Everyday Joy - YOUR SALVATION ON DISPLAY - Dr. Archie Mason

Hey man, and amen. Well, again, welcome Hey man, and amen. Well, again, welcome here to a Central here to a Central here to a Central Baptist Church. If you're visiting with Baptist Church. If you're visiting with Baptist Church. If you're visiting with us for the first time, my name is Archie us for the first time, my name is Archie us for the first time, my name is Archie Mason. I'm the senior pastor. So, thanks Mason. I'm the senior pastor. So, thanks Mason. I'm the senior pastor. So, thanks for joining us. As always, there are a for joining us. As always, there are a for joining us. As always, there are a lot of folks watching us live streaming lot of folks watching us live streaming lot of folks watching us live streaming by television. We've got some folks that by television. We've got some folks that by television. We've got some folks that are out on vacation. We've always got are out on vacation. We've always got are out on vacation. We've always got folks that due to the the shift work folks that due to the the shift work folks that due to the the shift work their own that may be working on their own that may be working on their own that may be working on Sundays. They may have opportunity to Sundays. They may have opportunity to Sundays. They may have opportunity to to watch it or watch it later. So, thank to watch it or watch it later. So, thank to watch it or watch it later. So, thank you all for joining us. If you have a you all for joining us. If you have a you all for joining us. If you have a Bible with you, maybe have your Bible on Bible with you, maybe have your Bible on Bible with you, maybe have your Bible on your phone. Let's take it turn to your phone. Let's take it turn to your phone. Let's take it turn to Philippians chapter 2 verse 12. We're Philippians chapter 2 verse 12. We're Philippians chapter 2 verse 12. We're going to study through verse 18. The going to study through verse 18. The going to study through verse 18. The title today is your salvation title today is your salvation title today is your salvation on display. Your salvation on display. on display. Your salvation on display. on display. Your salvation on display. When I was growing up as a kid, many of When I was growing up as a kid, many of When I was growing up as a kid, many of you know my story, small town Biscoe, you know my story, small town Biscoe, you know my story, small town Biscoe, Prairie County. Prairie County. Prairie County. Little Rock was 50 miles away. So, my Little Rock was 50 miles away. So, my Little Rock was 50 miles away. So, my parents would travel once a month. We'd parents would travel once a month. We'd parents would travel once a month. We'd go to the grocery store in Little Rock. go to the grocery store in Little Rock. go to the grocery store in Little Rock. We would stock up on groceries. We would stock up on groceries. We would stock up on groceries. Basically, it kind of worked out how my Basically, it kind of worked out how my Basically, it kind of worked out how my dad got paid every 2 weeks. We'd go to dad got paid every 2 weeks. We'd go to dad got paid every 2 weeks. We'd go to the grocery store, fill the trunk up, the grocery store, fill the trunk up, the grocery store, fill the trunk up, come back, pack the pantry. It was just come back, pack the pantry. It was just come back, pack the pantry. It was just kind of one of the normal things of life kind of one of the normal things of life kind of one of the normal things of life I grew up with. I thought everybody I grew up with. I thought everybody I grew up with. I thought everybody lived like that. My grandpa lived like that. My grandpa lived like that. My grandpa was that entrepreneurial guy. So, he had was that entrepreneurial guy. So, he had was that entrepreneurial guy. So, he had some different businesses, had wreckers, some different businesses, had wreckers, some different businesses, had wreckers, had gas station, had gas station, had gas station, you know, had all that stuff. And then, you know, had all that stuff. And then, you know, had all that stuff. And then, he just had basically had a lot of junk.

he just had basically had a lot of junk. he just had basically had a lot of junk. And so, he was always working on it. And And so, he was always working on it. And And so, he was always working on it. And so, Little Rock was a lot of times with so, Little Rock was a lot of times with so, Little Rock was a lot of times with the place we'd have to go to get parts the place we'd have to go to get parts the place we'd have to go to get parts like an alternator, get it worked on, or like an alternator, get it worked on, or like an alternator, get it worked on, or radios for the wreckers, or that kind of radios for the wreckers, or that kind of radios for the wreckers, or that kind of stuff. And so, my grandpa, if you've stuff. And so, my grandpa, if you've stuff. And so, my grandpa, if you've heard me say this before, he was never heard me say this before, he was never heard me say this before, he was never really with me, but I was always with really with me, but I was always with really with me, but I was always with him. Now, what that means is he worked him. Now, what that means is he worked him. Now, what that means is he worked all the time. And so, I was always all the time. And so, I was always all the time. And so, I was always welcome to be with him anytime he was welcome to be with him anytime he was welcome to be with him anytime he was doing anything. Now, I grew up in those doing anything. Now, I grew up in those doing anything. Now, I grew up in those days, there were no car seats. days, there were no car seats. days, there were no car seats. I do not remember putting a seatbelt on I do not remember putting a seatbelt on I do not remember putting a seatbelt on as a kid. You could stand up in the as a kid. You could stand up in the as a kid. You could stand up in the pickup truck seat as a kid driving 60 pickup truck seat as a kid driving 60 pickup truck seat as a kid driving 60 miles 70 miles an hour down the miles 70 miles an hour down the miles 70 miles an hour down the interstate. Now, I know that's not safe. interstate. Now, I know that's not safe. interstate. Now, I know that's not safe. And so, nobody needs to do that. But, And so, nobody needs to do that. But, And so, nobody needs to do that. But, you could also have as a kid, you could you could also have as a kid, you could you could also have as a kid, you could ride in the back of the truck down the ride in the back of the truck down the ride in the back of the truck down the interstate running 70 miles an hour. interstate running 70 miles an hour. interstate running 70 miles an hour. That's not safe either. I just grew up That's not safe either. I just grew up That's not safe either. I just grew up like that. So, you know, like that. So, you know, like that. So, you know, uh so I just jump in the vehicle with my uh so I just jump in the vehicle with my uh so I just jump in the vehicle with my grandpa and we'd head off to Little Rock grandpa and we'd head off to Little Rock grandpa and we'd head off to Little Rock and we'd go do all the repair stuff he and we'd go do all the repair stuff he and we'd go do all the repair stuff he had to do. But we would always go by the had to do. But we would always go by the had to do. But we would always go by the Honda store. Honda store. Honda store. Now, the Honda store in Little Rock, I'd Now, the Honda store in Little Rock, I'd Now, the Honda store in Little Rock, I'd never seen anything like it before. Now, never seen anything like it before. Now, never seen anything like it before. Now, they didn't have those when I was a kid, they didn't have those when I was a kid, they didn't have those when I was a kid, by the way, okay? But I put that up by the way, okay? But I put that up by the way, okay? But I put that up there because the Honda store, you would there because the Honda store, you would there because the Honda store, you would walk in the front door and they would walk in the front door and they would walk in the front door and they would change it up periodically. There would change it up periodically. There would change it up periodically. There would always be, so, you know, this was early always be, so, you know, this was early always be, so, you know, this was early on. This is when the three-wheelers had on. This is when the three-wheelers had on. This is when the three-wheelers had just come out and they had the big just come out and they had the big just come out and they had the big balloon tires on them a long time ago.

balloon tires on them a long time ago. balloon tires on them a long time ago. You'd have that or you'd have a mini You'd have that or you'd have a mini You'd have that or you'd have a mini bike, 50 cc, or you'd have a dirt bike. bike, 50 cc, or you'd have a dirt bike. bike, 50 cc, or you'd have a dirt bike. It's always been motorcycles. They'd It's always been motorcycles. They'd It's always been motorcycles. They'd always have something different that always have something different that always have something different that would be on display, light shining on would be on display, light shining on would be on display, light shining on it, polished up, looking good, had the it, polished up, looking good, had the it, polished up, looking good, had the new smell to it and I would walk in, new smell to it and I would walk in, new smell to it and I would walk in, just walk around and look at that stuff. just walk around and look at that stuff. just walk around and look at that stuff. Now, things hadn't changed. If you go to Now, things hadn't changed. If you go to Now, things hadn't changed. If you go to Jonesboro Cycle, you go to Four City Jonesboro Cycle, you go to Four City Jonesboro Cycle, you go to Four City Honda or any uh other dealership in Honda or any uh other dealership in Honda or any uh other dealership in Northeast Arkansas. In fact, if you go Northeast Arkansas. In fact, if you go Northeast Arkansas. In fact, if you go to any of our truck car dealerships in to any of our truck car dealerships in to any of our truck car dealerships in Northeast Arkansas, you go in whether Northeast Arkansas, you go in whether Northeast Arkansas, you go in whether you're looking for a car or whether you're looking for a car or whether you're looking for a car or whether you're looking for a truck, they are you're looking for a truck, they are you're looking for a truck, they are going to have one on display for you to going to have one on display for you to going to have one on display for you to walk in and look. Now, walk in and look. Now, walk in and look. Now, you may ask a question, well, why do you may ask a question, well, why do you may ask a question, well, why do they have it on display? And I know what they have it on display? And I know what they have it on display? And I know what you're thinking, well, they want us to you're thinking, well, they want us to you're thinking, well, they want us to buy it. Well, that's part of it. But buy it. Well, that's part of it. But buy it. Well, that's part of it. But they are not ashamed of the product they they are not ashamed of the product they they are not ashamed of the product they have. have. have. You see, they have built a product and You see, they have built a product and You see, they have built a product and they want you to see it. They do not they want you to see it. They do not they want you to see it. They do not have it in a back room. They do not have have it in a back room. They do not have have it in a back room. They do not have it on a back lot. They don't have it it on a back lot. They don't have it it on a back lot. They don't have it where you have to go searching for it. where you have to go searching for it. where you have to go searching for it. It's generally on display when you come It's generally on display when you come It's generally on display when you come in the front door for everybody to see.

in the front door for everybody to see. in the front door for everybody to see. Now, I know what you're thinking, well, Now, I know what you're thinking, well, Now, I know what you're thinking, well, Archie, Archie, Archie, does this passage in the book of does this passage in the book of does this passage in the book of Philippians, as Paul was writing to the Philippians, as Paul was writing to the Philippians, as Paul was writing to the church at Philippi, have anything to do church at Philippi, have anything to do church at Philippi, have anything to do with a Honda four-wheeler? No, okay? But with a Honda four-wheeler? No, okay? But with a Honda four-wheeler? No, okay? But what it has to do with is that what it has to do with is that what it has to do with is that God has created something God has created something God has created something within us within us within us and done something within us and done something within us and done something within us which is much more spectacular which is much more spectacular which is much more spectacular than a side-by-side four-wheeler or than a side-by-side four-wheeler or than a side-by-side four-wheeler or four-wheel drive truck. You know I'm four-wheel drive truck. You know I'm four-wheel drive truck. You know I'm partial, right? Okay. partial, right? Okay. partial, right? Okay. He has transformed our lives. He has transformed our lives. He has transformed our lives. Our lives are transformed. And we're Our lives are transformed. And we're Our lives are transformed. And we're going to see in the passage that we are going to see in the passage that we are going to see in the passage that we are to appear as lights in a perverse and to appear as lights in a perverse and to appear as lights in a perverse and crooked generation crooked generation crooked generation for everyone to see. You see, God didn't for everyone to see. You see, God didn't for everyone to see. You see, God didn't do something on the inside of us for us do something on the inside of us for us do something on the inside of us for us to hide it in a room or put it on the to hide it in a room or put it on the to hide it in a room or put it on the back lot or make people go looking for back lot or make people go looking for back lot or make people go looking for it. God did a transformation in us and it. God did a transformation in us and it. God did a transformation in us and puts us on display for his glory. And so puts us on display for his glory. And so puts us on display for his glory. And so that's what this passage is about. Now, that's what this passage is about. Now, that's what this passage is about. Now, you got to think about, okay, if I'm to you got to think about, okay, if I'm to you got to think about, okay, if I'm to as a born-again believer in the Lord as a born-again believer in the Lord as a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, the transformation has Jesus Christ, the transformation has Jesus Christ, the transformation has taken place on the inside which gives an taken place on the inside which gives an taken place on the inside which gives an outward testimony that our light our outward testimony that our light our outward testimony that our light our life is different, how does that work?

