCs. Not everybody's from northeast Arkansas, Not everybody's from northeast Arkansas, Not everybody's from northeast Arkansas, I get it, okay? But a large majority of I get it, okay? But a large majority of I get it, okay? But a large majority of us, if you were walk out in northeast us, if you were walk out in northeast us, if you were walk out in northeast Arkansas, it's kind of Bible Belt in a Arkansas, it's kind of Bible Belt in a Arkansas, it's kind of Bible Belt in a way and that's changing, okay? Not for way and that's changing, okay? Not for way and that's changing, okay? Not for the good, but it's changing. That if you the good, but it's changing. That if you the good, but it's changing. That if you were to ask, "Do you want to go to were to ask, "Do you want to go to were to ask, "Do you want to go to heaven when you die?" The majority of heaven when you die?" The majority of heaven when you die?" The majority of people people people are going to say, "Yes." Now, if you run are going to say, "Yes." Now, if you run are going to say, "Yes." Now, if you run into Satan worshiper, like, "No, I don't into Satan worshiper, like, "No, I don't into Satan worshiper, like, "No, I don't want to go to heaven." So, but you're want to go to heaven." So, but you're want to go to heaven." So, but you're not going to run into that meeting, not going to run into that meeting, not going to run into that meeting, okay? But now, okay? But now, okay? But now, if you got someone going to heaven, the if you got someone going to heaven, the if you got someone going to heaven, the majority going to say, "Yes." If you majority going to say, "Yes." If you majority going to say, "Yes." If you say, say, say, "Do you believe in Jesus?" They'd go, "Do you believe in Jesus?" They'd go, "Do you believe in Jesus?" They'd go, "Oh, yeah." "Oh, yeah." "Oh, yeah." But they still reject the cross. You But they still reject the cross. You But they still reject the cross. You say, "What do you mean? You mean they say, "What do you mean? You mean they say, "What do you mean? You mean they want to go to heaven when they die and want to go to heaven when they die and want to go to heaven when they die and they say they believe in Jesus and they they say they believe in Jesus and they they say they believe in Jesus and they don't hate Jesus, don't hate Jesus, don't hate Jesus, but they're still an enemy of the cross but they're still an enemy of the cross but they're still an enemy of the cross of Christ." When someone rejects the of Christ." When someone rejects the of Christ." When someone rejects the cross, what they're basically doing is cross, what they're basically doing is cross, what they're basically doing is they are rejecting what the cross they are rejecting what the cross they are rejecting what the cross declares that you cannot save yourself.

declares that you cannot save yourself. declares that you cannot save yourself. You see what happens in the Bible Belt You see what happens in the Bible Belt You see what happens in the Bible Belt out here. Uh this is what happened to out here. Uh this is what happened to out here. Uh this is what happened to me. me. me. I grew up in that good Bible believing, I grew up in that good Bible believing, I grew up in that good Bible believing, Bible teaching, gospel preaching church, Bible teaching, gospel preaching church, Bible teaching, gospel preaching church, but somehow in my squirrely head, I got but somehow in my squirrely head, I got but somehow in my squirrely head, I got in my mind that I could earn my in my mind that I could earn my in my mind that I could earn my salvation. Now, you've heard my salvation. Now, you've heard my salvation. Now, you've heard my testimony, so you know, I'm a pendulum testimony, so you know, I'm a pendulum testimony, so you know, I'm a pendulum swinger, I guess you can say. I'm either swinger, I guess you can say. I'm either swinger, I guess you can say. I'm either really good or I'm going to be really really good or I'm going to be really really good or I'm going to be really bad. I go either way, you know that. bad. I go either way, you know that. bad. I go either way, you know that. Talked about that even last week. But Talked about that even last week. But Talked about that even last week. But so, but I I'd get to a place like I so, but I I'd get to a place like I so, but I I'd get to a place like I always want that good to outweigh the always want that good to outweigh the always want that good to outweigh the bad. I would serve. I could quote bad. I would serve. I could quote bad. I would serve. I could quote scripture verses. I could do all this scripture verses. I could do all this scripture verses. I could do all this and it was always the idea that I could and it was always the idea that I could and it was always the idea that I could earn my way into heaven. What I was earn my way into heaven. What I was earn my way into heaven. What I was doing I was rejecting what the cross doing I was rejecting what the cross doing I was rejecting what the cross declares because the cross declares you declares because the cross declares you declares because the cross declares you cannot save yourself. cannot save yourself. cannot save yourself. You say, I've run into people, You say, I've run into people, You say, I've run into people, especially in the act community. You got especially in the act community. You got especially in the act community. You got a I don't know much about other a I don't know much about other a I don't know much about other affiliation. Act community, you got a affiliation. Act community, you got a affiliation. Act community, you got a lot of I just come good old folks out lot of I just come good old folks out lot of I just come good old folks out there. Uh this good old folks and they there. Uh this good old folks and they there. Uh this good old folks and they want to do the right thing. Many of them want to do the right thing. Many of them want to do the right thing. Many of them do and they want to you know, live the do and they want to you know, live the do and they want to you know, live the right way and and and all that stuff and right way and and and all that stuff and right way and and and all that stuff and and uh and so the ideas here is that and uh and so the ideas here is that and uh and so the ideas here is that they they get to a point where they just they they get to a point where they just they they get to a point where they just think, well, I can just this just be think, well, I can just this just be think, well, I can just this just be good enough. And the idea that they'll good enough. And the idea that they'll good enough. And the idea that they'll say, well, say, well, say, well, because they'll talk about this, well, because they'll talk about this, well, because they'll talk about this, well, I'm trying to be good and I'm trying to I'm trying to be good and I'm trying to I'm trying to be good and I'm trying to do right and do right and do right and and I said, well, if you could earn your and I said, well, if you could earn your and I said, well, if you could earn your way into heaven, then Jesus would not way into heaven, then Jesus would not way into heaven, then Jesus would not have had to have come and died on the have had to have come and died on the have had to have come and died on the cross. They said, well, I believe he cross. They said, well, I believe he cross. They said, well, I believe he died on the cross, but died on the cross, but died on the cross, but but I I still need to try to earn his but I I still need to try to earn his but I I still need to try to earn his favor. I said, you cannot earn his favor favor. I said, you cannot earn his favor favor. I said, you cannot earn his favor like that. You don't It's not how it like that. You don't It's not how it like that. You don't It's not how it happens. And this grace is the

