Central Baptist 8:00am LIVE

Hey, Hey, [music] hey, hey.

hey, hey. Heat [music] [music] here. Hi. My name is Adrienne. Most of you

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

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

serving the children of our community. serving the children of our community. Because changing a community begins by Because changing a community begins by Because changing a community begins by investing in its children. Hey Central family, thanks for joining

Hey Central family, thanks for joining [music] us for worship this morning. Get [music] us for worship this morning. Get [music] us for worship this morning. Get connected to what's happening at Central connected to what's happening at Central connected to what's happening at Central by texting the word connect to by texting the word connect to by texting the word connect to 870-9351950. 870-9351950. 870-9351950. [music] [music] [music] Also, be sure to follow us on social Also, be sure to follow us on social Also, be sure to follow us on social media, download the Central [music] app, media, download the Central [music] app, media, download the Central [music] app, and check out centralbaptist.com for and check out centralbaptist.com for and check out centralbaptist.com for more information. We're getting ready to more information. We're getting ready to more information. We're getting ready to begin our time [music] of worship. As begin our time [music] of worship. As begin our time [music] of worship. As you engage with us online, we encourage you engage with us online, we encourage you engage with us online, we encourage you to sing along as we remember [music] you to sing along as we remember [music] you to sing along as we remember [music] the gospel, to open your Bibles as we the gospel, to open your Bibles as we the gospel, to open your Bibles as we engage the scriptures, and also to engage the scriptures, and also to engage the scriptures, and also to worship Jesus with us this morning. worship Jesus with us this morning. worship Jesus with us this morning. [music] The gospel of Jesus is why we're [music] The gospel of Jesus is why we're [music] The gospel of Jesus is why we're gathered. Thank you so much for gathered. Thank you so much for gathered. Thank you so much for worshiping with us. worshiping with us. worshiping with us. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Good morning, Central. So good to see >> Good morning, Central. So good to see >> Good morning, Central. So good to see y'all today. Let's all stand to our feet y'all today. Let's all stand to our feet y'all today. Let's all stand to our feet this morning. All right, [music] [music] let's sing about how we've been forgiven let's sing about how we've been forgiven let's sing about how we've been forgiven this morning by the blood of Jesus this morning by the blood of Jesus this morning by the blood of Jesus [music] [music] [music] who canceled our debt, nailing it to the who canceled our debt, nailing it to the who canceled our debt, nailing it to the cross. All right, come on. Let's sing.

cross. All right, come on. Let's sing. cross. All right, come on. Let's sing. I hear the Savior [music] say, "Thy I hear the Savior [music] say, "Thy I hear the Savior [music] say, "Thy strength indeed [music] is small. Child strength indeed [music] is small. Child strength indeed [music] is small. Child of weakness, of weakness, of weakness, watch and pray. [music] Find in me thine watch and pray. [music] Find in me thine watch and pray. [music] Find in me thine all in all. [music] Lord now indeed I find thy power [music] Lord now indeed I find thy power [music] and thine alone [music] and thine alone [music] and thine alone can change the leper spots can change the leper spots can change the leper spots and melt the heart of stone. Jesus and melt the heart of stone. Jesus and melt the heart of stone. Jesus [music] faith Jesus paid it all. [music] faith Jesus paid it all. [music] faith Jesus paid it all. All [music] to him I owe. All [music] to him I owe. All [music] to him I owe. Sin had left [music] a crimson stain. He Sin had left [music] a crimson stain. He Sin had left [music] a crimson stain. He washed in white [music] as snow.

And when before the throne And when before the throne I stand in him [music] complete. I stand in him [music] complete. I stand in him [music] complete. Jesus died my soul to save. Jesus died my soul to save. Jesus died my soul to save. My [music] lips shall still repeat. We My [music] lips shall still repeat. We My [music] lips shall still repeat. We say Jesus paid it all. [music] say Jesus paid it all. [music] say Jesus paid it all. [music] All to him our own. All to him our own. All to him our own. Sin [music] Sin [music] Sin [music] had led a crimson stain. He washed it had led a crimson stain. He washed it had led a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow. Jesus f Jesus [music] white as snow. Jesus f Jesus [music] white as snow. Jesus f Jesus [music] paid it all. paid it all. paid it all. All to him I owe. All to him I owe. All to him I owe. Sin had left [music] a crimson stain. He Sin had left [music] a crimson stain. He Sin had left [music] a crimson stain. He was in white as snow. [singing] Oh. Oh. [music] [music] [music] Come on, church. Let's sing. Oh, praise Come on, church. Let's sing. Oh, praise Come on, church. Let's sing. Oh, praise the one who [music] paid my debt and the one who [music] paid my debt and the one who [music] paid my debt and raised this life [singing] up from the raised this life [singing] up from the raised this life [singing] up from the dead. Oh, [music] praise the one who dead. Oh, [music] praise the one who dead. Oh, [music] praise the one who paid my debt and raised this [music] paid my debt and raised this [music] paid my debt and raised this [music] life up from the dead. Oh, praise the life up from the dead. Oh, praise the life up from the dead. Oh, praise the [music and singing] one who paid my debt [music and singing] one who paid my debt [music and singing] one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead.

and raised this life up from the dead. and raised this life up from the dead. Oh, praise the one [music] who paid my Oh, praise the one [music] who paid my Oh, praise the one [music] who paid my dead. Raise this life [singing] dead. Raise this life [singing] dead. Raise this life [singing] from the dead. from the dead. from the dead. How many of y'all [music] are grateful How many of y'all [music] are grateful How many of y'all [music] are grateful to be alive this morning? Amen. Alive in to be alive this morning? Amen. Alive in to be alive this morning? Amen. Alive in Christ. Let's all read this scripture Christ. Let's all read this scripture Christ. Let's all read this scripture out loud together. But because of his out loud together. But because of his out loud together. But because of his great [music] love for us, God who is great [music] love for us, God who is great [music] love for us, God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ rich in mercy made us alive with Christ rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in even when we were dead in even when we were dead in transgressions. It is by grace you have transgressions. It is by grace you have transgressions. It is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with been saved. And God raised us up with been saved. And God raised us up with Christ [music] and seated us with him in Christ [music] and seated us with him in Christ [music] and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. Let's praise the Lord this morning. Let's praise the Lord this morning. Let's praise the Lord this morning. [music] [music] [music] Lift our hearts and our voices. Let's Lift our hearts and our voices. Let's Lift our hearts and our voices. Let's sing every voice. sing every voice. sing every voice. >> Oh, praise [music] the one [singing] who >> Oh, praise [music] the one [singing] who >> Oh, praise [music] the one [singing] who paid my debt. Raise his life up from paid my debt. Raise his life up from paid my debt. Raise his life up from [music] the dead. Oh, praise the one who [music] the dead. Oh, praise the one who [music] the dead. Oh, praise the one who paid my dead. paid my dead. paid my dead. Raise his life up from the dead. Oh, Raise his life up from the dead. Oh, Raise his life up from the dead. Oh, [music] praise the one [singing] who [music] praise the one [singing] who [music] praise the one [singing] who paid my dead. Praise his [music] life paid my dead. Praise his [music] life paid my dead. Praise his [music] life from the dead. Oh, praise the one who from the dead. Oh, praise the one who from the dead. Oh, praise the one who came again. [music] Raise his life came again. [music] Raise his life came again. [music] Raise his life from the dead.

>> Yeah. [music] >> Yeah. [music] One more time. Jesus One more time. Jesus One more time. Jesus paid it all. [singing] Come on church, paid it all. [singing] Come on church, paid it all. [singing] Come on church, let's sing. All [music] He washed [music] it white as snow. He washed [music] it white as snow. Amen. Praise the Lord for what he's Amen. Praise the Lord for what he's Amen. Praise the Lord for what he's done. done. done. Great singing, church. Great singing. Great singing, church. Great singing. Great singing, church. Great singing. You may be seated. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Oh, excellent. >> Oh, excellent. >> Oh, excellent. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> It is so good to see you. Our staff >> It is so good to see you. Our staff >> It is so good to see you. Our staff wants to connect with you. Uh we've got wants to connect with you. Uh we've got wants to connect with you. Uh we've got multiple ways of doing that. I just did multiple ways of doing that. I just did multiple ways of doing that. I just did this on my phone. I just pulled out this on my phone. I just pulled out this on my phone. I just pulled out [clears throat] my telephone and to I [clears throat] my telephone and to I [clears throat] my telephone and to I typed in the number of the church typed in the number of the church typed in the number of the church 8709351950 8709351950 8709351950 and type in the word connect. And if you and type in the word connect. And if you and type in the word connect. And if you do that, you'll get a little connection do that, you'll get a little connection do that, you'll get a little connection card back. If you're a visitor here card back. If you're a visitor here card back. If you're a visitor here today, if you'll do that now on your today, if you'll do that now on your today, if you'll do that now on your phone, this is a way for you to put your phone, this is a way for you to put your phone, this is a way for you to put your name in, information, if there's any name in, information, if there's any name in, information, if there's any prayers that you would have for us to prayers that you would have for us to prayers that you would have for us to make on your behalf. This is the time to make on your behalf. This is the time to make on your behalf. This is the time to do that. And you can do that with the do that. And you can do that with the do that. And you can do that with the app. It's really cool. What I do when app. It's really cool. What I do when app. It's really cool. What I do when I'm trying to find out what's going on

I'm trying to find out what's going on I'm trying to find out what's going on at the church, I'll go to at the church, I'll go to at the church, I'll go to centralbaptisturch.com. centralbaptisturch.com. centralbaptisturch.com. Really cool that we've got that. And and Really cool that we've got that. And and Really cool that we've got that. And and then there it is. you type in what then there it is. you type in what then there it is. you type in what campus that you're interested [music] in campus that you're interested [music] in campus that you're interested [music] in and all the events. Uh, everyone needs and all the events. Uh, everyone needs and all the events. Uh, everyone needs to make sure you go check out the to make sure you go check out the to make sure you go check out the missions page. That's probably the most missions page. That's probably the most missions page. That's probably the most important page on the entire app. Uh, important page on the entire app. Uh, important page on the entire app. Uh, but I would suggest you do that but I would suggest you do that but I would suggest you do that to a couple of announcements that I want to a couple of announcements that I want to a couple of announcements that I want to make. One, I want you to know that to make. One, I want you to know that to make. One, I want you to know that your giving matters. your giving matters. your giving matters. The last 30 days, The last 30 days, The last 30 days, guys, ministries that are supported by guys, ministries that are supported by guys, ministries that are supported by Central Baptist Church, just on the Central Baptist Church, just on the Central Baptist Church, just on the continent of Africa, we've seen [music] continent of Africa, we've seen [music] continent of Africa, we've seen [music] 300 people come to Christ. Just on 300 people come to Christ. Just on 300 people come to Christ. Just on Africa, guys, I just want to say thank you for guys, I just want to say thank you for doing that. Thank you for giving so that doing that. Thank you for giving so that doing that. Thank you for giving so that we can be involved all around the world. we can be involved all around the world. we can be involved all around the world. Uh, but I just got back from a trip to Uh, but I just got back from a trip to Uh, but I just got back from a trip to Columbia, uh, Missouri, and, uh, had a Columbia, uh, Missouri, and, uh, had a Columbia, uh, Missouri, and, uh, had a great time up there. Uh, just because of great time up there. Uh, just because of great time up there. Uh, just because of the giving that you have been doing so the giving that you have been doing so the giving that you have been doing so faithfully, we're planting a church in faithfully, we're planting a church in faithfully, we're planting a church in Columbia, [music] Missouri.

Columbia, [music] Missouri. Columbia, [music] Missouri. The, um, couple other announcements. I'm The, um, couple other announcements. I'm The, um, couple other announcements. I'm obviously very smooth at this. Uh, obviously very smooth at this. Uh, obviously very smooth at this. Uh, uh, college movein day. So, August the uh, college movein day. So, August the uh, college movein day. So, August the 16th, we're going to be helping students 16th, we're going to be helping students 16th, we're going to be helping students move in both to ASU and at Williams. Go move in both to ASU and at Williams. Go move in both to ASU and at Williams. Go on church, uh, Central Baptist on church, uh, Central Baptist on church, uh, Central Baptist Church.com, Church.com, Church.com, and you will see the registration for and you will see the registration for and you will see the registration for [music] that, guys. You want to get a t- [music] that, guys. You want to get a t- [music] that, guys. You want to get a t- Today is the last day to get a t-shirt. Today is the last day to get a t-shirt. Today is the last day to get a t-shirt. So, go online, So, go online, So, go online, register, get a t-shirt, and then show register, get a t-shirt, and then show register, get a t-shirt, and then show up on the 16th to help students move in. up on the 16th to help students move in. up on the 16th to help students move in. Guys, this is repeatedly we hear Guys, this is repeatedly we hear Guys, this is repeatedly we hear students say when they were moving into students say when they were moving into students say when they were moving into ASU, [music] parents say, "Guys, when ASU, [music] parents say, "Guys, when ASU, [music] parents say, "Guys, when y'all came out and helped my kid move y'all came out and helped my kid move y'all came out and helped my kid move into the dorm, uh, we connected with into the dorm, uh, we connected with into the dorm, uh, we connected with Central right then." We've seen lots of Central right then." We've seen lots of Central right then." We've seen lots of kids on the mission field right now. kids on the mission field right now. kids on the mission field right now. We've got kids involved in ministry. We've got kids involved in ministry. We've got kids involved in ministry. We've got people that are pastoring We've got people that are pastoring We've got people that are pastoring churches that their connection to churches that their connection to churches that their connection to Central started at moving day, guys.