life is different, how does that work? life is different, how does that work? Well, it's very simple. And I'm Well, it's very simple. And I'm Well, it's very simple. And I'm outlining this I've preached through outlining this I've preached through outlining this I've preached through Philippians probably four to five times Philippians probably four to five times Philippians probably four to five times since I've been here at Central and I since I've been here at Central and I since I've been here at Central and I think I've outlined it the same way think I've outlined it the same way think I've outlined it the same way every time. And you say, "Well, you're every time. And you say, "Well, you're every time. And you say, "Well, you're not very smart." Well, that's probably not very smart." Well, that's probably not very smart." Well, that's probably one of it, but number two, I don't know one of it, but number two, I don't know one of it, but number two, I don't know a better way to say it, okay? If we're a better way to say it, okay? If we're a better way to say it, okay? If we're going to have our salvation on display, going to have our salvation on display, going to have our salvation on display, we got to work it out and what that we got to work it out and what that we got to work it out and what that means is we don't work for it. means is we don't work for it. means is we don't work for it. We work out what God has done in us as We work out what God has done in us as We work out what God has done in us as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We work it out cuz God is transforming us. work it out cuz God is transforming us. work it out cuz God is transforming us. We're going to talk about that. We're We're going to talk about that. We're We're going to talk about that. We're going to break it down. But also we live going to break it down. But also we live going to break it down. But also we live it out because the world is watching. it out because the world is watching. it out because the world is watching. But not only do we live it pour it out. But not only do we live it pour it out. But not only do we live it pour it out. We're not talking about salvation, we're We're not talking about salvation, we're We're not talking about salvation, we're talking about pouring out our life, talking about pouring out our life, talking about pouring out our life, investing in others as we serve the Lord investing in others as we serve the Lord investing in others as we serve the Lord Jesus Christ, okay? So your salvation is Jesus Christ, okay? So your salvation is Jesus Christ, okay? So your salvation is on display. Now, on display. Now, on display. Now, the question you need to answer is the question you need to answer is the question you need to answer is if you're a born-again believer in the if you're a born-again believer in the if you're a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is your salvation on display is your salvation on display or are you hiding it in a back room? Is or are you hiding it in a back room? Is or are you hiding it in a back room? Is it on the back lot?

it on the back lot? it on the back lot? Do people actually have to go searching Do people actually have to go searching Do people actually have to go searching to try to find it because they can't see to try to find it because they can't see to try to find it because they can't see it? it? it? Hey, if you're physically able, if you Hey, if you're physically able, if you Hey, if you're physically able, if you don't mind, would you stand with me for don't mind, would you stand with me for don't mind, would you stand with me for the public reading of the word? Here we the public reading of the word? Here we the public reading of the word? Here we go, verse 12. So then, my beloved, just go, verse 12. So then, my beloved, just go, verse 12. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as much as you have always obeyed, not as much as you have always obeyed, not as much not as in my presence presence only, but not as in my presence presence only, but not as in my presence presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out now much more in my absence, work out now much more in my absence, work out your salvation. Say work for it. He said your salvation. Say work for it. He said your salvation. Say work for it. He said work it out. What God has done in you as work it out. What God has done in you as work it out. What God has done in you as a believer with fear and trembling. For a believer with fear and trembling. For a believer with fear and trembling. For it is God who's at work in you both to it is God who's at work in you both to it is God who's at work in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. will and to work for his good pleasure. will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or Do all things without grumbling or Do all things without grumbling or disputing. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. So that you prove yourselves to be So that you prove yourselves to be So that you prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent children of God blameless and innocent children of God blameless and innocent children of God above reproach in the midst, which means above reproach in the midst, which means above reproach in the midst, which means to stand out stand out means be in the to stand out stand out means be in the to stand out stand out means be in the middle of doesn't mean to be isolated it middle of doesn't mean to be isolated it middle of doesn't mean to be isolated it means be in the middle of middle of a means be in the middle of middle of a means be in the middle of middle of a crooked and perverse generation among crooked and perverse generation among crooked and perverse generation among whom you appear as lights in the world whom you appear as lights in the world whom you appear as lights in the world holding fast the word of life. So that holding fast the word of life. So that holding fast the word of life. So that in the day of Christ I'll have reason to in the day of Christ I'll have reason to in the day of Christ I'll have reason to glory cuz I did not run in vain nor toil glory cuz I did not run in vain nor toil glory cuz I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. But even if I'm being poured in vain. But even if I'm being poured in vain. But even if I'm being poured out as a drink offering upon the out as a drink offering upon the out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith I sacrifice and service of your faith I sacrifice and service of your faith I rejoice and share my joy with you all.

rejoice and share my joy with you all. rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too I urge you rejoice in the same You too I urge you rejoice in the same You too I urge you rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. Father, way and share your joy with me. Father, way and share your joy with me. Father, I pray in the name of Jesus. Lord Jesus I pray in the name of Jesus. Lord Jesus I pray in the name of Jesus. Lord Jesus cuz there's nobody but you. And so Lord, cuz there's nobody but you. And so Lord, cuz there's nobody but you. And so Lord, thank you. We've been singing about your thank you. We've been singing about your thank you. We've been singing about your blood. We've been singing about your blood. We've been singing about your blood. We've been singing about your resurrection, Lord, coming out of the resurrection, Lord, coming out of the resurrection, Lord, coming out of the grave. We've been singing about grave. We've been singing about grave. We've been singing about salvation that you offer, Lord. We just salvation that you offer, Lord. We just salvation that you offer, Lord. We just praise you and give you glory. Lord, praise you and give you glory. Lord, praise you and give you glory. Lord, we need you today to speak to us. Holy we need you today to speak to us. Holy we need you today to speak to us. Holy Spirit, direct us, disciple us, teach Spirit, direct us, disciple us, teach Spirit, direct us, disciple us, teach us. Lord, where our hearts as believers us. Lord, where our hearts as believers us. Lord, where our hearts as believers have become crusted, have become just uh have become crusted, have become just uh have become crusted, have become just uh hard, Holy Spirit, break through. Holy hard, Holy Spirit, break through. Holy hard, Holy Spirit, break through. Holy Spirit, where we as believers need to Spirit, where we as believers need to Spirit, where we as believers need to confess and repent sin, I pray that confess and repent sin, I pray that confess and repent sin, I pray that takes place today. Lord, I pray this I takes place today. Lord, I pray this I takes place today. Lord, I pray this I pray we wouldn't be apathetic or pray we wouldn't be apathetic or pray we wouldn't be apathetic or complacent, but Lord, I pray we listen complacent, but Lord, I pray we listen complacent, but Lord, I pray we listen and hear from you and act upon it. And and hear from you and act upon it. And and hear from you and act upon it. And so Lord, I pray you just do a stirring so Lord, I pray you just do a stirring so Lord, I pray you just do a stirring work today. But, Lord, I also pray I work today. But, Lord, I also pray I work today. But, Lord, I also pray I pray you save someone today. I know in pray you save someone today. I know in pray you save someone today. I know in this service, I know engaging with us this service, I know engaging with us this service, I know engaging with us online, there are folks they probably online, there are folks they probably online, there are folks they probably heard the gospel 100 times. They heard the gospel 100 times. They heard the gospel 100 times. They probably heard this passage in probably heard this passage in probably heard this passage in Philippians, but today it's going to be Philippians, but today it's going to be Philippians, but today it's going to be different, Lord. different, Lord. different, Lord. Today, they're going to sense the power Today, they're going to sense the power Today, they're going to sense the power of the move of you, Holy Spirit, in of the move of you, Holy Spirit, in of the move of you, Holy Spirit, in their lives. And And Lord, I pray they their lives. And And Lord, I pray they their lives. And And Lord, I pray they confess sin and repent. And I pray confess sin and repent. And I pray confess sin and repent. And I pray somebody is saved today. We pray this in somebody is saved today. We pray this in somebody is saved today. We pray this in your name, the name of Jesus. Now, all your name, the name of Jesus. Now, all your name, the name of Jesus. Now, 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. So, be seated, if you would. So, be seated, if you would. So, your salvation on display. How do we do your salvation on display. How do we do your salvation on display. How do we do that? We work it out. Okay, it's God's that? We work it out. Okay, it's God's that? We work it out. Okay, it's God's transforming work in us. So, he says, transforming work in us. So, he says, transforming work in us. So, he says, "So then, my beloved." Beloved's a term "So then, my beloved." Beloved's a term "So then, my beloved." Beloved's a term of endearment. He's writing to the of endearment. He's writing to the of endearment. He's writing to the church of Philippi. He's writing to church of Philippi. He's writing to church of Philippi. He's writing to those he loves as brothers and sisters.

those he loves as brothers and sisters. those he loves as brothers and sisters. So then means the humility that's back So then means the humility that's back So then means the humility that's back up in the previous passage. He says, "I up in the previous passage. He says, "I up in the previous passage. He says, "I urge you to obey." And he says, "Now, in urge you to obey." And he says, "Now, in urge you to obey." And he says, "Now, in my presence, but also not in my my presence, but also not in my my presence, but also not in my presence, as you work out your presence, as you work out your presence, as you work out your salvation." This idea of working out a salvation." This idea of working out a salvation." This idea of working out a salvation, this idea of of of of really salvation, this idea of of of of really salvation, this idea of of of of really working out and living in such a way is working out and living in such a way is working out and living in such a way is I did to obey the Lord God Almighty, to I did to obey the Lord God Almighty, to I did to obey the Lord God Almighty, to obey consistently in this. That's the obey consistently in this. That's the obey consistently in this. That's the idea here. That is part of salvation, idea here. That is part of salvation, idea here. That is part of salvation, listening what the Lord God is saying. listening what the Lord God is saying. listening what the Lord God is saying. And that's personal conduct uh in that. And that's personal conduct uh in that. And that's personal conduct uh in that. That means knowing and listening. Now, I That means knowing and listening. Now, I That means knowing and listening. Now, I know this in all of our services that know this in all of our services that know this in all of our services that I've mentioned the same thing. I know as I've mentioned the same thing. I know as I've mentioned the same thing. I know as believers we can get crusted, our hearts believers we can get crusted, our hearts believers we can get crusted, our hearts can get hardened. I've been praying can get hardened. I've been praying can get hardened. I've been praying about this. I'm praying today that the about this. I'm praying today that the about this. I'm praying today that the Lord uh break through. And as he does Lord uh break through. And as he does Lord uh break through. And as he does that, then we need to repent, and we that, then we need to repent, and we that, then we need to repent, and we need to confess. And I believe the need to confess. And I believe the need to confess. And I believe the Lord's going to bring some things to Lord's going to bring some things to Lord's going to bring some things to mind that we need to be obeying him and mind that we need to be obeying him and mind that we need to be obeying him and listening him. That is a part of working listening him. That is a part of working listening him. That is a part of working out that salvation, that God's out that salvation, that God's out that salvation, that God's transforming work uh that is within us, transforming work uh that is within us, transforming work uh that is within us, that is taking place. Now, that is taking place. Now, that is taking place. Now, we are to obey we are to obey we are to obey when people are watching and when when people are watching and when when people are watching and when they're not watching. Now, all of us they're not watching. Now, all of us they're not watching. Now, all of us probably growing up as kids, when uh our probably growing up as kids, when uh our probably growing up as kids, when uh our parents would tell us to do something, parents would tell us to do something, parents would tell us to do something, we would obey them, right? But, what we would obey them, right? But, what we would obey them, right? But, what about when they weren't watching? Then I about when they weren't watching? Then I about when they weren't watching? Then I disobeyed.