happens. And this grace is the happens. And this grace is the undeserved favor of God. You can't earn undeserved favor of God. You can't earn undeserved favor of God. You can't earn that. that. that. And and when you reject what the cross And and when you reject what the cross And and when you reject what the cross declares. So, you may your history and declares. So, you may your history and declares. So, you may your history and your testimony may not be like mine, a your testimony may not be like mine, a your testimony may not be like mine, a drunk, drunk, drunk, crazy, wild, crazy, wild, crazy, wild, crazy stuff, okay? That may not be your crazy stuff, okay? That may not be your crazy stuff, okay? That may not be your test Your testimony So, I was an enemy test Your testimony So, I was an enemy test Your testimony So, I was an enemy of the cross of Christ. Your testimony of the cross of Christ. Your testimony of the cross of Christ. Your testimony is, I'm just a good person. is, I'm just a good person. is, I'm just a good person. I've been in church my whole life. I got I've been in church my whole life. I got I've been in church my whole life. I got all the gold stars. I've never said a all the gold stars. I've never said a all the gold stars. I've never said a bad word. I've never hurt cats or bad word. I've never hurt cats or bad word. I've never hurt cats or kittens or dogs. I love everybody. kittens or dogs. I love everybody. kittens or dogs. I love everybody. But you still think you can earn it. But you still think you can earn it. But you still think you can earn it. Guess what? Guess what? Guess what? Me then, you now. Me then, you now. Me then, you now. Enemies of the cross of Christ. Enemies of the cross of Christ. Enemies of the cross of Christ. That is devastating language right That is devastating language right That is devastating language right there. What Paul says says you got to there. What Paul says says you got to there. What Paul says says you got to watch out. watch out. watch out. You say, I preach every Sunday. You say, I preach every Sunday. You say, I preach every Sunday. Preach to three services. Preach to three services. Preach to three services. A lot of people joining us A lot of people joining us A lot of people joining us online. A lot of people watching by online. A lot of people watching by online. A lot of people watching by television. There's a lot of folks.

television. There's a lot of folks. television. There's a lot of folks. You say you say the same thing every You say you say the same thing every You say you say the same thing every Sunday. Mhm. Sunday. Mhm. Sunday. Mhm. I do. I do. I do. Cuz here's what I know. Cuz here's what I know. Cuz here's what I know. Some of you Some of you Some of you you're a good person you're a good person you're a good person in the terms good. in the terms good. in the terms good. But you're an enemy But you're an enemy But you're an enemy of the cross of the cross of the cross of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. I say that weeping. I say that weeping. I say that weeping. I say it with I say it with I say it with pain. You say, "My mama loves me." I know You say, "My mama loves me." I know everybody loves you, okay? everybody loves you, okay? everybody loves you, okay? You say, "I'm just good." I know, but You say, "I'm just good." I know, but You say, "I'm just good." I know, but you are denying what the cross declares. you are denying what the cross declares. you are denying what the cross declares. Therefore, Therefore, Therefore, you're an enemy you're an enemy you're an enemy of the cross. of the cross. of the cross. But he doesn't stop there in his But he doesn't stop there in his But he doesn't stop there in his language. language. language. He goes on. He says, "Yes." He says, He goes on. He says, "Yes." He says, He goes on. He says, "Yes." He says, "Their end is destruction." He says, "Their end is destruction." He says, "Their end is destruction." He says, "Their god is their appetite." That "Their god is their appetite." That "Their god is their appetite." That means they pursue after the pleasures of means they pursue after the pleasures of means they pursue after the pleasures of life. You know, God has given us good life. You know, God has given us good life. You know, God has given us good gifts. Do you know that good greasy gifts. Do you know that good greasy gifts. Do you know that good greasy cheeseburgers? You say, "That's not a cheeseburgers? You say, "That's not a cheeseburgers? You say, "That's not a gift of God." Well, I don't know. We'll gift of God." Well, I don't know. We'll gift of God." Well, I don't know. We'll debate that one, but debate that one, but debate that one, but good food, good food, good food, four-wheelers. I like four-wheelers, you four-wheelers. I like four-wheelers, you four-wheelers. I like four-wheelers, you know? Maybe you like golf. I'm no good know? Maybe you like golf. I'm no good know? Maybe you like golf. I'm no good at that. Maybe you like sports, at that. Maybe you like sports, at that. Maybe you like sports, recreation, mean going and sitting at recreation, mean going and sitting at recreation, mean going and sitting at the lake. Well, it's good stuff, okay?

