Everyday Joy - Living As A Citizen Of Heaven- Dr. Blake Ligon

Amen. Amen. Uh well, welcome. Excited Amen. Amen. Uh well, welcome. Excited you all are here uh to Vision Sunday. If you all are here uh to Vision Sunday. If you all are here uh to Vision Sunday. If you're a first-time guest, this will be you're a first-time guest, this will be you're a first-time guest, this will be a weird Sunday for you to join or to a weird Sunday for you to join or to a weird Sunday for you to join or to come for the first time. But man, we're come for the first time. But man, we're come for the first time. But man, we're excited. If If I haven't met you yet, my excited. If If I haven't met you yet, my excited. If If I haven't met you yet, my name's Blake, and I'm one of the pastors name's Blake, and I'm one of the pastors name's Blake, and I'm one of the pastors here on staff. And if you are new and here on staff. And if you are new and here on staff. And if you are new and you're a first-time guest, we would you're a first-time guest, we would you're a first-time guest, we would invite you to take a card that's here in invite you to take a card that's here in invite you to take a card that's here in front of you, fill that out, and turn it front of you, fill that out, and turn it front of you, fill that out, and turn it in after the service. We want to be able in after the service. We want to be able in after the service. We want to be able to pray for you and connect you to a to pray for you and connect you to a to pray for you and connect you to a next step in Christ. And for all of us next step in Christ. And for all of us next step in Christ. And for all of us here this morning, 8:00 all the way here this morning, 8:00 all the way here this morning, 8:00 all the way through 11, those online, those in the through 11, those online, those in the through 11, those online, those in the warehouse as well, I want to say, and we warehouse as well, I want to say, and we warehouse as well, I want to say, and we can all celebrate, happy 8 years can all celebrate, happy 8 years can all celebrate, happy 8 years together. So, um together. So, um together. So, um man, man, man, it's it's it's uh uh uh I was praying over the seats this I was praying over the seats this I was praying over the seats this morning, and I thought, eight I was just morning, and I thought, eight I was just morning, and I thought, eight I was just thinking about eight years, and eight thinking about eight years, and eight thinking about eight years, and eight years has felt like years has felt like years has felt like 90 years, 90 years, 90 years, and it's felt like 9 minutes at the same and it's felt like 9 minutes at the same and it's felt like 9 minutes at the same time. It really has. It's this really time. It really has. It's this really time. It really has. It's this really strange uh feeling. And if you look back strange uh feeling. And if you look back strange uh feeling. And if you look back when we first launched 8 years ago on when we first launched 8 years ago on when we first launched 8 years ago on August 12th, I had so August 12th, I had so August 12th, I had so little gray hair.

little gray hair. little gray hair. Uh and there's so much more now. So, Uh and there's so much more now. So, Uh and there's so much more now. So, that's always fun. Uh but excited to that's always fun. Uh but excited to that's always fun. Uh but excited to celebrate today with both Vision Sunday celebrate today with both Vision Sunday celebrate today with both Vision Sunday and a sermon. So, if you're new, uh I'm and a sermon. So, if you're new, uh I'm and a sermon. So, if you're new, uh I'm going to give you a layout of like what going to give you a layout of like what going to give you a layout of like what today's going to look like. We tell our today's going to look like. We tell our today's going to look like. We tell our team every day, this is not a normal team every day, this is not a normal team every day, this is not a normal Sunday. There's no normal Sundays ever. Sunday. There's no normal Sundays ever. Sunday. There's no normal Sundays ever. Every Sunday is abnormal because God is Every Sunday is abnormal because God is Every Sunday is abnormal because God is going to do something new every single going to do something new every single going to do something new every single day. Uh but this one is especially day. Uh but this one is especially day. Uh but this one is especially abnormal because the first half of our abnormal because the first half of our abnormal because the first half of our time together is going to be what I'm time together is going to be what I'm time together is going to be what I'm calling Vision Sunday, where we're going calling Vision Sunday, where we're going calling Vision Sunday, where we're going to lay out where we've been and to lay out where we've been and to lay out where we've been and celebrate what God has done, and then celebrate what God has done, and then celebrate what God has done, and then also where we're going and what I feel also where we're going and what I feel also where we're going and what I feel like the Lord is leading us to as a like the Lord is leading us to as a like the Lord is leading us to as a church. And then the second half is church. And then the second half is church. And then the second half is going to be us actually diving into going to be us actually diving into going to be us actually diving into Philippians chapter 3. So, if you came Philippians chapter 3. So, if you came Philippians chapter 3. So, if you came for a sermon, just wait, we'll get for a sermon, just wait, we'll get for a sermon, just wait, we'll get there. It'll be more like a devo today there. It'll be more like a devo today there. It'll be more like a devo today other than a sermon. Uh but we'll still other than a sermon. Uh but we'll still other than a sermon. Uh but we'll still get there. This is not a normal Sunday. get there. This is not a normal Sunday. get there. This is not a normal Sunday. So if you're like, "Hey, that's not what So if you're like, "Hey, that's not what So if you're like, "Hey, that's not what I was expecting." Next week, you're I was expecting." Next week, you're I was expecting." Next week, you're going to have worship and then we're going to have worship and then we're going to have worship and then we're diving right into God's word and we're diving right into God's word and we're diving right into God's word and we're walking through the next part of walking through the next part of walking through the next part of Philippians chapter 4. But today, we Philippians chapter 4. But today, we Philippians chapter 4. But today, we have a unique opportunity have a unique opportunity have a unique opportunity to look back at what God's done over the to look back at what God's done over the to look back at what God's done over the last 8 years and then also to look last 8 years and then also to look last 8 years and then also to look forward to what I believe he's calling forward to what I believe he's calling forward to what I believe he's calling us to. So that being said, I want us to us to. So that being said, I want us to us to. So that being said, I want us to pray together as a church and then we're pray together as a church and then we're pray together as a church and then we're going to dive in to a quick look back on going to dive in to a quick look back on going to dive in to a quick look back on what God has been doing.

what God has been doing. what God has been doing. But let's pray. But let's pray. But let's pray. Father, I pray for every soul in this Father, I pray for every soul in this Father, I pray for every soul in this room, every soul that's watching online, room, every soul that's watching online, room, every soul that's watching online, every soul in the warehouse, and every every soul in the warehouse, and every every soul in the warehouse, and every soul who has been here and will be here soul who has been here and will be here soul who has been here and will be here today. today. today. And Father, I pray that you would today, And Father, I pray that you would today, And Father, I pray that you would today, even though we're walking through Vision even though we're walking through Vision even though we're walking through Vision Sunday, God, I pray that you would put Sunday, God, I pray that you would put Sunday, God, I pray that you would put in our hearts rejoicing and celebration in our hearts rejoicing and celebration in our hearts rejoicing and celebration and praise to you, not to us, but to and praise to you, not to us, but to and praise to you, not to us, but to you. you. you. But also at the same time, God, would But also at the same time, God, would But also at the same time, God, would you save somebody today? Somebody who you save somebody today? Somebody who you save somebody today? Somebody who needs to hear the gospel. They don't needs to hear the gospel. They don't needs to hear the gospel. They don't need to hear a Vision Sunday. They need need to hear a Vision Sunday. They need need to hear a Vision Sunday. They need to hear the gospel of Jesus. They need to hear the gospel of Jesus. They need to hear the gospel of Jesus. They need to hear that they're loved. And they're to hear that they're loved. And they're to hear that they're loved. And they're loved so much that you went to the cross loved so much that you went to the cross loved so much that you went to the cross for them. for them. for them. And you died and you were buried so that And you died and you were buried so that And you died and you were buried so that they could have eternal life with you. they could have eternal life with you. they could have eternal life with you. And that would begin the day they repent And that would begin the day they repent And that would begin the day they repent and believe. And so Father, would you and believe. And so Father, would you and believe. And so Father, would you save somebody today who needs Christ? save somebody today who needs Christ? save somebody today who needs Christ? They don't need this church. They need They don't need this church. They need They don't need this church. They need Jesus. And so Lord, I pray that this Jesus. And so Lord, I pray that this Jesus. And so Lord, I pray that this church would point them to Jesus today. church would point them to Jesus today. church would point them to Jesus today. And so Father, I also pray for the And so Father, I also pray for the And so Father, I also pray for the future of our church. future of our church. future of our church. That God, you would continue to give us That God, you would continue to give us That God, you would continue to give us faith and clarity and direction because faith and clarity and direction because faith and clarity and direction because ultimately, Lord, this is not our ultimately, Lord, this is not our ultimately, Lord, this is not our church. It's your church. This is your church. It's your church. This is your church. It's your church. This is your bride and I pray that we would shepherd bride and I pray that we would shepherd bride and I pray that we would shepherd and steward her well and be faithful to and steward her well and be faithful to and steward her well and be faithful to the generation that you've called us to the generation that you've called us to the generation that you've called us to be a part of this church. And I pray all be a part of this church. And I pray all be a part of this church. And I pray all these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen.

these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Well, 8 years ago, we marched into GCT Well, 8 years ago, we marched into GCT Well, 8 years ago, we marched into GCT High School for the very first service High School for the very first service High School for the very first service of Central Baptist Church Paragould of Central Baptist Church Paragould of Central Baptist Church Paragould campus. And it has been an incredible, campus. And it has been an incredible, campus. And it has been an incredible, wild, awesome, awful ride that we've wild, awesome, awful ride that we've wild, awesome, awful ride that we've been on. been on. been on. Very small awful on the awful side. It's Very small awful on the awful side. It's Very small awful on the awful side. It's been pretty incredible, but it's been been pretty incredible, but it's been been pretty incredible, but it's been hard. There's been some growing pains. hard. There's been some growing pains. hard. There's been some growing pains. There's been some really interesting There's been some really interesting There's been some really interesting things take place in the life of our things take place in the life of our things take place in the life of our church. Over the last 8 years, we have church. Over the last 8 years, we have church. Over the last 8 years, we have seen seen seen 1,456 1,456 1,456 people baptized over the last 8 years. people baptized over the last 8 years. people baptized over the last 8 years. This has been incredible. Yeah. This has been incredible. Yeah. This has been incredible. Yeah. Uh over the last 8 years we have seen Uh over the last 8 years we have seen Uh over the last 8 years we have seen 1,556 1,556 1,556 people join our church family and be people join our church family and be people join our church family and be committed to what God is doing here. committed to what God is doing here. committed to what God is doing here. Over the last 8 years we've actually not Over the last 8 years we've actually not Over the last 8 years we've actually not only built this building, which we're only built this building, which we're only built this building, which we're going to talk about here in a little going to talk about here in a little going to talk about here in a little bit, but we've also sent out from our bit, but we've also sent out from our bit, but we've also sent out from our church members of this church to new church members of this church to new church members of this church to new works in new places. Matter of fact, works in new places. Matter of fact, works in new places. Matter of fact, some of them are back just for a quick some of them are back just for a quick some of them are back just for a quick one-day sabbatical.

one-day sabbatical. one-day sabbatical. Uh and from the Como campus that we've Uh and from the Como campus that we've Uh and from the Como campus that we've sent out, we've sent out multiple staff sent out, we've sent out multiple staff sent out, we've sent out multiple staff members that we've gotten and and members that we've gotten and and members that we've gotten and and families from Jonesboro and the families from Jonesboro and the families from Jonesboro and the Paragould campus to launch a new work in Paragould campus to launch a new work in Paragould campus to launch a new work in Columbia, Missouri. That's incredible. Columbia, Missouri. That's incredible. Columbia, Missouri. That's incredible. There's so many awesome things that God There's so many awesome things that God There's so many awesome things that God has done within our church. Now, when we has done within our church. Now, when we has done within our church. Now, when we moved in specifically to the building, moved in specifically to the building, moved in specifically to the building, there are a few things that happened there are a few things that happened there are a few things that happened immediately. We moved into this building immediately. We moved into this building immediately. We moved into this building August 2024, so this is year two of August 2024, so this is year two of August 2024, so this is year two of being in the building. And from August being in the building. And from August being in the building. And from August 2024 to August 2025, we as a church 2024 to August 2025, we as a church 2024 to August 2025, we as a church became the fastest growing church in became the fastest growing church in became the fastest growing church in Arkansas and at the same time one of the Arkansas and at the same time one of the Arkansas and at the same time one of the fastest growing churches in the country. fastest growing churches in the country. fastest growing churches in the country. We grew 40% in 1 year, which is We grew 40% in 1 year, which is We grew 40% in 1 year, which is incredible. Yeah, celebrate that. That's incredible. Yeah, celebrate that. That's incredible. Yeah, celebrate that. That's just a gift from God. Then from 2025 and then every other Then from 2025 and then every other metric that we we look at and watch grew metric that we we look at and watch grew metric that we we look at and watch grew as well. Now, from August 2025 to 2026 as well. Now, from August 2025 to 2026 as well. Now, from August 2025 to 2026 something interesting began to happen something interesting began to happen something interesting began to happen within our church.

within our church. within our church. Every metric continued to grow. Baptisms Every metric continued to grow. Baptisms Every metric continued to grow. Baptisms continued to increase. People life group continued to increase. People life group continued to increase. People life group and D groups began to increase. More and D groups began to increase. More and D groups began to increase. More people began to rise up in our church people began to rise up in our church people began to rise up in our church and lead disciple making ministries, and lead disciple making ministries, and lead disciple making ministries, which is awesome. We had more people which is awesome. We had more people which is awesome. We had more people coming to the kids ministry. More people coming to the kids ministry. More people coming to the kids ministry. More people serving in the kids ministry. Our giving serving in the kids ministry. Our giving serving in the kids ministry. Our giving has increased consistently 8% every has increased consistently 8% every has increased consistently 8% every single year. Everything, every metric single year. Everything, every metric single year. Everything, every metric that we track and watch as a church has that we track and watch as a church has that we track and watch as a church has grown except one. grown except one. grown except one. Except one. Except one. Except one. And that one metric And that one metric And that one metric is right here. is right here. is right here. Attendance on Sunday morning. Attendance on Sunday morning. Attendance on Sunday morning. Attendance went from Attendance went from Attendance went from 2024 to 2025, it grew 40% and from 2025 2024 to 2025, it grew 40% and from 2025 2024 to 2025, it grew 40% and from 2025 to 2026, you know what happened? It to 2026, you know what happened? It to 2026, you know what happened? It declined 5.6%. That means 100 people declined 5.6%. That means 100 people declined 5.6%. That means 100 people came and left. Now, there's a lot of came and left. Now, there's a lot of came and left. Now, there's a lot of reasons for that. And as you, you know, reasons for that. And as you, you know, reasons for that. And as you, you know, I know a lot of y'all aren't like in the I know a lot of y'all aren't like in the I know a lot of y'all aren't like in the church world, you have different church world, you have different church world, you have different professions and businesses, but like professions and businesses, but like professions and businesses, but like with me and with our staff, like we we with me and with our staff, like we we with me and with our staff, like we we know what's happening within church know what's happening within church know what's happening within church world, we understand church metrics, world, we understand church metrics, world, we understand church metrics, church growth. When everything in a church growth. When everything in a church growth. When everything in a church is increasing except the church is increasing except the church is increasing except the attendance, there's one major issue that attendance, there's one major issue that attendance, there's one major issue that is is for that.