disobeyed. disobeyed. God is always watching us. So, we watch God is always watching us. So, we watch God is always watching us. So, we watch whether I mean, we obey whether someone whether I mean, we obey whether someone whether I mean, we obey whether someone is watching or not in regard to that. is watching or not in regard to that. is watching or not in regard to that. But, here's another one. We obey whether But, here's another one. We obey whether But, here's another one. We obey whether it's easy or difficult. You know, it's easy or difficult. You know, it's easy or difficult. You know, following the Lord Jesus Christ if following the Lord Jesus Christ if following the Lord Jesus Christ if someone told you, "Hey, if you pray to someone told you, "Hey, if you pray to someone told you, "Hey, if you pray to receive Christ, repent of your sin, and receive Christ, repent of your sin, and receive Christ, repent of your sin, and put your faith in him, you're never put your faith in him, you're never put your faith in him, you're never going to have any problems." They lied going to have any problems." They lied going to have any problems." They lied to you, okay? They lied to you. Having to you, okay? They lied to you. Having to you, okay? They lied to you. Having salvation, being a believer in the Lord salvation, being a believer in the Lord salvation, being a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ does not mean the absence Jesus Christ does not mean the absence Jesus Christ does not mean the absence of problems, it doesn't mean the absence of problems, it doesn't mean the absence of problems, it doesn't mean the absence of cancer, it doesn't mean the absence of cancer, it doesn't mean the absence of cancer, it doesn't mean the absence absence of relationship issues. But, absence of relationship issues. But, absence of relationship issues. But, what it means that in the midst of the what it means that in the midst of the what it means that in the midst of the storms, the Lord Jesus Christ is there storms, the Lord Jesus Christ is there storms, the Lord Jesus Christ is there with you and at times he will carry you with you and at times he will carry you with you and at times he will carry you through that. And so, what it is is the through that. And so, what it is is the through that. And so, what it is is the idea of obedience, okay? Again, whether idea of obedience, okay? Again, whether idea of obedience, okay? Again, whether someone's watching or not, whether if someone's watching or not, whether if someone's watching or not, whether if it's easy or if it's difficult, or it's easy or if it's difficult, or it's easy or if it's difficult, or whether someone applauds you or not. whether someone applauds you or not. whether someone applauds you or not. Now, as I was growing up as a kid, Now, as I was growing up as a kid, Now, as I was growing up as a kid, we you just had things you did. One of we you just had things you did. One of we you just had things you did. One of those was mowing the yard. We had to mow those was mowing the yard. We had to mow those was mowing the yard. We had to mow the yard. Now, push mower, you know, the yard. Now, push mower, you know, the yard. Now, push mower, you know, riding lawnmower, if you had it, mow the riding lawnmower, if you had it, mow the riding lawnmower, if you had it, mow the yard. My daddy, I never remember a time yard. My daddy, I never remember a time yard. My daddy, I never remember a time that my daddy, when I got through with that my daddy, when I got through with that my daddy, when I got through with the mowing the yard, did he come out and the mowing the yard, did he come out and the mowing the yard, did he come out and looked at me and said, "Oh, you looked at me and said, "Oh, you looked at me and said, "Oh, you I just want to thank you.

I just want to thank you. I just want to thank you. I I just want to applaud you. I I just want to applaud you. I I just want to applaud you. You're such a good son." You're such a good son." You're such a good son." I never had that. I never had that. I never had that. All I know is that I know is he's like, All I know is that I know is he's like, All I know is that I know is he's like, "You put the lawnmower in the shed?" "You put the lawnmower in the shed?" "You put the lawnmower in the shed?" "Yes, sir." "Okay. "Yes, sir." "Okay. "Yes, sir." "Okay. You got some gas for next week?" "Yes, You got some gas for next week?" "Yes, You got some gas for next week?" "Yes, sir." "Okay." sir." "Okay." sir." "Okay." Now, your parenting may be different, Now, your parenting may be different, Now, your parenting may be different, but hey, I didn't grow up like that. I but hey, I didn't grow up like that. I but hey, I didn't grow up like that. I was obeying whether my daddy was was obeying whether my daddy was was obeying whether my daddy was applauding me or not because I knew what applauding me or not because I knew what applauding me or not because I knew what happened if I didn't obey. And this is happened if I didn't obey. And this is happened if I didn't obey. And this is the idea with the Lord God of hosts. So, the idea with the Lord God of hosts. So, the idea with the Lord God of hosts. So, we are to obey consistently obeying the we are to obey consistently obeying the we are to obey consistently obeying the Lord. Now, Lord. Now, Lord. Now, and that's in that personal conduct. So, and that's in that personal conduct. So, and that's in that personal conduct. So, we're working it out in the salvation. we're working it out in the salvation. we're working it out in the salvation. It's work out that salvation. Salvation It's work out that salvation. Salvation It's work out that salvation. Salvation is three-dimensional. You might say, is three-dimensional. You might say, is three-dimensional. You might say, "What does that mean?" Now, "What does that mean?" Now, "What does that mean?" Now, when it says work out, he didn't say when it says work out, he didn't say when it says work out, he didn't say work for. work for. work for. It's the idea of working out what he's It's the idea of working out what he's It's the idea of working out what he's done in us as believers in Lord Jesus done in us as believers in Lord Jesus done in us as believers in Lord Jesus Christ. It's working out this. Salvation Christ. It's working out this. Salvation Christ. It's working out this. Salvation three-dimensional. It's got the past, three-dimensional. It's got the past, three-dimensional. It's got the past, the present, and the future. Past is the present, and the future. Past is the present, and the future. Past is justification. So, whatever whenever it justification. So, whatever whenever it justification. So, whatever whenever it took place that you came to that place took place that you came to that place took place that you came to that place of conviction of sin. For some, I of conviction of sin. For some, I of conviction of sin. For some, I believe it's going to be today. You come believe it's going to be today. You come believe it's going to be today. You come to that conviction of sin, you realize to that conviction of sin, you realize to that conviction of sin, you realize you're sinner in need of a savior. The you're sinner in need of a savior. The you're sinner in need of a savior. The Bible says that we are justified by Bible says that we are justified by Bible says that we are justified by faith. You confess Christ as Lord. Part faith. You confess Christ as Lord. Part faith. You confess Christ as Lord. Part of that justification by faith, faith of that justification by faith, faith of that justification by faith, faith part of that is repentance. You repented part of that is repentance. You repented part of that is repentance. You repented of your sin. You admitted that I'm a of your sin. You admitted that I'm a of your sin. You admitted that I'm a sinner in need of a savior. You believe sinner in need of a savior. You believe sinner in need of a savior. You believe that Jesus Christ came out of the grave that Jesus Christ came out of the grave that Jesus Christ came out of the grave on the third day. That his body took on the third day. That his body took on the third day. That his body took your place. That his blood offers your place. That his blood offers your place. That his blood offers forgiveness of sins. That he's coming forgiveness of sins. That he's coming forgiveness of sins. That he's coming back. That Muhammad can't save you. That back. That Muhammad can't save you. That back. That Muhammad can't save you. That Buddha can't save you. That your cousin Buddha can't save you. That your cousin Buddha can't save you. That your cousin can't save you. That your mama can't can't save you. That your mama can't can't save you. That your mama can't save you. That only Jesus Christ. That's

save you. That only Jesus Christ. That's save you. That only Jesus Christ. That's justification. That occurred somewhere justification. That occurred somewhere justification. That occurred somewhere in the past for a lot of people here. in the past for a lot of people here. in the past for a lot of people here. But also it's present salvation which is But also it's present salvation which is But also it's present salvation which is sanctification. sanctification. sanctification. That is a time span between That is a time span between That is a time span between justification, age of 25, calling upon justification, age of 25, calling upon justification, age of 25, calling upon the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm in this place the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm in this place the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm in this place of sanctification, growing and maturing of sanctification, growing and maturing of sanctification, growing and maturing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Until the in the Lord Jesus Christ. Until the in the Lord Jesus Christ. Until the point of glorification when we go to be point of glorification when we go to be point of glorification when we go to be with the Lord Jesus Christ. That's with the Lord Jesus Christ. That's with the Lord Jesus Christ. That's future. Past, present, future. That's future. Past, present, future. That's future. Past, present, future. That's why you'll hear me say, others will say, why you'll hear me say, others will say, why you'll hear me say, others will say, we have been saved, we are being saved, we have been saved, we are being saved, we have been saved, we are being saved, we will be saved. Now again, we will be saved. Now again, we will be saved. Now again, when you come in justification, when you come in justification, when you come in justification, justified by faith, believing the Lord justified by faith, believing the Lord justified by faith, believing the Lord Jesus Christ, whether if it was age of Jesus Christ, whether if it was age of Jesus Christ, whether if it was age of 25 for me or today for some of you. Your 25 for me or today for some of you. Your 25 for me or today for some of you. Your name is written in the Lamb's Book of name is written in the Lamb's Book of name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life and nobody can take that out. But Life and nobody can take that out. But Life and nobody can take that out. But there's also the sanctification part of there's also the sanctification part of there's also the sanctification part of salvation where you're growing and salvation where you're growing and salvation where you're growing and maturing. And the future part, maturing. And the future part, maturing. And the future part, glorification. That's where he says, glorification. That's where he says, glorification. That's where he says, work it out. Okay? And doing that. So, work it out. Okay? And doing that. So, work it out. Okay? And doing that. So, you work out your salvation. So, you work out your salvation. So, you work out your salvation. So, when you think about that, you know, when you think about that, you know, when you think about that, you know, believers again, saved, being saved, believers again, saved, being saved, believers again, saved, being saved, will be saved. Not working for but will be saved. Not working for but will be saved. Not working for but working out. But also too, we are to working out. But also too, we are to working out. But also too, we are to pursue holiness.