the lake. Well, it's good stuff, okay? the lake. Well, it's good stuff, okay? These are good things. Um there's These are good things. Um there's These are good things. Um there's nothing wrong with having retirement. nothing wrong with having retirement. nothing wrong with having retirement. It's nothing wrong with preparing for It's nothing wrong with preparing for It's nothing wrong with preparing for the future. It's nothing wrong with the future. It's nothing wrong with the future. It's nothing wrong with having a good job. It's nothing wrong having a good job. It's nothing wrong having a good job. It's nothing wrong with with having a nice home. There's with with having a nice home. There's with with having a nice home. There's nothing wrong with those things. You nothing wrong with those things. You nothing wrong with those things. You want to mow your yard five times a week? want to mow your yard five times a week? want to mow your yard five times a week? I don't care. There's nothing wrong with I don't care. There's nothing wrong with I don't care. There's nothing wrong with that, but that, but that, but if mowing your yard five times a week if mowing your yard five times a week if mowing your yard five times a week becomes your god, becomes your god, becomes your god, that's your fleshly appetite. that's your fleshly appetite. that's your fleshly appetite. And that's the idea when he says here, And that's the idea when he says here, And that's the idea when he says here, he says, "They are pursuing after the he says, "They are pursuing after the he says, "They are pursuing after the flesh." And and basically their desires flesh." And and basically their desires flesh." And and basically their desires become their appetite. It's what drives become their appetite. It's what drives become their appetite. It's what drives them forward. Uh and then he also goes them forward. Uh and then he also goes them forward. Uh and then he also goes on. He says they glory in their shame, on. He says they glory in their shame, on. He says they glory in their shame, and they set their minds on earthly and they set their minds on earthly and they set their minds on earthly things. We are Okay, so I'm not advising things. We are Okay, so I'm not advising things. We are Okay, so I'm not advising to do this. I don't know how you feel to do this. I don't know how you feel to do this. I don't know how you feel about AI. I guess it could be good or about AI. I guess it could be good or about AI. I guess it could be good or bad. bad. bad. I do know it sometimes helps you find I do know it sometimes helps you find I do know it sometimes helps you find things quick if it's telling the truth. things quick if it's telling the truth. things quick if it's telling the truth. But anyhow, that's a whole another But anyhow, that's a whole another But anyhow, that's a whole another subject. But so I was I'm not advising subject. But so I was I'm not advising subject. But so I was I'm not advising you to do with this. I was messing you to do with this. I was messing you to do with this. I was messing around with it and I thought, "Okay, if around with it and I thought, "Okay, if around with it and I thought, "Okay, if I stuck a picture in I stuck a picture in I stuck a picture in of me right now and I asked it, "What of me right now and I asked it, "What of me right now and I asked it, "What would I look like at 85?" I advise you would I look like at 85?" I advise you would I look like at 85?" I advise you do not do that. Okay?

do not do that. Okay? do not do that. Okay? I advise you don't do that. I advise you don't do that. I advise you don't do that. And uh And uh And uh So So So but I really looked at picture. That is but I really looked at picture. That is but I really looked at picture. That is so weird when you're looking at yourself so weird when you're looking at yourself so weird when you're looking at yourself like down the road. And I thought, like down the road. And I thought, like down the road. And I thought, "Well, my grandpa and my dad, I look "Well, my grandpa and my dad, I look "Well, my grandpa and my dad, I look just like them if this thing's right." just like them if this thing's right." just like them if this thing's right." Which it's probably not. Now, I say that Which it's probably not. Now, I say that Which it's probably not. Now, I say that because also when I was looking for an because also when I was looking for an because also when I was looking for an image to stick in there to see what it image to stick in there to see what it image to stick in there to see what it would do, would do, would do, there was the picture from our wedding, there was the picture from our wedding, there was the picture from our wedding, Angie and I. Angie and I. Angie and I. I look like I'm 12 years old. I look like I'm 12 years old. I look like I'm 12 years old. I have no idea why her daddy let me I have no idea why her daddy let me I have no idea why her daddy let me marry her. marry her. marry her. I mean, I'm I'm telling you look like I mean, I'm I'm telling you look like I mean, I'm I'm telling you look like you're 12. Looks like child marriage or you're 12. Looks like child marriage or you're 12. Looks like child marriage or something going on. And we were 23. something going on. And we were 23. something going on. And we were 23. And I thought, "That was yesterday." And I thought, "That was yesterday." And I thought, "That was yesterday." And here I am today in the last quarter And here I am today in the last quarter And here I am today in the last quarter of life. of life. of life. The Bible says life is a vapor. The Bible says life is a vapor. The Bible says life is a vapor. It's here today, It's here today, It's here today, it's gone tomorrow. it's gone tomorrow. it's gone tomorrow. Now, I share that with you cuz he says Now, I share that with you cuz he says Now, I share that with you cuz he says they were pursuing after There's nothing they were pursuing after There's nothing they were pursuing after There's nothing wrong with good gifts. God is the giver wrong with good gifts. God is the giver wrong with good gifts. God is the giver of good gifts. Just to say that. of good gifts. Just to say that. of good gifts. Just to say that. But it's when it becomes your God. And But it's when it becomes your God. And But it's when it becomes your God. And what can happen in life of believers, what can happen in life of believers, what can happen in life of believers, you can allow that stuff to overtake you can allow that stuff to overtake you can allow that stuff to overtake you. You can allow it to become comfort you. You can allow it to become comfort you. You can allow it to become comfort or pleasure begins to be the God of your or pleasure begins to be the God of your or pleasure begins to be the God of your appetite. And that's what I'm praying as appetite. And that's what I'm praying as appetite. And that's what I'm praying as for believers here. Maybe today the for believers here. Maybe today the for believers here. Maybe today the Lord's convicting you of that. Maybe Lord's convicting you of that. Maybe Lord's convicting you of that. Maybe today it's a place you say, "I need to today it's a place you say, "I need to today it's a place you say, "I need to repent of that. I need to ask the Lord repent of that. I need to ask the Lord repent of that. I need to ask the Lord to restore the joy of his salvation."