The space. The space. The building. The building. The building. Because what happens is and it's Because what happens is and it's Because what happens is and it's happening even right here right now. happening even right here right now. happening even right here right now. There's some new people who have come There's some new people who have come There's some new people who have come here. Maybe this is your second or third here. Maybe this is your second or third here. Maybe this is your second or third week. This room is full. I think there's week. This room is full. I think there's week. This room is full. I think there's people over in the warehouse as well. people over in the warehouse as well. people over in the warehouse as well. And what was happening even as I came in And what was happening even as I came in And what was happening even as I came in is people were trying to find seats. is people were trying to find seats. is people were trying to find seats. What happens in someone's mind when What happens in someone's mind when What happens in someone's mind when there's not room in a building? You know there's not room in a building? You know there's not room in a building? You know what happens is they say they don't have what happens is they say they don't have what happens is they say they don't have room for me. room for me. room for me. And what has happened over the last year And what has happened over the last year And what has happened over the last year is we've run out of room. is we've run out of room. is we've run out of room. And so some people didn't come back. And so some people didn't come back. And so some people didn't come back. And some people who were here said, And some people who were here said, And some people who were here said, "There's too many people here. I'm out." "There's too many people here. I'm out." "There's too many people here. I'm out." It's an interesting stat. And it's not It's an interesting stat. And it's not It's an interesting stat. And it's not just my opinion. That's actually like 80 just my opinion. That's actually like 80 just my opinion. That's actually like 80 years of people studying church growth. years of people studying church growth. years of people studying church growth. When a room is 80% full, it's full. The When a room is 80% full, it's full. The When a room is 80% full, it's full. The room right now is about 96% full. room right now is about 96% full. room right now is about 96% full. There's a few chairs over here in the There's a few chairs over here in the There's a few chairs over here in the middle that apparently nobody want to be middle that apparently nobody want to be middle that apparently nobody want to be in front of me except for y'all. So, in front of me except for y'all. So, in front of me except for y'all. So, thank y'all. I appreciate that. It's thank y'all. I appreciate that. It's thank y'all. I appreciate that. It's like, "I'm not going to be in the spit like, "I'm not going to be in the spit like, "I'm not going to be in the spit zone there." zone there." zone there." Um Um Um So, this room is about 95% full. So, So, this room is about 95% full. So, So, this room is about 95% full. So, that means that there's about 15% of the that means that there's about 15% of the that means that there's about 15% of the people 10% is 15% of people in this room people 10% is 15% of people in this room people 10% is 15% of people in this room right now who has already decided I'm right now who has already decided I'm right now who has already decided I'm not coming back. Because there's too not coming back. Because there's too not coming back. Because there's too many people in here.

many people in here. many people in here. And I get it. That's normal. That's And I get it. That's normal. That's And I get it. That's normal. That's actually what people have been doing for actually what people have been doing for actually what people have been doing for the last almost 100 years within the last almost 100 years within the last almost 100 years within churches. churches. churches. So, what we concluded is we've got to So, what we concluded is we've got to So, what we concluded is we've got to build a building. We've got to literally build a building. We've got to literally build a building. We've got to literally take this building and double it. And take this building and double it. And take this building and double it. And so, I announced that plan back in so, I announced that plan back in so, I announced that plan back in November that we were going to literally November that we were going to literally November that we were going to literally build another 35 actually 37,000 square build another 35 actually 37,000 square build another 35 actually 37,000 square foot building to the north side of this foot building to the north side of this foot building to the north side of this with a sanctuary that could hold about with a sanctuary that could hold about with a sanctuary that could hold about 1,500 people give or take actually a 1,500 people give or take actually a 1,500 people give or take actually a little bit more. little bit more. little bit more. And we also were going to increase the And we also were going to increase the And we also were going to increase the kids ministry and increase all these kids ministry and increase all these kids ministry and increase all these things because we were out of space and things because we were out of space and things because we were out of space and we knew that. We saw that trend taking we knew that. We saw that trend taking we knew that. We saw that trend taking place. place. place. But, I want to update you. So, for the But, I want to update you. So, for the But, I want to update you. So, for the last last last 8 months, that's what I've been working 8 months, that's what I've been working 8 months, that's what I've been working on. So, when I'm when we're not on. So, when I'm when we're not on. So, when I'm when we're not preaching and we're not shepherding preaching and we're not shepherding preaching and we're not shepherding people and meeting with people and people and meeting with people and people and meeting with people and leading people to Christ and counseling leading people to Christ and counseling leading people to Christ and counseling people and overseeing the staff and people and overseeing the staff and people and overseeing the staff and making sure putting out fires and making sure putting out fires and making sure putting out fires and everything else, we were also meeting everything else, we were also meeting everything else, we were also meeting with contractors, architects, and with contractors, architects, and with contractors, architects, and engineers trying to figure out how can engineers trying to figure out how can engineers trying to figure out how can we put a $17 million building on the we put a $17 million building on the we put a $17 million building on the north side of this building here that we north side of this building here that we north side of this building here that we have currently. have currently. have currently. And so, we were doing that and working And so, we were doing that and working And so, we were doing that and working on that literally for the last 8 months on that literally for the last 8 months on that literally for the last 8 months until about 7 weeks ago.

until about 7 weeks ago. until about 7 weeks ago. And about 7 weeks ago, I had a simple And about 7 weeks ago, I had a simple And about 7 weeks ago, I had a simple coffee with a really good friend. coffee with a really good friend. coffee with a really good friend. A friend in this church. A friend in this church. A friend in this church. One of the most faithful and loyal and One of the most faithful and loyal and One of the most faithful and loyal and committed followers of Jesus that I know committed followers of Jesus that I know committed followers of Jesus that I know ever. ever. ever. And then in this church, super grateful And then in this church, super grateful And then in this church, super grateful for him. for him. for him. And we had a coffee and we talked about And we had a coffee and we talked about And we had a coffee and we talked about all kinds of things. It's one of those all kinds of things. It's one of those all kinds of things. It's one of those one of those people in my life who one of those people in my life who one of those people in my life who really knows real me that I'm not Pastor really knows real me that I'm not Pastor really knows real me that I'm not Pastor Blake to him. I'm just Blake. You need Blake to him. I'm just Blake. You need Blake to him. I'm just Blake. You need those friends. We're actually going to those friends. We're actually going to those friends. We're actually going to talk about that later today uh in in talk about that later today uh in in talk about that later today uh in in Philippians 3, if we get there. Philippians 3, if we get there. Philippians 3, if we get there. Hopefully, we will. Hopefully, we will. Hopefully, we will. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> And at the very end of the conversation, >> And at the very end of the conversation, >> And at the very end of the conversation, he said, "Hey, man, my wife and I have he said, "Hey, man, my wife and I have he said, "Hey, man, my wife and I have been praying about something, and I just been praying about something, and I just been praying about something, and I just want to pitch it to you." want to pitch it to you." want to pitch it to you." This guy's This guy's This guy's 1,000% committed to what God's doing in 1,000% committed to what God's doing in 1,000% committed to what God's doing in this church, and been here since the this church, and been here since the this church, and been here since the beginning. And he said, in essence, beginning. And he said, in essence, beginning. And he said, in essence, through an interesting story that he through an interesting story that he through an interesting story that he told me, he said, "Do you Are you 100% told me, he said, "Do you Are you 100% told me, he said, "Do you Are you 100% confident confident confident that we're supposed to build this that we're supposed to build this that we're supposed to build this building?" building?" building?" And you know what I said? Nothing. Nothing. I just looked at him.

I didn't have an answer. I didn't have an answer. And so, I kind of, you know, I was like, And so, I kind of, you know, I was like, And so, I kind of, you know, I was like, "Ah, you know, you know, we're I mean, "Ah, you know, you know, we're I mean, "Ah, you know, you know, we're I mean, we're out of space. I don't know what we're out of space. I don't know what we're out of space. I don't know what else to do. Like, we have no more room. else to do. Like, we have no more room. else to do. Like, we have no more room. Like, we're either going to just keep Like, we're either going to just keep Like, we're either going to just keep turning people away, or we have to do turning people away, or we have to do turning people away, or we have to do something, and the something is build something, and the something is build something, and the something is build the building." the building." the building." And so, over the next week after that, I And so, over the next week after that, I And so, over the next week after that, I pressed into the Lord. pressed into the Lord. pressed into the Lord. Fasting, praying, pleading with God to Fasting, praying, pleading with God to Fasting, praying, pleading with God to give me clarity. What do you want us to give me clarity. What do you want us to give me clarity. What do you want us to do? do? do? This is a $17 million project, which, by This is a $17 million project, which, by This is a $17 million project, which, by the way, scared me 0% because this the way, scared me 0% because this the way, scared me 0% because this building was a $17 million project when building was a $17 million project when building was a $17 million project when it was all said and done, almost. And I it was all said and done, almost. And I it was all said and done, almost. And I Not only did we build it, but we paid it Not only did we build it, but we paid it Not only did we build it, but we paid it off in a year and 3 months, which is off in a year and 3 months, which is off in a year and 3 months, which is unheard of, by the way. Unheard of. unheard of, by the way. Unheard of. unheard of, by the way. Unheard of. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> So, >> So, >> So, it wasn't like, "Oh, I'm terrified of it wasn't like, "Oh, I'm terrified of it wasn't like, "Oh, I'm terrified of this project. I'm terrified of the this project. I'm terrified of the this project. I'm terrified of the money." I'm I'm not at all. And I money." I'm I'm not at all. And I money." I'm I'm not at all. And I wasn't. Still am not. wasn't. Still am not. wasn't. Still am not. But after I heard that, and I began to But after I heard that, and I began to But after I heard that, and I began to process that, and push into that, and process that, and push into that, and process that, and push into that, and pray, I If I can be honest with you pray, I If I can be honest with you pray, I If I can be honest with you guys, I was in scripture looking for the guys, I was in scripture looking for the guys, I was in scripture looking for the Lord I was I was uh proof texting. I was Lord I was I was uh proof texting. I was Lord I was I was uh proof texting. I was looking through the Bible to try to find looking through the Bible to try to find looking through the Bible to try to find a word for me. You ever done that a word for me. You ever done that a word for me. You ever done that before? You've been anxious, and so you before? You've been anxious, and so you before? You've been anxious, and so you start looking for verses about anxiety, start looking for verses about anxiety, start looking for verses about anxiety, right? Or you like got some big thing right? Or you like got some big thing right? Or you like got some big thing coming up, and so you start looking for coming up, and so you start looking for coming up, and so you start looking for verses that deal with your your stuff verses that deal with your your stuff verses that deal with your your stuff you got going on.

you got going on. you got going on. And pastors do it sometimes, too. And And pastors do it sometimes, too. And And pastors do it sometimes, too. And so, I was looking for a keyword: build, so, I was looking for a keyword: build, so, I was looking for a keyword: build, building, builds. I was looking for building, builds. I was looking for building, builds. I was looking for something. something. something. You know what I got? You know what I got? You know what I got? Not that. Not that. Not that. After about a week of praying through After about a week of praying through After about a week of praying through that, that, that, the Lord, I'm telling you, and I'm not the Lord, I'm telling you, and I'm not the Lord, I'm telling you, and I'm not I'm not uh I'm not uh I'm not uh I'm not uh telling I'm going to say I'm not uh telling I'm going to say I'm not uh telling I'm going to say this, but I'm not saying this to you so this, but I'm not saying this to you so this, but I'm not saying this to you so if like this never has happened to you if like this never has happened to you if like this never has happened to you or isn't happening to you, or isn't happening to you, or isn't happening to you, uh then you're like not as spiritual as uh then you're like not as spiritual as uh then you're like not as spiritual as me or anything else. me or anything else. me or anything else. But I was sitting there praying and the But I was sitting there praying and the But I was sitting there praying and the spirit of God spoke it's it's clear as spirit of God spoke it's it's clear as spirit of God spoke it's it's clear as it's clear as day to me, to my spirit, it's clear as day to me, to my spirit, it's clear as day to me, to my spirit, and said Psalm 27. and said Psalm 27. and said Psalm 27. Psalm 27. Psalm 27. Psalm 27. I was like, okay. I was like, okay. I was like, okay. So, I go to Psalm 27. So, I go to Psalm 27. So, I go to Psalm 27. And Psalm 27, the first 13 verses, are And Psalm 27, the first 13 verses, are And Psalm 27, the first 13 verses, are one of those Psalms that just makes you one of those Psalms that just makes you one of those Psalms that just makes you go go go >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> Ain't God good? >> Ain't God good? >> Ain't God good? I'm so loved and protected and cared I'm so loved and protected and cared I'm so loved and protected and cared for. It's one of those Psalms that just for. It's one of those Psalms that just for. It's one of those Psalms that just encourages you. If you're down today, if encourages you. If you're down today, if encourages you. If you're down today, if you're struggling and just like really you're struggling and just like really you're struggling and just like really downcast, read Psalm 27 today. It'll downcast, read Psalm 27 today. It'll downcast, read Psalm 27 today. It'll lift your spirits. It really was a great lift your spirits. It really was a great lift your spirits. It really was a great Psalm, okay? But that's not what I Psalm, okay? But that's not what I Psalm, okay? But that's not what I needed, okay? I wasn't down. I needed needed, okay? I wasn't down. I needed needed, okay? I wasn't down. I needed direction.