pursue holiness. pursue holiness. Okay? So, we're being obedient. That's Okay? So, we're being obedient. That's Okay? So, we're being obedient. That's why it says, always obey. Right? why it says, always obey. Right? why it says, always obey. Right? We're to pursue holiness. It says with We're to pursue holiness. It says with We're to pursue holiness. It says with fear and trembling. That's the reverence fear and trembling. That's the reverence fear and trembling. That's the reverence and the awe of God. and the awe of God. and the awe of God. That is realizing that all we do is in That is realizing that all we do is in That is realizing that all we do is in the presence of God. That's realizing the presence of God. That's realizing the presence of God. That's realizing that everything that happens and that everything that happens and that everything that happens and everything takes place, he sees that. everything takes place, he sees that. everything takes place, he sees that. Okay? That's the idea of pursuing Okay? That's the idea of pursuing Okay? That's the idea of pursuing holiness. So, here's a couple things. holiness. So, here's a couple things. holiness. So, here's a couple things. What we do is that we put sin to death, What we do is that we put sin to death, What we do is that we put sin to death, we obey God's word, and we surrender to we obey God's word, and we surrender to we obey God's word, and we surrender to God daily. That's our idea when he says God daily. That's our idea when he says God daily. That's our idea when he says with fear and trembling. So, as a with fear and trembling. So, as a with fear and trembling. So, as a believer, believer, believer, he says this, if you obeyed always, obey he says this, if you obeyed always, obey he says this, if you obeyed always, obey consistently, pursue this holiness, fear consistently, pursue this holiness, fear consistently, pursue this holiness, fear and trembling, reverence of the Lord. and trembling, reverence of the Lord. and trembling, reverence of the Lord. You know there's going to come a day You know there's going to come a day You know there's going to come a day that as believers you will give account that as believers you will give account that as believers you will give account before God. It's called the Bema Seat. 2 before God. It's called the Bema Seat. 2 before God. It's called the Bema Seat. 2 Corinthians 5:10. And it's not a Corinthians 5:10. And it's not a Corinthians 5:10. And it's not a judgment of sin because our sins are judgment of sin because our sins are judgment of sin because our sins are forgiven. Can I get an amen? forgiven. Can I get an amen? forgiven. Can I get an amen? Yeah, I need that amen cuz I had to Yeah, I need that amen cuz I had to Yeah, I need that amen cuz I had to breathe for a minute. Okay. So, breathe for a minute. Okay. So, breathe for a minute. Okay. So, it's not on judgment of sin, but it's of it's not on judgment of sin, but it's of it's not on judgment of sin, but it's of rewards. And it The Bible says whether rewards. And it The Bible says whether rewards. And it The Bible says whether good or bad, it's a thing. So, he sees good or bad, it's a thing. So, he sees good or bad, it's a thing. So, he sees everything that's done. Now, the everything that's done. Now, the everything that's done. Now, the motivation is not that, well, I'm motivation is not that, well, I'm motivation is not that, well, I'm afraid, you know, God's going to see me.

afraid, you know, God's going to see me. afraid, you know, God's going to see me. No, not like that. He does see you, but No, not like that. He does see you, but No, not like that. He does see you, but that you love him in such a way that you that you love him in such a way that you that you love him in such a way that you obey him, you are pursuing holiness. obey him, you are pursuing holiness. obey him, you are pursuing holiness. Now, Now, Now, also what we do is that we trust him. also what we do is that we trust him. also what we do is that we trust him. So, look at this is kind of unique in So, look at this is kind of unique in So, look at this is kind of unique in the passage. He says this, he says, work the passage. He says this, he says, work the passage. He says this, he says, work out your salvation with fear and out your salvation with fear and out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who's at work trembling, for it is God who's at work trembling, for it is God who's at work in you both to will and work for his in you both to will and work for his in you both to will and work for his good pleasure. For it is God who is at good pleasure. For it is God who is at good pleasure. For it is God who is at work in you. So, God is the emphasis work in you. So, God is the emphasis work in you. So, God is the emphasis here in the very beginning. God has done here in the very beginning. God has done here in the very beginning. God has done that work. What God is doing, God is that work. What God is doing, God is that work. What God is doing, God is doing a stirring in our lives. To will doing a stirring in our lives. To will doing a stirring in our lives. To will and to work, that is the planned and to work, that is the planned and to work, that is the planned purpose, the planned mission of God to purpose, the planned mission of God to purpose, the planned mission of God to work is the desires of God and the work is the desires of God and the work is the desires of God and the appetite that he has given us that we appetite that he has given us that we appetite that he has given us that we will work for his good pleasure. That we will work for his good pleasure. That we will work for his good pleasure. That we will be obedient to him for what he will be obedient to him for what he will be obedient to him for what he desires us to do. Now, if your heart's desires us to do. Now, if your heart's desires us to do. Now, if your heart's crusted crusted crusted and you're complacent and you're and you're complacent and you're and you're complacent and you're apathetic and you might say, I'm just apathetic and you might say, I'm just apathetic and you might say, I'm just spiritually worn out or maybe you've spiritually worn out or maybe you've spiritually worn out or maybe you've been operating in the flesh and not been operating in the flesh and not been operating in the flesh and not working in the power of the spirit, then working in the power of the spirit, then working in the power of the spirit, then you might say, "I don't have that you might say, "I don't have that you might say, "I don't have that appetite. I don't have the desires that appetite. I don't have the desires that appetite. I don't have the desires that I used to have." Well, then I would I used to have." Well, then I would I used to have." Well, then I would encourage you, confess sin before God.

encourage you, confess sin before God. encourage you, confess sin before God. Admit to him, "Lord, this is where I am. Admit to him, "Lord, this is where I am. Admit to him, "Lord, this is where I am. This is what's taking place. Lord, I This is what's taking place. Lord, I This is what's taking place. Lord, I need you to help me. I need you to need you to help me. I need you to need you to help me. I need you to restore my heart. I need you to renew my restore my heart. I need you to renew my restore my heart. I need you to renew my heart. I need you to charge my spiritual heart. I need you to charge my spiritual heart. I need you to charge my spiritual batteries. Lord, I need that appetite batteries. Lord, I need that appetite batteries. Lord, I need that appetite that you have." See, that's how I did that you have." See, that's how I did that you have." See, that's how I did it. It says, "God is at work." He will it. It says, "God is at work." He will it. It says, "God is at work." He will stir your heart to will and to work. My stir your heart to will and to work. My stir your heart to will and to work. My question is, what does God have for you question is, what does God have for you question is, what does God have for you to do? to do? to do? You got to think about it. Where is God You got to think about it. Where is God You got to think about it. Where is God stirring stirring your heart? Where's stirring stirring your heart? Where's stirring stirring your heart? Where's that appetite that he's giving you? that appetite that he's giving you? that appetite that he's giving you? What's that drive that is within you? What's that drive that is within you? What's that drive that is within you? And sometimes we miss that as believers And sometimes we miss that as believers And sometimes we miss that as believers cuz we're allowing ourselves to get cuz we're allowing ourselves to get cuz we're allowing ourselves to get overwhelmed. I'm not saying that there's overwhelmed. I'm not saying that there's overwhelmed. I'm not saying that there's not problems tomorrow this week. What not problems tomorrow this week. What not problems tomorrow this week. What I'm saying is we allow ourselves to get I'm saying is we allow ourselves to get I'm saying is we allow ourselves to get overwhelmed. We're not paying attention overwhelmed. We're not paying attention overwhelmed. We're not paying attention to that drive of the Lord God. He is the to that drive of the Lord God. He is the to that drive of the Lord God. He is the one who is doing it, initiating it. God one who is doing it, initiating it. God one who is doing it, initiating it. God is at work in you to will and to work is at work in you to will and to work is at work in you to will and to work for his good pleasure, what he has for for his good pleasure, what he has for for his good pleasure, what he has for us. So, what we do is we trust him in us. So, what we do is we trust him in us. So, what we do is we trust him in that. That's how we That's how we work that. That's how we That's how we work that. That's how we That's how we work out our salvation. But then secondly, out our salvation. But then secondly, out our salvation. But then secondly, this is what we see about verse uh 14.

this is what we see about verse uh 14. this is what we see about verse uh 14. We're to live it out because the world We're to live it out because the world We're to live it out because the world is watching. Now, is watching. Now, is watching. Now, do all things without grumbling or do all things without grumbling or do all things without grumbling or disputing. disputing. disputing. So, we are to speak without complaining. So, we are to speak without complaining. So, we are to speak without complaining. Now, I don't know about you, Now, I don't know about you, Now, I don't know about you, but I've tried this in the last two but I've tried this in the last two but I've tried this in the last two services. services. services. And uh And uh And uh it seems like I'm the only one it seems like I'm the only one it seems like I'm the only one in the whole church that needs this in the whole church that needs this in the whole church that needs this passage preached to them. So, for the next 5 minutes, I'm going to So, for the next 5 minutes, I'm going to preach to myself. preach to myself. preach to myself. Because in the previous two services, Because in the previous two services, Because in the previous two services, nobody mumbled, grumbled, or complained nobody mumbled, grumbled, or complained nobody mumbled, grumbled, or complained in the past week except me. in the past week except me. in the past week except me. So, we got to live it out. So, we got to live it out. So, we got to live it out. Now, Now, Now, this idea uh a couple things I wrote this idea uh a couple things I wrote this idea uh a couple things I wrote here. When it says everything, it says here. When it says everything, it says here. When it says everything, it says do everything without complaining and do everything without complaining and do everything without complaining and grumbling because complaining grumbling because complaining grumbling because complaining communicates dissatisfaction communicates dissatisfaction communicates dissatisfaction with God's providence. with God's providence. with God's providence. Now, there are a lot of things in life Now, there are a lot of things in life Now, there are a lot of things in life that we create a lot of our own that we create a lot of our own that we create a lot of our own problems.

problems. problems. We may get outside of God's will. We We may get outside of God's will. We We may get outside of God's will. We step into something we shouldn't step step into something we shouldn't step step into something we shouldn't step into. Then all of a sudden we wake up into. Then all of a sudden we wake up into. Then all of a sudden we wake up one day and go, "Oh Lord Jesus, what one day and go, "Oh Lord Jesus, what one day and go, "Oh Lord Jesus, what have I done?" If you are in the midst of have I done?" If you are in the midst of have I done?" If you are in the midst of a bunch of stuff and you're grumbling a bunch of stuff and you're grumbling a bunch of stuff and you're grumbling and complaining because you created your and complaining because you created your and complaining because you created your own problem, own problem, own problem, then I would encourage you today to then I would encourage you today to then I would encourage you today to confess, "Lord God, I created this confess, "Lord God, I created this confess, "Lord God, I created this myself. myself. myself. Lord God, I did this to myself. Lord Lord God, I did this to myself. Lord Lord God, I did this to myself. Lord God, this was a lapse of judgment. Lord God, this was a lapse of judgment. Lord God, this was a lapse of judgment. Lord God, I went crazy." God, I went crazy." God, I went crazy." "Lord God, forgive me. "Lord God, forgive me. "Lord God, forgive me. And Lord God, please help me." And Lord God, please help me." And Lord God, please help me." If I were you, I would pray that way and If I were you, I would pray that way and If I were you, I would pray that way and say, "Lord, I know I did it. Help me to say, "Lord, I know I did it. Help me to say, "Lord, I know I did it. Help me to stop grumbling and complaining cuz the stop grumbling and complaining cuz the stop grumbling and complaining cuz the world is watching and the world is world is watching and the world is world is watching and the world is listening. And Lord, help me to have the listening. And Lord, help me to have the listening. And Lord, help me to have the right mindset to do this." And so, it right mindset to do this." And so, it right mindset to do this." And so, it could be that. Now, could be that. Now, could be that. Now, what we got to do though is we got to what we got to do though is we got to what we got to do though is we got to cultivate this attitude of gratitude cultivate this attitude of gratitude cultivate this attitude of gratitude because it's hard to grumble when you're because it's hard to grumble when you're because it's hard to grumble when you're thankful. thankful. thankful. Most of us are like me, I would suggest Most of us are like me, I would suggest Most of us are like me, I would suggest that you look more at the negative that you look more at the negative that you look more at the negative things that aren't right than you do the things that aren't right than you do the things that aren't right than you do the positive things that God is doing.