to restore the joy of his salvation." to restore the joy of his salvation." Maybe you have allowed, you know, things Maybe you have allowed, you know, things Maybe you have allowed, you know, things to kind of move up and get in front of to kind of move up and get in front of to kind of move up and get in front of the Lord God Almighty. But he says you the Lord God Almighty. But he says you the Lord God Almighty. But he says you watch out for these false believers. He watch out for these false believers. He watch out for these false believers. He said they're enemies of the cross of said they're enemies of the cross of said they're enemies of the cross of Christ and the flesh is the the God of Christ and the flesh is the the God of Christ and the flesh is the the God of their appetites and they pursue after their appetites and they pursue after their appetites and they pursue after earthly things. So he says you got to earthly things. So he says you got to earthly things. So he says you got to watch out. Now, watch out. Now, watch out. Now, if you step back from it cuz I know I've if you step back from it cuz I know I've if you step back from it cuz I know I've been around enough people they go, been around enough people they go, been around enough people they go, "Well, you're just judging folks." No, "Well, you're just judging folks." No, "Well, you're just judging folks." No, the Bible says you'll know a tree by its the Bible says you'll know a tree by its the Bible says you'll know a tree by its fruit. fruit. fruit. And so you don't need to be naive. Let And so you don't need to be naive. Let And so you don't need to be naive. Let me encourage you with this. Just back me encourage you with this. Just back me encourage you with this. Just back away from it because the picture does away from it because the picture does away from it because the picture does not lie. not lie. not lie. And whether if it's your life or in the And whether if it's your life or in the And whether if it's your life or in the life you may have a loved one, life you may have a loved one, life you may have a loved one, a family member, a friend, a work a family member, a friend, a work a family member, a friend, a work associate, you just back away. associate, you just back away. associate, you just back away. And if you think about it and you begin And if you think about it and you begin And if you think about it and you begin to look and you begin to see to look and you begin to see to look and you begin to see and you begin to watch, the enemies of and you begin to watch, the enemies of and you begin to watch, the enemies of the cross of Christ. the cross of Christ. the cross of Christ. Paul says it with great weeping. Maybe Paul says it with great weeping. Maybe Paul says it with great weeping. Maybe the Lord's convicting where you need to the Lord's convicting where you need to the Lord's convicting where you need to pray for that individual. Maybe be a pray for that individual. Maybe be a pray for that individual. Maybe be a witness to that individual. I have those witness to that individual. I have those witness to that individual. I have those individuals in my life.

individuals in my life. individuals in my life. Constant prayer. Constant prayer. Constant prayer. Always. Why? Always. Why? Always. Why? Cuz you know a tree by its fruit. Cuz you know a tree by its fruit. Cuz you know a tree by its fruit. They don't hate Jesus. They don't hate Jesus. They don't hate Jesus. They do want to go to heaven when they They do want to go to heaven when they They do want to go to heaven when they die, die, die, but they are denying what the cross but they are denying what the cross but they are denying what the cross declares. declares. declares. Whether if it's trying to be good or Whether if it's trying to be good or Whether if it's trying to be good or whether if it's pursuing the earthly whether if it's pursuing the earthly whether if it's pursuing the earthly things. He says watch out for the wrong things. He says watch out for the wrong things. He says watch out for the wrong people. But then he says this. I love people. But then he says this. I love people. But then he says this. I love it. He says, "We're going to wait on the it. He says, "We're going to wait on the it. He says, "We're going to wait on the savior." So he picks up next. He says, savior." So he picks up next. He says, savior." So he picks up next. He says, "Our citizenship is in heaven." And he "Our citizenship is in heaven." And he "Our citizenship is in heaven." And he said, "We eagerly wait for the savior, said, "We eagerly wait for the savior, said, "We eagerly wait for the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He's going to the Lord Jesus Christ. He's going to the Lord Jesus Christ. He's going to transform our body into conformity." Now transform our body into conformity." Now transform our body into conformity." Now this is so good here. this is so good here. this is so good here. So, So, So, uh I have a theory and I've shared this uh I have a theory and I've shared this uh I have a theory and I've shared this theory before, but some of y'all don't theory before, but some of y'all don't theory before, but some of y'all don't remember what I preached last week so remember what I preached last week so remember what I preached last week so you're not going to remember this from 2 you're not going to remember this from 2 you're not going to remember this from 2 years ago. So here we go. Got this years ago. So here we go. Got this years ago. So here we go. Got this theory theory theory that uh that uh that uh So I was looking at that picture. If the So I was looking at that picture. If the So I was looking at that picture. If the Lord allows me to live Lord allows me to live Lord allows me to live till I'm 85 or my daddy's 94. till I'm 85 or my daddy's 94. till I'm 85 or my daddy's 94. If the Lord allows me to live to the If the Lord allows me to live to the If the Lord allows me to live to the end, I'm like, praise the Lord, end, I'm like, praise the Lord, end, I'm like, praise the Lord, hallelujah, okay? And then I was looking hallelujah, okay? And then I was looking hallelujah, okay? And then I was looking back at when Angie and I got married at back at when Angie and I got married at back at when Angie and I got married at 23.

