Central Baptist 9:30am LIVE

>> Hi, my name is Adrienne. Most of you >> Hi, my name is Adrienne. Most of you know me as the coffee lady on Sundays. know me as the coffee lady on Sundays. know me as the coffee lady on Sundays. However, I have the privilege of serving However, I have the privilege of serving However, I have the privilege of serving as executive director of City Youth as executive director of City Youth as executive director of City Youth Ministries. [music] Ministries. [music] Ministries. [music] >> My name is Bart Smith. I'm a board >> My name is Bart Smith. I'm a board >> My name is Bart Smith. I'm a board member for City Youth Ministries. And member for City Youth Ministries. And member for City Youth Ministries. And what I love most about City Youth is what I love most about City Youth is what I love most about City Youth is that the center of everything they do that the center of everything they do that the center of everything they do revolves around Jesus and making Christ revolves around Jesus and making Christ revolves around Jesus and making Christ known. Whether it's through disciplehip known. Whether it's through disciplehip known. Whether it's through disciplehip groups, devotions, or praise [music] and groups, devotions, or praise [music] and groups, devotions, or praise [music] and worship, worship, worship, >> City Youth was founded from a simple but >> City Youth was founded from a simple but >> City Youth was founded from a simple but powerful vision to make sure that powerful vision to make sure that powerful vision to make sure that children in our community had a safe children in our community had a safe children in our community had a safe place to go. People who believed in them place to go. People who believed in them place to go. People who believed in them and opportunities that could change and opportunities that could change and opportunities that could change their future. What makes our story so their future. What makes our story so their future. What makes our story so special is that City Youth was not built special is that City Youth was not built special is that City Youth was not built just by one person or one church. It was just by one person or one church. It was just by one person or one church. It was founded through the heart and the founded through the heart and the founded through the heart and the partnership of Central Baptist Church partnership of Central Baptist Church partnership of Central Baptist Church alongside other local churches who came alongside other local churches who came alongside other local churches who came together with one shared belief that we together with one shared belief that we together with one shared belief that we are called to care for the children are called to care for the children are called to care for the children right here in our own community. Every right here in our own community. Every right here in our own community. Every day we serve over 125 children from day we serve over 125 children from day we serve over 125 children from underserved neighborhoods through our underserved neighborhoods through our underserved neighborhoods through our afterchool and summer programming. We afterchool and summer programming. We afterchool and summer programming. We provide hot meals, academic support, provide hot meals, academic support, provide hot meals, academic support, literacy and math enrichment, literacy and math enrichment, literacy and math enrichment, basketball, music, social emotional basketball, music, social emotional basketball, music, social emotional learning, mentorship, but most learning, mentorship, but most learning, mentorship, but most importantly, a place where children are importantly, a place where children are importantly, a place where children are reminded that they are deeply loved by reminded that they are deeply loved by reminded that they are deeply loved by God and created with a purpose. But at God and created with a purpose. But at God and created with a purpose. But at the heart of everything we do is this the heart of everything we do is this the heart of everything we do is this belief. Ministry begins by loving the belief. Ministry begins by loving the belief. Ministry begins by loving the people right in front of us.

people right in front of us. people right in front of us. >> Throughout scripture, we see Jesus model >> Throughout scripture, we see Jesus model >> Throughout scripture, we see Jesus model this for us. Before he sent his this for us. Before he sent his this for us. Before he sent his followers into all nations, Jesus spent followers into all nations, Jesus spent followers into all nations, Jesus spent his ministry serving the people in his his ministry serving the people in his his ministry serving the people in his own communities. He fed the hungry. He own communities. He fed the hungry. He own communities. He fed the hungry. He healed the sick. He sat with those who healed the sick. He sat with those who healed the sick. He sat with those who felt forgotten. And then in Acts 18, we felt forgotten. And then in Acts 18, we felt forgotten. And then in Acts 18, we see the order of our calling. You will see the order of our calling. You will see the order of our calling. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Jerusalem came first. Home came first. Jerusalem came first. Home came first. Jerusalem came first. Home came first. Community came first. Community came first. Community came first. >> That is exactly what City Youth is >> That is exactly what City Youth is >> That is exactly what City Youth is doing. When you give during this Dollar doing. When you give during this Dollar doing. When you give during this Dollar Days campaign, you're doing so much more Days campaign, you're doing so much more Days campaign, you're doing so much more than making a donation. You are helping than making a donation. You are helping than making a donation. You are helping feed a child who may not otherwise have feed a child who may not otherwise have feed a child who may not otherwise have a hot meal that day. You are helping a hot meal that day. You are helping a hot meal that day. You are helping provide academic support to students who provide academic support to students who provide academic support to students who need extra encouragement. You're helping need extra encouragement. You're helping need extra encouragement. You're helping create opportunities for children to create opportunities for children to create opportunities for children to experience joy, safety, mentorship, and experience joy, safety, mentorship, and experience joy, safety, mentorship, and the love of Christ in ways that can the love of Christ in ways that can the love of Christ in ways that can shape their future forever. Your dollar shape their future forever. Your dollar shape their future forever. Your dollar becomes an investment in a child's life. becomes an investment in a child's life. becomes an investment in a child's life. And together as the body of Christ, we And together as the body of Christ, we And together as the body of Christ, we are showing our children what it means are showing our children what it means are showing our children what it means to love our neighbors well. Thank you to love our neighbors well. Thank you to love our neighbors well. Thank you for believing in the mission of City for believing in the mission of City for believing in the mission of City Youth and for helping us continue Youth and for helping us continue Youth and for helping us continue serving the children of our community.

serving the children of our community. serving the children of our community. Because changing a community begins by Because changing a community begins by Because changing a community begins by investing in its children. >> [music]

>> [music] >> Hey, Central family. Thanks for joining >> Hey, Central family. Thanks for joining >> Hey, Central family. Thanks for joining us for worship this morning. Get us for worship this morning. Get us for worship this morning. Get connected [music] to what's happening at connected [music] to what's happening at connected [music] to what's happening at Central by texting the word connect to Central by texting the word connect to Central by texting the word connect to 870-9351950. Also, [music] be sure to follow us on Also, [music] be sure to follow us on social media. Download the Central app social media. Download the Central app social media. Download the Central app and check out central Baptist.com for and check out central Baptist.com for and check out central Baptist.com for more information. We're getting ready to more information. We're getting ready to more information. We're getting ready to begin our [music] time of worship. As begin our [music] time of worship. As begin our [music] time of worship. As you engage with us online, we encourage you engage with us online, we encourage you engage with us online, we encourage you to sing along as we remember the you to sing along as we remember the you to sing along as we remember the gospel, to open your [music] Bibles as gospel, to open your [music] Bibles as gospel, to open your [music] Bibles as we engage the scriptures, and also to we engage the scriptures, and also to we engage the scriptures, and also to worship Jesus with us this morning. The worship Jesus with us this morning. The worship Jesus with us this morning. The gospel [music] of Jesus is why we're gospel [music] of Jesus is why we're gospel [music] of Jesus is why we're gathered. Thank you so much for gathered. Thank you so much for gathered. Thank you so much for worshiping with us. Hey, good morning, Central. So good to Hey, good morning, Central. So good to see y'all today. Here we go. see y'all today. Here we go. see y'all today. Here we go. Let's [music] all stand to our feet. Let's [music] all stand to our feet. Let's [music] all stand to our feet. Let's let's hide the name of Jesus, Let's let's hide the name of Jesus, Let's let's hide the name of Jesus, the [music] one who canceled our sin the [music] one who canceled our sin the [music] one who canceled our sin debt and nailed it to the cross.

Come on [music] every voice let's lift Come on [music] every voice let's lift it up and sing. I hear the Savior it up and sing. I hear the Savior it up and sing. I hear the Savior [music] say thy strength indeed is [music] say thy strength indeed is [music] say thy strength indeed is [music] small. Child of weakness [music] small. Child of weakness [music] small. Child of weakness watch and praise. Find in [music] me watch and praise. Find in [music] me watch and praise. Find in [music] me thine all it all. thine all it all. thine all it all. [music] For now [music] indeed I find For now [music] indeed I find thy power and [music] thy alone thy power and [music] thy alone thy power and [music] thy alone can change the leper [music] can change the leper [music] can change the leper [music] spots spots spots and melt the heart stone. Jesus [music] and melt the heart stone. Jesus [music] and melt the heart stone. Jesus [music] faith. Jesus faith. Jesus faith. Jesus paid it all. paid it all. paid it all. All [music] All [music] All [music] to him I own. to him I own. to him I own. sin had left [music] a crimson stain. He sin had left [music] a crimson stain. He sin had left [music] a crimson stain. He washed it white as [music] snow.

And when before the throne And when before the throne I [music] I [music] I [music] stand in him complete. stand in him complete. stand in him complete. Jesus died [music] Jesus died [music] Jesus died [music] my soul to sing. My lips shall still my soul to sing. My lips shall still my soul to sing. My lips shall still [music] repeat. [music] repeat. [music] repeat. Oh Jesus Oh Jesus Oh Jesus paid it all. [music] paid it all. [music] paid it all. [music] All to him I own. All to him I own. All to him I own. sin [music] had lived a crimson stain. sin [music] had lived a crimson stain. sin [music] had lived a crimson stain. He washed he He washed he He washed he Jesus paid Jesus [music] Jesus paid Jesus [music] Jesus paid Jesus [music] paid it all. [singing] paid it all. [singing] paid it all. [singing] All [music] All [music] All [music] to him I to him I to him I sin [music] sin [music] sin [music] had left a crimson stain. He washed in had left a crimson stain. He washed in had left a crimson stain. He washed in white as snow. [singing] white as snow. [singing] white as snow. [singing] [music] [music] [music] Amen. And let's see a testimony of that Amen. And let's see a testimony of that Amen. And let's see a testimony of that right over here. right over here. right over here. >> Hey, good morning church. This is Parker >> Hey, good morning church. This is Parker >> Hey, good morning church. This is Parker Garan. His parents [music] Scott and Garan. His parents [music] Scott and Garan. His parents [music] Scott and Emily Garhan. This summer Parker had a Emily Garhan. This summer Parker had a Emily Garhan. This summer Parker had a chance to go to Brook Hills camp down in chance to go to Brook Hills camp down in chance to go to Brook Hills camp down in Hot [music] Springs and it just impacted Hot [music] Springs and it just impacted Hot [music] Springs and it just impacted his life tremendously like church camps his life tremendously like church camps his life tremendously like church camps have a tendency to do. One night they have a tendency to do. One night they have a tendency to do. One night they shared [music] the gospel and Parker shared [music] the gospel and Parker shared [music] the gospel and Parker felt convicted and he asked Jesus Christ felt convicted and he asked Jesus Christ felt convicted and he asked Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior. So today he to be his Lord and Savior. So today he to be his Lord and Savior. So today he comes before his church family and wants comes before his church family and wants comes before his church family and wants to make public his faith in Jesus to make public his faith in Jesus to make public his faith in Jesus Christ. Parker, super proud of Christ. Parker, super proud of Christ. Parker, super proud of everybody. I'm excited to see how God's everybody. I'm excited to see how God's everybody. I'm excited to see how God's going to use your life in the days and going to use your life in the days and going to use your life in the days and the years ahead. So, let me ask you the years ahead. So, let me ask you the years ahead. So, let me ask you this. Have you repented of your sins?

this. Have you repented of your sins? this. Have you repented of your sins? And who is the Lord and the Savior of And who is the Lord and the Savior of And who is the Lord and the Savior of your life? Jesus Christ. your life? Jesus Christ. your life? Jesus Christ. >> He is indeed. [music] Parker, it is my >> He is indeed. [music] Parker, it is my >> He is indeed. [music] Parker, it is my privilege, my buddy, to baptize you in privilege, my buddy, to baptize you in privilege, my buddy, to baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the the name of the Father, the Son, and the the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You're now buried with Holy Spirit. You're now buried with Holy Spirit. You're now buried with Christ in baptism. You're raised to walk Christ in baptism. You're raised to walk Christ in baptism. You're raised to walk in newness of life. Good morning, church. I've got Randy Good morning, church. I've got Randy with me. Randy is an NYIT student at with me. Randy is an NYIT student at with me. Randy is an NYIT student at Arkansas State University. Uh and all Arkansas State University. Uh and all Arkansas State University. Uh and all throughout his life uh he was looking throughout his life uh he was looking throughout his life uh he was looking [music] for fulfillment and purpose uh [music] for fulfillment and purpose uh [music] for fulfillment and purpose uh in all sorts of different things from in all sorts of different things from in all sorts of different things from his relationships to his eventual uh his relationships to his eventual uh his relationships to his eventual uh work that he would do. Uh but [music] he work that he would do. Uh but [music] he work that he would do. Uh but [music] he could not find it until there was one could not find it until there was one could not find it until there was one day when one of our college students day when one of our college students day when one of our college students actually met him on campus uh shared the actually met him on campus uh shared the actually met him on campus uh shared the gospel with him and he repented of his gospel with him and he repented of his gospel with him and he repented of his sins. He [music] found forgiveness and sins. He [music] found forgiveness and sins. He [music] found forgiveness and he found a purpose for his life that he found a purpose for his life that he found a purpose for his life that only Christ could uh provide him. And so only Christ could uh provide him. And so only Christ could uh provide him. And so he is here today to publicly uh profess he is here today to publicly uh profess he is here today to publicly uh profess his faith to us all. So Randy, we are his faith to us all. So Randy, we are his faith to us all. So Randy, we are super happy for you, my brother. I've super happy for you, my brother. I've super happy for you, my brother. I've got two questions for you. The first is, got two questions for you. The first is, got two questions for you. The first is, have you repented of your sins? have you repented of your sins? have you repented of your sins? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And who is the Lord and Savior of your >> And who is the Lord and Savior of your >> And who is the Lord and Savior of your life?

life? life? >> Jesus Christ. >> Jesus Christ. >> Jesus Christ. >> Amen. Amen. My brother. Well, it is my >> Amen. Amen. My brother. Well, it is my >> Amen. Amen. My brother. Well, it is my privilege to baptize you, Randy, in the privilege to baptize you, Randy, in the privilege to baptize you, Randy, in the name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy name of the Father, Son, and of the Holy Spirit. You're buried in Christ in Spirit. You're buried in Christ in Spirit. You're buried in Christ in baptism and raised to walk in the baptism and raised to walk in the baptism and raised to walk in the goodness of life. [music] Amen. church. We're going to continue to Amen. church. We're going to continue to praise [music] the Lord for all the praise [music] the Lord for all the praise [music] the Lord for all the wonderful things that he has done. Let's wonderful things that he has done. Let's wonderful things that he has done. Let's sing. sing. sing. [music] Oh, praise the one who paid my [music] Oh, praise the one who paid my [music] Oh, praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life [music] debt and raised this life [music] debt and raised this life [music] up from the dead. Oh, praise the one who up from the dead. Oh, praise the one who up from the dead. Oh, praise the one who paid my dead and raised this life up paid my dead and raised this life up paid my dead and raised this life up [music] from the dead. Oh, praise the [music] from the dead. Oh, praise the [music] from the dead. Oh, praise the one who came out. [music and singing] one who came out. [music and singing] one who came out. [music and singing] Raise this life up from the dead. Oh, Raise this life up from the dead. Oh, Raise this life up from the dead. Oh, [music] praise the one who came my [music] praise the one who came my [music] praise the one who came my [singing] [singing] [singing] raise this life [music] up from the raise this life [music] up from the raise this life [music] up from the dead. [singing] >> How many of y'all are grateful to be >> How many of y'all are grateful to be [music] alive in Christ today? Amen.

