Central Baptist 9:30am LIVE

>> [music] >> [music] >> Hey.

[music] [music] >> Hey, >> At Central, we're all about joining >> At Central, we're all about joining Jesus. An essential way that we join Jesus. An essential way that we join Jesus. An essential way that we join [music] Jesus is by reading God's word.

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

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

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

[music] [music] Hey. Hey. >> [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, be sure to follow us on social Also, be sure to follow us on social media. [music] media. [music] media. [music] Download the Central app and check out Download the Central app and check out Download the Central app and check out centralbaptist.com for more information. centralbaptist.com for more information. centralbaptist.com for more information. [music] We're getting ready to begin our [music] We're getting ready to begin our [music] We're getting ready to begin our time of worship. As you engage with us time of worship. As you engage with us time of worship. As you engage with us online, we encourage you to [music] sing online, we encourage you to [music] sing online, we encourage you to [music] sing along as we remember the gospel, to open along as we remember the gospel, to open along as we remember the gospel, to open your Bibles as we engage the scriptures, your Bibles as we engage the scriptures, your Bibles as we engage the scriptures, [music] and also to worship Jesus with [music] and also to worship Jesus with [music] and also to worship Jesus with us this morning. The gospel of Jesus is us this morning. The gospel of Jesus is us this morning. The gospel of Jesus is why we gathered. Thank you so much for why we gathered. Thank you so much for why we gathered. Thank you so much for worshiping with us. [music] [music] >> Good morning, church family. So good to >> Good morning, church family. So good to >> Good morning, church family. So good to see each of y'all this morning. Yeah. see each of y'all this morning. Yeah. see each of y'all this morning. Yeah. Let's go stand to our feet. You might Let's go stand to our feet. You might Let's go stand to our feet. You might notice the stage is a [music] little notice the stage is a [music] little notice the stage is a [music] little younger cuz we got our student band with younger cuz we got our student band with younger cuz we got our student band with us. And it is going to be a great Sunday us. And it is going to be a great Sunday us. And it is going to be a great Sunday of worshiping the Lord, singing to him, of worshiping the Lord, singing to him, of worshiping the Lord, singing to him, lifting [music] his name up on high. So lifting [music] his name up on high. So lifting [music] his name up on high. So let's all sing this together and let's let's all sing this together and let's let's all sing this together and let's [music] worship our God. Come on. [music] worship our God. Come on. [music] worship our God. Come on. This is the day you made.

This is the day you made. This is the day you made. [music] So I will rejoice and be glad. [music] So I will rejoice and be glad. [music] So I will rejoice and be glad. Rejoice and be glad in it. Rejoice and be glad in it. Rejoice and be glad in it. [music] [music] [music] This is This is This is where I believe where I believe where I believe that you are more than [music] enough. that you are more than [music] enough. that you are more than [music] enough. More than enough for me. Come on church. More than enough for me. Come on church. More than enough for me. Come on church. He's faithful. You are faithful to He's faithful. You are faithful to He's faithful. You are faithful to [music] your promise. You are strong [music] your promise. You are strong [music] your promise. You are strong when I am weak. When I'm [music] when I am weak. When I'm [music] when I am weak. When I'm [music] standing in your presence, I have standing in your presence, I have standing in your presence, I have everything I [music] need. I need the everything I [music] need. I need the everything I [music] need. I need the joy of the Lord. The joy [music] of the joy of the Lord. The joy [music] of the joy of the Lord. The joy [music] of the Lord is my strength. The joy [music] of the Lord, the joy of The joy [music] of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength. [music] the Lord is my strength. [music] the Lord is my strength. [music] Oh my soul, bless his name. All that Oh my soul, bless his name. All that Oh my soul, bless his name. All that [music] is within me say the joy of the [music] is within me say the joy of the [music] is within me say the joy of the Lord. The joy of the [singing] Lord is Lord. The joy of the [singing] Lord is Lord. The joy of the [singing] Lord is my strength.

my strength. my strength. [music] [music] [music] Come on y'all. Come on y'all. Come on y'all. Oh Jesus Oh Jesus Oh Jesus come [music] what come [music] what come [music] what cuz you are worthy [music] of all. cuz you are worthy [music] of all. cuz you are worthy [music] of all. worthy of all my praise. [music] worthy of all my praise. [music] worthy of all my praise. [music] You are faithful to your promise. You You are faithful to your promise. You You are faithful to your promise. You are strong and I am weak. When I'm are strong and I am weak. When I'm are strong and I am weak. When I'm standing [music] standing [music] standing [music] in your presence, I have everything in your presence, I have everything in your presence, I have everything [music] I need. [music] I need. [music] I need. The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord The joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my is my is my feeling. [music] feeling. [music] feeling. [music] The joy of the Lord. The joy of The joy of the Lord. The joy of The joy of the Lord. The joy of [singing] the Lord is my strength. [music] Oh my soul, bless his [singing] [music] Oh my soul, bless his [singing] name. All that is within me say the joy name. All that is within me say the joy name. All that is within me say the joy of the Lord. [music] of the Lord. [music] of the Lord. [music] The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. [singing] [music] Come on y'all. I see this. So [music] Come on y'all. I see this. So let it rise up let it rise up let it rise up like a [music] river Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit. [music] So let it pour out [music] So let it pour out [music] So let it pour out with no living with no living with no living overflowing. [music] Holy Spirit, let it rise. [music] Holy Spirit, let it rise. [music] Let it rise up Let it rise up Let it rise up like a river [singing] Holy Spirit. [music] Holy Spirit. [music] So let it pour out So let it pour out So let it pour out with [music] no [singing] living with [music] no [singing] living with [music] no [singing] living overflowing. overflowing. overflowing. [music] [music] [music] Holy Spirit oh [singing] oh [singing] [music] come on. His word tells us [music] that come on. His word tells us [music] that there is joy in the presence of the there is joy in the presence of the there is joy in the presence of the Lord. So let's continue to sing to him. Lord. So let's continue to sing to him. Lord. So let's continue to sing to him. Come on everyone. [music] Come on everyone. [music] Come on everyone. [music] The joy of the Lord. The joy of [music] The joy of the Lord. The joy of [music] The joy of the Lord. The joy of [music] the Lord is [singing] my the Lord is [singing] my the Lord is [singing] my word is a feeling. The joy of the Lord.

word is a feeling. The joy of the Lord. word is a feeling. The joy of the Lord. The joy of [music and singing] the Lord The joy of [music and singing] the Lord The joy of [music and singing] the Lord is my strength. is my strength. is my strength. Oh my soul, oh my soul, bless his Oh my soul, oh my soul, bless his Oh my soul, oh my soul, bless his [music and singing] name. All that is [music and singing] name. All that is [music and singing] name. All that is within me. within me. within me. Oh my [music] soul, bless his name. All Oh my [music] soul, bless his name. All Oh my [music] soul, bless his name. All that is within me, say, oh my soul, that is within me, say, oh my soul, that is within me, say, oh my soul, bless his [music] name. All that is me bless his [music] name. All that is me bless his [music] name. All that is me say [music] the joy of the Lord. The joy say [music] the joy of the Lord. The joy say [music] the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my [music] [music] [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. Come on. Can we [music] just praise the Come on. Can we [music] just praise the Come on. Can we [music] just praise the Lord for that truth this morning? Lord for that truth this morning? Lord for that truth this morning? Come on. [music] Come on. [music] Come on. [music] Grace and church. Y'all go take a seat. Grace and church. Y'all go take a seat. Grace and church. Y'all go take a seat. >> Well, good morning. Good morning, >> Well, good morning. Good morning, >> Well, good morning. Good morning, church. My name is Jacob. I am the church. My name is Jacob. I am the church. My name is Jacob. I am the student pastor here. And just for a student pastor here. And just for a student pastor here. And just for a second, I just want to recognize uh if second, I just want to recognize uh if second, I just want to recognize uh if you did not notice, like the average age you did not notice, like the average age you did not notice, like the average age on the stage is is quite young. Uh on the stage is is quite young. Uh on the stage is is quite young. Uh that's because most of the band is the that's because most of the band is the that's because most of the band is the student band. Like these are high school student band. Like these are high school student band. Like these are high school students. Some of them are college students. Some of them are college students. Some of them are college students that came from a student band.

students that came from a student band. students that came from a student band. Like it is not often that you're gonna Like it is not often that you're gonna Like it is not often that you're gonna see uh on a church Sunday like on a big see uh on a church Sunday like on a big see uh on a church Sunday like on a big stage in in a church congregation that stage in in a church congregation that stage in in a church congregation that almost an entire band can be put almost an entire band can be put almost an entire band can be put together by students. Like we are together by students. Like we are together by students. Like we are blessed beyond measure. Hey, thank you. blessed beyond measure. Hey, thank you. blessed beyond measure. Hey, thank you. It is awesome. And Nathan Nathan leads It is awesome. And Nathan Nathan leads It is awesome. And Nathan Nathan leads that team and he is so humble. Uh but he that team and he is so humble. Uh but he that team and he is so humble. Uh but he is wonderful at that. He he is truly is wonderful at that. He he is truly is wonderful at that. He he is truly gifted and God has called him to. It is gifted and God has called him to. It is gifted and God has called him to. It is awesome to see it. I couldn't help but awesome to see it. I couldn't help but awesome to see it. I couldn't help but smile even looking over uh at parents smile even looking over uh at parents smile even looking over uh at parents and family as they watch uh students uh and family as they watch uh students uh and family as they watch uh students uh leading in the church and just how happy leading in the church and just how happy leading in the church and just how happy and smiling they were. Uh but I just and smiling they were. Uh but I just and smiling they were. Uh but I just wanted to shout them out for a minute. wanted to shout them out for a minute. wanted to shout them out for a minute. Hey, we are so glad that you are here Hey, we are so glad that you are here Hey, we are so glad that you are here today that you've chosen to worship with today that you've chosen to worship with today that you've chosen to worship with us. Maybe you're watching online as us. Maybe you're watching online as us. Maybe you're watching online as you're traveling or something like that. you're traveling or something like that. you're traveling or something like that. Welcome to you as well. Hey, we want to Welcome to you as well. Hey, we want to Welcome to you as well. Hey, we want to make sure that you know here at Central make sure that you know here at Central make sure that you know here at Central that we want to reach, connect, that we want to reach, connect, that we want to reach, connect, disciple, and send you. Uh our our disciple, and send you. Uh our our disciple, and send you. Uh our our mission here is to reach the lost, to mission here is to reach the lost, to mission here is to reach the lost, to reach you, get you connected, get you reach you, get you connected, get you reach you, get you connected, get you discipled, and then send you out to discipled, and then send you out to discipled, and then send you out to reach the lost again, right? That is our reach the lost again, right? That is our reach the lost again, right? That is our our sole purpose to pull that off and to our sole purpose to pull that off and to our sole purpose to pull that off and to show you the gospel truth and that you show you the gospel truth and that you show you the gospel truth and that you would be equipped to go out and share would be equipped to go out and share would be equipped to go out and share the gospel truth with those around you.

the gospel truth with those around you. the gospel truth with those around you. So this week, I I would pray that you So this week, I I would pray that you So this week, I I would pray that you would do that, that you would just put would do that, that you would just put would do that, that you would just put it in your mind to say, "Hey, I I am it in your mind to say, "Hey, I I am it in your mind to say, "Hey, I I am ready. I'm ready to reach the lost. I'm ready. I'm ready to reach the lost. I'm ready. I'm ready to reach the lost. I'm ready to go out and and share the good ready to go out and and share the good ready to go out and and share the good news with them. uh and to connect with news with them. uh and to connect with news with them. uh and to connect with them and get them connected to the local them and get them connected to the local them and get them connected to the local body uh and to disciple them and to to body uh and to disciple them and to to body uh and to disciple them and to to send them right back out. Hey, we also send them right back out. Hey, we also send them right back out. Hey, we also want to say thank you so much for your want to say thank you so much for your want to say thank you so much for your giving. It's because of your giving that giving. It's because of your giving that giving. It's because of your giving that we have opportunities to do some of the we have opportunities to do some of the we have opportunities to do some of the most wonderful things here that we have most wonderful things here that we have most wonderful things here that we have camps or we have opportunities to share camps or we have opportunities to share camps or we have opportunities to share the gospel through VBS. And then through the gospel through VBS. And then through the gospel through VBS. And then through VBS, we even get to see uh one of the VBS, we even get to see uh one of the VBS, we even get to see uh one of the largest or the largest uh giving uh largest or the largest uh giving uh largest or the largest uh giving uh that's going to go towards Columbia, that's going to go towards Columbia, that's going to go towards Columbia, Missouri. and uh how much they're going Missouri. and uh how much they're going Missouri. and uh how much they're going to be blessed by those funds raised to to be blessed by those funds raised to to be blessed by those funds raised to be able to do um block parties and VBS be able to do um block parties and VBS be able to do um block parties and VBS outreaches and just to outreach the outreaches and just to outreach the outreaches and just to outreach the community. And speaking of Columbia, community. And speaking of Columbia, community. And speaking of Columbia, there's actually a prayer team there there's actually a prayer team there there's actually a prayer team there right now on the field that's walking right now on the field that's walking right now on the field that's walking through the community, walking through through the community, walking through through the community, walking through the town, praying over uh those streets the town, praying over uh those streets the town, praying over uh those streets that are near where we're going to be be that are near where we're going to be be that are near where we're going to be be located. And and they're reaching out located. And and they're reaching out located. And and they're reaching out and and we hope that doors are open, and and we hope that doors are open, and and we hope that doors are open, windows are open, uh that they're going windows are open, uh that they're going windows are open, uh that they're going to have conversations to invite people to have conversations to invite people to have conversations to invite people into this church plant that Jacob into this church plant that Jacob into this church plant that Jacob Simmons and his team are working so hard Simmons and his team are working so hard Simmons and his team are working so hard uh to get ready uh and prepared for. So uh to get ready uh and prepared for. So uh to get ready uh and prepared for. So be in prayer for them. And also before be in prayer for them. And also before be in prayer for them. And also before we continue uh through song, I I want to we continue uh through song, I I want to we continue uh through song, I I want to take a moment to just uh ask that we take a moment to just uh ask that we take a moment to just uh ask that we will pray here in just a moment. Uh but will pray here in just a moment. Uh but will pray here in just a moment. Uh but just be praying for the Howard family.