Central started at moving day, guys. Central started at moving day, guys. show up in big time. Okay, I'm going. show up in big time. Okay, I'm going. show up in big time. Okay, I'm going. It's going to be hot. We're going to It's going to be hot. We're going to It's going to be hot. We're going to sweat together. It's going to be good. sweat together. It's going to be good. sweat together. It's going to be good. We're gonna [music] have a good time. We're gonna [music] have a good time. We're gonna [music] have a good time. Um, Awanas registration, guys. Guess Um, Awanas registration, guys. Guess Um, Awanas registration, guys. Guess where you go to sign up? where you go to sign up? where you go to sign up? centralbaptist.com. centralbaptist.com. centralbaptist.com. Hey, forward aas. Or just do what I do. Hey, forward aas. Or just do what I do. Hey, forward aas. Or just do what I do. Pick Jonesboro events Aanas. Click on Pick Jonesboro events Aanas. Click on Pick Jonesboro events Aanas. Click on that. Register. Guys, we need you to that. Register. Guys, we need you to that. Register. Guys, we need you to sign up to help. sign up to help. sign up to help. I don't have to say how important Awanas I don't have to say how important Awanas I don't have to say how important Awanas is. Many of you have seen your kids is. Many of you have seen your kids is. Many of you have seen your kids learn scriptures in Awanas and then the learn scriptures in Awanas and then the learn scriptures in Awanas and then the Lord used those scriptures to uh keep Lord used those scriptures to uh keep Lord used those scriptures to uh keep their way straight. Guys, cannot stress their way straight. Guys, cannot stress their way straight. Guys, cannot stress to you how important AAS is. We're also to you how important AAS is. We're also to you how important AAS is. We're also collecting backpacks. So, you're going collecting backpacks. So, you're going collecting backpacks. So, you're going to see the black barrels around. That is to see the black barrels around. That is to see the black barrels around. That is for uh backpacks, school supplies if you for uh backpacks, school supplies if you for uh backpacks, school supplies if you want to. Some people like to buy that want to. Some people like to buy that want to. Some people like to buy that stuff. Go for it. Put it in the black stuff. Go for it. Put it in the black stuff. Go for it. Put it in the black barrels. If you'd rather just give so barrels. If you'd rather just give so barrels. If you'd rather just give so that we can then purchase those that we can then purchase those that we can then purchase those supplies.

supplies. supplies. Let's see. Where would you go to do Let's see. Where would you go to do Let's see. Where would you go to do that? Maybe centralbisturch.comgive be a great place to do that. Hey, I did be a great place to do that. Hey, I did want to acknowledge we've got several want to acknowledge we've got several want to acknowledge we've got several mission trips that have that have uh as mission trips that have that have uh as mission trips that have that have uh as the summer has wound down, we've got the summer has wound down, we've got the summer has wound down, we've got several that have come home just in the several that have come home just in the several that have come home just in the last few days. Just in the last month, last few days. Just in the last month, last few days. Just in the last month, guys, we've had 114 people involved in guys, we've had 114 people involved in guys, we've had 114 people involved in 24 events around [music] the world. The 24 events around [music] the world. The 24 events around [music] the world. The uh we've got a team right now that is in uh we've got a team right now that is in uh we've got a team right now that is in SEC Syracuse, New York. We [music] had a SEC Syracuse, New York. We [music] had a SEC Syracuse, New York. We [music] had a team just come home from Syracuse, New team just come home from Syracuse, New team just come home from Syracuse, New York. We've got a lot of soccer in this York. We've got a lot of soccer in this York. We've got a lot of soccer in this summer. Those team, those were soccer summer. Those team, those were soccer summer. Those team, those were soccer teams. We had our teams in Ivory Coast teams. We had our teams in Ivory Coast teams. We had our teams in Ivory Coast doing a soccer camp this week. Uh they doing a soccer camp this week. Uh they doing a soccer camp this week. Uh they had they had just and I recall they had had they had just and I recall they had had they had just and I recall they had 13 people saved at a soccer camp. 13 people saved at a soccer camp. 13 people saved at a soccer camp. We've had teams come back home from Salt We've had teams come back home from Salt We've had teams come back home from Salt Lake City Togo. Lake City Togo. Lake City Togo. We had a group go and serve at the Powow We had a group go and serve at the Powow We had a group go and serve at the Powow in Montana.

in Montana. in Montana. We had two groups from Paragold. They We had two groups from Paragold. They We had two groups from Paragold. They went to Uganda and another group did a went to Uganda and another group did a went to Uganda and another group did a Syracuse soccer camp. We've had teams Syracuse soccer camp. We've had teams Syracuse soccer camp. We've had teams from Peru, Brazil, from Peru, Brazil, from Peru, Brazil, other countries in North Africa, other countries in North Africa, other countries in North Africa, Columbia, Missouri, New York City, and Columbia, Missouri, New York City, and Columbia, Missouri, New York City, and Puerto Rico all come home in the last Puerto Rico all come home in the last Puerto Rico all come home in the last few days. Guys, thank you for giving and few days. Guys, thank you for giving and few days. Guys, thank you for giving and supporting that. Now, I want us to pray. supporting that. Now, I want us to pray. supporting that. Now, I want us to pray. Father, Father, Father, thank you for this church. Thank you for thank you for this church. Thank you for thank you for this church. Thank you for the giving and the loving heart that you the giving and the loving heart that you the giving and the loving heart that you have placed in these people. have placed in these people. have placed in these people. God, we give you all the praise, all the God, we give you all the praise, all the God, we give you all the praise, all the glory. It is yours, Lord. glory. It is yours, Lord. glory. It is yours, Lord. We gladly We gladly We gladly lay at your feet our lives, Lord. Take lay at your feet our lives, Lord. Take lay at your feet our lives, Lord. Take us [music] and use us. Lord, speak to us us [music] and use us. Lord, speak to us us [music] and use us. Lord, speak to us now as we worship in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Who thought I'd find you at the lowest >> Who thought I'd find you at the lowest [music] place. [music] place. [music] place. Who thought you'd feel me in the crowd? Who thought you'd feel me in the crowd? Who thought you'd feel me in the crowd? [singing] Who knew you'd make good my mistakes? Who knew you'd make good my mistakes? [snorts] You're nothing like I thought [snorts] You're nothing like I thought [snorts] You're nothing like I thought you were. You're better. [music] What a you were. You're better. [music] What a you were. You're better. [music] What a God. What a God. What a God. [music and singing] What a God. [music and singing] What a God. [music] [music] I thought you s for affliction I thought you s for affliction I thought you s for affliction cuz what kind [music] of [singing] cuz what kind [music] of [singing] cuz what kind [music] of [singing] looks for the lost? They say it's all for sinners.

They say it's all for sinners. You say, "No, it's not." No, it's not. You say, "No, it's not." No, it's not. You say, "No, it's not." No, it's not. Or you [music and singing] say, "No, Or you [music and singing] say, "No, Or you [music and singing] say, "No, it's not. No, it's not." it's not. No, it's not." it's not. No, it's not." What a god. What a What a god. What a What a god. What a [music] [music] [music] What a god. What a [singing] god. We trust in who [music] you are. We trust in who [music] you are. [singing] If [music] the highest place I reaches If [music] the highest place I reaches at your feet, then I've [music] done it at your feet, then I've [music] done it at your feet, then I've [music] done it all. If the best thing that I've seen is all. If the best thing that I've seen is all. If the best thing that I've seen is your glory, then [music] I've seen it your glory, then [music] I've seen it your glory, then [music] I've seen it all. Your love has changed my life all. Your love has changed my life all. Your love has changed my life forever. That is fine. [music] You are forever. That is fine. [music] You are forever. That is fine. [music] You are my everything.

my everything. my everything. In the highest [music] place I reaches In the highest [music] place I reaches In the highest [music] place I reaches at your king. And I've done it all. And at your king. And I've done it all. And at your king. And I've done it all. And the best [music] thing I've seen is your the best [music] thing I've seen is your the best [music] thing I've seen is your glory. And I've seen it all. Your glory. And I've seen it all. Your glory. And I've seen it all. Your [music] love has changed my life [music] love has changed my life [music] love has changed my life forever. Satisfied. forever. Satisfied. forever. Satisfied. You [music and singing] are my [music] [music] you are Heat. you are Heat. you are Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> What a god.

[music] highest place I reaches at your [music] highest place I reaches at your feet. Then I've done it all. [music] feet. Then I've done it all. [music] feet. Then I've done it all. [music] If the best thing that I've seen is your If the best thing that I've seen is your If the best thing that I've seen is your glory, then I've seen it all. Heat. glory, then I've seen it all. Heat. glory, then I've seen it all. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] ite ite [music] [singing] [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] [music] you [singing] are my you [singing] are my [music] [music] [music] God. You are my everything. [music] You are my [music] You are my [music] everything.

I am an instrument I am an instrument of exaltation [music] and I was born to lift your [music] name and I was born to lift your [music] name above all names. above all names. above all names. You hear the mey You hear the mey You hear the mey of all creation, but there's [music and singing] a song but there's [music and singing] a song of praise that only I can bring. [music] of praise that only I can bring. [music] of praise that only I can bring. [music] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? There is no one There is no one only Jesus [music] There is no one worthy. Jesus, There is no one worthy. Jesus, [music] [music] [music] you are the you are the you are the God of the angels. God of the angels. God of the angels. [music] [music] [music] You chose to make my heart dwell.

You chose to make my heart dwell. You chose to make my heart dwell. [music] [music] [music] You heal my brokenness. You heal my brokenness. You heal my brokenness. Show me your [music] glory. Show me your [music] glory. Show me your [music] glory. So I songs of thanks, not even [music] So I songs of thanks, not even [music] So I songs of thanks, not even [music] angels. angels. angels. Who else is worthy? [music] There is no [music and singing] one There is no [music and singing] one only Jesus only Jesus only Jesus who else [singing] is worthy. who else [singing] is worthy. who else [singing] is worthy. Who else is worthy? There is no [singing] one There is no [singing] one only Jesus. only Jesus. only Jesus. Who [music] else is [singing] worthy? Who [music] else is [singing] worthy? Who [music] else is [singing] worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] There [singing] is none. There [singing] is none. Only you Jesus. [music] Only you Jesus. [music] Only you Jesus. [music] Oh, who else is worthy?

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

up. up. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else [music] is worthy? There is none. There is none. [music] [music] [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Holy Jesus. >> Holy Jesus. >> Holy Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? [music] There is none. There is none. Holy Jesus. Holy Jesus. Holy Jesus. There [music] is none. There [music] is none. There [music] is none. Holy Jesus. [music] [music] How great the chasm [music] How great the chasm that lay between us. How high the that lay between us. How high the that lay between us. How high the mountain mountain mountain I could not [music] climb.

I could not [music] climb. I could not [music] climb. In desperation, In desperation, In desperation, I turned to heaven I turned to heaven I turned to heaven and spoke your [music] name into the and spoke your [music] name into the and spoke your [music] name into the night. night. night. And [music] through the darkness, And [music] through the darkness, And [music] through the darkness, your loving kindness [music] your loving kindness [music] your loving kindness [music] tore through the shadows [singing] of my tore through the shadows [singing] of my tore through the shadows [singing] of my soul. soul. soul. The work is finished. [music] The work is finished. [music] The work is finished. [music] The end is written. Sing his name. Jesus The end is written. Sing his name. Jesus The end is written. Sing his name. Jesus [music] Christ, my livinging [music] Christ, my livinging [music] Christ, my livinging Lord. >> [music] >> [music] >> Who could imagine >> Who could imagine >> Who could imagine so [singing] great a mercy? so [singing] great a mercy? so [singing] great a mercy? [music] What heart could fathom [music] What heart could fathom [music] What heart could fathom such boundless [singing] such boundless [singing] such boundless [singing] grace? grace? grace? The God [music] of angels The God [music] of angels The God [music] of angels stepped down from glory stepped down from glory stepped down from glory to wear my sin and bear to wear my sin and bear to wear my sin and bear [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] my shame. And the cross is spoken. The my shame. And the cross is spoken. The my shame. And the cross is spoken. The cross has spoken. [music] cross has spoken. [music] cross has spoken. [music] I am forgiven.

I am forgiven. I am forgiven. The King of Kings loves me his [music] The King of Kings loves me his [music] The King of Kings loves me his [music] own. own. own. Beautiful [singing] Savior. Beautiful [singing] Savior. Beautiful [singing] Savior. I'm yours forever. [music] Jesus Christ my [music] Jesus Christ my [music] >> All right, church. Hear you sing it one >> All right, church. Hear you sing it one >> All right, church. Hear you sing it one time. Here we go. Hallelujah. time. Here we go. Hallelujah. time. Here we go. Hallelujah. [music] Praise the one [singing] who set [music] Praise the one [singing] who set [music] Praise the one [singing] who set me free. Sing it. Hallelujah. me free. Sing it. Hallelujah. me free. Sing it. Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] Death has lost its grip. Death has lost its grip. Death has lost its grip. >> You have broken. You have >> You have broken. You have >> You have broken. You have [music and singing] broken every chain. [music and singing] broken every chain. [music and singing] broken every chain. There's salvation in your name. There's salvation in your name. There's salvation in your name. >> Oh [music] Jesus Christ, my living. >> Oh [music] Jesus Christ, my living. >> Oh [music] Jesus Christ, my living. [singing] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Praise the Lord who set me free. >> Praise the Lord who set me free. >> Praise the Lord who set me free. Hallelujah. [music and singing] My lost is me. You [music and singing] My lost is me. You have broken every day. There's [music] have broken every day. There's [music] have broken every day. There's [music] salvation [singing] in your name. Jesus salvation [singing] in your name. Jesus salvation [singing] in your name. Jesus Christ my living. [music] Then came the morning Then came the morning that sealed the promise. [music] that sealed the promise. [music] that sealed the promise. [music] Your buried body Your buried body Your buried body began to breathe. [music]

began to breathe. [music] began to breathe. [music] Out of the silence, Out of the silence, Out of the silence, the roaring lion the roaring lion the roaring lion declared, "The grave has no [music] declared, "The grave has no [music] declared, "The grave has no [music] claim on me." Come on. This came the claim on me." Come on. This came the claim on me." Come on. This came the morning morning morning and sealed [music] the proise. and sealed [music] the proise. and sealed [music] the proise. Your very [singing] body Your very [singing] body Your very [singing] body begin to breathe. [music] begin to breathe. [music] begin to breathe. [music] Out of the silence, Out of the silence, Out of the silence, the [singing] roaring lion. the [singing] roaring lion. the [singing] roaring lion. Declare [music] Declare [music] Declare [music] the grave has no claim on [singing] me. the grave has no claim on [singing] me. the grave has no claim on [singing] me. [music] [music] [music] Jesus, yours is the victory. [singing] Hallelujah. [music] Hallelujah. [music] Praise the [singing] one who set me Praise the [singing] one who set me Praise the [singing] one who set me free. Hallelujah.