direction. direction. Until I got to verse 14. Until I got to verse 14. Until I got to verse 14. The last verse in the Psalm. I kind of The last verse in the Psalm. I kind of The last verse in the Psalm. I kind of given up on the Psalm. I'm like, I guess given up on the Psalm. I'm like, I guess given up on the Psalm. I'm like, I guess I didn't hear from God here. I didn't hear from God here. I didn't hear from God here. So, I got to the last verse. And here's So, I got to the last verse. And here's So, I got to the last verse. And here's the last verse. the last verse. the last verse. Psalm 27 verse 14 says, wait Psalm 27 verse 14 says, wait Psalm 27 verse 14 says, wait for the Lord. for the Lord. for the Lord. Be strong. Be strong. Be strong. Let your heart take courage. Let your heart take courage. Let your heart take courage. Wait Wait Wait for the Lord. for the Lord. for the Lord. That's not what I wanted to hear. That's not what I wanted to hear. That's not what I wanted to hear. And that word wait, as I started And that word wait, as I started And that word wait, as I started studying that word wait, it doesn't mean studying that word wait, it doesn't mean studying that word wait, it doesn't mean you just sit and do nothing. you just sit and do nothing. you just sit and do nothing. That Hebrew word for wait means that you That Hebrew word for wait means that you That Hebrew word for wait means that you are anticipating a move of God. And are anticipating a move of God. And are anticipating a move of God. And while you're waiting on him to move, while you're waiting on him to move, while you're waiting on him to move, you're still working. You're still being you're still working. You're still being you're still working. You're still being faithful. It doesn't mean you just sit faithful. It doesn't mean you just sit faithful. It doesn't mean you just sit on your hands and do nothing. It means, on your hands and do nothing. It means, on your hands and do nothing. It means, God, I'm going to keep doing what you've God, I'm going to keep doing what you've God, I'm going to keep doing what you've called me to do until you show up and called me to do until you show up and called me to do until you show up and make it clear that this is what we're make it clear that this is what we're make it clear that this is what we're supposed to we're supposed to do supposed to we're supposed to do supposed to we're supposed to do something new. something new. something new. So, I read that passage, So, I read that passage, So, I read that passage, and there was no other passage of and there was no other passage of and there was no other passage of scripture that the Lord sent and said, scripture that the Lord sent and said, scripture that the Lord sent and said, this is what you need to hear. this is what you need to hear. this is what you need to hear. And I was like, okay. So, I went to the And I was like, okay. So, I went to the And I was like, okay. So, I went to the pastors pastors pastors and talked to them. I kind of like and talked to them. I kind of like and talked to them. I kind of like unloaded on them all that was God was unloaded on them all that was God was unloaded on them all that was God was just I was just all this stuff. And they just I was just all this stuff. And they just I was just all this stuff. And they graciously sat while I just unpacked all graciously sat while I just unpacked all graciously sat while I just unpacked all those things.

those things. those things. And I didn't tell them about this song. And I didn't tell them about this song. And I didn't tell them about this song. I didn't say anything about this verse. I didn't say anything about this verse. I didn't say anything about this verse. I just told them where I was and what I I just told them where I was and what I I just told them where I was and what I was just wrestling with and praying was just wrestling with and praying was just wrestling with and praying through. through. through. And Eric, one of our pastors, I'm so And Eric, one of our pastors, I'm so And Eric, one of our pastors, I'm so grateful for all of our staff, all of grateful for all of our staff, all of grateful for all of our staff, all of our pastors, they do an incredible job. our pastors, they do an incredible job. our pastors, they do an incredible job. You really have the best staff on the You really have the best staff on the You really have the best staff on the planet and you and you don't know it. planet and you and you don't know it. planet and you and you don't know it. They're so great. But Pastor Eric said, They're so great. But Pastor Eric said, They're so great. But Pastor Eric said, "Man, I'm going to be honest with you "Man, I'm going to be honest with you "Man, I'm going to be honest with you guys." Just just the pastors and he guys." Just just the pastors and he guys." Just just the pastors and he said, "There's been a word that God said, "There's been a word that God said, "There's been a word that God keeps pressing on me and pressing on me keeps pressing on me and pressing on me keeps pressing on me and pressing on me and light of this building and I've just and light of this building and I've just and light of this building and I've just kind of wrestled with it and I wouldn't kind of wrestled with it and I wouldn't kind of wrestled with it and I wouldn't ever sure like when to say it and then ever sure like when to say it and then ever sure like when to say it and then you were riding and you had all that you were riding and you had all that you were riding and you had all that stuff going on so I didn't know when to stuff going on so I didn't know when to stuff going on so I didn't know when to say it, but God just keeps pressing this say it, but God just keeps pressing this say it, but God just keeps pressing this one word on me over and over and over one word on me over and over and over one word on me over and over and over again." again." again." And I was like, "Okay, well, what is And I was like, "Okay, well, what is And I was like, "Okay, well, what is it?" You know what it was? it?" You know what it was? it?" You know what it was? Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. And so I I I kept pressing into it, I And so I I I kept pressing into it, I And so I I I kept pressing into it, I kept praying through it, kept processing kept praying through it, kept processing kept praying through it, kept processing and I said, "Lord, I I I sense you're and I said, "Lord, I I I sense you're and I said, "Lord, I I I sense you're telling us to wait. I need you to make telling us to wait. I need you to make telling us to wait. I need you to make clear clear clear that before I go in front of 2,000 that before I go in front of 2,000 that before I go in front of 2,000 people on August 9th, I need you to people on August 9th, I need you to people on August 9th, I need you to confirm that you're calling us to wait confirm that you're calling us to wait confirm that you're calling us to wait on this."

on this." on this." And then the spirit of God showed back And then the spirit of God showed back And then the spirit of God showed back up in a quiet time, same day that I was up in a quiet time, same day that I was up in a quiet time, same day that I was praying this, Psalm 127. 127. I was praying this, Psalm 127. 127. I was praying this, Psalm 127. 127. I was like, "Well, yeah, let's add a hundred like, "Well, yeah, let's add a hundred like, "Well, yeah, let's add a hundred to it. Let's see what happens there." to it. Let's see what happens there." to it. Let's see what happens there." But it truly was the Lord. It said Psalm But it truly was the Lord. It said Psalm But it truly was the Lord. It said Psalm 127. Which is funny because Psalm 127 127. Which is funny because Psalm 127 127. Which is funny because Psalm 127 always for me has been super special always for me has been super special always for me has been super special because it it has to do with kids and because it it has to do with kids and because it it has to do with kids and how you feel your quiver with kids and how you feel your quiver with kids and how you feel your quiver with kids and you're sending them out as flaming you're sending them out as flaming you're sending them out as flaming arrows into the world and but that's not arrows into the world and but that's not arrows into the world and but that's not what the first verse says. The first what the first verse says. The first what the first verse says. The first verse of Psalm 27 is a little different. verse of Psalm 27 is a little different. verse of Psalm 27 is a little different. This is what Psalm 127 says. This is what Psalm 127 says. This is what Psalm 127 says. Unless the Lord builds this house, the Unless the Lord builds this house, the Unless the Lord builds this house, the house, those who build it labor in vain. house, those who build it labor in vain. house, those who build it labor in vain. And when I read that, it the Lord was And when I read that, it the Lord was And when I read that, it the Lord was like, "There's your builds." like, "There's your builds." like, "There's your builds." But it wasn't what I was wanting. But it wasn't what I was wanting. But it wasn't what I was wanting. It wasn't what I thought. It wasn't what I thought. It wasn't what I thought. It was like, "Unless God builds this It was like, "Unless God builds this It was like, "Unless God builds this house, house, house, you're going to labor in vain. you're going to labor in vain. you're going to labor in vain. It's going to not be what you wanted it It's going to not be what you wanted it It's going to not be what you wanted it to be, or it's not going to do what to be, or it's not going to do what to be, or it's not going to do what you've wanted it to do." you've wanted it to do." you've wanted it to do." And that's all I needed. And that's all I needed. And that's all I needed. And so this morning, I'm here today to And so this morning, I'm here today to And so this morning, I'm here today to tell you tell you tell you that we are not going to build a that we are not going to build a that we are not going to build a building yet.

building yet. building yet. Because God has called us to wait, and I Because God has called us to wait, and I Because God has called us to wait, and I don't know why. don't know why. don't know why. I don't know why. I don't know why. I don't know why. And we will know in a year. And we will know in a year. And we will know in a year. We'll know in 6 months. We may know in 5 We'll know in 6 months. We may know in 5 We'll know in 6 months. We may know in 5 years. We're going to look back as a years. We're going to look back as a years. We're going to look back as a church and be like, "That makes complete church and be like, "That makes complete church and be like, "That makes complete sense. sense. sense. That's why God called us to not do that That's why God called us to not do that That's why God called us to not do that yet." yet." yet." I do believe he is. We're going to I do believe he is. We're going to I do believe he is. We're going to finish the plans. Because the plans are finish the plans. Because the plans are finish the plans. Because the plans are still in the work, they're about 80% still in the work, they're about 80% still in the work, they're about 80% done. And when you think plans, it's not done. And when you think plans, it's not done. And when you think plans, it's not just the architectural design, it's just the architectural design, it's just the architectural design, it's everything. It's dirt work. It's the everything. It's dirt work. It's the everything. It's dirt work. It's the It's the draining. It's everything. It's the draining. It's everything. It's the draining. It's everything. There's so much that goes into that. There's so much that goes into that. There's so much that goes into that. Some of you are in that world, you know. Some of you are in that world, you know. Some of you are in that world, you know. There's so much that goes into that. There's so much that goes into that. There's so much that goes into that. We're going to finish that. We're going to finish that. We're going to finish that. And then when the Lord opens the door And then when the Lord opens the door And then when the Lord opens the door and says, "Now, and says, "Now, and says, "Now, do it." We're going to do it, and we're do it." We're going to do it, and we're do it." We're going to do it, and we're going to be ready. going to be ready. going to be ready. But it's not yet. He's called us to But it's not yet. He's called us to But it's not yet. He's called us to wait, and and I don't exactly know why. wait, and and I don't exactly know why. wait, and and I don't exactly know why. But I do know there are a couple of wins But I do know there are a couple of wins But I do know there are a couple of wins that that will bring to us as a church. that that will bring to us as a church. that that will bring to us as a church. There are some really great wins. Here's There are some really great wins. Here's There are some really great wins. Here's the first win. The first win the first win. The first win the first win. The first win is that we're going to refocus our is that we're going to refocus our is that we're going to refocus our church. church. church. We're going to refocus. We're going to refocus. We're going to refocus. One of the reasons, and this goes into One of the reasons, and this goes into One of the reasons, and this goes into the sermon last week, and man, I love the sermon last week, and man, I love the sermon last week, and man, I love you guys so much. I I love this church you guys so much. I I love this church you guys so much. I I love this church so much.

so much. so much. And I'm saying this in love. And I'm saying this in love. And I'm saying this in love. But I don't believe as a majority, our But I don't believe as a majority, our But I don't believe as a majority, our hearts are ready to enter into that hearts are ready to enter into that hearts are ready to enter into that journey. journey. journey. I don't think we're ready. I don't think we're ready. I don't think we're ready. I think honestly, I think honestly, I think honestly, to a certain degree, to a certain degree, to a certain degree, some of our church, as I talked about some of our church, as I talked about some of our church, as I talked about last week, has gotten complacent. last week, has gotten complacent. last week, has gotten complacent. Entering into a building campaign is not Entering into a building campaign is not Entering into a building campaign is not for complacent churches. for complacent churches. for complacent churches. Because it's going to take faith. Because it's going to take faith. Because it's going to take faith. It's going to take sacrifice. It's going It's going to take sacrifice. It's going It's going to take sacrifice. It's going to take like big generosity. It's going to take like big generosity. It's going to take like big generosity. It's going to take big commitments from families. to take big commitments from families. to take big commitments from families. And I love I love the church. And I love I love the church. And I love I love the church. I don't think as a whole we're ready. I don't think as a whole we're ready. I don't think as a whole we're ready. So, we've got to in this season refocus So, we've got to in this season refocus So, we've got to in this season refocus on the things that that matter. Refocus on the things that that matter. Refocus on the things that that matter. Refocus on the things that we were about for the on the things that we were about for the on the things that we were about for the first eight years of this journey before first eight years of this journey before first eight years of this journey before we got into this building. Cuz I'm going we got into this building. Cuz I'm going we got into this building. Cuz I'm going to tell you this in love. Some of us got to tell you this in love. Some of us got to tell you this in love. Some of us got in this building and then we got really in this building and then we got really in this building and then we got really really comfortable. really comfortable. really comfortable. We got real comfortable. We got real comfortable. We got real comfortable. We're not having to set up or tear down We're not having to set up or tear down We're not having to set up or tear down anymore. anymore. anymore. We're not having to meet all over the We're not having to meet all over the We're not having to meet all over the place. We're not having to go to the place. We're not having to go to the place. We're not having to go to the movie theater and then the school and movie theater and then the school and movie theater and then the school and then the the the the the cow barn out on then the the the the the cow barn out on then the the the the the cow barn out on the fair. We're not having to do all the fair. We're not having to do all the fair. We're not having to do all that stuff anymore. Now we got a nice that stuff anymore. Now we got a nice that stuff anymore. Now we got a nice building.