just be praying for the Howard family. just be praying for the Howard family. Uh Trevor Howard, if you haven't heard Uh Trevor Howard, if you haven't heard Uh Trevor Howard, if you haven't heard already uh potentially through social already uh potentially through social already uh potentially through social media, through the news, Trevor Howard media, through the news, Trevor Howard media, through the news, Trevor Howard uh was an officer in Mark Tree uh that uh was an officer in Mark Tree uh that uh was an officer in Mark Tree uh that was killed in action uh this morning uh was killed in action uh this morning uh was killed in action uh this morning uh by a drunk driver. And uh if you don't by a drunk driver. And uh if you don't by a drunk driver. And uh if you don't know who he is, uh you may have seen him know who he is, uh you may have seen him know who he is, uh you may have seen him before. Even last week, he was playing before. Even last week, he was playing before. Even last week, he was playing drums for us. uh he is a part of our drums for us. uh he is a part of our drums for us. uh he is a part of our worship team and uh he plays with 747 worship team and uh he plays with 747 worship team and uh he plays with 747 through the college and uh his brother through the college and uh his brother through the college and uh his brother attends Paragold campus and he helps attends Paragold campus and he helps attends Paragold campus and he helps media there and serve there. Uh but we media there and serve there. Uh but we media there and serve there. Uh but we just want to be praying uh for his just want to be praying uh for his just want to be praying uh for his brother, for his family [music] and then brother, for his family [music] and then brother, for his family [music] and then pray for the Mark Tree uh police pray for the Mark Tree uh police pray for the Mark Tree uh police department. Pray for that community and department. Pray for that community and department. Pray for that community and just pray even for our own worship team just pray even for our own worship team just pray even for our own worship team uh as a brother uh that helps serve and uh as a brother uh that helps serve and uh as a brother uh that helps serve and pour into the worship team here uh and pour into the worship team here uh and pour into the worship team here uh and pour into this church. We want to pray pour into this church. We want to pray pour into this church. We want to pray for him. Uh pray for his brother and and for him. Uh pray for his brother and and for him. Uh pray for his brother and and that the Lord would just wrap his warm that the Lord would just wrap his warm that the Lord would just wrap his warm embrace around them. Uh so here in just embrace around them. Uh so here in just embrace around them. Uh so here in just a moment we're praying. We'll pray over a moment we're praying. We'll pray over a moment we're praying. We'll pray over that. But I'd ask that you continue to that. But I'd ask that you continue to that. But I'd ask that you continue to pray for these coming days uh for his pray for these coming days uh for his pray for these coming days uh for his family uh [music] and for that family uh [music] and for that family uh [music] and for that department as they just walk through department as they just walk through department as they just walk through this. Um but uh let's pray uh and then this. Um but uh let's pray uh and then this. Um but uh let's pray uh and then we're going to continue uh through we're going to continue uh through we're going to continue uh through worship and song.

worship and song. worship and song. Father God, we come before you uh Father God, we come before you uh Father God, we come before you uh thankful for today, God. thankful for uh thankful for today, God. thankful for uh thankful for today, God. thankful for uh waking us up and allowing us to be here waking us up and allowing us to be here waking us up and allowing us to be here uh in community in fellowship Lord to uh in community in fellowship Lord to uh in community in fellowship Lord to praise and worship your name Lord. Uh I praise and worship your name Lord. Uh I praise and worship your name Lord. Uh I I pray today Lord that we would uh hear I pray today Lord that we would uh hear I pray today Lord that we would uh hear from cross that you would hide him from cross that you would hide him from cross that you would hide him behind the cross Lord uh and that you behind the cross Lord uh and that you behind the cross Lord uh and that you would speak through him Lord. I pray would speak through him Lord. I pray would speak through him Lord. I pray that nothing exits of his mouth that is that nothing exits of his mouth that is that nothing exits of his mouth that is not of you Lord uh and from you Lord. not of you Lord uh and from you Lord. not of you Lord uh and from you Lord. God, I pray that each of us uh obtain a God, I pray that each of us uh obtain a God, I pray that each of us uh obtain a nugget of truth today from your word nugget of truth today from your word nugget of truth today from your word that we can apply to our lives to leave that we can apply to our lives to leave that we can apply to our lives to leave here changed to be a [music] change for here changed to be a [music] change for here changed to be a [music] change for your kingdom, Lord, for your glory and your kingdom, Lord, for your glory and your kingdom, Lord, for your glory and for your honor. Lord, right now we just for your honor. Lord, right now we just for your honor. Lord, right now we just lay before you uh Trenton Howard uh that lay before you uh Trenton Howard uh that lay before you uh Trenton Howard uh that you would just um be with him as he has you would just um be with him as he has you would just um be with him as he has lost his brother, Lord. Be with their lost his brother, Lord. Be with their lost his brother, Lord. Be with their family, be with the the police family, be with the the police family, be with the the police department, be with the first department, be with the first department, be with the first responders, Lord, be with the drunk responders, Lord, be with the drunk responders, Lord, be with the drunk driver, Lord. Lord, be with everyone driver, Lord. Lord, be with everyone driver, Lord. Lord, be with everyone involved, Lord. be with the the the involved, Lord. be with the the the involved, Lord. be with the the the worship team, the friends, the family worship team, the friends, the family worship team, the friends, the family that that that this impacts, Lord. We that that that this impacts, Lord. We that that that this impacts, Lord. We may not fully comprehend or understand may not fully comprehend or understand may not fully comprehend or understand why things happen, Lord. But we know why things happen, Lord. But we know why things happen, Lord. But we know that we're going to give you praise and that we're going to give you praise and that we're going to give you praise and that you will use it for your good and that you will use it for your good and that you will use it for your good and for your glory, Lord. And God, we're for your glory, Lord. And God, we're for your glory, Lord. And God, we're praying that the glory that you get praying that the glory that you get praying that the glory that you get would be that someone comes to know you would be that someone comes to know you would be that someone comes to know you through this, Lord. That his life uh through this, Lord. That his life uh through this, Lord. That his life uh would leave a legacy mark of following would leave a legacy mark of following would leave a legacy mark of following you, Lord. uh and that others would come you, Lord. uh and that others would come you, Lord. uh and that others would come to know you uh because of how he lived.

to know you uh because of how he lived. to know you uh because of how he lived. Lord, I pray for everyone involved, Lord, I pray for everyone involved, Lord, I pray for everyone involved, Lord, that you would just uh wrap your Lord, that you would just uh wrap your Lord, that you would just uh wrap your warm embrace around them. Bring them warm embrace around them. Bring them warm embrace around them. Bring them peace, comfort, bring them mercy and peace, comfort, bring them mercy and peace, comfort, bring them mercy and grace and love, Lord. And [music] God, I grace and love, Lord. And [music] God, I grace and love, Lord. And [music] God, I just pray uh that you would just be here just pray uh that you would just be here just pray uh that you would just be here today, Lord. That you would speak to today, Lord. That you would speak to today, Lord. That you would speak to each and every single one of us, Lord. each and every single one of us, Lord. each and every single one of us, Lord. We pray all these things your son's We pray all these things your son's We pray all these things your son's precious and holy name. Amen. [music] precious and holy name. Amen. [music] precious and holy name. Amen. [music] And amen. >> [music] >> [music] >> Born in my sorrow and dead in my sin. >> Born in my sorrow and dead in my sin. >> Born in my sorrow and dead in my sin. Lost without hope and no place [music] Lost without hope and no place [music] Lost without hope and no place [music] to begin. to begin. to begin. Your love made a way to let [music] Your love made a way to let [music] Your love made a way to let [music] mercy come in. mercy come in. mercy come in. When death was arrested and my life When death was arrested and my life When death was arrested and my life began and ash was [music] redeemed only beauty and ash was [music] redeemed only beauty remains remains remains and my [music] orphan heart was given a and my [music] orphan heart was given a and my [music] orphan heart was given a name.

name. name. My morning [music] grew quiet. My feet My morning [music] grew quiet. My feet My morning [music] grew quiet. My feet rose to dance. rose to dance. rose to dance. When death was arrested while [music] I When death was arrested while [music] I When death was arrested while [music] I began. Oh, your grace [music] so free Oh, your grace [music] so free washes [singing] over [music] washes [singing] over [music] washes [singing] over [music] me. me. me. You have made me new. Now [singing] life You have made me new. Now [singing] life You have made me new. Now [singing] life begins with you. [music] It's your endless It's your endless love love love pouring [music] pouring [music] pouring [music] down [singing] on us. down [singing] on us. down [singing] on us. You have made us new. Now [singing] life You have made us new. Now [singing] life You have made us new. Now [singing] life begins [music] begins [music] begins [music] with you. Released from my chains. I'm a prisoner Released from my chains. I'm a prisoner [music] no more. [music] no more. [music] no more. My shame was [singing] a ransom. He My shame was [singing] a ransom. He My shame was [singing] a ransom. He faithfully bore.

faithfully bore. faithfully bore. And he cancelled my debt and he And he cancelled my debt and he And he cancelled my debt and he [singing] called me [music] his friend. [singing] called me [music] his friend. [singing] called me [music] his friend. When death was arrested, my [music] life When death was arrested, my [music] life When death was arrested, my [music] life began. began. began. Oh, Oh, Oh, [music] your grace so free [music] your grace so free [music] your grace so free washes over washes over washes over me. [music] me. [music] me. [music] You have made me new now. [singing] Life You have made me new now. [singing] Life You have made me new now. [singing] Life begins with you. begins with you. begins with you. Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] it's your [music] endless it's your [music] endless it's your [music] endless love love love pouring down on [singing] us. pouring down on [singing] us. pouring down on [singing] us. You have [music] made us new. Our life You have [music] made us new. Our life You have [music] made us new. Our life begins with you. begins with you. begins with you. [music] [music] [music] Oh yes he [singing] does. Our savior Oh yes he [singing] does. Our savior Oh yes he [singing] does. Our savior displayed [music] displayed [music] displayed [music] on a criminal's cross and darkness [music] rejoiced as though and darkness [music] rejoiced as though heaven had lost.

heaven had lost. heaven had lost. But then what happened? Come on. But then what happened? Come on. But then what happened? Come on. >> But then [music] Jesus arose with our >> But then [music] Jesus arose with our >> But then [music] Jesus arose with our freedom in him. freedom in him. freedom in him. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's [music] when death was arrested. That's [music] when death was arrested. That's [music] when death was arrested. My life day. [music] My life day. [music] My life day. [music] For your grace, For your grace, For your grace, for your grace so free for your grace so free for your grace so free washes over [music] washes over [music] washes over [music] me. me. me. You have [singing] made me new. Now You have [singing] made me new. Now You have [singing] made me new. Now [music] life begins with you. love love pouring down [singing] pouring down [singing] pouring down [singing] on us. [music] You have made [singing] on us. [music] You have made [singing] on us. [music] You have made [singing] us new. Our life begins [music] with us new. Our life begins [music] with us new. Our life begins [music] with you. Oh, we're free. Free forever. We're Oh, we're free. Free forever. We're [music] free. Come join the song before [music] free. Come join the song before [music] free. Come join the song before the redeemed. Yes, we're free. Free the redeemed. Yes, we're free. Free the redeemed. Yes, we're free. Free [music] [music] [music] forever. Amen. When death was arrested, forever. Amen. When death was arrested, forever. Amen. When death was arrested, my life began. Oh, we're free. Free my life began. Oh, we're free. Free my life began. Oh, we're free. Free [music] [music] [music] forever. We're free. Come join the song forever. We're free. Come join the song forever. We're free. Come join the song before the redee. Yes, [music] we're before the redee. Yes, [music] we're before the redee. Yes, [music] we're free. Free forever. Amen. When death was free. Free forever. Amen. When death was free. Free forever. Amen. When death was arrested, my life began. When death was

arrested, my life began. When death was arrested, my life began. When death was [music and singing] arrested, my life [music and singing] arrested, my life [music and singing] arrested, my life began. That's when death was [music] began. That's when death was [music] began. That's when death was [music] arrested. My life began. arrested. My life began. arrested. My life began. [music] [music] [music] Amen. [music] And church, aren't we so [music] And church, aren't we so thankful that that's the kind of God we thankful that that's the kind of God we thankful that that's the kind of God we serve? There's freedom in his name. serve? There's freedom in his name. serve? There's freedom in his name. There's power in his name. So, let's There's power in his name. So, let's There's power in his name. So, let's [music] continue to worship him this [music] continue to worship him this [music] continue to worship him this morning. And let's just speak the name morning. And let's just speak the name morning. And let's just speak the name of Jesus over us, over every single of Jesus over us, over every single of Jesus over us, over every single person. Come on. person. Come on. person. Come on. [music] Well, I just want to speak the [music] Well, I just want to speak the [music] Well, I just want to speak the name of Jesus Cuz I [music] know there is peace within Cuz I [music] know there is peace within your presence. your presence. your presence. I [music] speak Jesus. Come on y'all. Every voice. Come on y'all. Every voice. And I just [music] want to speak the And I just [music] want to speak the And I just [music] want to speak the name of Jesus.

Till every dark addiction [music] starts Till every dark addiction [music] starts to break. Declaring [singing] there is hope Declaring [singing] there is hope [music] and there is freedom. [music] and there is freedom. [music] and there is freedom. I speak Jesus. [music] [music] Your name is power. Your name is power. Your name is power. Your name is healing. [music] Your name is healing. [music] Your name is healing. [music] Your name is life. [singing] [music] [music] Break every stronghold. Break every stronghold. Break every stronghold. Shine through the shadows. [music] Oh, I [music] just want to speak the Oh, I [music] just want to speak the name of Jesus over [music and singing] fear and all over [music and singing] fear and all anxiety. To every [music and singing] soul held To every [music and singing] soul held captive by depression, captive by depression, captive by depression, I speak [music] Jesus.

Your [music] name is [singing] power. Your [music] name is [singing] power. Your name is healing. [music] Your name is healing. [music] Your name is healing. [music] Your name is [singing] life. [music] [music] Break every stronghold. Break every stronghold. Break every stronghold. Shine through [music] the shadows Shine through [music] the shadows Shine through [music] the shadows [singing] [singing] [singing] burn like a fire. [music] So shout Jesus from the [music] So shout Jesus from the mountains and Jesus in the streets. mountains and Jesus in the streets. mountains and Jesus in the streets. [music] [music] [music] Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. Jesus in the darkness over every enmy. And Jesus for my family. I speak the And Jesus for my family. I speak the And Jesus for my family. I speak the holy name. holy name. holy name. Jesus. [music] Tell Jesus [music] from [singing] the Tell Jesus [music] from [singing] the mountain. mountain. mountain. Jesus in the street. Jesus in the street. Jesus in the street. Jesus in the darkness over every Jesus in the darkness over every Jesus in the darkness over every [music] [music] [music] Jesus for my family. I sing Jesus for my family. I sing Jesus for my family. I sing [music] [music] [music] Jesus. [singing] [music] Your name is power. [singing] [music] Your name is power. [singing] Your name is healing.

Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is [music] Lord. Lord. Break every [singing] Break every [singing] Break every [singing] shine through [music] the shadow. >> [music] >> [music] [singing] >> Your [music] name is power. >> Your [music] name is power. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name [music and singing] is break [music] every break [music] every shine through the shadow. shine through the shadow. shine through the shadow. [music] What a beautiful name [music] it is. What a beautiful name [music] it is. What a beautiful name it is. What a beautiful name it is. What a beautiful name it is. The [music] name of Jesus The [music] name of Jesus The [music] name of Jesus Christ, my king.

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

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

the praise of [music] your glory. the praise of [music] your glory. [singing] [singing] [singing] For you are raised to life again. For you are raised to life again. For you are raised to life again. You have [music and singing] no rival You have [music and singing] no rival You have [music and singing] no rival and you have no equal and you have no equal and you have no equal now and [music and singing] forever. now and [music and singing] forever. now and [music and singing] forever. God you reign. [singing] God you reign. [singing] God you reign. [singing] And yours is the kingom. And yours is the kingom. And yours is the kingom. And yours is the [music and singing] name name of [singing] of [singing] of [singing] [music] [music] [music] what a powerful name it is. [music] what a powerful name it is. [music] what a powerful name it is. [music] What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. The name of Jesus [music] The name of Jesus [music] The name of Jesus [music] Christ my king. Christ my king. Christ my king. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> What a powerful name it is. >> What a powerful name it is. >> What a powerful name it is. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. Nothing can stand against. What a powerful [music and singing] name What a powerful [music and singing] name What a powerful [music and singing] name it is. The name of Jesus. [music] You have no rival [music] You have no rival [music] and you have no equal and you have no equal and you have no equal now and [music] forever.

now and [music] forever. now and [music] forever. God, [singing] God, [singing] God, [singing] you reign. you reign. you reign. [music] [music] [music] Yours is the kingom. Yours is the kingom. Yours is the kingom. Yours is [music] the glory. Yours is [music] the glory. Yours is [music] the glory. And yours is the name And yours is the name And yours is the name [singing] of what [music] a powerful name is. what [music] a powerful name is. What a powerful name it is. [music] What a powerful name it is. [music] What a powerful name it is. [music] The name of Jesus The name of Jesus The name of Jesus Christ [music] Christ [music] Christ [music] [singing] might. [singing] might. [singing] might. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. What a powerful name it is. Nothing can stand [music and singing] Nothing can stand [music and singing] Nothing can stand [music and singing] against. against. against. What a powerful name it is. The What a powerful name it is. The What a powerful name it is. The [singing] name of Jesus. [music] [singing] name of Jesus. [music] [singing] name of Jesus. [music] What a powerful name it is. The What a powerful name it is. The What a powerful name it is. The [singing] name of Jesus. [singing] name of Jesus. [singing] name of Jesus. What a [music] powerful [singing] name What a [music] powerful [singing] name What a [music] powerful [singing] name it is. The name of Jesus.

it is. The name of Jesus. it is. The name of Jesus. [music] And Lord, we thank you for the name of And Lord, we thank you for the name of Jesus this morning. Jesus this morning. Jesus this morning. We thank you that there is power in his We thank you that there is power in his We thank you that there is power in his name. We thank you that [music] there is name. We thank you that [music] there is name. We thank you that [music] there is joy in his name. That there is freedom. joy in his name. That there is freedom. joy in his name. That there is freedom. That there is hope. And Lord, we thank you that And Lord, we thank you that that every [music] word we sang is true. that every [music] word we sang is true. that every [music] word we sang is true. God, if you did not come for us, if you God, if you did not come for us, if you God, if you did not come for us, if you did [music] not die for us, if you did did [music] not die for us, if you did did [music] not die for us, if you did not rise again on the third day, not rise again on the third day, not rise again on the third day, everything we'd be doing this morning everything we'd be doing this morning everything we'd be doing this morning would just be wasted. would just be wasted. would just be wasted. But God, we know that it's true. You are But God, we know that it's true. You are But God, we know that it's true. You are alive. You are well. You are acting. And alive. You are well. You are acting. And alive. You are well. You are acting. And you are moving. you are moving. you are moving. And so God [music] this morning we give And so God [music] this morning we give And so God [music] this morning we give you all the glory and all the praise you all the glory and all the praise you all the glory and all the praise because there is no other name worthy of because there is no other name worthy of because there is no other name worthy of our worship than the name of Jesus. our worship than the name of Jesus. our worship than the name of Jesus. So God this morning speak to us, meet So God this morning speak to us, meet So God this morning speak to us, meet us. I pray that you convict us of sin. us. I pray that you convict us of sin. us. I pray that you convict us of sin. Convict us of of apathy. Convict us of Convict us of of apathy. Convict us of Convict us of of apathy. Convict us of any any just any any just any any just anything that is going against you. And anything that is going against you. And anything that is going against you. And God, I pray that we [music] would leave God, I pray that we [music] would leave God, I pray that we [music] would leave this place different than how we came this place different than how we came this place different than how we came in.

in. in. So we give this time over to you. We So we give this time over to you. We So we give this time over to you. We love you. [music] We praise you. And love you. [music] We praise you. And love you. [music] We praise you. And it's your name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hey, you can grab a seat. Amen. Amen. Hey, you can grab a seat. Well, good morning, church family. It is Well, good morning, church family. It is Well, good morning, church family. It is so good to see all of you here uh this so good to see all of you here uh this so good to see all of you here uh this morning. And so, just like Pastor Jacob morning. And so, just like Pastor Jacob morning. And so, just like Pastor Jacob said already, welcome in. If you're a said already, welcome in. If you're a said already, welcome in. If you're a first- time guest with us, we're first- time guest with us, we're first- time guest with us, we're thrilled that you're here. Whether thrilled that you're here. Whether thrilled that you're here. Whether you're watching online or via liveream you're watching online or via liveream you're watching online or via liveream or television or even if you're here, it or television or even if you're here, it or television or even if you're here, it is a blessing to worship with you all in is a blessing to worship with you all in is a blessing to worship with you all in the house of the Lord this morning. But the house of the Lord this morning. But the house of the Lord this morning. But my name is Crossbright. I get the my name is Crossbright. I get the my name is Crossbright. I get the privilege of serving as college pastor privilege of serving as college pastor privilege of serving as college pastor here on staff at Central. And I actually here on staff at Central. And I actually here on staff at Central. And I actually just finished up my rookie season here just finished up my rookie season here just finished up my rookie season here on staff in May. And as I have had some on staff in May. And as I have had some on staff in May. And as I have had some time over the last couple weeks to just time over the last couple weeks to just time over the last couple weeks to just really reflect back on all that the Lord really reflect back on all that the Lord really reflect back on all that the Lord has done over the last year, I have just has done over the last year, I have just has done over the last year, I have just been blown away at God's faithfulness been blown away at God's faithfulness been blown away at God's faithfulness and his sovereignty and his provision. and his sovereignty and his provision. and his sovereignty and his provision. um not just in my life, not just in 747, um not just in my life, not just in 747, um not just in my life, not just in 747, but with the church at large. Uh it's but with the church at large. Uh it's but with the church at large. Uh it's it's no it's hard to miss all that he's it's no it's hard to miss all that he's it's no it's hard to miss all that he's doing. If you look at preschool and and doing. If you look at preschool and and doing. If you look at preschool and and kids ministry, you have students and kids ministry, you have students and kids ministry, you have students and kids that are giving their life to kids that are giving their life to kids that are giving their life to Christ with VBS and all sorts of good Christ with VBS and all sorts of good Christ with VBS and all sorts of good stuff there. And then we have Jay Jacobs stuff there. And then we have Jay Jacobs stuff there. And then we have Jay Jacobs with some senior adults prayer walking with some senior adults prayer walking with some senior adults prayer walking in Columbia, Missouri. And then all in in Columbia, Missouri. And then all in in Columbia, Missouri. And then all in between, we have teams that are going on between, we have teams that are going on between, we have teams that are going on mission. We have teams that are making mission. We have teams that are making mission. We have teams that are making disciples and all sorts of stuff. And it disciples and all sorts of stuff. And it disciples and all sorts of stuff. And it is just a blessing and a privilege to is just a blessing and a privilege to is just a blessing and a privilege to get to be a part of what is happening get to be a part of what is happening get to be a part of what is happening here at Central. And so I hope that you here at Central. And so I hope that you here at Central. And so I hope that you guys recognize that and relish in that guys recognize that and relish in that guys recognize that and relish in that as well. But I want to encourage you and as well. But I want to encourage you and as well. But I want to encourage you and invite you to uh open your Bibles with invite you to uh open your Bibles with invite you to uh open your Bibles with me to Philippians chapter 1. We're going

me to Philippians chapter 1. We're going me to Philippians chapter 1. We're going to be picking up in verse 21 this to be picking up in verse 21 this to be picking up in verse 21 this morning. If you're here last week on morning. If you're here last week on morning. If you're here last week on Father's Day, you know, Pastor Archie Father's Day, you know, Pastor Archie Father's Day, you know, Pastor Archie actually ended on verse 21. So we're actually ended on verse 21. So we're actually ended on verse 21. So we're going to start back there. It's that going to start back there. It's that going to start back there. It's that important. It's that uh impactful of a important. It's that uh impactful of a important. It's that uh impactful of a verse that we're going to look back over verse that we're going to look back over verse that we're going to look back over it again. And so we're continuing in our it again. And so we're continuing in our it again. And so we're continuing in our series of everyday joy. If you have read series of everyday joy. If you have read series of everyday joy. If you have read the book of Philippians before, you know the book of Philippians before, you know the book of Philippians before, you know that this book is heavily predicated on that this book is heavily predicated on that this book is heavily predicated on the everyday joy that Paul experiences the everyday joy that Paul experiences the everyday joy that Paul experiences even in the midst of persecution. And so even in the midst of persecution. And so even in the midst of persecution. And so as you're turning there, I want to share as you're turning there, I want to share as you're turning there, I want to share a story of a man named Aaron Rston. And a story of a man named Aaron Rston. And a story of a man named Aaron Rston. And so if you are familiar with Aaron or if so if you are familiar with Aaron or if so if you are familiar with Aaron or if you like to hike or boulder or mountain you like to hike or boulder or mountain you like to hike or boulder or mountain climb, you'll you'll know this name. climb, you'll you'll know this name. climb, you'll you'll know this name. Aaron actually got pretty famous in the Aaron actually got pretty famous in the Aaron actually got pretty famous in the mid 2000s. And there was even a movie mid 2000s. And there was even a movie mid 2000s. And there was even a movie made about his life in 2010. It's called made about his life in 2010. It's called made about his life in 2010. It's called 127 Hours and it's about the story of 127 Hours and it's about the story of 127 Hours and it's about the story of Aaron and his bouldering and hiking Aaron and his bouldering and hiking Aaron and his bouldering and hiking experience. Well, in 2003, Aaron was on experience. Well, in 2003, Aaron was on experience. Well, in 2003, Aaron was on this trek in Utah and he had not told this trek in Utah and he had not told this trek in Utah and he had not told his family where he was going. He didn't his family where he was going. He didn't his family where he was going. He didn't say how long he was going for. He just say how long he was going for. He just say how long he was going for. He just got up and went. And that wasn't got up and went. And that wasn't got up and went. And that wasn't uncommon for him. But Aaron was uncommon for him. But Aaron was uncommon for him. But Aaron was bouldering in Utah. He was climbing. He bouldering in Utah. He was climbing. He bouldering in Utah. He was climbing. He was doing all these all these tricks and was doing all these all these tricks and was doing all these all these tricks and whatnot. And about five or six days into whatnot. And about five or six days into whatnot. And about five or six days into the to the trip, he was working around a the to the trip, he was working around a the to the trip, he was working around a boulder and the boulder shook loose and boulder and the boulder shook loose and boulder and the boulder shook loose and pinned his arm in between the boulder pinned his arm in between the boulder pinned his arm in between the boulder and the mountain. So he was quite and the mountain. So he was quite and the mountain. So he was quite literally in between a rock and a hard literally in between a rock and a hard literally in between a rock and a hard place. And so Aaron over the course of place. And so Aaron over the course of place. And so Aaron over the course of five or six days, he's rationing out his five or six days, he's rationing out his five or six days, he's rationing out his food that he has, his water that he has, food that he has, his water that he has, food that he has, his water that he has, and he has a camcorder that he begins and he has a camcorder that he begins and he has a camcorder that he begins videoing himself and and kind of saying

videoing himself and and kind of saying videoing himself and and kind of saying his goodbyes to his friends and his his goodbyes to his friends and his his goodbyes to his friends and his family because he believes that he is at family because he believes that he is at family because he believes that he is at the end of his life. Well, to continue the end of his life. Well, to continue the end of his life. Well, to continue on, Aaron be like then decides he's on, Aaron be like then decides he's on, Aaron be like then decides he's like, "Hey, I have so much to live for. like, "Hey, I have so much to live for. like, "Hey, I have so much to live for. There is so much that I I don't want to There is so much that I I don't want to There is so much that I I don't want to miss out on. I don't want to just settle miss out on. I don't want to just settle miss out on. I don't want to just settle with dying here pinned to this rock. with dying here pinned to this rock. with dying here pinned to this rock. There was nobody else there." He was There was nobody else there." He was There was nobody else there." He was stranded there for days. And so, to stranded there for days. And so, to stranded there for days. And so, to spare all of the the the fun surgical spare all of the the the fun surgical spare all of the the the fun surgical details, he had a a dull fishing knife details, he had a a dull fishing knife details, he had a a dull fishing knife blade that he was carrying with him. and blade that he was carrying with him. and blade that he was carrying with him. and he for lack of a better term to like he for lack of a better term to like he for lack of a better term to like took away the the noncrushed or pressed took away the the noncrushed or pressed took away the the noncrushed or pressed part of his forearm uh from the part part of his forearm uh from the part part of his forearm uh from the part that was pinned between that and the that was pinned between that and the that was pinned between that and the rock. And so then with what he had left rock. And so then with what he had left rock. And so then with what he had left of his arm, he walked eight miles, found of his arm, he walked eight miles, found of his arm, he walked eight miles, found a family, they called an ambulance, they a family, they called an ambulance, they a family, they called an ambulance, they helaced him out. And I say all that to helaced him out. And I say all that to helaced him out. And I say all that to bring forth this idea and this this bring forth this idea and this this bring forth this idea and this this understanding that humans will do understanding that humans will do understanding that humans will do remarkable things to live. But the remarkable things to live. But the remarkable things to live. But the caveat in there is they have to have caveat in there is they have to have caveat in there is they have to have something worth living for. And so the something worth living for. And so the something worth living for. And so the question that I want us I'm going to ask question that I want us I'm going to ask question that I want us I'm going to ask and ask and ask and we're we're going to and ask and ask and we're we're going to and ask and ask and we're we're going to continue to kind of think on over the continue to kind of think on over the continue to kind of think on over the course of this morning is what are you course of this morning is what are you course of this morning is what are you living for? What gets you out of bed living for? What gets you out of bed living for? What gets you out of bed every day? What drives you? What gives every day? What drives you? What gives every day? What drives you? What gives you purpose? What are you living for?