positive things that God is doing. positive things that God is doing. And so, if grumbling or complaining And so, if grumbling or complaining And so, if grumbling or complaining because the world is watching has been because the world is watching has been because the world is watching has been an issue in your life as a believer, you an issue in your life as a believer, you an issue in your life as a believer, you got to cultivate gratitude. Here's got to cultivate gratitude. Here's got to cultivate gratitude. Here's another one. You got to choose words another one. You got to choose words another one. You got to choose words that build up. Do you know it's a lot that build up. Do you know it's a lot that build up. Do you know it's a lot easier to tear down than it is to build easier to tear down than it is to build easier to tear down than it is to build build up? You know how people gossip? build up? You know how people gossip? build up? You know how people gossip? They gossip cuz it makes them feel They gossip cuz it makes them feel They gossip cuz it makes them feel better about their self. better about their self. better about their self. Why do people tear down? Lot of times Why do people tear down? Lot of times Why do people tear down? Lot of times they tear down cuz it makes them feel they tear down cuz it makes them feel they tear down cuz it makes them feel better about their self. And I'm I can better about their self. And I'm I can better about their self. And I'm I can be the worst at this. You may not even be the worst at this. You may not even be the worst at this. You may not even ask my opinion, but I may give it to you ask my opinion, but I may give it to you ask my opinion, but I may give it to you anyway. You may not want to know what I anyway. You may not want to know what I anyway. You may not want to know what I think, but I can tell you how to do it. think, but I can tell you how to do it. think, but I can tell you how to do it. And and you have to be careful this and And and you have to be careful this and And and you have to be careful this and so you may want to ask yourself before so you may want to ask yourself before so you may want to ask yourself before you speak, before you type, you speak, before you type, you speak, before you type, and before you text, is this word going and before you text, is this word going and before you text, is this word going to build up or is it going to tear down? to build up or is it going to tear down? to build up or is it going to tear down? You see, that's how we live and live it You see, that's how we live and live it You see, that's how we live and live it out. Here's another one. We got to out. Here's another one. We got to out. Here's another one. We got to accept that life isn't about our accept that life isn't about our accept that life isn't about our comfort. comfort. comfort. We got to accept life is not about our We got to accept life is not about our We got to accept life is not about our comfort. We uh you may choose to comfort. We uh you may choose to comfort. We uh you may choose to disagree with me disagree with me disagree with me and I want you to know it's okay for you and I want you to know it's okay for you and I want you to know it's okay for you to be wrong.

to be wrong. to be wrong. I will not hold it against you. I will not hold it against you. I will not hold it against you. Now, I've not been in every country Now, I've not been in every country Now, I've not been in every country around the world, but I've been in a lot around the world, but I've been in a lot around the world, but I've been in a lot of countries, okay? of countries, okay? of countries, okay? And I want to tell you about America. And I want to tell you about America. And I want to tell you about America. Now, America's got a lot of folks in it Now, America's got a lot of folks in it Now, America's got a lot of folks in it and there's a whole lot of us that are and there's a whole lot of us that are and there's a whole lot of us that are crazy, okay? So, it may not be crazy, okay? So, it may not be crazy, okay? So, it may not be everything that you want it to be. everything that you want it to be. everything that you want it to be. And it may not always go the direction And it may not always go the direction And it may not always go the direction you want it to go. But, I'm just going you want it to go. But, I'm just going you want it to go. But, I'm just going to assure you the United States of to assure you the United States of to assure you the United States of America America America is one of the greatest places to live on is one of the greatest places to live on is one of the greatest places to live on the face of the earth. And if you don't the face of the earth. And if you don't the face of the earth. And if you don't agree with that, agree with that, agree with that, >> [applause] >> I would just say this, most people don't >> I would just say this, most people don't agree with that has never they've never agree with that has never they've never agree with that has never they've never been anywhere else. Now, I've been in been anywhere else. Now, I've been in been anywhere else. Now, I've been in places there's rolling blackouts. places there's rolling blackouts. places there's rolling blackouts. There's no electricity. There's no There's no electricity. There's no There's no electricity. There's no indoor plumbing. I mean, there's nothing indoor plumbing. I mean, there's nothing indoor plumbing. I mean, there's nothing and folks are just as happy as they can and folks are just as happy as they can and folks are just as happy as they can be cuz they don't know any different. I be cuz they don't know any different. I be cuz they don't know any different. I mean, there's places around the world mean, there's places around the world mean, there's places around the world that are struggling. So, I share that that are struggling. So, I share that that are struggling. So, I share that with you, but you need to understand we with you, but you need to understand we with you, but you need to understand we have become accustomed to comfort. I have become accustomed to comfort. I have become accustomed to comfort. I mean, if it's not the right, you know, mean, if it's not the right, you know, mean, if it's not the right, you know, if it's too cold or too hot, it's like if it's too cold or too hot, it's like if it's too cold or too hot, it's like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, you Goldilocks and the Three Bears, you Goldilocks and the Three Bears, you know? Even in church, I mean, we just know? Even in church, I mean, we just know? Even in church, I mean, we just get kind of irate about that and we we get kind of irate about that and we we get kind of irate about that and we we got to realize that it's not about now, got to realize that it's not about now, got to realize that it's not about now, I like AC like everybody else does, but I like AC like everybody else does, but I like AC like everybody else does, but it's just not about our comfort. And it's just not about our comfort. And it's just not about our comfort. And what happens it begins to cause us to what happens it begins to cause us to what happens it begins to cause us to get to a place that we begin to complain get to a place that we begin to complain get to a place that we begin to complain and we got to remember always that and we got to remember always that and we got to remember always that people are listening. Complaining's people are listening. Complaining's people are listening. Complaining's often the language of unbelief.

often the language of unbelief. often the language of unbelief. Ingratitude's is language of faith. Ingratitude's is language of faith. Ingratitude's is language of faith. You see, that's how you live it out. You You see, that's how you live it out. You You see, that's how you live it out. You also live it out without compromise. He also live it out without compromise. He also live it out without compromise. He says in verse 15, "So that you may prove says in verse 15, "So that you may prove says in verse 15, "So that you may prove yourself to be blameless." Which means yourself to be blameless." Which means yourself to be blameless." Which means without defect, without blemish. Means a without defect, without blemish. Means a without defect, without blemish. Means a life that cannot be criticized because life that cannot be criticized because life that cannot be criticized because of sin. of sin. of sin. "But if be innocent." Which means "But if be innocent." Which means "But if be innocent." Which means unadulterated. It means children of God unadulterated. It means children of God unadulterated. It means children of God above reproach. Which is the idea of no above reproach. Which is the idea of no above reproach. Which is the idea of no criticism or blame. criticism or blame. criticism or blame. "In the midst of a crooked and perverse "In the midst of a crooked and perverse "In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation." Now again, this does not generation." Now again, this does not generation." Now again, this does not mean to be isolated. mean to be isolated. mean to be isolated. I've had conversations in the past like I've had conversations in the past like I've had conversations in the past like where we just got got to be isolated where we just got got to be isolated where we just got got to be isolated from the world. I just don't want to be from the world. I just don't want to be from the world. I just don't want to be infected by the world. I don't want to infected by the world. I don't want to infected by the world. I don't want to my I don't want all this. I I get that. my I don't want all this. I I get that. my I don't want all this. I I get that. I understand what you're saying. But you I understand what you're saying. But you I understand what you're saying. But you just going to have a hard time doing just going to have a hard time doing just going to have a hard time doing that. And so we are to stand in the that. And so we are to stand in the that. And so we are to stand in the midst of this generation that's out midst of this generation that's out midst of this generation that's out there. And that crookedness is the idea there. And that crookedness is the idea there. And that crookedness is the idea of the curvature of the spine and of the curvature of the spine and of the curvature of the spine and twisted. Perverse means way off base. I twisted. Perverse means way off base. I twisted. Perverse means way off base. I mean really missing the mark idea. mean really missing the mark idea. mean really missing the mark idea. And so how do we do that? How do we And so how do we do that? How do we And so how do we do that? How do we stand out in the midst of all the stuff stand out in the midst of all the stuff stand out in the midst of all the stuff that's going on? We got to live that's going on? We got to live that's going on? We got to live different than the world. We got to fuse different than the world. We got to fuse different than the world. We got to fuse to adopt the values of the world. We got to adopt the values of the world. We got to adopt the values of the world. We got to love people without loving the sin.

to love people without loving the sin. to love people without loving the sin. And we've got to maintain our witness. And we've got to maintain our witness. And we've got to maintain our witness. So, we live different than the world. We So, we live different than the world. We So, we live different than the world. We refuse to adopt the the values of the refuse to adopt the the values of the refuse to adopt the the values of the world. And we love people without loving world. And we love people without loving world. And we love people without loving sin. I mean all of us What happens is sin. I mean all of us What happens is sin. I mean all of us What happens is sin has a way of trying to bring you in. sin has a way of trying to bring you in. sin has a way of trying to bring you in. And you got to love people without And you got to love people without And you got to love people without loving sin. There've been many times loving sin. There've been many times loving sin. There've been many times that someone would come to me and that someone would come to me and that someone would come to me and they want to share with me that they they want to share with me that they they want to share with me that they want to tell me like well hey, here's want to tell me like well hey, here's want to tell me like well hey, here's why I'm doing what I'm doing. Here's And why I'm doing what I'm doing. Here's And why I'm doing what I'm doing. Here's And basically they're justifying their sin. basically they're justifying their sin. basically they're justifying their sin. And so I want to talk to you preacher. And so I want to talk to you preacher. And so I want to talk to you preacher. I'm like all right. And so they come and I'm like all right. And so they come and I'm like all right. And so they come and they start talking. They just talk and they start talking. They just talk and they start talking. They just talk and talk and talk and talk. They're just talk and talk and talk. They're just talk and talk and talk. They're just going all this stuff. And I just kind of going all this stuff. And I just kind of going all this stuff. And I just kind of sit there and smile. sit there and smile. sit there and smile. You know, look at them. I don't do this. You know, look at them. I don't do this. You know, look at them. I don't do this. I don't do this. I just look at them. I I don't do this. I just look at them. I I don't do this. I just look at them. I smile. I'm trying I'm just being nice. smile. I'm trying I'm just being nice. smile. I'm trying I'm just being nice. I'm listening to them. I'm just waiting I'm listening to them. I'm just waiting I'm listening to them. I'm just waiting until they breathe so I can say until they breathe so I can say until they breathe so I can say something. something. something. And generally when they finally try to And generally when they finally try to And generally when they finally try to catch a breath of justifying what catch a breath of justifying what catch a breath of justifying what they're doing, I generally say something they're doing, I generally say something they're doing, I generally say something like this, "You want me to bless your like this, "You want me to bless your like this, "You want me to bless your sin." sin." sin." And that really takes them back. And that really takes them back. And that really takes them back. I say, "You" that's what I say. I said, I say, "You" that's what I say. I said, I say, "You" that's what I say. I said, "You want me to bless your sin. You want "You want me to bless your sin. You want "You want me to bless your sin. You want me to agree with what you're doing.