[music] alive in Christ today? Amen. [music] alive in Christ today? Amen. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Come on. Let's read this scripture out Come on. Let's read this scripture out Come on. Let's read this scripture out loud together. Come on. But because of loud together. Come on. But because of loud together. Come on. But because of his great love for us, God who is rich his great love for us, God who is rich his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ in mercy made us alive with Christ in mercy made us alive with Christ [music] [music] [music] even when we were dead in even when we were dead in even when we were dead in transgressions. It is by grace you have transgressions. It is by grace you have transgressions. It is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with been saved. And God raised us up with been saved. And God raised us up with [music] Christ and seated us with him in [music] Christ and seated us with him in [music] Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realm in Christ Jesus. the heavenly realm in Christ Jesus. the heavenly realm in Christ Jesus. Let's praise the Lord for [music] what Let's praise the Lord for [music] what Let's praise the Lord for [music] what he's done today. Come on church, lift he's done today. Come on church, lift he's done today. Come on church, lift your voice. Let's sing. Oh, praise the your voice. Let's sing. Oh, praise the your voice. Let's sing. Oh, praise the [music] one [singing] who paid my dead. [music] one [singing] who paid my dead. [music] one [singing] who paid my dead. Raise his [music] life [singing] up from Raise his [music] life [singing] up from Raise his [music] life [singing] up from the dead. Oh, praise the one who came my the dead. Oh, praise the one who came my the dead. Oh, praise the one who came my dead. Praise his [music] life dead. Praise his [music] life dead. Praise his [music] life from the dead. Oh, praise the one who from the dead. Oh, praise the one who from the dead. Oh, praise the one who [music] came my [singing] [music] came my [singing] [music] came my [singing] praise praise praise up from the [music] dead. Oh, praise the up from the [music] dead. Oh, praise the up from the [music] dead. Oh, praise the one who came my dead [music] one who came my dead [music] one who came my dead [music] and raised his life [singing] up from and raised his life [singing] up from and raised his life [singing] up from the dead.

Amen. Let's sing one more time. Amen. Let's sing one more time. Jesus Jesus Jesus paid [singing] paid [singing] paid [singing] it all. Come on church. All sin had left. Sin had sin had left. Sin had [music] he washed [music] he washed [music] he washed it white as snow. it white as snow. it white as snow. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. Praise the Lord for what he's Amen. Praise the Lord for what he's Amen. Praise the Lord for what he's done. Great singing, church. Great done. Great singing, church. Great done. Great singing, church. Great singing. You may be seated. Good morning church. Good morning church. It is great to be here guys. There is no It is great to be here guys. There is no It is great to be here guys. There is no other name whereby there is salvation. other name whereby there is salvation. other name whereby there is salvation. There is no other name under heaven that There is no other name under heaven that There is no other name under heaven that is given among men that we can be saved is given among men that we can be saved is given among men that we can be saved other than Jesus. Ain't that good? other than Jesus. Ain't that good? other than Jesus. Ain't that good? >> Amen. Guys, we want to connect with you. >> Amen. Guys, we want to connect with you. >> Amen. Guys, we want to connect with you. centralbaptist.com is the easiest way to centralbaptist.com is the easiest way to centralbaptist.com is the easiest way to do that. But if you're here and you uh do that. But if you're here and you uh do that. But if you're here and you uh if this is your first time and you'd if this is your first time and you'd if this is your first time and you'd like to connect with Pastor Arch, you'd like to connect with Pastor Arch, you'd like to connect with Pastor Arch, you'd like to meet with him. Right back over like to meet with him. Right back over like to meet with him. Right back over here is the next steps area besides the here is the next steps area besides the here is the next steps area besides the fellowship cafe. Uh and after this fellowship cafe. Uh and after this fellowship cafe. Uh and after this service, Pastor Archie will be up there.

service, Pastor Archie will be up there. service, Pastor Archie will be up there. There'll be some other pastors up there. There'll be some other pastors up there. There'll be some other pastors up there. If God is dealing with you this week and If God is dealing with you this week and If God is dealing with you this week and you need to do business with God, you need to do business with God, you need to do business with God, there's going to be an invitation to end there's going to be an invitation to end there's going to be an invitation to end this service. Don't wait till the third this service. Don't wait till the third this service. Don't wait till the third verse, guys. Get up here as soon as the verse, guys. Get up here as soon as the verse, guys. Get up here as soon as the invitation is given. And if you would invitation is given. And if you would invitation is given. And if you would like to visit with someone else back like to visit with someone else back like to visit with someone else back there after the service, we'll be back there after the service, we'll be back there after the service, we'll be back there and we'd love to visit with you. there and we'd love to visit with you. there and we'd love to visit with you. I've got some announcements that we need I've got some announcements that we need I've got some announcements that we need to make today. Uh, one, college movein. to make today. Uh, one, college movein. to make today. Uh, one, college movein. We just baptized a guy here that's at We just baptized a guy here that's at We just baptized a guy here that's at ASU. ASU. ASU. Guys, we have got the world coming to us Guys, we have got the world coming to us Guys, we have got the world coming to us and this college move in is critical and this college move in is critical and this college move in is critical time for us to make connections. For time for us to make connections. For time for us to make connections. For many of you that have dropped kids off many of you that have dropped kids off many of you that have dropped kids off at college, you know how nerve-wracking at college, you know how nerve-wracking at college, you know how nerve-wracking that can be. We dropped uh four off over that can be. We dropped uh four off over that can be. We dropped uh four off over the years. The first one, oh, we were so the years. The first one, oh, we were so the years. The first one, oh, we were so worried. I think the last one, I think worried. I think the last one, I think worried. I think the last one, I think they drove themselves and we said, "Hey, they drove themselves and we said, "Hey, they drove themselves and we said, "Hey, man, have a good time." Uh, but we want man, have a good time." Uh, but we want man, have a good time." Uh, but we want to greet those college students. We want to greet those college students. We want to greet those college students. We want to be there with them and show them that to be there with them and show them that to be there with them and show them that we love them. Let them know that they've we love them. Let them know that they've we love them. Let them know that they've got a place here at Central that they got a place here at Central that they got a place here at Central that they can connect. Cross does such a great job can connect. Cross does such a great job can connect. Cross does such a great job and Emma with the college department.

and Emma with the college department. and Emma with the college department. Guys, 747 is an amazing ministry and we Guys, 747 is an amazing ministry and we Guys, 747 is an amazing ministry and we want to be there to support them. Uh, want to be there to support them. Uh, want to be there to support them. Uh, also Awana's registration is on guys. also Awana's registration is on guys. also Awana's registration is on guys. Banas. What an amazing ministry to pour Banas. What an amazing ministry to pour Banas. What an amazing ministry to pour scripture into our children so that they scripture into our children so that they scripture into our children so that they can hide God's word in their heart. can hide God's word in their heart. can hide God's word in their heart. Please sign up. Help. Wednesday night Please sign up. Help. Wednesday night Please sign up. Help. Wednesday night serving Awana's. Easiest way to do that, serving Awana's. Easiest way to do that, serving Awana's. Easiest way to do that, go to centralbaptist.com. go to centralbaptist.com. go to centralbaptist.com. Sign up. Sign up. Sign up. We uh have got the black barrels around We uh have got the black barrels around We uh have got the black barrels around the church. Those are for uh school the church. Those are for uh school the church. Those are for uh school supplies. That is for us to bring supplies. That is for us to bring supplies. That is for us to bring backpacks and school supplies. Some of backpacks and school supplies. Some of backpacks and school supplies. Some of you guys really enjoy buying notebook you guys really enjoy buying notebook you guys really enjoy buying notebook paper and notebooks and pens and pencils paper and notebooks and pens and pencils paper and notebooks and pens and pencils and erasers and everything. If that's and erasers and everything. If that's and erasers and everything. If that's you, buy that stuff, bring it down, you, buy that stuff, bring it down, you, buy that stuff, bring it down, stick it in the barrels. If that's not stick it in the barrels. If that's not stick it in the barrels. If that's not you, you can give. Easiest way to give, you, you can give. Easiest way to give, you, you can give. Easiest way to give, centralbaptist.com.

centralbaptist.com. centralbaptist.com. Just go on there and you can give to the Just go on there and you can give to the Just go on there and you can give to the uh backpack collection for schools. I uh backpack collection for schools. I uh backpack collection for schools. I want to recognize that we've we in the want to recognize that we've we in the want to recognize that we've we in the last 30 days, guys, we've had 114 last 30 days, guys, we've had 114 last 30 days, guys, we've had 114 participants in missions. [music] participants in missions. [music] participants in missions. [music] We have gone to Amen. We've gone to 24 different places. In We've gone to 24 different places. In the last 30 days the last 30 days the last 30 days in Africa alone, we've seen over 300 in Africa alone, we've seen over 300 in Africa alone, we've seen over 300 people saved. people saved. people saved. >> Amen. I want to recognize those that are I want to recognize those that are either serving in the mission field or either serving in the mission field or either serving in the mission field or that have just gotten back. I got a text that have just gotten back. I got a text that have just gotten back. I got a text after the 8:00 service from two of our after the 8:00 service from two of our after the 8:00 service from two of our missionaries that are in uh we'll just missionaries that are in uh we'll just missionaries that are in uh we'll just say North Africa and they watched us say North Africa and they watched us say North Africa and they watched us online. They said, uh, I need to online. They said, uh, I need to online. They said, uh, I need to practice on my announcement giving. But practice on my announcement giving. But practice on my announcement giving. But anyway, they're good guys and they were anyway, they're good guys and they were anyway, they're good guys and they were trying to uh encourage me. And uh hey trying to uh encourage me. And uh hey trying to uh encourage me. And uh hey fellas, I hope I did better this time.

fellas, I hope I did better this time. fellas, I hope I did better this time. Uh but listen, we have got guys. I'm Uh but listen, we have got guys. I'm Uh but listen, we have got guys. I'm going to just share with you a few of going to just share with you a few of going to just share with you a few of the places we've been to. We have a team the places we've been to. We have a team the places we've been to. We have a team right now in Syracuse, New York. We've right now in Syracuse, New York. We've right now in Syracuse, New York. We've had teams in Ecuador, had teams in Ecuador, had teams in Ecuador, Columbia, Missouri, Salt Lake City, Columbia, Missouri, Salt Lake City, Columbia, Missouri, Salt Lake City, multiple countries in North Africa. multiple countries in North Africa. multiple countries in North Africa. We've had a group go to Montana to serve We've had a group go to Montana to serve We've had a group go to Montana to serve during an Indian pow-wow. We had two during an Indian pow-wow. We had two during an Indian pow-wow. We had two groups from Paragule go out, one to groups from Paragule go out, one to groups from Paragule go out, one to Uganda and one to Syracuse. Uganda and one to Syracuse. Uganda and one to Syracuse. We've had teams in Peru, Brazil, We've had teams in Peru, Brazil, We've had teams in Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Colombia, Colombia, New York City, and Puerto Rico. New York City, and Puerto Rico. New York City, and Puerto Rico. You have been giving to allow this to You have been giving to allow this to You have been giving to allow this to happen. Thank you for giving. Thank you happen. Thank you for giving. Thank you happen. Thank you for giving. Thank you for your hearts being open. for your hearts being open. for your hearts being open. Now, I want us to go and pray. I want us Now, I want us to go and pray. I want us Now, I want us to go and pray. I want us to set our hearts right so that we may to set our hearts right so that we may to set our hearts right so that we may lift the name of Jesus up. lift the name of Jesus up. lift the name of Jesus up. Dear God, we come to you in the name of Dear God, we come to you in the name of Dear God, we come to you in the name of Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. God, there is no other name. God, there is no other name. God, there is no other name. God, it is the it is the gospel of Jesus God, it is the it is the gospel of Jesus God, it is the it is the gospel of Jesus that saves men. that saves men. that saves men. God, thank you that we have the God, thank you that we have the God, thank you that we have the privilege of proclaiming that right here privilege of proclaiming that right here privilege of proclaiming that right here and all over the world. and all over the world. and all over the world. God, speak to us now in Jesus name. God, speak to us now in Jesus name. God, speak to us now in Jesus name. Amen. [music] Amen. Church, let's all stand to [music] Amen. Church, let's all stand to our feet. Let's continue to lift our our feet. Let's continue to lift our our feet. Let's continue to lift our hearts [music] in praise to our great hearts [music] in praise to our great hearts [music] in praise to our great God. And let's draw near to him this God. And let's draw near to him this God. And let's draw near to him this morning. And let's testify to the kind morning. And let's testify to the kind morning. And let's testify to the kind [music] of God he is. We serve a mighty [music] of God he is. We serve a mighty [music] of God he is. We serve a mighty good and gracious God. Amen. Amen. Let's good and gracious God. Amen. Amen. Let's good and gracious God. Amen. Amen. Let's all continue to sing this together. all continue to sing this together. all continue to sing this together. [music] Who thought I'd [music] find you at the Who thought I'd [music] find you at the lowest place? lowest place? lowest place? Who thought [music] you'd feel me in the Who thought [music] you'd feel me in the Who thought [music] you'd feel me in the crowd?

Who [music and singing] knew you'd make Who [music and singing] knew you'd make good my mistakes? good my mistakes? good my mistakes? You're nothing [music and singing] like You're nothing [music and singing] like You're nothing [music and singing] like I thought you were. You're better. What I thought you were. You're better. What I thought you were. You're better. What a God. What a God. a God. What a God. a God. What a God. [music] [music] [music] What a God. What a God. What a God. What a God. What a God. What a God. [music] What a god. [singing] What [music] a What a god. [singing] What [music] a god. I thought you'd show [music] I thought you'd show [music] a perfection. a perfection. a perfection. Cuz what kind of god looks for the lost? Cuz what kind of god looks for the lost? Cuz what kind of god looks for the lost? And they [singing and music] say it's And they [singing and music] say it's And they [singing and music] say it's over for a sinner. over for a sinner. over for a sinner. You say You say You say it was [music] not your god. it was [music] not your god. it was [music] not your god. Oh, you say [music] [music] What a god. What a god.

Oh, Oh, [singing] the highest [music] place I reach the highest [music] place I reach [singing] is at your feet. And I've done [singing] is at your feet. And I've done [singing] is at your feet. And I've done it all. If the [music] best thing that it all. If the [music] best thing that it all. If the [music] best thing that I've seen is your glory and I've seen it I've seen is your glory and I've seen it I've seen is your glory and I've seen it all. Your love has changed [music] my all. Your love has changed [music] my all. Your love has changed [music] my life forever. Satisfied. life forever. Satisfied. life forever. Satisfied. You [singing] You [singing] You [singing] are my [music] in the highest place I reaches at your in the highest place I reaches at your feet. And I've done it all. And the best feet. And I've done it all. And the best feet. And I've done it all. And the best thing [music] that I've seen is your thing [music] that I've seen is your thing [music] that I've seen is your glory. glory. glory. And I've seen it all. Your love has And I've seen it all. Your love has And I've seen it all. Your love has changed [music] my life forever. changed [music] my life forever. changed [music] my life forever. Satisfied. [singing] Satisfied. [singing] Satisfied. [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. It all [music] feel your heart see your It all [music] feel your heart see your head. I still it all head. I still it all head. I still it all [music] [music] [music] this this this sisfy.

sisfy. sisfy. You are my [music] You are my [music] You are my [music] everything. everything. everything. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] in the highest and the highest [music] in the highest and the highest place I reach is at your feet. And place I reach is at your feet. And place I reach is at your feet. And [music] I've done it all. And the best [music] I've done it all. And the best [music] I've done it all. And the best thing that I've seen is your glory. thing that I've seen is your glory. thing that I've seen is your glory. And I see it all. Heat. Heat. Heat. And I see it all. Heat. Heat. Heat. And I see it all. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat.

See your See your [music] treasure of [singing] this. treasure of [singing] this. [music] heat. heat. [music] everything. everything. [music] I am an instrument I am an instrument of exaltation and I was [music] born to lift your name and I was [music] born to lift your name above all names. above all names. above all names. You hear the mey You hear the mey You hear the mey of all creation, [music] but there's a song of [singing] praise but there's a song of [singing] praise that [music] only I can bring. Who else that [music] only I can bring. Who else that [music] only I can bring. Who else is worthy?

is worthy? is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? There is no one, only you, Jesus. There is no one, only you, Jesus. Who else [music and singing] is worthy? Who else [music and singing] is worthy? Who else [music and singing] is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] There is no one. Only you Jesus. [music] There is no one. Only you Jesus. You [music] are [singing] the You [music] are [singing] the You [music] are [singing] the God of the aes. And [music] he chose to make my heart And [music] he chose to make my heart dwell. You heal my [music] brokenness. You heal my [music] brokenness. Show [singing] me your glory. Show [singing] me your glory. Show [singing] me your glory. So I [music] place my angels. So I [music] place my angels. So I [music] place my angels. Who else [music and singing] is worthy? Who else [music and singing] is worthy? Who else [music and singing] is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? [music] Who else is worthy? [music] There [singing] is no one There [singing] is no one There [singing] is no one only you Jesus. [music] only you Jesus. [music] only you Jesus. [music] Who else is worthy?

Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is [music and singing] worthy? There is no one There is no one [music] only you Jesus. [music] only you Jesus. [music] only you Jesus. Who else is worthy? [singing] Who else is worthy? [singing] Who else is worthy? [singing] [music] Who else is worthy? There [music] is none There [music] is none only you Jesus. only you Jesus. only you Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? There is none. There is none. [music] Only you Jesus our king. seated [music] on his throne. our king. seated [music] on his throne. [singing] Oh, he's the lamb of God, anointed Oh, he's the lamb of God, anointed [music and singing] one who was and is [music and singing] one who was and is [music and singing] one who was and is to come. He's [music] seated [singing] to come. He's [music] seated [singing] to come. He's [music] seated [singing] on the throne above. Holy, on the throne above. Holy, on the throne above. Holy, holy, holy, holy, rightous [music] one who shed his blood.

rightous [music] one who shed his blood. rightous [music] one who shed his blood. You prove to us the father's You prove to us the father's You prove to us the father's [music and singing] love. of Jesus [music and singing] love. of Jesus [music and singing] love. of Jesus Christ we Christ we Christ we holy holy holy holy [music] lamb [singing] of God the holy [music] lamb [singing] of God the holy [music] lamb [singing] of God the one who was [music] and is and is to one who was [music] and is and is to one who was [music] and is and is to come is seated on the throne [singing] come is seated on the throne [singing] come is seated on the throne [singing] above holy [music] holy above holy [music] holy above holy [music] holy righteous [singing] one who shed his righteous [singing] one who shed his righteous [singing] one who shed his life life life to us the father's love [music] of Jesus to us the father's love [music] of Jesus to us the father's love [music] of Jesus Christ be lifted up. Christ be lifted up. Christ be lifted up. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? There is none. There is none. There is none. Only [music] you Jesus. Only [music] you Jesus. Only [music] you Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? There is [singing] none.

There is [singing] none. [music] [music] [music] Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. There is none. There is none. There is none. [music] [music] [music] Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. Only you Jesus. There is There is There is only [music] only [music] only [music] Jesus. Aren't you so thankful for the [music] Aren't you so thankful for the [music] gospel today? Amen. It is the power unto gospel today? Amen. It is the power unto gospel today? Amen. It is the power unto salvation. salvation. salvation. As brothers and sisters, let's all sing As brothers and sisters, let's all sing As brothers and sisters, let's all sing this together. Declare it. How great this together. Declare it. How great this together. Declare it. How great [music] the chasm [music] the chasm [music] the chasm that lay between us. How [music] high that lay between us. How [music] high that lay between us. How [music] high the mountain the mountain the mountain I could [singing] not climb. I could [singing] not climb. I could [singing] not climb. In [music] desperation, In [music] desperation, In [music] desperation, I turned to heaven [music] I turned to heaven [music] I turned to heaven [music] and spoke your name into [music] the and spoke your name into [music] the and spoke your name into [music] the night.

night. night. And through the darkness, And through the darkness, And through the darkness, your loving kindness [music] your loving kindness [music] your loving kindness [music] tore through the shadows [singing] tore through the shadows [singing] tore through the shadows [singing] of my [music] soul. of my [music] soul. of my [music] soul. The work is finished The work is finished The work is finished and the [music] end is written. and the [music] end is written. and the [music] end is written. Jesus Christ my [music] livinging Jesus Christ my [music] livinging Jesus Christ my [music] livinging hope. Who [music] could imagine Who [music] could imagine so great a mercy? so great a mercy? so great a mercy? What heart could [music] fathom What heart could [music] fathom What heart could [music] fathom [singing] [singing] [singing] such boundless grace? such boundless grace? such boundless grace? The God of [singing] The God of [singing] The God of [singing] ages [music] ages [music] ages [music] stepped down from glory stepped down from glory stepped down from glory to wear my [music and singing] sin and to wear my [music and singing] sin and to wear my [music and singing] sin and bear my bear my bear my >> and the cross has spoken. The cross has >> and the cross has spoken. The cross has >> and the cross has spoken. The cross has spoken. [music and singing] spoken. [music and singing] spoken. [music and singing] I am forgi.

I am forgi. I am forgi. The [music] King of Kings calls The [music] King of Kings calls The [music] King of Kings calls [singing] me his own. [music] Beautiful Savior. Beautiful Savior. I'm yours [music] forever. Sing his I'm yours [music] forever. Sing his I'm yours [music] forever. Sing his name. Jesus Christ my Lord. name. Jesus Christ my Lord. name. Jesus Christ my Lord. >> All right, church. Lift your [music] >> All right, church. Lift your [music] >> All right, church. Lift your [music] voice in your heart. Let's sing. voice in your heart. Let's sing. voice in your heart. Let's sing. Hallelujah. Praise the [singing] one who sent me. Praise the [singing] one who sent me. Sing it. Hallelujah. You have broken. You have [music] You have broken. You have [music] broken. >> Yeah. Jesus [music] Christ, my living >> Yeah. Jesus [music] Christ, my living [singing] [singing] [singing] home. Sing it again. Hallelujah. [music] Praise the one who set me free. Praise the one who set me free. Hallelujah. [music] Death has lost its grip on me. You have Death has lost its grip on me. You have broken every [music] chain. There's broken every [music] chain. There's broken every [music] chain. There's salvation in your name. Jesus [music] salvation in your name. Jesus [music] salvation in your name. Jesus [music] Christ, my living.

Came the morning [music] Came the morning [music] that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. that sealed the promise. Your buried body Your buried body Your buried body [music] began to breathe. [music] began to breathe. [music] began to breathe. Out of the silence, Out of the silence, Out of the silence, the roaring lion the roaring lion the roaring lion declared the grave [music] has no claim declared the grave [music] has no claim declared the grave [music] has no claim on him. on him. on him. They came the morning [singing] They came the morning [singing] They came the morning [singing] that sealed the [music] proise. that sealed the [music] proise. that sealed the [music] proise. Your very body [singing] Your very body [singing] Your very body [singing] begin to breathe. [music] begin to breathe. [music] begin to breathe. [music] Out of the silence, Out of the silence, Out of the silence, the roaring [singing] lion. the roaring [singing] lion. the roaring [singing] lion. Declare [music] the grave has no claim Declare [music] the grave has no claim Declare [music] the grave has no claim on me. [music] on me. [music] on me. [music] Jesus yours is the victory. Jesus yours is the victory. Jesus yours is the victory. [music] Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] Praise the [singing] Lord who set me Praise the [singing] Lord who set me Praise the [singing] Lord who set me free. Hallelujah. [music] You have broken every [music] chain. You have broken every [music] chain. There's salvation in your name. Jesus There's salvation in your name. Jesus There's salvation in your name. Jesus Christ my living. Christ my living. Christ my living. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Praise the [music and singing] one who Praise the [music and singing] one who set me free. Hallelujah. Death has [music] lost his glory. Death has [music] lost his glory. You have broken every chain. There's You have broken every chain. There's You have broken every chain. There's salvation [music] salvation [music] salvation [music] in [singing] your name. Jesus Christ my in [singing] your name. Jesus Christ my in [singing] your name. Jesus Christ my living. [music] Jesus Christ my [music] livinging Jesus Christ my [music] livinging hope. hope. hope. Oh God you are my livinging [music] Oh God you are my livinging [music] Oh God you are my livinging [music] hope.

And Lord we thank you for that truth And Lord we thank you for that truth this morning this morning this morning God that you are our living hope. God that you are our living hope. God that you are our living hope. That you have come to set us free. That you have come to set us free. That you have come to set us free. [music] that you did die for us on the [music] that you did die for us on the [music] that you did die for us on the cross. You were raised again on the cross. You were raised again on the cross. You were raised again on the third day. third day. third day. And God, this morning, we are just so And God, this morning, we are just so And God, this morning, we are just so grateful for your love for us, grateful for your love for us, grateful for your love for us, your commitment to us. your commitment to us. your commitment to us. And God, thank you that you were And God, thank you that you were And God, thank you that you were obedient. [music] Thank you that you were obedient to the Thank you that you were obedient to the point of death on the cross. And that point of death on the cross. And that point of death on the cross. And that every burden we had, you put on your every burden we had, you put on your every burden we had, you put on your shoulders as [music] you carried that shoulders as [music] you carried that shoulders as [music] you carried that cross to Calvary. cross to Calvary. cross to Calvary. as you took your last breath, you had us as you took your last breath, you had us as you took your last breath, you had us in mind. in mind. in mind. And God, I pray that that truth would And God, I pray that that truth would And God, I pray that that truth would not be lost on us this morning. I pray not be lost on us this morning. I pray not be lost on us this morning. I pray that that would not be old news to us. that that would not be old news to us. that that would not be old news to us. But God, it would be good news. But God, it would be good news. But God, it would be good news. So this morning, I pray that you would So this morning, I pray that you would So this morning, I pray that you would meet us this morning, God. Whether we're meet us this morning, God. Whether we're meet us this morning, God. Whether we're far from you, whether we're near to you, far from you, whether we're near to you, far from you, whether we're near to you, whether we've been in your word every whether we've been in your word every whether we've been in your word every day this week, whether we haven't, God, day this week, whether we haven't, God, day this week, whether we haven't, God, I just pray that you would just come I just pray that you would just come I just pray that you would just come into this [music] place and just be with into this [music] place and just be with into this [music] place and just be with us. Teach us your way. Teach us your us. Teach us your way. Teach us your us. Teach us your way. Teach us your thoughts. And and God, I just pray that thoughts. And and God, I just pray that thoughts. And and God, I just pray that you would just show us a little bit more you would just show us a little bit more you would just show us a little bit more of who you are this morning. So Lord, we of who you are this morning. So Lord, we of who you are this morning. So Lord, we love you, we praise you, and give you love you, we praise you, and give you love you, we praise you, and give you all the glory. We pray this in your all the glory. We pray this in your all the glory. We pray this in your name. Amen.

name. Amen. name. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. and and amen. Please be >> Amen. Amen. and and amen. Please be >> Amen. Amen. and and amen. Please be seated if you would. Well, good morning seated if you would. Well, good morning seated if you would. Well, good morning to all if you're visiting with us uh for to all if you're visiting with us uh for to all if you're visiting with us uh for the first time. My name is Archie Mason. the first time. My name is Archie Mason. the first time. My name is Archie Mason. I'm a senior pastor. So, thanks for I'm a senior pastor. So, thanks for I'm a senior pastor. So, thanks for being with us today. As always, good being with us today. As always, good being with us today. As always, good morning anyone joining us live streaming morning anyone joining us live streaming morning anyone joining us live streaming or by television wherever you may be. If or by television wherever you may be. If or by television wherever you may be. If you got a Bible with you, let's take it you got a Bible with you, let's take it you got a Bible with you, let's take it and go ahead and turn to the book of and go ahead and turn to the book of and go ahead and turn to the book of Philippians. You may have your Bible on Philippians. You may have your Bible on Philippians. You may have your Bible on your phone. We're going to be in your phone. We're going to be in your phone. We're going to be in Philippians chapter 3. If you are new Philippians chapter 3. If you are new Philippians chapter 3. If you are new with us, we're teaching through the book with us, we're teaching through the book with us, we're teaching through the book of Philippians as Paul's writing to the of Philippians as Paul's writing to the of Philippians as Paul's writing to the church there uh at Philippi. Title of church there uh at Philippi. Title of church there uh at Philippi. Title of today of this message is knowing Christ. today of this message is knowing Christ. today of this message is knowing Christ. It is knowing Christ. Now I'm about to It is knowing Christ. Now I'm about to It is knowing Christ. Now I'm about to put the pictures up of some very famous put the pictures up of some very famous put the pictures up of some very famous people and I want you to tell me who people and I want you to tell me who people and I want you to tell me who they are. So here's the first one. It's they are. So here's the first one. It's they are. So here's the first one. It's going up. Who is this guy? going up. Who is this guy? going up. Who is this guy? >> Pton Manning. Uh now I'm not going to >> Pton Manning. Uh now I'm not going to >> Pton Manning. Uh now I'm not going to ask you if you've ever wore his jersey ask you if you've ever wore his jersey ask you if you've ever wore his jersey and I'm not going to get into debate or and I'm not going to get into debate or and I'm not going to get into debate or anything like that, but most of you anything like that, but most of you anything like that, but most of you recognize his face. He's uh pretty recognize his face. He's uh pretty recognize his face. He's uh pretty famous. He's retired. He does a lot of famous. He's retired. He does a lot of famous. He's retired. He does a lot of commercials, that kind of stuff like commercials, that kind of stuff like commercials, that kind of stuff like that. Okay, got another person's going that. Okay, got another person's going that. Okay, got another person's going to go up. Who's that? to go up. Who's that? to go up. Who's that? >> Woo. Hey, now not only in the 9:30 >> Woo. Hey, now not only in the 9:30 >> Woo. Hey, now not only in the 9:30 service, but in the 8:00 service, Dolly service, but in the 8:00 service, Dolly service, but in the 8:00 service, Dolly Parton's the hit out of everybody. I Parton's the hit out of everybody. I Parton's the hit out of everybody. I just want you to know, maybe you've been just want you to know, maybe you've been just want you to know, maybe you've been able to see her uh at the Grando Opera, able to see her uh at the Grando Opera, able to see her uh at the Grando Opera, or maybe you've been to a concert she's or maybe you've been to a concert she's or maybe you've been to a concert she's done, something like that. Uh, but you done, something like that. Uh, but you done, something like that. Uh, but you know, you know, she has a lot of songs.

know, you know, she has a lot of songs. know, you know, she has a lot of songs. Maybe you know some of her songs Maybe you know some of her songs Maybe you know some of her songs personally. You may know a lot of personally. You may know a lot of personally. You may know a lot of information about her. Here's one other information about her. Here's one other information about her. Here's one other famous person. Who's that? famous person. Who's that? famous person. Who's that? >> Michael Jordan. Now, let's don't get >> Michael Jordan. Now, let's don't get >> Michael Jordan. Now, let's don't get into an argument, but I believe he's the into an argument, but I believe he's the into an argument, but I believe he's the greatest basketball player there's ever greatest basketball player there's ever greatest basketball player there's ever been. You may say it's LeBron or been. You may say it's LeBron or been. You may say it's LeBron or somebody like that, but I'm not going to somebody like that, but I'm not going to somebody like that, but I'm not going to ask you if you've ever wore his jersey, ask you if you've ever wore his jersey, ask you if you've ever wore his jersey, but probably I'm not going to ask you if but probably I'm not going to ask you if but probably I'm not going to ask you if you got his shoes on right now, but you you got his shoes on right now, but you you got his shoes on right now, but you may uh have those on. Okay. So, these may uh have those on. Okay. So, these may uh have those on. Okay. So, these are famous people that probably all of are famous people that probably all of are famous people that probably all of us if you like sports like Michael us if you like sports like Michael us if you like sports like Michael Jordan watching him uh play or Payton or Jordan watching him uh play or Payton or Jordan watching him uh play or Payton or maybe listening to Miss Dolly or singing maybe listening to Miss Dolly or singing maybe listening to Miss Dolly or singing her songs, what you you and I, we know a her songs, what you you and I, we know a her songs, what you you and I, we know a lot. Now, in fact, I know there's some lot. Now, in fact, I know there's some lot. Now, in fact, I know there's some sports enthusiasts in here. You know all sports enthusiasts in here. You know all sports enthusiasts in here. You know all the stats uh on these two athletes that the stats uh on these two athletes that the stats uh on these two athletes that we have uh up here. You might know, you we have uh up here. You might know, you we have uh up here. You might know, you might know their birthdays. You might might know their birthdays. You might might know their birthdays. You might know all their history, all that kind of know all their history, all that kind of know all their history, all that kind of stuff. I would say the majority of us stuff. I would say the majority of us stuff. I would say the majority of us lost, we know a lot about these famous lost, we know a lot about these famous lost, we know a lot about these famous individuals. But the question is, do individuals. But the question is, do individuals. But the question is, do they know you or me? they know you or me? they know you or me? I would probably say that. Well, let me I would probably say that. Well, let me I would probably say that. Well, let me just ask a question. Does anybody in just ask a question. Does anybody in just ask a question. Does anybody in here know either of these three here know either of these three here know either of these three personally that you have a relationship personally that you have a relationship personally that you have a relationship with them? Because if you know Michael with them? Because if you know Michael with them? Because if you know Michael Jordan, we will take some shoes. Okay.