you purpose? What are you living for? you purpose? What are you living for? We're going to see in this passage that We're going to see in this passage that We're going to see in this passage that Paul, he gives us this illustration and Paul, he gives us this illustration and Paul, he gives us this illustration and this idea of what we should be living this idea of what we should be living this idea of what we should be living for as believers. The title of this for as believers. The title of this for as believers. The title of this message today, if you like to take message today, if you like to take message today, if you like to take notes, is committed to the cause. And notes, is committed to the cause. And notes, is committed to the cause. And the cause that we're going to look at is the cause that we're going to look at is the cause that we're going to look at is magnifying the name of Christ through magnifying the name of Christ through magnifying the name of Christ through our lives by the way that we live Christ our lives by the way that we live Christ our lives by the way that we live Christ would be exalted. And we're going to would be exalted. And we're going to would be exalted. And we're going to look at two points in particular. The look at two points in particular. The look at two points in particular. The first one being we need to be committed first one being we need to be committed first one being we need to be committed to labor. And the second one is we need to labor. And the second one is we need to labor. And the second one is we need to be committed to suffer. And so in a to be committed to suffer. And so in a to be committed to suffer. And so in a book all about joy, I know that these book all about joy, I know that these book all about joy, I know that these points are a little backwards and you're points are a little backwards and you're points are a little backwards and you're like this is not the joy that I am used like this is not the joy that I am used like this is not the joy that I am used to. But I promise you it's some good to. But I promise you it's some good to. But I promise you it's some good stuff and I'm excited to get into it stuff and I'm excited to get into it stuff and I'm excited to get into it this morning. So, if you would and if this morning. So, if you would and if this morning. So, if you would and if you're willing and able, if you'll stand you're willing and able, if you'll stand you're willing and able, if you'll stand with me as we read God's word together, with me as we read God's word together, with me as we read God's word together, picking up in verse 21, picking up in verse 21, picking up in verse 21, it says, "For to me to live as Christ it says, "For to me to live as Christ it says, "For to me to live as Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live and to die is gain. But if I am to live and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me, and I do not know which to labor for me, and I do not know which to labor for me, and I do not know which to choose. But I'm hardpressed from both choose. But I'm hardpressed from both choose. But I'm hardpressed from both directions, having the desire to depart directions, having the desire to depart directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very and be with Christ, for that is very and be with Christ, for that is very much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the much better. Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake."

flesh is more necessary for your sake." flesh is more necessary for your sake." Convinced of this, I know that I will Convinced of this, I know that I will Convinced of this, I know that I will remain remain remain more or to continue with you for all more or to continue with you for all more or to continue with you for all your progress and joy in the faith, so your progress and joy in the faith, so your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may that your proud confidence in me may that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming abound in Christ Jesus through my coming abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. only conduct yourselves in to you again. only conduct yourselves in to you again. only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. So that whether I come and see you or So that whether I come and see you or So that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that remain absent, I will hear of you that remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with you are standing firm in one spirit with you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the one mind, striving together for the one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. in no way alarmed faith of the gospel. in no way alarmed faith of the gospel. in no way alarmed by your opponents, which is a sign of by your opponents, which is a sign of by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation destruction for them, but of salvation destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too from God. For to for you, and that too from God. For to for you, and that too from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ's you it has been granted for Christ's you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in him, but sake, not only to believe in him, but sake, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake, also to suffer for his sake, also to suffer for his sake, experiencing the same conflict which you experiencing the same conflict which you experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now here to be in me. saw in me, and now here to be in me. saw in me, and now here to be in me. Let's pray. Father, thank you so much Let's pray. Father, thank you so much Let's pray. Father, thank you so much for the opportunity to get into your for the opportunity to get into your for the opportunity to get into your word. God, I pray that as we work word. God, I pray that as we work word. God, I pray that as we work through this passage this morning that through this passage this morning that through this passage this morning that this idea of magnifying Christ would be this idea of magnifying Christ would be this idea of magnifying Christ would be so prevalent and heavy on the hearts of so prevalent and heavy on the hearts of so prevalent and heavy on the hearts of us in here this morning. God, would you us in here this morning. God, would you us in here this morning. God, would you let us leave here changed and ready to let us leave here changed and ready to let us leave here changed and ready to to to suffer and to labor for you, God?

to to suffer and to labor for you, God? to to suffer and to labor for you, God? God, be with us this morning. I pray God, be with us this morning. I pray God, be with us this morning. I pray that you would just work in this room that you would just work in this room that you would just work in this room that if there's someone that doesn't that if there's someone that doesn't that if there's someone that doesn't know who you are and does not have that know who you are and does not have that know who you are and does not have that relationship with you, God, that you relationship with you, God, that you relationship with you, God, that you would make that a priority for them would make that a priority for them would make that a priority for them today. So, Father, we love you and we today. So, Father, we love you and we today. So, Father, we love you and we praise you and it's your holy and praise you and it's your holy and praise you and it's your holy and precious name we pray. Amen. precious name we pray. Amen. precious name we pray. Amen. You may be seated. Thank you for You may be seated. Thank you for You may be seated. Thank you for standing. Um, okay. So, so point number standing. Um, okay. So, so point number standing. Um, okay. So, so point number one is committed to or committed to one is committed to or committed to one is committed to or committed to labor. Now, when I think of this word labor. Now, when I think of this word labor. Now, when I think of this word labor, I think of just going to work. labor, I think of just going to work. labor, I think of just going to work. You're you're working hard, all these You're you're working hard, all these You're you're working hard, all these things. And so, in verse 21, Paul is things. And so, in verse 21, Paul is things. And so, in verse 21, Paul is mentioning this idea of that he's mentioning this idea of that he's mentioning this idea of that he's potentially going to die. And so, if potentially going to die. And so, if potentially going to die. And so, if you'll remember the context of what Paul you'll remember the context of what Paul you'll remember the context of what Paul is is working in right now is that he is is is working in right now is that he is is is working in right now is that he is just finished up his second missionary just finished up his second missionary just finished up his second missionary journey. He is in prison, house arrest journey. He is in prison, house arrest journey. He is in prison, house arrest in Rome. And this is like house arrest in Rome. And this is like house arrest in Rome. And this is like house arrest to the extreme. He is locked in one to the extreme. He is locked in one to the extreme. He is locked in one spot, but he's also chained to like the spot, but he's also chained to like the spot, but he's also chained to like the baddest of the baddest guards in Rome. baddest of the baddest guards in Rome. baddest of the baddest guards in Rome. And they are not letting him go And they are not letting him go And they are not letting him go anywhere. And so along these missionary anywhere. And so along these missionary anywhere. And so along these missionary journeys and through this time, he has journeys and through this time, he has journeys and through this time, he has been beaten. He's been tormented. He's been beaten. He's been tormented. He's been beaten. He's been tormented. He's been mocked. And so there is a been mocked. And so there is a been mocked. And so there is a legitimate idea that he thinks, hey, I legitimate idea that he thinks, hey, I legitimate idea that he thinks, hey, I may be at the end of my life. I may only may be at the end of my life. I may only may be at the end of my life. I may only have mere days, weeks, months left. I have mere days, weeks, months left. I have mere days, weeks, months left. I have no idea. The same people that have no idea. The same people that have no idea. The same people that crucified Jesus are the same people that crucified Jesus are the same people that crucified Jesus are the same people that have me in prison. It could be the end.

have me in prison. It could be the end. have me in prison. It could be the end. But Paul, he kind of to backtrack a But Paul, he kind of to backtrack a But Paul, he kind of to backtrack a little bit, looking at verse 20, he little bit, looking at verse 20, he little bit, looking at verse 20, he shows us that even in the midst of this, shows us that even in the midst of this, shows us that even in the midst of this, that there is one goal for his life, and that there is one goal for his life, and that there is one goal for his life, and that is to magnify the name of Christ. that is to magnify the name of Christ. that is to magnify the name of Christ. And in verse 20, read with me on the And in verse 20, read with me on the And in verse 20, read with me on the screen. It says, "According to my screen. It says, "According to my screen. It says, "According to my earnest expectation and hope that I will earnest expectation and hope that I will earnest expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in anything, but not be put to shame in anything, but not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even that with all boldness, Christ will even that with all boldness, Christ will even now as always be exalted in my body, now as always be exalted in my body, now as always be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." So this is whether by life or by death." So this is whether by life or by death." So this is affirmed as he goes on to say in 21 that affirmed as he goes on to say in 21 that affirmed as he goes on to say in 21 that says for to me to live is Christ and to says for to me to live is Christ and to says for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. So for just kind of the the die is gain. So for just kind of the the die is gain. So for just kind of the the group to understand and make sure that group to understand and make sure that group to understand and make sure that we're all caught up for him to say hey we're all caught up for him to say hey we're all caught up for him to say hey if I'm going to live that is Christ or if I'm going to live that is Christ or if I'm going to live that is Christ or for me to live that means that Christ is for me to live that means that Christ is for me to live that means that Christ is going to abound or be magnified in my going to abound or be magnified in my going to abound or be magnified in my life by the fruitful labor that I do. life by the fruitful labor that I do. life by the fruitful labor that I do. But to die is even better because me But to die is even better because me But to die is even better because me dying my sole purpose is to magnify the dying my sole purpose is to magnify the dying my sole purpose is to magnify the name of Christ. And the best way that name of Christ. And the best way that name of Christ. And the best way that he's magnified is for me to be united he's magnified is for me to be united he's magnified is for me to be united with him. If we think of the the book of with him. If we think of the the book of with him. If we think of the the book of Genesis in chapters 1, 2, and three, we Genesis in chapters 1, 2, and three, we Genesis in chapters 1, 2, and three, we see the the picture of creation and see the the picture of creation and see the the picture of creation and God's intention for creation is so that God's intention for creation is so that God's intention for creation is so that he can dwell with the things he has he can dwell with the things he has he can dwell with the things he has created and that his creation can dwell created and that his creation can dwell created and that his creation can dwell and worship the father in person, face and worship the father in person, face and worship the father in person, face to face. And this is what Paul is to face. And this is what Paul is to face. And this is what Paul is referring to. He says, "Hey, for me to referring to. He says, "Hey, for me to referring to. He says, "Hey, for me to die is gain because I get that the thing die is gain because I get that the thing die is gain because I get that the thing that I have been working towards and the that I have been working towards and the that I have been working towards and the thing I've been working out in my thing I've been working out in my thing I've been working out in my salvation is leading to this moment of salvation is leading to this moment of salvation is leading to this moment of death to be reunited with the father."

death to be reunited with the father." death to be reunited with the father." So he sets us up and I think there's So he sets us up and I think there's So he sets us up and I think there's good reason for us to under to to good reason for us to under to to good reason for us to under to to understandably think yeah this is a a understandably think yeah this is a a understandably think yeah this is a a difficult decision that Paul on one hand difficult decision that Paul on one hand difficult decision that Paul on one hand wants to die and be with the father but wants to die and be with the father but wants to die and be with the father but on the other hand he wants to stay with on the other hand he wants to stay with on the other hand he wants to stay with this church that he has grown with that this church that he has grown with that this church that he has grown with that he has helped develop that he's seen he has helped develop that he's seen he has helped develop that he's seen raise up and he wants to pour into them raise up and he wants to pour into them raise up and he wants to pour into them verse 22 goes on to say it says but if verse 22 goes on to say it says but if verse 22 goes on to say it says but if I'm to live on in the flesh this will I'm to live on in the flesh this will I'm to live on in the flesh this will mean fruitful labor for me we'll come mean fruitful labor for me we'll come mean fruitful labor for me we'll come back to that idea of fruitful labor and back to that idea of fruitful labor and back to that idea of fruitful labor and it says and I don't know what to choose it says and I don't know what to choose it says and I don't know what to choose but I am hardpressed from both but I am hardpressed from both but I am hardpressed from both directions, being to live or to die, directions, being to live or to die, directions, being to live or to die, having the desire to depart and be with having the desire to depart and be with having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is much better. Yet to Christ, for that is much better. Yet to Christ, for that is much better. Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary remain on in the flesh is more necessary remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. So keeping in in in view for your sake. So keeping in in in view for your sake. So keeping in in in view this lens that we have this that we've this lens that we have this that we've this lens that we have this that we've set up of magnifying Christ through all set up of magnifying Christ through all set up of magnifying Christ through all things. That is the cause that we're things. That is the cause that we're things. That is the cause that we're talking to. When we say committed to the talking to. When we say committed to the talking to. When we say committed to the cause, we're committed to making Christ cause, we're committed to making Christ cause, we're committed to making Christ known to magnifying who he is through known to magnifying who he is through known to magnifying who he is through our lives. So, keeping that in place, our lives. So, keeping that in place, our lives. So, keeping that in place, when we think of the term fruitful when we think of the term fruitful when we think of the term fruitful labor, if you're anything like me, you labor, if you're anything like me, you labor, if you're anything like me, you immediately think of, okay, well, immediately think of, okay, well, immediately think of, okay, well, earning a wage, providing for your earning a wage, providing for your earning a wage, providing for your family, building relational equity with family, building relational equity with family, building relational equity with people, building societal clout, people, building societal clout, people, building societal clout, anything that is to to put towards the anything that is to to put towards the anything that is to to put towards the development that is fruitful for development that is fruitful for development that is fruitful for yourself, right? Even for me, the way yourself, right? Even for me, the way yourself, right? Even for me, the way that I have like my my tasks and my that I have like my my tasks and my that I have like my my tasks and my goals is I have my quarterly goals, my goals is I have my quarterly goals, my goals is I have my quarterly goals, my monthly goals, my weekly goals, and then monthly goals, my weekly goals, and then monthly goals, my weekly goals, and then every day when I get in the office, I every day when I get in the office, I every day when I get in the office, I pull from my weekly goals and I work on pull from my weekly goals and I work on pull from my weekly goals and I work on them. Some days are better than others, them. Some days are better than others, them. Some days are better than others, but if I can go through a day and cross but if I can go through a day and cross but if I can go through a day and cross off all of the stuff that I set out to off all of the stuff that I set out to off all of the stuff that I set out to do that day, I get home and I am a happy do that day, I get home and I am a happy do that day, I get home and I am a happy camper. I'm pumped. I feel like I have