building. building. Let's settle in. And we got to refocus. There's a second And we got to refocus. There's a second wind that I want us to lock in on that wind that I want us to lock in on that wind that I want us to lock in on that that this keeps us doing and it's that that this keeps us doing and it's that that this keeps us doing and it's that we're going to bulk bulk up our we're going to bulk bulk up our we're going to bulk bulk up our discipleship process. discipleship process. discipleship process. I think that the church grew so fast. I think that the church grew so fast. I think that the church grew so fast. I'm I'm super grateful for it. But it I'm I'm super grateful for it. But it I'm I'm super grateful for it. But it grew so fast that we in essence grew a grew so fast that we in essence grew a grew so fast that we in essence grew a mile wide and an inch deep. mile wide and an inch deep. mile wide and an inch deep. Because we doubled in attendance and at Because we doubled in attendance and at Because we doubled in attendance and at the same time those who were in life the same time those who were in life the same time those who were in life groups, D groups, or growth groups did groups, D groups, or growth groups did groups, D groups, or growth groups did not double. not double. not double. So, what that tells me is there's a lot So, what that tells me is there's a lot So, what that tells me is there's a lot of people who came on a Sunday morning of people who came on a Sunday morning of people who came on a Sunday morning who haven't yet made that commitment to who haven't yet made that commitment to who haven't yet made that commitment to grow in Christ. Now, this is a part of grow in Christ. Now, this is a part of grow in Christ. Now, this is a part of your growth. But like I've told you guys your growth. But like I've told you guys your growth. But like I've told you guys before that if you coming here on a before that if you coming here on a before that if you coming here on a Sunday morning is the only step you're Sunday morning is the only step you're Sunday morning is the only step you're taking in your spiritual growth, taking in your spiritual growth, taking in your spiritual growth, it would be like a mother it would be like a mother it would be like a mother putting her children out in the living putting her children out in the living putting her children out in the living room or her babies out in the living room or her babies out in the living room or her babies out in the living room, getting one bottle and doing this.

All right, they're fed. All right, they're fed. Like no mom would do that. Like no mom would do that. Like no mom would do that. But what happens is if you think that But what happens is if you think that But what happens is if you think that this gathering alone is what's going to this gathering alone is what's going to this gathering alone is what's going to suffice for your spiritual growth, that suffice for your spiritual growth, that suffice for your spiritual growth, that that that you listen to enough sermons that that you listen to enough sermons that that you listen to enough sermons and you're going to be a disciple-making and you're going to be a disciple-making and you're going to be a disciple-making leader, you will never get there. A baby leader, you will never get there. A baby leader, you will never get there. A baby who drinks from a milk that's being who drinks from a milk that's being who drinks from a milk that's being sprayed at them will be malnourished. sprayed at them will be malnourished. sprayed at them will be malnourished. And the same is true for a church. And the same is true for a church. And the same is true for a church. Sermons are vital. I love that you come Sermons are vital. I love that you come Sermons are vital. I love that you come here and I love that I get to preach, here and I love that I get to preach, here and I love that I get to preach, but your spiritual growth cannot be but your spiritual growth cannot be but your spiritual growth cannot be built on an hour on a Sunday morning. built on an hour on a Sunday morning. built on an hour on a Sunday morning. And so, we've got to bulk up our And so, we've got to bulk up our And so, we've got to bulk up our discipleship process. We're going to discipleship process. We're going to discipleship process. We're going to talk about that some more. Number three, talk about that some more. Number three, talk about that some more. Number three, we're going to add some team members. we're going to add some team members. we're going to add some team members. I know a lot of y'all don't don't know I know a lot of y'all don't don't know I know a lot of y'all don't don't know this cuz you're not in like the church this cuz you're not in like the church this cuz you're not in like the church world, but on average a church should world, but on average a church should world, but on average a church should have one pastor per 100 people in the have one pastor per 100 people in the have one pastor per 100 people in the church. That's like an average because church. That's like an average because church. That's like an average because my job, I cannot pastor every I know a my job, I cannot pastor every I know a my job, I cannot pastor every I know a lot of y'all. Like I know your names, I lot of y'all. Like I know your names, I lot of y'all. Like I know your names, I know your lives, but there's majority of know your lives, but there's majority of know your lives, but there's majority of you guys I don't know. you guys I don't know. you guys I don't know. I cannot pastor every single person I cannot pastor every single person I cannot pastor every single person here, but I can make sure that every here, but I can make sure that every here, but I can make sure that every single person is pastored. Do you single person is pastored. Do you single person is pastored. Do you understand the difference? The man I've understand the difference? The man I've understand the difference? The man I've met I've met with so many of you, but I met I've met with so many of you, but I met I've met with so many of you, but I can't meet with everyone.

can't meet with everyone. can't meet with everyone. And so, what we've got to do is we've And so, what we've got to do is we've And so, what we've got to do is we've got to bulk up the staff because there's got to bulk up the staff because there's got to bulk up the staff because there's about 2,000 people on average that come about 2,000 people on average that come about 2,000 people on average that come here on a Sunday mornings. You know how here on a Sunday mornings. You know how here on a Sunday mornings. You know how many pastors we have? many pastors we have? many pastors we have? Seven. Seven. Seven. And so, our staff is amazing and they do And so, our staff is amazing and they do And so, our staff is amazing and they do a great job, but we've got to bulk up a great job, but we've got to bulk up a great job, but we've got to bulk up the team a little bit. I don't want us the team a little bit. I don't want us the team a little bit. I don't want us to be top-heavy, but we've got to bulk to be top-heavy, but we've got to bulk to be top-heavy, but we've got to bulk up the team a little bit if we're going up the team a little bit if we're going up the team a little bit if we're going to grow. We've got to add more staff to grow. We've got to add more staff to grow. We've got to add more staff members. members. members. So, if you feel called to ministry, let So, if you feel called to ministry, let So, if you feel called to ministry, let me know. me know. me know. It's a joke. It's a joke. It's a joke. And here's the last here's the last And here's the last here's the last And here's the last here's the last thing. I mean, not a joke if God's doing thing. I mean, not a joke if God's doing thing. I mean, not a joke if God's doing that in your life, but that in your life, but that in your life, but anyway, call me anyway. I'm here. anyway, call me anyway. I'm here. anyway, call me anyway. I'm here. And here's the last win. We we continue And here's the last win. We we continue And here's the last win. We we continue to save money for the future. to save money for the future. to save money for the future. Not just hoard up money, Not just hoard up money, Not just hoard up money, but continue to keep this back and say, but continue to keep this back and say, but continue to keep this back and say, "God, this is yours. "God, this is yours. "God, this is yours. When you want us to pull the trigger on When you want us to pull the trigger on When you want us to pull the trigger on whatever it is, we're in. whatever it is, we're in. whatever it is, we're in. We're in." We're in." We're in." And so, it continues to allow us to to And so, it continues to allow us to to And so, it continues to allow us to to save money for the future save money for the future save money for the future while using money in the present to while using money in the present to while using money in the present to continue to build the church.

continue to build the church. continue to build the church. So, here's our next steps because we So, here's our next steps because we So, here's our next steps because we can't just sit here and do nothing. can't just sit here and do nothing. can't just sit here and do nothing. Because like I said, there's people in Because like I said, there's people in Because like I said, there's people in this room right now. You're you're right this room right now. You're you're right this room right now. You're you're right here in this room right now and you've here in this room right now and you've here in this room right now and you've already made up your mind that you're already made up your mind that you're already made up your mind that you're never coming back. Not because of never coming back. Not because of never coming back. Not because of anything that I've said so far, anything that I've said so far, anything that I've said so far, hopefully not. I don't think it's that hopefully not. I don't think it's that hopefully not. I don't think it's that controversial, but because there's not controversial, but because there's not controversial, but because there's not room. room. room. We have to do something. This 9:30 We have to do something. This 9:30 We have to do something. This 9:30 service specifically is so fun and so service specifically is so fun and so service specifically is so fun and so good. It is the thing that everybody good. It is the thing that everybody good. It is the thing that everybody wants to be at and that's awesome. I wants to be at and that's awesome. I wants to be at and that's awesome. I love that. love that. love that. But we've got to take a next step. And But we've got to take a next step. And But we've got to take a next step. And so I prayed through that. I was like, so I prayed through that. I was like, so I prayed through that. I was like, "God, what do you want us to do?" "God, what do you want us to do?" "God, what do you want us to do?" And our first next step, my friends, And our first next step, my friends, And our first next step, my friends, is we are going to add a fourth service is we are going to add a fourth service is we are going to add a fourth service on Sunday mornings. There's a new times. 7:45, which doesn't There's a new times. 7:45, which doesn't pertain to you guys. >> 7:45. So, we're going to scoot that 8:00 >> 7:45. So, we're going to scoot that 8:00 service just up a little bit cuz service just up a little bit cuz service just up a little bit cuz ironically, some of y'all been to 8:00. ironically, some of y'all been to 8:00. ironically, some of y'all been to 8:00. Most of the 8:00 services here by 7:45. Most of the 8:00 services here by 7:45. Most of the 8:00 services here by 7:45. Like they're just like, "We're here. Like they're just like, "We're here. Like they're just like, "We're here. Let's start this thing." So, 7:45 Let's start this thing." So, 7:45 Let's start this thing." So, 7:45 and then if you notice, 9:00 and 10:15.

and then if you notice, 9:00 and 10:15. and then if you notice, 9:00 and 10:15. So, we're adding a service in between So, we're adding a service in between So, we're adding a service in between this time right here. this time right here. this time right here. Because what this is going to do and Because what this is going to do and Because what this is going to do and then 11:30. So, 11:30. So, really the then 11:30. So, 11:30. So, really the then 11:30. So, 11:30. So, really the whole day only shifts about 30 minutes. whole day only shifts about 30 minutes. whole day only shifts about 30 minutes. So, in essence, we So, in essence, we So, in essence, we we're not just making a massive change we're not just making a massive change we're not just making a massive change other than other than other than my spiritual health and sanity will be my spiritual health and sanity will be my spiritual health and sanity will be definitely challenged. definitely challenged. definitely challenged. But But But the reason why that happens is because the reason why that happens is because the reason why that happens is because there's 900 seats in this spot in this there's 900 seats in this spot in this there's 900 seats in this spot in this place. place. place. When we add a fourth service, we're in When we add a fourth service, we're in When we add a fourth service, we're in essence saying here's what we're saying essence saying here's what we're saying essence saying here's what we're saying to 900 people. to 900 people. to 900 people. You're welcome. Come in. You're welcome. Come in. You're welcome. Come in. Come on in. Come on in. Come on in. We've got room for you. We've got room for you. We've got room for you. And here's what's going to happen. We're And here's what's going to happen. We're And here's what's going to happen. We're going to fill up all four of these going to fill up all four of these going to fill up all four of these services. It may be in a 2 weeks, it may services. It may be in a 2 weeks, it may services. It may be in a 2 weeks, it may be in 2 years, but God's going to be in 2 years, but God's going to be in 2 years, but God's going to continue to bring people to this church, continue to bring people to this church, continue to bring people to this church, and then we got to figure out something and then we got to figure out something and then we got to figure out something else. But we're adding a fourth service. else. But we're adding a fourth service. else. But we're adding a fourth service. So, our next step So, our next step So, our next step for you for you for you is figure out when you're going to move is figure out when you're going to move is figure out when you're going to move to it, which service. Already you are to it, which service. Already you are to it, which service. Already you are already whispering, "We're going to be already whispering, "We're going to be already whispering, "We're going to be at that 10:15 service." You at that 10:15 service." You at that 10:15 service." You get 45 more minutes of sleep. I know get 45 more minutes of sleep. I know get 45 more minutes of sleep. I know that.

that. that. Now, we're not launching this in Now, we're not launching this in Now, we're not launching this in September 20th, okay? So, 5 weeks from September 20th, okay? So, 5 weeks from September 20th, okay? So, 5 weeks from now we're going to launch this, okay? now we're going to launch this, okay? now we're going to launch this, okay? And um And um And um so, that's going to happen there. That's so, that's going to happen there. That's so, that's going to happen there. That's our first next step. Super excited about our first next step. Super excited about our first next step. Super excited about that. This is crazy, guys. This is a that. This is crazy, guys. This is a that. This is crazy, guys. This is a celebration. We got to add four services celebration. We got to add four services celebration. We got to add four services now to service how many people are now to service how many people are now to service how many people are coming here from all over this region to coming here from all over this region to coming here from all over this region to worship Jesus with us, to get saved, to worship Jesus with us, to get saved, to worship Jesus with us, to get saved, to get baptized, and to grow in their get baptized, and to grow in their get baptized, and to grow in their faith. That's awesome. That's so faith. That's awesome. That's so faith. That's awesome. That's so awesome. awesome. awesome. So. So, here's the second step that you guys So, here's the second step that you guys have to make. Not only do you have to have to make. Not only do you have to have to make. Not only do you have to pick which service you're coming to, pick which service you're coming to, pick which service you're coming to, but second, but second, but second, uh we're going to need to build up our uh we're going to need to build up our uh we're going to need to build up our volunteer ministries. volunteer ministries. volunteer ministries. Because in order to pull this off, Because in order to pull this off, Because in order to pull this off, we got to have our people step up. I we got to have our people step up. I we got to have our people step up. I can't be in here preaching can't be in here preaching can't be in here preaching and be in there in the kids wing doing and be in there in the kids wing doing and be in there in the kids wing doing the kids and serving coffee. We have to the kids and serving coffee. We have to the kids and serving coffee. We have to have more of our family members step up have more of our family members step up have more of our family members step up and step into the places that God has and step into the places that God has and step into the places that God has called them to serve. called them to serve. called them to serve. Specifically, here's what we need.