Jordan, we will take some shoes. Okay. Jordan, we will take some shoes. Okay. No, really. But but honestly, none of us No, really. But but honestly, none of us No, really. But but honestly, none of us I mean, maybe you have or whatever, but I mean, maybe you have or whatever, but I mean, maybe you have or whatever, but I've never met uh them personally. I I've never met uh them personally. I I've never met uh them personally. I don't have a relationship with them. don't have a relationship with them. don't have a relationship with them. Well, this is where we are in the book Well, this is where we are in the book Well, this is where we are in the book of Philippians. Paul of Philippians. Paul of Philippians. Paul before the road to Damascus before the road to Damascus before the road to Damascus was the I call him this and it's an old was the I call him this and it's an old was the I call him this and it's an old term. Some of you younger people won't term. Some of you younger people won't term. Some of you younger people won't know what it is. I call him the golden know what it is. I call him the golden know what it is. I call him the golden child coming up. He was the guy. He was child coming up. He was the guy. He was child coming up. He was the guy. He was a man. He was bilingual. He was very a man. He was bilingual. He was very a man. He was bilingual. He was very intelligent. In fact, I I'll go so far intelligent. In fact, I I'll go so far intelligent. In fact, I I'll go so far as to say this. He knew more about God as to say this. He knew more about God as to say this. He knew more about God than probably any person at that time than probably any person at that time than probably any person at that time according to the Old Testament. You see, according to the Old Testament. You see, according to the Old Testament. You see, he knew about him, but he didn't meet he knew about him, but he didn't meet he knew about him, but he didn't meet him personally till on the road to him personally till on the road to him personally till on the road to Damascus. Damascus. Damascus. You see, again, I believe he probably You see, again, I believe he probably You see, again, I believe he probably knew more about God according to the Old knew more about God according to the Old knew more about God according to the Old Testament than anybody really at that Testament than anybody really at that Testament than anybody really at that time. He was the golden child. We're time. He was the golden child. We're time. He was the golden child. We're going to read his resume in just a going to read his resume in just a going to read his resume in just a moment. He was a golden child coming up. moment. He was a golden child coming up. moment. He was a golden child coming up. He knew it all. again, very intelligent, He knew it all. again, very intelligent, He knew it all. again, very intelligent, very small, trained under one of the very small, trained under one of the very small, trained under one of the leading rabbis of the day. I mean, he leading rabbis of the day. I mean, he leading rabbis of the day. I mean, he was the guy. So, he knew a lot of facts was the guy. So, he knew a lot of facts was the guy. So, he knew a lot of facts about God. He just didn't know him about God. He just didn't know him about God. He just didn't know him personally. The road to Damascus changed personally. The road to Damascus changed personally. The road to Damascus changed everything in his life when he met everything in his life when he met everything in his life when he met Christ. And you see, that's where a lot Christ. And you see, that's where a lot Christ. And you see, that's where a lot of us can be if we don't pay attention.

of us can be if we don't pay attention. of us can be if we don't pay attention. I would so go so far as to say as most I would so go so far as to say as most I would so go so far as to say as most everyone across the room, those joining everyone across the room, those joining everyone across the room, those joining us online, wherever you may be, we us online, wherever you may be, we us online, wherever you may be, we believe the facts about the Lord Jesus believe the facts about the Lord Jesus believe the facts about the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe he's born of a Virgin Christ. We believe he's born of a Virgin Christ. We believe he's born of a Virgin Mary. We believe that he lived a sinless Mary. We believe that he lived a sinless Mary. We believe that he lived a sinless life. We believe, many of you, I would life. We believe, many of you, I would life. We believe, many of you, I would say all of you say, "Yes, he was a say all of you say, "Yes, he was a say all of you say, "Yes, he was a historical figure." You cannot not claim historical figure." You cannot not claim historical figure." You cannot not claim that he did not walk on this earth that he did not walk on this earth that he did not walk on this earth because we got outside sources that said because we got outside sources that said because we got outside sources that said he did. So, you know, he walked on. You he did. So, you know, he walked on. You he did. So, you know, he walked on. You would go so far as to say, "Yes, I I would go so far as to say, "Yes, I I would go so far as to say, "Yes, I I believe that he died on the cross for believe that he died on the cross for believe that he died on the cross for sins at Calvary, and I believe he was sins at Calvary, and I believe he was sins at Calvary, and I believe he was raised from the dead the third day, and raised from the dead the third day, and raised from the dead the third day, and I believe that he's coming back." fact I believe that he's coming back." fact I believe that he's coming back." fact you may believe all the facts you may believe all the facts you may believe all the facts intellectually about Christ and it's all intellectually about Christ and it's all intellectually about Christ and it's all here but as has it made it here there's here but as has it made it here there's here but as has it made it here there's a difference between intellectual a difference between intellectual a difference between intellectual knowledge and what is known as his heart knowledge and what is known as his heart knowledge and what is known as his heart knowledge this saving knowledge a knowledge this saving knowledge a knowledge this saving knowledge a experiential relationship know there's a experiential relationship know there's a experiential relationship know there's a difference between knowing all the difference between knowing all the difference between knowing all the articles of clothing that Michael Jordan articles of clothing that Michael Jordan articles of clothing that Michael Jordan has has has than actually having a personal than actually having a personal than actually having a personal relationship with Michael Jordan relationship with Michael Jordan relationship with Michael Jordan know all the facts know all the facts know all the facts But you don't actually know him. That's But you don't actually know him. That's But you don't actually know him. That's why that verse of scripture that strikes why that verse of scripture that strikes why that verse of scripture that strikes fear many times in the heart of people fear many times in the heart of people fear many times in the heart of people is found in Matthew 7. He says, "On that is found in Matthew 7. He says, "On that is found in Matthew 7. He says, "On that day there'll be those that come and say, day there'll be those that come and say, day there'll be those that come and say, Lord, Lord, did we not do this? We not Lord, Lord, did we not do this? We not Lord, Lord, did we not do this? We not do this? Did we not do that?" And he do this? Did we not do that?" And he do this? Did we not do that?" And he says, "Depart from me. I don't know says, "Depart from me. I don't know says, "Depart from me. I don't know you."

you." you." He's like, "I don't know you." He's like, "I don't know you." He's like, "I don't know you." So the question today, this will be at So the question today, this will be at So the question today, this will be at the time of invitation. I would go so the time of invitation. I would go so the time of invitation. I would go so far as say if almost 100% of you, you far as say if almost 100% of you, you far as say if almost 100% of you, you got it here. But do you have it here? got it here. But do you have it here? got it here. But do you have it here? That's what Paul, this whole 11 verses That's what Paul, this whole 11 verses That's what Paul, this whole 11 verses we're going to work through. He's going we're going to work through. He's going we're going to work through. He's going to talk about knowing Christ and that to talk about knowing Christ and that to talk about knowing Christ and that that relationship way over religion, that relationship way over religion, that relationship way over religion, over a resume, a pedigree of all the over a resume, a pedigree of all the over a resume, a pedigree of all the good things we've done and over good things we've done and over good things we've done and over everything. The whole pursuit of the everything. The whole pursuit of the everything. The whole pursuit of the Christian life is to know Christ, to Christian life is to know Christ, to Christian life is to know Christ, to grow in him continually. We call that grow in him continually. We call that grow in him continually. We call that the process of sanctification. Hey, if the process of sanctification. Hey, if the process of sanctification. Hey, if you're physically able, would you stand you're physically able, would you stand you're physically able, would you stand with me for the uh public reading of with me for the uh public reading of with me for the uh public reading of scripture? I'll pick up in verse one. scripture? I'll pick up in verse one. scripture? I'll pick up in verse one. Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is Lord. To write the same things again is Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me. It is a safeguard for no trouble to me. It is a safeguard for no trouble to me. It is a safeguard for you. Now, look at this language. Beware you. Now, look at this language. Beware you. Now, look at this language. Beware of the dogs. Beware of the evil workers. of the dogs. Beware of the evil workers. of the dogs. Beware of the evil workers. Beware of the first circumcision, false Beware of the first circumcision, false Beware of the first circumcision, false circumcision. Nobody wants to be called circumcision. Nobody wants to be called circumcision. Nobody wants to be called those names. For we are the true those names. For we are the true those names. For we are the true circumcision who worship in the spirit circumcision who worship in the spirit circumcision who worship in the spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. Although, no confidence in the flesh. Although, no confidence in the flesh. Although, now here's his here's his resume.

now here's his here's his resume. now here's his here's his resume. Although I myself might have confidence Although I myself might have confidence Although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh, if anyone else has a even in the flesh, if anyone else has a even in the flesh, if anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I mind to put confidence in the flesh, I mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more. He says, "You think you're far more. He says, "You think you're far more. He says, "You think you're good? I was better than you were. good? I was better than you were. good? I was better than you were. Circumcised eighth day of the nation of Circumcised eighth day of the nation of Circumcised eighth day of the nation of Israel, the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew Israel, the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew Israel, the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, as the law of Pharisee, as of Hebrews, as the law of Pharisee, as of Hebrews, as the law of Pharisee, as the zeal, a persecutor of the church, as the zeal, a persecutor of the church, as the zeal, a persecutor of the church, as to the righteousness which is in the to the righteousness which is in the to the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. But whatever law, found blameless. But whatever law, found blameless. But whatever things were gained to me, those things I things were gained to me, those things I things were gained to me, those things I have counted as lost for the sake of have counted as lost for the sake of have counted as lost for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all Christ. More than that, I count all Christ. More than that, I count all things to be lost in view of the things to be lost in view of the things to be lost in view of the surpassing value." you. Now, this is surpassing value." you. Now, this is surpassing value." you. Now, this is that this is that knowing that personal that this is that knowing that personal that this is that knowing that personal relationship, that experiential relationship, that experiential relationship, that experiential knowledge where it's went from head to knowledge where it's went from head to knowledge where it's went from head to heart and down to the feet where it's heart and down to the feet where it's heart and down to the feet where it's actually taking action and and steps of actually taking action and and steps of actually taking action and and steps of faith. He says, "Whatever those things faith. He says, "Whatever those things faith. He says, "Whatever those things were, surpassing value of knowing Christ were, surpassing value of knowing Christ were, surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I've suffered Jesus, my Lord, for whom I've suffered Jesus, my Lord, for whom I've suffered the loss of all things, and count them the loss of all things, and count them the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish, so that I might gain Christ but rubbish, so that I might gain Christ but rubbish, so that I might gain Christ and may be found in him, not having a and may be found in him, not having a and may be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, derived from righteousness of my own, derived from righteousness of my own, derived from the law, but that which is through faith the law, but that which is through faith the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness comes from in Christ, the righteousness comes from in Christ, the righteousness comes from God on the basis of faith, that I might God on the basis of faith, that I might God on the basis of faith, that I might know him and the power of his know him and the power of his know him and the power of his resurrection, the fellowship of his resurrection, the fellowship of his resurrection, the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his sufferings, being conformed to his sufferings, being conformed to his death, in order that I may attain to the death, in order that I may attain to the death, in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." Let's pray.

resurrection from the dead." Let's pray. resurrection from the dead." Let's pray. Father, thank you for today. Lord, we do Father, thank you for today. Lord, we do Father, thank you for today. Lord, we do not take for granted that you woke us up not take for granted that you woke us up not take for granted that you woke us up this morning, that you have us here. this morning, that you have us here. this morning, that you have us here. Life is a vapor. It's here today. It's Life is a vapor. It's here today. It's Life is a vapor. It's here today. It's gone tomorrow. So, thank you for gone tomorrow. So, thank you for gone tomorrow. So, thank you for allowing us to be here. Lord, uh each allowing us to be here. Lord, uh each allowing us to be here. Lord, uh each person that's here, each soul in this person that's here, each soul in this person that's here, each soul in this room, boy, girl, man, woman, today is a room, boy, girl, man, woman, today is a room, boy, girl, man, woman, today is a divine appointment, Lord. I pray, Lord, divine appointment, Lord. I pray, Lord, divine appointment, Lord. I pray, Lord, you disciple us as believers and teach you disciple us as believers and teach you disciple us as believers and teach us and give us understanding. Help us us and give us understanding. Help us us and give us understanding. Help us grow in sanctification, Lord, in the grow in sanctification, Lord, in the grow in sanctification, Lord, in the knowledge and understanding of you, uh knowledge and understanding of you, uh knowledge and understanding of you, uh Lord, but also as a day of salvation. Lord, but also as a day of salvation. Lord, but also as a day of salvation. Lord, I know there are folks who need to Lord, I know there are folks who need to Lord, I know there are folks who need to be saved today. And so, Lord, I pray be saved today. And so, Lord, I pray be saved today. And so, Lord, I pray someone may have been a member of a someone may have been a member of a someone may have been a member of a church. Someone may have a a a great church. Someone may have a a a great church. Someone may have a a a great resume of being a successful Christian, resume of being a successful Christian, resume of being a successful Christian, but they do not know you. And so, Lord, but they do not know you. And so, Lord, but they do not know you. And so, Lord, I pray today is that place of the saving I pray today is that place of the saving I pray today is that place of the saving knowledge of you where there's knowledge of you where there's knowledge of you where there's conviction, there's repentance, there's conviction, there's repentance, there's conviction, there's repentance, there's faith, and I pray someone enters into faith, and I pray someone enters into faith, and I pray someone enters into the kingdom today. May it be for your the kingdom today. May it be for your the kingdom today. May it be for your glory. In your name we pray, the name of glory. In your name we pray, the name of glory. In your name we pray, the name of Jesus. And all God's people said, Jesus. And all God's people said, Jesus. And all God's people said, "Amen." Amen. Please be seated. Again, "Amen." Amen. Please be seated. Again, "Amen." Amen. Please be seated. Again, thanks for standing for the uh public thanks for standing for the uh public thanks for standing for the uh public reading of scripture. If you've been reading of scripture. If you've been reading of scripture. If you've been here with me very long, I believe in the here with me very long, I believe in the here with me very long, I believe in the public reading of scripture. You just public reading of scripture. You just public reading of scripture. You just can't mess that up. And uh so pray the can't mess that up. And uh so pray the can't mess that up. And uh so pray the Holy Spirit moves and works in the Holy Spirit moves and works in the Holy Spirit moves and works in the heart. So let's talk about how he starts heart. So let's talk about how he starts heart. So let's talk about how he starts off here. We're going to talk about what off here. We're going to talk about what off here. We're going to talk about what Paul is basically saying that knowing Paul is basically saying that knowing Paul is basically saying that knowing Christ over religion. So he starts off Christ over religion. So he starts off Christ over religion. So he starts off right there. He says, "Find, my right there. He says, "Find, my right there. He says, "Find, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord." What brethren, rejoice in the Lord." What brethren, rejoice in the Lord." What what does that mean? Rejoice in the what does that mean? Rejoice in the what does that mean? Rejoice in the Lord. You hear that a lot. Well, it just Lord. You hear that a lot. Well, it just Lord. You hear that a lot. Well, it just means to rejoice in the Lord. Uh rejoice means to rejoice in the Lord. Uh rejoice means to rejoice in the Lord. Uh rejoice in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. That the Lord Jesus Christ left the That the Lord Jesus Christ left the That the Lord Jesus Christ left the throne room of heaven. The Bible tells throne room of heaven. The Bible tells throne room of heaven. The Bible tells us did not regard equality with God a us did not regard equality with God a us did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped. Okay? Hung on to thing to be grasped. Okay? Hung on to thing to be grasped. Okay? Hung on to but emptied himself. Uh not of his but emptied himself. Uh not of his but emptied himself. Uh not of his divinity but of that that aura we call divinity but of that that aura we call divinity but of that that aura we call it the shikina glory. Anyway, empty and it the shikina glory. Anyway, empty and it the shikina glory. Anyway, empty and and became a man came in flesh 100% God and became a man came in flesh 100% God and became a man came in flesh 100% God 100% man for the whole purpose of going 100% man for the whole purpose of going 100% man for the whole purpose of going to the cross for you and me. We rejoice to the cross for you and me. We rejoice to the cross for you and me. We rejoice in that that Jesus went to the cross you in that that Jesus went to the cross you in that that Jesus went to the cross you and me. We do not deserve that. We and me. We do not deserve that. We and me. We do not deserve that. We cannot earn that. It's by the grace of cannot earn that. It's by the grace of cannot earn that. It's by the grace of God. And so he poured out his blood on God. And so he poured out his blood on God. And so he poured out his blood on the cross at Calvary. So we could have the cross at Calvary. So we could have the cross at Calvary. So we could have forgiveness of sin as we see in the text forgiveness of sin as we see in the text forgiveness of sin as we see in the text and talk a little bit more in detail in and talk a little bit more in detail in and talk a little bit more in detail in just a moment that when we come to the just a moment that when we come to the just a moment that when we come to the saving knowledge of Christ, okay, not saving knowledge of Christ, okay, not saving knowledge of Christ, okay, not the facts, we know facts, but right here the facts, we know facts, but right here the facts, we know facts, but right here when we actually experience him and say, when we actually experience him and say, when we actually experience him and say, "Lord Jesus, I want you to save me. Lord "Lord Jesus, I want you to save me. Lord "Lord Jesus, I want you to save me. Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, Jesus, I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, Jesus, I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus, I believe in you. Lord, take control uh I believe in you. Lord, take control uh I believe in you. Lord, take control uh of my life." When we we come to that of my life." When we we come to that of my life." When we we come to that place, the imputation of the place, the imputation of the place, the imputation of the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ is put upon us. Do you realize that as a is put upon us. Do you realize that as a is put upon us. Do you realize that as a believer uh in the Lord Jesus Christ?