I [music] lost his gra for me. You have I [music] lost his gra for me. You have broken every chain. There is salvation broken every chain. There is salvation broken every chain. There is salvation in [music] your name Jesus Christ my in [music] your name Jesus Christ my in [music] your name Jesus Christ my living. living. living. [music] [music] [music] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] Praise the one who set me free. [music] Praise the one who set me free. [music] Praise the one who set me free. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] [music] [music] Death has lost his grave for [singing] Death has lost his grave for [singing] Death has lost his grave for [singing] me. You have broken me. You have broken me. You have broken chain. [music] chain. [music] chain. [music] Salvation in [singing] your name. Jesus Salvation in [singing] your name. Jesus Salvation in [singing] your name. Jesus [music] Christ my living. [music] [music] Jesus Christ [singing] Jesus Christ [singing] Jesus Christ [singing] my living. Oh God, you are my livinging Oh God, you are my livinging home. [music] And Lord, we just thank you this [music] And Lord, we just thank you this [music] morning for your salvation.

morning for your salvation. morning for your salvation. We thank you that We thank you that We thank you that even as you were crying tears of blood even as you were crying tears of blood even as you were crying tears of blood in the garden of Gethsemane and you in the garden of Gethsemane and you in the garden of Gethsemane and you [music] were asking if there was another [music] were asking if there was another [music] were asking if there was another way, God, you were obedient to the point way, God, you were obedient to the point way, God, you were obedient to the point of death. of death. of death. God, you carried our cross. God, you carried our cross. God, you carried our cross. You bore [music] our burdens. You bore [music] our burdens. You bore [music] our burdens. And God, for that we say, praise the one And God, for that we say, praise the one And God, for that we say, praise the one who has set us [music] free. Lord, we who has set us [music] free. Lord, we who has set us [music] free. Lord, we exalt your name to the highest place exalt your name to the highest place exalt your name to the highest place this morning because there is no one this morning because there is no one this morning because there is no one else worthy of it. We sing hallelujah to else worthy of it. We sing hallelujah to else worthy of it. We sing hallelujah to the name above all names because only the name above all names because only the name above all names because only you alone are worthy of it. you alone are worthy of it. you alone are worthy of it. So God, this morning I pray over every So God, this morning I pray over every So God, this morning I pray over every person in this room watching on the live person in this room watching on the live person in this room watching on the live stream. God, I pray that you would meet stream. God, I pray that you would meet stream. God, I pray that you would meet us where we're at. Whether we are new in us where we're at. Whether we are new in us where we're at. Whether we are new in the faith, whether we are seasoned in the faith, whether we are seasoned in the faith, whether we are seasoned in our faith, God, I pray that you would our faith, God, I pray that you would our faith, God, I pray that you would reveal a little bit more of your glory reveal a little bit more of your glory reveal a little bit more of your glory to us this morning. We love you. We to us this morning. We love you. We to us this morning. We love you. We thank you. And we pray all this in the thank you. And we pray all this in the thank you. And we pray all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. name of Jesus. Amen. name of Jesus. Amen. >> Amen. [music] Amen. And amen. Please be >> Amen. [music] Amen. And amen. Please be >> Amen. [music] Amen. And amen. Please be seated if you would. Thank you for seated if you would. Thank you for seated if you would. Thank you for gathering with us today. If you are gathering with us today. If you are gathering with us today. If you are visiting with us for the first time this visiting with us for the first time this visiting with us for the first time this 8 o'clock service, my name is Irchie.

8 o'clock service, my name is Irchie. 8 o'clock service, my name is Irchie. I'm the senior pastor. Maybe you are I'm the senior pastor. Maybe you are I'm the senior pastor. Maybe you are engaging with us online or through engaging with us online or through engaging with us online or through television. As always, I want to say television. As always, I want to say television. As always, I want to say good morning uh to all of you that are good morning uh to all of you that are good morning uh to all of you that are joining us today. If you have a Bible joining us today. If you have a Bible joining us today. If you have a Bible with you, let's take it and turn to the with you, let's take it and turn to the with you, let's take it and turn to the book of Philippians. Philippians, we're book of Philippians. Philippians, we're book of Philippians. Philippians, we're going to be uh in chapter 3. And if you going to be uh in chapter 3. And if you going to be uh in chapter 3. And if you don't know this, we're teaching through don't know this, we're teaching through don't know this, we're teaching through uh the book of Philippians. So, we're uh the book of Philippians. So, we're uh the book of Philippians. So, we're going to pick up in verse one, going to going to pick up in verse one, going to going to pick up in verse one, going to study through verse 11. And the title of study through verse 11. And the title of study through verse 11. And the title of today is knowing Christ. Is knowing today is knowing Christ. Is knowing today is knowing Christ. Is knowing Christ. Now, I'm about to put some Christ. Now, I'm about to put some Christ. Now, I'm about to put some pictures of some very famous people uh pictures of some very famous people uh pictures of some very famous people uh up here on the screen. And the first one up here on the screen. And the first one up here on the screen. And the first one is about to pop up. There we go. Now, is about to pop up. There we go. Now, is about to pop up. There we go. Now, who knows who this guy is? who knows who this guy is? who knows who this guy is? No, I mean, who is he? Y'all raise your No, I mean, who is he? Y'all raise your No, I mean, who is he? Y'all raise your hand like, who is he? hand like, who is he? hand like, who is he? >> Pton Manning, right? And uh now, I'm not >> Pton Manning, right? And uh now, I'm not >> Pton Manning, right? And uh now, I'm not going to ask you if you ever wore his going to ask you if you ever wore his going to ask you if you ever wore his jersey around or anything like that, but jersey around or anything like that, but jersey around or anything like that, but you know, he's pretty famous. You see you know, he's pretty famous. You see you know, he's pretty famous. You see him? Uh does a lot of commercials, that him? Uh does a lot of commercials, that him? Uh does a lot of commercials, that kind of stuff. I got another one I'm kind of stuff. I got another one I'm kind of stuff. I got another one I'm gonna put up here. Okay, who's that? gonna put up here. Okay, who's that? gonna put up here. Okay, who's that? Oh, hey. Everybody knows Miss Dolly Oh, hey. Everybody knows Miss Dolly Oh, hey. Everybody knows Miss Dolly Parton and uh probably uh many of you Parton and uh probably uh many of you Parton and uh probably uh many of you have maybe seen her at the Grando Opry have maybe seen her at the Grando Opry have maybe seen her at the Grando Opry or something. Maybe you know a lot of or something. Maybe you know a lot of or something. Maybe you know a lot of the songs that she has written and that the songs that she has written and that the songs that she has written and that she sings. You probably know a lot about she sings. You probably know a lot about she sings. You probably know a lot about her history. Uh she's pretty famous uh her history. Uh she's pretty famous uh her history. Uh she's pretty famous uh individual uh in regard to that. And we individual uh in regard to that. And we individual uh in regard to that. And we got one more. All right. Who's that?

got one more. All right. Who's that? got one more. All right. Who's that? >> I believe now don't disagree with me and >> I believe now don't disagree with me and >> I believe now don't disagree with me and don't find me out in the four year don't find me out in the four year don't find me out in the four year afterward and chew on me because that's afterward and chew on me because that's afterward and chew on me because that's not the whole point this morning. I not the whole point this morning. I not the whole point this morning. I believe he's probably one of the the believe he's probably one of the the believe he's probably one of the the best basketball player that we've ever best basketball player that we've ever best basketball player that we've ever seen before. Now, you may think LeBron seen before. Now, you may think LeBron seen before. Now, you may think LeBron or something like that, but I mean or something like that, but I mean or something like that, but I mean Michael Jordan. Uh I'm not going to ask Michael Jordan. Uh I'm not going to ask Michael Jordan. Uh I'm not going to ask how many of you I saw a thumbs up back how many of you I saw a thumbs up back how many of you I saw a thumbs up back there. I'm not going to ask how many of there. I'm not going to ask how many of there. I'm not going to ask how many of you have wore shoes or as jerseys or you have wore shoes or as jerseys or you have wore shoes or as jerseys or anything, but again, very famous people. anything, but again, very famous people. anything, but again, very famous people. So, you know, all of us, especially here So, you know, all of us, especially here So, you know, all of us, especially here in Arkansas, Northeast Arkansas, we know in Arkansas, Northeast Arkansas, we know in Arkansas, Northeast Arkansas, we know a lot about these folks. They've been a lot about these folks. They've been a lot about these folks. They've been around a long time, especially the around a long time, especially the around a long time, especially the athletes that we have. Uh, and like I athletes that we have. Uh, and like I athletes that we have. Uh, and like I said, Miss Dolly right there out of said, Miss Dolly right there out of said, Miss Dolly right there out of Nashville. But how many of you actually Nashville. But how many of you actually Nashville. But how many of you actually have a relationship with any of these? I have a relationship with any of these? I have a relationship with any of these? I don't. don't. don't. If you got a relationship with Michael, If you got a relationship with Michael, If you got a relationship with Michael, ask him for a jersey or something. You ask him for a jersey or something. You ask him for a jersey or something. You know, we have But you see, there's a know, we have But you see, there's a know, we have But you see, there's a difference between knowing the facts difference between knowing the facts difference between knowing the facts about somebody and having a relationship about somebody and having a relationship about somebody and having a relationship with them.

with them. with them. You may know them, but they don't know You may know them, but they don't know You may know them, but they don't know you because you're not in a relationship you because you're not in a relationship you because you're not in a relationship with them. So Paul in the book of with them. So Paul in the book of with them. So Paul in the book of Philippians Philippians Philippians before coming to faith in Christ on the before coming to faith in Christ on the before coming to faith in Christ on the road to Damascus knew more about God road to Damascus knew more about God road to Damascus knew more about God probably than anybody at that time. He probably than anybody at that time. He probably than anybody at that time. He knew the Old Testament scriptures. As knew the Old Testament scriptures. As knew the Old Testament scriptures. As I've always stated, I believe he was I've always stated, I believe he was I've always stated, I believe he was bilingual. He's very intelligent. uh he bilingual. He's very intelligent. uh he bilingual. He's very intelligent. uh he knew all about the sacrifices and knew all about the sacrifices and knew all about the sacrifices and everything. But when he met Christ on everything. But when he met Christ on everything. But when he met Christ on the road to Damascus, he went from the road to Damascus, he went from the road to Damascus, he went from knowing about God to knowing God in a knowing about God to knowing God in a knowing about God to knowing God in a personal relationship. and all his past personal relationship. and all his past personal relationship. and all his past achievements he counted as mute as we'll achievements he counted as mute as we'll achievements he counted as mute as we'll see in just a moment as rubbish see in just a moment as rubbish see in just a moment as rubbish in the light of having that relationship in the light of having that relationship in the light of having that relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and the with the Lord Jesus Christ and the with the Lord Jesus Christ and the pursuit of his life in regard to being a pursuit of his life in regard to being a pursuit of his life in regard to being a Christian is to know Christ not that Christian is to know Christ not that Christian is to know Christ not that well to know him what do you mean when well to know him what do you mean when well to know him what do you mean when we come to that place of salvation we come to that place of salvation we come to that place of salvation that's that experiential knowledge that's that experiential knowledge that's that experiential knowledge that's that relationship but knowing that's that relationship but knowing that's that relationship but knowing Christ is continual and ongoing as we Christ is continual and ongoing as we Christ is continual and ongoing as we are growing in him in sanctification.

are growing in him in sanctification. are growing in him in sanctification. That is the pursuit of the Christian That is the pursuit of the Christian That is the pursuit of the Christian life. And this is a question for all of life. And this is a question for all of life. And this is a question for all of us to to ask this morning. Is that do us to to ask this morning. Is that do us to to ask this morning. Is that do you know you know you know the facts about Jesus? That born of a the facts about Jesus? That born of a the facts about Jesus? That born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, walked on virgin, lived a sinless life, walked on virgin, lived a sinless life, walked on this earth, went to the cross at this earth, went to the cross at this earth, went to the cross at Calvary, came out of the grave on the Calvary, came out of the grave on the Calvary, came out of the grave on the third day. Millions upon millions of third day. Millions upon millions of third day. Millions upon millions of people know the facts about him. But do people know the facts about him. But do people know the facts about him. But do you have a relationship with him? you have a relationship with him? you have a relationship with him? You see that's when Jesus in that that You see that's when Jesus in that that You see that's when Jesus in that that famous passage which it's all famous famous passage which it's all famous famous passage which it's all famous because inspired word of God Matthew 7 because inspired word of God Matthew 7 because inspired word of God Matthew 7 where it says on that day they'll say where it says on that day they'll say where it says on that day they'll say Lord Lord didn't we do this didn't we do Lord Lord didn't we do this didn't we do Lord Lord didn't we do this didn't we do that and he says depart from me for I that and he says depart from me for I that and he says depart from me for I never knew you I don't know you never knew you I don't know you never knew you I don't know you can know about him that's here but do can know about him that's here but do can know about him that's here but do you know him personal relationship you know him personal relationship you know him personal relationship that's here that's what this passage is that's here that's what this passage is that's here that's what this passage is all about hey I know you just got seated all about hey I know you just got seated all about hey I know you just got seated got comfortable do you mind standing for got comfortable do you mind standing for got comfortable do you mind standing for the public reading if you're physically the public reading if you're physically the public reading if you're physically table. Finally, my brethren, rejoice in table. Finally, my brethren, rejoice in table. Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again the Lord. To write the same things again the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me. It is a safeguard is no trouble to me. It is a safeguard is no trouble to me. It is a safeguard to you. Beware of the dogs. Beware of to you. Beware of the dogs. Beware of to you. Beware of the dogs. Beware of the evil workers. Beware of the false the evil workers. Beware of the false the evil workers. Beware of the false circumcision. For we are true circumcision. For we are true circumcision. For we are true circumcision who worship in the spirit circumcision who worship in the spirit circumcision who worship in the spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence uh in the flesh. And so no confidence uh in the flesh. And so no confidence uh in the flesh. And so here Paul on this very first part, he's here Paul on this very first part, he's here Paul on this very first part, he's talking about really knowing Christ talking about really knowing Christ talking about really knowing Christ above religion and over religion if we above religion and over religion if we above religion and over religion if we can say it like that. But now it's can say it like that. But now it's can say it like that. But now it's knowing Christ above the resume that you knowing Christ above the resume that you knowing Christ above the resume that you may say personal accomp accomplishments.

may say personal accomp accomplishments. may say personal accomp accomplishments. Look at what he says. Although I myself Look at what he says. Although I myself Look at what he says. Although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. might have confidence even in the flesh. might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put If anyone else has a mind to put If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more confidence in the flesh, I far more confidence in the flesh, I far more circumcised the eighth day of the nation circumcised the eighth day of the nation circumcised the eighth day of the nation of Israel, the tribe of Benjamin, a of Israel, the tribe of Benjamin, a of Israel, the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew Hebrews as to the law. Pharisee Hebrew Hebrews as to the law. Pharisee Hebrew Hebrews as to the law. Pharisee as a persecutor of the church as to as a persecutor of the church as to as a persecutor of the church as to righteousness which is in the law found righteousness which is in the law found righteousness which is in the law found blameless. But whatever things were blameless. But whatever things were blameless. But whatever things were gained to me, those things I've counted gained to me, those things I've counted gained to me, those things I've counted as lost for the sake of Christ. He says, as lost for the sake of Christ. He says, as lost for the sake of Christ. He says, "If you think you got a reason to boast "If you think you got a reason to boast "If you think you got a reason to boast or brag," he says, "I've got more or brag," he says, "I've got more or brag," he says, "I've got more because of those passive costs." But he because of those passive costs." But he because of those passive costs." But he says this, "More than that, I count all says this, "More than that, I count all says this, "More than that, I count all things to be lost in view of the things to be lost in view of the things to be lost in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ surpassing value of knowing Christ surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I have suffered Jesus, my Lord, for whom I have suffered Jesus, my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them the loss of all things, and count them the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish, so that I might gain Christ but rubbish, so that I might gain Christ but rubbish, so that I might gain Christ and may be found in him, not having a and may be found in him, not having a and may be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, derived from righteousness of my own, derived from righteousness of my own, derived from the law, but that which is through faith the law, but that which is through faith the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes in Christ, the righteousness which comes in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I from God on the basis of faith, that I from God on the basis of faith, that I might know him, and the power of his might know him, and the power of his might know him, and the power of his resurrection, the fellowship of his resurrection, the fellowship of his resurrection, the fellowship of his sufferings, being formed to his death, sufferings, being formed to his death, sufferings, being formed to his death, in order that I may attain to the in order that I may attain to the in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Father, as resurrection from the dead. Father, as resurrection from the dead. Father, as we pray this morning, Lord Jesus, we we pray this morning, Lord Jesus, we we pray this morning, Lord Jesus, we pray only in your name and we can only pray only in your name and we can only pray only in your name and we can only approach the throne room of the father approach the throne room of the father approach the throne room of the father in heaven only through you, Lord Jesus.