Specifically, here's what we need. Specifically, here's what we need. That says 50. It's actually 46 now That says 50. It's actually 46 now That says 50. It's actually 46 now because we had four new people join in, because we had four new people join in, because we had four new people join in, but the kids ministry is the biggest gap but the kids ministry is the biggest gap but the kids ministry is the biggest gap that that's going to hit. We'll need that that's going to hit. We'll need that that's going to hit. We'll need people serving in coffee, at greeter at people serving in coffee, at greeter at people serving in coffee, at greeter at the greeter ministry, which is super the greeter ministry, which is super the greeter ministry, which is super important, by the way. The our greeters important, by the way. The our greeters important, by the way. The our greeters are the first face that those people are the first face that those people are the first face that those people see. It's so important. But there are see. It's so important. But there are see. It's so important. But there are gaps that this is going to cause all gaps that this is going to cause all gaps that this is going to cause all over this church. And if you decide over this church. And if you decide over this church. And if you decide only, well, I'm just going to go to only, well, I'm just going to go to only, well, I'm just going to go to another service now, and not if you're a another service now, and not if you're a another service now, and not if you're a family member of ours, if you're a family member of ours, if you're a family member of ours, if you're a member of this church, and not where can member of this church, and not where can member of this church, and not where can I plug in? Listen, that that's not what I plug in? Listen, that that's not what I plug in? Listen, that that's not what we need. That's not what's going to help we need. That's not what's going to help we need. That's not what's going to help further what God is doing in this further what God is doing in this further what God is doing in this church. church. church. And so, And so, And so, we need 46 leaders in the kids ministry. we need 46 leaders in the kids ministry. we need 46 leaders in the kids ministry. After today, I'm going to have something After today, I'm going to have something After today, I'm going to have something on the on the on the stage. I don't know on the on the on the stage. I don't know on the on the on the stage. I don't know what it is, but I'm going to have what it is, but I'm going to have what it is, but I'm going to have something on there that shows as we roll something on there that shows as we roll something on there that shows as we roll back, like, "Hey, we had a 10 this week. back, like, "Hey, we had a 10 this week. back, like, "Hey, we had a 10 this week. We got 36 left. Hey, we got 12 this We got 36 left. Hey, we got 12 this We got 36 left. Hey, we got 12 this week. We got this many left." And I'm week. We got this many left." And I'm week. We got this many left." And I'm going to tell you this, if we don't get going to tell you this, if we don't get going to tell you this, if we don't get those kids ministry leaders, those those kids ministry leaders, those those kids ministry leaders, those people who are committed to serving our people who are committed to serving our people who are committed to serving our children, which Jesus says, "Let them children, which Jesus says, "Let them children, which Jesus says, "Let them come to me." They matter. If we don't do come to me." They matter. If we don't do come to me." They matter. If we don't do that, we will not launch on the 20th. We that, we will not launch on the 20th. We that, we will not launch on the 20th. We will not. I'm putting this in your hands will not. I'm putting this in your hands will not. I'm putting this in your hands as a church.

as a church. as a church. Because we can't we can't tell people, Because we can't we can't tell people, Because we can't we can't tell people, "Come and sit down, but we don't have "Come and sit down, but we don't have "Come and sit down, but we don't have enough people to serve your kids." We enough people to serve your kids." We enough people to serve your kids." We can't do that. And so, we're going to can't do that. And so, we're going to can't do that. And so, we're going to we're going to have to step up to this. we're going to have to step up to this. we're going to have to step up to this. And so, if you're like, "Hey, that's me, And so, if you're like, "Hey, that's me, And so, if you're like, "Hey, that's me, dude. I've been I've been in the church. dude. I've been I've been in the church. dude. I've been I've been in the church. I haven't really figured out where I'm I haven't really figured out where I'm I haven't really figured out where I'm supposed to serve." Or like, you may be supposed to serve." Or like, you may be supposed to serve." Or like, you may be like, "That's not me at all, but I I can like, "That's not me at all, but I I can like, "That's not me at all, but I I can serve goldfish. I can pray. I can do serve goldfish. I can pray. I can do serve goldfish. I can pray. I can do this." this." this." If that's you and you've already you've If that's you and you've already you've If that's you and you've already you've joined the church, then here I we're joined the church, then here I we're joined the church, then here I we're going to on-ramp for you today. going to on-ramp for you today. going to on-ramp for you today. Literally, the welcome desk, they will Literally, the welcome desk, they will Literally, the welcome desk, they will if you if you're like, "Hey, I'm if you if you're like, "Hey, I'm if you if you're like, "Hey, I'm interested in doing this." The welcome interested in doing this." The welcome interested in doing this." The welcome desk is wide open. They they'll be able desk is wide open. They they'll be able desk is wide open. They they'll be able to take you through those next steps. to take you through those next steps. to take you through those next steps. Or, you can show up tonight because Or, you can show up tonight because Or, you can show up tonight because they're having the kids training they're having the kids training they're having the kids training tonight. And then we'll have to do some tonight. And then we'll have to do some tonight. And then we'll have to do some back office stuff and all those other back office stuff and all those other back office stuff and all those other things, but you can show up tonight to things, but you can show up tonight to things, but you can show up tonight to the training. So, if you're like, "I the training. So, if you're like, "I the training. So, if you're like, "I want to help us move the mission forward want to help us move the mission forward want to help us move the mission forward with four services by serving there." with four services by serving there." with four services by serving there." We got your on-ramps, okay? So, We got your on-ramps, okay? So, We got your on-ramps, okay? So, second, we need to build the volunteer second, we need to build the volunteer second, we need to build the volunteer ministries. And then here lastly, ministries. And then here lastly, ministries. And then here lastly, we want every one of you to take the we want every one of you to take the we want every one of you to take the next step. next step. next step. Take the next step. Here's what I mean Take the next step. Here's what I mean Take the next step. Here's what I mean by that. I want to illustrate that by that. I want to illustrate that by that. I want to illustrate that through these chairs that are up here through these chairs that are up here through these chairs that are up here right now.

right now. right now. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> So, >> So, >> So, there's a new way that we're going to there's a new way that we're going to there's a new way that we're going to start communicating discipleship and start communicating discipleship and start communicating discipleship and spiritual growth. And so, each one of spiritual growth. And so, each one of spiritual growth. And so, each one of these chairs represents you at a certain these chairs represents you at a certain these chairs represents you at a certain stage of your life, okay? So, we're stage of your life, okay? So, we're stage of your life, okay? So, we're going to walk through this. We're going going to walk through this. We're going going to walk through this. We're going to have it up on the screen. We're going to have it up on the screen. We're going to have it up on the screen. We're going to kind of walk through what I mean by to kind of walk through what I mean by to kind of walk through what I mean by take the next step, okay? The first take the next step, okay? The first take the next step, okay? The first chair chair chair the first place that you sit as a person the first place that you sit as a person the first place that you sit as a person in this region is a guest or excuse me, in this region is a guest or excuse me, in this region is a guest or excuse me, is a neighbor. is a neighbor. is a neighbor. Neighbor's chair one. These are the Neighbor's chair one. These are the Neighbor's chair one. These are the people that are not in this room right people that are not in this room right people that are not in this room right now. now. now. These are the people that are waking up These are the people that are waking up These are the people that are waking up hungover, hungover, hungover, that are waking up without a church that are waking up without a church that are waking up without a church home, waking up in church hurt, waking home, waking up in church hurt, waking home, waking up in church hurt, waking up with no hope, no forgiveness, no joy up with no hope, no forgiveness, no joy up with no hope, no forgiveness, no joy in Jesus, looking at at only the Lord in Jesus, looking at at only the Lord in Jesus, looking at at only the Lord knows what on the internet, looking at knows what on the internet, looking at knows what on the internet, looking at all kinds of things, pursuing every all kinds of things, pursuing every all kinds of things, pursuing every dream except the gospel. Those are these dream except the gospel. Those are these dream except the gospel. Those are these people here. And I'm going to tell you people here. And I'm going to tell you people here. And I'm going to tell you something, guys.

something, guys. something, guys. What's happened is we've gotten so many What's happened is we've gotten so many What's happened is we've gotten so many people in this room that sometimes, and people in this room that sometimes, and people in this room that sometimes, and I'm indicting myself here, we've I'm indicting myself here, we've I'm indicting myself here, we've forgotten these people. forgotten these people. forgotten these people. We've forgotten the people who are We've forgotten the people who are We've forgotten the people who are waking up with no hope this morning. waking up with no hope this morning. waking up with no hope this morning. These are our neighbors. This is the These are our neighbors. This is the These are our neighbors. This is the first chair. Many of you first chair. Many of you first chair. Many of you came here because you were sitting in came here because you were sitting in came here because you were sitting in this chair first. this chair first. this chair first. And something happened. Somebody may And something happened. Somebody may And something happened. Somebody may have invited you. I met somebody today have invited you. I met somebody today have invited you. I met somebody today that's in this service right now who that's in this service right now who that's in this service right now who came to the church for the first time. came to the church for the first time. came to the church for the first time. She was here and today she took this She was here and today she took this She was here and today she took this next step, which is here. And the next next step, which is here. And the next next step, which is here. And the next chair is a guest. chair is a guest. chair is a guest. A guest. Someone who comes to the church A guest. Someone who comes to the church A guest. Someone who comes to the church to fellowship with us, to worship Christ to fellowship with us, to worship Christ to fellowship with us, to worship Christ with us, to kind of feel it all out, to with us, to kind of feel it all out, to with us, to kind of feel it all out, to kind of figure it all out, but these are kind of figure it all out, but these are kind of figure it all out, but these are guests. guests. guests. And there's many of you in this room And there's many of you in this room And there's many of you in this room right now. Matter of fact, we've done right now. Matter of fact, we've done right now. Matter of fact, we've done the analytics, there's about 600 guests the analytics, there's about 600 guests the analytics, there's about 600 guests that we have that consistently come on a that we have that consistently come on a that we have that consistently come on a Sunday morning. You're in this chair. Sunday morning. You're in this chair. Sunday morning. You're in this chair. You haven't yet committed to the church You haven't yet committed to the church You haven't yet committed to the church family, but you're enjoying worship, family, but you're enjoying worship, family, but you're enjoying worship, you're celebrating what Christ is doing, you're celebrating what Christ is doing, you're celebrating what Christ is doing, or maybe some of you are just curious. or maybe some of you are just curious. or maybe some of you are just curious. You're just still trying to figure all You're just still trying to figure all You're just still trying to figure all this out. Some of you may be Christians, this out. Some of you may be Christians, this out. Some of you may be Christians, some of you may be not, but you're here some of you may be not, but you're here some of you may be not, but you're here in this chair.

in this chair. in this chair. And you've been coming for a while. And you've been coming for a while. And you've been coming for a while. Matter of fact, I met a lady last week Matter of fact, I met a lady last week Matter of fact, I met a lady last week that said, "We've been coming for 2 that said, "We've been coming for 2 that said, "We've been coming for 2 years." years." years." And we came to Starting Point last last And we came to Starting Point last last And we came to Starting Point last last Sunday, August 2nd, and we said, "Hey, Sunday, August 2nd, and we said, "Hey, Sunday, August 2nd, and we said, "Hey, we're we're in." Some of you are here, we're we're in." Some of you are here, we're we're in." Some of you are here, and here's what I want. I'm so glad and here's what I want. I'm so glad and here's what I want. I'm so glad you're here. I'm so glad you love this you're here. I'm so glad you love this you're here. I'm so glad you love this church. I'm so glad you're worshipping church. I'm so glad you're worshipping church. I'm so glad you're worshipping Jesus, but I'm going to ask you to go to Jesus, but I'm going to ask you to go to Jesus, but I'm going to ask you to go to the next chair. the next chair. the next chair. And the next chair from guest is a And the next chair from guest is a And the next chair from guest is a member. member. member. I want to change this word to owner, but I want to change this word to owner, but I want to change this word to owner, but I hadn't got permission yet from Archie, I hadn't got permission yet from Archie, I hadn't got permission yet from Archie, but I want to change this to owner but I want to change this to owner but I want to change this to owner because owner has more significance. because owner has more significance. because owner has more significance. Member sounds like a country club. Owner Member sounds like a country club. Owner Member sounds like a country club. Owner sounds like you're involved. This is sounds like you're involved. This is sounds like you're involved. This is that you've got skin in the game here. that you've got skin in the game here. that you've got skin in the game here. This is your family. You go to war for This is your family. You go to war for This is your family. You go to war for your family. You're not just a member your family. You're not just a member your family. You're not just a member paying dues, you're an owner. paying dues, you're an owner. paying dues, you're an owner. But we have member up here. So, anyway, But we have member up here. So, anyway, But we have member up here. So, anyway, there's my sermon [clears throat] for there's my sermon [clears throat] for there's my sermon [clears throat] for that. that. that. You're here. You've joined the church. You're here. You've joined the church. You're here. You've joined the church. You've gone through Starting Point. You've gone through Starting Point. You've gone through Starting Point. You've met with Pastor Chuck. Praise You've met with Pastor Chuck. Praise You've met with Pastor Chuck. Praise God. That's so fun, man. And we expect God. That's so fun, man. And we expect God. That's so fun, man. And we expect our members to show up, to be here, to our members to show up, to be here, to our members to show up, to be here, to worship Jesus. We expect them to give.