camper. I'm pumped. I feel like I have camper. I'm pumped. I feel like I have done a fruitful labor for the day. But done a fruitful labor for the day. But done a fruitful labor for the day. But if I get home and I haven't done all if I get home and I haven't done all if I get home and I haven't done all that, maybe I left one or two still on that, maybe I left one or two still on that, maybe I left one or two still on the table or whatever the case may be, I the table or whatever the case may be, I the table or whatever the case may be, I feel as though my labor was in vain or feel as though my labor was in vain or feel as though my labor was in vain or that it wasn't worth anything. But what that it wasn't worth anything. But what that it wasn't worth anything. But what Paul is actually saying and what he's Paul is actually saying and what he's Paul is actually saying and what he's like describing to us is not fruitful like describing to us is not fruitful like describing to us is not fruitful labor in himself, but it's fruitful for labor in himself, but it's fruitful for labor in himself, but it's fruitful for the people that he's spending time with. the people that he's spending time with. the people that he's spending time with. He's going to labor regardless. He says He's going to labor regardless. He says He's going to labor regardless. He says that if I'm here, I'm with you. And if that if I'm here, I'm with you. And if that if I'm here, I'm with you. And if I'm with you, then I'm serving you and I'm with you, then I'm serving you and I'm with you, then I'm serving you and I'm exhorting you and I'm uh edifying I'm exhorting you and I'm uh edifying I'm exhorting you and I'm uh edifying you. But the fruit is not for his you. But the fruit is not for his you. But the fruit is not for his benefit. The fruit is for theirs. If you benefit. The fruit is for theirs. If you benefit. The fruit is for theirs. If you continue on and you read, it says that continue on and you read, it says that continue on and you read, it says that it's more necessary for your sake. He it's more necessary for your sake. He it's more necessary for your sake. He understands what this means. understands what this means. understands what this means. And so then we go to verse 25 and it And so then we go to verse 25 and it And so then we go to verse 25 and it says, "Convinced of this, I know that I says, "Convinced of this, I know that I says, "Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all will remain and continue with you all will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith for your progress and joy in the faith for your progress and joy in the faith so that your proud confidence in me may so that your proud confidence in me may so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming abound in Christ Jesus through my coming abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again." So the labor Paul talks to you again." So the labor Paul talks to you again." So the labor Paul talks about is being with the church is about is being with the church is about is being with the church is spending time with them, edifying them.

spending time with them, edifying them. spending time with them, edifying them. But the fruit that he's talking about is But the fruit that he's talking about is But the fruit that he's talking about is what? Is their progress and joy in the what? Is their progress and joy in the what? Is their progress and joy in the faith. Paul's goal is to spend time with faith. Paul's goal is to spend time with faith. Paul's goal is to spend time with them so they may grow in their progress them so they may grow in their progress them so they may grow in their progress and their joy. Which then leads to what and their joy. Which then leads to what and their joy. Which then leads to what we see in the next part it says so that we see in the next part it says so that we see in the next part it says so that they may abound in Christ Jesus. Or your they may abound in Christ Jesus. Or your they may abound in Christ Jesus. Or your translation may say that they would translation may say that they would translation may say that they would glory in Christ Jesus or that they would glory in Christ Jesus or that they would glory in Christ Jesus or that they would be that they would exalt Christ Jesus. be that they would exalt Christ Jesus. be that they would exalt Christ Jesus. So Paul's goal for himself is what? to So Paul's goal for himself is what? to So Paul's goal for himself is what? to magnify the name of Jesus. And then he magnify the name of Jesus. And then he magnify the name of Jesus. And then he says, if I die, I magnify the name of says, if I die, I magnify the name of says, if I die, I magnify the name of Jesus by dying and reuniting with him. Jesus by dying and reuniting with him. Jesus by dying and reuniting with him. But if I live, I'm magnifying the name But if I live, I'm magnifying the name But if I live, I'm magnifying the name of Jesus by what? Living and serving of Jesus by what? Living and serving of Jesus by what? Living and serving with the church in Philippi or with the with the church in Philippi or with the with the church in Philippi or with the churches that I've also already been to. churches that I've also already been to. churches that I've also already been to. Because then that leads to what? Joy and Because then that leads to what? Joy and Because then that leads to what? Joy and progress in the faith. Which then leads progress in the faith. Which then leads progress in the faith. Which then leads to them magnifying the name of Jesus. to them magnifying the name of Jesus. to them magnifying the name of Jesus. The whole culmination of what we're The whole culmination of what we're The whole culmination of what we're talking about today is church. Are we talking about today is church. Are we talking about today is church. Are we living to magnify the name of Jesus? are living to magnify the name of Jesus? are living to magnify the name of Jesus? are we committed to this cause? we committed to this cause? we committed to this cause? Paul lays this out so beautifully. He Paul lays this out so beautifully. He Paul lays this out so beautifully. He writes in what is technically called a writes in what is technically called a writes in what is technically called a deductive way and that he thinks and as deductive way and that he thinks and as deductive way and that he thinks and as he's writing it's A leads to B leads to he's writing it's A leads to B leads to he's writing it's A leads to B leads to C and so forth. And it's super helpful C and so forth. And it's super helpful C and so forth. And it's super helpful for me because that's that like I'm I'm for me because that's that like I'm I'm for me because that's that like I'm I'm a flowchart guy. I like to see things a flowchart guy. I like to see things a flowchart guy. I like to see things just progressively go from one thing to just progressively go from one thing to just progressively go from one thing to another. And so we see this he's laying another. And so we see this he's laying another. And so we see this he's laying out he's given us this idea of hey I'm out he's given us this idea of hey I'm out he's given us this idea of hey I'm magnifying Christ. If I die awesome I'm magnifying Christ. If I die awesome I'm magnifying Christ. If I die awesome I'm being with Christ. if I live everything being with Christ. if I live everything being with Christ. if I live everything else we just explained but the goal is else we just explained but the goal is else we just explained but the goal is always so that the church may boast in always so that the church may boast in always so that the church may boast in the name of Christ.

the name of Christ. the name of Christ. It is such a privilege to be in a church It is such a privilege to be in a church It is such a privilege to be in a church that proudly and prominently and that proudly and prominently and that proudly and prominently and routinely boast and magnifies the name routinely boast and magnifies the name routinely boast and magnifies the name of Jesus Christ. of Jesus Christ. of Jesus Christ. However, there are some of us and I I However, there are some of us and I I However, there are some of us and I I would wager that there are a lot of us would wager that there are a lot of us would wager that there are a lot of us in here that can't fully say that. in here that can't fully say that. in here that can't fully say that. We would identify more so as consumers We would identify more so as consumers We would identify more so as consumers that show up on a Sunday or maybe every that show up on a Sunday or maybe every that show up on a Sunday or maybe every other Sunday or every third Sunday. We other Sunday or every third Sunday. We other Sunday or every third Sunday. We don't ever get in the game. We never don't ever get in the game. We never don't ever get in the game. We never check in at the scorers table. We're check in at the scorers table. We're check in at the scorers table. We're only here to consume. And we say, "I only here to consume. And we say, "I only here to consume. And we say, "I believe that, but I'm not willing to believe that, but I'm not willing to believe that, but I'm not willing to labor for that." Paul says, and he urges labor for that." Paul says, and he urges labor for that." Paul says, and he urges us that we are to labor if we are to us that we are to labor if we are to us that we are to labor if we are to commit to the cause. Maybe some of us in commit to the cause. Maybe some of us in commit to the cause. Maybe some of us in here this morning, if I asked a here this morning, if I asked a here this morning, if I asked a question, hey, what are you living for? question, hey, what are you living for? question, hey, what are you living for? If you were to take verse 21 and say, If you were to take verse 21 and say, If you were to take verse 21 and say, "To me living is blank and dying is "To me living is blank and dying is "To me living is blank and dying is blank." What would be in there for you? blank." What would be in there for you? blank." What would be in there for you? Would it be financial stability? For me Would it be financial stability? For me Would it be financial stability? For me to to live as money, for me to live as to to live as money, for me to live as to to live as money, for me to live as sexual pleasure, or for me to live as sexual pleasure, or for me to live as sexual pleasure, or for me to live as power or beauty or entertainment?

power or beauty or entertainment? power or beauty or entertainment? And while some of those things aren't And while some of those things aren't And while some of those things aren't inherently bad in and of themselves, inherently bad in and of themselves, inherently bad in and of themselves, like we all need money to live. That's like we all need money to live. That's like we all need money to live. That's just a fact of life. We all desire to uh just a fact of life. We all desire to uh just a fact of life. We all desire to uh have some aspect of power or dominion. have some aspect of power or dominion. have some aspect of power or dominion. That's the way the Lord has has created That's the way the Lord has has created That's the way the Lord has has created us. But more so if that is what we are us. But more so if that is what we are us. But more so if that is what we are living for, we see a couple of results. living for, we see a couple of results. living for, we see a couple of results. If we live for money, then dying means If we live for money, then dying means If we live for money, then dying means that we are broke because we can't take that we are broke because we can't take that we are broke because we can't take it with us. If we live for sexual it with us. If we live for sexual it with us. If we live for sexual pleasure, then dying means that we have pleasure, then dying means that we have pleasure, then dying means that we have no more pleasure. Or if we live for no more pleasure. Or if we live for no more pleasure. Or if we live for power or for beauty or entertainment, power or for beauty or entertainment, power or for beauty or entertainment, then dying means being powerless. Dying then dying means being powerless. Dying then dying means being powerless. Dying means losing beauty. And dying means means losing beauty. And dying means means losing beauty. And dying means having no more fun. having no more fun. having no more fun. What a tragic way to live if your time What a tragic way to live if your time What a tragic way to live if your time on earth is spent wrapped up in on earth is spent wrapped up in on earth is spent wrapped up in developing and acrewing and and developing and acrewing and and developing and acrewing and and harboring these things like money or harboring these things like money or harboring these things like money or power or success or wealth or whatever. power or success or wealth or whatever. power or success or wealth or whatever. You fill in the blank for yourself only You fill in the blank for yourself only You fill in the blank for yourself only to die and realize that it is all to die and realize that it is all to die and realize that it is all meaningless. [snorts] meaningless. [snorts] meaningless. [snorts] A passage that I I routinely come back A passage that I I routinely come back A passage that I I routinely come back to that is just so sobering for me as as to that is just so sobering for me as as to that is just so sobering for me as as even as a pastor on staff. I desire to even as a pastor on staff. I desire to even as a pastor on staff. I desire to to grow and and to develop in uh whether to grow and and to develop in uh whether to grow and and to develop in uh whether it's it's shephering or pastoring or it's it's shephering or pastoring or it's it's shephering or pastoring or leading or or making money whether like leading or or making money whether like leading or or making money whether like via side things or whatever it is like I via side things or whatever it is like I via side things or whatever it is like I want to have these things but we have to want to have these things but we have to want to have these things but we have to deny the flesh of that. I come back to deny the flesh of that. I come back to deny the flesh of that. I come back to Ecclesiastes chapter 2 starting in verse Ecclesiastes chapter 2 starting in verse Ecclesiastes chapter 2 starting in verse four. This is Solomon writing this.

four. This is Solomon writing this. four. This is Solomon writing this. Solomon is known as the wisest person in Solomon is known as the wisest person in Solomon is known as the wisest person in all the Bible and I would argue wisest all the Bible and I would argue wisest all the Bible and I would argue wisest person to ever walk the earth. He is the person to ever walk the earth. He is the person to ever walk the earth. He is the uh successor of King David and King uh successor of King David and King uh successor of King David and King Saul. And he writes here in ver or in Saul. And he writes here in ver or in Saul. And he writes here in ver or in chapter two starting in verse four it chapter two starting in verse four it chapter two starting in verse four it says I enlarged my works and I built says I enlarged my works and I built says I enlarged my works and I built houses for myself. I planted vineyards houses for myself. I planted vineyards houses for myself. I planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for for myself. I made gardens and parks for for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself and I planted them in them all myself and I planted them in them all myself and I planted them in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made ponds of kinds of fruit trees. I made ponds of kinds of fruit trees. I made ponds of water for myself from which to irrigate water for myself from which to irrigate water for myself from which to irrigate a forest of growing trees. I bought male a forest of growing trees. I bought male a forest of growing trees. I bought male and female slaves and had homeborn and female slaves and had homeborn and female slaves and had homeborn slaves. I also possess flocks and herds slaves. I also possess flocks and herds slaves. I also possess flocks and herds larger than all who preceded me in larger than all who preceded me in larger than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. Again, notably King David, Jerusalem. Again, notably King David, Jerusalem. Again, notably King David, King Saul, all of these kings that had King Saul, all of these kings that had King Saul, all of these kings that had prominent, prolific reigns. I also prominent, prolific reigns. I also prominent, prolific reigns. I also collected for myself silver and gold and collected for myself silver and gold and collected for myself silver and gold and treasure of kings and provinces. I treasure of kings and provinces. I treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female provided for myself male and female provided for myself male and female singers, and the pleasures of men, many singers, and the pleasures of men, many singers, and the pleasures of men, many concubines. Then I became great and concubines. Then I became great and concubines. Then I became great and increased, more than all who preceded me increased, more than all who preceded me increased, more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me. All that my eyes had desired, I did me. All that my eyes had desired, I did me. All that my eyes had desired, I did not refuse them. I did not withhold from not refuse them. I did not withhold from not refuse them. I did not withhold from my heart any pleasure, for my heart was my heart any pleasure, for my heart was my heart any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor, and pleased because of all my labor, and pleased because of all my labor, and this was the reward for my labor.