in heaven only through you, Lord Jesus. in heaven only through you, Lord Jesus. And so, Lord Jesus, we need you today. And so, Lord Jesus, we need you today. And so, Lord Jesus, we need you today. We we need your presence, God. We know, We we need your presence, God. We know, We we need your presence, God. We know, Holy Spirit, that we come to the the Holy Spirit, that we come to the the Holy Spirit, that we come to the the saving knowledge of you, Lord. That's a saving knowledge of you, Lord. That's a saving knowledge of you, Lord. That's a that knowledge where it becomes a that knowledge where it becomes a that knowledge where it becomes a relationship. Lord, we know that that is relationship. Lord, we know that that is relationship. Lord, we know that that is uh where Lord, we have uh forgiveness uh where Lord, we have uh forgiveness uh where Lord, we have uh forgiveness and redemption and we're justified by and redemption and we're justified by and redemption and we're justified by faith and we're reconciled and and Lord, faith and we're reconciled and and Lord, faith and we're reconciled and and Lord, the sanctification process of growing uh the sanctification process of growing uh the sanctification process of growing uh begins. And so, Lord, we're grateful for begins. And so, Lord, we're grateful for begins. And so, Lord, we're grateful for that. Uh Lord, disciple us today. Teach that. Uh Lord, disciple us today. Teach that. Uh Lord, disciple us today. Teach us today. Uh Lord, uh show us how to to us today. Uh Lord, uh show us how to to us today. Uh Lord, uh show us how to to understand even in greater uh uh more understand even in greater uh uh more understand even in greater uh uh more detail and knowledge of righteousness, detail and knowledge of righteousness, detail and knowledge of righteousness, Lord. And where there's sin in our life Lord. And where there's sin in our life Lord. And where there's sin in our life as believers, I pray God, I pray Lord as believers, I pray God, I pray Lord as believers, I pray God, I pray Lord that you bring conviction of that that that you bring conviction of that that that you bring conviction of that that we may repent of that. And Lord, forgive we may repent of that. And Lord, forgive we may repent of that. And Lord, forgive us where we may be in sin as a believer us where we may be in sin as a believer us where we may be in sin as a believer trying to fall back upon just doing good trying to fall back upon just doing good trying to fall back upon just doing good stuff or whatever. Lord, may we grow in stuff or whatever. Lord, may we grow in stuff or whatever. Lord, may we grow in the understanding of who you are. And the understanding of who you are. And the understanding of who you are. And Lord, may we experience and know the Lord, may we experience and know the Lord, may we experience and know the power of your resurrection, Lord, in our power of your resurrection, Lord, in our power of your resurrection, Lord, in our present day lives today. I pray that present day lives today. I pray that present day lives today. I pray that takes place. And Lord, as always, I pray takes place. And Lord, as always, I pray takes place. And Lord, as always, I pray you save someone today. Lord, there you save someone today. Lord, there you save someone today. Lord, there there have been many people, I was one there have been many people, I was one there have been many people, I was one who said in a church for a large who said in a church for a large who said in a church for a large majority of life, I knew about you, but majority of life, I knew about you, but majority of life, I knew about you, but I didn't know you, Lord, until that day.

I didn't know you, Lord, until that day. I didn't know you, Lord, until that day. And Lord, I pray today is the day of And Lord, I pray today is the day of And Lord, I pray today is the day of salvation for someone today, whoever it salvation for someone today, whoever it salvation for someone today, whoever it may be. May it be clear because you're may be. May it be clear because you're may be. May it be clear because you're you're clear, Lord. May you bring you're clear, Lord. May you bring you're clear, Lord. May you bring conviction. May there be repentance and conviction. May there be repentance and conviction. May there be repentance and faith, Lord. Trust in you. you in your faith, Lord. Trust in you. you in your faith, Lord. Trust in you. you in your name we pray. Name of Jesus. And all name we pray. Name of Jesus. And all name we pray. Name of Jesus. And all God's people said, "Amen." Amen. Please God's people said, "Amen." Amen. Please God's people said, "Amen." Amen. Please be seated if you would. Thanks for be seated if you would. Thanks for be seated if you would. Thanks for standing. So again, in the first part, I standing. So again, in the first part, I standing. So again, in the first part, I believe he's talking about knowing believe he's talking about knowing believe he's talking about knowing Christ above religion. He mentions a lot Christ above religion. He mentions a lot Christ above religion. He mentions a lot of stuff here. Now, look at how he of stuff here. Now, look at how he of stuff here. Now, look at how he starts out. He says, "Finally, my starts out. He says, "Finally, my starts out. He says, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord." Uh, brethren, rejoice in the Lord." Uh, brethren, rejoice in the Lord." Uh, rejoicing in the Lord. What What in the rejoicing in the Lord. What What in the rejoicing in the Lord. What What in the world does that mean when he says that? world does that mean when he says that? world does that mean when he says that? We read that a lot. And and so, you We read that a lot. And and so, you We read that a lot. And and so, you know, it's it's pretty I don't want to know, it's it's pretty I don't want to know, it's it's pretty I don't want to say it's not common sense or way, but say it's not common sense or way, but say it's not common sense or way, but just think about it. Rejoice that the just think about it. Rejoice that the just think about it. Rejoice that the Lord Jesus Christ left heaven for you Lord Jesus Christ left heaven for you Lord Jesus Christ left heaven for you and me. I mean, that's pretty exciting and me. I mean, that's pretty exciting and me. I mean, that's pretty exciting if you think about that. That he would if you think about that. That he would if you think about that. That he would come and would go to the cross at come and would go to the cross at come and would go to the cross at Calvary and experience all he Calvary and experience all he Calvary and experience all he experienced on that cross and all the experienced on that cross and all the experienced on that cross and all the mockings and and all the the beatings mockings and and all the the beatings mockings and and all the the beatings that took place by the Roman soldiers that took place by the Roman soldiers that took place by the Roman soldiers and all that. And he goes and he sheds and all that. And he goes and he sheds and all that. And he goes and he sheds his blood and stays on the cross for you his blood and stays on the cross for you his blood and stays on the cross for you and me. That's pretty exciting. Rejoice and me. That's pretty exciting. Rejoice and me. That's pretty exciting. Rejoice that when we come to the saving that when we come to the saving that when we come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, we knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, we knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are cleansed completely of sin. I mean, are cleansed completely of sin. I mean, are cleansed completely of sin. I mean, the Bible tells us that our sins are as the Bible tells us that our sins are as the Bible tells us that our sins are as scarlet, but we come to faith in him scarlet, but we come to faith in him scarlet, but we come to faith in him that we are made as white as snow.

that we are made as white as snow. that we are made as white as snow. Rejoice in the fact that his Rejoice in the fact that his Rejoice in the fact that his righteousness at that time of salvation righteousness at that time of salvation righteousness at that time of salvation is imputed upon us and that that he bore is imputed upon us and that that he bore is imputed upon us and that that he bore our sin and that when the father looks our sin and that when the father looks our sin and that when the father looks at us, we've come to faith in him. He at us, we've come to faith in him. He at us, we've come to faith in him. He looks at us and sees us just as he sees looks at us and sees us just as he sees looks at us and sees us just as he sees his sinless son, the lord Jesus Christ. his sinless son, the lord Jesus Christ. his sinless son, the lord Jesus Christ. Now, that is huge when you think about Now, that is huge when you think about Now, that is huge when you think about that. And and it's just salvation by that. And and it's just salvation by that. And and it's just salvation by grace. We rejoice. Rejoice that this grace. We rejoice. Rejoice that this grace. We rejoice. Rejoice that this world is not our home. Yesterday, Angie world is not our home. Yesterday, Angie world is not our home. Yesterday, Angie and I were having a conversation. We and I were having a conversation. We and I were having a conversation. We were in the truck together. And we were were in the truck together. And we were were in the truck together. And we were talking about life and things in life. talking about life and things in life. talking about life and things in life. And she just brought this up. I don't And she just brought this up. I don't And she just brought this up. I don't think I've ever heard her say this think I've ever heard her say this think I've ever heard her say this before quite like this. She says, before quite like this. She says, before quite like this. She says, "Well," she says, "you know, we're in a "Well," she says, "you know, we're in a "Well," she says, "you know, we're in a downhill run." basically. downhill run." basically. downhill run." basically. And when she said that, she says, "We And when she said that, she says, "We And when she said that, she says, "We don't have that many more years left and don't have that many more years left and don't have that many more years left and we're going to be gone." I thought, we're going to be gone." I thought, we're going to be gone." I thought, "Well, that's a little morbid in a way." "Well, that's a little morbid in a way." "Well, that's a little morbid in a way." But as I processed upon that, I I really But as I processed upon that, I I really But as I processed upon that, I I really thought about it. You could say for our thought about it. You could say for our thought about it. You could say for our age, we're in the last third of life.

age, we're in the last third of life. age, we're in the last third of life. Really, I think you could say that, you Really, I think you could say that, you Really, I think you could say that, you know, we're in the last quarter. And it know, we're in the last quarter. And it know, we're in the last quarter. And it was just like yesterday it started and was just like yesterday it started and was just like yesterday it started and here we are at the end. And she said here we are at the end. And she said here we are at the end. And she said something like this. She said, "And when something like this. She said, "And when something like this. She said, "And when that day comes, we don't have to worry that day comes, we don't have to worry that day comes, we don't have to worry about anything else anymore." And she about anything else anymore." And she about anything else anymore." And she was just smiling. I thought, "Now that was just smiling. I thought, "Now that was just smiling. I thought, "Now that is a good thought." Doesn't mean that is a good thought." Doesn't mean that is a good thought." Doesn't mean that you want to run away from all the stuff you want to run away from all the stuff you want to run away from all the stuff and the things that are happening in and the things that are happening in and the things that are happening in life. But the good news is we rejoice in life. But the good news is we rejoice in life. But the good news is we rejoice in that. That's where the joy comes from. that. That's where the joy comes from. that. That's where the joy comes from. We've got to be reminded of Christ, who We've got to be reminded of Christ, who We've got to be reminded of Christ, who he is, what what he did for us in our he is, what what he did for us in our he is, what what he did for us in our life, because this whole world just life, because this whole world just life, because this whole world just wants to draw that joy out of you. wants to draw that joy out of you. wants to draw that joy out of you. That's why he says, "Hey," he says, That's why he says, "Hey," he says, That's why he says, "Hey," he says, "Guys, just rejoice in the Lord." And he "Guys, just rejoice in the Lord." And he "Guys, just rejoice in the Lord." And he says, "I write these things. It's it's says, "I write these things. It's it's says, "I write these things. It's it's not a trouble to me. Do you ever get not a trouble to me. Do you ever get not a trouble to me. Do you ever get tired of saying the same thing over and tired of saying the same thing over and tired of saying the same thing over and over again to someone? He said, "This is over again to someone? He said, "This is over again to someone? He said, "This is no trouble to me to write this to you. no trouble to me to write this to you. no trouble to me to write this to you. It is a safeguard to you." So, in fact, It is a safeguard to you." So, in fact, It is a safeguard to you." So, in fact, he's had conversations with him, it he's had conversations with him, it he's had conversations with him, it appears somewhat before in regard to appears somewhat before in regard to appears somewhat before in regard to some of the context here. He said it's some of the context here. He said it's some of the context here. He said it's the safeguard to then he says this. He the safeguard to then he says this. He the safeguard to then he says this. He says, "Beware of the dogs." Now, says, "Beware of the dogs." Now, says, "Beware of the dogs." Now, when you're you're looking at, you know, when you're you're looking at, you know, when you're you're looking at, you know, that knowing Christ above religion, that knowing Christ above religion, that knowing Christ above religion, you've got to be able to recognize that you've got to be able to recognize that you've got to be able to recognize that which is false. What is that false which is false. What is that false which is false. What is that false religion? So, beware of the dogs. Well, religion? So, beware of the dogs. Well, religion? So, beware of the dogs. Well, nobody wants to be called a dog. Nobody nobody wants to be called a dog. Nobody nobody wants to be called a dog. Nobody wants to be called an evil worker.

wants to be called an evil worker. wants to be called an evil worker. Nobody wants to be called a false Nobody wants to be called a false Nobody wants to be called a false circumcision. I mean, that that's not circumcision. I mean, that that's not circumcision. I mean, that that's not really nice. And fact, I I remember when really nice. And fact, I I remember when really nice. And fact, I I remember when I I first got a few cows and Mr. Gary I I first got a few cows and Mr. Gary I I first got a few cows and Mr. Gary Moss has gone to be with the Lord. But I Moss has gone to be with the Lord. But I Moss has gone to be with the Lord. But I asked him one time, he's old cow guy. I asked him one time, he's old cow guy. I asked him one time, he's old cow guy. I said, "Hey, Mr. Gary," I said, "Are you said, "Hey, Mr. Gary," I said, "Are you said, "Hey, Mr. Gary," I said, "Are you worried about coyotes worried about coyotes worried about coyotes getting your calves?" Because we have a getting your calves?" Because we have a getting your calves?" Because we have a lot of coyotes on the ridge and around. lot of coyotes on the ridge and around. lot of coyotes on the ridge and around. And he said, "No, not really." I said, And he said, "No, not really." I said, And he said, "No, not really." I said, "Well, I've always heard that coyotes "Well, I've always heard that coyotes "Well, I've always heard that coyotes will hurt calves." He says, "I'm more will hurt calves." He says, "I'm more will hurt calves." He says, "I'm more concerned about a pack of wild dogs concerned about a pack of wild dogs concerned about a pack of wild dogs getting a calf than I am about coyotes." getting a calf than I am about coyotes." getting a calf than I am about coyotes." And I said, "Wow dog?" I said, "What do And I said, "Wow dog?" I said, "What do And I said, "Wow dog?" I said, "What do you mean wild dogs?" He said, "Wow dog?" you mean wild dogs?" He said, "Wow dog?" you mean wild dogs?" He said, "Wow dog?" I said like domesticated. He said, I said like domesticated. He said, I said like domesticated. He said, "Well, they're not domesticated anymore. "Well, they're not domesticated anymore. "Well, they're not domesticated anymore. They run in a pack." And he said, "They They run in a pack." And he said, "They They run in a pack." And he said, "They will tear, you know, something they find will tear, you know, something they find will tear, you know, something they find apart." I know that's kind of grotesque. apart." I know that's kind of grotesque. apart." I know that's kind of grotesque. Well, that's what he meant here. When he Well, that's what he meant here. When he Well, that's what he meant here. When he said wild dogs, everybody knew there said wild dogs, everybody knew there said wild dogs, everybody knew there were packs of wild dogs in the city that were packs of wild dogs in the city that were packs of wild dogs in the city that ran rampant and they were very vicious. ran rampant and they were very vicious. ran rampant and they were very vicious. Those are the kind of dogs you didn't Those are the kind of dogs you didn't Those are the kind of dogs you didn't want your toddler around. You didn't want your toddler around. You didn't want your toddler around. You didn't want a uh, you know, a young child want a uh, you know, a young child want a uh, you know, a young child around and they roamed around at night around and they roamed around at night around and they roamed around at night and they did that. They were known to be and they did that. They were known to be and they did that. They were known to be that way. Well, that's his reference to that way. Well, that's his reference to that way. Well, that's his reference to that. That's a pack of dogs that tear that. That's a pack of dogs that tear that. That's a pack of dogs that tear things apart and they hurt. Well, what's things apart and they hurt. Well, what's things apart and they hurt. Well, what's he talking about in false religion? A he talking about in false religion? A he talking about in false religion? A cult, a definition of that is any cult, a definition of that is any cult, a definition of that is any organization that distorts organization that distorts organization that distorts Christian uh biblical doctrine of the Christian uh biblical doctrine of the Christian uh biblical doctrine of the deity of Christ. So, it's the idea when deity of Christ. So, it's the idea when deity of Christ. So, it's the idea when he says dog would be any type of he says dog would be any type of he says dog would be any type of organization that adds to or takes away