me to agree with what you're doing. me to agree with what you're doing. And I'm not going to do that. And I'm not going to do that. And I'm not going to do that. And I want you to know I love you. I do And I want you to know I love you. I do And I want you to know I love you. I do love you. And I want the best for you. love you. And I want the best for you. love you. And I want the best for you. But I'm not going to bless your sin. But I'm not going to bless your sin. But I'm not going to bless your sin. That that's the idea of loving the That that's the idea of loving the That that's the idea of loving the person but not loving the sin. And person but not loving the sin. And person but not loving the sin. And again, I believe that's the way we live again, I believe that's the way we live again, I believe that's the way we live without compromising. And we are to without compromising. And we are to without compromising. And we are to shine. Okay, you see this in the text shine. Okay, you see this in the text shine. Okay, you see this in the text without hiding. He says, "Among whom so without hiding. He says, "Among whom so without hiding. He says, "Among whom so you're standing out among whom you you're standing out among whom you you're standing out among whom you appear as lights in the world." Now, appear as lights in the world." Now, appear as lights in the world." Now, this means illumination. That that song this means illumination. That that song this means illumination. That that song that we probably many of you had an that we probably many of you had an that we probably many of you had an opportunity to be in church as a kid. opportunity to be in church as a kid. opportunity to be in church as a kid. Maybe you learned that song, "This Maybe you learned that song, "This Maybe you learned that song, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let little light of mine, I'm going to let little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. This little light all that." it shine. This little light all that." it shine. This little light all that." Uh that's probably where this passage Uh that's probably where this passage Uh that's probably where this passage comes from, one of them. And so, you're comes from, one of them. And so, you're comes from, one of them. And so, you're to be shining as that light. Now, how to be shining as that light. Now, how to be shining as that light. Now, how many of you like the beach? Anybody like many of you like the beach? Anybody like many of you like the beach? Anybody like the beach? I'm a beach person. I'm not the beach? I'm a beach person. I'm not the beach? I'm a beach person. I'm not an ocean person. an ocean person. an ocean person. There's things in the ocean bigger than There's things in the ocean bigger than There's things in the ocean bigger than me. I'm a beach person. I like the me. I'm a beach person. I like the me. I'm a beach person. I like the beach. I think only one time in my life beach. I think only one time in my life beach. I think only one time in my life I've ever actually seen a lighthouse I've ever actually seen a lighthouse I've ever actually seen a lighthouse physical lighthouse like I could touch physical lighthouse like I could touch physical lighthouse like I could touch it. I don't remember where Angie and I it. I don't remember where Angie and I it. I don't remember where Angie and I were about. I think there's only been were about. I think there's only been were about. I think there's only been one time in my life. Seen a bunch of one time in my life. Seen a bunch of one time in my life. Seen a bunch of pictures and this. Now, so I don't know pictures and this. Now, so I don't know pictures and this. Now, so I don't know a lot about lighthouses and we don't a lot about lighthouses and we don't a lot about lighthouses and we don't live Most of us don't live where you live Most of us don't live where you live Most of us don't live where you have lighthouses. But the whole purpose have lighthouses. But the whole purpose have lighthouses. But the whole purpose is so a ship can have direction and is so a ship can have direction and is so a ship can have direction and won't hit the rocks. That's what a won't hit the rocks. That's what a won't hit the rocks. That's what a lighthouse does. Now, lighthouse does. Now, lighthouse does. Now, I want to share with you something that I want to share with you something that I want to share with you something that I ran across quite interesting about a I ran across quite interesting about a I ran across quite interesting about a lighthouse.

lighthouse. lighthouse. A lighthouse doesn't complain about the A lighthouse doesn't complain about the A lighthouse doesn't complain about the storm. storm. storm. A lighthouse doesn't run from the storm. A lighthouse doesn't run from the storm. A lighthouse doesn't run from the storm. And a lighthouse doesn't become part of And a lighthouse doesn't become part of And a lighthouse doesn't become part of the storm. It just stands and shines. the storm. It just stands and shines. the storm. It just stands and shines. Now, let me say that one more time. Take Now, let me say that one more time. Take Now, let me say that one more time. Take it to a spiritual aspect. That it to a spiritual aspect. That it to a spiritual aspect. That lighthouse doesn't complain about storm. lighthouse doesn't complain about storm. lighthouse doesn't complain about storm. How How How Don't answer it. But, have you Don't answer it. But, have you Don't answer it. But, have you complained about the generation which we complained about the generation which we complained about the generation which we live in this past week? The lighthouse doesn't run from the The lighthouse doesn't run from the storm. Have you just tried to run from storm. Have you just tried to run from storm. Have you just tried to run from it? it? it? Cuz you going to have a hard time Cuz you going to have a hard time Cuz you going to have a hard time running from it, okay? running from it, okay? running from it, okay? And a lighthouse don't become part of And a lighthouse don't become part of And a lighthouse don't become part of the storm. Have you just given up and the storm. Have you just given up and the storm. Have you just given up and thrown your hands up and just join it? thrown your hands up and just join it? thrown your hands up and just join it? You know, family members will wear you You know, family members will wear you You know, family members will wear you out out out to bless their sin. to bless their sin. to bless their sin. They want you. They want you. They want you. They will try to talk you into it. They will try to talk you into it. They will try to talk you into it. They They will make you feel bad. They They They will make you feel bad. They They They will make you feel bad. They will make you feel guilty. will make you feel guilty. will make you feel guilty. They will do everything they can to get They will do everything they can to get They will do everything they can to get you to bless their sin because it it you to bless their sin because it it you to bless their sin because it it seemingly to make them feel better about seemingly to make them feel better about seemingly to make them feel better about what they're doing. In this what they're doing. In this what they're doing. In this You know what?

You know what? You know what? You can't join it. You can't run from You can't join it. You can't run from You can't join it. You can't run from it. it. it. You just got to stand. You got to be You just got to stand. You got to be You just got to stand. You got to be that light. You got to shine without that light. You got to shine without that light. You got to shine without hiding. But, then also, too, you got to hiding. But, then also, too, you got to hiding. But, then also, too, you got to hold fast to the word of God. Look at hold fast to the word of God. Look at hold fast to the word of God. Look at what it says next. He says, "So that what it says next. He says, "So that what it says next. He says, "So that you You know, the Lord's at work and you You know, the Lord's at work and you You know, the Lord's at work and he's doing some myths, but you're he's doing some myths, but you're he's doing some myths, but you're holding fast to the word of life." So, holding fast to the word of life." So, holding fast to the word of life." So, this is the word of scripture. This is this is the word of scripture. This is this is the word of scripture. This is eternal life. This is the gospel. So, eternal life. This is the gospel. So, eternal life. This is the gospel. So, you got to read the word. You got to you got to read the word. You got to you got to read the word. You got to believe the word. You've heard this believe the word. You've heard this believe the word. You've heard this before if you taking notes or write before if you taking notes or write before if you taking notes or write fast. You got to obey the word. You got fast. You got to obey the word. You got fast. You got to obey the word. You got to defend the word and you got to share to defend the word and you got to share to defend the word and you got to share the word. I'm going to break it down and the word. I'm going to break it down and the word. I'm going to break it down and give it to you. give it to you. give it to you. So, you got to read it. That means it So, you got to read it. That means it So, you got to read it. That means it becomes like a daily priority. So, last becomes like a daily priority. So, last becomes like a daily priority. So, last night, I'm in my office at the house night, I'm in my office at the house night, I'm in my office at the house which has two bunk beds in it, that which has two bunk beds in it, that which has two bunk beds in it, that office. It has every Lego known to man. office. It has every Lego known to man. office. It has every Lego known to man. It has a train track. It has a bunch of It has a train track. It has a bunch of It has a train track. It has a bunch of little toy tractors. It has everything little toy tractors. It has everything little toy tractors. It has everything you can imagine in that room, okay? Plus you can imagine in that room, okay? Plus you can imagine in that room, okay? Plus my desk and two computer screens. And my desk and two computer screens. And my desk and two computer screens. And so, I'm in there. So, Angie comes in. so, I'm in there. So, Angie comes in. so, I'm in there. So, Angie comes in. She says, She says, She says, "What would you like for supper?" "What would you like for supper?" "What would you like for supper?" I said, "Whatever you want to do." She I said, "Whatever you want to do." She I said, "Whatever you want to do." She said, "I have some options." I said, said, "I have some options." I said, said, "I have some options." I said, "What are my options?" She said, "What are my options?" She said, "What are my options?" She said, "Pasta."

"Pasta." "Pasta." She said something else. She said, "Pork She said something else. She said, "Pork She said something else. She said, "Pork chops." Well, I knew the answer to that chops." Well, I knew the answer to that chops." Well, I knew the answer to that one. one. one. I said, I would like to have pork chops. I said, I would like to have pork chops. I said, I would like to have pork chops. She says, do you want it now? I said, She says, do you want it now? I said, She says, do you want it now? I said, I'm always hungry, but it's up to you, I'm always hungry, but it's up to you, I'm always hungry, but it's up to you, you're cooking. And I said, could you you're cooking. And I said, could you you're cooking. And I said, could you fry the pork chops? She went fry the pork chops? She went fry the pork chops? She went cocked her head. cocked her head. cocked her head. No, I'm going to grill them. I said, No, I'm going to grill them. I said, No, I'm going to grill them. I said, okay. Well, then I want french fries. okay. Well, then I want french fries. okay. Well, then I want french fries. Then she cocked her head again. Then she cocked her head again. Then she cocked her head again. And so, uh, I didn't know how that was And so, uh, I didn't know how that was And so, uh, I didn't know how that was going to turn out. going to turn out. going to turn out. And so, uh, And so, uh, And so, uh, uh, So, she comes in later, she says, uh, So, she comes in later, she says, uh, So, she comes in later, she says, what about mashed potatoes and gravy? I what about mashed potatoes and gravy? I what about mashed potatoes and gravy? I said, oh yeah, now we're talking, come said, oh yeah, now we're talking, come said, oh yeah, now we're talking, come on. on. on. Now, if you right now feel the spirit of Now, if you right now feel the spirit of Now, if you right now feel the spirit of God telling you that you're going to God telling you that you're going to God telling you that you're going to line me out after this service on what line me out after this service on what line me out after this service on what I'm eating, just don't waste your breath I'm eating, just don't waste your breath I'm eating, just don't waste your breath on me, okay? It ain't going to work, all on me, okay? It ain't going to work, all on me, okay? It ain't going to work, all right? right? right? Now, I sit down at that table with Now, I sit down at that table with Now, I sit down at that table with grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes and grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes and grilled pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, and brown beans. I told Angie, I gravy, and brown beans. I told Angie, I gravy, and brown beans. I told Angie, I said, thank you for cooking supper. And said, thank you for cooking supper. And said, thank you for cooking supper. And I said, Lord Jesus, thank you for these I said, Lord Jesus, thank you for these I said, Lord Jesus, thank you for these pork chops. I dug in because I was pork chops. I dug in because I was pork chops. I dug in because I was hungry. hungry. hungry. This is my body This is my body This is my body had a craving. Yeah, they were for had a craving. Yeah, they were for had a craving. Yeah, they were for fried, but I got them grilled.