this was the reward for my labor. this was the reward for my labor. The the author of Ecclesiastes's The the author of Ecclesiastes's The the author of Ecclesiastes's writings said, "Hey, there wasn't a writings said, "Hey, there wasn't a writings said, "Hey, there wasn't a thing that I went without. There wasn't thing that I went without. There wasn't thing that I went without. There wasn't a thing that I saw that I liked or a thing that I saw that I liked or a thing that I saw that I liked or wanted that I did not take. Anything wanted that I did not take. Anything wanted that I did not take. Anything that was that was that would stir my that was that was that would stir my that was that was that would stir my afflictions or stir my heart. I pursued afflictions or stir my heart. I pursued afflictions or stir my heart. I pursued it and I retrieved it." But then we get it and I retrieved it." But then we get it and I retrieved it." But then we get to the last verse and the sobering part, to the last verse and the sobering part, to the last verse and the sobering part, the thing that snaps us back out of it. the thing that snaps us back out of it. the thing that snaps us back out of it. It says, "Thus I considered all my It says, "Thus I considered all my It says, "Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and activities which my hands had done and activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted. And the labor which I had exerted. And the labor which I had exerted. And behold, all was vanity and striving behold, all was vanity and striving behold, all was vanity and striving after wind, and there was no profit after wind, and there was no profit after wind, and there was no profit under the sun." The wisest individual on under the sun." The wisest individual on under the sun." The wisest individual on the earth, one of the most successful the earth, one of the most successful the earth, one of the most successful individuals to ever roam this earth, who individuals to ever roam this earth, who individuals to ever roam this earth, who had everything he could have ever had everything he could have ever had everything he could have ever wanted. at the end of this chapter says, wanted. at the end of this chapter says, wanted. at the end of this chapter says, "And none of it was meaningful. It was "And none of it was meaningful. It was "And none of it was meaningful. It was all vanity. Everything that I had and all vanity. Everything that I had and all vanity. Everything that I had and possess is gone. The things that I built possess is gone. The things that I built possess is gone. The things that I built up here on the earth futile. It's going up here on the earth futile. It's going up here on the earth futile. It's going to depart one way or another. Whether to depart one way or another. Whether to depart one way or another. Whether you depart it or it leaves you."

you depart it or it leaves you." you depart it or it leaves you." This is the trap This is the trap This is the trap that we are gripped by in Western that we are gripped by in Western that we are gripped by in Western culture that the American hustle and the culture that the American hustle and the culture that the American hustle and the American dream is going to fulfill you, American dream is going to fulfill you, American dream is going to fulfill you, is going to satisfy you, is going to is going to satisfy you, is going to is going to satisfy you, is going to satiate you. But in reality, all it's satiate you. But in reality, all it's satiate you. But in reality, all it's going to do is desire or leave you going to do is desire or leave you going to do is desire or leave you desiring more. desiring more. desiring more. And there's nothing that you can And there's nothing that you can And there's nothing that you can physically obtain that is going to curb physically obtain that is going to curb physically obtain that is going to curb the appetite that only Christ can fill. the appetite that only Christ can fill. the appetite that only Christ can fill. the last really three to four years I the last really three to four years I the last really three to four years I have I've gotten to see this idea of of have I've gotten to see this idea of of have I've gotten to see this idea of of to live as Christ to die is gain Christ to live as Christ to die is gain Christ to live as Christ to die is gain Christ being magnified in all circumstances being magnified in all circumstances being magnified in all circumstances I've gotten to see it like up close and I've gotten to see it like up close and I've gotten to see it like up close and personal first person point of view it personal first person point of view it personal first person point of view it it's been a blessing in disguise through it's been a blessing in disguise through it's been a blessing in disguise through my the lens of my grandfather um in my the lens of my grandfather um in my the lens of my grandfather um in really 2022 he was 90 years old and his really 2022 he was 90 years old and his really 2022 he was 90 years old and his health as a lot of 90-year-olds do um health as a lot of 90-year-olds do um health as a lot of 90-year-olds do um begins declining and he was uh this is begins declining and he was uh this is begins declining and he was uh this is an individual that for me he is like the an individual that for me he is like the an individual that for me he is like the patriarch of our family. He's the one patriarch of our family. He's the one patriarch of our family. He's the one that kind of the reason that we're in that kind of the reason that we're in that kind of the reason that we're in church, one of the reasons that I'm in church, one of the reasons that I'm in church, one of the reasons that I'm in ministry. He has set up financial ministry. He has set up financial ministry. He has set up financial stability for my family and he invested stability for my family and he invested stability for my family and he invested in us. He has done a lot of things for in us. He has done a lot of things for in us. He has done a lot of things for us. He played college basketball. He's us. He played college basketball. He's us. He played college basketball. He's the reason I wanted to go play the reason I wanted to go play the reason I wanted to go play basketball. He's at his peak, he was basketball. He's at his peak, he was basketball. He's at his peak, he was 6'8. He was 250. Like all of these 6'8. He was 250. Like all of these 6'8. He was 250. Like all of these things that I could have ever desired, I things that I could have ever desired, I things that I could have ever desired, I I watched him. But even amidst all of I watched him. But even amidst all of I watched him. But even amidst all of that, he was still seeking to magnify that, he was still seeking to magnify that, he was still seeking to magnify the name of Christ. Whether it be the name of Christ. Whether it be the name of Christ. Whether it be through sport, whether it be through through sport, whether it be through through sport, whether it be through business, whether it be through family, business, whether it be through family, business, whether it be through family, you name it. But over the last couple of you name it. But over the last couple of you name it. But over the last couple of years, as his health began to decline, years, as his health began to decline, years, as his health began to decline, that that stalwart hosp of an individual

that that stalwart hosp of an individual that that stalwart hosp of an individual that I knew and grow up idolizing, I that I knew and grow up idolizing, I that I knew and grow up idolizing, I watched him dwindle both in size and and watched him dwindle both in size and and watched him dwindle both in size and and mental capacity. And and it was hard. mental capacity. And and it was hard. mental capacity. And and it was hard. But regardless, he still pursued to But regardless, he still pursued to But regardless, he still pursued to magnify the name of Jesus Christ. And magnify the name of Jesus Christ. And magnify the name of Jesus Christ. And even up till the end of his life last even up till the end of his life last even up till the end of his life last summer, I got to go spend some time with summer, I got to go spend some time with summer, I got to go spend some time with him in the hospital. And this is a guy him in the hospital. And this is a guy him in the hospital. And this is a guy again, you you walk in the room and he again, you you walk in the room and he again, you you walk in the room and he was just a shell of himself. There was was just a shell of himself. There was was just a shell of himself. There was not much of Glenn Stevens there that I not much of Glenn Stevens there that I not much of Glenn Stevens there that I grew up knowing. But even there, there grew up knowing. But even there, there grew up knowing. But even there, there was not a medical professional, a was not a medical professional, a was not a medical professional, a doctor, a nurse, a physical therapist, doctor, a nurse, a physical therapist, doctor, a nurse, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, you name it. an occupational therapist, you name it. an occupational therapist, you name it. There was not a medical professional There was not a medical professional There was not a medical professional that walked in that room that was not that walked in that room that was not that walked in that room that was not shared the gospel of Christ from my shared the gospel of Christ from my shared the gospel of Christ from my grandfather. While he would plea with us grandfather. While he would plea with us grandfather. While he would plea with us and remind us over and over and over and and remind us over and over and over and and remind us over and over and over and say, "Hey, cross, I'm ready to go. like say, "Hey, cross, I'm ready to go. like say, "Hey, cross, I'm ready to go. like I like my time is up. I'm ready to go be I like my time is up. I'm ready to go be I like my time is up. I'm ready to go be with the Lord, but I know even still I with the Lord, but I know even still I with the Lord, but I know even still I have a role to play. And he's magnifying have a role to play. And he's magnifying have a role to play. And he's magnifying the name of Christ. Well, in April, the name of Christ. Well, in April, the name of Christ. Well, in April, praise the Lord, he went to go be with praise the Lord, he went to go be with praise the Lord, he went to go be with his creator in heaven. And at his his creator in heaven. And at his his creator in heaven. And at his funeral, even still, because his life funeral, even still, because his life funeral, even still, because his life was worth living, magnifying the Lord, was worth living, magnifying the Lord, was worth living, magnifying the Lord, his death was gained for him. It was a his death was gained for him. It was a his death was gained for him. It was a beautiful sweet time of worship and beautiful sweet time of worship and beautiful sweet time of worship and remembrance of hey if we will continue remembrance of hey if we will continue remembrance of hey if we will continue to press in and live our lives for one to press in and live our lives for one to press in and live our lives for one purpose to magnify the name of Christ.

purpose to magnify the name of Christ. purpose to magnify the name of Christ. Stay committed to this and friends dying Stay committed to this and friends dying Stay committed to this and friends dying is the sweetest thing that we can be is the sweetest thing that we can be is the sweetest thing that we can be expecting. expecting. expecting. And so the question is are you committed And so the question is are you committed And so the question is are you committed to labor? What are you living for? Are to labor? What are you living for? Are to labor? What are you living for? Are you committed to labor? And this labor you committed to labor? And this labor you committed to labor? And this labor can look like a number of different can look like a number of different can look like a number of different things. For some of us, it may be things. For some of us, it may be things. For some of us, it may be serving here on Sundays or Wednesdays or serving here on Sundays or Wednesdays or serving here on Sundays or Wednesdays or we had 300 volunteers at VBS and we have we had 300 volunteers at VBS and we have we had 300 volunteers at VBS and we have plenty of opportunities through student plenty of opportunities through student plenty of opportunities through student ministry and college ministry. College ministry and college ministry. College ministry and college ministry. College movements coming up. I know for some of movements coming up. I know for some of movements coming up. I know for some of you you're like center blocks up 12 you you're like center blocks up 12 you you're like center blocks up 12 flights of stairs not my thing. It could flights of stairs not my thing. It could flights of stairs not my thing. It could be if you prayed about it. Who knows? be if you prayed about it. Who knows? be if you prayed about it. Who knows? But if we are really desiring to be But if we are really desiring to be But if we are really desiring to be committed to the labor, it starts in the committed to the labor, it starts in the committed to the labor, it starts in the small things and it only grows from small things and it only grows from small things and it only grows from there. Then it begins to look like there. Then it begins to look like there. Then it begins to look like investing in others and doing what Paul investing in others and doing what Paul investing in others and doing what Paul is saying and speaking into the lives of is saying and speaking into the lives of is saying and speaking into the lives of believers for their edification and for believers for their edification and for believers for their edification and for their progress and joy in the gospel of their progress and joy in the gospel of their progress and joy in the gospel of Christ Jesus. So, are you committed to Christ Jesus. So, are you committed to Christ Jesus. So, are you committed to the labor? the labor? the labor? I've got a couple of questions just to I've got a couple of questions just to I've got a couple of questions just to kind of analyze and help us uh kind of analyze and help us uh kind of analyze and help us uh understand a little more. And the first understand a little more. And the first understand a little more. And the first one is, are you are you serving others?

one is, are you are you serving others? one is, are you are you serving others? Kind of like what we just talked about. Kind of like what we just talked about. Kind of like what we just talked about. Are you looking to to serve others and Are you looking to to serve others and Are you looking to to serve others and put yourself second? But then kind of put yourself second? But then kind of put yourself second? But then kind of the follow-up question to that is, are the follow-up question to that is, are the follow-up question to that is, are you serving others because you desire you serving others because you desire you serving others because you desire them to grow in their progress and joy them to grow in their progress and joy them to grow in their progress and joy in the faith, but also so that they may in the faith, but also so that they may in the faith, but also so that they may boast and exalt the name of Jesus? Or boast and exalt the name of Jesus? Or boast and exalt the name of Jesus? Or are you doing it for for selfish are you doing it for for selfish are you doing it for for selfish ambitions and personal gain and clout? ambitions and personal gain and clout? ambitions and personal gain and clout? A lot of us, we start off wanting to A lot of us, we start off wanting to A lot of us, we start off wanting to serve and so we serve and those are serve and so we serve and those are serve and so we serve and those are great things. We have to start great things. We have to start great things. We have to start somewhere, but sometimes it can kind of somewhere, but sometimes it can kind of somewhere, but sometimes it can kind of veer off and we can get different veer off and we can get different veer off and we can get different objectives or goals. And so the question objectives or goals. And so the question objectives or goals. And so the question is for those of us that are serving, is for those of us that are serving, is for those of us that are serving, hey, check your heart. Are you doing hey, check your heart. Are you doing hey, check your heart. Are you doing this for the correct reasons? this for the correct reasons? this for the correct reasons? Paul uses often times a uh the imagery Paul uses often times a uh the imagery Paul uses often times a uh the imagery of the body of Christ and how it relates of the body of Christ and how it relates of the body of Christ and how it relates to his physical body. He says, "Hey, the to his physical body. He says, "Hey, the to his physical body. He says, "Hey, the hand cannot do what the eyes can do. The hand cannot do what the eyes can do. The hand cannot do what the eyes can do. The eyes cannot do what the ears can do." eyes cannot do what the ears can do." eyes cannot do what the ears can do." And so on and so forth. I would ask, are And so on and so forth. I would ask, are And so on and so forth. I would ask, are you necessary to the body of Christ? Are you necessary to the body of Christ? Are you necessary to the body of Christ? Are you fulfilling a role that is seemed as you fulfilling a role that is seemed as you fulfilling a role that is seemed as necessary in the current flourishing of necessary in the current flourishing of necessary in the current flourishing of Central Baptist Church?