organization that adds to or takes away organization that adds to or takes away from a deity of Christ. Any organization from a deity of Christ. Any organization from a deity of Christ. Any organization that says, "Well, it's Jesus plus that says, "Well, it's Jesus plus that says, "Well, it's Jesus plus something." Or any organization says, something." Or any organization says, something." Or any organization says, "Well, Jesus was not really the son of "Well, Jesus was not really the son of "Well, Jesus was not really the son of God. He was a once an angel." Or any God. He was a once an angel." Or any God. He was a once an angel." Or any organization says, "Well, Jesus was organization says, "Well, Jesus was organization says, "Well, Jesus was really physically born of a physical really physically born of a physical really physically born of a physical woman and a physical man." That is the woman and a physical man." That is the woman and a physical man." That is the idea. That is some very strong language. idea. That is some very strong language. idea. That is some very strong language. I don't want to be called a dog. So, he I don't want to be called a dog. So, he I don't want to be called a dog. So, he says, "Beware." And and you know this says, "Beware." And and you know this says, "Beware." And and you know this how do we when you know you ever go into how do we when you know you ever go into how do we when you know you ever go into a place and maybe you got a $50 bill or a place and maybe you got a $50 bill or a place and maybe you got a $50 bill or maybe you're lucky and got a $100 bill maybe you're lucky and got a $100 bill maybe you're lucky and got a $100 bill and cash and you hand it to them they and cash and you hand it to them they and cash and you hand it to them they kind of look at it. There's always a kind of look at it. There's always a kind of look at it. There's always a thought goes through my mind. I hope thought goes through my mind. I hope thought goes through my mind. I hope that thing's real. You ever do that? You that thing's real. You ever do that? You that thing's real. You ever do that? You know they got a little marker they run know they got a little marker they run know they got a little marker they run across it. Well you all know this. It's across it. Well you all know this. It's across it. Well you all know this. It's an old illustration and as far as I know an old illustration and as far as I know an old illustration and as far as I know it's true because you hear it every I it's true because you hear it every I it's true because you hear it every I guess it's true. But you know how do guess it's true. But you know how do guess it's true. But you know how do people spot a counterfeit is by knowing people spot a counterfeit is by knowing people spot a counterfeit is by knowing the original. That's what I've always the original. That's what I've always the original. That's what I've always learned in that. So, you've got to know, learned in that. So, you've got to know, learned in that. So, you've got to know, you got to know the Lord Jesus Christ.

you got to know the Lord Jesus Christ. you got to know the Lord Jesus Christ. And not just, not just here, but it's And not just, not just here, but it's And not just, not just here, but it's here. Uh, in that relationship, beware here. Uh, in that relationship, beware here. Uh, in that relationship, beware of the evil workers. That's the idea of of the evil workers. That's the idea of of the evil workers. That's the idea of anyone who's morally evil. And that or anyone who's morally evil. And that or anyone who's morally evil. And that or the idea of evil, get this, that they the idea of evil, get this, that they the idea of evil, get this, that they are denying salvation through grace, are denying salvation through grace, are denying salvation through grace, that they are thinking that they can that they are thinking that they can that they are thinking that they can earn it by their own merit. That's kind earn it by their own merit. That's kind earn it by their own merit. That's kind of wild. You say, "Well, if I think that of wild. You say, "Well, if I think that of wild. You say, "Well, if I think that I'm good enough and I can get into I'm good enough and I can get into I'm good enough and I can get into heaven, that basically the biblical heaven, that basically the biblical heaven, that basically the biblical language calls me an evil worker." Yes. language calls me an evil worker." Yes. language calls me an evil worker." Yes. Because you're denying what Christ did Because you're denying what Christ did Because you're denying what Christ did on the cross and you're denying by grace on the cross and you're denying by grace on the cross and you're denying by grace and you're denying that we're justified and you're denying that we're justified and you're denying that we're justified by faith. You're adding to it. You're by faith. You're adding to it. You're by faith. You're adding to it. You're considered to be an evil worker. See considered to be an evil worker. See considered to be an evil worker. See that it starts ringing more true now that it starts ringing more true now that it starts ringing more true now when you get to that passage where he when you get to that passage where he when you get to that passage where he said, "Depart from me. I I never knew said, "Depart from me. I I never knew said, "Depart from me. I I never knew you." I mean, you you get this idea you." I mean, you you get this idea you." I mean, you you get this idea that, but then also he says a false that, but then also he says a false that, but then also he says a false circumcision. We know that he's talking circumcision. We know that he's talking circumcision. We know that he's talking about the Jewish people in a way those about the Jewish people in a way those about the Jewish people in a way those who are saying that it's by circumcision who are saying that it's by circumcision who are saying that it's by circumcision is how you have that relationship with is how you have that relationship with is how you have that relationship with God. Physical circumcision when in fact God. Physical circumcision when in fact God. Physical circumcision when in fact New Testament it's a circumcision of the New Testament it's a circumcision of the New Testament it's a circumcision of the heart. It's that relationship with the heart. It's that relationship with the heart. It's that relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. So Paul he points out Lord Jesus Christ. So Paul he points out Lord Jesus Christ. So Paul he points out he says you got to you got to recognize he says you got to you got to recognize he says you got to you got to recognize that which is false. You've got to do that which is false. You've got to do that which is false. You've got to do that. And Paul says beware three times.

that. And Paul says beware three times. that. And Paul says beware three times. And so that's a word for us today. There And so that's a word for us today. There And so that's a word for us today. There are all types of people or charismatic are all types of people or charismatic are all types of people or charismatic leaders and and and it's good. It is leaders and and and it's good. It is leaders and and and it's good. It is good to be a preacher that can good to be a preacher that can good to be a preacher that can communicate. Well, now I don't do this. communicate. Well, now I don't do this. communicate. Well, now I don't do this. So, don't hold it against me, but I So, don't hold it against me, but I So, don't hold it against me, but I don't do this. A lot of preachers, don't do this. A lot of preachers, don't do this. A lot of preachers, communicator, they will study how to be communicator, they will study how to be communicator, they will study how to be a better communicator. That is a good a better communicator. That is a good a better communicator. That is a good thing to use better grammar to not say thing to use better grammar to not say thing to use better grammar to not say uh a lot like sometimes I do or to get uh a lot like sometimes I do or to get uh a lot like sometimes I do or to get hung on a word for two years that I say hung on a word for two years that I say hung on a word for two years that I say all the time. A lot of times it's hard all the time. A lot of times it's hard all the time. A lot of times it's hard to think out in front of what you're to think out in front of what you're to think out in front of what you're actually saying. actually saying. actually saying. So it's good to to be a better So it's good to to be a better So it's good to to be a better communicator, but you can get so communicator, but you can get so communicator, but you can get so polished and it's all for the point of polished and it's all for the point of polished and it's all for the point of convincing people of something that's convincing people of something that's convincing people of something that's not biblical. So, it's don't get hung up not biblical. So, it's don't get hung up not biblical. So, it's don't get hung up in the individual or their style or in the individual or their style or in the individual or their style or their method of communication. You their method of communication. You their method of communication. You better be hung up on what they're saying better be hung up on what they're saying better be hung up on what they're saying because they can be a false charismatic because they can be a false charismatic because they can be a false charismatic leader who is only about themselves.

leader who is only about themselves. leader who is only about themselves. They can be an evil worker. They can be They can be an evil worker. They can be They can be an evil worker. They can be a dog to be referred to kind of a a dog to be referred to kind of a a dog to be referred to kind of a derogatory term. Well, how do you derogatory term. Well, how do you derogatory term. Well, how do you recognize false teachers? Couple things. recognize false teachers? Couple things. recognize false teachers? Couple things. They always add something to Christ. They always add something to Christ. They always add something to Christ. They depend on human effort instead of They depend on human effort instead of They depend on human effort instead of God's grace. God's grace. God's grace. They always want to minimize the person They always want to minimize the person They always want to minimize the person and the work of Christ. They trust and the work of Christ. They trust and the work of Christ. They trust scripture. The only way you're going to scripture. The only way you're going to scripture. The only way you're going to know that is you're going to have to know that is you're going to have to know that is you're going to have to know the word of God. And the only way know the word of God. And the only way know the word of God. And the only way you're going to know that too is not you're going to know that too is not you're going to know that too is not only in personal study of the word of only in personal study of the word of only in personal study of the word of God, but is to be in a bibleelving, God, but is to be in a bibleelving, God, but is to be in a bibleelving, bible teaching church that doesn't just bible teaching church that doesn't just bible teaching church that doesn't just skip over the hard passages that are skip over the hard passages that are skip over the hard passages that are found in scripture. So you've got found in scripture. So you've got found in scripture. So you've got personal, you got corporate, and then personal, you got corporate, and then personal, you got corporate, and then another way also is be in that group. another way also is be in that group. another way also is be in that group. Whether if it's a what we call life Whether if it's a what we call life Whether if it's a what we call life group where you do life together. Do you group where you do life together. Do you group where you do life together. Do you know that life groups are the smaller know that life groups are the smaller know that life groups are the smaller church in the big church, there's also church in the big church, there's also church in the big church, there's also D-group. It's a study of God's word. D-group. It's a study of God's word. D-group. It's a study of God's word. That's how you're able to know and That's how you're able to know and That's how you're able to know and recognize those false workers. But also recognize those false workers. But also recognize those false workers. But also too, here's what else he says. Not only too, here's what else he says. Not only too, here's what else he says. Not only recognize that which is false, but we're recognize that which is false, but we're recognize that which is false, but we're to rejoice in Christ, as we've already to rejoice in Christ, as we've already to rejoice in Christ, as we've already talked about. He says, "For we are the talked about. He says, "For we are the talked about. He says, "For we are the true circumcision. We worship in the true circumcision. We worship in the true circumcision. We worship in the spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus.

spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus. spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus. The worship of the Lord Jesus Christ The worship of the Lord Jesus Christ The worship of the Lord Jesus Christ is our ultimate purpose. It is to give is our ultimate purpose. It is to give is our ultimate purpose. It is to give him glory. Do you know that worship of him glory. Do you know that worship of him glory. Do you know that worship of him, regardless of what's been taking him, regardless of what's been taking him, regardless of what's been taking place this past week or regardless of place this past week or regardless of place this past week or regardless of what you got coming this afternoon or what you got coming this afternoon or what you got coming this afternoon or regardless of what's going to happen regardless of what's going to happen regardless of what's going to happen this week, it's the worship of him this week, it's the worship of him this week, it's the worship of him again, that worship, that glorifying again, that worship, that glorifying again, that worship, that glorifying him, that exalting him, that lifting up him, that exalting him, that lifting up him, that exalting him, that lifting up the name of Jesus. I pray that you never the name of Jesus. I pray that you never the name of Jesus. I pray that you never become tired of hearing the name of become tired of hearing the name of become tired of hearing the name of Jesus. I pray that you never become Jesus. I pray that you never become Jesus. I pray that you never become tired of hearing the gospel of the Lord tired of hearing the gospel of the Lord tired of hearing the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that you never Jesus Christ. I pray that you never Jesus Christ. I pray that you never become tired here at Central of hearing become tired here at Central of hearing become tired here at Central of hearing of the death, the burial, the of the death, the burial, the of the death, the burial, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. I resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. I resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that you never become tired of pray that you never become tired of pray that you never become tired of hearing me say Jesus Christ went to the hearing me say Jesus Christ went to the hearing me say Jesus Christ went to the cross for you and me 2,000 years ago, cross for you and me 2,000 years ago, cross for you and me 2,000 years ago, shed his blood so that we could have shed his blood so that we could have shed his blood so that we could have forgiveness of sin, and came out of the forgiveness of sin, and came out of the forgiveness of sin, and came out of the grave on the third day. And we'll talk grave on the third day. And we'll talk grave on the third day. And we'll talk about in a moment. And we can have and about in a moment. And we can have and about in a moment. And we can have and do have that power of the resurrection do have that power of the resurrection do have that power of the resurrection that lives within us. I pray you never that lives within us. I pray you never that lives within us. I pray you never go tired of it because if you're tired, go tired of it because if you're tired, go tired of it because if you're tired, I'm going to say it every Sunday till I I'm going to say it every Sunday till I I'm going to say it every Sunday till I go be with him. You need to understand go be with him. You need to understand go be with him. You need to understand that. That is the gospel message. And if that. That is the gospel message. And if that. That is the gospel message. And if you're tired of hearing those things, you're tired of hearing those things, you're tired of hearing those things, they may encourage you in a very they may encourage you in a very they may encourage you in a very polished tone. Something is wrong with polished tone. Something is wrong with polished tone. Something is wrong with you.