worship Jesus. We expect them to give. worship Jesus. We expect them to give. We expect them to to to to We expect them to to to to We expect them to to to to be a part of this church family, to vote be a part of this church family, to vote be a part of this church family, to vote when we when we bring on new pastors and when we when we bring on new pastors and when we when we bring on new pastors and and different things like that, when we and different things like that, when we and different things like that, when we talk about the budget at the end of the talk about the budget at the end of the talk about the budget at the end of the year. This is what we hope and expect year. This is what we hope and expect year. This is what we hope and expect our members to do. But some of you are our members to do. But some of you are our members to do. But some of you are here and you're done. here and you're done. here and you're done. You joined and then it's like, "Sweet. You joined and then it's like, "Sweet. You joined and then it's like, "Sweet. I'm just going to keep consuming." I'm just going to keep consuming." I'm just going to keep consuming." You look no different than the guest You look no different than the guest You look no different than the guest cuz you're just showing up here and then cuz you're just showing up here and then cuz you're just showing up here and then going home. going home. going home. There's a next step for you. And these There's a next step for you. And these There's a next step for you. And these are all connected, by the way. These are all connected, by the way. These are all connected, by the way. These four are all connected. You don't just four are all connected. You don't just four are all connected. You don't just like migrate You don't just like advance like migrate You don't just like advance like migrate You don't just like advance to the next one. You you are walking to the next one. You you are walking to the next one. You you are walking through each one of these. And the next through each one of these. And the next through each one of these. And the next one of these steps is servant. one of these steps is servant. one of these steps is servant. Servant. Meaning that you have found a Servant. Meaning that you have found a Servant. Meaning that you have found a ministry to plant your life into. It may ministry to plant your life into. It may ministry to plant your life into. It may be serving coffee. It may be serving be serving coffee. It may be serving be serving coffee. It may be serving kids. It may be kids. It may be kids. It may be uh uh uh uh being a greeter. It may It's some uh being a greeter. It may It's some uh being a greeter. It may It's some ministry that you've said I want to ministry that you've said I want to ministry that you've said I want to serve. If you think about when Jesus serve. If you think about when Jesus serve. If you think about when Jesus called his disciples, called his disciples, called his disciples, he calls them from just being a he calls them from just being a he calls them from just being a neighbor.

neighbor. neighbor. He invites them to come and follow them. He invites them to come and follow them. He invites them to come and follow them. They fully commit to what he's wanting They fully commit to what he's wanting They fully commit to what he's wanting them to do. And then, you know what's them to do. And then, you know what's them to do. And then, you know what's interesting? interesting? interesting? He starts sending them out to do these He starts sending them out to do these He starts sending them out to do these little ministry projects. We miss one of little ministry projects. We miss one of little ministry projects. We miss one of the details whenever Jesus called his the details whenever Jesus called his the details whenever Jesus called his disciples at the feeding of the 5,000, disciples at the feeding of the 5,000, disciples at the feeding of the 5,000, that miracle, we kind of credit all to that miracle, we kind of credit all to that miracle, we kind of credit all to Jesus, and that's true. Jesus performed Jesus, and that's true. Jesus performed Jesus, and that's true. Jesus performed the miracle. But, you know who he gave the miracle. But, you know who he gave the miracle. But, you know who he gave it to to carry it out? The disciples. He it to to carry it out? The disciples. He it to to carry it out? The disciples. He said, "You give them something to eat." said, "You give them something to eat." said, "You give them something to eat." And after he multiplied it, he was the And after he multiplied it, he was the And after he multiplied it, he was the source of the miracle, but you know who source of the miracle, but you know who source of the miracle, but you know who he gave it to? His disciples. Go take he gave it to? His disciples. Go take he gave it to? His disciples. Go take them out. Don't preach. Don't do them out. Don't preach. Don't do them out. Don't preach. Don't do anything. Serve people. anything. Serve people. anything. Serve people. And some of you guys have joined, but And some of you guys have joined, but And some of you guys have joined, but you've not started serving. you've not started serving. you've not started serving. We believe that every member is a We believe that every member is a We believe that every member is a minister. That everybody is called to minister. That everybody is called to minister. That everybody is called to some type of ministry. And so, once you some type of ministry. And so, once you some type of ministry. And so, once you join, this never stops. That's why we join, this never stops. That's why we join, this never stops. That's why we have this interconnected here, cuz the have this interconnected here, cuz the have this interconnected here, cuz the next seat that we call our people to next seat that we call our people to next seat that we call our people to is not just to serve, but to also be a is not just to serve, but to also be a is not just to serve, but to also be a disciple. disciple. disciple. You know, the difference between a You know, the difference between a You know, the difference between a servant and a disciple? A disciple is servant and a disciple? A disciple is servant and a disciple? A disciple is growing. A disciple, specifically in our growing. A disciple, specifically in our growing. A disciple, specifically in our in our system, is someone who's in a in our system, is someone who's in a in our system, is someone who's in a life group, a D group, or a growth life group, a D group, or a growth life group, a D group, or a growth group, who is committed to growing in group, who is committed to growing in group, who is committed to growing in the relationship with Jesus. Man, some the relationship with Jesus. Man, some the relationship with Jesus. Man, some of you are here and you're serving.

of you are here and you're serving. of you are here and you're serving. Praise God for that. But, there's also a Praise God for that. But, there's also a Praise God for that. But, there's also a next step for you, and that's growing in next step for you, and that's growing in next step for you, and that's growing in your relationship with Jesus so that you your relationship with Jesus so that you your relationship with Jesus so that you can get here. Some of y'all are stuck can get here. Some of y'all are stuck can get here. Some of y'all are stuck here, where it's like, man, you're all here, where it's like, man, you're all here, where it's like, man, you're all about just growing and growing and about just growing and growing and about just growing and growing and growing, and you've been in eight D growing, and you've been in eight D growing, and you've been in eight D groups, and it's just like you just keep groups, and it's just like you just keep groups, and it's just like you just keep growing and growing and growing and growing and growing and growing and growing and growing and growing and growing, and that's great. growing, and that's great. growing, and that's great. But, listen. If you just keep growing But, listen. If you just keep growing But, listen. If you just keep growing and growing and growing, and it doesn't and growing and growing, and it doesn't and growing and growing, and it doesn't lead to this last chair, lead to this last chair, lead to this last chair, you're not actually going to fulfill you're not actually going to fulfill you're not actually going to fulfill what God has called you to, because what God has called you to, because what God has called you to, because there's a last chair that you and I are there's a last chair that you and I are there's a last chair that you and I are called to do. We're never called to stop called to do. We're never called to stop called to do. We're never called to stop growing. growing. growing. The word disciple means learner. So, The word disciple means learner. So, The word disciple means learner. So, we're constantly learning. But, the goal we're constantly learning. But, the goal we're constantly learning. But, the goal of the Christian life, like I talked of the Christian life, like I talked of the Christian life, like I talked about last week, is not just you growing about last week, is not just you growing about last week, is not just you growing a bunch. And you just becoming more and a bunch. And you just becoming more and a bunch. And you just becoming more and more like like you just becoming more more like like you just becoming more more like like you just becoming more and more Bible literate and all those and more Bible literate and all those and more Bible literate and all those things. That's great. things. That's great. things. That's great. But, it has to land on a next step, a But, it has to land on a next step, a But, it has to land on a next step, a pinnacle of your spiritual life. And you pinnacle of your spiritual life. And you pinnacle of your spiritual life. And you know what that is? It's this chair. Some know what that is? It's this chair. Some know what that is? It's this chair. Some of you have never heard this in your of you have never heard this in your of you have never heard this in your entire life. entire life. entire life. That the goal of your salvation is this That the goal of your salvation is this That the goal of your salvation is this last chair, a disciple-making last chair, a disciple-making last chair, a disciple-making leader.

leader. leader. A disciple-making leader is unique. They A disciple-making leader is unique. They A disciple-making leader is unique. They know how to feed themselves spiritually. know how to feed themselves spiritually. know how to feed themselves spiritually. They know how to wake up and spend time They know how to wake up and spend time They know how to wake up and spend time in God's word. They don't need in God's word. They don't need in God's word. They don't need motivation, encouragement, or a push in motivation, encouragement, or a push in motivation, encouragement, or a push in the pants. They know how to get up and the pants. They know how to get up and the pants. They know how to get up and spend time with Jesus, and they're spend time with Jesus, and they're spend time with Jesus, and they're growing. growing. growing. But, also they're somebody who knows how But, also they're somebody who knows how But, also they're somebody who knows how to share the gospel. They They're able to share the gospel. They They're able to share the gospel. They They're able to lead people. These are our D-group to lead people. These are our D-group to lead people. These are our D-group leaders, life group leaders. These are leaders, life group leaders. These are leaders, life group leaders. These are the people that are saying, "Hey, I want the people that are saying, "Hey, I want the people that are saying, "Hey, I want to not only grow myself, I want to to not only grow myself, I want to to not only grow myself, I want to invest in other people so that they get invest in other people so that they get invest in other people so that they get to this place." to this place." to this place." This is the apex of your Christian This is the apex of your Christian This is the apex of your Christian journey. You never arrive. Some of you journey. You never arrive. Some of you journey. You never arrive. Some of you are in this room are D-group leaders. are in this room are D-group leaders. are in this room are D-group leaders. Awesome. You haven't arrived. I'm a Awesome. You haven't arrived. I'm a Awesome. You haven't arrived. I'm a D-group leader. I haven't arrived. I'm D-group leader. I haven't arrived. I'm D-group leader. I haven't arrived. I'm still growing. still growing. still growing. But, Jesus says in the Great Commission, But, Jesus says in the Great Commission, But, Jesus says in the Great Commission, "Go and make disciples and baptize them "Go and make disciples and baptize them "Go and make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teach them Spirit, and teach them Spirit, and teach them teach them how to follow me." teach them how to follow me." teach them how to follow me." Here's what we need, and here's where Here's what we need, and here's where Here's what we need, and here's where we're going to land on this morning. We we're going to land on this morning. We we're going to land on this morning. We need you. Wherever Whatever chair you're need you. Wherever Whatever chair you're need you. Wherever Whatever chair you're on, I want to encourage you in love take on, I want to encourage you in love take on, I want to encourage you in love take the next step.

the next step. the next step. I know some of y'all are afraid. I know I know some of y'all are afraid. I know I know some of y'all are afraid. I know some of y'all have reasons why you don't some of y'all have reasons why you don't some of y'all have reasons why you don't want to. I get it. But, if you don't, you'll miss God's But, if you don't, you'll miss God's best for your life. best for your life. best for your life. So, we're going to add a fourth service. So, we're going to add a fourth service. So, we're going to add a fourth service. And we need our church to step up. And we need our church to step up. And we need our church to step up. So, that So, that So, that Cuz this is what God's leading us to do. Cuz this is what God's leading us to do. Cuz this is what God's leading us to do. I feel 100% confident in that. I feel 100% confident in that. I feel 100% confident in that. This is where God's leading us. This is where God's leading us. This is where God's leading us. I need the church with me. I need the church with me. I need the church with me. I need you guys with me. I need you to I need you guys with me. I need you to I need you guys with me. I need you to step into these callings. I need you to step into these callings. I need you to step into these callings. I need you to take the next step. take the next step. take the next step. So, So, So, I want to pray for us. I want to pray for us. I want to pray for us. And then I'm going to preach the fastest And then I'm going to preach the fastest And then I'm going to preach the fastest sermon you've ever heard. Let's pray. Let's pray. God, thank you for what you've done. And God, thank you for what you've done. And God, thank you for what you've done. And I pray that Lord, you would guide our I pray that Lord, you would guide our I pray that Lord, you would guide our future. future. future. Cuz it's ultimately this is your church. Cuz it's ultimately this is your church. Cuz it's ultimately this is your church. And so Father, I just pray And so Father, I just pray And so Father, I just pray that you would call up and call out our that you would call up and call out our that you would call up and call out our people wherever they are to take the people wherever they are to take the people wherever they are to take the next step. next step. next step. And I pray all these things in Jesus' And I pray all these things in Jesus' And I pray all these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen.