believer uh in the Lord Jesus Christ? believer uh in the Lord Jesus Christ? That when when the Lord looks down at That when when the Lord looks down at That when when the Lord looks down at us, when the father looks at us, he sees us, when the father looks at us, he sees us, when the father looks at us, he sees the righteousness of us as a sinless son the righteousness of us as a sinless son the righteousness of us as a sinless son of his uh son, the Lord Jesus Christ, he of his uh son, the Lord Jesus Christ, he of his uh son, the Lord Jesus Christ, he sees the righteousness of Christ upon sees the righteousness of Christ upon sees the righteousness of Christ upon us. We've been clothed in that. I mean, us. We've been clothed in that. I mean, us. We've been clothed in that. I mean, this is what we rejoice in. We we can't this is what we rejoice in. We we can't this is what we rejoice in. We we can't earn that. Can't deserve that. It's by earn that. Can't deserve that. It's by earn that. Can't deserve that. It's by the a grace of God and that he's coming the a grace of God and that he's coming the a grace of God and that he's coming back for us one day and that we get to back for us one day and that we get to back for us one day and that we get to be on purpose and on mission with so be on purpose and on mission with so be on purpose and on mission with so what Paul's saying look I know things what Paul's saying look I know things what Paul's saying look I know things are tough I know things are going on he are tough I know things are going on he are tough I know things are going on he says but you can rejoice in the Lord and says but you can rejoice in the Lord and says but you can rejoice in the Lord and he says or write these things again it's he says or write these things again it's he says or write these things again it's not a trouble for me so apparently what not a trouble for me so apparently what not a trouble for me so apparently what he's about to say there seems to be he's he's about to say there seems to be he's he's about to say there seems to be he's already had a conversation too somewhat already had a conversation too somewhat already had a conversation too somewhat he says it's not a trouble for me it is he says it's not a trouble for me it is he says it's not a trouble for me it is a safeguard for you and then he jumps in a safeguard for you and then he jumps in a safeguard for you and then he jumps in he got these three words there he says he got these three words there he says he got these three words there he says beware three times and first he says of beware three times and first he says of beware three times and first he says of the dogs. Now, beware means pay the dogs. Now, beware means pay the dogs. Now, beware means pay attention. So, this is the Holy Spirit attention. So, this is the Holy Spirit attention. So, this is the Holy Spirit of God speaking to us. And what the Lord of God speaking to us. And what the Lord of God speaking to us. And what the Lord says today, it's relevant relevant then, says today, it's relevant relevant then, says today, it's relevant relevant then, relevant today. What he says is you need relevant today. What he says is you need relevant today. What he says is you need to be aware of the dogs. Now, that is to be aware of the dogs. Now, that is to be aware of the dogs. Now, that is interesting to me. Now, I don't know.

interesting to me. Now, I don't know. interesting to me. Now, I don't know. You may think, well, you're just like a You may think, well, you're just like a You may think, well, you're just like a kid. Well, yes, in a way. I can remember kid. Well, yes, in a way. I can remember kid. Well, yes, in a way. I can remember when Angie and I first got cows, um, we when Angie and I first got cows, um, we when Angie and I first got cows, um, we had them in a pasture and Mr. Gary Moss had them in a pasture and Mr. Gary Moss had them in a pasture and Mr. Gary Moss has gone to be with the Lord. And I has gone to be with the Lord. And I has gone to be with the Lord. And I asked Mr. Gary, I said, "Mr. here. I asked Mr. Gary, I said, "Mr. here. I asked Mr. Gary, I said, "Mr. here. I said, "You ever worry about coyotes said, "You ever worry about coyotes said, "You ever worry about coyotes attacking the calfs?" I remember him attacking the calfs?" I remember him attacking the calfs?" I remember him looking at me and he said, "Well, not looking at me and he said, "Well, not looking at me and he said, "Well, not really." I said, "No." I said, "Well, really." I said, "No." I said, "Well, really." I said, "No." I said, "Well, I've heard the coyotes will do this and I've heard the coyotes will do this and I've heard the coyotes will do this and do that." He said, "I'm more afraid of a do that." He said, "I'm more afraid of a do that." He said, "I'm more afraid of a pack of wild dogs than I am coyotes." I pack of wild dogs than I am coyotes." I pack of wild dogs than I am coyotes." I said, "What do you mean wild dogs?" He said, "What do you mean wild dogs?" He said, "What do you mean wild dogs?" He said, "Wild dogs?" I said, "Do you mean said, "Wild dogs?" I said, "Do you mean said, "Wild dogs?" I said, "Do you mean like dogs that used to be puppies and like dogs that used to be puppies and like dogs that used to be puppies and then they became dogs and they were like then they became dogs and they were like then they became dogs and they were like somebody's house and then they started somebody's house and then they started somebody's house and then they started letting He said, "Yeah." He said, "They letting He said, "Yeah." He said, "They letting He said, "Yeah." He said, "They were one time." He said, "But somebody were one time." He said, "But somebody were one time." He said, "But somebody has thrown them out on the ridge." And has thrown them out on the ridge." And has thrown them out on the ridge." And he said, "They're running a pack." He he said, "They're running a pack." He he said, "They're running a pack." He said, "They'll kill more calves than said, "They'll kill more calves than said, "They'll kill more calves than coyotes will." I thought, "That's until coyotes will." I thought, "That's until coyotes will." I thought, "That's until we experience it." I thought, "That's we experience it." I thought, "That's we experience it." I thought, "That's the craziest thing I've ever heard in my the craziest thing I've ever heard in my the craziest thing I've ever heard in my life." Well, when Paul says, "Beware of life." Well, when Paul says, "Beware of life." Well, when Paul says, "Beware of the dogs." Do dogs. They knew at that the dogs." Do dogs. They knew at that the dogs." Do dogs. They knew at that time there were vicious packs of once time there were vicious packs of once time there were vicious packs of once that were little puppies that were now that were little puppies that were now that were little puppies that were now wild, vicious dogs that roame through wild, vicious dogs that roame through wild, vicious dogs that roame through the city. And in the night, you know the city. And in the night, you know the city. And in the night, you know what they did? They tore stuff apart.

what they did? They tore stuff apart. what they did? They tore stuff apart. This is the kind of pack of dogs you This is the kind of pack of dogs you This is the kind of pack of dogs you didn't want your toddlers to be around, didn't want your toddlers to be around, didn't want your toddlers to be around, your small kids. you didn't want to be your small kids. you didn't want to be your small kids. you didn't want to be around them. They're very vicious, worse around them. They're very vicious, worse around them. They're very vicious, worse than any other animal. Well, what does than any other animal. Well, what does than any other animal. Well, what does he mean by that? Because of the tearing. he mean by that? Because of the tearing. he mean by that? Because of the tearing. A cult, an organization that is a cult A cult, an organization that is a cult A cult, an organization that is a cult is that organization tears at the deity is that organization tears at the deity is that organization tears at the deity of Christ. They add or take away. They of Christ. They add or take away. They of Christ. They add or take away. They may say he is not the son of God. Or may say he is not the son of God. Or may say he is not the son of God. Or they may say, well, it's Jesus plus they may say, well, it's Jesus plus they may say, well, it's Jesus plus this. Or it could be that they say, this. Or it could be that they say, this. Or it could be that they say, well, well, Jesus is not, you know, he's well, well, Jesus is not, you know, he's well, well, Jesus is not, you know, he's not really the son of God. He at one not really the son of God. He at one not really the son of God. He at one time was an angel and then he became uh time was an angel and then he became uh time was an angel and then he became uh the son. Now he's an angel again. That's the son. Now he's an angel again. That's the son. Now he's an angel again. That's tearing at the deity of Christ. Or it tearing at the deity of Christ. Or it tearing at the deity of Christ. Or it can be. They said, "Well, you know, can be. They said, "Well, you know, can be. They said, "Well, you know, Jesus was born of a physical man and a Jesus was born of a physical man and a Jesus was born of a physical man and a physical woman." That that's the idea. physical woman." That that's the idea. physical woman." That that's the idea. That's a very rough language. He said, That's a very rough language. He said, That's a very rough language. He said, "Beware of the dogs." And the only way "Beware of the dogs." And the only way "Beware of the dogs." And the only way that you can beware of the vicious dogs that you can beware of the vicious dogs that you can beware of the vicious dogs is you've got to know the truth. It's is you've got to know the truth. It's is you've got to know the truth. It's the truth of Christ. So he says, the truth of Christ. So he says, the truth of Christ. So he says, "Beware." He says, "Beware of the evil "Beware." He says, "Beware of the evil "Beware." He says, "Beware of the evil workers." What in the world? You just workers." What in the world? You just workers." What in the world? You just went from dog to worker. That can be went from dog to worker. That can be went from dog to worker. That can be morally evil, but it can also be a morally evil, but it can also be a morally evil, but it can also be a person that denies salvation through person that denies salvation through person that denies salvation through grace. And what that is, they believe grace. And what that is, they believe grace. And what that is, they believe they can earn salvation. They referred they can earn salvation. They referred they can earn salvation. They referred to as an evil worker. And then the false to as an evil worker. And then the false to as an evil worker. And then the false circumcision, you get that these were circumcision, you get that these were circumcision, you get that these were the Jewish people of that day. That that the Jewish people of that day. That that the Jewish people of that day. That that circumcision in the Old Testament was circumcision in the Old Testament was circumcision in the Old Testament was the covenant of God with Abraham. And it the covenant of God with Abraham. And it the covenant of God with Abraham. And it would mark an individual, a male, that would mark an individual, a male, that would mark an individual, a male, that they were followers of God. It it had no they were followers of God. It it had no they were followers of God. It it had no salvific expression to it. know salvific expression to it. know salvific expression to it. know salvation that but it just mark them and

salvation that but it just mark them and salvation that but it just mark them and so it was to be done on the eighth day so it was to be done on the eighth day so it was to be done on the eighth day after birth and and all that. Well the after birth and and all that. Well the after birth and and all that. Well the false circumcision they believe that's false circumcision they believe that's false circumcision they believe that's how they had a relationship with God and how they had a relationship with God and how they had a relationship with God and so Paul says beware beware pay attention so Paul says beware beware pay attention so Paul says beware beware pay attention you know beware beware and and how do you know beware beware and and how do you know beware beware and and how do you know that something is a counterfeit you know that something is a counterfeit you know that something is a counterfeit that something's not real that something that something's not real that something that something's not real that something would be considered dog an evil worker would be considered dog an evil worker would be considered dog an evil worker false circumcision how we know that we false circumcision how we know that we false circumcision how we know that we got to know the original. If you've ever got to know the original. If you've ever got to know the original. If you've ever had like a $50 bill or by God's grace had like a $50 bill or by God's grace had like a $50 bill or by God's grace you had a $100 bill. If you ever had a you had a $100 bill. If you ever had a you had a $100 bill. If you ever had a $100 bill and you go somewhere and $100 bill and you go somewhere and $100 bill and you go somewhere and you're going to pay for something, you you're going to pay for something, you you're going to pay for something, you know, you give it to the cashier and know, you give it to the cashier and know, you give it to the cashier and they look at it and then you start they look at it and then you start they look at it and then you start thinking, hm. Then they dig around, they thinking, hm. Then they dig around, they thinking, hm. Then they dig around, they find that little marker and then then find that little marker and then then find that little marker and then then you start going, I hope this thing's you start going, I hope this thing's you start going, I hope this thing's real cuz I don't know where it came real cuz I don't know where it came real cuz I don't know where it came from. You ever done that? You know, and from. You ever done that? You know, and from. You ever done that? You know, and you know, they mark on it's like, okay, you know, they mark on it's like, okay, you know, they mark on it's like, okay, you know, goes in there maybe paying for you know, goes in there maybe paying for you know, goes in there maybe paying for gas, doing something like that. But the gas, doing something like that. But the gas, doing something like that. But the deal is, and and this is old. You've deal is, and and this is old. You've deal is, and and this is old. You've heard this before. I can tell you a heard this before. I can tell you a heard this before. I can tell you a hundred times probably. But they say, hundred times probably. But they say, hundred times probably. But they say, "How can people spot something that's "How can people spot something that's "How can people spot something that's counterfeit?" It's because they say the counterfeit?" It's because they say the counterfeit?" It's because they say the original. They don't study the false original. They don't study the false original. They don't study the false things. They say the original. This is things. They say the original. This is things. They say the original. This is the idea here. He says, "Beware of these the idea here. He says, "Beware of these the idea here. He says, "Beware of these things." Because this way he launches things." Because this way he launches things." Because this way he launches into next in verse three. We're the true into next in verse three. We're the true into next in verse three. We're the true circumcision. True. Cut of the heart.

circumcision. True. Cut of the heart. circumcision. True. Cut of the heart. Okay? We've been cut of the heart. We Okay? We've been cut of the heart. We Okay? We've been cut of the heart. We have had forgiveness. It's in Christ. We have had forgiveness. It's in Christ. We have had forgiveness. It's in Christ. We believe Jesus is the son of God. Believe believe Jesus is the son of God. Believe believe Jesus is the son of God. Believe he's been raised from the dead. and we he's been raised from the dead. and we he's been raised from the dead. and we worship in the spirit of God uh and worship in the spirit of God uh and worship in the spirit of God uh and glory in Christ Jesus and put no glory in Christ Jesus and put no glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence uh in the flesh. And so confidence uh in the flesh. And so confidence uh in the flesh. And so basically uh what he's saying here is basically uh what he's saying here is basically uh what he's saying here is that yeah, we got to recognize those that yeah, we got to recognize those that yeah, we got to recognize those false leaders and we've got to rejoice false leaders and we've got to rejoice false leaders and we've got to rejoice in Christ. And he says we put no in Christ. And he says we put no in Christ. And he says we put no confidence in place in worship. We can confidence in place in worship. We can confidence in place in worship. We can only have the true worship of God only have the true worship of God only have the true worship of God through the indwelling of the Holy through the indwelling of the Holy through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. So the Holy Spirit within us and Spirit. So the Holy Spirit within us and Spirit. So the Holy Spirit within us and the worship him. Do you realize that we the worship him. Do you realize that we the worship him. Do you realize that we come and yes, we sing and we preach and come and yes, we sing and we preach and come and yes, we sing and we preach and we teach God's word and we pray. That's we teach God's word and we pray. That's we teach God's word and we pray. That's a exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ. a exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ. a exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are worshiping him, lifting uh him up We are worshiping him, lifting uh him up We are worshiping him, lifting uh him up uh in doing this. And again, that's how uh in doing this. And again, that's how uh in doing this. And again, that's how we rejoice in the Lord. Yesterday, Angie we rejoice in the Lord. Yesterday, Angie we rejoice in the Lord. Yesterday, Angie and I were in a truck and we were and I were in a truck and we were and I were in a truck and we were driving along. We were having this driving along. We were having this driving along. We were having this conversation about something just life conversation about something just life conversation about something just life and general. She said, "Well, you know, and general. She said, "Well, you know, and general. She said, "Well, you know, we're not going to be here much longer." we're not going to be here much longer." we're not going to be here much longer." Now, you know when your wife says that Now, you know when your wife says that Now, you know when your wife says that after 38 years, I look at her and I after 38 years, I look at her and I after 38 years, I look at her and I said, "We're not going to be much." She said, "We're not going to be much." She said, "We're not going to be much." She says, she didn't say, "We're in the says, she didn't say, "We're in the says, she didn't say, "We're in the short rows. That's a farming deal." She short rows. That's a farming deal." She short rows. That's a farming deal." She didn't say we're in the short row. She didn't say we're in the short row. She didn't say we're in the short row. She said, "We're at the We're close to the said, "We're at the We're close to the said, "We're at the We're close to the end." I thought, "Well, I'm feeling end." I thought, "Well, I'm feeling end." I thought, "Well, I'm feeling pretty good right now. I don't know pretty good right now. I don't know pretty good right now. I don't know about that, but you know, you got to about that, but you know, you got to about that, but you know, you got to think about it. I think about our age.