23. 23. Have you ever thought that when our Have you ever thought that when our Have you ever thought that when our bodies expire, and the Bible says to be bodies expire, and the Bible says to be bodies expire, and the Bible says to be absent from this body is to be present absent from this body is to be present absent from this body is to be present with the Lord as a believer. See, death with the Lord as a believer. See, death with the Lord as a believer. See, death for a believer is not the end, it's just for a believer is not the end, it's just for a believer is not the end, it's just the beginning. the beginning. the beginning. Beginning of eternity, that's good Beginning of eternity, that's good Beginning of eternity, that's good stuff. stuff. stuff. But when you go into heaven, you get a But when you go into heaven, you get a But when you go into heaven, you get a brand new body, how old is your body brand new body, how old is your body brand new body, how old is your body going to be? going to be? going to be? So, I have a theory, okay? Here's my So, I have a theory, okay? Here's my So, I have a theory, okay? Here's my theory. theory. theory. I remember when I was turning 30. I remember when I was turning 30. I remember when I was turning 30. I had a friend that said, "Happy I had a friend that said, "Happy I had a friend that said, "Happy birthday." I said, "Thank you." birthday." I said, "Thank you." birthday." I said, "Thank you." "I heard you're going to be 30." I said, "I heard you're going to be 30." I said, "I heard you're going to be 30." I said, "I'm going to be 30." He said, "You "I'm going to be 30." He said, "You "I'm going to be 30." He said, "You better enjoy it because it's all better enjoy it because it's all better enjoy it because it's all downhill from there." downhill from there." downhill from there." You know, at the age of 30, everything You know, at the age of 30, everything You know, at the age of 30, everything seemed to work. seemed to work. seemed to work. These, These, These, these, these, I mean, that helps these, these, I mean, that helps these, these, I mean, that helps everything, okay? everything, okay? everything, okay? When he said that, I thought, "Now, I When he said that, I thought, "Now, I When he said that, I thought, "Now, I know that's not true of everybody, but know that's not true of everybody, but know that's not true of everybody, but in general, I think this okay." This in general, I think this okay." This in general, I think this okay." This theory that we're going to enter into theory that we're going to enter into theory that we're going to enter into heaven at 30 years of age. Now, I said heaven at 30 years of age. Now, I said heaven at 30 years of age. Now, I said that one time publicly, and I had a good that one time publicly, and I had a good that one time publicly, and I had a good member of the church who debated me on member of the church who debated me on member of the church who debated me on that, that the prime of life was 27.

that, that the prime of life was 27. that, that the prime of life was 27. I said, "3 years doesn't make a lot of I said, "3 years doesn't make a lot of I said, "3 years doesn't make a lot of difference." difference." difference." Because you think about the babies. Because you think about the babies. Because you think about the babies. Think about the babies. You know, Think about the babies. You know, Think about the babies. You know, that that that that King David said, "This child This that King David said, "This child This that King David said, "This child This child cannot come to me, but I can go to child cannot come to me, but I can go to child cannot come to me, but I can go to this child." Think about the young this child." Think about the young this child." Think about the young children that have died. Are they going children that have died. Are they going children that have died. Are they going to enter into heaven as babies or to enter into heaven as babies or to enter into heaven as babies or children? I think it'll be the prime of children? I think it'll be the prime of children? I think it'll be the prime of life. You want to say, "Is that your life. You want to say, "Is that your life. You want to say, "Is that your theory?" It's just a theory. theory?" It's just a theory. theory?" It's just a theory. But you need to understand, I do I do But you need to understand, I do I do But you need to understand, I do I do not have the vocabulary or the ability not have the vocabulary or the ability not have the vocabulary or the ability to describe the transforming work in to describe the transforming work in to describe the transforming work in conformity to the body of the conformity to the body of the conformity to the body of the resurrected Jesus exactly what our resurrected Jesus exactly what our resurrected Jesus exactly what our bodies are going to be like, but it is bodies are going to be like, but it is bodies are going to be like, but it is going to be good, okay? It's going to be going to be good, okay? It's going to be going to be good, okay? It's going to be good. And this, whether we're 30, 27, or good. And this, whether we're 30, 27, or good. And this, whether we're 30, 27, or however it works. And the Bible talks however it works. And the Bible talks however it works. And the Bible talks about, you know, we're going to know about, you know, we're going to know about, you know, we're going to know each other in this. So, Paul said we are each other in this. So, Paul said we are each other in this. So, Paul said we are eagerly waiting for the return of eagerly waiting for the return of eagerly waiting for the return of savior. Paul savior. Paul savior. Paul in the writing to the church Philpott in the writing to the church Philpott in the writing to the church Philpott was living in the imminent return of was living in the imminent return of was living in the imminent return of Christ. That he could come back at any Christ. That he could come back at any Christ. That he could come back at any time. time. time. And I I remember when I came to faith in And I I remember when I came to faith in And I I remember when I came to faith in Christ at age 25 and I was being Christ at age 25 and I was being Christ at age 25 and I was being discipled and I had heard about discipled and I had heard about discipled and I had heard about revelation all my life. I had been revelation all my life. I had been revelation all my life. I had been taught revelation all my life. It was taught revelation all my life. It was taught revelation all my life. It was all here but it never gone to my heart.