name. Amen. Amen. name. Amen. Amen. So, here's what we're going to see. This So, here's what we're going to see. This So, here's what we're going to see. This is truly going to be the fastest sermon is truly going to be the fastest sermon is truly going to be the fastest sermon you've ever heard, but it's so good and you've ever heard, but it's so good and you've ever heard, but it's so good and so practical that it doesn't need 40 so practical that it doesn't need 40 so practical that it doesn't need 40 minutes. minutes. minutes. Here's the first truth we're going to Here's the first truth we're going to Here's the first truth we're going to see this morning from Philippians 3 see this morning from Philippians 3 see this morning from Philippians 3 chapter 17 and then I'm going to or chapter 17 and then I'm going to or chapter 17 and then I'm going to or excuse me, 3:17. I'm going to read it, excuse me, 3:17. I'm going to read it, excuse me, 3:17. I'm going to read it, but I'm going to tell you the truth but I'm going to tell you the truth but I'm going to tell you the truth first. first. first. If you and I want to live this Christian If you and I want to live this Christian If you and I want to live this Christian life out, there are three things that life out, there are three things that life out, there are three things that Paul gives us in regards to practical Paul gives us in regards to practical Paul gives us in regards to practical applications. Remember, and this is a applications. Remember, and this is a applications. Remember, and this is a continuation of last week where he said, continuation of last week where he said, continuation of last week where he said, "Hey, you want to follow Jesus? Forget "Hey, you want to follow Jesus? Forget "Hey, you want to follow Jesus? Forget what lies behind. Focus on what's what lies behind. Focus on what's what lies behind. Focus on what's ahead." So, he's continuing this like ahead." So, he's continuing this like ahead." So, he's continuing this like practical application of how can you and practical application of how can you and practical application of how can you and I follow Jesus? And so here's the first I follow Jesus? And so here's the first I follow Jesus? And so here's the first one. You and I need to walk with the one. You and I need to walk with the one. You and I need to walk with the right people. right people. right people. We need to walk with the right people. We need to walk with the right people. We need to walk with the right people. Look what he says here in verse 17. Look what he says here in verse 17. Look what he says here in verse 17. He says, "Brethren, join in following my He says, "Brethren, join in following my He says, "Brethren, join in following my example and observe those who walk example and observe those who walk example and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in according to the pattern you have in according to the pattern you have in us." Paul is wanting us to understand us." Paul is wanting us to understand us." Paul is wanting us to understand that the Christian life cannot be lived that the Christian life cannot be lived that the Christian life cannot be lived alone. alone. alone. And the Christian life is enhanced when And the Christian life is enhanced when And the Christian life is enhanced when we surround ourselves with other people we surround ourselves with other people we surround ourselves with other people who love Jesus. In essence, what Paul is who love Jesus. In essence, what Paul is who love Jesus. In essence, what Paul is saying is that it's kind of a modern-day saying is that it's kind of a modern-day saying is that it's kind of a modern-day proverb, is if you show me your five proverb, is if you show me your five proverb, is if you show me your five closest friends, I will show you your closest friends, I will show you your closest friends, I will show you your future. Paul is saying the same thing.

future. Paul is saying the same thing. future. Paul is saying the same thing. He's saying, "Look, follow my example He's saying, "Look, follow my example He's saying, "Look, follow my example and follow the example of people who are and follow the example of people who are and follow the example of people who are walking with Christ." walking with Christ." walking with Christ." That you and I need God's people to That you and I need God's people to That you and I need God's people to become the people of God. become the people of God. become the people of God. I'm going to say that again. I'm going to say that again. I'm going to say that again. I didn't say that today. That was good. I didn't say that today. That was good. I didn't say that today. That was good. I like that. I like that. I like that. You and I need God's people to become You and I need God's people to become You and I need God's people to become the people of God. And Paul is saying the people of God. And Paul is saying the people of God. And Paul is saying very practically, if you want to follow very practically, if you want to follow very practically, if you want to follow Jesus, look at who you're surrounding Jesus, look at who you're surrounding Jesus, look at who you're surrounding yourself with. That's so important. yourself with. That's so important. yourself with. That's so important. We've got to walk with the right people. We've got to walk with the right people. We've got to walk with the right people. As a matter of fact, I want to make this As a matter of fact, I want to make this As a matter of fact, I want to make this one quick note about that as well. I one quick note about that as well. I one quick note about that as well. I want to make a an enhanced version of want to make a an enhanced version of want to make a an enhanced version of that that modern-day proverb I just that that modern-day proverb I just that that modern-day proverb I just said. You show me your five closest said. You show me your five closest said. You show me your five closest friends, I will show you the future of friends, I will show you the future of friends, I will show you the future of your kids. your kids. your kids. Especially for men. I'm going to talk Especially for men. I'm going to talk Especially for men. I'm going to talk just to men. just to men. just to men. Your children are striving, Your children are striving, Your children are striving, grandchildren striving for your grandchildren striving for your grandchildren striving for your approval. approval. approval. If you've got a bunch of buddies around If you've got a bunch of buddies around If you've got a bunch of buddies around you that aren't following Jesus, getting you that aren't following Jesus, getting you that aren't following Jesus, getting hammered, talking about women in the hammered, talking about women in the hammered, talking about women in the most inappropriate ways, most inappropriate ways, most inappropriate ways, and they see all of that. They see those and they see all of that. They see those and they see all of that. They see those friends of yours. What your children, friends of yours. What your children, friends of yours. What your children, girls and boys, they're going to think, girls and boys, they're going to think, girls and boys, they're going to think, cuz they want your approval is, well, if cuz they want your approval is, well, if cuz they want your approval is, well, if these are dad's best friends, dad must these are dad's best friends, dad must these are dad's best friends, dad must approve them, so therefore, I must approve them, so therefore, I must approve them, so therefore, I must become like them to get my dad's become like them to get my dad's become like them to get my dad's approval.

approval. approval. And so you've got to really think And so you've got to really think And so you've got to really think through, who are your closest friends? through, who are your closest friends? through, who are your closest friends? That's why life groups and D groups and That's why life groups and D groups and That's why life groups and D groups and growth groups are so important, because growth groups are so important, because growth groups are so important, because we surround ourselves with godly people. we surround ourselves with godly people. we surround ourselves with godly people. Second, you and I need to watch out for Second, you and I need to watch out for Second, you and I need to watch out for the wrong people. the wrong people. the wrong people. There's people in this world that we There's people in this world that we There's people in this world that we need to surround ourselves with, and need to surround ourselves with, and need to surround ourselves with, and there's people in this world we don't there's people in this world we don't there's people in this world we don't need to associate with. We don't need to need to associate with. We don't need to need to associate with. We don't need to be around. Look what Paul's saying. Who be around. Look what Paul's saying. Who be around. Look what Paul's saying. Who are those people that we don't need to are those people that we don't need to are those people that we don't need to associate with? For many, he says, many. associate with? For many, he says, many. associate with? For many, he says, many. This is the majority of people out in This is the majority of people out in This is the majority of people out in the planet, this is how they're the planet, this is how they're the planet, this is how they're described. They walk, of whom I often described. They walk, of whom I often described. They walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping. told you, and now tell you even weeping. told you, and now tell you even weeping. This is really important, cuz Paul is This is really important, cuz Paul is This is really important, cuz Paul is saying saying saying he's seeing lost people live like lost he's seeing lost people live like lost he's seeing lost people live like lost people, and it breaks his heart. He people, and it breaks his heart. He people, and it breaks his heart. He weeps for it. I think that's really weeps for it. I think that's really weeps for it. I think that's really important to note for us as the American important to note for us as the American important to note for us as the American church, because a lot of times we get on church, because a lot of times we get on church, because a lot of times we get on social media and see lost people being social media and see lost people being social media and see lost people being lost and what do we do? We get angry. We lost and what do we do? We get angry. We lost and what do we do? We get angry. We start keyboard keyboard warrior warrior start keyboard keyboard warrior warrior start keyboard keyboard warrior warrior I don't even know. We just I don't even know. We just I don't even know. We just and there's this righteous anger welling and there's this righteous anger welling and there's this righteous anger welling up in us cuz people are doing the wrong up in us cuz people are doing the wrong up in us cuz people are doing the wrong things. And that's okay to have things. And that's okay to have things. And that's okay to have righteous anger. But the same time the righteous anger. But the same time the righteous anger. But the same time the message is when was the last time you message is when was the last time you message is when was the last time you saw somebody post something ridiculous saw somebody post something ridiculous saw somebody post something ridiculous on Facebook and it broke your heart. Not on Facebook and it broke your heart. Not on Facebook and it broke your heart. Not ticked you off.

ticked you off. ticked you off. Paul is saying these people are living Paul is saying these people are living Paul is saying these people are living for Jesus and it breaks him. for Jesus and it breaks him. for Jesus and it breaks him. Why? Because he loves people even that Why? Because he loves people even that Why? Because he loves people even that don't love the Lord. don't love the Lord. don't love the Lord. He wept over these people who are living He wept over these people who are living He wept over these people who are living like this. So here's the people we don't like this. So here's the people we don't like this. So here's the people we don't need to surround ourselves with. These need to surround ourselves with. These need to surround ourselves with. These are not the people we don't need to are not the people we don't need to are not the people we don't need to extend our hand out with the gospel. extend our hand out with the gospel. extend our hand out with the gospel. These are people that we don't need to These are people that we don't need to These are people that we don't need to put in our inner circle. put in our inner circle. put in our inner circle. Here's how here's how they're described. Here's how here's how they're described. Here's how here's how they're described. They're enemies of the cross of Christ. They're enemies of the cross of Christ. They're enemies of the cross of Christ. That simply means number one, not only That simply means number one, not only That simply means number one, not only do they not believe in the gospel, but do they not believe in the gospel, but do they not believe in the gospel, but number two, this is more number two, this is more number two, this is more These are people who are self-reliant. These are people who are self-reliant. These are people who are self-reliant. Cuz remember the cross is foolishness. Cuz remember the cross is foolishness. Cuz remember the cross is foolishness. The cross of Christ is ultimately you The cross of Christ is ultimately you The cross of Christ is ultimately you can't get to God, so God came to you in can't get to God, so God came to you in can't get to God, so God came to you in love. The cross is love. The cross is love. The cross is zero effort on our part. And so what zero effort on our part. And so what zero effort on our part. And so what he's saying is don't surround yourself he's saying is don't surround yourself he's saying is don't surround yourself with people that are real self-reliant. with people that are real self-reliant. with people that are real self-reliant. They just think they can do everything They just think they can do everything They just think they can do everything on their own. Because he's in essence on their own. Because he's in essence on their own. Because he's in essence saying those are enemies of the cross. saying those are enemies of the cross. saying those are enemies of the cross. People of the cross are people who have People of the cross are people who have People of the cross are people who have surrendered to the fact that they can't surrendered to the fact that they can't surrendered to the fact that they can't work their way to God. They can't work their way to God. They can't work their way to God. They can't measure up. They can't make it without measure up. They can't make it without measure up. They can't make it without Christ. Christ. Christ. He goes on to describe these people as He goes on to describe these people as He goes on to describe these people as whose end is destruction.

whose end is destruction. whose end is destruction. That the the things that they bring into That the the things that they bring into That the the things that they bring into the world are chaos. the world are chaos. the world are chaos. He goes on he says whose God is their He goes on he says whose God is their He goes on he says whose God is their appetite. Lower g God. You and I should appetite. Lower g God. You and I should appetite. Lower g God. You and I should avoid people who live for their lusts. avoid people who live for their lusts. avoid people who live for their lusts. If it feels good, do it. Those are the If it feels good, do it. Those are the If it feels good, do it. Those are the people that we do not need to surround people that we do not need to surround people that we do not need to surround ourselves with. Those are the people we ourselves with. Those are the people we ourselves with. Those are the people we need to love with the gospel, but those need to love with the gospel, but those need to love with the gospel, but those are not the people that need to be in are not the people that need to be in are not the people that need to be in our closest core. Who are driven by our closest core. Who are driven by our closest core. Who are driven by their internal desires. Those are not their internal desires. Those are not their internal desires. Those are not the people that God They're They're the people that God They're They're the people that God They're They're going to enhance our lives spiritually. going to enhance our lives spiritually. going to enhance our lives spiritually. And then he goes on to say, "whose glory And then he goes on to say, "whose glory And then he goes on to say, "whose glory is in their shame." That means the idea is in their shame." That means the idea is in their shame." That means the idea there's people who are celebrating there's people who are celebrating there's people who are celebrating things Watch this. People who are things Watch this. People who are things Watch this. People who are celebrating things that Jesus went to celebrating things that Jesus went to celebrating things that Jesus went to the cross for. the cross for. the cross for. People who laugh when others are People who laugh when others are People who laugh when others are hammered. hammered. hammered. People who joke when people are sleeping People who joke when people are sleeping People who joke when people are sleeping around with other people and think it's around with other people and think it's around with other people and think it's funny and laugh about it. He's saying, funny and laugh about it. He's saying, funny and laugh about it. He's saying, "Those type people who laugh at the "Those type people who laugh at the "Those type people who laugh at the things that took Jesus to the cross are things that took Jesus to the cross are things that took Jesus to the cross are not the people that you need to have in not the people that you need to have in not the people that you need to have in your inner circle. They're the people your inner circle. They're the people your inner circle. They're the people you need to extend in love and share the you need to extend in love and share the you need to extend in love and share the gospel with. They're not people that are gospel with. They're not people that are gospel with. They're not people that are your closest people." And then he goes your closest people." And then he goes your closest people." And then he goes on to say, "who set their mind on on to say, "who set their mind on on to say, "who set their mind on earthly things, who live for the earth, earthly things, who live for the earth, earthly things, who live for the earth, who live for the world, who live for the who live for the world, who live for the who live for the world, who live for the fleeting pleasures of life."