think about it. I think about our age. think about it. I think about our age. We are in the last third of life. We're We are in the last third of life. We're We are in the last third of life. We're in the last quarter." And she says, in the last quarter." And she says, in the last quarter." And she says, "There's going to come a day." She said, "There's going to come a day." She said, "There's going to come a day." She said, "We're not going to be here that much "We're not going to be here that much "We're not going to be here that much longer." You see, for us, it was like longer." You see, for us, it was like longer." You see, for us, it was like yesterday we were 20. It was like yesterday we were 20. It was like yesterday we were 20. It was like yesterday we were married and now we've yesterday we were married and now we've yesterday we were married and now we've been married 38 years later. We're been married 38 years later. We're been married 38 years later. We're sitting in a truck like two old people sitting in a truck like two old people sitting in a truck like two old people and we're talking about we're not going and we're talking about we're not going and we're talking about we're not going to be here much longer, right? Because to be here much longer, right? Because to be here much longer, right? Because why is that? Because we're older. And why is that? Because we're older. And why is that? Because we're older. And but you know what? She had a smile on but you know what? She had a smile on but you know what? She had a smile on her face. She said, "And we're just not her face. She said, "And we're just not her face. She said, "And we're just not going to be dealing with the stuff of going to be dealing with the stuff of going to be dealing with the stuff of this world anymore." And I tell you this world anymore." And I tell you this world anymore." And I tell you what, you know, really, you may think, what, you know, really, you may think, what, you know, really, you may think, "Well, that's kind of morbid and weird." "Well, that's kind of morbid and weird." "Well, that's kind of morbid and weird." No, it really is like I just rejoice in No, it really is like I just rejoice in No, it really is like I just rejoice in the Lord over that, you know. Amen and the Lord over that, you know. Amen and the Lord over that, you know. Amen and amen. That Jesus Christ would come and amen. That Jesus Christ would come and amen. That Jesus Christ would come and die down a cross and I would have the die down a cross and I would have the die down a cross and I would have the opportunity to hear the gospel that I opportunity to hear the gospel that I opportunity to hear the gospel that I grew up in a church that taught the grew up in a church that taught the grew up in a church that taught the gospel. Didn't get saved I was 25. It gospel. Didn't get saved I was 25. It gospel. Didn't get saved I was 25. It was all right here. Then it moved to was all right here. Then it moved to was all right here. Then it moved to here and then it went to these feet. You here and then it went to these feet. You here and then it went to these feet. You see that's a sanctification. I rejoice see that's a sanctification. I rejoice see that's a sanctification. I rejoice in that. That's when Paul says we're of in that. That's when Paul says we're of in that. That's when Paul says we're of that true circumstance. So he says it's that true circumstance. So he says it's that true circumstance. So he says it's knowing Christ over religion, but also knowing Christ over religion, but also knowing Christ over religion, but also he says this, knowing Christ over your he says this, knowing Christ over your he says this, knowing Christ over your resume. You see, sometimes the greatest resume. You see, sometimes the greatest resume. You see, sometimes the greatest hindrance to following after Christ is hindrance to following after Christ is hindrance to following after Christ is not a sinful past. It's a successful not a sinful past. It's a successful not a sinful past. It's a successful religious past.

religious past. religious past. Now you see I'm on this extreme over Now you see I'm on this extreme over Now you see I'm on this extreme over here of the sinful past. But what he's here of the sinful past. But what he's here of the sinful past. But what he's saying is he says sometimes the greatest saying is he says sometimes the greatest saying is he says sometimes the greatest hindrance is that successful religious hindrance is that successful religious hindrance is that successful religious past. So Paul says, "You think you're past. So Paul says, "You think you're past. So Paul says, "You think you're good?" He said, ' Let me just tell you good?" He said, ' Let me just tell you good?" He said, ' Let me just tell you about my stuff in my life. And so he about my stuff in my life. And so he about my stuff in my life. And so he kind of goes there and begins to list kind of goes there and begins to list kind of goes there and begins to list out, "Do you realize that in regard to out, "Do you realize that in regard to out, "Do you realize that in regard to Paul that Paul was of the uh he was of Paul that Paul was of the uh he was of Paul that Paul was of the uh he was of the right birth?" Okay? He was of the the right birth?" Okay? He was of the the right birth?" Okay? He was of the right nation. He was of the right tribe. right nation. He was of the right tribe. right nation. He was of the right tribe. He was of the right ethnicity. He was of He was of the right ethnicity. He was of He was of the right ethnicity. He was of the right religion of that time being a the right religion of that time being a the right religion of that time being a Pharisee. Uh and he had the right Pharisee. Uh and he had the right Pharisee. Uh and he had the right righteousness of that time. So when you righteousness of that time. So when you righteousness of that time. So when you go down through all the stuff that he go down through all the stuff that he go down through all the stuff that he mentioned, he says in verse six, as to mentioned, he says in verse six, as to mentioned, he says in verse six, as to zeal, okay, persecute the church. So he zeal, okay, persecute the church. So he zeal, okay, persecute the church. So he had that passion and he he viewed that had that passion and he he viewed that had that passion and he he viewed that as passion for God, persecuting as passion for God, persecuting as passion for God, persecuting Christians before he was dramatically Christians before he was dramatically Christians before he was dramatically converted on the road to Damascus. But converted on the road to Damascus. But converted on the road to Damascus. But look at what he says. Righteousness look at what he says. Righteousness look at what he says. Righteousness which is in the law found blameless. Oh which is in the law found blameless. Oh which is in the law found blameless. Oh me, how many of you don't raise your me, how many of you don't raise your me, how many of you don't raise your hand? hand? hand? According to Old Testament law, see the According to Old Testament law, see the According to Old Testament law, see the law shows us our sin. The Ten law shows us our sin. The Ten law shows us our sin. The Ten Commandments shows us our sin. That's Commandments shows us our sin. That's Commandments shows us our sin. That's Old Testament law. Okay. Well, how many Old Testament law. Okay. Well, how many Old Testament law. Okay. Well, how many of you can say that according to Old of you can say that according to Old of you can say that according to Old Testament law? Let's just use the Ten Testament law? Let's just use the Ten Testament law? Let's just use the Ten Commandments, honoring father, and Commandments, honoring father, and Commandments, honoring father, and mother. Uh, you know, um, loving the mother. Uh, you know, um, loving the mother. Uh, you know, um, loving the Lord God, heart, mind, soul, strength, Lord God, heart, mind, soul, strength, Lord God, heart, mind, soul, strength, you know, not having a grave and image.

you know, not having a grave and image. you know, not having a grave and image. You can go through this. If you don't You can go through this. If you don't You can go through this. If you don't know what they all are, go to Exodus know what they all are, go to Exodus know what they all are, go to Exodus chapter 20. But how many you could say, chapter 20. But how many you could say, chapter 20. But how many you could say, I have not violated the Ten Commandments I have not violated the Ten Commandments I have not violated the Ten Commandments this past week? I'd probably, you know, this past week? I'd probably, you know, this past week? I'd probably, you know, I like it says like, "Don't covet your I like it says like, "Don't covet your I like it says like, "Don't covet your neighbor's donkey." That's kind of neighbor's donkey." That's kind of neighbor's donkey." That's kind of interesting, right? interesting, right? interesting, right? How many of you have driven down the How many of you have driven down the How many of you have driven down the road here lately said, road here lately said, road here lately said, "Man, I wish I had that four-wheeler." "Man, I wish I had that four-wheeler." "Man, I wish I had that four-wheeler." Now, some of you like, "Well, I'm not a Now, some of you like, "Well, I'm not a Now, some of you like, "Well, I'm not a four-wheeler person." Well, I don't four-wheeler person." Well, I don't four-wheeler person." Well, I don't know. Whatever kind of person you are, know. Whatever kind of person you are, know. Whatever kind of person you are, okay? You drive down the road and you okay? You drive down the road and you okay? You drive down the road and you see somebody, I wish I had that piece of see somebody, I wish I had that piece of see somebody, I wish I had that piece of property. I wish I had that house. I property. I wish I had that house. I property. I wish I had that house. I wish I lived there. I wish I had that. wish I lived there. I wish I had that. wish I lived there. I wish I had that. That's the idea. Don't cover it. Paul That's the idea. Don't cover it. Paul That's the idea. Don't cover it. Paul says, "According to the law, you can't says, "According to the law, you can't says, "According to the law, you can't find any blame in me." That is a big find any blame in me." That is a big find any blame in me." That is a big statement. statement. statement. And think about that. He says, "I've not And think about that. He says, "I've not And think about that. He says, "I've not violated the ten commandments. Not here violated the ten commandments. Not here violated the ten commandments. Not here recently." Now, you know, it would be recently." Now, you know, it would be recently." Now, you know, it would be prideful because you think, "Oh, yeah, prideful because you think, "Oh, yeah, prideful because you think, "Oh, yeah, you did." But he's saying, "Found you did." But he's saying, "Found you did." But he's saying, "Found blameless according to the law. Found blameless according to the law. Found blameless according to the law. Found blameless. You could not throw something blameless. You could not throw something blameless. You could not throw something at me and it stick." That's what Paul at me and it stick." That's what Paul at me and it stick." That's what Paul was saying. But then he he goes on he was saying. But then he he goes on he was saying. But then he he goes on he says that but whatever things were says that but whatever things were says that but whatever things were gained to me those things I have counted gained to me those things I have counted gained to me those things I have counted but as loss. So why do we have a but as loss. So why do we have a but as loss. So why do we have a tendency to try to earn it? Why do we do tendency to try to earn it? Why do we do tendency to try to earn it? Why do we do that? Got a couple things here. We uh we that? Got a couple things here. We uh we that? Got a couple things here. We uh we naturally believe that we can earn God's naturally believe that we can earn God's naturally believe that we can earn God's approval. You see I shared this last approval. You see I shared this last approval. You see I shared this last week that our default is selfishness.

week that our default is selfishness. week that our default is selfishness. We don't drift towards being selfless. We don't drift towards being selfless. We don't drift towards being selfless. We drift toward being selfish. Let me We drift toward being selfish. Let me We drift toward being selfish. Let me say it one more time. We don't drift say it one more time. We don't drift say it one more time. We don't drift toward being selfless. We drift toward toward being selfless. We drift toward toward being selfless. We drift toward being selfish in that. And so it's a being selfish in that. And so it's a being selfish in that. And so it's a natural default of ours that we believe natural default of ours that we believe natural default of ours that we believe we can earn it. Why is this? Because we can earn it. Why is this? Because we can earn it. Why is this? Because from childhood, we learn that rewards from childhood, we learn that rewards from childhood, we learn that rewards come through performance. come through performance. come through performance. We learn that. We also learn that good We learn that. We also learn that good We learn that. We also learn that good grades get recognition. I didn't have grades get recognition. I didn't have grades get recognition. I didn't have that issue. Okay. We uh we learned that that issue. Okay. We uh we learned that that issue. Okay. We uh we learned that hard work earns promotions. We learned hard work earns promotions. We learned hard work earns promotions. We learned that good behavior earns privileges. We that good behavior earns privileges. We that good behavior earns privileges. We learned that success earns approval. You learned that success earns approval. You learned that success earns approval. You know, I I can remember I know we live in know, I I can remember I know we live in know, I I can remember I know we live in this I'm probably going to hurt this I'm probably going to hurt this I'm probably going to hurt somebody's feelings today, but you know, somebody's feelings today, but you know, somebody's feelings today, but you know, we live in a day and age where everybody we live in a day and age where everybody we live in a day and age where everybody gets a trophy. I didn't grow up in that. gets a trophy. I didn't grow up in that. gets a trophy. I didn't grow up in that. I just didn't grow up in that. And I was I just didn't grow up in that. And I was I just didn't grow up in that. And I was not the athletic superstar either. I you not the athletic superstar either. I you not the athletic superstar either. I you know, I might get a trophy like most know, I might get a trophy like most know, I might get a trophy like most hustle, you know, something like that. hustle, you know, something like that. hustle, you know, something like that. which here's what my daddy told me. which here's what my daddy told me. which here's what my daddy told me. Here's what my daddy told me. Okay, they Here's what my daddy told me. Okay, they Here's what my daddy told me. Okay, they they were both athletes. He said, 'Look, they were both athletes. He said, 'Look, they were both athletes. He said, 'Look, Archie, you may not be very good.

Archie, you may not be very good. Archie, you may not be very good. He said, "But you better give it 100%." He said, "But you better give it 100%." He said, "But you better give it 100%." He said, "I'm not going to get on to you He said, "I'm not going to get on to you He said, "I'm not going to get on to you if you strike out or if you don't catch if you strike out or if you don't catch if you strike out or if you don't catch a football, they throw it to you. But a football, they throw it to you. But a football, they throw it to you. But you better give it 100%." So, I could you better give it 100%." So, I could you better give it 100%." So, I could get the most hustle award. I just was get the most hustle award. I just was get the most hustle award. I just was not that athletic. Now, I say that, but not that athletic. Now, I say that, but not that athletic. Now, I say that, but I'm just designed like that. I am I I'm I'm just designed like that. I am I I'm I'm just designed like that. I am I I'm all about so we naturally drift toward all about so we naturally drift toward all about so we naturally drift toward thinking we can earn God's approval thinking we can earn God's approval thinking we can earn God's approval because we've been raised like that uh because we've been raised like that uh because we've been raised like that uh even uh as kids but also too what even uh as kids but also too what even uh as kids but also too what happens pride wants the credit pride happens pride wants the credit pride happens pride wants the credit pride wants to credit in our own life and so wants to credit in our own life and so wants to credit in our own life and so you know we want to we want to feel like you know we want to we want to feel like you know we want to we want to feel like we have contributed something to we have contributed something to we have contributed something to salvation we like that it's a tendency salvation we like that it's a tendency salvation we like that it's a tendency uh we prefer what we can control uh we uh we prefer what we can control uh we uh we prefer what we can control uh we do that but Paul says whatever these do that but Paul says whatever these do that but Paul says whatever these things are he said I count them has things are he said I count them has things are he said I count them has lost. In fact, he goes on uh for lost. In fact, he goes on uh for lost. In fact, he goes on uh for [snorts] the sake of Christ. He counts [snorts] the sake of Christ. He counts [snorts] the sake of Christ. He counts them as that word. He calls it like them as that word. He calls it like them as that word. He calls it like rubbish is what it is. And and so you rubbish is what it is. And and so you rubbish is what it is. And and so you may be here today. Maybe your your maybe may be here today. Maybe your your maybe may be here today. Maybe your your maybe your testimony is not me. It's okay. You your testimony is not me. It's okay. You your testimony is not me. It's okay. You know, sometimes somebody told me one know, sometimes somebody told me one know, sometimes somebody told me one time they said, "Well, I wish I had a time they said, "Well, I wish I had a time they said, "Well, I wish I had a testimony like you." I said, "No, you testimony like you." I said, "No, you testimony like you." I said, "No, you don't." They said, "Oh, yeah." I said, don't." They said, "Oh, yeah." I said, don't." They said, "Oh, yeah." I said, "No, you don't." I said, "There are "No, you don't." I said, "There are "No, you don't." I said, "There are consequences of forgiven sin." Can I get consequences of forgiven sin." Can I get consequences of forgiven sin." Can I get a witness from anybody out here? There's a witness from anybody out here? There's a witness from anybody out here? There's consequences of forgiven sin. So don't consequences of forgiven sin. So don't consequences of forgiven sin. So don't ever think, well, I wish I had that ever think, well, I wish I had that ever think, well, I wish I had that sinful past. No, no, no. But your sinful past. No, no, no. But your sinful past. No, no, no. But your greatest obstacle may be that you got a greatest obstacle may be that you got a greatest obstacle may be that you got a successful religious past. You got all successful religious past. You got all successful religious past. You got all the gold stars. There's nothing wrong the gold stars. There's nothing wrong the gold stars. There's nothing wrong with gold stars. A lot of us grew up with gold stars. A lot of us grew up with gold stars. A lot of us grew up going to Sunday school, get gold stars.