you. you. Really is. You say it's your repent. No, Really is. You say it's your repent. No, Really is. You say it's your repent. No, something's wrong with you. We never something's wrong with you. We never something's wrong with you. We never grow tired of the story. He says grow tired of the story. He says grow tired of the story. He says rejoice. He said we're that two rejoice. He said we're that two rejoice. He said we're that two circumstances. We worship in the Lord. circumstances. We worship in the Lord. circumstances. We worship in the Lord. And that worship only comes from the And that worship only comes from the And that worship only comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God. indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God. indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God. If you're not engaging in the worship of If you're not engaging in the worship of If you're not engaging in the worship of Christ, the question should be why. Christ, the question should be why. Christ, the question should be why. Is it because you say, "Well, I'm a Is it because you say, "Well, I'm a Is it because you say, "Well, I'm a believer in Christ." Amen. Well, is believer in Christ." Amen. Well, is believer in Christ." Amen. Well, is there been something that's hurt your there been something that's hurt your there been something that's hurt your relationship with him? Is there relationship with him? Is there relationship with him? Is there something maybe sin that's in our life? something maybe sin that's in our life? something maybe sin that's in our life? Is there things there that keep us from Is there things there that keep us from Is there things there that keep us from actually lifting up the name of the Lord actually lifting up the name of the Lord actually lifting up the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? It encourage us together Jesus Christ? It encourage us together Jesus Christ? It encourage us together as believers when we come together and as believers when we come together and as believers when we come together and worship him. He says we're the true worship him. He says we're the true worship him. He says we're the true circumcision. It's a circumcision of the circumcision. It's a circumcision of the circumcision. It's a circumcision of the heart, the spirit of God dwelling within heart, the spirit of God dwelling within heart, the spirit of God dwelling within us. And we put no confidence in the us. And we put no confidence in the us. And we put no confidence in the flesh. flesh. flesh. You see, we're to know him in that way. You see, we're to know him in that way. You see, we're to know him in that way. But then also too, we're to know Christ But then also too, we're to know Christ But then also too, we're to know Christ above our resume. Now, you've heard my above our resume. Now, you've heard my above our resume. Now, you've heard my testimony. I've shared this before. I testimony. I've shared this before. I testimony. I've shared this before. I grew up in a great church, a good grew up in a great church, a good grew up in a great church, a good Baptist church. We had preachers who Baptist church. We had preachers who Baptist church. We had preachers who came out of Mid America Baptist came out of Mid America Baptist came out of Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary, which is where I Theological Seminary, which is where I Theological Seminary, which is where I got my masters at over in Memphis. And got my masters at over in Memphis. And got my masters at over in Memphis. And Dr. Grey Allison was a president at the Dr. Grey Allison was a president at the Dr. Grey Allison was a president at the time, and I didn't know anything about time, and I didn't know anything about time, and I didn't know anything about seminary. But as I attended, then I seminary. But as I attended, then I seminary. But as I attended, then I realized we had some great preachers who realized we had some great preachers who realized we had some great preachers who came out of that seminary, conservative came out of that seminary, conservative came out of that seminary, conservative uh Baptist Seminary, and they preached uh Baptist Seminary, and they preached uh Baptist Seminary, and they preached the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. But the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. But the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. But somehow, not their fault, somehow I got

somehow, not their fault, somehow I got somehow, not their fault, somehow I got hung up. And I'll talk about in just a hung up. And I'll talk about in just a hung up. And I'll talk about in just a moment, too, that I thought I could just moment, too, that I thought I could just moment, too, that I thought I could just earn it, that I could be good enough earn it, that I could be good enough earn it, that I could be good enough because even as a kid, you kind of get because even as a kid, you kind of get because even as a kid, you kind of get trained that way. Uh if you do good trained that way. Uh if you do good trained that way. Uh if you do good things, you get a reward. And so, I'd things, you get a reward. And so, I'd things, you get a reward. And so, I'd kind of got that stuck in my head uh in kind of got that stuck in my head uh in kind of got that stuck in my head uh in such a way. And so what Paul says, he such a way. And so what Paul says, he such a way. And so what Paul says, he says basically real quick, he says, "If says basically real quick, he says, "If says basically real quick, he says, "If you think that you can earn salvation, you think that you can earn salvation, you think that you can earn salvation, he said,"I far more can do that." So he he said,"I far more can do that." So he he said,"I far more can do that." So he gives this whole list uh of his resume. gives this whole list uh of his resume. gives this whole list uh of his resume. He says, "You know, although I might He says, "You know, although I might He says, "You know, although I might have confidence in the flesh, if anyone have confidence in the flesh, if anyone have confidence in the flesh, if anyone else," he said, "I far more." He says, else," he said, "I far more." He says, else," he said, "I far more." He says, "Circumcise, I just a few things real "Circumcise, I just a few things real "Circumcise, I just a few things real quick." I mean, he had the heritage. He quick." I mean, he had the heritage. He quick." I mean, he had the heritage. He had the uh the as a Pharisee, the had the uh the as a Pharisee, the had the uh the as a Pharisee, the religion, he had the passion. So he had religion, he had the passion. So he had religion, he had the passion. So he had the uh right birth. He had the right the uh right birth. He had the right the uh right birth. He had the right nation. He had the right tribe. He had nation. He had the right tribe. He had nation. He had the right tribe. He had the right ethnicity. He had what we the right ethnicity. He had what we the right ethnicity. He had what we would call the right religion of that would call the right religion of that would call the right religion of that time being a Pharisee. He had the right time being a Pharisee. He had the right time being a Pharisee. He had the right when I say right and it was in regard to when I say right and it was in regard to when I say right and it was in regard to how he was viewed at that time. He had how he was viewed at that time. He had how he was viewed at that time. He had the right righteousness because he said the right righteousness because he said the right righteousness because he said he was blameless. Now I want you to he was blameless. Now I want you to he was blameless. Now I want you to think about this for a righteousness by think about this for a righteousness by think about this for a righteousness by law. Okay? And there's no power in the law. Okay? And there's no power in the law. Okay? And there's no power in the law or in the flesh. The power is in the law or in the flesh. The power is in the law or in the flesh. The power is in the resurrection of Christ. So he had the resurrection of Christ. So he had the resurrection of Christ. So he had the right right. He said blameless. He said right right. He said blameless. He said right right. He said blameless. He said according to the law of blameless.

according to the law of blameless. according to the law of blameless. Uh don't answer this question but I'll Uh don't answer this question but I'll Uh don't answer this question but I'll use myself as example. Uh in this past week how many of us could in this past week how many of us could say that say that say that according to the law of God according to the law of God according to the law of God that we did not fail that we did not fail that we did not fail that we were blameless. I know what you that we were blameless. I know what you that we were blameless. I know what you think about it. Any bad thoughts, any think about it. Any bad thoughts, any think about it. Any bad thoughts, any anger, anger, anger, any critical spirit, any critical spirit, any critical spirit, any any any just just just somebody did something to you, you're somebody did something to you, you're somebody did something to you, you're like, I'm going to get you one day. It's like, I'm going to get you one day. It's like, I'm going to get you one day. It's going to come back around. So for Paul, going to come back around. So for Paul, going to come back around. So for Paul, I I say this, for Paul to say according I I say this, for Paul to say according I I say this, for Paul to say according to the law, blameless, he said, you to the law, blameless, he said, you to the law, blameless, he said, you cannot I mean, this is a picture of his cannot I mean, this is a picture of his cannot I mean, this is a picture of his passages, you really couldn't look back passages, you really couldn't look back passages, you really couldn't look back in the part of the Old Testament law and in the part of the Old Testament law and in the part of the Old Testament law and find anything to hold against me. Now, find anything to hold against me. Now, find anything to hold against me. Now, that's a pretty strong statement. I that's a pretty strong statement. I that's a pretty strong statement. I don't know if you or I could make a don't know if you or I could make a don't know if you or I could make a statement like that. Now, we know that statement like that. Now, we know that statement like that. Now, we know that we are made righteous by Christ. We are we are made righteous by Christ. We are we are made righteous by Christ. We are justified through faith. That justified through faith. That justified through faith. That righteousness is imputed to us. Father righteousness is imputed to us. Father righteousness is imputed to us. Father God looks down at us. He's a God looks down at us. He's a God looks down at us. He's a righteousness of his sinless son, the righteousness of his sinless son, the righteousness of his sinless son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We have put our faith Lord Jesus Christ. We have put our faith Lord Jesus Christ. We have put our faith in Christ. We have surrendered. We have in Christ. We have surrendered. We have in Christ. We have surrendered. We have believed. We have repented. And so, he believed. We have repented. And so, he believed. We have repented. And so, he does not hold our sins against us. As does not hold our sins against us. As does not hold our sins against us. As the Bible says, our sins are remembered the Bible says, our sins are remembered the Bible says, our sins are remembered no more uh in regard as far as the east no more uh in regard as far as the east no more uh in regard as far as the east is from the west. And for Paul to say is from the west. And for Paul to say is from the west. And for Paul to say according to the law, he said, I was according to the law, he said, I was according to the law, he said, I was blameless. So, you know, when we ask

blameless. So, you know, when we ask blameless. So, you know, when we ask ourselves that question, why ourselves that question, why ourselves that question, why why do many times we want to try to earn why do many times we want to try to earn why do many times we want to try to earn it? Because we are naturally inclined to it? Because we are naturally inclined to it? Because we are naturally inclined to trust ourselves instead of trusting trust ourselves instead of trusting trust ourselves instead of trusting Christ. I said this last week that our Christ. I said this last week that our Christ. I said this last week that our default is selfishness. Our default is default is selfishness. Our default is default is selfishness. Our default is out. We don't drift towards being out. We don't drift towards being out. We don't drift towards being selfless. We drift toward being selfish. selfless. We drift toward being selfish. selfless. We drift toward being selfish. Our default is selfishness. And so here Our default is selfishness. And so here Our default is selfishness. And so here also our default is to basically try to also our default is to basically try to also our default is to basically try to trust ourselves instead of Christ. We we trust ourselves instead of Christ. We we trust ourselves instead of Christ. We we naturally believe we can earn God's naturally believe we can earn God's naturally believe we can earn God's approval. This is what I mentioned approval. This is what I mentioned approval. This is what I mentioned earlier. Think about this. From earlier. Think about this. From earlier. Think about this. From childhood, childhood, childhood, we we learn that rewards come through we we learn that rewards come through we we learn that rewards come through performance. performance. performance. Now, we live in a day and age where I Now, we live in a day and age where I Now, we live in a day and age where I guess everybody gets a trophy. Well, it wasn't like that when I grew Well, it wasn't like that when I grew up. up. up. If you wasn't the best hitter on the If you wasn't the best hitter on the If you wasn't the best hitter on the team, you didn't get the hitting trophy. team, you didn't get the hitting trophy. team, you didn't get the hitting trophy. If you wasn't the best pitcher on the If you wasn't the best pitcher on the If you wasn't the best pitcher on the team, you didn't get the pitching team, you didn't get the pitching team, you didn't get the pitching trophy. If you I don't know. I don't trophy. If you I don't know. I don't trophy. If you I don't know. I don't know what I got. I didn't get much. I know what I got. I didn't get much. I know what I got. I didn't get much. I just wasn't that good. But I learned just wasn't that good. But I learned just wasn't that good. But I learned though, hey, to you know, I think I got though, hey, to you know, I think I got though, hey, to you know, I think I got most improved. Come on.

most improved. Come on. most improved. Come on. Very energetic. I tried, you know, I my Very energetic. I tried, you know, I my Very energetic. I tried, you know, I my daddy said, "Look, it it's not I don't daddy said, "Look, it it's not I don't daddy said, "Look, it it's not I don't care if you're not gonna be in good, care if you're not gonna be in good, care if you're not gonna be in good, just give it all you got, you know, in just give it all you got, you know, in just give it all you got, you know, in that." And so I I did that. So I think I that." And so I I did that. So I think I that." And so I I did that. So I think I probably got something like that, you probably got something like that, you probably got something like that, you know, but what what happens is we learn know, but what what happens is we learn know, but what what happens is we learn from childhood that it comes through from childhood that it comes through from childhood that it comes through performance. We, you know, we we learn performance. We, you know, we we learn performance. We, you know, we we learn that good grades get recognition. Don't that good grades get recognition. Don't that good grades get recognition. Don't answer the question, but have you ever answer the question, but have you ever answer the question, but have you ever bribed your children on grades? Y'all bribed your children on grades? Y'all bribed your children on grades? Y'all are looking at me like, "Can we do are looking at me like, "Can we do are looking at me like, "Can we do that?" I don't know. It's always like we that?" I don't know. It's always like we that?" I don't know. It's always like we know that uh hard work uh earns know that uh hard work uh earns know that uh hard work uh earns promotions. I I learned that even promotions. I I learned that even promotions. I I learned that even growing up on a farm. You work hard, you growing up on a farm. You work hard, you growing up on a farm. You work hard, you do well, uh you get to move up to do well, uh you get to move up to do well, uh you get to move up to driving the bigger tractor. driving the bigger tractor. driving the bigger tractor. It's just part of it, you know, it's It's just part of it, you know, it's It's just part of it, you know, it's ingrained in us. Good behavior earns uh ingrained in us. Good behavior earns uh ingrained in us. Good behavior earns uh privileges. I learned that if you get privileges. I learned that if you get privileges. I learned that if you get home on time at night and don't go past home on time at night and don't go past home on time at night and don't go past curfew, maybe you get to stay out later curfew, maybe you get to stay out later curfew, maybe you get to stay out later when you get older. Just that kind of when you get older. Just that kind of when you get older. Just that kind of stuff. Uh success earns applause. Now, stuff. Uh success earns applause. Now, stuff. Uh success earns applause. Now, those are not these are not bad things those are not these are not bad things those are not these are not bad things in this. They're not bad, but we get in this. They're not bad, but we get in this. They're not bad, but we get that ingrained in us. And so, we think that ingrained in us. And so, we think that ingrained in us. And so, we think that way and we think God works that that way and we think God works that that way and we think God works that way. And so, all of these other way. And so, all of these other way. And so, all of these other religions, basically what they say is religions, basically what they say is religions, basically what they say is that you can climb the ladder to God.

that you can climb the ladder to God. that you can climb the ladder to God. But what do we know through scripture? But what do we know through scripture? But what do we know through scripture? And what do we see and know this is that And what do we see and know this is that And what do we see and know this is that God climbed down the ladder to us. God climbed down the ladder to us. God climbed down the ladder to us. That's that's Christianity. That's that's Christianity. That's that's Christianity. And so it's ingrained in us. So it's a And so it's ingrained in us. So it's a And so it's ingrained in us. So it's a natural default for us to tend to think natural default for us to tend to think natural default for us to tend to think that we can earn it because we have that we can earn it because we have that we can earn it because we have grown up in that mentality and in that grown up in that mentality and in that grown up in that mentality and in that way. And so that I think probably that way. And so that I think probably that way. And so that I think probably that was some of you know I never wanted to was some of you know I never wanted to was some of you know I never wanted to disappoint my parents. And so I learned disappoint my parents. And so I learned disappoint my parents. And so I learned how to be good in their presence how to be good in their presence how to be good in their presence and bad when they were not around and bad when they were not around and bad when they were not around because I just thought, well, as long as because I just thought, well, as long as because I just thought, well, as long as I'm good, that's going to help. and and I'm good, that's going to help. and and I'm good, that's going to help. and and somehow that got ingrained in my head. somehow that got ingrained in my head. somehow that got ingrained in my head. It was just terribly wrong. You know, It was just terribly wrong. You know, It was just terribly wrong. You know, the greatest obstacle, this is not the greatest obstacle, this is not the greatest obstacle, this is not original to me. The greatest obstacle to original to me. The greatest obstacle to original to me. The greatest obstacle to salvation isn't always a sinful past. salvation isn't always a sinful past. salvation isn't always a sinful past. It can be a successful religious past. It can be a successful religious past. It can be a successful religious past. Can get there's nothing wrong with Can get there's nothing wrong with Can get there's nothing wrong with getting the gold stars. Any of you get getting the gold stars. Any of you get getting the gold stars. Any of you get gold stars for Sunday school attendance gold stars for Sunday school attendance gold stars for Sunday school attendance when you were a kid? Anybody? There's a when you were a kid? Anybody? There's a when you were a kid? Anybody? There's a few of us in here. We had gold stars and few of us in here. We had gold stars and few of us in here. We had gold stars and uh there's there's nothing wrong with uh there's there's nothing wrong with uh there's there's nothing wrong with that. You know, you're always looking that. You know, you're always looking that. You know, you're always looking like, "Hey." Hey, and then whenever he like, "Hey." Hey, and then whenever he like, "Hey." Hey, and then whenever he started missing, it's like, "Oh, it's no started missing, it's like, "Oh, it's no started missing, it's like, "Oh, it's no good anyway. I'm out." You know, good anyway. I'm out." You know, good anyway. I'm out." You know, whatever. But you could see on the wall.