all here but it never gone to my heart. all here but it never gone to my heart. I never become that believer until age I never become that believer until age I never become that believer until age 25. Well, then it began to all make 25. Well, then it began to all make 25. Well, then it began to all make sense and at the age of 25 and I was sense and at the age of 25 and I was sense and at the age of 25 and I was being discipled and I was growing in the being discipled and I was growing in the being discipled and I was growing in the Lord and I in as today Lord and I in as today Lord and I in as today I was living my life in the imminent I was living my life in the imminent I was living my life in the imminent return of Christ. He'd come back. return of Christ. He'd come back. return of Christ. He'd come back. But I can say this many years later in But I can say this many years later in But I can say this many years later in my age. my age. my age. I more eagerly await his return now than I more eagerly await his return now than I more eagerly await his return now than I did at the age of 25. I did at the age of 25. I did at the age of 25. I really do. I really do. I really do. I had a friend this past week that he I had a friend this past week that he I had a friend this past week that he even told me he said he said, "Guess even told me he said he said, "Guess even told me he said he said, "Guess what?" I said, "What?" He said, "Jesus what?" I said, "What?" He said, "Jesus what?" I said, "What?" He said, "Jesus is coming back." I was like, "I know." is coming back." I was like, "I know." is coming back." I was like, "I know." He said, "No, I think he's coming back He said, "No, I think he's coming back He said, "No, I think he's coming back this year." I said, "He might." He's this year." I said, "He might." He's this year." I said, "He might." He's pretty excited about it. And I really pretty excited about it. And I really pretty excited about it. And I really thought I thought I need to be as thought I thought I need to be as thought I thought I need to be as excited as he is excited about it. excited as he is excited about it. excited as he is excited about it. Because why? Because you know what? This Because why? Because you know what? This Because why? Because you know what? This passport says, "Hey, passport says, "Hey, passport says, "Hey, this is where old Arch lives, okay? He's this is where old Arch lives, okay? He's this is where old Arch lives, okay? He's a citizen of the US. They got good old a citizen of the US. They got good old a citizen of the US. They got good old greasy cheeseburgers and all kinds of greasy cheeseburgers and all kinds of greasy cheeseburgers and all kinds of stuff." stuff." stuff." But it's just where he lives. But But it's just where he lives. But But it's just where he lives. But there's coming that day there's coming that day there's coming that day when I'm going to enter into the place when I'm going to enter into the place when I'm going to enter into the place called heaven.

called heaven. called heaven. Why is that? Cuz my name's in the book. Why is that? Cuz my name's in the book. Why is that? Cuz my name's in the book. What did you do to get in the book? What did you do to get in the book? What did you do to get in the book? Nothing. Jesus did it all. Nothing. Jesus did it all. Nothing. Jesus did it all. I just responded to what he did. You saying are there believers here You saying are there believers here today that today that today that maybe you've allowed the pursuit of the maybe you've allowed the pursuit of the maybe you've allowed the pursuit of the flesh to get a hold of you. flesh to get a hold of you. flesh to get a hold of you. Maybe you've allowed that because what Maybe you've allowed that because what Maybe you've allowed that because what happens you think it's going to make you happens you think it's going to make you happens you think it's going to make you happy and then it just makes you sad happy and then it just makes you sad happy and then it just makes you sad cuz it can't fulfill and you know that cuz it can't fulfill and you know that cuz it can't fulfill and you know that as a believer. So, maybe today as a as a believer. So, maybe today as a as a believer. So, maybe today as a believer you just need to repent. You believer you just need to repent. You believer you just need to repent. You can't get saved all over again as a can't get saved all over again as a can't get saved all over again as a follower of Christ. follower of Christ. follower of Christ. But you just say you may say, "Lord, But you just say you may say, "Lord, But you just say you may say, "Lord, restore to me the joy of your restore to me the joy of your restore to me the joy of your salvation." Maybe that's your prayer. salvation." Maybe that's your prayer. salvation." Maybe that's your prayer. Maybe you just want to pray for some Maybe you just want to pray for some Maybe you just want to pray for some folks. Maybe you got some family members folks. Maybe you got some family members folks. Maybe you got some family members or friends who are far from God. or friends who are far from God. or friends who are far from God. Maybe family members or friends that Maybe family members or friends that Maybe family members or friends that hey, you just step back. Don't hey, you just step back. Don't hey, you just step back. Don't I mean, don't don't let the world I mean, don't don't let the world I mean, don't don't let the world influence you. Step back and you just influence you. Step back and you just influence you. Step back and you just look into their life and you could look into their life and you could look into their life and you could probably say and not not in not in probably say and not not in not in probably say and not not in not in harshness or meanness, but really in harshness or meanness, but really in harshness or meanness, but really in weeping. weeping. weeping. They're an enemy of the cross of Christ. They're an enemy of the cross of Christ. They're an enemy of the cross of Christ. They love cats. They love dogs. They They love cats. They love dogs. They They love cats. They love dogs. They love animals. They nice.