fried, but I got them grilled. fried, but I got them grilled. And for potatoes, and I got mashed And for potatoes, and I got mashed And for potatoes, and I got mashed potatoes was great. potatoes was great. potatoes was great. My body was craving that. I was hungry. My body was craving that. I was hungry. My body was craving that. I was hungry. But just as our body needs food, our But just as our body needs food, our But just as our body needs food, our soul needs the word of God. soul needs the word of God. soul needs the word of God. So, we got to read it. We got to believe So, we got to read it. We got to believe So, we got to read it. We got to believe it, and we believe it even when the it, and we believe it even when the it, and we believe it even when the culture disagrees with it. culture disagrees with it. culture disagrees with it. You got to believe this is God's word. You got to believe this is God's word. You got to believe this is God's word. We've got to obey it means to put it We've got to obey it means to put it We've got to obey it means to put it into practice. And defending it, the the into practice. And defending it, the the into practice. And defending it, the the word of God can defend itself, but when word of God can defend itself, but when word of God can defend itself, but when I say defend it, is you don't apologize I say defend it, is you don't apologize I say defend it, is you don't apologize for truth. You know, somebody says, for truth. You know, somebody says, for truth. You know, somebody says, well, I don't agree with that. I'll say, well, I don't agree with that. I'll say, well, I don't agree with that. I'll say, well, look, I didn't write it, God wrote well, look, I didn't write it, God wrote well, look, I didn't write it, God wrote it. Take it up with him. Okay? I I'm it. Take it up with him. Okay? I I'm it. Take it up with him. Okay? I I'm just a I'm just a purveyor of it. I'm just a I'm just a purveyor of it. I'm just a I'm just a purveyor of it. I'm just a messenger boy, like, you might be just a messenger boy, like, you might be just a messenger boy, like, you might be a messenger lady or man, or whatever. I a messenger lady or man, or whatever. I a messenger lady or man, or whatever. I mean, you're just maybe teaching a Bible mean, you're just maybe teaching a Bible mean, you're just maybe teaching a Bible study, whatever. Uh, it's just God did study, whatever. Uh, it's just God did study, whatever. Uh, it's just God did it. It's not our opinion, it's up to it. It's not our opinion, it's up to it. It's not our opinion, it's up to him. him. him. But you also got to share it, so you But you also got to share it, so you But you also got to share it, so you don't hide it. You see, that's what it don't hide it. You see, that's what it don't hide it. You see, that's what it means to to live it out. But also, you means to to live it out. But also, you means to to live it out. But also, you got to pour it out. Now, what Paul does got to pour it out. Now, what Paul does got to pour it out. Now, what Paul does here, he takes an Old Testament picture here, he takes an Old Testament picture here, he takes an Old Testament picture here. So, he drops back and he says, here. So, he drops back and he says, here. So, he drops back and he says, "Even though I'm being poured out as a "Even though I'm being poured out as a "Even though I'm being poured out as a drink offering on the service sacrifice drink offering on the service sacrifice drink offering on the service sacrifice of your faith, I rejoice ask you to of your faith, I rejoice ask you to of your faith, I rejoice ask you to rejoice with me." Kind of paraphrase.

rejoice with me." Kind of paraphrase. rejoice with me." Kind of paraphrase. So, he goes back. What would happen is So, he goes back. What would happen is So, he goes back. What would happen is you you can see in the Old Testament you you can see in the Old Testament you you can see in the Old Testament sometimes they take a drink off and pour sometimes they take a drink off and pour sometimes they take a drink off and pour it out on rock. Most of time, what would it out on rock. Most of time, what would it out on rock. Most of time, what would happen is you'd have a sacrifice on the happen is you'd have a sacrifice on the happen is you'd have a sacrifice on the altar and then the final completion altar and then the final completion altar and then the final completion of that sacrifice and all the sacrifice of that sacrifice and all the sacrifice of that sacrifice and all the sacrifice on the offering, the burning of the on the offering, the burning of the on the offering, the burning of the animal, and all that stuff was pointing animal, and all that stuff was pointing animal, and all that stuff was pointing to Christ, who was going to be our to Christ, who was going to be our to Christ, who was going to be our ultimate sacrifice. But he goes back, he ultimate sacrifice. But he goes back, he ultimate sacrifice. But he goes back, he says, "I'm being poured out as a drink says, "I'm being poured out as a drink says, "I'm being poured out as a drink offering." It was a picture of what they offering." It was a picture of what they offering." It was a picture of what they would do, final completion of the would do, final completion of the would do, final completion of the offering to God of the sacrifice of offering to God of the sacrifice of offering to God of the sacrifice of taking wine and pouring it over the taking wine and pouring it over the taking wine and pouring it over the burning sacrifice of the animal. And so, burning sacrifice of the animal. And so, burning sacrifice of the animal. And so, what Paul says, "I am coming to what Paul says, "I am coming to what Paul says, "I am coming to completion. completion. completion. I'm being poured out as an act of of I'm being poured out as an act of of I'm being poured out as an act of of service to your faith." He says, "Don't service to your faith." He says, "Don't service to your faith." He says, "Don't worry about me. I'm rejoicing that I had worry about me. I'm rejoicing that I had worry about me. I'm rejoicing that I had the opportunity to do it, and I want you the opportunity to do it, and I want you the opportunity to do it, and I want you to rejoice with me." That's kind of the to rejoice with me." That's kind of the to rejoice with me." That's kind of the short skinny version of what that means. short skinny version of what that means. short skinny version of what that means. Now, how do we pour out our life? Well, Now, how do we pour out our life? Well, Now, how do we pour out our life? Well, one of the things we do is that we pour one of the things we do is that we pour one of the things we do is that we pour out our time. out our time. out our time. You see, we serve sacrificially. Paul You see, we serve sacrificially. Paul You see, we serve sacrificially. Paul invested in people. He gave his energy, invested in people. He gave his energy, invested in people. He gave his energy, he gave his time.

he gave his time. he gave his time. Uh you know, time is one of the greatest Uh you know, time is one of the greatest Uh you know, time is one of the greatest sacrifices you make. And so, we got to sacrifices you make. And so, we got to sacrifices you make. And so, we got to ask our ourselves a question. Follow me ask our ourselves a question. Follow me ask our ourselves a question. Follow me on this. Where are we investing in on this. Where are we investing in on this. Where are we investing in people? Because I know you say, "Well, I people? Because I know you say, "Well, I people? Because I know you say, "Well, I just don't have enough time. I got all just don't have enough time. I got all just don't have enough time. I got all these things going." I understand. It's these things going." I understand. It's these things going." I understand. It's the greatest sacrifice time, and this is the greatest sacrifice time, and this is the greatest sacrifice time, and this is what Paul did. So, he was pouring into what Paul did. So, he was pouring into what Paul did. So, he was pouring into them, and he was pouring out time. But them, and he was pouring out time. But them, and he was pouring out time. But he was also pouring out his strength. he was also pouring out his strength. he was also pouring out his strength. You know, Paul's ministry cost him. He You know, Paul's ministry cost him. He You know, Paul's ministry cost him. He was shipwrecked, he was beaten, he was was shipwrecked, he was beaten, he was was shipwrecked, he was beaten, he was hungry, and he had sleepless nights. Go hungry, and he had sleepless nights. Go hungry, and he had sleepless nights. Go back and read in the text about all back and read in the text about all back and read in the text about all that. And it's just Paul. So, you know, that. And it's just Paul. So, you know, that. And it's just Paul. So, you know, you got to ask ourselves, where are we you got to ask ourselves, where are we you got to ask ourselves, where are we pouring out our strength? Ministry can pouring out our strength? Ministry can pouring out our strength? Ministry can be difficult. It's rewarding, but it's be difficult. It's rewarding, but it's be difficult. It's rewarding, but it's going to take time, it's going to take going to take time, it's going to take going to take time, it's going to take energy, it's going to take it's going to energy, it's going to take it's going to energy, it's going to take it's going to take strength. But also, what we do is take strength. But also, what we do is take strength. But also, what we do is when we pour out, we pour out our gifts. when we pour out, we pour out our gifts. when we pour out, we pour out our gifts. You realize as a believer, each and You realize as a believer, each and You realize as a believer, each and every person here, man and woman, as a every person here, man and woman, as a every person here, man and woman, as a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus born-again believer in the Lord Jesus born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you're alive and breathing as a Christ, you're alive and breathing as a Christ, you're alive and breathing as a believer. So, we're in this part of believer. So, we're in this part of believer. So, we're in this part of present salvation, sanctification. present salvation, sanctification. present salvation, sanctification. You've been given a spiritual gift. And You've been given a spiritual gift. And You've been given a spiritual gift. And so, what we do is we use that gift in so, what we do is we use that gift in so, what we do is we use that gift in the life of the church. And so, we use the life of the church. And so, we use the life of the church. And so, we use that gift by investing in other people, that gift by investing in other people, that gift by investing in other people, and we pour out our love.

and we pour out our love. and we pour out our love. Paul generally had a love Paul generally had a love Paul generally had a love for people. His love was a gospel is for people. His love was a gospel is for people. His love was a gospel is advancing, has a love for people. Now, advancing, has a love for people. Now, advancing, has a love for people. Now, here is the invitation. here is the invitation. here is the invitation. This invitation, look, this is the last This invitation, look, this is the last This invitation, look, this is the last service of the day. We're going to be service of the day. We're going to be service of the day. We're going to be through in a few minutes, all right? I through in a few minutes, all right? I through in a few minutes, all right? I know I mentioned fried pork chops and know I mentioned fried pork chops and know I mentioned fried pork chops and mashed potatoes and gravy and french mashed potatoes and gravy and french mashed potatoes and gravy and french fries, and I got you hungry. fries, and I got you hungry. fries, and I got you hungry. This is the most important part This is the most important part This is the most important part of today. of today. of today. Now, I know you've been patient, you've Now, I know you've been patient, you've Now, I know you've been patient, you've been listening. I know some of you been listening. I know some of you been listening. I know some of you worked hard all week, you're tired. I worked hard all week, you're tired. I worked hard all week, you're tired. I get it. get it. get it. Let's give it a few minutes here. This Let's give it a few minutes here. This Let's give it a few minutes here. This is the most important part of the whole is the most important part of the whole is the most important part of the whole service today, right here. This is a service today, right here. This is a service today, right here. This is a culmination. This is a calling of God culmination. This is a calling of God culmination. This is a calling of God upon your life. That's what it is. upon your life. That's what it is. upon your life. That's what it is. I didn't invent the invitation, man did I didn't invent the invitation, man did I didn't invent the invitation, man did not invent the invitation. Jesus said, not invent the invitation. Jesus said, not invent the invitation. Jesus said, "All you who are weary and heavy laden, "All you who are weary and heavy laden, "All you who are weary and heavy laden, come to me, I'll give you rest." Okay? come to me, I'll give you rest." Okay? come to me, I'll give you rest." Okay? All we're doing is doing what he told us All we're doing is doing what he told us All we're doing is doing what he told us to do. to do. to do. Now, this invitation, it's an invitation Now, this invitation, it's an invitation Now, this invitation, it's an invitation to believers. Some of you're crusted, to believers. Some of you're crusted, to believers. Some of you're crusted, you're hard, you're hard, you're hard, you're apathetic, you're complacent. you're apathetic, you're complacent. you're apathetic, you're complacent. We've all been there as a believer, We've all been there as a believer, We've all been there as a believer, probably.