whatever. But you could see on the wall. whatever. But you could see on the wall. We could have that. Not that's not wrong We could have that. Not that's not wrong We could have that. Not that's not wrong with that. So what Paul says, he says, with that. So what Paul says, he says, with that. So what Paul says, he says, "Well, whatever things were gained to me "Well, whatever things were gained to me "Well, whatever things were gained to me though, these things I've counted as though, these things I've counted as though, these things I've counted as loss for the sake of Christ." That's an loss for the sake of Christ." That's an loss for the sake of Christ." That's an accounting term. That's a business term. accounting term. That's a business term. accounting term. That's a business term. He says, "So if you think you had a He says, "So if you think you had a He says, "So if you think you had a pedigree, if you think you had the pedigree, if you think you had the pedigree, if you think you had the resume, I got one far better." He says, resume, I got one far better." He says, resume, I got one far better." He says, "But I've counted that as loss. I've "But I've counted that as loss. I've "But I've counted that as loss. I've counted I've counted that uh as counted I've counted that uh as counted I've counted that uh as rubbish." He said upon and he tells us rubbish." He said upon and he tells us rubbish." He said upon and he tells us this you know upon that surpassing value this you know upon that surpassing value this you know upon that surpassing value of knowing Christ. This is where we're of knowing Christ. This is where we're of knowing Christ. This is where we're to know Christ above everything. Okay. to know Christ above everything. Okay. to know Christ above everything. Okay. So to know him and that is that So to know him and that is that So to know him and that is that relationship that is sanctification uh relationship that is sanctification uh relationship that is sanctification uh in that that is growing in him and the in that that is growing in him and the in that that is growing in him and the and the understanding of who he is and and the understanding of who he is and and the understanding of who he is and the love for him. That's the greatest the love for him. That's the greatest the love for him. That's the greatest pursuit of the Christian life is in pursuit of the Christian life is in pursuit of the Christian life is in knowing Christ coming to the saving knowing Christ coming to the saving knowing Christ coming to the saving knowledge of Christ and growing uh in knowledge of Christ and growing uh in knowledge of Christ and growing uh in him. So he says this in uh verse uh 8. him. So he says this in uh verse uh 8. him. So he says this in uh verse uh 8. He says, "More than that, I can all He says, "More than that, I can all He says, "More than that, I can all things to be lost in the view of the things to be lost in the view of the things to be lost in the view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Now again, that knowing this my Lord." Now again, that knowing this my Lord." Now again, that knowing this is where it's come from. This is the is where it's come from. This is the is where it's come from. This is the experiential knowledge of a experiential knowledge of a experiential knowledge of a relationship. Angie and I have been relationship. Angie and I have been relationship. Angie and I have been married for many years, 38 years I married for many years, 38 years I married for many years, 38 years I believe. And when I married her, I knew believe. And when I married her, I knew believe. And when I married her, I knew her and knew her thoughts and to some her and knew her thoughts and to some her and knew her thoughts and to some degree, a limited degree uh about that degree, a limited degree uh about that degree, a limited degree uh about that God put us together in relationship uh God put us together in relationship uh God put us together in relationship uh uh brought us together, glued us uh brought us together, glued us uh brought us together, glued us together in such a way, but I know her together in such a way, but I know her together in such a way, but I know her better now than I knew her then. And as better now than I knew her then. And as better now than I knew her then. And as she eloquently stated yesterday, we're

she eloquently stated yesterday, we're she eloquently stated yesterday, we're in the short rows of life. We're on the in the short rows of life. We're on the in the short rows of life. We're on the downhill trend. We're on our way out. downhill trend. We're on our way out. downhill trend. We're on our way out. We're in the last quarter. We're in the last quarter. We're in the last quarter. Y'all don't think that's funny. It's Y'all don't think that's funny. It's Y'all don't think that's funny. It's funny to me. funny to me. funny to me. I can almost promise you I will know her I can almost promise you I will know her I can almost promise you I will know her more and better if the Lord allows us to more and better if the Lord allows us to more and better if the Lord allows us to live 10 years from now than I do now. live 10 years from now than I do now. live 10 years from now than I do now. That's just a partnown. That's that idea That's just a partnown. That's that idea That's just a partnown. That's that idea of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Not of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Not of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Not just that collection of facts or in you just that collection of facts or in you just that collection of facts or in you know intellectual information but it's know intellectual information but it's know intellectual information but it's that personal experience with him. It's that personal experience with him. It's that personal experience with him. It's growing uh in that relationship. Now he growing uh in that relationship. Now he growing uh in that relationship. Now he says this too. He says Christ Jesus my says this too. He says Christ Jesus my says this too. He says Christ Jesus my Lord that's a prophet priest king right Lord that's a prophet priest king right Lord that's a prophet priest king right there. The Messiah uh who came for us uh there. The Messiah uh who came for us uh there. The Messiah uh who came for us uh the uh Lord Jesus who is our priest uh the uh Lord Jesus who is our priest uh the uh Lord Jesus who is our priest uh Lord King of the universe. So don't have Lord King of the universe. So don't have Lord King of the universe. So don't have a lot of time to spend night there. But a lot of time to spend night there. But a lot of time to spend night there. But he's he's making a very theological he's he's making a very theological he's he's making a very theological statement. Prophet, priest, king. He statement. Prophet, priest, king. He statement. Prophet, priest, king. He says, "For whom I have suffered the loss says, "For whom I have suffered the loss says, "For whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them but rubbish of all things and count them but rubbish of all things and count them but rubbish that I might gain Christ and be found."

that I might gain Christ and be found." that I might gain Christ and be found." He says, "And all the efforts that he He says, "And all the efforts that he He says, "And all the efforts that he had and all the things uh that he did to had and all the things uh that he did to had and all the things uh that he did to obtain what he thought uh as salvation obtain what he thought uh as salvation obtain what he thought uh as salvation in his human achievement, he says, I in his human achievement, he says, I in his human achievement, he says, I count them as trash." it it's really count them as trash." it it's really count them as trash." it it's really another word that he uses and you can go another word that he uses and you can go another word that he uses and you can go and look it up and see exactly what it and look it up and see exactly what it and look it up and see exactly what it means but it's a very detestable type of means but it's a very detestable type of means but it's a very detestable type of a word. It's not like a bad word but a word. It's not like a bad word but a word. It's not like a bad word but it's a testable type of words with the it's a testable type of words with the it's a testable type of words with the meaning of that and and so with his meaning of that and and so with his meaning of that and and so with his credentials that so I I don't know how credentials that so I I don't know how credentials that so I I don't know how else to explain it if you uh so grades do not come easy for me. Maybe grades do not come easy for me. Maybe you're the type of individual that you you're the type of individual that you you're the type of individual that you can just ace the test. You can just you can just ace the test. You can just you can just ace the test. You can just you just got it. I am not like that. just got it. I am not like that. just got it. I am not like that. And so And so And so to take those degrees that the Lord to take those degrees that the Lord to take those degrees that the Lord allowed me to get that took years out of allowed me to get that took years out of allowed me to get that took years out of my life my life my life was a place of misery at times which did was a place of misery at times which did was a place of misery at times which did not come easy. You know, you look back not come easy. You know, you look back not come easy. You know, you look back at that and you think if I had to do at that and you think if I had to do at that and you think if I had to do that again, there's no way I could. It's that again, there's no way I could. It's that again, there's no way I could. It's by the grace of God. I get that. And so, by the grace of God. I get that. And so, by the grace of God. I get that. And so, I'm not boasting. I just want to tell I'm not boasting. I just want to tell I'm not boasting. I just want to tell you that took a lot of time and a lot of you that took a lot of time and a lot of you that took a lot of time and a lot of effort and a lot of pain and a lot of effort and a lot of pain and a lot of effort and a lot of pain and a lot of grief. And there's a whole lot of stuff grief. And there's a whole lot of stuff grief. And there's a whole lot of stuff went with that. And and and that is went with that. And and and that is went with that. And and and that is nothing compared to Paul. But to say and nothing compared to Paul. But to say and nothing compared to Paul. But to say and take that is of nothing, you know, when take that is of nothing, you know, when take that is of nothing, you know, when you look back at the years of going you look back at the years of going you look back at the years of going through all that stuff. For Paul to say, through all that stuff. For Paul to say, through all that stuff. For Paul to say, uh, Paul was the golden child coming up uh, Paul was the golden child coming up uh, Paul was the golden child coming up in rebbitical law. He was the man is who

in rebbitical law. He was the man is who in rebbitical law. He was the man is who he was. And for him, I'm trying to help he was. And for him, I'm trying to help he was. And for him, I'm trying to help you understand to make a statement that you understand to make a statement that you understand to make a statement that all that is but as rubbish compared to all that is but as rubbish compared to all that is but as rubbish compared to knowing Christ is a big deal. For him to knowing Christ is a big deal. For him to knowing Christ is a big deal. For him to be able to say that and for those Jewish be able to say that and for those Jewish be able to say that and for those Jewish readers, now I know he's writing the readers, now I know he's writing the readers, now I know he's writing the Gentiles. Those Jewish readers to read Gentiles. Those Jewish readers to read Gentiles. Those Jewish readers to read that and understand who Paul was, that's that and understand who Paul was, that's that and understand who Paul was, that's like unbelievable that he would say like unbelievable that he would say like unbelievable that he would say that. And he says, "Not having a that. And he says, "Not having a that. And he says, "Not having a righteousness from my own, but derived righteousness from my own, but derived righteousness from my own, but derived uh that has been derived from the law." uh that has been derived from the law." uh that has been derived from the law." Old Testament righteousness. The Bible Old Testament righteousness. The Bible Old Testament righteousness. The Bible tells us in the book of Isaiah chapter tells us in the book of Isaiah chapter tells us in the book of Isaiah chapter 64 is but filthy rags. And that is 64 is but filthy rags. And that is 64 is but filthy rags. And that is another detestable word. If you look another detestable word. If you look another detestable word. If you look that up, he says all the righteousness that up, he says all the righteousness that up, he says all the righteousness but is filthy rags compared to Christ. but is filthy rags compared to Christ. but is filthy rags compared to Christ. And so what happens again just reiterate And so what happens again just reiterate And so what happens again just reiterate when we come to the saving knowledge of when we come to the saving knowledge of when we come to the saving knowledge of Christ, the righteousness of the Lord Christ, the righteousness of the Lord Christ, the righteousness of the Lord Jesus is imputed to us, wrapped around Jesus is imputed to us, wrapped around Jesus is imputed to us, wrapped around us just like this jacket that I have on. us just like this jacket that I have on. us just like this jacket that I have on. We are covered in a righteous Christ. We are covered in a righteous Christ. We are covered in a righteous Christ. And the father God looks at us and sees And the father God looks at us and sees And the father God looks at us and sees us as righteous and and sees us as sins. us as righteous and and sees us as sins. us as righteous and and sees us as sins. That's when we say sins of past, That's when we say sins of past, That's when we say sins of past, present, and future being forgiven. It's present, and future being forgiven. It's present, and future being forgiven. It's because of the person of the Lord Jesus because of the person of the Lord Jesus because of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so Paul and he finishes up.

Christ. And so Paul and he finishes up. Christ. And so Paul and he finishes up. He says this very He says this very He says this very thick, if I can say that word passage of thick, if I can say that word passage of thick, if I can say that word passage of scripture, he says, "Not having scripture, he says, "Not having scripture, he says, "Not having righteousness of my own, but the righteousness of my own, but the righteousness of my own, but the righteousness comes from God based of righteousness comes from God based of righteousness comes from God based of face faith that I may know him and the face faith that I may know him and the face faith that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, the power of his resurrection, the power of his resurrection, the fellowship of his sufferings conformed fellowship of his sufferings conformed fellowship of his sufferings conformed to his death." to his death." to his death." So what Christ gives us, he gives us So what Christ gives us, he gives us So what Christ gives us, he gives us resurrection power. Now you may ask a resurrection power. Now you may ask a resurrection power. Now you may ask a question, what in the world is that? question, what in the world is that? question, what in the world is that? This resurrection power is not just a This resurrection power is not just a This resurrection power is not just a historical event to be believed, but it historical event to be believed, but it historical event to be believed, but it is a present power to be experienced. is a present power to be experienced. is a present power to be experienced. Now sometimes you read about power, you Now sometimes you read about power, you Now sometimes you read about power, you think, oh, I'm going to go out here and think, oh, I'm going to go out here and think, oh, I'm going to go out here and do this miracle and I'm going to do this do this miracle and I'm going to do this do this miracle and I'm going to do this and I'm going to raise somebody from the and I'm going to raise somebody from the and I'm going to raise somebody from the dead. That that's not the idea here. dead. That that's not the idea here. dead. That that's not the idea here. What is this resurrection power? It's a What is this resurrection power? It's a What is this resurrection power? It's a resurrection power which gives us new resurrection power which gives us new resurrection power which gives us new life. You see on the resurrection power life. You see on the resurrection power life. You see on the resurrection power it's the idea here that we were a dead it's the idea here that we were a dead it's the idea here that we were a dead person cannot revive themsself but we person cannot revive themsself but we person cannot revive themsself but we were spiritually dead and through the were spiritually dead and through the were spiritually dead and through the power of the resurrection of the Lord power of the resurrection of the Lord power of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ we have been revived. We Jesus Christ we have been revived. We Jesus Christ we have been revived. We have been brought to life that's the have been brought to life that's the have been brought to life that's the idea of that it's a resurrection power idea of that it's a resurrection power idea of that it's a resurrection power gives new life. The same God who raised gives new life. The same God who raised gives new life. The same God who raised Jesus physically raises us spiritually.