love animals. They nice. love animals. They nice. They don't hate Jesus. You know, they They don't hate Jesus. You know, they They don't hate Jesus. You know, they want to go to heaven, but they're an want to go to heaven, but they're an want to go to heaven, but they're an enemy of the cross of Christ. Maybe enemy of the cross of Christ. Maybe enemy of the cross of Christ. Maybe today's a time you just want to come today's a time you just want to come today's a time you just want to come pray for them. Pray where you are. Come pray for them. Pray where you are. Come pray for them. Pray where you are. Come to this altar and kneel down and pray to this altar and kneel down and pray to this altar and kneel down and pray for them. I don't know. However the for them. I don't know. However the for them. I don't know. However the Lord's leading you. But now, here is the big the big ticket. But now, here is the big the big ticket. Right here. It's a big deal. Right here. It's a big deal. Right here. It's a big deal. Is your name in the book? I didn't mean Is your name in the book? I didn't mean Is your name in the book? I didn't mean to call it a ticket, but is your name in to call it a ticket, but is your name in to call it a ticket, but is your name in the book? the book? the book? Because it don't just happen by happen Because it don't just happen by happen Because it don't just happen by happen chance. chance. chance. It's not like some kind of drawing or It's not like some kind of drawing or It's not like some kind of drawing or something. something. something. There's a place and a time. There's There's a place and a time. There's There's a place and a time. There's conviction of sin. conviction of sin. conviction of sin. There's a drawing of the spirit of God. There's a drawing of the spirit of God. There's a drawing of the spirit of God. Now, you can be young or you can be old. Now, you can be young or you can be old. Now, you can be young or you can be old. It's all the same. It's all the same. It's all the same. It's a place and time It's a place where It's a place and time It's a place where It's a place and time It's a place where you sense your separation. Time when you you sense your separation. Time when you you sense your separation. Time when you sense your separation from God. sense your separation from God. sense your separation from God. A time when you begin to realize maybe A time when you begin to realize maybe A time when you begin to realize maybe you've been that person that's just been you've been that person that's just been you've been that person that's just been good. Got all the gold stars. Been every good. Got all the gold stars. Been every good. Got all the gold stars. Been every Sunday school class you've ever been in. Sunday school class you've ever been in. Sunday school class you've ever been in. Been every discipleship study known to Been every discipleship study known to Been every discipleship study known to God. You've done it all, but you've been God. You've done it all, but you've been God. You've done it all, but you've been trying to earn it. And maybe today it's trying to earn it. And maybe today it's trying to earn it. And maybe today it's where the Holy Spirit has really brought where the Holy Spirit has really brought where the Holy Spirit has really brought that place of conviction. Because your that place of conviction. Because your that place of conviction. Because your name being in the book is not a hope so.

name being in the book is not a hope so. name being in the book is not a hope so. It's not a think so. No, it's yes or no. It's not a think so. No, it's yes or no. It's not a think so. No, it's yes or no. I've had guys tell me, especially in I've had guys tell me, especially in I've had guys tell me, especially in former communion, "Well, I hope I get former communion, "Well, I hope I get former communion, "Well, I hope I get there." I'm like, "What is wrong with there." I'm like, "What is wrong with there." I'm like, "What is wrong with you?" you?" you?" There's no hoping on this. It It is a There's no hoping on this. It It is a There's no hoping on this. It It is a settled thing that God has done that if settled thing that God has done that if settled thing that God has done that if you confess him as Lord and call upon you confess him as Lord and call upon you confess him as Lord and call upon him and repent of your sins, HE TELLS him and repent of your sins, HE TELLS him and repent of your sins, HE TELLS YOU HE WILL WRITE your name in the book YOU HE WILL WRITE your name in the book YOU HE WILL WRITE your name in the book of life. I said, basically, I didn't of life. I said, basically, I didn't of life. I said, basically, I didn't understand the terminology that time. understand the terminology that time. understand the terminology that time. But basically, I would say today, you're But basically, I would say today, you're But basically, I would say today, you're denying what the cross has declared when denying what the cross has declared when denying what the cross has declared when you say I hope I get there. you say I hope I get there. you say I hope I get there. Because the cross has declared, and Because the cross has declared, and Because the cross has declared, and through the resurrection of Jesus, that through the resurrection of Jesus, that through the resurrection of Jesus, that if you confess him, believe in him, if you confess him, believe in him, if you confess him, believe in him, repent of your sins, he will save you, repent of your sins, he will save you, repent of your sins, he will save you, and nobody can take your name out of and nobody can take your name out of and nobody can take your name out of that book. that book. that book. You see, you may live You see, you may live You see, you may live in the US as a citizen of the US, in the US as a citizen of the US, in the US as a citizen of the US, but as a believer, your home is in but as a believer, your home is in but as a believer, your home is in heaven. heaven. heaven. I can't wait till that day.

I can't wait till that day. I can't wait till that day. We go. And whoever it's going to be, I believe And whoever it's going to be, I believe it's going to be Jesus, but whoever it it's going to be Jesus, but whoever it it's going to be Jesus, but whoever it may be, may be, may be, going to say, "Welcome home, Archie." Welcome home. Welcome home. Yes or no is your name in the book. Yes or no is your name in the book. Yes or no is your name in the book. Not I hope so, not I think so. Not I hope so, not I think so. Not I hope so, not I think so. No need to be afraid. No need to be afraid. No need to be afraid. You sense a drawing of the Holy Spirit You sense a drawing of the Holy Spirit You sense a drawing of the Holy Spirit confessing. confessing. confessing. Confessing as Lord. Confessing as Lord. Confessing as Lord. You say, "Well, Archie, how do you do You say, "Well, Archie, how do you do You say, "Well, Archie, how do you do that?" that?" that?" There's no magic words. There's no magic words. There's no magic words. It's faith. It's belief. When When the It's faith. It's belief. When When the It's faith. It's belief. When When the jailer come out and say, "What must I do jailer come out and say, "What must I do jailer come out and say, "What must I do to be saved?" They said, "Believe upon to be saved?" They said, "Believe upon to be saved?" They said, "Believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ, you'll be saved the Lord Jesus Christ, you'll be saved the Lord Jesus Christ, you'll be saved and all your household." What's that and all your household." What's that and all your household." What's that mean? That's faith and repentance all mean? That's faith and repentance all mean? That's faith and repentance all wrapped up in one. wrapped up in one. wrapped up in one. You sense a drawing of the Holy Spirit. You sense a drawing of the Holy Spirit. You sense a drawing of the Holy Spirit. I'm not talking you into anything, I'm not talking you into anything, I'm not talking you into anything, because if I talk you into something, because if I talk you into something, because if I talk you into something, somebody can talk you out of it. somebody can talk you out of it. somebody can talk you out of it. It's a drawing of the spirit of God. It's a drawing of the spirit of God. It's a drawing of the spirit of God. Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. I'm a sinner. I'm a sinner. Lord, I have been an enemy of the cross Lord, I have been an enemy of the cross Lord, I have been an enemy of the cross of Christ because I've been denying what of Christ because I've been denying what of Christ because I've been denying what the cross declares, because I've been the cross declares, because I've been the cross declares, because I've been thinking I can save myself.