probably. probably. You're You're downhearted, you're You're You're downhearted, you're You're You're downhearted, you're discouraged, the weight of the world. discouraged, the weight of the world. discouraged, the weight of the world. You need a renewing and refreshing. Cry You need a renewing and refreshing. Cry You need a renewing and refreshing. Cry out to him. Ask him. Ask him. Ask him to out to him. Ask him. Ask him. Ask him to out to him. Ask him. Ask him. Ask him to renew you. Ask him to refresh Ask him to renew you. Ask him to refresh Ask him to renew you. Ask him to refresh Ask him to say, "Lord, say, "Lord, say, "Lord, where's the appetite where's the appetite where's the appetite that when I got saved that I had for that when I got saved that I had for that when I got saved that I had for you? you? you? The appetite, the stirring of God. Lord, The appetite, the stirring of God. Lord, The appetite, the stirring of God. Lord, show me my life. Is there some sin in my show me my life. Is there some sin in my show me my life. Is there some sin in my life I need to confess it that I can life I need to confess it that I can life I need to confess it that I can recognize that stirring in my life? I recognize that stirring in my life? I recognize that stirring in my life? I want to God, I I want you to work in my want to God, I I want you to work in my want to God, I I want you to work in my life to willing to work for your good life to willing to work for your good life to willing to work for your good pleasure. Lord, help me to recognize the pleasure. Lord, help me to recognize the pleasure. Lord, help me to recognize the stirring, the draw. You say, "Lord, I'm stirring, the draw. You say, "Lord, I'm stirring, the draw. You say, "Lord, I'm busy and I I manage people and I got a busy and I I manage people and I got a busy and I I manage people and I got a lot of stuff going on, but and you all lot of stuff going on, but and you all lot of stuff going on, but and you all know if you just step back from it, hey, know if you just step back from it, hey, know if you just step back from it, hey, that's good. We make a living, we that's good. We make a living, we that's good. We make a living, we provide for our families, we provide for provide for our families, we provide for provide for our families, we provide for the church and the gospel spread. Praise the church and the gospel spread. Praise the church and the gospel spread. Praise God. Hallelujah." The real joy comes in God. Hallelujah." The real joy comes in God. Hallelujah." The real joy comes in serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether if it's in that work you're doing, but if it's in that work you're doing, but if it's in that work you're doing, but it's in having that relationship with it's in having that relationship with it's in having that relationship with him. And some of you may need a renewing him. And some of you may need a renewing him. And some of you may need a renewing and refreshing. And why not take a few and refreshing. And why not take a few and refreshing. And why not take a few minutes today in the invitation? Maybe minutes today in the invitation? Maybe minutes today in the invitation? Maybe you want to come. Maybe you want to you want to come. Maybe you want to you want to come. Maybe you want to kneel at the altar before we have take kneel at the altar before we have take kneel at the altar before we have take the Lord's Supper together and just get the Lord's Supper together and just get the Lord's Supper together and just get some stuff right. Maybe you're here this some stuff right. Maybe you're here this some stuff right. Maybe you're here this morning and look, you've been mumbling morning and look, you've been mumbling morning and look, you've been mumbling and grumbling and complaining. You don't and grumbling and complaining. You don't and grumbling and complaining. You don't have an attitude of gratitude. You know, have an attitude of gratitude. You know, have an attitude of gratitude. You know, you're just mad at the world. And and it you're just mad at the world. And and it you're just mad at the world. And and it may be today as a believer you should may be today as a believer you should may be today as a believer you should got to confess that and repent of that.

got to confess that and repent of that. got to confess that and repent of that. You know, I would encourage you don't You know, I would encourage you don't You know, I would encourage you don't the the Holy Spirit is drawing and the the Holy Spirit is drawing and the the Holy Spirit is drawing and piercing on your heart and just don't piercing on your heart and just don't piercing on your heart and just don't let God just pass YOU BY. HE DOESN'T let God just pass YOU BY. HE DOESN'T let God just pass YOU BY. HE DOESN'T want that. You've got to respond. want that. You've got to respond. want that. You've got to respond. You know, for some of you You know, for some of you You know, for some of you you're tired. you're tired. you're tired. And I want you to picture the Lord Jesus And I want you to picture the Lord Jesus And I want you to picture the Lord Jesus Christ Christ Christ preaching on a rock somewhere. preaching on a rock somewhere. preaching on a rock somewhere. Maybe up on a Mount of Olives. Maybe up on a Mount of Olives. Maybe up on a Mount of Olives. And he gives that invitation. He looks And he gives that invitation. He looks And he gives that invitation. He looks right at you. right at you. right at you. Now, I know you think that he's probably Now, I know you think that he's probably Now, I know you think that he's probably blonde-headed and blue-eyed or something blonde-headed and blue-eyed or something blonde-headed and blue-eyed or something like that. He's a Jew. like that. He's a Jew. like that. He's a Jew. He's from the Middle East. You might He's from the Middle East. You might He's from the Middle East. You might think, "Well, I don't really know what think, "Well, I don't really know what think, "Well, I don't really know what how do I picture that?" He's just from how do I picture that?" He's just from how do I picture that?" He's just from the Middle East, okay? the Middle East, okay? the Middle East, okay? And you just need to picture him on that And you just need to picture him on that And you just need to picture him on that rock. rock. rock. And he's looking right at you and he And he's looking right at you and he And he's looking right at you and he says, "Come unto me." says, "Come unto me." says, "Come unto me." "Come to me "Come to me "Come to me all who you are weary and heavy laden, all who you are weary and heavy laden, all who you are weary and heavy laden, I'll give you rest." That same call 2,000 years ago is today. That same call 2,000 years ago is today. Just run to him.

Just run to him. Just run to him. Some of you you need him today. Some of you you need him today. Some of you you need him today. Don't don't let this moment go by. Don't don't let this moment go by. Don't don't let this moment go by. And then I know here And then I know here And then I know here and I know that there's some of you and I know that there's some of you and I know that there's some of you today is the first time today is the first time today is the first time you've sensed a separation from God. you've sensed a separation from God. you've sensed a separation from God. You will admit and say, "There's no You will admit and say, "There's no You will admit and say, "There's no light in me. There's been no light in me. There's been no light in me. There's been no transformation. My life is no different transformation. My life is no different transformation. My life is no different than it's ever been. I've been church my than it's ever been. I've been church my than it's ever been. I've been church my whole life. You might say I made whole life. You might say I made whole life. You might say I made decision whenever but there's nothing decision whenever but there's nothing decision whenever but there's nothing there." there." there." It's because you didn't truly repent and It's because you didn't truly repent and It's because you didn't truly repent and truly confess and truly surrender. I'm truly confess and truly surrender. I'm truly confess and truly surrender. I'm not trying to cause you to doubt your not trying to cause you to doubt your not trying to cause you to doubt your salvation. The Bible says evaluate salvation. The Bible says evaluate salvation. The Bible says evaluate yourself see if you're of the faith. yourself see if you're of the faith. yourself see if you're of the faith. I'm just telling you you know a tree by I'm just telling you you know a tree by I'm just telling you you know a tree by its fruit. You just got to say, "God, I its fruit. You just got to say, "God, I its fruit. You just got to say, "God, I agree with you. You're right." agree with you. You're right." agree with you. You're right." Not trying to scare you. Not trying to scare you. Not trying to scare you. There's some of you here today today is There's some of you here today today is There's some of you here today today is the day. the day. the day. Today. It's by the mercy Today. It's by the mercy Today. It's by the mercy and the grace of God he's speaking to and the grace of God he's speaking to and the grace of God he's speaking to your heart. your heart. your heart. And I I just want to beg you if I can And I I just want to beg you if I can And I I just want to beg you if I can don't walk out of here. It's a privilege don't walk out of here. It's a privilege don't walk out of here. It's a privilege for the God of the universe for the God of the universe for the God of the universe to speak to your heart. Don't turn your to speak to your heart. Don't turn your to speak to your heart. Don't turn your back on him. He loves you. He's crying back on him. He loves you. He's crying back on him. He loves you. He's crying out to you. You've gone down an empty out to you. You've gone down an empty out to you. You've gone down an empty path. There's nothing there. You know path. There's nothing there. You know path. There's nothing there. You know it.

it. it. And just turn to him in repentance and And just turn to him in repentance and And just turn to him in repentance and faith he'll save you today. Lord Jesus faith he'll save you today. Lord Jesus faith he'll save you today. Lord Jesus save me. Lord forgive me. Lord I repent. save me. Lord forgive me. Lord I repent. save me. Lord forgive me. Lord I repent. Lord I Lord I Lord I I come to you. Lord I don't even I come to you. Lord I don't even I come to you. Lord I don't even understand all everything. I just know I understand all everything. I just know I understand all everything. I just know I need you. Lord take control of my life. need you. Lord take control of my life. need you. Lord take control of my life. And everything I know I repent of And everything I know I repent of And everything I know I repent of everything in my life and Lord here I everything in my life and Lord here I everything in my life and Lord here I am. am. am. He'll save you today. You say, "Brother, He'll save you today. You say, "Brother, He'll save you today. You say, "Brother, aren't you you saying that?" Well, yeah, aren't you you saying that?" Well, yeah, aren't you you saying that?" Well, yeah, I'm saying it but God said it first. I'm saying it but God said it first. I'm saying it but God said it first. God gave it. God gave it. God gave it. You call upon him he'll save you. Do not You call upon him he'll save you. Do not You call upon him he'll save you. Do not let this time pass you by. let this time pass you by. let this time pass you by. Fathers, as we pray across this room Fathers, as we pray across this room Fathers, as we pray across this room this invitation. I know there are this invitation. I know there are this invitation. I know there are believers here Lord that many of them believers here Lord that many of them believers here Lord that many of them need to just get stuff right with you. need to just get stuff right with you. need to just get stuff right with you. Uh Lord, all of us I know myself this Uh Lord, all of us I know myself this Uh Lord, all of us I know myself this message has worked on my life and so message has worked on my life and so message has worked on my life and so Lord I pray that that we would just heed Lord I pray that that we would just heed Lord I pray that that we would just heed and listen and listen and listen and and the stirrings of our heart that and and the stirrings of our heart that and and the stirrings of our heart that you've given us Lord in renewing and you've given us Lord in renewing and you've given us Lord in renewing and refreshing I pray it would come. I I refreshing I pray it would come. I I refreshing I pray it would come. I I pray for those that just need prayer pray for those that just need prayer pray for those that just need prayer who'd be willing to to come and to pray. who'd be willing to to come and to pray. who'd be willing to to come and to pray. Maybe someone needs a job. Maybe someone Maybe someone needs a job. Maybe someone Maybe someone needs a job. Maybe someone is sick. Maybe someone's got is sick. Maybe someone's got is sick. Maybe someone's got relationship issues. Maybe it's family relationship issues. Maybe it's family relationship issues. Maybe it's family problems or maybe there's work stuff. problems or maybe there's work stuff. problems or maybe there's work stuff. And Lord, it's not that they got to tell And Lord, it's not that they got to tell And Lord, it's not that they got to tell everything, but Lord, just if they say, everything, but Lord, just if they say, everything, but Lord, just if they say, "Hey, I just need you to pray for me."

"Hey, I just need you to pray for me." "Hey, I just need you to pray for me." May it be May Can we be the church May it be May Can we be the church May it be May Can we be the church today, Lord? today, Lord? today, Lord? And Lord, just a a renewing and And Lord, just a a renewing and And Lord, just a a renewing and refreshing that probably so many refreshing that probably so many refreshing that probably so many believers need today. believers need today. believers need today. But Lord, I also know today is a day of But Lord, I also know today is a day of But Lord, I also know today is a day of salvation. There are those right now who salvation. There are those right now who salvation. There are those right now who need to call upon you. Coming to you in need to call upon you. Coming to you in need to call upon you. Coming to you in repentance. Just In the silence of their repentance. Just In the silence of their repentance. Just In the silence of their mind, crying out to you, repenting of mind, crying out to you, repenting of mind, crying out to you, repenting of sin and putting your faith and trust in sin and putting your faith and trust in sin and putting your faith and trust in you. you. you. And Lord, you tell us whosoever calls on And Lord, you tell us whosoever calls on And Lord, you tell us whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. So, the name of the Lord shall be saved. So, the name of the Lord shall be saved. So, Lord, I pray that takes place. I pray no Lord, I pray that takes place. I pray no Lord, I pray that takes place. I pray no one is ashamed of you today, Lord. May one is ashamed of you today, Lord. May one is ashamed of you today, Lord. May it be for your glory and honor. In your it be for your glory and honor. In your it be for your glory and honor. In your name we pray, the name of Jesus. name we pray, the name of Jesus. name we pray, the name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. Can we stand, please?