Central Baptist Church? Central Baptist Church? Now, I'm not saying that if you were to Now, I'm not saying that if you were to Now, I'm not saying that if you were to leave then the church would crumple leave then the church would crumple leave then the church would crumple because the Lord is is far bigger than because the Lord is is far bigger than because the Lord is is far bigger than that. Praise God. But ultimately, if you that. Praise God. But ultimately, if you that. Praise God. But ultimately, if you left, would your absence be felt? left, would your absence be felt? left, would your absence be felt? Paul says it's necessary for him to come Paul says it's necessary for him to come Paul says it's necessary for him to come back to the church and spend time with back to the church and spend time with back to the church and spend time with him. For me, I know if I if you were to him. For me, I know if I if you were to him. For me, I know if I if you were to take my left arm, being left-handed, I take my left arm, being left-handed, I take my left arm, being left-handed, I would I would miss my left arm, right? I would I would miss my left arm, right? I would I would miss my left arm, right? I would have to relearn how to do pretty would have to relearn how to do pretty would have to relearn how to do pretty much everything. And so, if you were to much everything. And so, if you were to much everything. And so, if you were to remove yourself, would your absence be remove yourself, would your absence be remove yourself, would your absence be felt or are you merely a spectator and felt or are you merely a spectator and felt or are you merely a spectator and consumer on Sundays and Wednesdays and consumer on Sundays and Wednesdays and consumer on Sundays and Wednesdays and at events that we have? Or are you in at events that we have? Or are you in at events that we have? Or are you in the game laboring for the cause? the game laboring for the cause? the game laboring for the cause? So, we are committed to labor. And then So, we are committed to labor. And then So, we are committed to labor. And then secondly, we are committed to suffer. secondly, we are committed to suffer. secondly, we are committed to suffer. And so suffering, I know it um for a lot And so suffering, I know it um for a lot And so suffering, I know it um for a lot of us, we hear suffering and we hear of us, we hear suffering and we hear of us, we hear suffering and we hear Paul's context and we think, okay, well, Paul's context and we think, okay, well, Paul's context and we think, okay, well, suffering means being beaten for my suffering means being beaten for my suffering means being beaten for my faith, being mocked for my faith, uh faith, being mocked for my faith, uh faith, being mocked for my faith, uh losing my life for my faith. And yes, losing my life for my faith. And yes, losing my life for my faith. And yes, those things are true and that is those things are true and that is those things are true and that is correct. But also for us, there's a correct. But also for us, there's a correct. But also for us, there's a whole avenue of suffering that we can whole avenue of suffering that we can whole avenue of suffering that we can experience. Praise God. as westerners experience. Praise God. as westerners experience. Praise God. as westerners and still follow for the cause of and still follow for the cause of and still follow for the cause of Christ. I think oftentimes we far Christ. I think oftentimes we far Christ. I think oftentimes we far overromanticize overromanticize overromanticize this idea of Christian martyrdom to a this idea of Christian martyrdom to a this idea of Christian martyrdom to a point to where we see people that are point to where we see people that are point to where we see people that are going on the mission field and these going on the mission field and these going on the mission field and these closed countries and like we we have closed countries and like we we have closed countries and like we we have been able to send out personally been able to send out personally been able to send out personally missionaries and young men and women out

missionaries and young men and women out missionaries and young men and women out of central to these closed countries to of central to these closed countries to of central to these closed countries to share the gospel in a legitimate place share the gospel in a legitimate place share the gospel in a legitimate place where they could lose their life for where they could lose their life for where they could lose their life for doing so because they recognize to live doing so because they recognize to live doing so because they recognize to live as Christ to die is gain. they're going as Christ to die is gain. they're going as Christ to die is gain. they're going to magnify them in all circumstances. to magnify them in all circumstances. to magnify them in all circumstances. So, that is great and we need that. But So, that is great and we need that. But So, that is great and we need that. But what it's done is for some of us is we what it's done is for some of us is we what it's done is for some of us is we hear that, okay, they're going to go do hear that, okay, they're going to go do hear that, okay, they're going to go do these so these things that are these so these things that are these so these things that are extravagant and great. I can never go extravagant and great. I can never go extravagant and great. I can never go live in the 1040 window and and share live in the 1040 window and and share live in the 1040 window and and share the gospel and do that. That's just not the gospel and do that. That's just not the gospel and do that. That's just not me. So, by contrast, the work that I do me. So, by contrast, the work that I do me. So, by contrast, the work that I do here is meaningless. It's not very here is meaningless. It's not very here is meaningless. It's not very useful. It's unimportant. And that could useful. It's unimportant. And that could useful. It's unimportant. And that could not be farther from the truth. The not be farther from the truth. The not be farther from the truth. The reality is the work that's done here in reality is the work that's done here in reality is the work that's done here in Jonesboro, Arkansas is just as important Jonesboro, Arkansas is just as important Jonesboro, Arkansas is just as important as the work that is done in these areas. as the work that is done in these areas. as the work that is done in these areas. Because if you look at the staff of Because if you look at the staff of Because if you look at the staff of Central, just as an example, you look at Central, just as an example, you look at Central, just as an example, you look at the residents, you look at a lot of the the residents, you look at a lot of the the residents, you look at a lot of the pastors, you look at the interns, what's pastors, you look at the interns, what's pastors, you look at the interns, what's happened? They have been invested by not happened? They have been invested by not happened? They have been invested by not just other people on staff, but by you just other people on staff, but by you just other people on staff, but by you guys, by life group leaders, by Dgroup guys, by life group leaders, by Dgroup guys, by life group leaders, by Dgroup leaders, by people that are inviting leaders, by people that are inviting leaders, by people that are inviting them over to their homes and investing them over to their homes and investing them over to their homes and investing in them. families, mom, dads, grandmas, in them. families, mom, dads, grandmas, in them. families, mom, dads, grandmas, grandpas, brothers, sisters, all of this grandpas, brothers, sisters, all of this grandpas, brothers, sisters, all of this is the labor and the suffering that is the labor and the suffering that is the labor and the suffering that we're talking about in the body of we're talking about in the body of we're talking about in the body of Christ.

Christ. Christ. And so, it is so vital to us here today And so, it is so vital to us here today And so, it is so vital to us here today that we understand that our job is so that we understand that our job is so that we understand that our job is so important in America. Look with me back important in America. Look with me back important in America. Look with me back at uh chapter 1 27. Paul goes in kind of at uh chapter 1 27. Paul goes in kind of at uh chapter 1 27. Paul goes in kind of a not a new thought, but he goes into a not a new thought, but he goes into a not a new thought, but he goes into kind of an explanation of what it looks kind of an explanation of what it looks kind of an explanation of what it looks like fully to live as Christ. And it like fully to live as Christ. And it like fully to live as Christ. And it says, "Only conduct yourselves ma in a says, "Only conduct yourselves ma in a says, "Only conduct yourselves ma in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or so that whether I come and see you or so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that remain absent, I will hear of you that remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with you are standing firm in one spirit with you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the one mind, striving together for the one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel, in no way alarmed faith of the gospel, in no way alarmed faith of the gospel, in no way alarmed by your opponents, which is a sign of by your opponents, which is a sign of by your opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation destruction for them, but of salvation destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too from God. For to for you, and that too from God. For to for you, and that too from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ's you it has been granted for Christ's you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in him, but sake, not only to believe in him, but sake, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake." also to suffer for his sake." also to suffer for his sake." we get kind of this again this flowchart we get kind of this again this flowchart we get kind of this again this flowchart idea of what Paul is writing about. We idea of what Paul is writing about. We idea of what Paul is writing about. We see to start off that he's writing see to start off that he's writing see to start off that he's writing there's a there's a goal in mind if we there's a there's a goal in mind if we there's a there's a goal in mind if we are to to magnify the name of Christ and are to to magnify the name of Christ and are to to magnify the name of Christ and commit to the cause. There's a goal and commit to the cause. There's a goal and commit to the cause. There's a goal and a standard that we have to live live up a standard that we have to live live up a standard that we have to live live up to and that is walking in a manner to and that is walking in a manner to and that is walking in a manner worthy of the gospel. Now this isn't worthy of the gospel. Now this isn't worthy of the gospel. Now this isn't requiring perfection. Praise God. Jesus requiring perfection. Praise God. Jesus requiring perfection. Praise God. Jesus paid for that on the cross. But it is paid for that on the cross. But it is paid for that on the cross. But it is requiring a couple of things and a requiring a couple of things and a requiring a couple of things and a couple of ways that we are to or a couple of ways that we are to or a couple of ways that we are to or a couple things that we're to do. Not couple things that we're to do. Not couple things that we're to do. Not notably we see that some of those notably we see that some of those notably we see that some of those evidences of walking in a manner worthy evidences of walking in a manner worthy evidences of walking in a manner worthy of the gospel is standing firm is being of the gospel is standing firm is being of the gospel is standing firm is being united in one spirit with one mind united in one spirit with one mind united in one spirit with one mind striving together and not being alarmed striving together and not being alarmed striving together and not being alarmed by the enemy. These four things by the enemy. These four things by the enemy. These four things categorize and give evidence to walking

categorize and give evidence to walking categorize and give evidence to walking in a manner worthy of the gospel of in a manner worthy of the gospel of in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Standing firm here means or Christ. Standing firm here means or Christ. Standing firm here means or essentially taking a defensive posture essentially taking a defensive posture essentially taking a defensive posture and holding your holding your ground for and holding your holding your ground for and holding your holding your ground for the opposition and the enemy that comes the opposition and the enemy that comes the opposition and the enemy that comes against you. And so we do that against you. And so we do that against you. And so we do that individually, but we also do that individually, but we also do that individually, but we also do that corporately as a church. And then also corporately as a church. And then also corporately as a church. And then also there's being of one spirit with one there's being of one spirit with one there's being of one spirit with one mind. This is to symbolize that mind. This is to symbolize that mind. This is to symbolize that unification that we as a body of unification that we as a body of unification that we as a body of believers, we cannot do this believers, we cannot do this believers, we cannot do this individually, but we are to unify as a individually, but we are to unify as a individually, but we are to unify as a as a congregation under one vision. as a congregation under one vision. as a congregation under one vision. Central Baptist at large aims to reach, Central Baptist at large aims to reach, Central Baptist at large aims to reach, connect, disciple, and send. That's true connect, disciple, and send. That's true connect, disciple, and send. That's true from kindergarteners and preschoolers from kindergarteners and preschoolers from kindergarteners and preschoolers all the way up to the senior adults. all the way up to the senior adults. all the way up to the senior adults. It's true in college ministry. It's true It's true in college ministry. It's true It's true in college ministry. It's true true in student ministry. We are true in student ministry. We are true in student ministry. We are striving for this. We're striving striving for this. We're striving striving for this. We're striving together. Not only are we to take this together. Not only are we to take this together. Not only are we to take this defensive posture and stand firm, but defensive posture and stand firm, but defensive posture and stand firm, but we're also to take ground and produce or we're also to take ground and produce or we're also to take ground and produce or pursue forward in pursuit of holiness pursue forward in pursuit of holiness pursue forward in pursuit of holiness and righteousness against the evils of and righteousness against the evils of and righteousness against the evils of this world. But then also he says in no this world. But then also he says in no this world. But then also he says in no way alarmed by your opponents. We're not way alarmed by your opponents. We're not way alarmed by your opponents. We're not to fear anything in the midst of all to fear anything in the midst of all to fear anything in the midst of all this. I think it's no coincidence that this. I think it's no coincidence that this. I think it's no coincidence that Paul writes that we're to stand firm, be Paul writes that we're to stand firm, be Paul writes that we're to stand firm, be unified, and strive. And as a reminder unified, and strive. And as a reminder unified, and strive. And as a reminder at the end of it all, he says, "Hey, and at the end of it all, he says, "Hey, and at the end of it all, he says, "Hey, and you're not to fear anything." Why?

you're not to fear anything." Why? you're not to fear anything." Why? Because if Christ being magnified is Because if Christ being magnified is Because if Christ being magnified is your goal, committing to this cause is your goal, committing to this cause is your goal, committing to this cause is your goal, then what's going to result your goal, then what's going to result your goal, then what's going to result is death is no longer a fear of yours. is death is no longer a fear of yours. is death is no longer a fear of yours. The worst thing someone can do is take The worst thing someone can do is take The worst thing someone can do is take your life or take the life of someone your life or take the life of someone your life or take the life of someone you know. you know. you know. But we know that this is meaningless But we know that this is meaningless But we know that this is meaningless because Christ is paid for and death is because Christ is paid for and death is because Christ is paid for and death is gained for us. And then as we continue gained for us. And then as we continue gained for us. And then as we continue to just work our way down through the to just work our way down through the to just work our way down through the text, we see this evidence. But then we text, we see this evidence. But then we text, we see this evidence. But then we also see the result. What is the result also see the result. What is the result also see the result. What is the result of walking in these four characteristics of walking in these four characteristics of walking in these four characteristics to walk in a manner worthy of the to walk in a manner worthy of the to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel? gospel? gospel? It's destruction for enemies and it's It's destruction for enemies and it's It's destruction for enemies and it's salvation for us. salvation for us. salvation for us. This is a sign as a church as we're This is a sign as a church as we're This is a sign as a church as we're doing these things that the enemy stands doing these things that the enemy stands doing these things that the enemy stands no chance. Not because of anything we no chance. Not because of anything we no chance. Not because of anything we can do, but because what of the Lord is can do, but because what of the Lord is can do, but because what of the Lord is doing through us. But then also it's a doing through us. But then also it's a doing through us. But then also it's a sign of our salvation that if we are sign of our salvation that if we are sign of our salvation that if we are truly rooted in the knowledge and truly rooted in the knowledge and truly rooted in the knowledge and understanding of what Christ has done understanding of what Christ has done understanding of what Christ has done for us on the cross, then we're not for us on the cross, then we're not for us on the cross, then we're not going to fear anything. We're going to going to fear anything. We're going to going to fear anything. We're going to stand firm. We're going to be unified.

stand firm. We're going to be unified. stand firm. We're going to be unified. And this is evidence of our salvation. And this is evidence of our salvation. And this is evidence of our salvation. And then the last part of this is that And then the last part of this is that And then the last part of this is that we see the root of all this. How is it we see the root of all this. How is it we see the root of all this. How is it that we stand firm? How is it that we that we stand firm? How is it that we that we stand firm? How is it that we commit to suffering? How is it that we commit to suffering? How is it that we commit to suffering? How is it that we strive together, that we're unified, and strive together, that we're unified, and strive together, that we're unified, and that we are not alarmed? Well, there's that we are not alarmed? Well, there's that we are not alarmed? Well, there's two things that we see here towards the two things that we see here towards the two things that we see here towards the end of the passage. It says, "For to you end of the passage. It says, "For to you end of the passage. It says, "For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, it has been granted for Christ's sake, it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in him, but what not only to believe in him, but what not only to believe in him, but what else? To suffer for his sake." else? To suffer for his sake." else? To suffer for his sake." There is uh it is incredibly easy here There is uh it is incredibly easy here There is uh it is incredibly easy here in America to to believe in Jesus or to in America to to believe in Jesus or to in America to to believe in Jesus or to believe in Christ. There is you you believe in Christ. There is you you believe in Christ. There is you you drive down Harrisburg and you're going drive down Harrisburg and you're going drive down Harrisburg and you're going to see I think it's like three or four to see I think it's like three or four to see I think it's like three or four churches on your way to to Highland churches on your way to to Highland churches on your way to to Highland Drive. There are churches left, right, Drive. There are churches left, right, Drive. There are churches left, right, and center in this area of the world. It and center in this area of the world. It and center in this area of the world. It is easy to believe, but it is difficult is easy to believe, but it is difficult is easy to believe, but it is difficult to suffer. If you say you're believing to suffer. If you say you're believing to suffer. If you say you're believing without suffering, that's similar to without suffering, that's similar to without suffering, that's similar to what James is saying in his chapter in what James is saying in his chapter in what James is saying in his chapter in his book when he says faith without his book when he says faith without his book when he says faith without works is dead. I would I would ask, hey, works is dead. I would I would ask, hey, works is dead. I would I would ask, hey, is this walk with the Lord genuine? Have is this walk with the Lord genuine? Have is this walk with the Lord genuine? Have you done this before? Because if you are you done this before? Because if you are you done this before? Because if you are like legitimately gripped by the saving like legitimately gripped by the saving like legitimately gripped by the saving knowledge of Christ, then suffering knowledge of Christ, then suffering knowledge of Christ, then suffering should be a byproduct of that. Laboring should be a byproduct of that. Laboring should be a byproduct of that. Laboring should be a byproduct of that. But then should be a byproduct of that. But then should be a byproduct of that. But then also, if you suffer without believing in also, if you suffer without believing in also, if you suffer without believing in him, I would say that's just kind of him, I would say that's just kind of him, I would say that's just kind of like I don't want to say it's crazy, but like I don't want to say it's crazy, but like I don't want to say it's crazy, but it might as well be. I think if I when I it might as well be. I think if I when I it might as well be. I think if I when I was playing college basketball, I was playing college basketball, I was playing college basketball, I enjoyed waking up at 5 in the morning, enjoyed waking up at 5 in the morning, enjoyed waking up at 5 in the morning, going to workouts, going to to lift, going to workouts, going to to lift, going to workouts, going to to lift, going to practice and stuff because I going to practice and stuff because I going to practice and stuff because I knew that at the end of the day, it was knew that at the end of the day, it was knew that at the end of the day, it was going to result in playing a game that I