thinking I can save myself. thinking I can save myself. Lord, I'm not like Archie. I wouldn't Lord, I'm not like Archie. I wouldn't Lord, I'm not like Archie. I wouldn't have drunk. But I'm still an enemy of the cross But I'm still an enemy of the cross because I've denied what it declares. because I've denied what it declares. because I've denied what it declares. And Lord, forgive me for denying that. And Lord, forgive me for denying that. And Lord, forgive me for denying that. Lord, I repent. See, that's repentance. Lord, I repent. See, that's repentance. Lord, I repent. See, that's repentance. Lord Jesus, save me. Lord Jesus, save me. Lord Jesus, save me. Lord, I need you. I believe you came out Lord, I need you. I believe you came out Lord, I need you. I believe you came out of the grave on the third day. I believe of the grave on the third day. I believe of the grave on the third day. I believe your blood was shed for me. Lord Jesus. your blood was shed for me. Lord Jesus. your blood was shed for me. Lord Jesus. See, the Bible says if you confess with See, the Bible says if you confess with See, the Bible says if you confess with your mouth, that's what it means. That's your mouth, that's what it means. That's your mouth, that's what it means. That's belief. It's faith. You confess with belief. It's faith. You confess with belief. It's faith. You confess with your mouth that Jesus is the Lord and your mouth that Jesus is the Lord and your mouth that Jesus is the Lord and believe in your heart that God raised believe in your heart that God raised believe in your heart that God raised you from the dead, you shall you from the dead, you shall you from the dead, you shall be saved. You know, the Bible doesn't be saved. You know, the Bible doesn't be saved. You know, the Bible doesn't say that the angels party. say that the angels party. say that the angels party. But the Bible says they rejoice when one But the Bible says they rejoice when one But the Bible says they rejoice when one sinner sinner sinner comes to faith in Christ. I call that a party. I call that a party. They're happy. Bible says angels long to They're happy. Bible says angels long to They're happy. Bible says angels long to look into salvation. They look into salvation. They look into salvation. They they're curious about they're curious about they're curious about this.

Today can be the party day for you Today can be the party day for you if you call upon him. if you call upon him. if you call upon him. It's going to be pastors here. And I encourage you, don't And I encourage you, don't don't reject the cross of Christ today. don't reject the cross of Christ today. don't reject the cross of Christ today. But call upon him But call upon him But call upon him and he'll save [music] you. And don't be and he'll save [music] you. And don't be and he'll save [music] you. And don't be ashamed of him. ashamed of him. ashamed of him. We stand and begin to sing here. Men, I We stand and begin to sing here. Men, I We stand and begin to sing here. Men, I invite you come share with one of these invite you come share with one of these invite you come share with one of these pastors here today I'm pastors here today I'm pastors here today I'm giving my life to Christ. giving my life to Christ. giving my life to Christ. We'll rejoice with you as the angels do We'll rejoice with you as the angels do We'll rejoice with you as the angels do also. also. also. Father, I just thank you for this day. Father, I just thank you for this day. Father, I just thank you for this day. And Lord, I know in this invitation, And Lord, I know in this invitation, And Lord, I know in this invitation, this is where people count the cost. this is where people count the cost. this is where people count the cost. This is where This is where This is where this is where it gets squirrely for this is where it gets squirrely for this is where it gets squirrely for people. people. people. But Lord, I know that when you But Lord, I know that when you But Lord, I know that when you came into my life, my life at age 25, I came into my life, my life at age 25, I came into my life, my life at age 25, I was overwhelmed was overwhelmed was overwhelmed by your holiness and overwhelmed by my by your holiness and overwhelmed by my by your holiness and overwhelmed by my sinfulness. And I pray right now, God, there is an And I pray right now, God, there is an overwhelmingness overwhelmingness overwhelmingness that would rest upon this place. that would rest upon this place. that would rest upon this place. That no one would deny what the cross That no one would deny what the cross That no one would deny what the cross declares by saying they think they can declares by saying they think they can declares by saying they think they can earn it themselves.

earn it themselves. earn it themselves. I pray right now they would confess you I pray right now they would confess you I pray right now they would confess you as Lord, repent of sin, and call upon as Lord, repent of sin, and call upon as Lord, repent of sin, and call upon you for salvation. you for salvation. you for salvation. Today, Lord, I pray that it may be so. Today, Lord, I pray that it may be so. Today, Lord, I pray that it may be so. [music] So, in this time of invitation, [music] So, in this time of invitation, [music] So, in this time of invitation, have your way. May it be for your glory have your way. May it be for your glory have your way. May it be for your glory and honor. Your name we pray, name of and honor. Your name we pray, name of and honor. Your name we pray, name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Can we stand, please?