Jesus physically raises us spiritually. Jesus physically raises us spiritually. But then also resurrection power gives But then also resurrection power gives But then also resurrection power gives us victory over sin. The resurrection us victory over sin. The resurrection us victory over sin. The resurrection power broke the power of sin. Before power broke the power of sin. Before power broke the power of sin. Before Christ, we are enslaved to sin. Sin is Christ, we are enslaved to sin. Sin is Christ, we are enslaved to sin. Sin is our master. Sin is, you know, I I've our master. Sin is, you know, I I've our master. Sin is, you know, I I've shared that story many times. I would be shared that story many times. I would be shared that story many times. I would be in my stuff at night. Oh Lord, forgive in my stuff at night. Oh Lord, forgive in my stuff at night. Oh Lord, forgive me. Forgive me. And the next day I'd get me. Forgive me. And the next day I'd get me. Forgive me. And the next day I'd get up and do it all over again. That's the up and do it all over again. That's the up and do it all over again. That's the power of sin in our life. But the power of sin in our life. But the power of sin in our life. But the resurrection power breaks that. Gives us resurrection power breaks that. Gives us resurrection power breaks that. Gives us victory. Resurrection power gives us victory. Resurrection power gives us victory. Resurrection power gives us strength for daily living. That's every strength for daily living. That's every strength for daily living. That's every day to obey, to endure, to forgive. Do day to obey, to endure, to forgive. Do day to obey, to endure, to forgive. Do you have someone you need to forgive? you have someone you need to forgive? you have someone you need to forgive? Someone who's hurt you? Are you holding Someone who's hurt you? Are you holding Someone who's hurt you? Are you holding something against him? In your own something against him? In your own something against him? In your own flesh, you cannot forgive. But through flesh, you cannot forgive. But through flesh, you cannot forgive. But through the power of the resurrection, the power of the resurrection, the power of the resurrection, you have the ability through the spirit you have the ability through the spirit you have the ability through the spirit of God to forgive. That does not mean to of God to forgive. That does not mean to of God to forgive. That does not mean to forget, but you have that ability to forget, but you have that ability to forget, but you have that ability to forgive. You know the ability to love, forgive. You know the ability to love, forgive. You know the ability to love, serve and to persevere. This is done serve and to persevere. This is done serve and to persevere. This is done through the resurrection power. So he through the resurrection power. So he through the resurrection power. So he gives us resurrection power.

gives us resurrection power. gives us resurrection power. Resurrection power sustains us through Resurrection power sustains us through Resurrection power sustains us through suffering. When our strength runs out, suffering. When our strength runs out, suffering. When our strength runs out, God's strength becomes evident. God's strength becomes evident. God's strength becomes evident. The resurrection power is often The resurrection power is often The resurrection power is often experienced most clearly in our weakest experienced most clearly in our weakest experienced most clearly in our weakest moments. Now think about that. You think moments. Now think about that. You think moments. Now think about that. You think about the struggling. That's when he about the struggling. That's when he about the struggling. That's when he says the sufferings are taking place. says the sufferings are taking place. says the sufferings are taking place. But also, and here's the clincher, the But also, and here's the clincher, the But also, and here's the clincher, the resurrection power gets us confidence resurrection power gets us confidence resurrection power gets us confidence over death. This where Christ gives us over death. This where Christ gives us over death. This where Christ gives us eternal hope, gives us confidence over eternal hope, gives us confidence over eternal hope, gives us confidence over death. The resurrection guarantees our death. The resurrection guarantees our death. The resurrection guarantees our resurrection, resurrection, resurrection, guarantees this. So basically, guarantees this. So basically, guarantees this. So basically, resurrection power, saves us from sin, resurrection power, saves us from sin, resurrection power, saves us from sin, strengthens us for obedience, sustains strengthens us for obedience, sustains strengthens us for obedience, sustains us through suffering, and secures us for us through suffering, and secures us for us through suffering, and secures us for eternity. It's not just proof that Jesus eternity. It's not just proof that Jesus eternity. It's not just proof that Jesus rose from the dead. It is the promise rose from the dead. It is the promise rose from the dead. It is the promise that his life is now at work in us. that his life is now at work in us. that his life is now at work in us. That's a quick That's a quick That's a quick maybe maybe maybe not as deep as you want to go about the not as deep as you want to go about the not as deep as you want to go about the resurrection power. Now, here's the resurrection power. Now, here's the resurrection power. Now, here's the whole point of everything we just said.

whole point of everything we just said. whole point of everything we just said. Do you just know him here? I have no Do you just know him here? I have no Do you just know him here? I have no doubt that you know the facts about doubt that you know the facts about doubt that you know the facts about Jesus. If you don't know the facts about Jesus. If you don't know the facts about Jesus. If you don't know the facts about Christ, you've been coming here at Christ, you've been coming here at Christ, you've been coming here at Central, then you're not paying Central, then you're not paying Central, then you're not paying attention whatsoever. I have no doubt attention whatsoever. I have no doubt attention whatsoever. I have no doubt that you believe the facts. The question that you believe the facts. The question that you believe the facts. The question is, is it moved from here to here? is, is it moved from here to here? is, is it moved from here to here? Has it moved from here to here? Is it Has it moved from here to here? Is it Has it moved from here to here? Is it moved from just knowing facts and moved from just knowing facts and moved from just knowing facts and saying, "Yes, I agree with those facts." saying, "Yes, I agree with those facts." saying, "Yes, I agree with those facts." Or is it moved to that place of a Or is it moved to that place of a Or is it moved to that place of a relationship with him? I'm going say relationship with him? I'm going say relationship with him? I'm going say that one more time. Paul knew more about that one more time. Paul knew more about that one more time. Paul knew more about God based off the Old Testament than any God based off the Old Testament than any God based off the Old Testament than any person I believe probably at that time. person I believe probably at that time. person I believe probably at that time. I know I hold him in high regards I know I hold him in high regards I know I hold him in high regards because I believe we see this in what I because I believe we see this in what I because I believe we see this in what I call his resume. But after the road to call his resume. But after the road to call his resume. But after the road to Damascus experience with Christ, who are Damascus experience with Christ, who are Damascus experience with Christ, who are you, Lord? He said, I'm Jesus whom you're He said, I'm Jesus whom you're persecuting. Then everything changed. persecuting. Then everything changed. persecuting. Then everything changed. The relationship The relationship The relationship maybe, and this is not to cause anyone maybe, and this is not to cause anyone maybe, and this is not to cause anyone to doubt, okay? The Holy Spirit is very to doubt, okay? The Holy Spirit is very to doubt, okay? The Holy Spirit is very clear. The enemy always brings clear. The enemy always brings clear. The enemy always brings confusion, but the Bible tells us to confusion, but the Bible tells us to confusion, but the Bible tells us to evaluate ourselves to see if we are of evaluate ourselves to see if we are of evaluate ourselves to see if we are of the faith. Could it be today that the faith. Could it be today that the faith. Could it be today that there's someone here that you know the there's someone here that you know the there's someone here that you know the facts but you don't have that facts but you don't have that facts but you don't have that relationship with it? Well, today's that relationship with it? Well, today's that relationship with it? Well, today's that day of salvation. Now, I don't believe I day of salvation. Now, I don't believe I day of salvation. Now, I don't believe I had to be very lengthy in this and I had to be very lengthy in this and I had to be very lengthy in this and I don't have to go back over this because don't have to go back over this because don't have to go back over this because I believe the Holy Spirit has already I believe the Holy Spirit has already I believe the Holy Spirit has already pierced your heart and you know that. I pierced your heart and you know that. I pierced your heart and you know that. I really believe that. I believe we've really believe that. I believe we've really believe that. I believe we've stayed true to the text. I've read the stayed true to the text. I've read the stayed true to the text. I've read the text. I believe the Holy Spirit is text. I believe the Holy Spirit is text. I believe the Holy Spirit is working. And I believe if that's where working. And I believe if that's where working. And I believe if that's where you are, you know that. And so, I want you are, you know that. And so, I want you are, you know that. And so, I want to encourage you very strongly. Repent to encourage you very strongly. Repent to encourage you very strongly. Repent of your sin. Put your faith in the Lord

of your sin. Put your faith in the Lord of your sin. Put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. trust him and say, "Lord Jesus Christ. trust him and say, "Lord Jesus Christ. trust him and say, "Lord Jesus, take control of my life. I Jesus, take control of my life. I Jesus, take control of my life. I surrender. I repent. And Lord Jesus, I surrender. I repent. And Lord Jesus, I surrender. I repent. And Lord Jesus, I want to follow you." And I encourage want to follow you." And I encourage want to follow you." And I encourage you, come and tell one of these pastors you, come and tell one of these pastors you, come and tell one of these pastors or someone that's here and say, "Today, or someone that's here and say, "Today, or someone that's here and say, "Today, I'm surrendering my life to Christ. I've I'm surrendering my life to Christ. I've I'm surrendering my life to Christ. I've had an outstanding." You see, it's not had an outstanding." You see, it's not had an outstanding." You see, it's not just a I had that sinful past. It may be just a I had that sinful past. It may be just a I had that sinful past. It may be that you've had that successful that you've had that successful that you've had that successful religious past. And sometimes that religious past. And sometimes that religious past. And sometimes that successful religious past can be the successful religious past can be the successful religious past can be the greatest hindrance to coming to Christ. greatest hindrance to coming to Christ. greatest hindrance to coming to Christ. And so I encourage you, you know, call And so I encourage you, you know, call And so I encourage you, you know, call upon him. Ask him to save you. Settle upon him. Ask him to save you. Settle upon him. Ask him to save you. Settle that today. Tell one of these pastors. that today. Tell one of these pastors. that today. Tell one of these pastors. That's number one. Number two, it may be That's number one. Number two, it may be That's number one. Number two, it may be here, you're here today, a believer in here, you're here today, a believer in here, you're here today, a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. And I don't know the Lord Jesus Christ. And I don't know the Lord Jesus Christ. And I don't know what's taking place in your life, but what's taking place in your life, but what's taking place in your life, but maybe there's some things that have been maybe there's some things that have been maybe there's some things that have been come out of scripture. Things have been come out of scripture. Things have been come out of scripture. Things have been said, the Holy Spirit's pierced your said, the Holy Spirit's pierced your said, the Holy Spirit's pierced your heart. You need to get some stuff right. heart. You need to get some stuff right. heart. You need to get some stuff right. Today's the day. Maybe someone you do Today's the day. Maybe someone you do Today's the day. Maybe someone you do need to forgive. Maybe there's something need to forgive. Maybe there's something need to forgive. Maybe there's something going on. Today's the day. Let it go. going on. Today's the day. Let it go. going on. Today's the day. Let it go. Turn it over to the Lord. You know, Turn it over to the Lord. You know, Turn it over to the Lord. You know, maybe you lost your joy. Maybe you just maybe you lost your joy. Maybe you just maybe you lost your joy. Maybe you just need to pray. Renew to me. And Lord, the need to pray. Renew to me. And Lord, the need to pray. Renew to me. And Lord, the joy of your salvation. I don't know what joy of your salvation. I don't know what joy of your salvation. I don't know what it may be. But here's what I do believe.

it may be. But here's what I do believe. it may be. But here's what I do believe. You know what it is. When the Holy You know what it is. When the Holy You know what it is. When the Holy Spirit is speaking to me through Spirit is speaking to me through Spirit is speaking to me through preaching or the study of God's word, preaching or the study of God's word, preaching or the study of God's word, you know, the question comes down is, you know, the question comes down is, you know, the question comes down is, are you going to do what he's telling are you going to do what he's telling are you going to do what he's telling you to do? And so, I believe it's just you to do? And so, I believe it's just you to do? And so, I believe it's just pretty simple. I just say, answer the pretty simple. I just say, answer the pretty simple. I just say, answer the call, whatever it may be. Because if call, whatever it may be. Because if call, whatever it may be. Because if not, you're just going to be miserable. not, you're just going to be miserable. not, you're just going to be miserable. Why would you want to be miserable? Deal Why would you want to be miserable? Deal Why would you want to be miserable? Deal with it today. walk out of here with with it today. walk out of here with with it today. walk out of here with great freedom as a believer in the Lord great freedom as a believer in the Lord great freedom as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Don't hold on to stuff Jesus Christ. Don't hold on to stuff Jesus Christ. Don't hold on to stuff that you know you're under conviction. that you know you're under conviction. that you know you're under conviction. So that's the invitation this morning. So that's the invitation this morning. So that's the invitation this morning. It's pretty simple. Let me pray for us. It's pretty simple. Let me pray for us. It's pretty simple. Let me pray for us. Father, have your way with this. Lord, I Father, have your way with this. Lord, I Father, have your way with this. Lord, I know that uh Lord, it's easy for me to know that uh Lord, it's easy for me to know that uh Lord, it's easy for me to study a passage beforehand and then come study a passage beforehand and then come study a passage beforehand and then come in here and to think everybody else is in here and to think everybody else is in here and to think everybody else is just going to get it and grasp it. But just going to get it and grasp it. But just going to get it and grasp it. But Lord, I I know the power of you, Holy Lord, I I know the power of you, Holy Lord, I I know the power of you, Holy Spirit, and I know folks have prayed in Spirit, and I know folks have prayed in Spirit, and I know folks have prayed in this place. And so, Lord, I just believe this place. And so, Lord, I just believe this place. And so, Lord, I just believe we just know. I just think it comes down we just know. I just think it comes down we just know. I just think it comes down to whether we're just going to obey and to whether we're just going to obey and to whether we're just going to obey and listen and do what you're telling us to listen and do what you're telling us to listen and do what you're telling us to do. And so, Lord, whatever that may be, do. And so, Lord, whatever that may be, do. And so, Lord, whatever that may be, and Lord, it it may be that someone just and Lord, it it may be that someone just and Lord, it it may be that someone just needs prayer. There's a sickness, needs prayer. There's a sickness, needs prayer. There's a sickness, there's an issue, and Lord, I pray no there's an issue, and Lord, I pray no there's an issue, and Lord, I pray no one would hold back, that they would one would hold back, that they would one would hold back, that they would believe in the prayers of the children believe in the prayers of the children believe in the prayers of the children of God calling out, and Lord, they would of God calling out, and Lord, they would of God calling out, and Lord, they would ask for prayer. So, I pray that that ask for prayer. So, I pray that that ask for prayer. So, I pray that that would take place today, Lord. So I pray would take place today, Lord. So I pray would take place today, Lord. So I pray there's a setting of being set free, there's a setting of being set free, there's a setting of being set free, freedom, uh Lord, salvation, whatever it freedom, uh Lord, salvation, whatever it freedom, uh Lord, salvation, whatever it may be, that today is a day. And may it may be, that today is a day. And may it may be, that today is a day. And may it be for your glory and your honor. It's be for your glory and your honor. It's be for your glory and your honor. It's in your name we pray, in the name of

in your name we pray, in the name of in your name we pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. [music] Can we stand, Jesus. Amen. Amen. [music] Can we stand, Jesus. Amen. Amen. [music] Can we stand, please? Thank you for joining us this [music] Thank you for joining us this [music] morning. If God spoke to you today, take morning. If God spoke to you today, take morning. If God spoke to you today, take the