fleeting pleasures of life." fleeting pleasures of life." And here's the last truth. I'm going to And here's the last truth. I'm going to And here's the last truth. I'm going to have the band back up as we close this have the band back up as we close this have the band back up as we close this in the world's fastest sermon. If you and I want to follow Christ, If you and I want to follow Christ, we got to walk with the right people. we got to walk with the right people. we got to walk with the right people. We've got to watch out for the wrong We've got to watch out for the wrong We've got to watch out for the wrong people. And then lastly, we've got to people. And then lastly, we've got to people. And then lastly, we've got to wait on the savior. wait on the savior. wait on the savior. He has already said this in the few He has already said this in the few He has already said this in the few verses right before this. He literally verses right before this. He literally verses right before this. He literally says, "Forgetting what lies behind." says, "Forgetting what lies behind." says, "Forgetting what lies behind." That sermon last week, man, if you That sermon last week, man, if you That sermon last week, man, if you didn't listen, you need to go back and didn't listen, you need to go back and didn't listen, you need to go back and listen to it. So good. It is a It is It listen to it. So good. It is a It is It listen to it. So good. It is a It is It is It is for our church. is It is for our church. is It is for our church. Because I again, I think some of us have Because I again, I think some of us have Because I again, I think some of us have gotten so complacent in our faith. You gotten so complacent in our faith. You gotten so complacent in our faith. You need to go back and hear it. need to go back and hear it. need to go back and hear it. But he says, "Forgetting what lies But he says, "Forgetting what lies But he says, "Forgetting what lies behind and striving forward to what lies behind and striving forward to what lies behind and striving forward to what lies ahead." Well, what's ahead? And he goes ahead." Well, what's ahead? And he goes ahead." Well, what's ahead? And he goes on to say in those few verses right on to say in those few verses right on to say in those few verses right before this, "Christ is ahead." before this, "Christ is ahead." before this, "Christ is ahead." Christ is at the finish line waiting for Christ is at the finish line waiting for Christ is at the finish line waiting for us. And so you and I need to live for us. And so you and I need to live for us. And so you and I need to live for the day the day the day where we'll stand before Christ. And where we'll stand before Christ. And where we'll stand before Christ. And he's reiterating that reiterating that he's reiterating that reiterating that he's reiterating that reiterating that again. "For our citizenship is in again. "For our citizenship is in again. "For our citizenship is in heaven, and from which we eagerly wait heaven, and from which we eagerly wait heaven, and from which we eagerly wait for a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who for a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who for a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble will transform the body of our humble will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of state into conformity with the body of state into conformity with the body of his glory by the exertion of the power his glory by the exertion of the power his glory by the exertion of the power that he has even to subject all things that he has even to subject all things that he has even to subject all things to himself. Here's what Paul is saying.

to himself. Here's what Paul is saying. to himself. Here's what Paul is saying. If you and I want to follow Jesus If you and I want to follow Jesus If you and I want to follow Jesus faithfully, we got to be around the faithfully, we got to be around the faithfully, we got to be around the right people. right people. right people. We've got to let go of the wrong people, We've got to let go of the wrong people, We've got to let go of the wrong people, and we've got to focus on the man. and we've got to focus on the man. and we've got to focus on the man. We got to focus on the man. And We got to focus on the man. And We got to focus on the man. And specifically, we've got to remember that specifically, we've got to remember that specifically, we've got to remember that our citizenship is not here. our citizenship is not here. our citizenship is not here. Some of us, myself included a lot of Some of us, myself included a lot of Some of us, myself included a lot of times, we are living like this is our times, we are living like this is our times, we are living like this is our home. home. home. Our money, our attention, our focus is Our money, our attention, our focus is Our money, our attention, our focus is here and now. here and now. here and now. And Paul's reminding them, "Guys, don't And Paul's reminding them, "Guys, don't And Paul's reminding them, "Guys, don't forget. You are passing through here. forget. You are passing through here. forget. You are passing through here. This is not your home." But some of us This is not your home." But some of us This is not your home." But some of us are planting roots so deep into this are planting roots so deep into this are planting roots so deep into this life that we will have nothing to show life that we will have nothing to show life that we will have nothing to show for it in the next. for it in the next. for it in the next. There's nothing wrong with working hard. There's nothing wrong with working hard. There's nothing wrong with working hard. There's nothing wrong with with with There's nothing wrong with with with There's nothing wrong with with with shepherding your money wisely. There's shepherding your money wisely. There's shepherding your money wisely. There's nothing wrong with those things. But the nothing wrong with those things. But the nothing wrong with those things. But the question is that you've got to ask him, question is that you've got to ask him, question is that you've got to ask him, what Paul is bringing up here is, which what Paul is bringing up here is, which what Paul is bringing up here is, which citizenship are you living for? citizenship are you living for? citizenship are you living for? This one here This one here This one here or the next one?

or the next one? or the next one? This life here or the life to come? This life here or the life to come? This life here or the life to come? You and I are a vapor. You and I are a vapor. You and I are a vapor. So the scripture says. That imagery is So the scripture says. That imagery is So the scripture says. That imagery is of a candle or a a lantern of a candle or a a lantern of a candle or a a lantern that you blow out. that you blow out. that you blow out. Now, when you blow out that candle, what Now, when you blow out that candle, what Now, when you blow out that candle, what happens? You got a little bit of the happens? You got a little bit of the happens? You got a little bit of the fog, the vapor, just kind of there for a fog, the vapor, just kind of there for a fog, the vapor, just kind of there for a little bit, right? You can see it. little bit, right? You can see it. little bit, right? You can see it. And then after 5, 6, 7 seconds, And then after 5, 6, 7 seconds, And then after 5, 6, 7 seconds, it's gone. it's gone. it's gone. And what the author multiple places in And what the author multiple places in And what the author multiple places in scriptures is reminding us is your life scriptures is reminding us is your life scriptures is reminding us is your life is a vapor. is a vapor. is a vapor. It's a vapor. It's a vapor. It's a vapor. You are here today, gone tomorrow. And You are here today, gone tomorrow. And You are here today, gone tomorrow. And in the grand scheme of eternity, here's in the grand scheme of eternity, here's in the grand scheme of eternity, here's the truth. I'm I'm studying through the the truth. I'm I'm studying through the the truth. I'm I'm studying through the book of Ecclesiastes right now. Here's book of Ecclesiastes right now. Here's book of Ecclesiastes right now. Here's the message of Ecclesiastes. You will the message of Ecclesiastes. You will the message of Ecclesiastes. You will live, you will die, and in 100 years no live, you will die, and in 100 years no live, you will die, and in 100 years no one will remember you. one will remember you. one will remember you. That's it. That sounds super morbid, but That's it. That sounds super morbid, but That's it. That sounds super morbid, but it's the truth. it's the truth. it's the truth. You will live and die, and in 100 years You will live and die, and in 100 years You will live and die, and in 100 years no one will even know you existed. No no one will even know you existed. No no one will even know you existed. No one. one. one. And even if they see a video of you or a And even if they see a video of you or a And even if they see a video of you or a picture of you, it's not going to mean picture of you, it's not going to mean picture of you, it's not going to mean anything because they don't know you.

anything because they don't know you. anything because they don't know you. They don't know me. They don't know me. They don't know me. So, what's the point of life? So, what's the point of life? So, what's the point of life? Live for the life to come. Live for the life to come. Live for the life to come. Your citizenship, he says, is in heaven. Your citizenship, he says, is in heaven. Your citizenship, he says, is in heaven. And so, for those in this room whose And so, for those in this room whose And so, for those in this room whose citizenship is in heaven, you are born citizenship is in heaven, you are born citizenship is in heaven, you are born you are born again. You have repented you are born again. You have repented you are born again. You have repented and believed in Christ. The question and believed in Christ. The question and believed in Christ. The question you've got to ask this morning is who am you've got to ask this morning is who am you've got to ask this morning is who am I surrounding my life with I surrounding my life with I surrounding my life with and who am I living for? and who am I living for? and who am I living for? Who am I surrounding my life with and Who am I surrounding my life with and Who am I surrounding my life with and who am I living for? For those who are here For those who are here and you don't know Christ, and you don't know Christ, and you don't know Christ, and there are people here today that and there are people here today that and there are people here today that your citizenship is not in heaven your citizenship is not in heaven your citizenship is not in heaven because if you died today, you would not because if you died today, you would not because if you died today, you would not go there. go there. go there. You would not. You would not. You would not. But the great thing that you're here But the great thing that you're here But the great thing that you're here this morning is to hear this, this morning is to hear this, this morning is to hear this, that Christ doesn't want that. Matter of that Christ doesn't want that. Matter of that Christ doesn't want that. Matter of fact, he proves that he loves you and fact, he proves that he loves you and fact, he proves that he loves you and that he doesn't want that is because he that he doesn't want that is because he that he doesn't want that is because he went to the cross on your behalf. He went to the cross on your behalf. He went to the cross on your behalf. He died for your sins. He was buried and he died for your sins. He was buried and he died for your sins. He was buried and he rose again and is extending his hand to rose again and is extending his hand to rose again and is extending his hand to you, giving you breath in your lungs so you, giving you breath in your lungs so you, giving you breath in your lungs so that you can repent and believe in him that you can repent and believe in him that you can repent and believe in him and be born again and become a citizen and be born again and become a citizen and be born again and become a citizen of heaven. And today that needs to of heaven. And today that needs to of heaven. And today that needs to happen for some of you.

happen for some of you. happen for some of you. You came here and heard a bunch of stuff You came here and heard a bunch of stuff You came here and heard a bunch of stuff about a church that you don't care about a church that you don't care about a church that you don't care anything about, but you're going to anything about, but you're going to anything about, but you're going to leave here born again with a savior that leave here born again with a savior that leave here born again with a savior that you now know who's found you and who you now know who's found you and who you now know who's found you and who saved you and forgave you. saved you and forgave you. saved you and forgave you. And so, I'm going to pray over us, and then I'm going to pray over us, and then we're going to have a song of invitation we're going to have a song of invitation we're going to have a song of invitation where you respond to everything that we where you respond to everything that we where you respond to everything that we talked about today. There's so much. talked about today. There's so much. talked about today. There's so much. Some of you need to come forward like it Some of you need to come forward like it Some of you need to come forward like it with your spouse and just say, "God, we with your spouse and just say, "God, we with your spouse and just say, "God, we just commit to this next season of this just commit to this next season of this just commit to this next season of this church. Whatever it is, you tell us what church. Whatever it is, you tell us what church. Whatever it is, you tell us what you want us to do and we'll do it. God, you want us to do and we'll do it. God, you want us to do and we'll do it. God, we're in. Our yes is on the altar. And we're in. Our yes is on the altar. And we're in. Our yes is on the altar. And that may be some of you. that may be some of you. that may be some of you. Some of you, you may realize hey, I'm Some of you, you may realize hey, I'm Some of you, you may realize hey, I'm not I'm not surrounding myself with the not I'm not surrounding myself with the not I'm not surrounding myself with the right people. Or we as a couple are not right people. Or we as a couple are not right people. Or we as a couple are not surrounding ourselves with the right surrounding ourselves with the right surrounding ourselves with the right people. Or we're we're we're we're just people. Or we're we're we're we're just people. Or we're we're we're we're just we're one of these chairs that you're we're one of these chairs that you're we're one of these chairs that you're in. Evaluating which chair I'm in and in. Evaluating which chair I'm in and in. Evaluating which chair I'm in and God, how do you how do you want me to God, how do you how do you want me to God, how do you how do you want me to move to this next step? move to this next step? move to this next step? And so the invitation is for you to And so the invitation is for you to And so the invitation is for you to respond to Christ this morning. Look, respond to Christ this morning. Look, respond to Christ this morning. Look, and I know I know and I know I know and I know I know we covered a lot today. A lot. I get it. we covered a lot today. A lot. I get it. we covered a lot today. A lot. I get it. But God's got us.

But God's got us. But God's got us. And he's got you. And he's got you. And he's got you. And he loves you. And he loves you. And he loves you. And he loves this church. And he loves this church. And he loves this church. And the best truly is yet to come with And the best truly is yet to come with And the best truly is yet to come with us. us. us. And the question is And the question is And the question is or the plea is or the plea is or the plea is I want you guys with me. I want you guys with me. I want you guys with me. I want y'all coming with me. So let this invitation be a time where So let this invitation be a time where you surrender to whatever it is Christ you surrender to whatever it is Christ you surrender to whatever it is Christ is calling you to. is calling you to. is calling you to. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. Father, I love you so much and I thank Father, I love you so much and I thank Father, I love you so much and I thank you for Jesus. you for Jesus. you for Jesus. And I thank you that you have done such And I thank you that you have done such And I thank you that you have done such an awesome work over the last eight an awesome work over the last eight an awesome work over the last eight years. And uh Lord, we pray years. And uh Lord, we pray years. And uh Lord, we pray for more. Immeasurably more than we for more. Immeasurably more than we for more. Immeasurably more than we could ask or could have even imagined. could ask or could have even imagined. could ask or could have even imagined. God, I I pray that there would be a God, I I pray that there would be a God, I I pray that there would be a thousand more people here thousand more people here thousand more people here in a year or two years or three years. in a year or two years or three years. in a year or two years or three years. And there would be a thousand more And there would be a thousand more And there would be a thousand more people in a D group or a life group or people in a D group or a life group or people in a D group or a life group or growth group. There would be There would growth group. There would be There would growth group. There would be There would be hundreds of leaders that rise up from be hundreds of leaders that rise up from be hundreds of leaders that rise up from this church. this church. this church. Because they see the next step. Because they see the next step. Because they see the next step. And so God, during this invitation, I And so God, during this invitation, I And so God, during this invitation, I pray you'd save people. And I pray that pray you'd save people. And I pray that pray you'd save people. And I pray that you would call up in love the saved.

you would call up in love the saved. you would call up in love the saved. Father, bless this invitation [music] Father, bless this invitation [music] Father, bless this invitation [music] in Jesus' name. Amen. Friends, I want in Jesus' name. Amen. Friends, I want in Jesus' name. Amen. Friends, I want you to stand and you respond to Christ you to stand and you respond to Christ you to stand and you respond to Christ this