going to result in playing a game that I going to result in playing a game that I was excited about and I was satisfied was excited about and I was satisfied was excited about and I was satisfied with. When I got done playing with. When I got done playing with. When I got done playing basketball, I wasn't waking up at 5 in basketball, I wasn't waking up at 5 in basketball, I wasn't waking up at 5 in the morning to go run hills with my the morning to go run hills with my the morning to go run hills with my former teammates. I wasn't waking up at former teammates. I wasn't waking up at former teammates. I wasn't waking up at 5 in the morning to go watch film, or I 5 in the morning to go watch film, or I 5 in the morning to go watch film, or I wasn't going to three practices a day or wasn't going to three practices a day or wasn't going to three practices a day or or going through the strain and the or going through the strain and the or going through the strain and the turmoil. And so it's hard to suffer when turmoil. And so it's hard to suffer when turmoil. And so it's hard to suffer when you don't truly believe. But the way you don't truly believe. But the way you don't truly believe. But the way that we can suffer that we can suffer that we can suffer without ceasing and and enjoy it, for without ceasing and and enjoy it, for without ceasing and and enjoy it, for lack of a better term, is by lack of a better term, is by lack of a better term, is by understanding that we can be satisfied understanding that we can be satisfied understanding that we can be satisfied with what Christ offers us. That this with what Christ offers us. That this with what Christ offers us. That this question of what are we living for question of what are we living for question of what are we living for holds merit in our life when we ask holds merit in our life when we ask holds merit in our life when we ask ourselves, hey, is this for Christ or is ourselves, hey, is this for Christ or is ourselves, hey, is this for Christ or is it for something else? it for something else? it for something else? We know that Christ is most magnified in We know that Christ is most magnified in We know that Christ is most magnified in our lives our lives our lives when we are most satisfied in God. That when we are most satisfied in God. That when we are most satisfied in God. That God is most glorified through us. when God is most glorified through us. when God is most glorified through us. when we are most satisfied in him. Friends, we are most satisfied in him. Friends, we are most satisfied in him. Friends, when we are satisfied in the work and we when we are satisfied in the work and we when we are satisfied in the work and we are content with what he's done and that are content with what he's done and that are content with what he's done and that that we could live paycheck to paycheck that we could live paycheck to paycheck that we could live paycheck to paycheck as long as we have Christ and we could as long as we have Christ and we could as long as we have Christ and we could be sufficient and we could be uh be sufficient and we could be uh be sufficient and we could be uh glorifying the Lord at the end of the glorifying the Lord at the end of the glorifying the Lord at the end of the day, if that is the result, praise God day, if that is the result, praise God day, if that is the result, praise God because at the end of the day, because at the end of the day, because at the end of the day, we know that to live is Christ and to we know that to live is Christ and to we know that to live is Christ and to die is gain. So Paul, he he rounds this die is gain. So Paul, he he rounds this die is gain. So Paul, he he rounds this out and he has the the result, the root, out and he has the the result, the root, out and he has the the result, the root, and then we finally see the reminder and then we finally see the reminder and then we finally see the reminder that he gives to the church in Philippi.

that he gives to the church in Philippi. that he gives to the church in Philippi. He says, 'Experiencing the same conflict He says, 'Experiencing the same conflict He says, 'Experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, saying that they're which you saw in me, saying that they're which you saw in me, saying that they're now also experiencing this conflict and now also experiencing this conflict and now also experiencing this conflict and now you here to be in me. And he's now you here to be in me. And he's now you here to be in me. And he's saying, I'm still experiencing this. But saying, I'm still experiencing this. But saying, I'm still experiencing this. But in the midst of being chained to Roman in the midst of being chained to Roman in the midst of being chained to Roman guards with his life potentially on the guards with his life potentially on the guards with his life potentially on the line, he writes in a way that is line, he writes in a way that is line, he writes in a way that is expressing this joy that is expressing this joy that is expressing this joy that is unexplainable. unexplainable. unexplainable. We get one of the most famous verses in We get one of the most famous verses in We get one of the most famous verses in scripture a couple chapters later in scripture a couple chapters later in scripture a couple chapters later in Philippians 4:13. He says, "I can do all Philippians 4:13. He says, "I can do all Philippians 4:13. He says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens things through Christ who strengthens things through Christ who strengthens me." But before that, in Philippians me." But before that, in Philippians me." But before that, in Philippians 4:12, he says, "I I have been with much, 4:12, he says, "I I have been with much, 4:12, he says, "I I have been with much, I have been with little. I have had I have been with little. I have had I have been with little. I have had abundant and I have had none. But I can abundant and I have had none. But I can abundant and I have had none. But I can still do all things through Christ who still do all things through Christ who still do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And the only reason that strengthens me. And the only reason that strengthens me. And the only reason that he can say that is why he is satisfied he can say that is why he is satisfied he can say that is why he is satisfied in Christ. He is content with Christ. in Christ. He is content with Christ. in Christ. He is content with Christ. Christ has satiated that hunger and Christ has satiated that hunger and Christ has satiated that hunger and quenched that thirst for something to quenched that thirst for something to quenched that thirst for something to fulfill him. fulfill him. fulfill him. And so church for us today as as I as I And so church for us today as as I as I And so church for us today as as I as I close this morning, I want to come back close this morning, I want to come back close this morning, I want to come back to this question that we asked at the to this question that we asked at the to this question that we asked at the beginning is what are you living for?

beginning is what are you living for? beginning is what are you living for? Which then begets the second part of the Which then begets the second part of the Which then begets the second part of the question. What would you die for? question. What would you die for? question. What would you die for? Are we willing to commit to labor for Are we willing to commit to labor for Are we willing to commit to labor for the sake of one another for the the sake of one another for the the sake of one another for the edification and the growth and the edification and the growth and the edification and the growth and the spurring on of one another? Are we spurring on of one another? Are we spurring on of one another? Are we willing to suffer for each other and willing to suffer for each other and willing to suffer for each other and suffer in in our own self by denying the suffer in in our own self by denying the suffer in in our own self by denying the pleasures of the flesh, denying the the pleasures of the flesh, denying the the pleasures of the flesh, denying the the selfish ambition that is just ingrained selfish ambition that is just ingrained selfish ambition that is just ingrained in our sin nature? so that we may more in our sin nature? so that we may more in our sin nature? so that we may more accurately and definitively magnify the accurately and definitively magnify the accurately and definitively magnify the name of Jesus. Are we willing to labor name of Jesus. Are we willing to labor name of Jesus. Are we willing to labor and are we willing to suffer? and are we willing to suffer? and are we willing to suffer? But ultimately those things stem from But ultimately those things stem from But ultimately those things stem from this desire to magnify the name of this desire to magnify the name of this desire to magnify the name of Christ to commit to this cause of making Christ to commit to this cause of making Christ to commit to this cause of making them known. Whether you stay in them known. Whether you stay in them known. Whether you stay in Jonesboro for the rest of your life or Jonesboro for the rest of your life or Jonesboro for the rest of your life or whether you are called to the remote whether you are called to the remote whether you are called to the remote places of the earth, whether you are a places of the earth, whether you are a places of the earth, whether you are a high school student getting ready to high school student getting ready to high school student getting ready to look towards college or whether you are look towards college or whether you are look towards college or whether you are a a retired individual that's ready to a a retired individual that's ready to a a retired individual that's ready to cash out on this on this 401k and sit cash out on this on this 401k and sit cash out on this on this 401k and sit back and sit pretty, I would urge you do back and sit pretty, I would urge you do back and sit pretty, I would urge you do not waste what time you have left. One not waste what time you have left. One not waste what time you have left. One of the most impactful books that I ever of the most impactful books that I ever of the most impactful books that I ever read was was a book by John Piper called read was was a book by John Piper called read was was a book by John Piper called Don't Waste Your Life. And he is Don't Waste Your Life. And he is Don't Waste Your Life. And he is modeling this idea of hey it doesn't modeling this idea of hey it doesn't modeling this idea of hey it doesn't matter where in life you are you still matter where in life you are you still matter where in life you are you still have a goal and a purpose and that is have a goal and a purpose and that is have a goal and a purpose and that is again to what magnify the name of again to what magnify the name of again to what magnify the name of Christ.

Christ. Christ. And so if you don't remember anything And so if you don't remember anything And so if you don't remember anything else this morning I would plead with you else this morning I would plead with you else this morning I would plead with you to evaluate in your own life and to evaluate in your own life and to evaluate in your own life and question what am I living for? What exactly are we waking up in the What exactly are we waking up in the morning and and getting out of bed and morning and and getting out of bed and morning and and getting out of bed and striving to do? Because if it's not striving to do? Because if it's not striving to do? Because if it's not magnifying the name of Christ, magnifying the name of Christ, magnifying the name of Christ, committing to this cause, committing to this cause, committing to this cause, then we're going to end up like the then we're going to end up like the then we're going to end up like the author in Ecclesiastes and find it all author in Ecclesiastes and find it all author in Ecclesiastes and find it all to be vanity. And at one day, we're to be vanity. And at one day, we're to be vanity. And at one day, we're going to look back and see, man, there going to look back and see, man, there going to look back and see, man, there was so much more I could have lived for. was so much more I could have lived for. was so much more I could have lived for. And now, in my death, which awaits all And now, in my death, which awaits all And now, in my death, which awaits all of us at some point or another, it's not of us at some point or another, it's not of us at some point or another, it's not game. game. game. So, let's pray. We'll have pastors and So, let's pray. We'll have pastors and So, let's pray. We'll have pastors and people down front that you can pray people down front that you can pray people down front that you can pray with. If you're if you have questions, with. If you're if you have questions, with. If you're if you have questions, if if you're um just seeking some sort if if you're um just seeking some sort if if you're um just seeking some sort of counsel, we would love to pray with of counsel, we would love to pray with of counsel, we would love to pray with you. We'd love to to talk with this you. We'd love to to talk with this you. We'd love to to talk with this through you because we don't want to see through you because we don't want to see through you because we don't want to see anybody leave here confused or or not anybody leave here confused or or not anybody leave here confused or or not fully understanding. But our our prayer fully understanding. But our our prayer fully understanding. But our our prayer is that you would hear from the Lord and is that you would hear from the Lord and is that you would hear from the Lord and you'd act on it. Pastor Archie says all you'd act on it. Pastor Archie says all you'd act on it. Pastor Archie says all the time that every person gives a the time that every person gives a the time that every person gives a response every Sunday, whether they stay response every Sunday, whether they stay response every Sunday, whether they stay in their seat or they come down front, in their seat or they come down front, in their seat or they come down front, our plea is that your response would be our plea is that your response would be our plea is that your response would be active and not passive. So God, thank active and not passive. So God, thank active and not passive. So God, thank you so much for your word. Lord, we are you so much for your word. Lord, we are you so much for your word. Lord, we are just moved by the way that Paul has has just moved by the way that Paul has has just moved by the way that Paul has has articulated in this book of Philippians articulated in this book of Philippians articulated in this book of Philippians the idea of this everyday joy the idea of this everyday joy the idea of this everyday joy that we can have exclusively and only that we can have exclusively and only that we can have exclusively and only through the death, burial, and through the death, burial, and through the death, burial, and resurrection of your son Jesus Christ.

resurrection of your son Jesus Christ. resurrection of your son Jesus Christ. God, I pray this morning that that this God, I pray this morning that that this God, I pray this morning that that this would be true of us that because of the would be true of us that because of the would be true of us that because of the work you did on the cross for us that we work you did on the cross for us that we work you did on the cross for us that we may then seek to magnify your name may then seek to magnify your name may then seek to magnify your name whether in life or in death. Father, if whether in life or in death. Father, if whether in life or in death. Father, if there are anyone in this room that does there are anyone in this room that does there are anyone in this room that does not have a relationship with you that not have a relationship with you that not have a relationship with you that that desires that, Lord, would you just that desires that, Lord, would you just that desires that, Lord, would you just draw them to yourself, God? Would you draw them to yourself, God? Would you draw them to yourself, God? Would you stir in their hearts, stir in their hearts, stir in their hearts, make it undeniable, Father, but Lord, make it undeniable, Father, but Lord, make it undeniable, Father, but Lord, for those that are in this place this for those that are in this place this for those that are in this place this morning that are are believers and morning that are are believers and morning that are are believers and they're looking for that jolt, God, they're looking for that jolt, God, they're looking for that jolt, God, would you invigorate them? Would you would you invigorate them? Would you would you invigorate them? Would you excite them to action and to commit to excite them to action and to commit to excite them to action and to commit to this labor, to commit to this suffering this labor, to commit to this suffering this labor, to commit to this suffering because we want so desperately to see because we want so desperately to see because we want so desperately to see your body of Christ edified and grown in your body of Christ edified and grown in your body of Christ edified and grown in their progress and joy of the gospel. their progress and joy of the gospel. their progress and joy of the gospel. So, Father, we love you. We praise you. So, Father, we love you. We praise you. So, Father, we love you. We praise you. We ask all of this in your precious and We ask all of this in your precious and We ask all of this in your precious and holy name this morning. Amen. Thank you for joining us this morning. Thank you for joining us this morning. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> If God spoke to you today, take the next >> If God spoke to you today, take the next >> If God spoke to you today, take the next faithful step by texting ready to faithful step by texting ready to faithful step by texting ready to 870-9351950.

We will get in touch with you as soon as We will get in touch with you as soon as possible. We're thankful [music] you've possible. We're thankful [music] you've possible. We're thankful [music] 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. So, come involved with a local church. So, come involved with a local church. So, come be a part of what God is doing here at be a part of what God is doing here at be a part of what God is doing here at Central or in a local church near you. Central or in a local church near you. Central or in a local church near you. God bless and have a great day. God bless and have a great day. God bless and have a great day. >> [music] >> singing [music] in my soul. I' got a >> singing [music] in my soul. I' got a sweet salvation and it's