going to Sunday school, get gold stars. going to Sunday school, get gold stars. There's nothing wrong with that. You There's nothing wrong with that. You There's nothing wrong with that. You You've not You've not been ugly to You've not You've not been ugly to You've not You've not been ugly to kittens. You love puppy dogs, You love puppy dogs, you know, you're at church all the time. you know, you're at church all the time. you know, you're at church all the time. That's good things. You know, you're not That's good things. You know, you're not That's good things. You know, you're not angry. You're, you know, easygoing. angry. You're, you know, easygoing. angry. You're, you know, easygoing. The greatest obstacle The greatest obstacle The greatest obstacle from here to here is your successful from here to here is your successful from here to here is your successful religious past. religious past. religious past. What Paul says, he says, "You think you What Paul says, he says, "You think you What Paul says, he says, "You think you got it? Think you you think you were got it? Think you you think you were got it? Think you you think you were good?" He said, "Look at my stuff." He good?" He said, "Look at my stuff." He good?" He said, "Look at my stuff." He said, "I count it all." You need to go said, "I count it all." You need to go said, "I count it all." You need to go look up that word rubbish, trash. That's look up that word rubbish, trash. That's look up that word rubbish, trash. That's a bad word. It's not like you say a bad a bad word. It's not like you say a bad a bad word. It's not like you say a bad word, but it's it's pretty descriptive word, but it's it's pretty descriptive word, but it's it's pretty descriptive in that. He says, "I count all that as in that. He says, "I count all that as in that. He says, "I count all that as lost for the sake of knowing Christ." lost for the sake of knowing Christ." lost for the sake of knowing Christ." Now, so we are to know Christ above Now, so we are to know Christ above Now, so we are to know Christ above everything. Look at verse eight. More everything. Look at verse eight. More everything. Look at verse eight. More than that, I count all things be lost in than that, I count all things be lost in than that, I count all things be lost in view of the surpassing value. Now when view of the surpassing value. Now when view of the surpassing value. Now when he says this word surpassing value of he says this word surpassing value of he says this word surpassing value of knowing Christ, the surpassing value of knowing Christ, the surpassing value of knowing Christ, the surpassing value of that, that's an idea of that that, that's an idea of that that, that's an idea of that experiential knowledge where you have experiential knowledge where you have experiential knowledge where you have come to the the the saving knowledge of come to the the the saving knowledge of come to the the the saving knowledge of Christ and you are growing him. And Christ and you are growing him. And Christ and you are growing him. And again, a friend of mine brought it up again, a friend of mine brought it up again, a friend of mine brought it up this morning at the first service. He this morning at the first service. He this morning at the first service. He just thought about in service and so just thought about in service and so just thought about in service and so I've said it a couple times. He said I've said it a couple times. He said I've said it a couple times. He said it's it's that idea of of it's it's that idea of of it's it's that idea of of sanctification. Greater pursuit of sanctification. Greater pursuit of sanctification. Greater pursuit of Christianity is knowing Christ, being Christianity is knowing Christ, being Christianity is knowing Christ, being sanctified in him, growing in him. You sanctified in him, growing in him. You sanctified in him, growing in him. You know, it's head to its heart, salvation, know, it's head to its heart, salvation, know, it's head to its heart, salvation, initial salvation experience. But then initial salvation experience. But then initial salvation experience. But then it goes to our feet where it's action uh it goes to our feet where it's action uh it goes to our feet where it's action uh that's taking place. It's those steps of

that's taking place. It's those steps of that's taking place. It's those steps of faith. And so Paul says this. He says, faith. And so Paul says this. He says, faith. And so Paul says this. He says, "I count all this stuff as loss of "I count all this stuff as loss of "I count all this stuff as loss of passive value knowing Christ whom I've passive value knowing Christ whom I've passive value knowing Christ whom I've suffered the loss of all things. It's suffered the loss of all things. It's suffered the loss of all things. It's but rubbish." He said, "To be found in but rubbish." He said, "To be found in but rubbish." He said, "To be found in him." Okay, for the purpose of the him." Okay, for the purpose of the him." Okay, for the purpose of the righteousness of Christ. And and so what righteousness of Christ. And and so what righteousness of Christ. And and so what we see here is that Christ gives us he we see here is that Christ gives us he we see here is that Christ gives us he gives us again uh true righteousness. gives us again uh true righteousness. gives us again uh true righteousness. When we come to the saving knowledge of When we come to the saving knowledge of When we come to the saving knowledge of Christ, that is where his righteousness Christ, that is where his righteousness Christ, that is where his righteousness is imputed to us, placed upon us. I know is imputed to us, placed upon us. I know is imputed to us, placed upon us. I know I keep saying this, I keep reiterating I keep saying this, I keep reiterating I keep saying this, I keep reiterating this that his right and and so this is this that his right and and so this is this that his right and and so this is where you're clothed in the Lord Jesus where you're clothed in the Lord Jesus where you're clothed in the Lord Jesus Christ. This when father God looks down Christ. This when father God looks down Christ. This when father God looks down at you and what he sees is the at you and what he sees is the at you and what he sees is the righteousness of his son, the person of righteousness of his son, the person of righteousness of his son, the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, this is a the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, this is a the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, this is a big statement. So he says we cannot be big statement. So he says we cannot be big statement. So he says we cannot be made righteous by the Old Testament law. made righteous by the Old Testament law. made righteous by the Old Testament law. In fact Isaiah 64 says our righteousness In fact Isaiah 64 says our righteousness In fact Isaiah 64 says our righteousness personal righteousness that Paul had the personal righteousness that Paul had the personal righteousness that Paul had the pedigree the successful rid uh religious pedigree the successful rid uh religious pedigree the successful rid uh religious past was but as filthy rags. Now you past was but as filthy rags. Now you past was but as filthy rags. Now you want another word study go look that one want another word study go look that one want another word study go look that one up. Uh that that's a it's not like a bad up. Uh that that's a it's not like a bad up. Uh that that's a it's not like a bad word but it's very descriptive. He says word but it's very descriptive. He says word but it's very descriptive. He says that is but filthy rags. Said you cannot that is but filthy rags. Said you cannot that is but filthy rags. Said you cannot earn this rice. So Paul said I had it earn this rice. So Paul said I had it earn this rice. So Paul said I had it all going. I was trained under the all going. I was trained under the all going. I was trained under the leading rabbi uh of the day. I was leading rabbi uh of the day. I was leading rabbi uh of the day. I was coming up being the golden child uh that coming up being the golden child uh that coming up being the golden child uh that was coming out. And he said in fact of was coming out. And he said in fact of was coming out. And he said in fact of all that he says what I do he says I all that he says what I do he says I all that he says what I do he says I count that but as loss and then he says count that but as loss and then he says count that but as loss and then he says this he says for the the fact of really

this he says for the the fact of really this he says for the the fact of really knowing this is back in verse eight knowing this is back in verse eight knowing this is back in verse eight knowing Christ Jesus my lord. Now this knowing Christ Jesus my lord. Now this knowing Christ Jesus my lord. Now this is prophet priest king language. Don't is prophet priest king language. Don't is prophet priest king language. Don't have time to go into that. But when he have time to go into that. But when he have time to go into that. But when he says knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, says knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, says knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, prophet, priest and king and he says to prophet, priest and king and he says to prophet, priest and king and he says to know him and again know him in that know him and again know him in that know him and again know him in that intimate way. Now here's the clincher of intimate way. Now here's the clincher of intimate way. Now here's the clincher of the passage. He says in verse 10 he says the passage. He says in verse 10 he says the passage. He says in verse 10 he says that I might know him and the power of that I might know him and the power of that I might know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his resurrection and the fellowship of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings being conformed to his his sufferings being conformed to his his sufferings being conformed to his death in order to maintain the death in order to maintain the death in order to maintain the resurrection dead. So he's talking about resurrection dead. So he's talking about resurrection dead. So he's talking about that going to heaven one day. He's that going to heaven one day. He's that going to heaven one day. He's talking about if the Lord Jesus comes talking about if the Lord Jesus comes talking about if the Lord Jesus comes and raptures uh the church off the and raptures uh the church off the and raptures uh the church off the earth, he he kind of always looked for earth, he he kind of always looked for earth, he he kind of always looked for the intimate return of Christ. But what the intimate return of Christ. But what the intimate return of Christ. But what about the power of the resurrection? Now about the power of the resurrection? Now about the power of the resurrection? Now this is not original of me, but let me this is not original of me, but let me this is not original of me, but let me read it to you. The uh read it to you. The uh read it to you. The uh the resurrection is not just a the resurrection is not just a the resurrection is not just a historical event to be believed, but historical event to be believed, but historical event to be believed, but what it is, it is a what it is, it is a what it is, it is a it is a presence to be experienced. Let it is a presence to be experienced. Let it is a presence to be experienced. Let me say it one more time. The me say it one more time. The me say it one more time. The resurrection not just a historical event resurrection not just a historical event resurrection not just a historical event to be believed but it is a present work to be believed but it is a present work to be believed but it is a present work to be experienced. What does he mean the to be experienced. What does he mean the to be experienced. What does he mean the power of the resurrection? I used to power of the resurrection? I used to power of the resurrection? I used to read this after I came to faith in read this after I came to faith in read this after I came to faith in Christ. I'm like what does that mean?

Christ. I'm like what does that mean? Christ. I'm like what does that mean? Because you know I had explored all this Because you know I had explored all this Because you know I had explored all this false religion stuff. I had explored all false religion stuff. I had explored all false religion stuff. I had explored all this stuff. So I I'd see the power of this stuff. So I I'd see the power of this stuff. So I I'd see the power of the resurrection and I would always go the resurrection and I would always go the resurrection and I would always go well Lord does that mean that somebody well Lord does that mean that somebody well Lord does that mean that somebody goes out and says the miracle be done? goes out and says the miracle be done? goes out and says the miracle be done? You know I I would look is that the idea You know I I would look is that the idea You know I I would look is that the idea of that? But no, it's a present work to of that? But no, it's a present work to of that? But no, it's a present work to be experienced. So what is the power uh be experienced. So what is the power uh be experienced. So what is the power uh of the resurrection? Well, here it is. of the resurrection? Well, here it is. of the resurrection? Well, here it is. The resurrection power gives us new The resurrection power gives us new The resurrection power gives us new life. So the resurrection power, the life. So the resurrection power, the life. So the resurrection power, the same power that raised Jesus Christ from same power that raised Jesus Christ from same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead raises us spiritually. And so the dead raises us spiritually. And so the dead raises us spiritually. And so what happens is the resurrection power what happens is the resurrection power what happens is the resurrection power uh gives us new life. This is the divine uh gives us new life. This is the divine uh gives us new life. This is the divine power that accomplishes what human power that accomplishes what human power that accomplishes what human strength cannot. So resurrection power strength cannot. So resurrection power strength cannot. So resurrection power gives us new life. Resurrection power gives us new life. Resurrection power gives us new life. Resurrection power gives us victory over sin. The gives us victory over sin. The gives us victory over sin. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and his resurrection power when we come and his resurrection power when we come and his resurrection power when we come to believe in him there breaks that to believe in him there breaks that to believe in him there breaks that dominance of sin before Christ. We are dominance of sin before Christ. We are dominance of sin before Christ. We are enslaved to sin. You've heard my enslaved to sin. You've heard my enslaved to sin. You've heard my testimony. I' I'd be in the middle of testimony. I' I'd be in the middle of testimony. I' I'd be in the middle of the night and all my craziness like, "Oh the night and all my craziness like, "Oh the night and all my craziness like, "Oh Lord, forgive me." You know, I've been Lord, forgive me." You know, I've been Lord, forgive me." You know, I've been in church so long. I knew to pray and in church so long. I knew to pray and in church so long. I knew to pray and ask for forgiveness. It's all right ask for forgiveness. It's all right ask for forgiveness. It's all right here. Facts. I knew what to do. it never here. Facts. I knew what to do. it never here. Facts. I knew what to do. it never went to here and it never gone to my went to here and it never gone to my went to here and it never gone to my feet and and so I would just pray uh and feet and and so I would just pray uh and feet and and so I would just pray uh and do that and oh Lord but I didn't mean do that and oh Lord but I didn't mean do that and oh Lord but I didn't mean that or whatever because I was enslaved that or whatever because I was enslaved that or whatever because I was enslaved to sin but then through the resurrection to sin but then through the resurrection to sin but then through the resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ this is power of the Lord Jesus Christ this is power of the Lord Jesus Christ this is the breaking power when I came to faith the breaking power when I came to faith the breaking power when I came to faith in Christ my desires were changed in Christ my desires were changed in Christ my desires were changed uh you know are there temptations and uh you know are there temptations and uh you know are there temptations and things that will occur in life yes but things that will occur in life yes but things that will occur in life yes but they no longer can just rule over me uh

they no longer can just rule over me uh they no longer can just rule over me uh in that stuff that can no longer do in that stuff that can no longer do in that stuff that can no longer do that. And and so it's the resurrection that. And and so it's the resurrection that. And and so it's the resurrection power. It's the present work to be power. It's the present work to be power. It's the present work to be experienced in our life. That's idea experienced in our life. That's idea experienced in our life. That's idea that he's talking about here. But the that he's talking about here. But the that he's talking about here. But the resurrection power gives us strength for resurrection power gives us strength for resurrection power gives us strength for daily living. Gives us strength to obey. daily living. Gives us strength to obey. daily living. Gives us strength to obey. This is the power that raised uh Jesus This is the power that raised uh Jesus This is the power that raised uh Jesus from the dead through the indwelling of from the dead through the indwelling of from the dead through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that lives in us today. the Holy Spirit that lives in us today. the Holy Spirit that lives in us today. Gives us the ability to obey, to endure, Gives us the ability to obey, to endure, Gives us the ability to obey, to endure, to forgive, to love, to serve, to to to forgive, to love, to serve, to to to forgive, to love, to serve, to to persevere. persevere. persevere. You know, there may be someone in your You know, there may be someone in your You know, there may be someone in your relationship relationship spear or a relationship relationship spear or a relationship relationship spear or a place of work that I often said, you place of work that I often said, you place of work that I often said, you know, like lug loving them is like know, like lug loving them is like know, like lug loving them is like hugging a porcupine, you know, or hugging a porcupine, you know, or hugging a porcupine, you know, or something, you know, it just it just something, you know, it just it just something, you know, it just it just maybe a difficult person and maybe that maybe a difficult person and maybe that maybe a difficult person and maybe that they've done stuff to you. You know, they've done stuff to you. You know, they've done stuff to you. You know, there are those of you, you've been hurt there are those of you, you've been hurt there are those of you, you've been hurt intentionally by other people, and I can intentionally by other people, and I can intentionally by other people, and I can almost assure you over the course of almost assure you over the course of almost assure you over the course of time, that individual is not going to time, that individual is not going to time, that individual is not going to come to you and ask for your come to you and ask for your come to you and ask for your forgiveness. Not unless the Holy Spirit forgiveness. Not unless the Holy Spirit forgiveness. Not unless the Holy Spirit of the Lord gets a hold of their heart.

of the Lord gets a hold of their heart. of the Lord gets a hold of their heart. We probably all had that kind of stuff We probably all had that kind of stuff We probably all had that kind of stuff in our life over time. They have hurt us in our life over time. They have hurt us in our life over time. They have hurt us intentionally, but unless the Lord gets intentionally, but unless the Lord gets intentionally, but unless the Lord gets a hold of them, they're not going to a hold of them, they're not going to a hold of them, they're not going to come ask you for forgiveness. But you come ask you for forgiveness. But you come ask you for forgiveness. But you know what? Through the power of the know what? Through the power of the know what? Through the power of the resurrection, you no longer have to be resurrection, you no longer have to be resurrection, you no longer have to be enslaved to their hurt. enslaved to their hurt. enslaved to their hurt. Through the power of the resurrection, Through the power of the resurrection, Through the power of the resurrection, you no longer had to be enslaved, you no longer had to be enslaved, you no longer had to be enslaved, allowing them to rule over you, allowing allowing them to rule over you, allowing allowing them to rule over you, allowing them to fill your mind continually them to fill your mind continually them to fill your mind continually because of what they did to you through because of what they did to you through because of what they did to you through the power of the resurrection and the the power of the resurrection and the the power of the resurrection and the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit in indwelling work of the Holy Spirit in indwelling work of the Holy Spirit in your life as a believer. You can your life as a believer. You can your life as a believer. You can actually forgive them. It does not mean actually forgive them. It does not mean actually forgive them. It does not mean that you forget, but it means that you that you forget, but it means that you that you forget, but it means that you forgive and they no longer have a hold forgive and they no longer have a hold forgive and they no longer have a hold on your life. You see, that's the power on your life. You see, that's the power on your life. You see, that's the power of the resurrection uh in that. But also of the resurrection uh in that. But also of the resurrection uh in that. But also too, here's another one. The too, here's another one. The too, here's another one. The resurrection power sustains us through resurrection power sustains us through resurrection power sustains us through suffering. suffering. suffering. The resurrection power is often The resurrection power is often The resurrection power is often experienced most clearly in our weakest experienced most clearly in our weakest experienced most clearly in our weakest moments. It's the resurrection power. moments. It's the resurrection power. moments. It's the resurrection power. That's why he says in a fellowship of That's why he says in a fellowship of That's why he says in a fellowship of sufferings. But also what we see is that sufferings. But also what we see is that sufferings. But also what we see is that Christ gives us that eternal hope. And Christ gives us that eternal hope. And Christ gives us that eternal hope. And so the resurrection power gives us so the resurrection power gives us so the resurrection power gives us confidence over death. The resurrection confidence over death. The resurrection confidence over death. The resurrection guarantees our own resurrection because guarantees our own resurrection because guarantees our own resurrection because Jesus Christ defeated death. Death is no Jesus Christ defeated death. Death is no Jesus Christ defeated death. Death is no longer the believer's greatest enemy.

longer the believer's greatest enemy. longer the believer's greatest enemy. Death becomes a doorway into God's Death becomes a doorway into God's Death becomes a doorway into God's promise and God's presence into eternal promise and God's presence into eternal promise and God's presence into eternal life. So when Angie said yesterday, you life. So when Angie said yesterday, you life. So when Angie said yesterday, you know, we don't have much longer know, we don't have much longer know, we don't have much longer in that truck with a smile on her face. in that truck with a smile on her face. in that truck with a smile on her face. You know, it was good to know that my You know, it was good to know that my You know, it was good to know that my wife of 38 years does not fear death. Do wife of 38 years does not fear death. Do wife of 38 years does not fear death. Do you fear death? you fear death? you fear death? It's legitimate because if Jesus doesn't It's legitimate because if Jesus doesn't It's legitimate because if Jesus doesn't come back, guess what? come back, guess what? come back, guess what? This body is going to quit. In fact, one This body is going to quit. In fact, one This body is going to quit. In fact, one of my good friends, Mr. Noah, brother of my good friends, Mr. Noah, brother of my good friends, Mr. Noah, brother Noah, came out after the service and we were came out after the service and we were having a discussion. He said, you know, having a discussion. He said, you know, having a discussion. He said, you know, the average age of a man the average age of a man the average age of a man and life expectancy is 75 to 80 years and life expectancy is 75 to 80 years and life expectancy is 75 to 80 years old. old. old. Now, when he said that to me as my Now, when he said that to me as my Now, when he said that to me as my brother in Christ, you know what I brother in Christ, you know what I brother in Christ, you know what I thought? I thought, "Lord, I've only got thought? I thought, "Lord, I've only got thought? I thought, "Lord, I've only got 15 more years." 15 more years." 15 more years." And then he said, "Have you ever thought And then he said, "Have you ever thought And then he said, "Have you ever thought about calculating the number of days in about calculating the number of days in about calculating the number of days in a year time the average of those years a year time the average of those years a year time the average of those years left of a man? I was still hung on just left of a man? I was still hung on just left of a man? I was still hung on just 15 years." And he was just smiling.

15 years." And he was just smiling. 15 years." And he was just smiling. Life is but a vapor. Life is but a vapor. Life is but a vapor. We're here today and we're gone We're here today and we're gone We're here today and we're gone tomorrow. tomorrow. tomorrow. It's the resurrection power It's the resurrection power It's the resurrection power gives us eternal hope because our savior gives us eternal hope because our savior gives us eternal hope because our savior has been raised from the dead. He's has been raised from the dead. He's has been raised from the dead. He's given us victory over sin and he's given given us victory over sin and he's given given us victory over sin and he's given us victory over death. Now, none of us us victory over death. Now, none of us us victory over death. Now, none of us in the room are going to sit here and in the room are going to sit here and in the room are going to sit here and go, "Well, I'm I hope it happens to me go, "Well, I'm I hope it happens to me go, "Well, I'm I hope it happens to me today." If if you're doing that, it's today." If if you're doing that, it's today." If if you're doing that, it's probably kind of weird, kind of morbid. probably kind of weird, kind of morbid. probably kind of weird, kind of morbid. Okay? Okay? Okay? But we don't have to fear. You see, But we don't have to fear. You see, But we don't have to fear. You see, that's the resurrection. So when he says that's the resurrection. So when he says that's the resurrection. So when he says that I may attain to the resurrection that I may attain to the resurrection that I may attain to the resurrection that I may have that resurrection power that I may have that resurrection power that I may have that resurrection power know him the power of his resurrection know him the power of his resurrection know him the power of his resurrection he says looking forward to that day when he says looking forward to that day when he says looking forward to that day when I'll be raised from the dead the I'll be raised from the dead the I'll be raised from the dead the question at the invitation and question at the invitation and question at the invitation and invitations are not man-made by the way invitations are not man-made by the way invitations are not man-made by the way Jesus Christ is the one who said come to Jesus Christ is the one who said come to Jesus Christ is the one who said come to me all you weary and heavy laden I'll me all you weary and heavy laden I'll me all you weary and heavy laden I'll give you rest and for anyone who's a give you rest and for anyone who's a give you rest and for anyone who's a preacher of the gospel or a teacher of preacher of the gospel or a teacher of preacher of the gospel or a teacher of God's word not to give an invitation God's word not to give an invitation God's word not to give an invitation for people who have heard God's word to for people who have heard God's word to for people who have heard God's word to respond. I I believe that's ill will in respond. I I believe that's ill will in respond. I I believe that's ill will in doing that. But the question is still doing that. But the question is still doing that. But the question is still the same as what we started with.

the same as what we started with. the same as what we started with. I would say everyone 100% probably I would say everyone 100% probably I would say everyone 100% probably everyone engaging with this online. It's everyone engaging with this online. It's everyone engaging with this online. It's here. here. here. But is it here? But is it here? But is it here? And you say, "Well, well, how do I know And you say, "Well, well, how do I know And you say, "Well, well, how do I know if it's made it to the heart?" Well, if it's made it to the heart?" Well, if it's made it to the heart?" Well, usually when it makes to the heart, it usually when it makes to the heart, it usually when it makes to the heart, it goes to the feet, too. It's all part of goes to the feet, too. It's all part of goes to the feet, too. It's all part of the sanctification process. this. You the sanctification process. this. You the sanctification process. this. You may know the facts, but do you have that may know the facts, but do you have that may know the facts, but do you have that relationship with him? So, today can be relationship with him? So, today can be relationship with him? So, today can be the day of salvation. I don't believe we the day of salvation. I don't believe we the day of salvation. I don't believe we have to have a lengthy invitation have to have a lengthy invitation have to have a lengthy invitation because here's what I believe. This is because here's what I believe. This is because here's what I believe. This is God's word. We've read it. We've broke God's word. We've read it. We've broke God's word. We've read it. We've broke it down. We've talked about it. it down. We've talked about it. it down. We've talked about it. And if the Holy Spirit's speaking to And if the Holy Spirit's speaking to And if the Holy Spirit's speaking to your heart, you know, you know it. And your heart, you know, you know it. And your heart, you know, you know it. And you're making a decision right now. You you're making a decision right now. You you're making a decision right now. You may be here and you say, "Well, Archie, may be here and you say, "Well, Archie, may be here and you say, "Well, Archie, I've been a member of the church and I've been a member of the church and I've been a member of the church and I've done this. My daddy was a deacon. I've done this. My daddy was a deacon. I've done this. My daddy was a deacon. my mama played the piano and you know my mama played the piano and you know my mama played the piano and you know and I've been good. I haven't I have and I've been good. I haven't I have and I've been good. I haven't I have never been drunk and I have never done never been drunk and I have never done never been drunk and I have never done anything and all this. The greatest anything and all this. The greatest anything and all this. The greatest hindrance hindrance hindrance to true salvation for many people is not to true salvation for many people is not to true salvation for many people is not a sinful past. It's a successful a sinful past. It's a successful a sinful past. It's a successful religious past, religious past, religious past, but the Holy Spirit's piercing your but the Holy Spirit's piercing your but the Holy Spirit's piercing your heart and you know he's spoken to you.

heart and you know he's spoken to you. heart and you know he's spoken to you. Okay? So, if it doesn't go to these then Okay? So, if it doesn't go to these then Okay? So, if it doesn't go to these then it hadn't got to here. It's still stuck it hadn't got to here. It's still stuck it hadn't got to here. It's still stuck here. And so it may be right now you here. And so it may be right now you here. And so it may be right now you need to call upon him. Lord Jesus, I'm a need to call upon him. Lord Jesus, I'm a need to call upon him. Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. Lord Jesus, save me. Lord Jesus, sinner. Lord Jesus, save me. Lord Jesus, sinner. Lord Jesus, save me. Lord Jesus, I repent. Lord Jesus, I believe you died I repent. Lord Jesus, I believe you died I repent. Lord Jesus, I believe you died for me on the cross. Lord, I believe for me on the cross. Lord, I believe for me on the cross. Lord, I believe your blood was shed for me. Save me, your blood was shed for me. Save me, your blood was shed for me. Save me, Lord Jesus. It is not magical words. Lord Jesus. It is not magical words. Lord Jesus. It is not magical words. It's the attitude of the heart and he It's the attitude of the heart and he It's the attitude of the heart and he knows. He says, "If you call upon me, knows. He says, "If you call upon me, knows. He says, "If you call upon me, I'll save you." See, he's paid the I'll save you." See, he's paid the I'll save you." See, he's paid the price. You can't earn it. There's you price. You can't earn it. There's you price. You can't earn it. There's you have a natural tendency. Our default is have a natural tendency. Our default is have a natural tendency. Our default is I want to contribute to it. I want to do I want to contribute to it. I want to do I want to contribute to it. I want to do something. You know, I can be good something. You know, I can be good something. You know, I can be good enough. That's a natural tendency to do enough. That's a natural tendency to do enough. That's a natural tendency to do that. And that's how what the enemy uses that. And that's how what the enemy uses that. And that's how what the enemy uses and pride wants to have control. No, you and pride wants to have control. No, you and pride wants to have control. No, you got to say Lord save me. And then got to say Lord save me. And then got to say Lord save me. And then there'll be pastors here at the front. there'll be pastors here at the front. there'll be pastors here at the front. We give I pray you need to say you come We give I pray you need to say you come We give I pray you need to say you come one of these pastors say I've given my one of these pastors say I've given my one of these pastors say I've given my life to Christ. Here's what I know. You life to Christ. Here's what I know. You life to Christ. Here's what I know. You know, so you got to you got to answer know, so you got to you got to answer know, so you got to you got to answer the call. But secondly, there are the call. But secondly, there are the call. But secondly, there are believers here. Maybe today has been a believers here. Maybe today has been a believers here. Maybe today has been a place where the Holy Spirit struck your place where the Holy Spirit struck your place where the Holy Spirit struck your heart. You can't get saved all over heart. You can't get saved all over heart. You can't get saved all over again, but there's some things you need again, but there's some things you need again, but there's some things you need to repent of. Maybe some things you need to repent of. Maybe some things you need to repent of. Maybe some things you need to get right uh with the Lord. Uh maybe to get right uh with the Lord. Uh maybe to get right uh with the Lord. Uh maybe there's been a lack of joy and stuff.

there's been a lack of joy and stuff. there's been a lack of joy and stuff. Maybe you got focused on all the uh Maybe you got focused on all the uh Maybe you got focused on all the uh stuff. You know, oil prices are up, stuff. You know, oil prices are up, stuff. You know, oil prices are up, down, up, down. We got all kinds of down, up, down. We got all kinds of down, up, down. We got all kinds of stuff going on all around the world. We stuff going on all around the world. We stuff going on all around the world. We just don't know what's happening. All just don't know what's happening. All just don't know what's happening. All that stuff. I guess what? You know what? that stuff. I guess what? You know what? that stuff. I guess what? You know what? Read the Bible because it's all in the Read the Bible because it's all in the Read the Bible because it's all in the Bible. Kind of stuff like that. And so, Bible. Kind of stuff like that. And so, Bible. Kind of stuff like that. And so, it's just the world that we live in a it's just the world that we live in a it's just the world that we live in a fallen world. And and so, you know, fallen world. And and so, you know, fallen world. And and so, you know, maybe you just lose your joy. Rejoice in maybe you just lose your joy. Rejoice in maybe you just lose your joy. Rejoice in the Lord that this world is not our the Lord that this world is not our the Lord that this world is not our home. And so, maybe you just need to home. And so, maybe you just need to home. And so, maybe you just need to pray, Lord, restore to me the joy of pray, Lord, restore to me the joy of pray, Lord, restore to me the joy of your salvation. I don't know what it is, your salvation. I don't know what it is, your salvation. I don't know what it is, but here's what I can promise you. You but here's what I can promise you. You but here's what I can promise you. You know, you know, because the Holy Spirit know, you know, because the Holy Spirit know, you know, because the Holy Spirit spoke in your heart. So, he's already spoke in your heart. So, he's already spoke in your heart. So, he's already here. here. here. So, you got to activate these feet. And So, you got to activate these feet. And So, you got to activate these feet. And so, maybe you just want to come and so, maybe you just want to come and so, maybe you just want to come and pray. Maybe you want to speak with a pray. Maybe you want to speak with a pray. Maybe you want to speak with a pastor. Maybe you got a friend you want pastor. Maybe you got a friend you want pastor. Maybe you got a friend you want to pray with. Maybe you want to pray to pray with. Maybe you want to pray to pray with. Maybe you want to pray right where you are. Just answer his right where you are. Just answer his right where you are. Just answer his call upon your life. Father, as we pray call upon your life. Father, as we pray call upon your life. Father, as we pray across this room, and Lord, as I said across this room, and Lord, as I said across this room, and Lord, as I said this, Lord Jesus, you're the author of this, Lord Jesus, you're the author of this, Lord Jesus, you're the author of the invitation. You're the one who you the invitation. You're the one who you the invitation. You're the one who you cried out to people to come to you. cried out to people to come to you. cried out to people to come to you. We're in heavy laden. And Lord, We're in heavy laden. And Lord, We're in heavy laden. And Lord, there were folks that just stood in a there were folks that just stood in a there were folks that just stood in a crowd.

crowd. crowd. They heard, but they didn't answer. They heard, but they didn't answer. They heard, but they didn't answer. But Lord, there were those who answered But Lord, there were those who answered But Lord, there were those who answered and who had who found peace in you. And and who had who found peace in you. And and who had who found peace in you. And so, Lord, I pray that that takes place so, Lord, I pray that that takes place so, Lord, I pray that that takes place today. I pray we don't hold back. I pray today. I pray we don't hold back. I pray today. I pray we don't hold back. I pray we listen. I pray, Lord, we walk by we listen. I pray, Lord, we walk by we listen. I pray, Lord, we walk by faith and not by sight. And I pray it's faith and not by sight. And I pray it's faith and not by sight. And I pray it's for your glory today. Lord, as I always for your glory today. Lord, as I always for your glory today. Lord, as I always pray, Lord, right now I pray somebody's pray, Lord, right now I pray somebody's pray, Lord, right now I pray somebody's calling upon you for salvation. And calling upon you for salvation. And calling upon you for salvation. And Lord, may they not be ashamed of you. Lord, may they not be ashamed of you. Lord, may they not be ashamed of you. May they share that from one of these May they share that from one of these May they share that from one of these pastors today. Your name we pray. Name pastors today. Your name we pray. Name pastors today. Your name we pray. Name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Can we stand to of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Can we stand to of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Can we stand to our feet, please? our feet, please? our feet, please? Thank you for joining us this morning. Thank you for joining us this morning. Thank you for joining us this morning. [music] If God spoke to you today, take [music] If God spoke to you today, take [music] If God spoke to you today, take the next faithful step by texting ready the next faithful step by texting ready the next faithful step by texting ready to 870-9351950. We will get in [music] touch with you as We will get in [music] touch with you as soon as possible. We're thankful you've soon as possible. We're thankful you've soon as possible. We're thankful you've joined us this morning. We believe God's joined us this morning. We believe God's joined us this morning. We believe God's plan is for every believer to be plan is for every believer to be plan is for every believer to be involved with a local church. [music] involved with a local church. [music] involved with a local church. [music] So, come be a part of what God is doing So, come be a part of what God is doing So, come be a part of what God is doing here at Central or in a local church here at Central or in a local church here at Central or in a local church near you. God bless [music] and have a near you. God bless [music] and have a near you. God bless [music] and have a great day.